Table of contents for 36 - 2018 in Inside Soap UK

The past is often an uncharted territory in soaps, and even if you think a character’s previous life has been all mapped out, the show will sometimes take that idea seriously off course! Take this week, for example. We thought we knew all about Charity’s chequered past – but little did we realise the real heartbreak behind her younger times. Turn the page to see if she’ll finally get closure on her horrific ordeal at the hands of Bails. Over on Corrie, there’s an agonising time for Liz as she comes face to face with the daughter she thought had died as a baby, mere hours after birth. It’s going to be an emotional watch, as Liz comes to terms with what she’s missed out on for the past 20-odd…

Rainie may officially be a Branning now – but she’ll always be a Cross deep down! And star Tanya would love to see her alter ego reunited with her mum and sister, Cora and Tanya, on screen. “That’s such a great dynamic between the three of them,” she grins. “There’s so much history there. Tanya and Rainie are so different from each other, yet both have elements of Cora. And Cora and Rainie are like two peas in a pod at times, which is a little too close for comfort for both of them! It would always be really lovely to work with Jo Joyner [who played Tanya] again.”…

As Carmel tries to come to terms with losing Shakil by inspiring her local community to fight back against the gangs and stop their killing sprees, her eldest boy Kush has struggled to find the same focus. Although embroiled in her own battles, Carmel is aware that Kush isn’t coping at all well – his recent drunken one-night stand with waitress Talia behind his fiancée Denise’s back being proof of his fragile state of mind. Carmel has so far kept quiet about Kush’s foolish fling – but given his disapproval of his mother’s hands-on approach, is it time for Carmel and Kush to help each other?…

Russ is scared for his life this week – as he thinks that fiancée Mercedes is a serial killer! After bumping into DS Cassidy, Russ doubts his future with Mercedes upon being told about the deaths of her previous partners – and is left wondering if he’s next! While Russ continues to plan his wedding to Mercy, the fella’s nervousness is raising flags – although Mercedes thinks that his odd behaviour is because he has found out about her fling with Sylver. Will the two confess to each other? And will they go through with the wedding?…

GOOD STYLE Hollyoaks’ Liberty was recently wearing a lovely pink T-shirt that said ‘Feel Good’ on the front. Do you know where it’s from, please, Sarah? Vi It’s from River Island – they’ve sold out of the pink one online, but you could try in store. Or snap up a black, white or stripy version online. McDONALD MIX-UP I recently read in Inside Soap that Liz and Jim’s dead daughter Katie is going to turn out to be alive! How is this possible? Didn’t we see her die on screen? Millie We actually didn’t see Katie’s birth or death. Liz went into premature labour, and Katie was born on 1 January 1992. Doctors told the McDonalds that her chances of survival were slim – and sure enough, she passed away…

They’ve won our Best Soap award three years on the bounce, so it’s no wonder the Dales gang have a spring in their step as they arrive for our photo shoot to mark this year’s nominations. But by no means do they take their past success for granted, putting it down to a joint effort… “Aliens could land in the village next week, and our talented team would create it so you’d go, ‘Okay, I can see how that would work’,” argues Ned Porteous, aka Joe. “Emmerdale is this magical little place where all these amazing things happen!” From a heartbreaking flashback episode to Charity’s past, Lachlan’s killing spree and the introduction of diverse new characters Matty and Ryan, the village has been a hub for delicious drama this year.…

Considering that some of her more dramatic plots have involved finding out that her husband was gay – and cheating on him with a farmer half her age – it’s been a quieter year for Bernice in relative terms! But as gorgeous Samantha Giles joins us to celebrate her Funniest Female nomination at this year’s Inside Soap Awards, we hear that her character’s love life is set to take a very juicy turn again… Would you say that Bernice’s fun side is what’s kept you with Emmerdale for so long, Sam? Absolutely! I would just hate it if I was playing a character that was all doom and gloom, because I think it seeps into you. Thank God I’m just doing silly…

All of our nominees are buzzing to be up for awards, but Ash Palmisciano is by far the most excited – and thrilled to be taking part in our shoot. The star is grinning as we discuss his nod for Best Newcomer, that comes as a result of his groundbreaking debut as Emmerdale’s first-ever transgender character, Matty… How are you enjoying your first Inside Soap photo shoot? The team has been so lovely. The hair, make-up and costume people, and the photographer have made it so relaxing and fun. Believe it or not, I don’t like having my photo taken! I am feeling particularly snazzy in this suit – Inside Soap Awards-ready, in fact – but you know when your mate takes…

When soap stars depart, they often want to shake off their old persona and move on. But once you’ve been in someone’s living room three, four or five times a week, they will never really forget you. Sid Owen, who played EastEnders’ Ricky Butcher intermittently for nearly 25 years, realises this only too well – but he’s now happy to embrace it, as he embarks on a new soap endeavour... “It’s been a big part of my life, and it’s no different now from when I was in the show 20 years ago,” he tells us. “I still get recognised – that’s the life of being on soap! I live in France now, though, so people shout ‘Ricardo!’ at me rather than ‘Ricky!’” However, Sid is making a return to…

I m absolutely devastated Springwatch has finished, because that was my go-to show for just sitting down and relaxing, and really celebrating how lush and full of life the British Isles are. I spend quite a lot of my time in the Peak District – it’s the place where I feel at my happiest, so Springwatch is a really big programme for me. At the moment, Sue [Perkins, Anna’s partner] and I are totally glued to The Handmaid’s Tale . I read the book when I was a teenager, and it’s just a gripping version of a dystopian world where women are controlled according to whether or not they are fertile. At the end of each episode, you feel really exhausted and as though…

CASUALTY Connie Beauchamp.......... Amanda Mealing Gemma Dean...................... Rebecca Ryan Iain Dean..................... Michael Stevenson Lisa ‘Duffy’ Duffin................ Cathy Shipton Charlie Fairhead.............. Derek Thompson Noel Garcia.......................... Tony Marshall Elle Gardner.......................... Jaye Griffiths Ethan Hardy.................... George Rainsford David Hide................................ Jason Durr Jan Jennings............................. Di Botcher Dylan Keogh.......................... William Beck Jacob Masters....................... Charles Venn Rash Masum........................... Neet Mohan Eddie McAllister................... Joe Gaminara Robyn Miller................ Amanda Henderson Alicia Munroe............... Chelsea Halfpenny Ruby Sparks.............................. Maddy Hill Louise Tyler........................... Azuka Oforka CORONATION STREET Dev Alahan........................ Jimmi Harkishin Lewis Archer........................... Nigel Havers Izzy Armstrong............... Cherylee Houston Angie Appleton................ Victoria Ekanoye Jude Appleton..................... Paddy Wallace Adam Barlow...................... Sam Robertson Amy Barlow.......................... Elle Mulvaney Ken Barlow......................... William Roache Peter Barlow....................... Chris Gascoyne Simon Barlow.............................. Alex Bain Tracy Barlow................................ Kate Ford Leanne Battersby................... Jane Danson Toyah Battersby.................... Georgia Taylor Emma Brooker...............…

GOLDEN BONNIE! She’s soon leaving EastEnders, but Carmel actress Bonnie Langford already has plenty to keep her busy! She’s joining forces with musical theatre star Maria Friedman and soprano Lesley Garrett to record a brand-new album, due for release in November, and the three women will be hitting the road together in early 2019. Both the album and tour are called Golden Girls, and the stars will be performing their own versions of Nina Simone’s Feeling Good, Judy Garland’s Get Happy and ABBA’s Slipping Through My Fingers. We can’t wait to hear them! HELEN EXPLODES! New mum Helen Flanagan (Corrie’s Rosie) has revealed that giving birth to her second daughter Delilah was a painful experience! “At points I felt like I was about to explode because the contractions were so…

BULLSEYE! Most of the time, as she dithers and twitters her way around the Square, Jean Slater wouldn’t say boo to a baby goose. What this means, of course, is that whenever Jean is called upon to show how strong she really is – such as this week, when she flew to the defence of pregnant Hayley against the bitching of the rest of the Slater coven – she really makes you sit up and take notice. You go, girl! Cheer up, fellas! There are only 104 episodes until Christmas! Whenever Karen’s other kids appear – once a month or so – we’re like: “Who are they?” (What are their names again? Trumpton and Chigley?) We’ll miss Henry. As Weatherfield’s resident feckless male, he’s been much…

She’s currently preparing to marry Daniel and welcome their baby into the world – but Sinead has a major medical shock in store, it’s been revealed. Reports are that Sinead is set to battle cervical cancer in the coming months, though she will decide to keep her diagnosis – which may have devastating consequences for her unborn child – a secret from her husband-to-be Daniel. Sinead is set to discover she has cancer having been aware of symptoms for a while, but failed to seek medical advice. As Sinead’s story plays out, however, Coronation Street is hoping to promote the importance of attending regular smear tests, which check for signs of cervical cancer… “It’s been revealed that many young women are failing to attend their smear test appointments,” reports our…

Acid-attack victim Ross slides even further into the grip of drug addiction this week – and even steals from brother Pete in order to fund his habit. Actor Michael Parr explains what’s going on in his character’s head… Hi Michael! How much do you think Rebecca’s disappearance has contributed to Ross’ current state? It hasn’t helped. Ross and Rebecca had only been on one date before she went missing, so they weren’t exactly Robron! They were friends, though, and he’s feeling lonely now – not just because of all of this with Rebecca, but because of Pete moving out too. Why has Ross turned to cocaine to cope? The drugs are just a way to mask his real feelings and to give him confidence. He keeps taking cocaine and throwing…

“Can’t you see that Liz is lonely? She has eyes like a sad little Basset hound. So, fetch me some wings and some hot pants, because I’m playing Cupid.” “Wealthy people are the worst.” It’s true. And it’s why the Inside Soap team is so lovely. “I won’t be disloyal to Daz. If I can’t handle him at his worst, then I don’t deserve him at his best.” “Enough of your sayings, Bernice, and wake up to what’s in front of you. This is his best.” We’ve been saying this for months. Turn to our interview with Sam Giles (Bernice) on p46 to see what she makes of it! “I met a couple of lads from Canada. Lacrosse players. I didn’t even realise it was a…

“Are we up against Robron? I don’t think ‘Vanity’ are anywhere near as big as them!” exclaims Michelle Hardwick (Vanessa), as we ask her and Emma Atkins (Charity) whether they can give Robert and Aaron a run for their money in our Best Partnership category. “They have a huge following,” remarks Emma. “It’s fine, we’ll just leave them to it!” The ladies are very gracious about their competition – but actually, they’re the ones to beat. The flashback episode they were involved in, telling the story of Charity’s teenage heartbreak, is nominated for our Best Show-stopper Award – while Emma is also up for Best Actress and Best Bad Girl. It’s been quite the year for Charity and Vanessa… How would you sum up the journey so far for your…

It continues to baffle us that lovely Isobel Steele – aka Liv – is just 17 years old. As one of Emmerdale’s brightest young talents, the star talks about her soap experience with the same grace and maturity that we’d expect from an old pro. You’d never know that she was just starting out in her career, and hoping to bag our Best Young Actor prize… Is it extra-special knowing these awards are voted for by the readers of Inside Soap ? It really is. I don’t think I’ve ever been nominated for an award voted solely by the public before – so to get the recognition from the viewers who are watching the show and investing in the characters would mean a…

Martin Fowler’s fortunes have taken something of an upturn recently, since he got back together with wife Stacey. Sadly, the same can’t be said for Martin’s real-life alter ego James Bye – who looked very down on his luck while lying in a hospital bed. The EastEnders star has revealed how he recently underwent surgery on his knee, jokingly laying the blame for the injury on old age. But the actor isn’t as bed-ridden as he made us believe, as James was spotted playing golf a few days later – albeit it with a very remorseful face!…

GREAT SCOTT Sherlock’s Andrew Scott has joined the cast of BBC3 comedy Fleabag for series two. Creator & star Phoebe Waller-Bridge says, “I’m as surprised as anyone where this series has taken us!” JOLLY HOLLY Holly Willoughby will join Declan Donnelly to present this year’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! while Ant McPartlin takes a break from TV. “I feel like I’ve won a competition!” beams Holly. MAN OVERBOARD ITV has ordered a new three-part drama from Doctor Foster writer Mike Bartlett. The Man will star Ken Nwosu as Thomas Benson, who unexpectedly freezes during a business pitch – and his quest to win back the client sees him gradually unravelling.…

Emma waxes lyrical about acting alongside her recent co-stars… “Rocky Marshall, who plays Bails, is brilliant!” she grins. “I love him so much. He’s a wonderful actor, and we’ve had a giggle working together. It’s funny when you know Rocky and what a gorgeous personality he has. He’s nothing like Bails, which just goes to show what a fine actor he is.” Since Charity came back into Ryan’s life, his adoptive mother Irene has struggled with their bond. But Emma hopes Ryan’s mums can find peace – allowing Eithne Browne, aka Irene, to return. “I hope Irene comes back for more as she’s a fabulous character,” she beams. “Eithne is incredible, strong and so good – she’s perfect as Irene!”…

Rainie’s left reeling this week, when she finds out that Max has told Jack the truth about their marriage of convenience. Angry and hurt, she decides the time has come to move on from Walford – but will she lash out before doing so? Although Rainie and Max only got hitched to help their custody battle for baby Abi, the pair have become close. So after she finds out that he still sees their relationship as merely a business proposition, it cuts her to the very core… “Rainie thinks she could be the one to tame Max Branning” “The way Rainie sees it, things are going swimmingly between her and Max – and they’re starting to fall in love with each other,” reveals Tanya Franks, who plays her. “They’ve had…

What attracted you to the role of Evelyn? I met with the producer, Kate Oates, and I got a bit of the background story and saw a couple of the scripts. I felt it would be a challenge! Was the comedy of the story what interested you? Well, a battleaxe is something the British public seems to like. There isn’t much comedy in the actual storyline, but the lines are dry. In a way, you put your own personality into it. Have you based Evelyn on anyone in particular? There’s a little of someone who I know! And most of my aunts and my father, who were very dry in their humour. Did you have much input into Evelyn’s look? I pinned up my hair into something slightly old-fashioned. She’s…

FAIR CITY Kerri-Ann is a bag of nerves this week, as she contends with Aoife and Charlotte gunning for her – in more ways than one! Meanwhile, Carol rails at Yates when she learns that he’s using her to get to Cathal. Also, Bob insinuates that Renee isn’t as much fun as Jackie. RIVER CITY Scarlett takes action this week in a desperate attempt to find baby Mackenzie, and spins a lie hoping for his safe return – but will Theresa do the right thing? Also, Lenny files for divorce, leaving Lydia speechless – before Alex floors her with another bombshell. THE ARCHERS Lily jumps to the wrong conclusion in her search for answers this week, and plans to leave Lower Loxley – but will Elizabeth stop her? Elsewhere, it’s…

I know I probably shouldn’t encourage cheating, but I’ve actually been willing Sharon to jump into bed with Keanu! After all the rubbish she’s had to put up with from Phil in recent years, it’s about time she put herself first for once. Go on, girl – get in! Genevieve The whole Sharon and Keanu flirtation was a little bit out of the blue, but I think it really works. He looks like a younger, more handsome version of Phil, so you can totally see why Sharon would go for him. And Sharon’s still a total babe! Let’s just hope Phil doesn’t find out and put a stop to their steamy fling. Sean The best thing about this Sharon and Keanu story for me has been watching actress Letitia Dean…

“Liz just wants to hit this girl – she thinks it’s ridiculous!” says Beverley Callard, as she shares her character’s reaction to meeting the daughter she thought had died nearly 30 years ago. “She’s really angry at the whole situation, and very confused. And emotionally, she’s left right down in the gutter…” The intensity of Liz’s response comes as no surprise, considering the girl she believed had passed away after being born prematurely is now standing before her eyes. And the major curveball has taken actress Bev back to one of the most challenging storylines she’s filmed since arriving on the cobbles in 1989. “Liz losing Katie in 1992 was certainly challenging,” admits the 61-year-old. “If you’re a woman in soap, then losing a baby is something you know might…

Jac has competition this week, as Frieda returns from Pakistan and makes herself very comfortable in her superior’s office! Meanwhile, star Olga Fedori reprises the role following a break travelling around south-east Asia and the States, and is pleased to report that she is on the ward to stay… Hi, Olga! What did you get up to on your holidays? I travel in south-east Asia a lot, so this time I went back to Thailand and Bali. Bali reminds you of all the beauty in the world. Living among nature is something I always look forward to. What brings Frieda back to Holby? She experienced something quite dramatic while she was away, so she returns to Darwin and throws herself back into work. Frieda wants to become a consultant, so…

Thomas Atkinson has jetted in for our shoot fresh from a solo trip to Paris – unlike Lachlan, who’s surely on course to bag himself a one-way ticket to jail now Belle is uncovering the truth! But while time is running out for the Dales serial killer, there is still time to decide whether he deserves your votes for Best Bad Boy… Hi, Thomas! Would you say you’re rooting for Lachlan to finally be caught by the cops? Absolutely – 100 per cent! Lachlan needs to go to jail for a very long time. He’s a psychopath who shouldn’t be on the streets! How does it feel to be one of soap’s youngest serial killers? I’ve not thought about it that way, being one of the youngest murderers on TV.…

From the Fowlers of Albert Square to the Tates of Emmerdale, handsome actor Ned – who played Mark Junior in EastEnders – has been lucky to play a part in two great soap dynasties. But it is the role of born-to-be-bad Joe in the Dales that has really cemented his place in soapland – and made Home Farm an estate to be reckoned with again… How does it feel to be in the running for Best Bad Boy? I had a little giggle when I found out! I don’t really get that many opportunities to play a villain, as up until now I’ve always tended to be in the more Lothario, lovey roles. Well, we have to say, Joe is a bit of a heart-throb, too.…

Is Bethany Platt the latest in a long line of Weatherfield ladies to be jailed for a crime she didn’t commit? Happily not! This is Corrie actress Lucy Fallon larking around at Escape Reality – a prison-themed ‘escape room’ game in Manchester. We certainly hope she had a lovely day, but it’s slightly odd that Lucy wants to spend her day off pretending to be trapped inside a strange and dangerous alternative world – you’d think she’d get enough of that at work! We’re pleased to see that Lucy’s handsome boyfriend Tom Leech was on hand to remind her why life is so much sweeter on this side of the bars!…

When Claire Rushbrook was invited to join No Offence as the team’s new DCI, she was thrilled – not least because it was finally an opportunity to work alongside Joanna. “We’re often on the same casting lists,” Claire tells us. “Often there have been parts that both of us have been up for that the other one has got – in a lot of ways we’re similar actresses and enjoy being in similar pieces, and I just have a deep respect for her.” Marilyn and Viv are rather different, since Marilyn very much plays things by the book – but Claire promises us that the two women will soon come to an understanding. “I like to think that Marilyn isn’t coming in as a ball-breaker or anything, she’s just a…

All 15 Strictly stars for this year’s series have now been confirmed, and we can’t wait to see them in action! (We shouldn’t have favourites, obviously, but we’re very excited for Faye Tozer, Dr Ranj Singh and Kate Silverton.) But as the saying goes, it takes two to tango – or foxtrot, or waltz – so they’ll need a professional to guide them, and this Saturday we’ll find out who their partners will be. We asked head judge Shirley Ballas what she’s looking for from this year’s celebrities… What do you make of this year’s line up? I don’t think the BBC has really ever got it wrong, because the show has been running for so long. I think they’ve got a good mix of celebs…

NIAMH BLACKSHAW (Juliet Quinn, Hollyoaks ) IN As Hollyoaks High reopens a year after the devastating explosion, there’s a new face in class. Juliet, played by Manchester-born Niamh, is the teenage daughter of Donna-Marie, and younger sister of Romeo. We’re told that damaged Juliet tends to lash out at the world by bullying others, and will be in the same school year as Ollie, Imran and Brooke. “I’m so excited to be joining the cast of Hollyoaks,” says Niamh. “I can’t wait to get started!” Late October BELINDA GIBLIN (Martha Stewart, Home and Away)  IN Roo hasn’t seen the last of her mum Martha – actress Belinda has recently been spotted filming scenes on Palm Beach! But could the old flame be reignited between Martha and ex-hubby Alf?…