Table of contents for 2 - 2019 in Inside Soap UK

There’s nothing we like more here at Inside Soap than guessing what’s going to come next in the soap plots, or inventing our own new blockbuster saga for our favourite characters. Of course, most of the time we’re totally wrong – that’s why we write about the soaps and don’t make them! “You are the real soap psychics!” But I’ll tell you who the real soap psychics are – you guys! Every week we ask for your dream soap plots to include in our Wish List column, and we recently had a look back at some of the ideas you’ve come up with – only to realise that a lot of them had actually come true in the soaps! Turn to p44 to see if your wish became a reality.…

It’s not just Mick and Mitch who have football on the brain – soon the whole of Albert Square is getting involved with the local team! When the minibus doesn’t turn up to take the kids to their game, Mick calls on his mates and their youngsters to help put on a match in the Square. Billy and Jack are there with their lads, Will and Ricky, and even Kush and Karen are keen to get involved in the action. However, when one of the mums, Megan, criticises Mick’s leadership skills, will the match go ahead as planned?…

New Weatherfield chief Iain MacLeod has admitted he’d love to see the return of Emily Bishop. The Street stalwart swapped the cobbles for Peru in 2016 to visit her nephew, Spider, so that actress Eileen Derbyshire could take a  break from the show. However, viewers learned last year that the character is back in the country and living in Scotland – so could 2019 be the year that we see her return to Weatherfield? “Those older characters are my bread and butter, and it’s what makes Corrie ‘Corrie’,” Iain told Inside Soap at a press event recently. “So I would love to have Emily back if I could, although that is a discussion for me and [Eileen] to have privately.” The 87-year-old is Corrie’s second longest-serving cast member after William…

While Sally’s fate hangs in the balance, cobbles star Joe Duttine – who plays Tim – explains that not everyone is as pro-Sally as he is… “Personally, I think Sally is amazing,” he tells us. “I love how loyal she and Tim are, and that they get their kicks from riding a tandem, not having affairs. However, the opinions of people I meet in the street can be pretty mixed. Which is fair enough – she can be a bit of a nightmare! “I’ve just finished renovating my house, so I’ve been making frequent trips to the builders’ yard. The guys that work there are always saying to me, ‘Have you not dumped her yet? And what are you doing with her anyway? Why don’t you get one of the…

“You’ll have her bobbing up and down by Easter…” Well, if anyone knows how quickly Peter Barlow can get a washed-up old wreck going, it’s Carla. “Lewis likes to read to me in bed. He really makes me laugh – he likes to act out all the characters and do all the different voices.” We don’t blame you, Aud. If we had velvet-voiced Nigel Havers in our bedroom, we’d have a copy of War & Peace and all seven Harry Potters ready and waiting… “Can you tell Keegan to stop sending me pictures of famous lesbians and suggesting I hit them up on Twitter? And by the way, Jodie Foster – she’s about a million years old, Keeg.” While we applaud Keegan’s acceptance of his sister’s sexuality, we think a…

Terese is left fighting for her life this week, after taking a bullet for boyfriend Leo! And the drama doesn’t stop there – Elly is in danger when one of the men responsible holds hostages at gunpoint in Harold’s café… When gangster Ivan Renshaw opens fire at the Waterhole, Elly, Chloe, Yashvi and some of local schoolkids are forced to take shelter at Harold’s. And as Terese is rushed to hospital, Ivan’s brother – gang boss Raymond – takes refuge in the café… “Elly first sees Raymond outside of Harold’s,” reveals Jodi Anasta, the actress who plays Elly. “She only invites him in because he looks scared, and she wants to make sure he’s okay. But she freaks out when he comes inside and pulls out a gun!” It’s Yashvi…

Rainie revels in Max’s attention this week, as she recovers from her recent funny turn – but is she covering up just how sick she really is? After his missus fainted, Max was left feeling deeply concerned for Rainie’s wellbeing. However, while she’s delighted to have Max at her beck and call while she recuperates, Rainie remains frustrated that he still doesn’t trust her enough to look after baby Abi by herself. Keen to prove that she’s fit to be left alone with the child, Rainie puts on a brave face, and makes out to her hubby that she’s feeling much better than she really is. It’s enough to convince Max that she’s on the mend – so much so that he abandons his wife to go out and play…

FAIR CITY Tommy’s concerns for Dearbhla grow this week, when he finds out that she’s not planning on returning to Canada. Elsewhere, tension between Lee and Callum reaches boiling point, leading to a sad decision from Tessa. Also Sharon gives a warning to Carol and Robbie. RIVER CITY Lenny is fuelled with vengeance this week after uncovering Lydia and Alex’s affair – he’s going to make them pay! Elsewhere, AJ struggles to meet pregnant Ellie’s list of demands and Suzie suggests a contraction simulator. Plus, Isobel misreads the reasons for Kim’s stress. THE ARCHERS Alice causes a stir in Home Farm this week, when she tells the family she wants to try out a new strawberry-picking robot! Susan does her best to calm down Emma – who can’t quash her…

Viewers should prepare for heartbreaking scenes in Corrie this week, as Daniel faces the prospect of losing both his wife and his newborn son, Bertie, within moments of each other (see p4). Street stars Rob Mallard and Katie McGlynn– aka new parents Daniel and Sinead – were forced to run a gamut of emotions when they filmed these harrowing episodes, which see Sinead undergoing an emergency C-section after being told that her cancer has spread. And when we catch up with Rob for an in-depth chat, he informs us that Daniel isn’t anywhere near ready to meet his son just yet. “Daniel thinks this is far too soon,” confirms the actor, as he talks us through his character’s devastating week. “So much has just been revealed – for example, Sinead…

MAC He’s the baddest dad in all of soapland! Not only did Mac abuse eldest son James and try to turn him straight, but he also had an affair with his other son Nathan’s girlfriend – before pushing the poor lad to his death! Could Breda be the one to finally put an end to Mac’s reign of terror? DARREN Dazza walked out on kids Oscar, Brooke and Charlie to start a new life with mistress Mandy – and let’s not forget he has twins whom he never sees! However, Darren is the son of Breda’s fella Jack – so could she really bring herself to bump him off? STE Bless Ste – he does at least try his best to be a good dad. However, the fact remains that…

Reader Kate from Norwich suggested... “ EastEnders’ Sharon deserves a bit of fun – so how about a fling with hunky Keanu? As Inside Soap recently pointed out, he does look a bit like a younger, fitter version of her hubby Phil – and I bet he could really rev her engine!” Meanwhile, reader Emilia from London said... “I think there should be a Walford love triangle between Louise Mitchell, and brothers Keegan and Keanu. It would be like a younger version of Sharon, Grant and Phil from all those years ago.” It turns out that both Kate and Emilia had their dreams come true: with the big Keegan-Louise-Keanu-Sharon-Phil mess set to explode very soon! Reader Di emailed to say... “With Paddy vulnerable…

1 Lesley Jane Dunlop was born on 10 March 1956 in Newcastle. Her father, Pat, was a scriptwriter, and her mother, Marion, a full-time mum to Lesley and her three siblings. She started acting in primary school shows. “When I was eight, I got my first review in the local paper,” says Lesley. “I thought it was wonderful.” After failing her 11-plus exam, she then went on to stage school. 2 Lesley first appeared on television as a child. Her dad managed to get his daughter her first role in 1973 BBC series A Little Princess. She also appeared in drama South Riding a year later as Lydia Holly. Her move into grown-up roles came in 1976 with her part as Lizzie Hexam in an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Our…

EastEnders legend Barbara Windsor (Peggy Mitchell) might have been battling Alzheimer’s for the past few years, but she was in fine form over Christmas when she attended panto Snow White at the London Palladium. Babs was accompanied by husband Scott Mitchell and close pal comedian Matt Lucas for the evening, and waved to fans outside the venue. Another of the star’s best friends, TV presenter Paul O’Grady, has praised her success fighting the disease. “People write her off, but she’s doing really well,” says Paul. “She went to the panto the other night, and to 42nd Street. I ran into her and said, ‘Do you remember me?’ And she said, ‘You’re hard to ever forget!’”…

CORRIE’S KATE New year, new you! Take inspiration from gym bunny Faye, and get yourself motivated with some fresh fitness fashion… Connect to your smartphone with these wireless earphones for music motivation on the go. Wear the trend of 2019 with this chunky-style footwear. Ramp up your workout with this racer sports bra Sweeten your workout and stay hydrated with this pretty infuser water bottle. Be swift like Faye when training with these streamlined, shape-enhancing leggings. This activity tracker and sleep sensor will keep you on course with your fitness regime.…

I really like that new comedy with Romesh Ranganathan where he takes over a pub – The Reluctant Landlord. I think it’s fantastic. I’ve been watching his stand-up shows recently, too. And Jon Richardson: Ultimate Worrier is one of my favourite shows on telly at the minute. It’s so funny! I was totally hooked on Strictly Come Dancing – it seemed like everyone was watching it! And I love EastEnders – all the soaps, actually, I’m a big soap fan. It’s me and my mam’s little tradition, watching the soaps together. I’ve just been to see Creed II . It wasn’t as good as Creed, but I still loved it. Rocky is my favourite film of all time. In general, I like sci-fi and action…

DEAR JESSIE Series three of The Voice Kids is to get a fourth coach. Jessie J, an original on The Voice UK for BBC1, will join Danny Jones, Pixie Lott and will.i.am when the show returns to ITV later this year. TALKING SHOP Still Open All Hours is set to return to BBC1. David Jason and James Baxter will be back as Granville and Leroy, and we’re told series six will showcase some surprising uses for a mangle… SICK BENEFITS Karl Pilkington’s Sky One comedy Sick Of It will be back for a second series. Set to air towards the end of the year, series two will see Karl musing on how little he’s achieved in life after Aunt Norma replaces him with a young care worker.…

SHANE RICHIE (Alfie Moon, EastEnders ) OUT Alfie might have survived tumbling down a flight of stairs at Christmas, but he’s not going to be seen around Walford for a little while, as his alter ego Shane Richie is appearing in musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie in the West End from 28 January to 4 May. “It’s a terrific show, so I jumped at the chance to play Hugo/ Loco Chanelle,” says Shane. “Hang on to your handbags!” Spring ELLEN THOMAS (Liz Mabbery, Doctors ) IN We ve been used to seeing Ellen in various different roles in Walford – most recently as Vincent’s steely mother Claudette Hubbard from 2015 to 2016 – but she’s now heading to Letherbridge! In Doctors, Ellen will be playing…

THEATRE WICKED Was the Wicked Witch of the West really wicked? Glinda the Good Witch takes you on a journey into her past to when she was friends with the ‘evil’ witch, in the musical that features hit songs Popular and Defying Gravity. The show is on at London’s Apollo Theatre Victoria, and stars Alice Fearn, Sophie Evans and former EastEnder David Witts (Joey Branning). Win!  Text or write in* to win any book or DVD on this page (*see details at the bottom of the page) ALBUM CARPENTERS WITH THE ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA If you’re a fan of the Carpenters, there’s no way you’ll be able to resist their new album! Paired with the beautiful sound of the infamous Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, it’s Karen and Richard as you’ve never…

While Debbie’s been determined to stay strong since Joe went AWOL, the news that he’s no more is a shock she may never recover from – even if she does discover her father is innocent of his murder, claims Charley Webb, who plays Debbie… “Debbie really did love Joe, and Cain’s betrayal is just enormous. She’ll struggle to forgive him for this. And even though she learns that Graham did the deed, it’s Cain’s secrecy that’s the true betrayal for Debbie.” Ever since Joe’s apparent demise back in October, rumours have been rife that he’s not dead after all, and is perhaps hiding out or being kept somewhere against his will. So maybe there’s a chance Debbie won’t be drowning in grief for too long? “There’s been lots of speculation…

Ray Kelly met a grisly end following a killer showdown with Mel and Hunter – but his death was just the beginning of a huge story arc for the pair. While Mel desperately tries to cover up the murder of her bigamist husband – who was shot dead in the woods by her son, Hunter – actress Tamzin Outhwaite tells us that she has lengthened her EastEnders contract, meaning the drama is far from over… “They [the show bosses] tell you about what is going to happen in the future, possibly for the next year,” explains the star, who reprised the role of Mel at the start of 2018 after 16 years away. “I was going to be on the show for 12 months, and now I’ve extended to be…

New drama for Jean! EastEnders chief Kate Oates has offered a further teaser as to what Jean’s next big story will involve. “We’ll be looking at her mental health through the lens of her physical health,” she hints. Gay pride! Elsewhere, bosses have announced plans to open Walford’s first gay bar! “It’ll be a cool precinct where gay and straight characters can hang out,” reveals Kate. Shock return! Emmerdale is to bring back a former character, when some of the locals head to Belfast later this year. It’s someone we’ve not seen for a while – and they could end up making a full-time return to the village……

As Stuart tightens his grip on kindly Dot, we can’t help but recall the way in which her late son Nick used to treat her. There were countless occasions ‘Nasty’ Nick managed to con his poor old Ma – and despite Dot being more worldly wise than most, she always struggled to say no to her beloved son, no matter how low he stooped. There was never any thanks for her selflessness, and Dot even served time for Nick’s manslaughter, after supplying him with the heroin which finally killed him. But can we hope that this wake-up call may have put an end to Dot’s unwavering charity – and that Stuart will somehow end up suitably punished for taking advantage of her?…

Tiffany is left with a terrible dilemma this week – after Evie insists she must recruit Dennis into their drugs ring! Following the fiasco with young gang member ‘Rat’ last week, teenager Tiff is desperate to make things up to ringleader Evie. But she’s left stunned when the manipulative mare tasks her with finding a new sucker to carry out Rat’s duties… “Tiff’s in too deep with Evie and her crew,” warns our Walford spy. “She has a kind heart, and tried to spare Rat from getting himself into any trouble with the law. So the last thing she wants is to drag another innocent kid into Evie’s twisted games! But what can she do?” The teen’s involvement with this dangerous gang is already causing a rift in her relationship…

Alicia and Ethan clash at work this week, as they disagree over how best to treat a mother and her baby who are both suffering from sepsis. After giving birth to her child, the woman goes into cardiac arrest – and Ethan wants Alicia to help him treat her, leaving the neonatal team to try to help the baby. However, with the infant in severe distress, Alicia’s sure she can perform the tricky procedure required to save the little’un’s life. Will she go against her boyfriend’s orders to do what she thinks is right?…

SAINT OR SINNER? Even after Lewis breathed his last, we weren’t sure if he really had turned over a new leaf. Whatever his intentions were, you lot have loved the story of Audrey and the smooth-talking con man... Poor Audrey – not only has she lost her new love, but now she thinks he’s done her over to the tune of £80,000. Whatever the outcome of all this is, Audrey is going to be left broken-hearted. I still don’t know whether to believe Lewis or not, because Nigel Havers is so convincing that as soon as Lewis starts with that silver tongue, I totally fall for him him! | Brenda Tottenham , My favourite bit of this plot was Gail trying to spy on Lewis – she was hilarious as…

Daniel and Sinead choose to name their baby ‘Bertie’ in honour of Ken’s relative Albert Tatlock – who was the uncle of his first wife, Valerie. Albert was in Corrie’s first-ever episode, and remained in the soap till his death in 1984. During his final years, he lived with Ken and his then-wife Deirdre, who took care of Albert. Given that Albert is a Street legend, naming Daniel and Sinead’s baby after him seems a fitting tribute… “Corrie has so much of its own past to draw on,” grins Rob. “It’d be mad not to!”…

“Cain is broken like never before – this is a new low for him,” admits Jeff Hordley, as he joins us to talk through his alter ego’s desperate family crisis this week. “Cain has been through many lows and a few highs over the years – and this latest nightmare with Debbie is on a par with when his dad Zak bludgeoned him, and he ended up going to prison for it.” Despite this not being the first time that Cain has endured domestic woes on such a destructive scale, the fact that he has broken his daughter’s heart means he may never recover. Cain is hurting so bad that he’s even incapable of controlling his temper around wife Moira, and the shocking – and violent – altercation that breaks…

The last time we saw Joe McFadden, it was on the dance floor at the Inside Soap Awards – and we’re sad to say that we didn’t see him busting out the winning Charleston that led him to be crowned as 2017’s Strictly Come Dancing champion! So we’re quick to pull Joe up on this as he joins us to discuss his next acting project… “Since Strictly, I’ve noticed people’s eyes are on me a bit more if I’m at a party or a wedding!” laughs the star, who is best known for playing the late Raf di Lucca in Holby. “People expect more of me than they did before, which is fine and all good fun, but I try to avoid the dance floor as much as I can!”…

There’s nothing like ringing in the new year with change – and Corrie’s Tina O’Brien (Sarah) did just that as she married her other half Adam Crofts on New Year’s Eve. The Street beauty swapped walking on the cobbles for walking down the aisle at the King Street Townhouse in Manchester – and while details of the special wedding are being kept under wraps, it seems love was definitely in the air, with a number of Tina’s cast mates and their partners snapped attending the event. Congratulations, newly-weds!…

1 Sweaty Betty Spiral Hair Toggles These snag-free, high-stretch and non-slip hair toggles will hold back sweaty hair. 2 Westlab Epsom Salt Muscle Spray Give first aid to sore muscles with this light and easily absorbed spray. 3 Nivea Black & White Invisible Silky Smooth Anti-Perspirant Roll-On Launching this month, Nivea’s first anti-stain deodorant is perfect for those with a busy and active lifestyle. 4 CCS Heel Balm This balm is formulated to help control cracked heels and shield sore heels with a non-greasy protective barrier.…

OKAY, WE’LL ADMIT IT DID take us a little while to train ourselves not to expect everyone to burst into song – saying that, even now we’re kind of hoping that they’re saving some sort of big musical number for the final episode – but this no-singing, no-dancing adaptation of Victor Hugo’s classic 19th-century novel is still gripping telly. In particular we’ve been moved to tears by Lily Collins as Fantine, who has done a wonderful job of filling one of the story’s most tragic characters with life and pathos. And in this week’s episode, the past – and Javert – catches up with Jean Valjean……

When we wake up in the morning, and the alarm gives out a warning, we don’t think we’ll ever make it on time… Fortunately, Inside TV has managed to get up bright and early for a chat with Mark-Paul Gosselaar – former star of iconic teen comedy Saved By The Bell and now the lead of new US sci-fi thriller The Passage . In the series, he plays Federal Agent Brad Wolgast, who’s required to find a child suitable for use as a test subject in ‘Project Noah’ – a scientific experiment that could either cure all known diseases or end up destroying the human race. But while transporting 10-year-old Amy Bellafonte to the facility, Brad has a change of heart, and the…

We’re used to having house envy when we watch TV, though it’s normally confined to the likes of Grand Designs . But Murdoch Mysteries gets us jealous this week as Murdoch and Dr Ogden move into their stunning new home – until it becomes a crime scene… “Murdoch has his house designed by the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and then there’s a murder in his home… of course!” chuckles Thomas Craig, who plays Inspector Brackenreid. “For me personally, throughout the series there’s quite a bit of domestic strife, and there’s a secret from Brackenreid’s past that he has to confront.” Long-serving Weatherfield watchers should recognise Thomas from his stint as mechanic Tommy Harris from 2002 to 2005 – and he tells us…

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 Jenning............................... Di Botcher Dylan Keogh........................... William Beck Marty Kirkby................ Shaheen Jafargholi Jade Lovell.......................... Gabriella Leon Jacob Masters....................... Charles Venn Rash Masum........................... Neet Mohan 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 Angie Appleton................ Victoria Ekanoye Adam Barlow...................... Sam Robertson Amy Barlow.......................... Elle Mulvaney Ken Barlow......................... William Roache Peter Barlow....................... Chris Gascoyne Simon Barlow.............................. Alex Bain Leanne Battersby................... Jane Danson Toyah Battersby.................... Georgia Taylor Emma Brooker............... Alexandra Mardell Chesney Brown.......................... Sam Aston Claudia Colby..........................…

CHRISSIE’S COMEBACK? Could Walford murderer Chrissie Watts be released from jail? According to Tracy Ann Oberman, who played her from 2004 to 2005, it’s a possibility – and she loves that people still ask her about the character. “I think it’s humbling,” she says. “EastEnders is an incredible experience – and to have been part of murdering Dirty Den was very exciting, so I’ll take it as a compliment. It was beautifully written. It’s great to have had a character who made that much of an impact.” But would she like to return? “You never say never,” she chuckles. “She’s done more time than most actual murderers!” SEAN BEATS HIS DEMONS Former Coronation Street star Sean Ward (who played villain Callum Logan) has spoken out about his battle with depression,…

CORRIE Death drama! CARLA AND ROY ARE ROCKED BY SOME SHOCK NEWS… With Carla having decided to put Peter behind her, she throws herself into supporting good friend Roy next week. It’s the anniverary of Hayley’s passing, and Carla is concerned about about how Roy will cope – especially when his odd behaviour gives her reason to worry... But while she does her best to support her friend, some bad news pulls the rug from under the pair of them. With Roy already fragile, can he keep it together as she faces up to this new shock? EMMERDALE Vic’s trick! Victoria grows sick of feuding brothers Billy and Ellis next week, and takes some sneaky action to sort them out. But she doesn’t feel so smug later when she comes…

Sinead may be on the mend for now, but her future is still in jeopardy. New Coronation Street boss Iain MacLeod recently admitted that he hasn’t decided yet how this story will end, and there’s still every chance that Sinead’s cancer could eventually claim her life… “It’s a really long running story and we genuinely haven’t decided what we are doing with the ending,” he teased. “Certainly, the longer it goes on the harder it becomes to kill Sinead because Katie [McGlynn, who plays her] and Rob [Mallard, aka Daniel] have been so good in it – they’re almost acting their way off the butcher’s block.”…

Mick and Linda’s relationship reaches breaking point this week, as he finally opens up to her about what he went through while in prison. “Mick bears the scars of what happened to him inside” Although Linda went to extreme lengths to get her innocent hubby freed, things just haven’t been the same between them since his release. And as Mick avoids spending time with his wife, instead opting to coach a kids’ football team with his new mate Mitch, Linda’s desperate to find out exactly what’s going on in her man’s head. “Those days Mick spent behind bars were the longest and darkest days of his life,” our Square insider reminds us. “He really did think that he’d be locked up for years, and that Linda had abandoned him. He…

New EastEnders boss Kate Oates has started to deliver on her promise to shake up Albert Square, with some exciting new arrivals. First up we have Mariam and Arshad’s mischievous granddaughters Iqra and Habiba – played by Priya Davdra and Rukku Nahar – who are quick to spin their Uncle Masood a line as to what brings them to Walford. However, as the sisters waste no time in getting their feet under the table at No 41, it soon becomes clear that their motives are not what they seem… “The girls are going to be a force to be reckoned with,” explains senior executive producer Kate. “Their arrival will throw No 41 into chaos as they become a nightmare for Mariam and Arshad. Residents of Walford…

“With the producer bringing some old faces back to Walford, how about Mel’s brother Alex the vicar? If Mel confessed her sins, he’d be left in a right old quandry. Plus, he was quite fit!” …thinks reader Sammy “ Prince needs to head back pronto and get Romeo away from Lily. Malique Thompson-Dwyer is fresh from the jungle, so maybe Prince can invent a torturous trial for Romeo – by trapping him in the Hollyoaks sewers!” …says reader Mary “Following the return of Jim Robinson, it would be great to see more dead characters appear in Mrs Mangel’s magical bauble. Perhaps the real Dee could materialise to get back with Toadie? Has anyone ever had an affair with a Christmas tree decoration before?” …suggests reader Tim…

Lydia thinks Sam wants them to try for a baby this week, when he tells her that it’s time they added to their family! With Belle still upset over Lachlan’s vindictive actions, Sam reckons the clan needs something to cheer them all up – and a new arrival could be the answer. However, when Lydia probes him about the idea, she’s left stunned by his ham-fisted approach to them starting a family together… All is made clear when Sam later turns up at the Dingle homestead with a surprise in tow – a cute little piglet called Spamela Hamderson! Lydia is stunned, and later admits to Belle that she got the wrong end of the stick about Sam’s true intentions. So has Sam made a right pig’s ear of things?…

It’s Dean’s first day working as Ben’s apprentice this week – but can he convince his new boss that he’s up to the job? After Ben heads out for a surf and leaves his new employee in charge, Ziggy questions whether her dad can really trust Dean. And even Alf isn’t sure that Ben has done the right thing by taking on a River Boy! Ziggy is furious when she finds that Dean has popped out for a coffee, leaving the stock unattended! Has Dean messed up his new job already?…

FITS THE BILLY I keep seeing the advert for ‘Park Christmas Club’, and is the father in the ad the same chap who plays Billy in Emmerdale – or does he have a double? | Lisa, Yoxall Well spotted! It is indeed Jay Kontzle. He may also look familiar to you from his boyband The Mend who reached the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent in 2012. MURDER MYSTERY! I enjoyed the recent Agatha Christie drama The ABC Murders over Christmas, but I really recognised the man who played victim ‘C’ – Sir Carmichael. I’m sure that he was in a soap, but can’t place him. | Rae Blackburn , The actor is Christopher Villiers, who has had a long and varied career.  As an Inside Soap…

Cain isn’t renowned for reaching out and asking for help – and instead has a habit of punching his way out of the pain. Someone who knows that better than most is Charity, to whom Cain has been romantically attached on several occasions over the years. They may not be together at the moment, but Jeff reckons we shouldn’t rule out the possibility of Charity being Cain’s unlikely saviour at some point… “Could Charity help Cain? I think so,” muses the star. “I can’t say too much right now, although there’s a chance that she might. I don’t know in what capacity, or if it willl be long-term. She does try to be there for Cain – but he really is helpless right now!”…

I actually got my first tattoo when I was 17, which wasn’t exactly legal! But the tattoo artist didn’t ask any questions, so I got away with it. I actually told my parents just before I was about to go on stage for a gig, so that I could leave afterwards. I showed it to my mum and I still remember her face – I was in a bit of trouble, although it wasn’t too bad! Every week, we put your questions to a star of the soaps. Look out for requests on our Facebook page, or email your questions to youask@insidesoap.co.uk, putting the actor’s name in the subject line. Our favourite question each week will win a £20 prize!…

Joe tells us that the most recent series of I’m A Celebrity… was the first time that he’d watched the show in full – but could he ever be persuaded to brave the Australian jungle like his new co-star Rita did? “I never say never any more, as I always said that I would never do Strictly – thinking I wouldn’t be any good at it,” confesses the actor. “ Strictly seemed quite a lot easier by comparison, but this year the jungle looked like a really fun place to be – apart from the rats, snakes and cockroaches, that is!”…

Jude masquerading as an Irish hip surgeon called Ken Barlow is by far the most entertaining thing he’s ever done. Well, at least he went out on a high. Meanwhile, Corrie has already won Most Unlikely Tearjerker of 2019 with Mary belting out ABBA’s Fernando as she drove off from Blackpool. Simply heartbreaking. Loving Dawn’s upgrade from bit-part druggie to Harriet’s New Project. Two great characters and two fine actresses finally given a purpose! We love that Walford’s sharply groomed Hunter has inherited his old man Steve Owen’s ‘stress hair’! Bernice’s insecurity over her age was a tough plot to swallow given that she is such a knockout – as demonstrated so beautifully by actress Sam Giles in many of our photo shoots. We’d kill to have her cheekbones! In…