Inside Soap UK 8 - 2019

“I’m eager to see the Slaters pull together” What are you most looking forward to in the soaps at the moment? It seems that 2019 has a lot to offer, with some great treats and big dramas in store. I think I’m most eager to see the Slaters begin to pull together, as they realise the truth about Jean this week. While we know that this family is all about the rows, I love it when we get to witness the tenderness and genuine love they have for each other. That’s something new EastEnders producer Kate Oates was great at finding a balance with when she was in charge of Corrie, as she revitilised the battling Barlows and put them right at the centre of the Street. Here’s hoping that…

There’s terror for Shona this week, as her jailed son Clayton escapes and takes his mum hostage, vowing to kill her if he doesn’t get what he wants. Chaos ensues at Clayton’s dad’s funeral, where Shona watches in horror as dodgy pal Macca and one of the undertakers attack the officers holding her boy. David can’t comprehend it when he hears that Kylie’s killer is free, and fears for his family’s safety. But worse is ahead as Clayton kidnaps Shona and threatens her life. “David knows and believes that Clayton is capable of killing,” warns Jack P Shepherd, who plays the distraught widower. “He rushes to Shona’s aid, where the police have this derelict building surrounded. David’s terrified – he fears history is repeating itself.” The nightmare unfolds as Shona…

Hi, Jack! This is a big week for David. Is he annoyed that Shona goes to the funeral? He understands why Shona needs to go, so she goes with David’s blessing. He’s more annoyed with himself that he can’t be there to support her. But he just can’t face being in the same room as Clayton. Does David think that he and Shona are doomed because of Clayton? David’s been worried that Clayton will always come between them. He wants him out of the picture and, in a way, I think Shona does too, but obviously she’s torn because he’s her son. Every time there’s an incident, David thinks that maybe this could be the end of their relationship. David’s living on a knife-edge where he’s doing okay, yet any…

The Slaters mount a frantic search for Jean this week, after Stacey’s mother disappears into the night! The stress and worry of knowing that she could have cancer becomes too much for poor Jean to handle, just as her loved ones realise she has been keeping a heartbreaking secret from them… “Jean doesn’t know herself whether she has cancer or not yet – only that she has a lump in her abdomen that her doctor is keen to investigate with further tests,” says our Walford insider. “She doesn’t want to worry her family, but it’s the support of those closest to her that she needs more than ever. Jean being Jean, she isn’t viewing the situation that way, though, and when the truth is out, she panics.” At the start…

Jean’s son could be her salvation… With the EastEnders cast having recently filmed Sean Slater’s big return, all the signs point towards Jean and Stacey rescuing him. However, could it in fact be Sean who comes to the aid of his mother, if she refuses to face up to her illness? Historically, Sean and Jean have always had a very fraught relationship – but a dose of tough love could be just what the doctor ordered to keep Jean from burying her head in the sand. If Kat and Stacey can’t convince her to plough ahead with the necessary tests and treatment, perhaps it will transpire that Sean is the only person who can……

Turning 16 looks set to be anything but sweet for Jacob this week, as he prepares to have sex with his secret girlfriend Maya for the first time – before Liv arrives at just the wrong moment! She turns up while Jacob is decorating the summerhouse for a passionate evening with Maya – and, after he’s forced to fib that it’s all in aid of Liv, he’s mortified as she considers sleeping with him! However, Maya then arrives and is furious to see the youngsters together – so how far will she go to stop them from getting closer? “The last thing that Maya was expecting was to have to battle it out with Liv for Jacob’s attention!” tuts our Emmerdale spy. “Jacob and Liv were good friends for a…