Table of contents for 18 - 2019 in Inside Soap UK

If you like a soap comeback, then this is the week for you! As you can see on our front cover, Mick and Max are both returning to Walford – bringing some big fun and big drama with them respectively. “Put the flags out – Norris is back!” Over on the Street, it’s time to put the flags out, as Norris is back! Although the only flag Mary is waving is a big red ‘danger!’ one, as she thinks Norris is being taken for a fool – but she might change her tune as the week goes on! Meanwhile, in Hollyoaks, Mercedes has a blast from the past when Nicole – the sister of her late hubby Russ – returns to Chester after 13 years away, determined to look after…

Corrie newbie Natalie looks set to feel the full force of Leanne, when the furious woman barges her way into Natalie’s home, and kicks off – Battersby style! Our sneaky snaps of stars Jane Danson (aka Leanne) and Cassie Bradley (who plays Natalie) filming on location suggest that the pair will face off in a tense showdown… “Has Leanne put the pieces of the puzzle together, and figured out what Natalie has been up to with Nick?” poses our Street insider. “He has lied about his connection to Natalie, initially claiming that she was his solicitor in Nottingham, and then playing along when Natalie told Leanne that Nick had been fibbing because he’d been to see her for a hair transplant! So if Leanne discovers they’ve both played her for…

“I’ll fix you up with someone. What about that Doctor Ali? He’s a doctor! Yeah – he’s good-looking, too. I’ll give him a bell.” “I don’t want to go out with Doctor Ali!” Good thing too, Sarah – cos it sounds as though your brother’s pretty keen himself. “You had better explain to me why you have photos on your phone of my dog, Claudia, and a big pile of poo!” Big Corrie confrontations seem to have lost a degree of class since the days of Ken, Deirdre and Mike. “How do you think Liam would like my make-up?” “Smeared all over the sheets, I imagine.” Oh, we love Kerry when she’s feeling randy. “Your dating technique is all wrong. You want to try crumbling a load of poppadoms from…

Tina receives the best birthday surprise a Carter girl could wish for this week, as Mick arrives home just in time for the celebrations! The Queen Vic landlord has been enjoying an extended holiday in Australia after attending his daughter Nancy’s wedding to Tamwar Masood, and is a sun-kissed vision as he touches down on home soil. After refusing to reveal what she’s got Tina for her birthday, Shirley instructs her excited sister to close her eyes and leads her to the entrance of the barrel store. When Tina finally opens her mince pies, she finds Mick standing there, wearing a huge grin and carrying a unicorn cake! The look of pure joy on Tina’s face says it all, as she blows out the candles and gives her nephew a…

Chloe returns to work this week, with the news she has broken up with Evan again, insisting to her mother Ange that she’ ready to start afresh. With that in mind, Ange decides it’s time to let her daughter in on the truth about Dom’s true parentage. However, the concerned mum’s plan hits a snag once Evan turns up and informs the team that he’ll be working with them as a locum – throwing Chloe into a tailspin. With Ange forced to tread carefully, will she ever be able to tell Chloe the truth?…

LADY IN RED I really loved the gorgeous red dress that Sinead wore to Bertie’s christening in Corrie recently. Can you tell me where she got it from, please, Sarah? Rachel Sinead’s ‘Beatrice Bee jacquard hanky hem dress’ is from Monsoon – it’s not cheap at £99, but it’s worth splashing out if you have a special occasion as Sinead did! WATER DRAMA In Emmerdale, Ellis asked Victoria what was the wildest night out she’d ever been on, and she said something about driving a lorry into a river! What was she talking about? Wendy-Jean It was in 2006 – Victoria had gone clubbing with a pal, even though she was only 12 at the time! An older boy tried it on with her, and Billy Hopwood – Andy…

“Filming night shoots was a new experience for me, and all I can say is that it’s like getting jet lag!” wails Asan N’Jie, who plays Ellis, as he joins us for a chat in the lead-up to Emmerdale’s dramatic flashback episodes this week. “You feel absolutely shattered. The first two times I was all right, but it’s when you stop that it really hits you. I’m not usually one for coffee, as I normally have a lot of energy. But during these shoots I was drinking three or four cups just to stay awake!” Asan is set to need all the energy he can get in the coming weeks, with the fallout of the revelation that Ellis was stabbed by a mystery assailant – on the same ‘big night…

Chesney Brown has hardly had an easy life during his time on the cobbles – and as he prepares to have a baby with ex-girlfriend Gemma, Sam Aston admits an even trickier road lies ahead for his alter ego… So how is Chesney feeling about Gemma being pregnant? It’s massive, isn’t it? They’re not just mucking around any more! Ches has come from a broken family, so it’s paramount to him to always be there for his kids. He feels that he and Gemma have really got to try to make things work, even if it’s not as boyfriend and girlfriend. It’s very important that they stick together, to give their child the best upbringing possible. Is he regretting that he and Gemma are no longer in a relationship? Deep…

Spring has sprung, so what better time for our fave actors to show off their budding beauties? First up is Corrie’s Jack P Shepherd and his little’uns Nyla (10) and five-year-old Reuben. Unlike his alter ego David, there was no drama for Jack during a family trip to a local fire station – just lots of smiles as they enjoyed a day of dress-up and even a spin on a fire engine! But Jack’s not the only one to share adorable snaps of the kids recently – check out our soap stars’ family album……

On the morning of 26 April 1986, a planned safety test at the V. I. Lenin Nuclear Power Plant near Pripyat in Soviet Ukraine went catastrophically wrong, leading to an explosion in the core of one of the plant’s nuclear reactors. The resulting devastation led to Chernobyl being considered the worst nuclear disaster in history. A new landmark miniseries starting this week explores the story behind the tragedy, including the tales of the many men and women who played pivotal roles in reducing the damage. “I play Valery Legasov, the lead scientist in the clean-up, and the guy who has to figure out how to put Pandora back in the box,” explains Mad Men star Jared Harris. “He was plucked from his life one morning and put in the worst…

We first met Emily’s niece Freda back in 2005, when she received a frosty reception from Emily’s then lodger, Norris, who was suspicious that she was after her Auntie Emily’s money. But Freda was more than a match for Norris, and their relationship was fractious throughout the trips she made to see Emily in the years following. However, when Freda returned to the Street in 2009 after losing her job, feelings between the warring duo finally thawed. Norris and Freda bonded while entering competitions, and after they won a large sum of money Freda took her share and left to buy her house. In 2013 it was revealed she was living in Edinburgh, where Emily’s been staying while Freda recovered from an illness. It’s up in Scotland where Norris and…

We’re sorry EastEnders star Danny Walters (Keanu) and Corronation Street newbie Ryan Russell (who’s set to play Michael Bailey) have both apologised for previously using offensive language on social media. “I’m very sorry,” said Danny. Baby blues After agreeing to be their surrogate, it doesn’t look as if Natalie will have a baby for Robert and Aaron after all. Dales bosses have said that Thea Beyleveld will not return for the foreseeable future. Reaching out Hollyoaks’ Stephanie Davis has revealed that she has been contacted by rape survivors who have followed her character Sinead’s story with Laurie. “The fact that I have helped people means everything,” she says.…

How much does Alya know about Bethany’s feelings for Ryan? She doesn’t know anything – Alya just thinks Bethany and Ryan are friends, and she’s trying to do him a favour. Even though he’s a joker, Bethany really backs him. But as far as Alya is concerned, Ryan is young, free and single, because that’s what he tells her! How compatible are Ryan and Alya? They’re chalk and cheese! They’re total opposites, but I like that. When I’ve been thinking about who would be a good match for Alya in terms of relationships, I would never have thought about Ryan – but I think she would balance him out. He is already bringing a much more fun, relaxed and playful side to Alya. How deep are Alya’s feelings for Ryan?…

Brooke and Ollie decide that they’re finally ready to sleep with each other this week – but will the night go ahead as planned? Ollie confides in pal Brody about his relationship with Brooke, admitting that he’s worried about having sex after the abuse Buster subjected him to. Brody is understanding, and offers his young friend some good advice about moving on with his life. Meanwhile, how will Nancy react when Brooke blurts out her plans with Ollie?…

FAIR CITY Christiano treats Will to a surprise date this week, but it goes awry when Eoghan invites himself along with them! Elsewhere, Decco is pleased when Charlotte offers to mind Sam. Also, someone suffers a serious accident as they come across faulty wiring… RIVER CITY Lou visits Alex in prison this week, and demands answers! Can Alex convince her that he’s been framed? Across town, Ellie is left annoyed when AJ forgets to join her at a fostering workshop. Meanwhile, Poppy catches the eye of Bob’s onetime apprentice! THE ARCHERS Emotions are running high at Lower Loxley this week, when Freddie prepares to say his goodbyes to an old friend… Elsewhere, Will and Clarrie realise they’ve overloaded Mia with things to do. Finally, it’s opening night for the Brexart…

Teenager Louise Mitchell is living her very best life right now, blissfully unaware that her happiness is built on the shakiest foundations in soapland. She’s all loved up with hunky Keanu, who is not only her boyfriend, but her bodyguard and protector, and he appears to be head-over-heels too. So, when she discovers that she’s pregnant this week, she’s shocked, but not entirely unhappy that she and Keanu may be bonded for life by their baby. If only she weren’t destined for the worst heartbreak imaginable, thanks to his secret love for her stepmum, Sharon… “I’m really nervous about how Louise will react when the ‘Sheanu’ secret comes out!” laughs Tilly Keeper, aka Louise, who joins us for a chat between filming some top-secret scenes. “We have no clue about…

As viewers wonder whether Ellis has been stabbed by his own brother, Jay Kontzle, who plays Billy, promises even more shocks in store… “I can’t wait for the audience to see why Billy’s acting all shifty!” teases actor Jay Kontzle. “It’s a really strong storyline, and there could be three or more different theories over who stabbed Ellis – although everyone will have their own ideas initially. It’s been so exciting to film these episodes, and I’m particularly looking forward to the flashback scenes when the audience will learn what really happened at the club. It’s been so interesting to be a part of this story, and now I just can’t wait for the truth to be revealed!”…

1 Raymond Arthur Quinn was born on 25 August 1988 in Knowsley, Merseyside to parents Valerie and Ray Quinn Sr. At the tender age of six, Ray began dance lessons at the Chiltern School Of Dance And Drama, and continued to study performing throughout his childhood. 2 Ray shot to fame in 2000 when he joined Brookside at the age of 12, playing Anthony Murray. His character was the youngest son of Marty Murray and stepmum Diane (played by the late Bernie Nolan) – and he was soon thrown into a dark storyline when Anthony accidentally killed bully Imelda Clough. “Brookside was my first audition,” says Ray. “And I got the job! Neil [Caple, who played Marty] was amazing, and guided me through everything.” Ray’s portrayal saw him win the…

Nothing says sunshine season like a woven raffia bag. Match Anna, and go from beach to brunch with a wicker wonder……

Uzzi It’s almost impossible for me to choose a favourite film, but Training Day is definitely up there. Denzel Washington is probably the coolest brother on the planet! And I recently watched Good Will Hunting with Matt Damon again – that’s a beautiful movie. Pash I’m a huge fan of Peaky Blinders because it’s convincing, unpredictable and has an amazing cast. It’s slightly irritating that it takes a decade for another series to surface, though! Uzzi The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air was my favourite show growing up, without a doubt. The whole family would be glued to the TV, and we’d all do the full rap at the beginning! Pash When I was younger, I couldn’t wait for Art Attack. I’d get ready with all the tools I could muster…

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 Archie Hudson..................... Genesis Lynea Jan Jenning............................... Di Botcher Dylan Keogh........................... William Beck Marty Kirkby................ Shaheen Jafargholi Jade Lovall.......................... Gabriella Leon Jacob Masters....................... Charles Venn Rash Masum........................... Neet Mohan Robyn Miller................ Amanda Henderson Will Noble................................. Jack Nolan Ruby Spark................................ Maddy Hill CORONATION STREET Dev Alahan........................ Jimmi Harkishin 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.......................... Rula Lenska Mary Cole.................................. Patti Clare Norris Cole........................ Malcolm Hebden Carla Connor.............................…

QASIM’S LUCKY ESCAPE! Ex-Corrie actor Qasim Akhtar (Zeedan Nazir) had a close call on his quad bike recently – after a crash, the star reckons he only survived thanks to his helmet! Qasim posted pictures of his wounds on Instagram, writing, “Split my lower abdominal, bruised lung, fractured arm and a couple of deep wounds. To be honest, though, as bad as they sound, and as much pain as I’m in right now, I’m counting my blessings to have only picked up these injuries and not life-threatening ones. I’m already on the road to recovery.” A BABY FOR HAYLEY! Soap veteran Hayley Tamaddon (best known as Corrie’s Andrea Beckett, and previously Emmerdale’s Del Dingle) has shared some good news with her fans – she’s pregnant! The 42-year-old star had previously…

As Jacob’s mother, it’s no wonder that Leyla lost it when she realised exactly what Maya had been doing to her beloved boy. Unsurprisingly, it’s hit Leyla very hard. “To find out that Maya – someone who lived in the same house as her – has been abusing her son in this way is her worst nightmare,” says Roxy. “Leyla is not only filled with rage, but also guilt, for not knowing what was going on right under her nose.” The traumatised mum sits down with Jacob to try to persuade him to give his side of the story. Leyla invites him to trust her with the truth – but will Jacob truly understand that what Maya has been doing is wrong? “Leyla wants to get to Jacob and hear…

The spark between Adam Barlow and Sarah Platt is to be reignited, when the pair enjoy a passionate rendezvous at a hotel! Ken’s handsome grandson has been away from the cobbles since early February, and is set to pick up where he left off with Sarah – as her ex Gary races to stop her from moving on… “Stars Sam Robertson and Tina O’Brien, who play the pair, have been busy filming some juicy-looking scenes on location in Manchester,” reports our Corrie mole. “Adam’s made no secret in the past that he fancies Sarah, and it seems as if the feeling is mutual in future episodes, as they share a kiss.” After a boozy night in the Rovers, Adam invited flirty Sarah back to his flat and made a move.…

It’a no wonder there’s so much confusion over the car lot land – it’s taken Inside Soap a bit of working out! It all harks back to those dark days when Max was working for dodgy Weyland & Co, trying to buy up as much of the Square as he could. When Phil gifted Jay the car lot, Jay sold it to Weyland, little knowing that Max had secretly been pulling the strings to persuade him to hand it over. Max later saw the error of his ways, offering to return the car lot to Jay – but a few months later, when Max opened Maximum Motors, Jay revealed that Max now owned the car lot land. However, an email to Phil that Jay was in fact still the owner…

It’s not just the Atkins family who put down roots in Walford this week, as Mitch moves into Ted’s flat, with his daughter Bailey and her terminally ill mother, Dinah. As the young girl struggles with the idea of her mum moving into a care home, Ted offers the trio his own house – which is just downstairs from the Taylor flat – and tells them that he’ll move in with Patrick. However, as the adults realise just how much of a hard time Bailey is having, Dinah calls on Karen, who does her best to support them both. Sadly, Dinah’s situation is about to get even more desperate……

“How old is Sharon now? Could she be pregnant with a late-in-life baby like Denise was – but without realising, just like Moira in Emmerdale? That would blow the roof off the Keanu love triangle!” …gasps reader Calvin “Please can Gail get a kitten? She might cheer up!” …pleads Russell from Bristol “I wouldn’t be surprised if Debbie tried to get her claws back into Pete. Frankly, he’s a real catch, and she should never have let him go. Her life has been a catalogue of disasters ever since!” …says reader Jemma “Now Kyle is back in Neighbours, why has there been no mention of his dog Bossy? She should come back to Ramsay Street, and fall in love with the Rebecchis’ dog, Clancy!” …barks reader Sarah from Croydon Each…

It’s day one at uni this week for Ayesha, as she starts her prescribers’ course. But when Zara gets back from holiday, is she set to scupper Ayesha’s studies? Ayesha has a rough start when pompous fellow student Oliver interrupts her – yet she manages to hold her own. All her good work looks to be in vain, however, once practice partner Zara learns Becky approved the training in her absence – taking issue with the move. But can Becky and Daniel change Zara’s mind?…

GEMMA’S BUN IN THE OVEN! Corrie’s Gemma howled with laughter when Rita suggested that she might be suffering from morning sickness – then a test confirmed she’s pregnant! But will party-mad Gemma make a good mum? I’m not sure I can think of anything more comical than Gemma trying to look after a baby! She’ll struggle to stay off the booze long enough to make it through the next nine months, for starters. She hasn’t exactly proved herself to be mother material with young Joseph, has she? Marjorie People can say what they like about Gemma, but I for one reckon she’ll make a great mum. The talk she had with Joseph about her moving out of the house proves she can be mature when she wants to be, and…

An incident on the Love Boat looks set to expose Maxine’s lies this week – but as she struggles to cover her tracks, actress Nikki Sanderson tells us that her troubled alter ego will go to any lengths to keep up her charade… “Maxine knows what she’s doing is wrong,” admits the star. “She’s constantly aware that it’s all one big lie, although she just can’t stop herself from doing it. There’s an overwhelming fear of rejection from Damon, and she doesn’t want to lose him. Maxine has to get bigger and better to keep it all going!” When a banner drops while decorating the Love Boat, Maxine instinctively reaches out to protect herself with the arm that she claims is numb! So, how will the disturbed woman get out…

I’ve taken some formal qualifications in wine-tasting! I just love reading about it, and going to tastings, so I’d be a high-end member of the wine industry like Jancis Robinson or Steven Spurrier, and visit Bordeaux or Burgundy to taste all the finest wines in the world. 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!…

PETER BEALE EastEnders played by Ben Hardy WHO? Peter was the voice of reason in the Beale family – with a strong, moral backbone that the rest of the clan were lacking. His romances with Lauren Branning and Lola were packed with drama, but it was the dynamics between him, twin Lucy, dad Ian and half-brother Bobby that were interesting. He left in fury, along with pregnant Lauren, after Bobby’s killer secret was revealed. STARRING… In 2013, Ben Hardy became the sixth actor to play Peter. He’d already starred with Rupert Everett in the play The Judas Kiss, where he had to appear naked! After leaving Walford in 2015, Ben headed to Hollywood, and has stared in films including X-Men: Apocalypse and Bohemian Rhapsody. “You have more…

Heathcote & Ivory Vintage & Co Bonnets & Belles Lip Compact This fabulous 50s-style compact is the perfect beauty multitasker. Filled with mango-flavoured lip balm and complete with a mirror, it’s the ultimate essential! Walden ‘A Little Star Dust’ Natural Perfume Oil Smell sumptuous with this perfume oil consisting of ylang ylang, iris and jasmine – and enriched with vanilla, coffee and tonka bean. Wet Brush Lil Pink Keep your barnet in tip-top condition, with this nifty little brush that delivers big results. Built with IntelliFlex® bristles, it glides effortlessly through knotty strands. Floris Cefiro Hand Treatment Cream Store a little luxury in your handbag, with this crisp lemon-and-lime hand cream that will ensure hands are always kept nourished and soft.…

WE HAD HIGH HOPES FOR THIS supernatural sitcom from the team behind Horrible Histories, and we’ve not been disappointed. The new owners of a crumbling country pile have discovered an array of unwanted occupants who each met their maker on the premises and are stuck in limbo – it’s basically a flatshare comedy, with the twist that none of them can ever leave! The gags come thick and fast, and range from the sophisticated to the downright silly, and the cast is clearly having a historical hoot. Dare we say, it’s hauntingly good? Spooktacular? Phantastic? Oh, please yourselves.…

ALL FIRED UP Sara Davies, founder of Crafter’s Companion, is to fill the Dragons’ Den chair recently vacated by Jenny Campbell for the next series. At 35, she’ll be the show’s youngest-ever Dragon. PITCH PERFECT The cast for Julian Fellowes’ new football-based Netflix series, The English Game, is to include Line Of Duty’s Craig Parkinson, The Victim star James Harkness and Jamestown’s Niamh Walsh. TRUTH WILL OUT Filming has begun on the second series of ITV’s hit thriller Liar. Joining Joanne Froggatt and Ioan Gruffudd is Katherine Kelly. She’ll play DI Karen Renton, investigating the death of Andrew Earlham, whose body was seen floating in the marshes at the end of series one……

CHARLEY WEBB (Debbie Dingle, Emmerdale ) OUT Expectant mum Charley, who is married to co-star Matthew Wolfenden (David), is soon to go on maternity leave – which will mean a temporary departure from the Dales for her alter ego. “I don’t know what they have planned for Debbie’s exit, but I don’t think it will be anything too dramatic!” the star told OK! magazine, recently. “I’m not sure I’ll have that long off from work. With three children, I’ll probably be ready to go back there for a break!” Summer GREG WOOD (Rick Neelan, Corrie ) IN Greg has already made a few recent appearances as loan shark Rick, who’s been back on the cobbles for the first time in seven years. And we’ve certainly…

EMMERDALE Dingle heartbreak LISA HAS TERRIBLE NEWS… Excited Belle is hanging up the bunting at the Dingle homestead next week, as the clan prepares to welcome Zak and Lisa back to the village. But while the family gathers to toast the homecoming, everyone – bar guilty-looking Charity – has no idea that Lisa is hiding a tragic secret from her loved ones… EASTENDERS Push for Kush! Stacey decides to take charge of cousin Kat’s love life next week. But while she sets her plan in motion, little does she know that Kush is watching what’s going on from afar… CORRIE Cut and run? Shona’s not happy next week, as she finds her fiancé David bonding with barber shop apprentice Natalie. But Shona’s jealousy could end up being the least of…

BULLSEYE! We love Bernice for many reasons… Her ability to say the most inappropriate thing at the worst possible moment. Her incredible sex drive. That Pink Ladies-style neck tie she wears to work. But now, we love her most for showing that she can twerk the backside off Miley Cyrus without even breaking a sweat. Feel free to ‘flashback’ to those scenes at any time, Emmerdale – we’ll never tire of them! Has Eileen seriously moved in another builder, just five minutes after meeting him? This woman is her own worst enemy! Stuart was gutted that he was the only EastEnders bald bloke who didn’t get to go to the shipping containers. We tried not laugh at Kirk’s song, but we’re only human. All together now: “Our souls are beautiful!…