Table of contents for 30 - 2019 in Inside Soap UK

“We’re potty about the daytime soaps!” It’s not just the night-time soaps we love here at Inside Soap, we’re potty about the daytime ones too. We’ve been obsessed by the recent Neighbours Dee story – and it’s still going on! See p50 for our chat with Kerry Armstrong, who plays Heather, the mad mum of ‘Fake Dee’ Andrea – honestly, if you haven’t been watching this story, then you’ve truly been missing out! Meanwhile, Home and Away’s plots this year have been unmissable (we’ve just heard an amazing spoiler about Jasmine and Robbo’s upcoming wedding), and we’re still on the edge of our seat over Doctors – with Zara finding out hubby Daniel had been playing doctors and nurses with Becky – and we’ll stay that way until the show…

Walford is set to be a quieter place in the coming weeks, after Kim Fox-Hubbard swaps the Square for a new job in Scotland! The news sparked fears that Tameka Empson – who has played Denise’s feisty sister for 10 years – is quitting EastEnders for good. But insiders have confirmed that the star, who has a five-year-old daughter, is just taking a break from the soap, and will be back on our screens at some point in the future. Meanwhile, further to the news that Mel will bow out in an explosive plot later this year, rumours are rife that her son Hunter – who is in jail for killing his mum’s bigamist hubby Ray Kelly – is to be bumped off! Bosses recently said that Charlie Winter is…

Human trafficking is the trade of people for the purpose of forced labour, coercing them into a situation with no way out. Ruxandra has been researching the subject with some expert help… “I know how it feels to move abroad with just a backpack full of hopes and dreams,” shares the 25-year-old, who was born in Bucharest. “Nothing’s more exciting than dreaming of a better future. Coronation Street worked closely with The Salvation Army for this storyline, and on my first day, they set up a meeting with them, along with a victim of trafficking who talked us through her experience. “This was the first time I realised it could’ve been me,” adds Ruxandra. “Slavery is not a thing of the past, and has many forms that are present in…

There’s a lot of explaining to do this week, in the wake of Connie’s medication mix-up – but will she own up to her mistake? Archie insists that it was Connie who got the two syringes confused, seeing a patient end up in a coma as a result – and Duffy appears to back her version of events. But while Connie prepares her letter of resignation for Hanssen, Charlie urges her to reconsider. Will clinical lead Connie manage to find a scapegoat for her shocking actions?…

It’s crunch time for Scott this week, as he realises he must come clean to Levi about his drag queen alter ego, Anita Tinkle – but what will it mean for their relationship? The pair are totally loved up, but Scott still hasn’t revealed the truth to Levi about Anita. However, when Levi comes to Anita’s show in the Dog, Scott knows there’s nowhere to hide. How will Levi react once he learns that Scott’s been keeping this secret from him?…

THE HARD-HITTING TRUTH We all thought that EastEnders’ Gray and Chantelle were the perfect couple – until it was revealed that the lawyer has been hitting his wife behind closed doors! And you lot are disgusted by his behaviour… I knew it! I’ve been saying for weeks that Gray was far too good to be true, and now we know that he’s an abusive husband. Still, even I was shocked when he punched Chantelle in the stomach. It goes to show that looks can be deceiving, as – to the outside world – Gray seems the perfect husband. You never really know what goes on in a marriage. Thomas Well done to the EastEnders team for how Gray’s abuse was revealed – not showing them ‘behind closed doors’ literally until…

While Bernice’s killer suspicions over Liam were played for laughs, both Jonny and Sam wouldn’t mind seeing their characters move into weightier territory… “There’s a lot of fun and comedy stuff at the moment, but if Liam went down the psychopathic route, that would be fine too!” laughs Jonny. “Liam is increasingly being written as a cross between Hugh Grant and Alan Partridge – which I’m delighted about!” “I hope there is going to be some more serious stuff,” muses Sam. “I think that can often work really well with ‘comedy’ characters – it’s more poignant when someone who’s always seen as comic has something difficult to deal with…”…

1 Tristan John Gemmill was born on 6 June 1967 in Kensington, London, to parents Andrew and Diana, and has two younger siblings, Giles and Lucinda. The star’s love of acting was sparked while he was at school: “When I was 12, a TV production about Winston Churchill starring the late Robert Hardy and Nigel Havers needed school pupils to appear in it, and I was chosen,” recalls Tristan. “I was on set with Robert and Nigel, and it made me even more keen to act.” 2 At the age of 15, Tristan’s family packed up and left the UK for Australia. “My dad had a job offer,” explains Tristan. “So we did what a lot of people do, and completely changed our lives. I was happy to go because…

It’s been a tough few months for Home and Away’s Ziggy Astoni, after she discovered her husband’s shock affair! But thanks to her family and a new man in her life, Ziggy seems to be going back to her old self. With all that drama going on, it comes as no surprise that actress Sophie Dillman – who plays Ziggy – has earned herself a nod in our Best Daytime Star category… Hi, Sophie! Congratulations on your nomination for our Best Daytime Star award – how do you feel? It’s actually a dream come true. I never thought that I would be nominated for anything like this, ever. So to even have my name in the mix is such an honour – and to actually be nominated is unreal! What’s…

Alex Fletcher HOLLYOAKS’ DIANE Alex is nailing the colour of the year – coral. Pick up these perky pieces for a vibrant look… BEAUTY BOX Lift and energise your look this season with an injection of charming coral… 1 George Beauty Matte Lipstick in First Date Create a gorgeous pout with this great-value lippy. 2 Next Coral Blush 100ml Eau De Parfum A burst of this fresh, floral fragrance with juniper berry, bergamot and Sicilian lemon will awaken your senses. 3 Fudge Professional Paintbox Coral Blush Creative Semi-Permanent Colour Add a peachy hue to your tresses with this sought-after shade. 4 SensatioNail Nailtural Natural Nail Polish in Poppy Patience Add a pop of happiness to nails with this soft and subtle take on coral.…

WE CAN SEE WHY CHANNEL 4 decided to move Roisin Conaty’s sitcom from sister station E4 to the main stable for its second series – this is a real comic gem that’s just getting better and better. Roisin is struggling actress Marcella, whose life is a barely controlled shambles and who probably spends more time than is entirely healthy retreating into a fantasy world, but the show manages to wring lots of laughs out of her disasters while still showing plenty of heart. This week, Marcella’s career could be on the up when she gets news of a big audition……

BIG SURPRISES Michael McIntyre’s Big Show is set to return to BBC1 later this year. If you’d like to nominate someone to be the Unexpected Star or to play the Midnight Gameshow, send an email to casting@hungrybear.tv. PRAISE BE It’s good news for fans of handsome, crime-solving vicars: Grantchester is returning to ITV for a fifth series. Tom Brittney will be back as the village’s newest priest Will Davenport, alongside Robson Green as his partner in crimebusting, Detective Inspector Geordie Keating. SNAKE CHARMER The Looming Tower’s Tahar Rahim has landed the starring role in new BBC1/ Netflix drama The Serpent. Based on a true story, it reveals how one of the most elusive criminals of the 20th century was finally caught……

CHARLEY WEBB (Debbie Dingle, Emmerdale ) Out Emmerdale actress Charley is expecting a third baby with her co-star hubby Matthew Wolfenden (David), and has now completed filming her final scenes for a while. “First day of maternity leave and the sun’s shining,” tweeted the star. “YES! I’ll be found in the garden, sunbathing (for about 20 seconds before one of the kids needs me).” We hope you managed a little bit longer than that, Charley. After all your hard work on Emmerdale recently, you deserve to put your feet up for a while! Late summer LOTTIE HENSHALL (Jade, Corrie ) IN Fiz (Jennie McAlpine) is about to make her return to the Street, and she’s bringing a newcomer with her! Jade will be…

While Phil’s making enemies left, right and centre, it’s also a big week for his pregnant missus, Sharon – who’s about to discover who fathered her baby! To say that Sharon was gobsmacked when she found out she was knocked up is an understatement. And it’s not just the fact that she’s about to turn 50 that gave her pause for thought about going ahead with her pregnancy – she’s also unsure of who the daddy is… Having recently slept with her secret toy-boy lover Keanu, Sharon can’t comprehensively rule him out. But with hubby Phil over the moon at the prospect of another new Mitchell coming into the world, Sharon needs to be sure of exactly whose baby she’s carrying. After going behind Phil’s back for a sneaky DNA…

EastEnders bosses have confirmed that teen killer Bobby Beale will turn to the Islamic faith in a bid to put his violent past behind him. Bobby has struggled to settle back into Walford life following his release from a young offenders’ institute, where he served three years for grievous bodily harm and the unlawful killing of his sister, Lucy. But as it turns out, the troubled lad has been taking positive steps to finally find salvation… “We are thrilled to be working with the Muslim Youth Helpline on a storyline which serves to challenge preconceptions and prejudices about the role of faith in young people’s lives,” explains the Square’s executive producer, Jon Sen. “Bobby’s story will show how a young boy uses religion to help find peace and give his…

Hollyoaks fans were left reeling when serial killer Breda bumped off one of the show’s most popular characters, Harry Thompson! Now the soap’s executive producer, Bryan Kirkwood, has revealed that more of our favourite villagers will fall foul of the murderous McQueen… “Some much-loved characters, such as Joel, Darren and Tony, will fall under Breda’s deadly gaze in the coming months,” he teases. “And there’s another huge shocker at the end of the summer! We plan our stories up to three years in advance, and sometimes you need to make a horrible decision about a much-loved character in order to impact other characters’ lives – as with Harry. “We know where we’re going with Breda’s story, and how it ends,” he adds. “There are more twists, turns, and gasp moments…

“Why on earth doesn’t Brenda ditch Doug? She shouldn’t put up with this nonsense from George Clooney, let alone a man she’s lukewarm about. I’d rather she was single and having fun with her mates. Can’t she pal up with Faith and start living again?” …says reader Mrs J from London “I’d love to see Mariam become Callum’s confidante in EastEnders. Remember how wise and kind she was with Hayley Slater? Callum could do with her guidance and support as he tries to find the courage to come out.” …muses reader Iris “There’s not nearly enough Abi on the cobbles. She lights up every scene she’s in with her cheek and charm. C’mon Corrie, give her a storyline and something fantastic to do. She’s a star and no mistake!” …insists…

LIVE AIDEN I recognise the actor who plays Robbo’s therapist, Aiden, in Home and Away. I’m convinced he’s been in the show before! | Tyler You’re right! Aiden is played by Socratis Otto, who was in the soap back in 2011 as detective Robert Robertson. He was also in Wentworth Prison as trans inmate Maxine Conway. AGE CONCERN I’m a bit confused about Harlow Robinson in Neighbours. She said her mum met her dad, Robert, 17 years ago – but is Robert actually old enough to have a 16-year-old daughter? | Jordan Triplets Robert, Elle and Cameron were born off screen in 1989 – however,  when Elle returned in 2005, she was said to be 19, meaning the writers had aged the trio by three years. That makes Robert 33…

It’s the end of the road for poor Harry, after he became the eighth man to be bumped off by Breda McQueen! Now-departed Hollyoaks actor Parry Glasspool tells us about his alter ego’s exit from the show… So Parry, how does it feel to be one of Breda’s many victims? Well, it’s better to go out with a bang than with a whimper! I just hope Breda goes down, as this is a step too far – Harry was only a dad for two seconds. Breda’s messed up because Harry wasn’t in the wrong – she’s made a bad move. Harry only just met Breda’s ‘bad dad’ criteria – are you disappointed he didn’t get a chance to be a good dad? Obviously I’m sad Harry’s gone, as I’ve been…

Last year, the delighted Doctors crew scooped our Best Daytime Soap trophy, and danced the night away at our party. But can the team do it again in 2019? There’s been love and laughter, tears and drama aplenty courtesy of the Letherbridge lovelies – and as we join Best Daytime Star nominee Ian Midlane, who plays Doctors doyen Dr Al, he’s keeping everything crossed… First of all, Ian, how are you feeling about your Best Daytime Star nomination? I’m absolutely delighted – we’re such an ensemble here, so it’s lovely to be nominated alongside Matthew Chambers [Daniel], Bharti Patel [Ruhma] and Moylie [Sarah Moyle, aka Valerie]. The party line is that everybody should vote for all of us, as long as they vote for me twice! Cheeky! So how would…

Get ready to hear two of the nation’s best-loved comedy stars talking a load of carp – because Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse are back on their tour of the nation’s fishing hotspots. Once again, they’ll reflect on their lives on both a personal  and professional level, and try to improve Bob’s fishing skills – but this time they’re casting their net even wider, travelling farther afield and aiming for some more ambitious catches… Bob, has your fishing improved in this series? Bob I think I went backwards, fly-fishing-wise. Paul Yeah, you did a little bit. There was no discipline. Bob I want to improve, but we don’t really go enough. Paul Not as much as we would like. Bob When we do the show, we go down to the…

At the heart of all the best professional kitchens is a team of chefs working within a clearly defined hierarchy to ensure that the service runs as smoothly as possible. In this new series, Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton mentors 10 talented chefs from a variety of backgrounds with the intention of turning them into a world-class brigade – and it won’t be an easy ride for any of them… “Can we take 10 kids who’ve not have the training I’ve had, and in a short space of time turn them into something special?” asks Jason. “It was scary, I have to say. It might not look like it, but there were nights where, once we were off camera, we’d go, ‘Oh, my God, what have we got ourselves into?’ It…

What was it like to film the fire scenes? It was brilliant! We had to stand back for the first explosion. They had to move us out of the vicinity, because it was too hot and there was shrapnel going everywhere. But we did then see the second explosion, because we were sort of set back from everybody else. We could feel the heat! Are you excited about Kerry getting a very serious storyline after all the fun and games? It’s always exciting to be doing something like that, because my character is usually being silly – so I love doing all of the drama. I know that there’s going to be a big fallout from this, and there’s a lot of different layers to it. It’s like a double-edged…

Going live? Plans are already afoot as Corrie prepares to mark its 60th anniversary next year, with star Jack P Shepherd (David) eager to do another live episode. “I love them,” he chirps. “Although a lot of the cast don’t!” Family reunion Kevin Webster is to be reunited with his sister Debbie this autumn. Ex-Corrie actress Sue Devaney will reprise the role, as Debbie pays her brother and Jack a visit, bringing some news with her! Where is Leah? An upcoming storyline in Home and Away will result in Leah’s disappearance! Our spies have spotted ‘Missing’ posters plastered close to various sets such as the Surf Club and the Bait Shop……

“Ruby doesn’t have a clue why everyone is acting so churlishly” Best mates Ruby and Stacey have a wedge driven between them this week – in the shape of Max Branning! Stacey was appalled when she discovered that her pal was dating womanizer Max, although Ruby has no idea that Stace’s rage is driven by her own romantic history with him. So Ruby is bewildered as Max tells her that Stacey is unhappy about the idea of them being an item. Determined to find out what Stacey’s issue is, Ruby invites her and Martin out on a double-date… “When Ruby originally left the Square back in 2006, it was just before Stacey began her affair with Max, while simultaneously dating his son, Bradley!” our EastEnders insider reminds us. “Since being…

Hollyoaks may look glam, but Nikki reveals filming Maxine’s big day was a little uncomfortable… “The wedding was fantastic,” beams the star. “We went to Nunsmere Hall in Cheshire – it’s beautiful! When you’re working long hours in a confined environment, you want to have fun, and we definitely did. The only thing was the straps on the wedding dress hurt me. I kept thinking, ‘If I get married, I want to make sure the dress is comfortable’. It was fun to wear, but I couldn’t wait to get it off.”…

EastEnders has confirmed that Chantelle and Gray’s shocking new story is set to be one of the biggest for 2019, leading them to bring in expert help to guide them through the details. Show bosses are working with domestic violence charities Refuge and Women’s Aid to ensure the plot accurately reflects the terrible truth of this abuse. They hope to inspire those suffering from domestic violence to find help and get out of abusive relationships. “In this story, we seek to acknowledge the fact that any relationship, however outwardly enviable, can be affected by violence and abuse,” explains EastEnders boss Kate Oates. “Chantelle is strong and capable, with friends and family to support her; and yet she is still unable to voice what is happening to her, and is therefore…

FAIR CITY Darragh gives Erica another chance this week, and proposes to her… but is their relationship salvageable? Elsewhere, Ritchie leaves Decco and Charlotte a frightening message! And Damien realises Mairead knows about his money issues. RIVER CITY Kim makes a big decision this week, after Isobel goes missing! Will Isobel be found before she’s hurt? Meanwhile, Nicole manipulates Alex into choosing between her and Poppy. Plus, the police get involved when someone attempts to shoplift… THE ARCHERS Adam finds himself under fire this week – and in an attempt to get himself out of trouble, he drops someone else in it! Who has he caused problems for? Elsewhere, Jim focuses on a new project. Finally, Lynda makes the ultimate sacrifice for the Summer Fete… See p93 for times &…

We honestly thought Bernice had cracked it when she and Dr Liam Cavanagh fell in love and set up home together. He’s charming, handsome, has a great job and is crazy about her. But true to form, our Bernice has managed to muck it up, by – of all things – accusing Liam of being a serial killer. She’s  obviously been watching too many soaps! In the wake of Bernice’s paranoia, Liam called time on their relationship, but this week Bernice goes all out to win him back – and she ain’t taking ‘no’ for an answer! Samantha Giles and Jonny McPherson tell us what to expect from the latest chapter in their alter egos’ crazy romance… Hi Samantha, what does Bernice have planned? It better be special! “The point…

Adam’s new hairdo is causing a fuss among the fans! Some love the slicked-back longer locks, while others pine for the days of his short and suave barnet… “I’ve always wanted to grow my hair long and my break allowed me to do it,” says Sam. “It’s funny – when I first came back in 2016, my hair was longer, and slicked back. Every time I’ve been booked on a job, they’ve asked me to cut my hair – so I did, and producer Kate Oates was gutted. She wanted me to keep it long!” So, is the new look here to stay, or will Adam be heading to Trim Up North? “I’ll grow it for as long as I can get away with it before it looks ridiculous,” insists…

Jacey is probably best known for playing fiery Spanish nanny Ramona Ramirez in the hit drama Cold Feet. And after being in eight series of the show, she tells us the public has a great fondness for her character… “Everybody loves Cold Feet, it’s such a huge show,” grins Jacey, who is half-British and half-Spanish. “Ramona’s quite a feel-good character, and I’ve had nothing but positive feedback from people about her. She’s always the underdog and down on her luck, yet she rises up, takes it on the chin and carries on. She has a good heart. She’s brilliant – I’ve loved playing all my feisty, Latin ladies!”…

Out on the razz! THE CORRIE GANG PUT ON THEIR GLAD RAGS FOR THEIR WORK DO… Everyone loves an office party, and the stars of our big soaps are no exception. Just look at how happy the Street actors are as they assemble for their summer party in Manchester, thrown by grateful ITV bosses. We were pleased to see so much friendly hand-holding – especially between Joe Duttine (Tim) and Sally Carman (Abi), who are rumoured to be dating in real life. And given the look they’re exchanging in that photo, we fully believe the rumour! IF YOU’VE GOT IT... We’ve always known that Walford’s Davood Ghadami has a smokin’ hot bod under Kush’s hard-working T-shirts – with EastEnders generously treating us to a glimpse from time to time.…

Recently, I’ve been enjoying Killing Eve, Gentleman Jack and The Virtues, but my favourite drama has been Years And Years. It’s just brilliantly conceived and so chilling, but fantastic. I saw that someone tweeted the other day, “Please can Russell T Davies and Phoebe Waller-Bridge just write everything on TV from now on?”! Mum is really classy comedy. All the characters are so well portrayed, and the writing is superb. Lisa McGrillis, who plays Kelly, was my daughter in a play in London called The Awkward Squad a few years ago, and I’m very, very fond of her! I love This Is Spinal Tap – I quote from it a lot, even though nobody knows what I’m talking about! More recently, I loved Rocketman because it was as colourful and…

CASUALTY Connie Beauchamp.......... Amanda Mealing Rosa Cadenas......................... Jacey Sallés Ciaran Coulson....................... Rick Warden 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 Robyn Miller................ Amanda Henderson Will Noble................................. Jack Nolan Ruby Spark................................ Maddy Hill CORONATION STREET Aggie Bailey......................... Lorna Laidlaw Eddison Bailey....... Trevor Michael Georges 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…

GEMMA’S LITTLE GEM! Former Emmerdale star Gemma Atkinson (Carly Hope) has celebrated the arrival of her daughter Mia Louise with Strictly pro Gorka Marquez. And it seems the birth had all the drama of a Strictly Pasa Doble! “And just like that, we’re a three!” posted Gemma. “Our beautiful baby daughter arrived on Thursday 4 July and myself and Gorks couldn’t be happier. She’s incredible and she certainly made an entrance, giving us all quite a fright at times! Little Miss Independent already!” FROM STAGE TO SCREEN! Shooting has just begun on the film adaptation of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, based on the musical, and former Corrie star Shobna Gulati (Sunita Alahan) is making the move from the stage version to the big screen! Shobna reprises the role of Ray,…

Under pressure IT’S ALL MOUNTING UP FOR MICK…  He’s a man who prefers the quiet life, but Mick’s bid to keep the peace will have dramatic consequences next week. When the worry for their little boy Ollie pushes Linda to the edge, Mick does his best to diffuse the situation. However, it soon becomes clear that Mick is feeling the pressure just as much as his wife – so can anyone help him before he crumbles? EMMERDALE Debbie big decision Determined Debbie stuns her parents with major news next week, and neither Charity nor Cain is impressed by her plans. But as she readies herself to get on with it, can anyone change Debbie’s mind? CORRIE Nan scam!  Evelyn’s shamelessness knows no bounds next week, when she gets up to…

Get away from her you b*****d. Find a best friend who pours you a glass of comfort wine the size Liz does for Eileen. It’s the lesser-spotted smiling Jacob! Not seen in these parts in for many a month. More, please! We were very impressed by Goldie’s definition of ‘going incognito’ in Hollyoaks. At least she left the 20ft neon sign saying It’s Goldie!’ at home. Sharon is buying Phil a papoose. We can’t wait! This is great product placement by Costa Coffee. It leaves us pining for something hot and long and lightly dusted with chocolate. And then a cappuccino. We wouldn’t mess with Kelly, daughter of Weatherfield loan shark Rick. Those eyebrows could inflict severe injury. There’s only so much we can take of Doug, Bear, Bob and…