Table of contents for 34 - 2019 in Inside Soap UK

Do you know what I think says a lot about the quality of our soaps? The fact that an award-winning actress such as Maureen Lipman CBE (yep, she even has a bit of bling from the Queen!), with five decades of screen and stage experience behind her, can join the cast of Corrie and be happy as Larry with the character she plays. “We were honoured to meet Maureen…” Not only that, but she loves the scripts she’s given and the co-stars she works with on the Street… “I really like that I get to work with a cast of all ages,” grins the 73-year-old. “And Evelyn is so in-your-face shocking – it’s great.” I’m sure Maureen doesn’t have to go out looking for work, so her choice to play…

We can’t help but root for Eileen to make a go of it with Jan, as it’s about time she had her happy ending! However, Sue’s not quite so keen for her alter ego to pursue this romance… “I would advise Eileen to stay away from someone so obviously dangerous!” she tells us. “I don’t think there is any doubt that Jan cares about her, but I think she should focus on the fact that she has great friends and a good job – and maybe just go for a quieter life!”…

She’s been absent from the Corrie drama since 2016, but Weatherfield favourite Emily Bishop will be back on our screens this autumn for a brief cameo! Actress Eileen Derbyshire, who has been on an extended break from the show, has filmed a scene in which Emily will appear in a video message to wish her good friend Ken a happy birthday – when he turns 80 in October. Speaking earlier this year, Coronation Street boss Iain MacLeod explained: “We’re in fairly regular talks with Eileen. The door is certainly not closed there.” Emily swapped Weatherfield for Peru three years ago to visit her nephew Spider, before returning to live in Scotland with her niece Freda Burgess off-screen. There’s no word on whether a permanent comeback is on the cards –…

“Have you been running a bookies from behind my counter?” “Yes, I can do magic. But I’ve been banned from performing my ‘saw-a-lady-inhalf’ trick, ever since I was sued by that woman who lives in Leeds… and Harrogate.” We hope Al is a better magician than he is a comedian. “No. I’ve been running it on top of the counter because it makes writing the betting slips a bit easier.” That Evelyn has more front that Blackpool, Morecambe and Skegness put together. “Now that I’ve officially got a gay sister, can we go to the Albert for a mid-afternoon mocktail?” We like Habiba. Any excuse to skive off and she’ll take it! “Dad, I haven’t been brainwashed. After Lucy, I hated myself, something wasn’t right. “What do you mean, wasn’t…

Geoff continues to plague estranged partner Yasmeen with mind games this week, claiming he’s still suffering from heart palpitations. Geoff moved out of Yasmeen’s house after she dared to question the CCTV cameras he’d installed – supposedly for security reasons, but in reality, so he could up his control of Yasmeen. Ever since then, he’s been playing on her guilty conscience by suggesting that he’s seriously ill. So when she kindly asks after his health this week, he keeps up the lie. After Yasmeen’s granddaughter Alya obliviously attempts to reassure Geoff by telling him he means a lot to her gran, he’s coldly satisfied. But that doesn’t prevent him from stepping his outrageous plot up a gear, by further listing his symptoms to Yasmeen, leading her to believe he could…

Chloe attempts to move on from her disastrous marriage to stalker Evan this week – unaware that he is watching her via a secret camera he planted in the flat that she shares with Cameron and Nicky! Meanwhile, Evan’s sister Phoebe is readmitted to Darwin ward suffering from further heart problems – which gives Evan both the means and opportunity to attempt to worm his way back in with vulnerable Chloe. However, will the twisted individual be successful in manipulating her again?…

EMMA’S A SECRET McDONALD! I’ve always been a fan of bubbly Corrie hairdresser Emma – but I never imagined she might be Steve’s secret daughter! At least now we know where she gets her wacky sense of humour from… I remember hearing a rumour when Emma first arrived on the cobbles that she could be Fiona Middleton’s daughter – so how funny that it’s now turned out to be true! I wonder if this is what the writers had planned for Emma all along? Rishi, Croydon The look on Steve’s face when Liz told him Emma might be his daughter was absolutely priceless! Although not as funny as Tim’s reaction when Steve relayed the story. I’m really hoping that Steve and Emma can eventually forge some kind of father-daughter relationship,…

Are we alone in keeping our fingers crossed that Tracy may end up getting back with ex-husband David? She’s categorically said it’s over, but their relationship and life together did make Tracy very happy… “It was everything to her,” admits Amy. “She was so happy to live a quiet life, to be the girl next door who works in the local shop, and to be Jacob’s stepmum. It’s funny as despite everything that has gone on between Tracy and David, I do believe she’ll always love him. “They’ve been through a lot, and he’s not always understood her, but I feel as if he’s the one person she would confide in and trust. If not, it’d need to be a new love interest for Tracy, or someone she thought really…

Corrie’s modern-day slavery storyline tugged at our heartstrings, after we learned that Seb’s new girlfriend, Alina, was a victim of human-trafficking. Their love story is sadly drawing to a close on-screen, but for actress Ruxandra Porojnicu – who plays Alina – it’s the beginning of a fabulous career, as she celebrates her nomination for our Best Newcomer award… Congratulations, Ruxandra! How familiar were you with Corrie before joining the show? In my country, Romania, we hadn’t heard of it, so I didn’t grow up with Corrie like other people. We do have loads of Spanish soap operas, though, so I think it’s in my blood! Alina’s story was tragic. Are you proud that you were able to tell it? Yes, I think it’s great to be a voice for people…

Paul Merton’s traceable family tree doesn’t extend far – his mum was fostered as a baby in Ireland and knew little about her birth family, and his dad’s side is also hard to pin down. Even so, it’s taken a while for him to accept the call of Who Do You Think You Are?… “They asked me to do it in the first series, but I mentioned it to my parents and they weren t too keen on the idea,” Paul tells Inside TV. “But they died about five years ago, and towards the end of last year I thought maybe it was time to revisit it.” Paul’s search begins with one of the few pieces of family history that he does know about – his maternal grandad James Power…

CASUALTY Connie Beauchamp.......... Amanda Mealing Rosa Cadenas......................... Jacey Sallés Ciaran Coulson....................... Rick Warden Iain Dean..................... Michael Stevenson Lisa ‘Duffy’ Duffin................ Cathy Shipton Charlie Fairhead.............. Derek Thompson Noel Garcia.......................... Tony Marshall 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 Rash Masum........................... Neet Mohan Jacob Masters....................... Charles Venn Robyn Miller................ Amanda Henderson Will Noble................................. Jack Nolan Mason Reede.......................... Victor Oshin Ruby Spark................................ Maddy Hill CORONATION STREET Dev Alahan........................ Jimmi Harkishin 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 Leanne Battersby................... Jane Danson Toyah Battersby.................... Georgia Taylor Emma Brooker............... Alexandra Mardell Chesney Brown.......................... Sam Aston Mary…

New dawn! Dales star Olivia Bromley says romance is on the horizon for her alter ego, Dawn! “There could be a little bit of joy – though it might be short-lived!” she teases. Henrik on hold While Holby CEO Hanssen spends time in Sweden with his family, star Guy Henry is joining the cast of Peter Gynt at the National Theatre. But don’t worry – he’ll make a return to the medical drama next year. Love for Ethan! Cupid’s arrow is set to strike in Casualty, when Ethan embarks on a new relationship. “There’s an introduction of romance quite soon – but it’s not without its issues…” warns Ethan’s real-life alter ego George Rainsford.…

FAMILY From shooting Peter to getting Amy up the duff, Vicky’s lad Tyler can be quite the handful. 1/5 Ryan upsets dangerous drug dealers, while Dr Ali bumps them off! Hardly the Waltons… 1/5 FELLAS The only ex of Vicky’s we’re aware of is Jed, and he has a child with her. 3/5 The only ex of Michelle’s who’s worth mentioning is Steve. He has children with everyone but her! 2/5 HISTORY Single mum Vicky has had it tough. She once lost a baby, leaving her heartbroken. 5/5 Single mum Michelle also had it tough. She too once lost a baby, leaving her heartbroken. 5/5 VOLATILITY Vicky has a big gob, and isn’t afraid of Tracy Barlow. ’Nuff said! 4/5 Leanne is still sore from that time ’Chelle lamped her…

Stressed-out Shona turns to boyfriend David for help this week, as young Max’s behaviour gets worse. Ever since his dad was locked up, Max has been acting up, and Shona is finding his behaviour unmanageable. At the end of her tether, Shona feels as if she has no choice but to tell David what’s been going on at home. Yet David has some insight that will leave Shona feeling wretched. “It’s easy to forget that Max is a youngster who lost his mum in traumatic circumstances,” explains our Corrie spy. “It turns out that it was Kylie’s birthday last week, and Max is probably feeling her loss even more deeply than usual. David understands why Shona is so cross, but he asks her to cut Max some slack. Kylie’s loss…

It’s decision time for Mercedes this week, as Liam presents her with plane tickets to Marrakech – and begs his secret lover to run away with him! While Mercedes has agreed to leave the village with Liam, she’s struggling to cope with the prospect of abandoning her son Bobby. However, when Bobby calls Mercedes a traitor and declares that he doesn’t like her, Mercedes feels as if she’s the worst mum ever. So as Liam urges her to pack her bags and join him in Morocco, will Mercedes decide that leaving is the best thing for Bobby?…

PINK LADY I love Maria’s style in Corrie – recently she was wearing a pink skirt with buttons down the front. Do you know where I can get one, please? Amy, Brighton Maria’s ‘Colbert Jacquard Button A-line Skirt’ is from Joanie Clothing – a favourite with Corrie characters! It’s now £21 in the sale. WIFE SWAP I’ve seen the actress who plays Patrick’s new wife Sheree in EastEnders somewhere before. What else has she been in? And this isn’t the first time Patrick’s returned home from holiday married, is it? Jon, Gravesend Sheree is played by star Suzette Llewellyn – she’s been in EastEnders before as the judge presiding over Max’s court case. She was also the woman who kidnapped Lisa Loveday in Hollyoaks! Patrick did return from a previous…

“Would I be friends with Adam in real life? Probably not!” chuckles EastEnders star Stephen Rahman-Hughes, who plays the cheating dentist, as we grab him for a grilling on his character’s terrible antics. “He wants to be the star of the show, doesn’t he? He wants life to be exactly how he wants it, with him at the centre of it all. And that narcissism is not particularly a quality that I would want in a friend!” For months, selfish Adam has been cheating on his girlfriend Honey with Habiba, promising his younger lover that he will leave his partner to be with her. When Habiba got sick of his games and dumped him recently, it seemed he’d got away with his affair. But with Honey suspecting that something has…

There’s panic on Ramsay Street this week, as Sheila goes missing – and Gary blames himself for her disappearance! As the worried son organises a search party for his mum, Neighbours star Damien Richardson (Gary) tells us that his alter ego will never forgive himself if anything happens to her… Gary and Sheila argued prior to her disappearance, so does Gary feel guilty about it all? Most definitely – he was too hard on her. You think in the moment that you’re angry at someone, but when something like this happens you realise it wasn’t that important. So he’s concerned for Sheila’s wellbeing. Once Sheila’s found safe and well, will Gary be prepared to forgive and forget? Certainly. He’s wrought with guilt – the scenes where Sheila is found are…

He’s practically grown up on Coronation Street, but Sam Aston, who’s played Chesney since 2003, is no diva – his feet are planted firmly on those cobbles, and he’s clearly loving Weatherfield life. One of Chesney’s biggest milestones is yet to come, however, as he and Gemma prepare for the arrival of their four babies! And with this dramatic development nominated for our Best Shock Twist award, Sam and his costar Dolly-Rose Campbell (Gemma) are braced – and delighted… So, Chesney’s quads are up for our Best Shock Twist – have you got over the shock yet yourself? Well, it’s quite a bombshell! When I first found out I was like, “They can’t be serious!”. But now I’m looking forward to it, it’s going to be good. For me it’s…

SUITABLY CAST BBC1 has commissioned a six-part adaptation of Vikram Seth’s novel A Suitable Boy. Newcomer Tanya Maniktala will star in the main role of Lata, a young woman coming of age in 1950s India. LUCKY SAVE Mum star Lesley Manville will be joining Lennie James, Suranne Jones and Stephen Graham in series two of Sky One’s Bafta-winning drama Save Me – cunningly titled Save Me Too. She’ll play Jennifer, a woman who is forced to make an impossible choice… FIRED UP Comedian Tom Allen will be taking over as the host of BBC2’s The Apprentice: You’re Fired. “I’m looking forward to analysing, satirising and celebrating the many ‘interesting’ choices the candidates make,” shares Tom.…

BROOKE VINCENT AND FAYE BROOKES (Sophie Webster and Kate Connor, Corrie ) OUT  It seems that these two Corrie faves will make their exit from the soap together. While Faye has decided to explore pastures new, Brooke is heading off on materntity leave for the birth of her first child. According to reports, Sophie – having grown tired of her life on the Street – will decide to join Kate to go travelling in the Far East, and the pals will head off into the sunset together. Autumn JAKE QUICKENDEN (Woody Hollyoaks ) IN  Reality star Jake’s role on Hollyoaks has been confirmed, and he has already been filming alongside Steph Waring (Cindy) – who he competed against in Dancing On Ice…

We just don’t believe that Robert would ever be this deceptive and manipulative. He’s too square! We were intruiged by this local newpaper headline in EastEnders. Love at first bite? Are there vampires on loose? We hope this is the big Christmas storyline! Here’s a sight for sore eyes: Peter and Carla loving life and each other again – footloose and drama-free. Bless them! We give it four weeks! This stranger’s sacrifice – dying so that Emma and Steve’s storyline can live – will not be in vain. Don’t worry, Mr Wotsisname – we’ll be dining out on this plot for years. We were shocked by Jessie suddenly mouthing off at her neighbours. If we didn’t already know her days were numbered, we would now! Oh, Monty. We’ve never seen…

The funeral drama this week sees Megan contemplating leaving the village for good. Whether Megan will have such a downbeat departure remains to be seen, but one thing that’s certain is that actress Gaynor Faye (who plays her) has decided to leave Emmerdale after seven years, and her alter ego will head into the sunset at some point. “It’s hard to turn my back on Emmerdale – I love it,” admits Gaynor. “But you have to be courageous in this world. It’s a risk, but I need to push myself out of my comfort zone.” Gaynor plans to travel with her family, and then is heading to the theatre to appear in the stage version of Band Of Gold, the TV series written by her award-winning mum Kay Mellor. “My…

TRICIA STOKES Tricia was the love of Marlon’s life! Until a whopping great big chimney fell on her… CHARITY DINGLE Marlon had a one-night-stand with his cousin, as Dingle cousins do. They never talk about it. DONNA WINDSOR Village police officer Donna opened Marlon’s heart to love again – before trampling all over it and copping off with colleague Ross Kirk. RHONA GOSKIRK Marlon was gutted when Rhona – mother to his son, Leo – ditched him for his best mate, Paddy. The shade! LAUREL THOMAS They agreed to forsake all others and wed – but alcoholic Laurel couldn’t forsake the booze. CARLY HOPE Carly was Marlon’s best hope of finding happiness again – until her ex turned up and stole her away. Too sad!…

“EastEnders’ Honey is bottling up her rage and humiliation about cheating Adam so much, I assume it’s going to come pouring out all at once, and she’s going to do him some serious harm. It’s the least he deserves!” …muses reader Carli from London “Someone ought to give Emmerdale’s Home Farm a makeover. It’s full of hideous modern furniture and tasteless – probably expensive – ornaments. It would really lend itself to traditional country house style.” …says reader Mary “With Neighbours’ Sheila facing criminal charges, I think she should serve a few weeks in jail to teach her a lesson – in a brilliant crossover with Wenthworth Prison! Surely Sheila would be top dog in no time…” …predicts reader Lisa from Preston “I wish they would bring back Eileen’s sons,…

Ryan, Emmerdale fans are gutted you’re off! Ryan I’ve seen a few things online – people upset that I’m leaving. It’s not nice [to upset people], is it? We want them to be happy, which is why we do this show. Danny I’m livid! [Laughs] My episode count is going down! No, I’ve been there and left the show and had a go at seeing what’s out there. I always felt Ryan would want to do the same at some point. I’m gutted for me, Aaron and the show, but I wish Ryan all the best. How would you feel if Emmerdale bosses decided to kill Robert off, Ryan? Ryan That’s the choice of the show. Whether you stay or choose to go, you’re at the mercy of the producers,…

Iqra’s sister Habiba urges her to come out this week – and she ends up doing so in dramatic fashion. Still heartbroken over her break-up with Adam, Habiba insists to Iqra that she should reveal her sexuality, since secrets only cause trouble. So, after Iqra decides to introduce girlfriend Ash to her grandparents, the pair head out to attend Whitney’s hen party at E20 (see p9). And when Robbie flirts disastrously with Ash, Iqra steps in and kisses her in front of everyone! Meanwhile, however, is Iqra right to be concerned about Mariam’s reaction to her revalation?…

FAIR CITY There’s sad news for the community this week, when Bela finds out that Charlie has passed away. Soon, Pete rallies the locals to honour him. Meanwhile, Phoebe tries to avoid sleeping over at Aaron’s – but she’s relieved when he makes an admission to her. RIVER CITY Lou reels from the news that Eve is her biological mother this week – and turns detective to find out if she’s telling the truth. Elsewhere, Maggie’s stunned to realise who Ruby’s baby’s father is. Also, Angus’ one-night stand shows up – so he hides from her! THE ARCHERS Free-spirit Kate and uptight Jakob go on a date this week – but is there any hope for this chalk-and-cheese pairing? Meanwhile, Emma continues to brood on recent events, and her dad…

Poor Tracy Metcalfe is a broken woman in need of a big hug. Her pain and despair following dad Frank’s tragic death has been almost unbearable, and left us wanting to reach into the screen to comfort her. For Emmerdale star Amy Walsh (who plays Tracy) it’s an exciting challenge to have such a huge storyline, but it’s come at a cost – waving goodbye to co-star and screen dad Michael Praed (Frank Clayton). So what does the future hold for Amy – and will her alter ego get over what’s happened to her dad? “If Amy can find out the truth, she might be able to settle…” “I don’t think anyone ever gets over losing a parent, whatever age they are at,” muses Amy, who joins us for a…

When he’s not busy filming at the EastEnders studios in Hertfordshire, Stephen still enjoys singing – and recently did a concert with his good friend Lee Mead, aka Holby’s Lofty. “We’ve known each other over 10 years – we started singing together in a group called The West End Men,” explains Stephen. “We did something with Ramin Karimloo [Holby’s Kian] recently as well – we were the original three in this group, and now we’re all working at the same BBC studios together.” But Stephen admits he didn’t receive such a welcome reception from the audience last weekend… “As soon as I got on to the stage, everyone was booing!” he grins. “These are fans who have followed my career for quite some time before EastEnders, so we had a…

1 Adam Brinley Woodyatt was born on 28 June 1968 in Walthamstow, and grew up in east London. He attended Forest School alongside comedy writer Sharat Sardana and cricketer Nasser Hussain. Adam then went on to study at Llanidloes High School in Wales, before joining the prestigious Sylvia Young Theatre School in Marylebone. 2 Away from acting, Adam has some hidden talents. While at school, he mastered the Rubik’s cube – which he can finish in less than 30 seconds! Adam also loves photography, and in 2008 he was named Architectural Photographer of the Year by the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers, for his snap of St Pancras train station. 3 The star won his first acting part in 1983, with a small role in The Baker Street Boys.…

We know him primarily for doling out justice (and scathing put-downs) on ITV’s Judge Rinder – but Rob Rinder is expanding his horizons beyond the legal system in this new four-part series. Each week, he’ll be giving us his unfiltered take on current events, and searching for things that could make the world a better place… “We’re going to explore what’s interesting around the world, in the way that Clive James used to,” Rob tells Inside TV. “You’re going to be finding out what’s happening politically around the globe. And there will be a round-up of the week where we’re going to ask a general question, ‘Is this making the world better or worse?’” Beyond that, the show will also see Rob throwing himself into scenarios well outside of his…

ANDY VISITS THE DOCTOR! Corrie’s Andy McDonald is making a comeback on rival soap Doctors. Actor Nick Cochrane, who first played Andy back in 1989, has filmed an episode of the daytime soap, playing a local buisnessman who gets in too deep with a gangster. Meanwhile, Angela Wynter – aka Patrick’s former wife Yolande in EastEnders – will appear as Cerys, who runs into trouble trying to spice up her love life! BACK TO THE DALES? Former Emmerdale star Mark Jordon, who played Daz Spencer in the soap until last year, has said he hopes the door might be open for him to return following his ‘not guilty’ verdict in an assualt case recently. “The opportunity possibly to go back is something I am holding dear to,” he told Good…