Table of contents for 42 - 2019 in Inside Soap UK

“We’ve made Inside Soap Awards history!” Oh, what a night, as they say. Yes, the Inside Soap Awards are over for another year, and what a year it was. Not only did we make Inside Soap Awards history by crowning Hollyoaks as Best Soap, but we worked tirelessly all night to bring you all the gossip we could muster. However, it’s been a busy week at Inside Soap Towers for more than one reason. There’s a killer week of soap coming your way, so we pulled out all the stops to bring you all the drama, as well as interviews with the stars and behind-the-scenes secrets, which have left this bumper super-sized issue bursting at the seams with soapie loveliness. We hope you enjoy it. See you next week! Steven Murphy,…

Hi, Katie – we can’t believe Sinead is gone. How tough will this be for viewers who have followed her story? Oh, I think it’s going to be really hard to watch. We found it very difficult to film, and I’ve felt like I’ve had to grieve a little bit for her. For that reason, I think it’s important for people to know what’s going to happen with Sinead, so that they can decide whether they want to watch it or not. You spoke to someone whose wife has a very similar story to Sinead – was that helpful? I spoke with Pete from the charity Mummy’s Star, and asked him how it was for him towards the end. He was very honest with me about his relationship with his…

Old wounds are reopened for Jay this week, after the Walford undertaker receives a new booking for a funeral, and realises that the deceased is none other than Terry Bates – the man who murdered his father! “It would’ve been so easy for Jay to go off the rails” Terry was the evil brute who robbed 13-year-old Jay of his dad, Jase, in some of the most shocking and violent scenes to ever rock the Square (see right for our recap). Jay has since found his place in Walford as an honorary member of the Mitchell family, yet being forced to confront his past stirs up feelings of anger that he thought he’d buried long ago… “It’s remarkable that Jay has grown into such a well-rounded and level-headed young man,…

There’s a huge surprise in store for Chantelle this week, when she arrives at the Vic to find all her loved ones gathered – just as Gray tells everyone that she’s pregnant! Although the pair discovered their happy baby news weeks ago, they agreed to keep it to themselves until they’d had their first scan. But after Gray takes it upon himself to announce that they’re adding to their family, does he have a sinister motive? “With Chantelle pregnant, violent Gray is unable to lash out at her in his usual way, for fear of harming the baby,” our EastEnders mole reminds us. “But he’s not letting that stop his controlling behaviour! He simply has to come up with other ways of letting his wife know who’s boss.” As the…

“Congratulations on raising an emotionally stunted man-child. Oh, hold on. You didn’t raise him, did ya?” “You wha-?” “Shouldn’t you be getting back? What if some long-lost Slater has got the sniffles? Or Stacey has broken a nail? Or had a turn? Or accidentally slept with another bloke?” We were cheering Sonia on as she gave Martin a piece of her mind. “Well, it’s true, isn’t it? Instead of raising one son well, you’ve managed half a job with two of them.” We think Corrie should develop Michelle and Maria into an epic feud of Ena-Elsie or Gail-Eileen proportions. “Frieda’s not an experienced adventurer like myself.” “You’re not quite as derring-do as you like people to think. Parking at the Charnock Richard service station for a fortnight does not make…

Irene’s trial kicks off this week, as she’s accused of assaulting Tommy – and the whole thing is thrown into jeopardy when her victim is called as a surprise witness! With Irene’s future hanging on Bella’s testimony, the teen is in meltdown ahead of her court appearance. She’s experiencing panic attacks about having to relive her ordeal at Tommy’s hands, and as the trial nears, she’s not sure she can go through with it. Colby assures his sister that Tommy won’t be in court, and she won’t have to see him – and Bella is persuaded to give her evidence. So picture her shock, then, when she arrives to find her sexual attacker present, leaving her terrified. As Bella gets up to give her account of what happened that night,…

Darren arranges a saucy surprise for girlfriend Mandy this week – but will she be as impressed as he hopes? After Tony’s dad Edward arrives in the village (see p36) and quickly smooth-talks all the ladies at the Hutch, Darren’s nose is put out of joint. He’s not happy to see Mandy swooning over another man, so he decides to make sure she only has eyes for him! But will Darren’s Top Gun- inspired romantic gesture be a winner with his woman?…

WALFORD’S GOLDEN COUPLE! While Ben and Callum have had all the attention recently, another great Walford romance has been slowly cooking – and there are a lot viewers rooting for Stuart and Rainie… My absolute soap dream at the moment is for a lovely wedding for Rainie and Stuart. It would be really great to show that there is a route to happiness, and out of addiction, if people take time to be kind to each other. Ben, Huddersfield It was a wonderful moment when Rainie found the note Stuart had left for her, saying ‘I’m proud of you’, and then poured her bottle of vodka down the sink. I really feel sorry for Rainie – and I wish other people in the Square would show her more compassion. Cathy,…

As ever, it’s been far from quiet in the country where the folk of Emmerdale are concerned. From Maya grooming Jacob to Victoria’s rape, and Moira’s juicy affair with Nate, the show has been on full gas – with the drama literally set to explode this week (see p16)! With that in mind, we caught up with Dales producer Kate Brooks on the red carpet at the Inside Soap Awards to look back on a stellar year – and grill her on what’s still to come… Hi, Kate! It’s been another big year for Emmerdale. What in 2019 are you most proud of? Lots really! The flashbacks to our ‘big night out’ episode were really great, and I think the twist of how we played the story was quite interesting…

BEST NEWCOMER MAUREEN LIPMAN Evelyn Plummer Coronation Street Corrie’s Maureen Lipman (Evelyn) is an acclaimed actor with five decades of work behind her. So, you can imagine how tickled she was to be given the Best Newcomer award. After wowing everyone on the night with a fab acceptance speech, Maureen joined us for a chat about her win… Congrats Maureen! How does it feel to be our Best Newcomer? I’ve been in this business for 52 years, and I woke up at 5.25 this morning because I was excited! I’m pleased as I’m no newcomer – I’m a latecomer, really. I love this job, and it feels as if I’ve come full circle, because my late husband Jack Rosenthal wrote episode 13 of Coronation Street, and then 250 more.…

BEST DRAMA STAR ROSIE MARCEL Jac Naylor Holby City After 14 years of playing Holby’s formidable cardio queen Jac Naylor, Rosie Marcel wants to thank Inside Soap readers from the bottom of her heart for voting her as your Best Drama Star. The past year has been turbulent for Jac, to say the least – but her biggest challenge is still to come… Congratulations, Rosie! You must be thrilled… I’m absolutely delighted. My four-year-old daughter wants the trophy, so it’s going to be hers when I get home! What do you think is the secret to Jac’s success? She is a little bit of what we all want to be – a bit more honest and more open. It’s sometimes to her detriment, and she can be extremely rude,…

FUNNIEST MALE DANNY DYER Mick Carter EastEnders Meanwhile, Lorraine’s co-star Danny Dyer, who plays Mick, has brought home the gong for Funniest Male, proving that Walford – a place that has been criticised in the past for doom and gloom – is currently your jolliest soap in the land! “I’m over the moon with this award,” grins Danny. “I love the comedy side to Mick, and with all the dramas going on, it’s not often that I get to do it very much – so the fact it has been acknowledged means a lot to me. “I love the idea that Mick likes to dress up,” he adds. “The recent scenes when he was dressed as Madonna and I was pole dancing were hilarious. It was very difficult to…

BEST DAYTIME SOAP NEIGHBOURS BEST DAYTIME STAR RYAN MOLONEY Jarrod ‘Toadie’ Rebecchi Neighbours It’s been a huge year for Neighbours – we laughed our heads off at the bonkers Dee-Andrea storyline, and cried our eyes out at Sonya’s tragic death. With Toadie at the centre of both of these plots, it’s no wonder actor Ryan Moloney has picked up the gong for Best Daytime star, while Neighbours itself has been crowned Best Daytime Soap. “It feels fantastic, I’m very grateful that people have taken the time to vote for me,” grins Ryan, who sadly couldn’t make it to our party due to work commitments. “I think the viewers like Toadie because he has a good sense of humour, and overall, he is a good bloke.” Here at Inside…

BEST ACTRESS STEPHANIE DAVIS Sinead Shelby Hollyoaks Adam wasn’t the only Hollyoaks cast member celebrating a big win – Steph Davis (Sinead) collected the award for Best Actress, too! Following her return to the show during last year’s big autumn stunt, Steph’s been at the centre of a huge plot, as Sinead was subjected to sexual and emotional abuse from her husband, Laurie. And the on-screen drama has paid off for Steph… “This win means so much, as it’s such a lovely acknowledgement of how hard I’ve worked,” grins the star, who couldn’t make it to our do. “I feel so honoured that people have voted for me.” Steph admits that playing out Sinead’s abuse story was tough for her, especially as her own experience with a manipulative partner…

Expert presentations from astronomer Pete Lawrence and either Nigel Bradbury or Dr Lee Sproats Three-course dinner Walk to check-in Northern Lights flight WHAT’S INCLUDED Exclusive pre-flight presentations by experts at the Sofitel London Gatwick. Dinner at the Sofitel London Gatwick. Flight excursion in search of the Northern Lights with expert commentary (approx. 3-3.5 hours), from Gatwick. Services of astronomers on board. Tea and coffee on board. Airport taxes. Services of an Omega Breaks tour manager. PRICE: £299pp DATE: 24 Nov 2019 TO BOOK, call 03301 731 340 quoting TSMITH For more details and to see the full itinerary, go to prima.co.uk/soaplightsflight…

AS HUGE FANS OF THE ORIGINAL Drag Race, we were worried whether a localised version of the show would work, especially since there are some major differences between the UK drag scene and that of the US. But we’re happy to report that the translation is a complete success – the queens selected for the Brit series lit up the screen immediately, and any cultural confusion is getting cleared up easily enough (like contestant The Vivienne explaining to Ru who Kim Woodburn is in the first episode). Let’s hope Ru and Michelle will return to these fair shores to make a second series……

There are more than half a million World War service personnel who have no known grave, and whose kin still don’t know what became of them. The remains of around 60 bodies are found each year, and it’s the job of the Ministry of Defence’s War Detectives to identify them and inform the families. It’s their work that’s explored in this week’s special episode of Long Lost Family… “The War Detectives are amazing,” shares presenter Davina McCall. “They’re an elite, all-female team at the Ministry of Defence – the Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre. All they start with is a case number, but they’re like terriers – with forensic historical knowledge. They won’t give up.” “The programme is unique,” adds co-host Nicky Campbell. “It’s 100 years of the past that…

CATHY SHIPTON (Lisa ‘Duffy’ Duffin, Casualty ) OUT The BBC has confirmed that Cathy – who first played Duffy in Casualty’s pilot episode, back in 1986 – will be making her ‘final departure’ from the show next year. Although Cathy has left the drama on previous occasions, she’s returned several times, and appeared in more than 350 episodes in total. “Walking in Duffy’s shoes through the years has taught me so much, for which I’ll be forever grateful,” says the actress. “With sadness, but a sense of completion, I say goodbye.” 2020 JOSEF BROWN (Mike, Home and Away ) IN Former Neighbours star Josef – who played the regular role of Matt Turner between 2013 and 2015 – is set to pop up…

Filming is under way on location in Manchester for the Corrie wedding of the year, as Michelle and Robert get set to wed! Star Kym Marsh, who plays ’Chelle, donned a gorgeous white gown, topped off by a sparkly tiara and veil, for the bridal scenes. Yet while Michelle certainly looks the part for her big day, there is every chance that it’ll turn into a farce if it transpires that she knows all about Robert’s secret double life with Vicky… “No expense has been spared on the wedding, but Robert may pay a higher price if his cheating is exposed!” says our Street spy. “And what better way to shame him for his betrayal than in front of all their loved ones? Does Michelle have it in her to…

Tony’s dad, Edward, arrives in the village this week, much to the shock of everyone – especially Diane, who sends him on his way! But why has Edward appeared now? And what does he want? “Edward’s estranged – there was a messy divorce,” says Hollyoaks newcomer Joe McGann, who plays him. “His wife told him to stay away, but he didn’t want to. Edward was not completely absent, though – it comes out later that he used to spy on them from time to time. One of Edward’s aims is to restart a relationship with his son and, more importantly to him, his grandchildren.” Edward’s plans are thrown, however, as his daughter-in-law immediately sends him packing! “Diane only knows what Tony has told her,” explains Joe. “Which is that Edward…

“I’m devastated that actress Sam Giles [ Bernice] is leaving Emmerdale. She’s my favourite. And I’m sorry to do this to the poor actor who plays Dr Cavanagh, but I think they should both leave together. After all this time, Bernice deserves her happy-ever-after.” …insists reader Lucy “Lord knows what Kevin is going to spend his share of £200k on – a bigger truck? He should use it to get a new pair of glasses, so he can see what is obvious to the rest of us… Abi loves him, and he’d be very lucky to have her!” …says reader Eddie from Leeds “I think EastEnders’ Honey is secretly suffering from an eating disorder – the clue was when she brushed her teeth after going to the toilet. This is…

War threatens to break out among the Slater family this week, when Jean gets a message from beyond the grave! After learning her friend Daniel lost his battle with cancer, Jean is surprised to receive a video message from him urging her to seize the day and be more honest with people. However, as Jean proceeds to take his advice literally, Daniel’s dying wish for her ends in disaster! Will Jean’s loved ones manage to see the funny side of the situation?…

Daniel’s daughter Izzie visits her dad this week, and her arrival has consequences for more than one of her loved ones. As she’s welcomed into Daniel and Becky’s new home, she subtly announces that it’s even smaller than his last one! And when she prepares to get to know her father’s new girlfriend, Becky is braced – already aware that Izzie’s not the easiest of teenagers. Meanwhile, Izzie meets with her former stepmother Zara, and apologises for her past actions. Will it be happy families from now on?…

SCHOOL’S OUT Why do I know the actress who judged the wedding competition in Emmerdale? Her face is on the tip of my tongue – as it were! Bob, Preston I assume you were a fan of Waterloo Road, Bob? Zeri Cheetham-Karcz played pupil Celine Dixon, who  was romantically linked to Donte Charles, played by Adam Thomas. WHO’S WON? It’s great to hear that Hollyoaks has been named Best Soap in your awards this year for the first time. But which soap has won the most? Howard The first Inside Soap Awards ceremony was held in 2001, with the Best Soap trophy taken home by EastEnders. Since then, Walford has won the prize a whopping 12 times. Emmerdale is in second place with four Best Soap wins, followed by…

“It’s so amazing to be on Hollyoaks – I’ve done a few auditions for other characters and now it’s finally happened!” gushes former X Factor contestant Jake Quickenden, as we sit down to talk to him about his upcoming role as Woody, the builder. “Honestly, I didn’t expect it to be such a great experience. I was only there for a few weeks, but it felt as if I was there for 10 years. You always hear people say everyone loves everyone where they work – but at Hollyoaks it really is a happy family. People have been messaging me already saying it’s quiet without me there!” Woody arrives in the village this week, as Cindy grows desperate to continue work on her ‘Grande Bizarre’. After getting frustrated with delays…

“You recently went travelling – what was the highlight for you?”…asks reader Tom Milson from Brighton The luxury of having time, and being able to relax and explore new places that I’ve never been to before. If you can, it’s always good to travel – to see new people, meet them, and explore different cultures. And it’s never a bad thing to get some sun whenever you can! 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!…

BEST BAD GIRL LOUISA CLEIN Maya Stepney Emmerdale BEST SHOCK TWIST FLASHBACKS TO THE BIG NIGHT OUT! Emmerdale Best Bad Girl isn’t our preferred term for Emmerdale’s Maya Stepney, given the serious nature of the story that saw her grooming teenage Jacob. However, there is no denying that Louisa Clein’s performance has made for some of the most compelling and controversial moments in the village this year – with readers voting in their droves to name Maya as their undisputed female villain… “Best Bad Girl – my parents would totally agree with that!” jokes Louisa, as she proudly holds up her trophy. “We were nervous about how this story would go down and how people would respond, yet I’ve been overwhelmed by the response. I’ve had more messages…

BEST DR AMA STORYLINE IAIN'S DEPRESSION Casualty It’s been a difficult year for Casualty paramedic Iain Dean, which began with the death of colleague Sam. Iain fell into a pit of depression that saw star Michael Stevenson playing some very emotional scenes. And the actor was overjoyed when we revealed that the plot won the prize for Best Drama Storyline. “This particular award means a lot, and more than most,” begins Michael. “This storyline started on a table with one idea – it was never a defined arc, and that meant it took even more work from us. This award is spread across a whole team rather than just one person, and that’s what it’s all about.” Michael also revealed that he was overwhelmed with the number of messages…

BEST PARTNERSHIP DOMINIC BRUNT & LUCY PARGETER Paddy Kirk & Chas Dingle Emmerdale “It’s great, innit? I only found out about 10 minutes ago that we won!” beams Dominic Brunt, who plays Paddy, proudly clutching the Best Partnership trophy, which he’s collected on behalf of himself and Lucy Pargeter (aka Chas). “I don’t know what to say. But thank you!” Chas and Paddy have been to hell and back since losing their baby girl Grace just hours after she was born. They were tested to the max as they grieved their daughter’s passing, but this award is fitting tribute to the way they’ve stuck fast throughout. And as the beloved couple welcome their new arrival this week (see p24), they’re as tight as ever. “Paddy and Chas keep referring…

BEST YOUNG ACTOR KARA-LEAH FERNANDES Bailey Baker EastEnders From the moment we first met Bailey – when her dad Mitch brought her on to Albert Square while he was fixing up Karen’s bathroom – we’ve taken her to our hearts. In fact, she very nearly broke our hearts when her mother Dinah died, but it’s Kara-Leah Fernandes’ mature and emotional performances throughout this tragic storyline which make her a worthy winner of our Best Young Actor award… “I wish I could give you all a big hug!” she told us, in a special message the day after our awards party. “I’m EXTREMELY happy and the word EXTREMELY is in capital letters so that shows how happy I really am. Thank you very much to everyone who voted for me.…

Inside Soap loves our awards to be a real celebration, and the stars certainly help us with that – these guys know how to party, and we were on the dance floor with them to get all the gossip of the night… The Emmerdale gang, which included Liam Fox (Dan) Katherine Dow Blyton (Harriet) and Dean Andrews (Will) reckoned they could put the youngsters to shame. “They’ve sent the oldies to you this year – it’s like a retirement home of actors!” laughed Liam. “We can take the pace, though, I promise you!” And how right he was – the dynamic Dales crew were among the very last men and women standing on the night! EastEnder Louisa Lytton (Ruby) last attended our party when she was just 16, during her…

After getting to grips with first-time parenthood in Spencer, Vogue And Baby Too, Spencer Matthews and Vogue Williams are feeling a bit more settled as their reality show returns this week. The pair are throwing a party to celebrate with the friends and  family who weren’t able to join them for their wedding, and in episode one they’re busy hunting for the perfect party planner. Inside TV caught up with them to find out what else to expect… There’s a great moment in episode one where you say you’ve gone “from lower Z to higher Z-list”. How does that feel? Vogue It’s nice. Spencer Exciting times, to be honest. Low Z was pretty desperate. High Z is where you want to be. All the benefits of a bit of recognition…

MOONEY WALK Ardal O’Hanlon is set to leave BBC1 drama Death In Paradise. His character, DI Jack Mooney, will depart in the upcoming ninth series – but you’ll have to tune in to find out why he leaves, and who the show’s new lead detective will be… BOYS ON FILM Keeley Hawes, Stephen Fry and Neil Patrick Harris are among the stars of Boys, a new five-part series from Russell T Davies. Set during the 1980s, it follows the lives of three young gay men and their best friend Jill, growing up in the shadow of AIDS. HIGH SPIRITS There’s good news for fans of BBC1 spook-com Ghosts – the show will be returning for not one, but two more series. “We can’t wait to get haunting again,” enthused co-writer…

CASUALTY Connie Beauchamp.......... Amanda Mealing Rosa Cadenas......................... Jacey Sallés Ciaran Coulson....................... Rick Warden 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 Lev Malinowski.......................... Uriel Emil 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 Aggie Bailey......................... Lorna Laidlaw Eddison Bailey....... Trevor Michael Georges James Bailey..................... Nathan Graham Michael Bailey....................... Ryan Russell 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…

ASAN APOLOGISES Asan N’Jie (Emmerdale’s Ellis Chapman) was sacked from the show a few weeks ago, after an altercation with Hollyoaks’ Jamie Lomas (Warren Fox) at an awards event. The actor’s contract was terminated immediately, with some episodes he’d already filmed yet to air. However, Asan has since taken to Instagram to express regret over his actions. “All the people who’ve reached out and had my back, you’ll never know how much I appreciate you,” he wrote. “I’ve learned, I’ve grown, and now I’m working harder than ever to finish what I started. Keep your circle tight and always forward! The universe tends to unfold as it should.” ADAM’S BACK IN THE JUNGLE CAMP Adam Thomas (Emmerdale’s Adam Barton) is heading back to the jungle, having come third on ITV’s…

CORRIE High drama! CHES AND GEMMA’S QUADS MAKE QUITE THE ENTRANCE... The odds against having quads are 700,000 to one, don’t you know? But what are the chances, then, of having them quads while stuck in a cable car hundreds of feet above the ground? Whatever they may be, Gemma and Ches beat them next week, when a lovely day out takes a dramatic turn – the babies are on their way, and there’s no one to help them! Eek! EASTENDERS Bar wars! Sharon’s back next week, but has she done what she promised for Mel? Meanwhile, some decisions over E20 see the ladies at loggerheads – can Mel keep the upper hand? EMMERDALE Kim betrayed! Next week, Kim starts to dig into history, but is she prepared for what…

Actress Kym’s real-life partner Scott Ratcliffe was given what could be a glimpse into his future, should the pair ever tie the knot – as he accompanied her on set to watch the actress film Michelle and Robert’s big day. The couple met after Kym’s co-star and good friend Antony Cotton, who plays Sean, introduced her to 32-year-old Scott – a major in the Parachute Regiment – last year. With Scott set to embark on another tour of the Middle East, the pair were keen to make the most of their time together before his trip. “Make sure the ones you love most know how you feel,” said Kym in an Instagram post recently, ahead of Scott’s deployment. “Hold them tight, keep them in your hearts and never take them…

Hi, Natalie! We can’t believe Moira cheated on Cain… I know, it’s just so out of character for her. I think it’s a cry for help. Moira’s going through a period of self-loathing and taking risks, almost as if she wants to get caught. She’s never got over killing Emma, Holly’s death, Adam running away, and having Isaac unexpectedly. She’s living dangerously, and she has a lot to lose. She had finished with Nate, so why does she sleep with him at the hotel? They aren’t together at this point – this is just one for the road! The thing with Moira is that she does have feelings for Nate, and the sex is great. She actually wanted to spend time with Cain, but he makes an excuse to stay…

After the terrible tragedy of daughter Grace’s birth and death on the same day, parents Chas and Paddy deserve some happiness. They have been excitedly awaiting the arrival of their baby, but in true soap style, the birth of the newest Dingle is not going to be without incident. We caught up with Emmerdale star Lucy Pargeter (Chas) to get the full story… Hi Lucy, this is a big week for Chas – but it all begins with her being dragged into work when she should be resting, doesn’t it? Yes, Chas should be on maternity leave, but Charity gets stuck on the motorway on the night of the reopening of the Woolpack. Everyone is running around like headless chickens, so Chas ends up being the one to get it…

Ben and Martin have declared war on each other in what promises to be yet another blockbuster week in Walford, but thankfully actors Max Bowden and James Bye, who play the warring fellas respectively, get on like a house on fire. “Anything with James is a gift,” grins Max, as we ask him how he found filming some of Ben’s confrontations with Martin. “He’s one of my favourite people to work with and we have a laugh, which makes it hard as then we launch straight into the tense stuff between our characters. “He sticks himself right at the front of everything and wants to go for it, full-pelt,” adds the star. “We’re good pals, and James is like an older brother to me, so he doesn’t mind me roughing…

“It’s been great working with Lysette – she’s an old friend,” Joe tells us. “We worked together before – we played husband and wife in Night And Day, going back to 2001. I’ve also worked with her on stage a couple of times. And I love her Hollyoaks character, Marnie. I think she’s great! We’ve had a couple of nice scenes already. Lysette always manages to find a twinkle and the fun in all the scripts. She’s brilliant at that – finding a little gag in there. It’s always enjoyable!”…

FAIR CITY Rose is shocked when she catches Ciarán in her house this week, but Ciarán tricks her – leaving Rose in danger… Meanwhile, Cristiano makes a suggestion that leads Will to lash out! Plus, Hughie’s dependence on alcohol continues to escalate. RIVER CITY Stevie finds himself torn between family members this week, as Scarlett is named legal guardian of Callum and Michaela! Elsewhere, Lenny’s plan to keep a low profile in prison proves difficult… Also, Alex is pushed to make Nicole a very romantic gesture. THE ARCHERS Joy is desperate to find missing cat Hilda this week, and ingratiates herself at Bridge Farm. Will Peggy’s beloved pussy be found? Meanwhile, Elizabeth throws herself into work at Lower Loxley, and soon finds a gap in the market. Finally, Grange Farm…

BEST SOAP HOLLYOAKS The winners of our Best Soap Award are always excited to have scooped the night’s biggest prize – but we don’t think we’ve ever had a soap cast as thrilled to take home the gong as the Hollyoaks gang is this year. It’s the first time the show has been handed the top accolade in the Inside Soap Awards’ 19-year history. And as the stars pose for photos with the trophy itself, they tell us that the soap’s big win has been a long time coming… “It feels incredible – we come to these awards shows not expecting to win,” explains Rachel Adedeji, who plays Lisa. “I can’t believe this is the first time we’ve won it! We’re so thrilled and happy, but we deserve to…

FUNNIEST FEMALE LORRAINE STANLEY Karen Taylor EastEnders We know soap is all about the drama – but it’s important to balance out all that high-octane stuff with a lot of laughs as well. Which is why our Funniest Male and Female trophies are much-coveted awards! This year’s Funniest Female winner, Lorraine Stanley, has had us in stitches with her portrayal of kind-hearted Karen – and as she sits down for her winner’s chat at our awards party, she has us laughing just as hard in real life as well… Congratulations on your win, Lorraine! How much does this award mean to you? Ah, I’m chuffed to bits, as it actually means I’m funny! I can say to my fella, “See, I’m funny, the Inside Soap readers say I am!”…

BEST ACTOR ADAM WOODWARD Brody Hudson Hollyoaks There have been so many outstanding performances in soap this year that picking our Best Actor was a tricky job – so we’re glad the decision came down to the readers, and not us! Hollyoaks star Adam Woodward was delighted to pick up the gong for his portrayal of Brody, who finally admitted the abuse that he suffered at the hands of football coach Buster. And Adam says there is still more drama to come… Congratulations on your win, Adam! How does it feel to be crowned Best Actor? It’s just incredible. I didn’t know what to think when I heard! What actor doesn’t want to get an award saying, ‘Congratulations on all the work you’ve done’? It’s lovely, but I wouldn’t…

Tom I’ve just been watching Mindhunter – it was good, but it didn’t blow me away. Jon It’s quite slow, isn’t it? Tom It is, but I wonder if our threshold for great TV is getting so high that when you watch something good, you’re like, “Well, I’m enjoying this, but [whines] it didn’t change my life!” Also, there are a lot of horrible deaths, but there’s something about the way the show is made that desensitises you, which is really worrying. Jon I’ve just caught up with Stath Lets Flats, which I think is great. Tom I can’t remember the last comedy I watched. Having done Plebs for two months, then gone to the Edinburgh Festival, I can’t enjoy comedy – it makes me think of work! But another…

BULLSEYE! The show-stopper soap moment of the week came from Coronation Street. Ken delivered a wistful monologue on the subject of tragic Sinead, as the cameraman sought out those who would be left behind with their grief. All praise is due to William Roache for his moving performance. After 59 years on our screens, no one is better placed to talk about the tragedies of everyday life than Ken Barlow. Kerry had her heart restarted by hand during the last scene on Monday, and was sent home in the first scene on Wednesday. Hotten General is either a centre of medical excellence, or needs to be shut down immediately. Soap rule No 347: Whenever a character is in hospital, there must be smalltalk about how bad the vending machine is.…