Table of contents for 45 - 2019 in Inside Soap UK

“We had an audience with a legend this week!” The title ‘legend’ is bandied about far too often these days. As far as I can tell, you can become a ‘legend’ for just doing a mate some boring favour, or downing 10 pints of lager without sicking up! So, I’m very proud this week that Inside Soap had an audience with a true legend – and I mean that in the non pint-sinking sense, although I’m sure he could if we asked him! It was an honour to meet up with Ray Meagher, aka Home and Away’s Alf, someone we’ve all watched on our screens for over 30 years. We don’t often get star-struck on Inside Soap, but we did a bit with Ray. Elsewhere this week, there’s drama for…

As if Michelle didn’t have enough on her plate this week, sleazebag Ray is causing her yet more grief. After ’Chelle warns Alya to be careful working for the business mogul – alerting her to the fact that Ray has form when it comes to acting inappropriately with his female colleagues – feisty Alya is quick to challenge him. However, it’s Michelle who finishes up on the receiving end of Ray’s backlash when he turns up at the Bistro and hands her a letter, accusing her of defamation and breach of contract… “Michelle had previously threatened Ray that she would tell everyone what he’s really like, so this is the tipping point for him,” explains Kym. “I get the impression that Ray must have done this a few times before,…

Jimmy’s left in a right old state this week, when young Arthur accuses him of laying into Jai’s son Archie! The awful allegation comes after a row breaks out between Archie and Arthur, where Archie is knocked unconscious. But when Arthur’s mum Laurel and her new partner Jai find further marks on Archie while examining him, they realise something is going on. And that’s when Arthur accuses Jimmy – who has been minding the children while the school has been closed – of hitting the lad! “Arthur’s had a very bad time having lost his dad – and now his mum has this new love in her life with Jai,” says Nick MIles, who plays him. “Jai has brought Archie into the picture, and for Arthur, that’s him losing his…

The facts about autism… Autism spectrum disorder is a complex condition, and experts are uncertain about what causes it. People on the spectrum may have difficulties with social communication and interaction, and display repetitive and obsessive patterns of behaviour, often with regards to hobbies and interests. It is estimated that one per cent of people may be affected by autism, although there are many different levels of severity, which is why the condition is often talked about in terms of a ‘spectrum’. Males are diagnosed more often than females, and it’s a condition that can run in a family. Symptoms often manifest themselves within a year of birth. Many of those who have autism spectrum disorder find it tough dealing with others, which can lead to difficulty in forming relationships.…

Sid has a date with Juliet this week – but the distracted fella fails to make a good impression! Sid’s dad Stuart asks his son to keep an eye on Ste, whom he no longer trusts – however, Sid has already arranged to meet up with Juliet. But while Ste manages to persuade Sid to leave him on his own in the house, once Sid meets up with Juliet, he can’t pay attention! Understandably, poor Juliet is disappointed by Sid’s lack of focus during their date – so, will he be able to make it up to her?…

Loving Charity Dingle isn’t easy, since she can’t help but disappoint us again and again. She’s a trouble magnet who has always thrown herself head-first into scams, schemes and general criminality. However, her long-suffering wife-to-be Vanessa appeared to have accepted Charity’s nature, falling in love with her despite her many flaws. This week, however, all that looks set to change. Having been caught out for her role in Mandy’s botched casino scam, Charity attempts to cover up her latest crime with a foolish fib – and the consequences are devastating… “Charity swears on her and Vanessa’s kids’ lives that she’s telling the truth, when she knows it’s a lie,” admits Emma Atkins, who plays Charity. “The golden rule is that you never swear on your children’s lives – certainly not…

Jo has pals in Walford… Holby and EastEnders share the same studios in Elstree, which is an added bonus for Jo, given that some of her real-life mates are on the Square. “I’ve known Rudolph Walker [who plays Patrick] for years, and just last week we were at a big event for his 80th birthday at the Hackney Empire,” grins the star. “Also, Roger Griffiths [aka Mitch] and I started off at the same youth theatre together when we were nine years old –we’d always say to each other, ‘We’re going to be actors,’ and now we are! We’ve shared a few meals together at Elstree. And Lorraine Stanley [Karen] is amazing! We’re old friends as well.”…

“It’s been 12 weeks since I went under the chainsaw!” chortles Home and Away legend Ray Meagher – aka Alf Stewart – as we enquire after his health. “Alf’s had ticker problems for years, so life clearly decided to emulate art!” Ray is referring to his unplanned triple heart bypass in the summer, which came as a routine health check uncovered several blockages in his arteries. “I didn’t have time to think about it – which is probably a good thing,” he adds. “It makes you count your blessings.” Today, it’s clear he’s made an enviable recovery, the jovial 75-year-old having just travelled 17,000 miles to London. Ray is no stranger to the UK – he’s starred in the West End, in Priscilla Queen Of The Desert, and countless Christmas…

“Which movie would you liked to have starred in?”…asks reader Barry Sweater from Derby I’m a really big fan of Marvel movies, so I would love to star in one of those. I love those kinds of films where there’s a load of action going on, and a strong female lead. Tomb Raider, as well – I would love to play Lara Croft. It’s a dream role. Angelina Jolie is fantastic in it! That was one of the first films that I was really obsessed with as a kid. 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…

The Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards has long been one of the most glittering events on the celeb social calender, attracting stars ranging from Carol Vorderman and Shirley Ballas all the way up to the likes of Michelle Heaton and Vicki Pattison. But the creme-de-la-creme is, of course, the stars of our beloved soaps. Flying the glamour flag for EastEnders this year, and getting her feathers ruffled, was Louisa Lytton (Ruby), while Coronation Street was represented by the effortlessly stylish Shelley King (Yasmeen), accompanied by her adorable partner Trilby James. Shelley’s former cast mate Helen Flanagan (Rosie Webster) shimmered in a glittery dress, while Hollyoaks fave Keiron Richardson (Ste) wore blue velvet, colour-matching his hubby Carl Hyland’s tie. They’re the pride of the soaps for sure!…

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THE STORY OF TWO BROTHERS accidentally running a man over and covering up their role in his untimely demise doesn’t sound laugh-a-minute, but this four-part series (which also airs a week in advance, Thursdays on BBC Scotland) does a superb job of mining the black comedy from the situation. Mark Bonnar and Jamie Sives give perfectly pitched performances as squabbling siblings Max and Jake, forced to spend more time together than they’d like in order to cover their tracks. And their relationship deteriorates yet further this week, as Jake makes a bid for independence……

DINNER PLANS Filming is now under way on series six of Channel 4 comedy Friday Night Dinner. The Goodmans’ weekly ill-fated family meal will be interrupted by Aunty Val sexting, the return of Horrible Grandma, and Jim getting a new dog… BRIEF RETURN Legal sitcom Defending The Guilty is heading back to BBC2 for a second series. Katherine Parkinson and Will Sharpe will return as cynical, uncompromising Caroline and her idealistic pupil barrister Will. POISON TOUCH Anne-Marie Duff is set to lead the cast of new BBC2 drama Salisbury, which explores the effect of the 2018 Novichok poisonings on the community. Rafe Spall, Mark Addy and MyAnna Buring will also be starring in the three-part series.…

CATHERINE RUSSELL (Serena Campbell, Holby City ) OUT After seven years in the role of Serena, Catherine has confirmed that she’ll soon be leaving Holby City, with her final scenes to air in the new year. “Playing Serena and being part of the Holby family has been an absolute delight,” says the actress. “I just need to get out there, frighten myself again and pretend to be someone else. But you never know, hopefully I’ll be able to revisit the hospital as it really is the most wonderful place to work!” Early 2020 CAMERON DADDO (Unknown, Home and Away ) INhas Australian made his star name Cameron as an actor, musician and a TV and radio host – and now he’s heading to Summer…

BULLSEYE! Emmerdale’s Graham is a source of constant delight to us – you just never know what scandalous secret his never-ending backstory is going to offer up next! Our only regret is that it’s been ages since we’ve seen a glimpse of his SAS training… Remember when he single-handedly took down six men and a JCB trying to demolish the Dingle homestead? More of that, please! As Lisa’s fears mount for Mel’s state of mind, has anyone considered that she probably just wants to rush through this Portugal deal before Brexit? Our secret Emmerdale insider has been in touch with the gossip on all the Christmas storylines – but wishes to remain anoneighmous at this stage. It’s lovely of Seb to visit Emmerdale now that both his mother and father…

As the locals commemorate their late vicar’s birthday, Nick reveals that Ashley remains a major part of Dales life – just like John Middleton, who played him until Ashley passed away in 2018… “You can’t go into the Mulberry Cottage set without being surrounded by Ashley – there are pictures of him everywhere in there,” shares the star. “Plus, the characters still talk about him all the time, so he remains a big presence, which is nice. “And I’ve kept in touch with John since he left – in fact, I saw him last week for a pint!”…

Tracy cheats? Rumour has it that Tracy will betray hubby Steve in Coronation Street – when she has a one-night-stand with Sophie Webster’s girlfriend, Paula! A cobbles spokesperson declined to comment. Corrie’s Katie speaks out Former Street star Katie McGlynn has confessed she sought professional help after filming Sinead’s cancer story. “I couldn’t stop crying,” she reveals. “I saw a counsellor, who told me I was mourning Sinead.” On Bay-cation! Home and Away will soon take its usual Christmas break from UK screens. The show will wrap up on Friday 22 November, before returning on Monday 6 January.…

Jimmi realises just how much Daniel is foundering in the wake of Becky’s sudden departure this week, as he persuades his reluctant colleague to see a counsellor. However, while opening up during his first session about his competitive relationship with ex Zara, Daniel identifies that he’s not yet ready for their son Joe to meet her new boyfriend Adam. But as he proceeds to announce that he wishes to meet Adam by himself before agreeing that Adam and Joe can hang out, Zara is forced to give the idea her blessing. Daniel and Adam arrange to have lunch at the Icon – yet as they sit down face to face, neither man feels comfortable! Can the pair manage to find a way forward for the sake of their respective relationships…

GEMMA’S SKY-HIGH BIRTH! The arrival of soap’s first-ever set of quads was adventurous to say the least, as Gemma went into labour while trapped in a cable car! And you were all thrilled to be along for the ride… From crying sad tears for Sinead to blubbing happy ones for Gemma, Corrie has really put me through the emotional ringer this past fortnight! I’m exhausted – but what a great idea to have such a funny, happy and uplifting story follow such a tough week. Shelley, Manchester I tell you what, I’ve never laughed more than when Gemma knocked Chesney’s engagement ring over the side of the cable car and yelled, “What have you done, you great spoon?” I was sceptical of their romance to begin with, but Dolly-Rose Campbell…

Charity and Mandy are a lethal combination… They’re both mad, funny and utterly ruthless – so does Emma look forward to the possibility of Charity becoming Mandy’s wing-woman for more scamming? “I think it’s a marvellous idea,” she laughs. “But there’s a bit of a silent feud going on there, because Mandy knows what Charity is like – they are both from the same stock. There’s an unspoken thing that they both know what each other did, and they are both watching every move the other makes. I think it’d be wonderful to work with Lisa Riley [Mandy] more, though.” Now that Lisa is back full-time, her co-stars are all enjoying their scenes with Mandy. And Emma reveals they have a lot of fun when filming together… “Lisa is brilliant…

After the recent bomb explosion which left her deaf, Yazz is still getting used to a world without sound this week. However, a new-found friendship with social outcast Finn has given her a fresh lease of life. And as Hollyoaks star Haiesha Mistry (aka Yazz) sits down for a chat with us, she reveals what she thinks about her alter ego’s new best mate… Hi, Haiesha! How would you say Yazz is doing in the wake of losing her hearing? It has been so difficult for Yazz – it’s really unearthed just how vulnerable she is with this disability. She’s such a strong person, and it’s really knocked her back. Yazz feels so isolated without having that natural conversation – she has the support of her family, but no one…

ISLA FISHER Formerly Summer Bay aspiring writer Shannon Reed, Isla is now best known for films such as The Great Gatsby. In her spare time, she’s also Mrs Sacha Baron Cohen. “She came to the show from Perth – a four-hour flight away from Sydney where we film – which is a pretty big move for a 15-year-old girl. There was one person in the cast who didn’t make life easy for her. It was nice to say to Isla quietly, ‘Don’t get involved in playing games or drama, you’re doing a fabulous job’. And she went from strength to strength. It’s lovely when nice people who are good workers go on to have that sort of success.” CHRIS HEMSWORTH Once the Bay’s Kim Hyde, Chris is now a…

1 Melanie Jane Hill was born on 11 January 1962 in Brighton, to parents Anthony, an engineer, and Sylvia, a teacher. Melanie grew up in Sunderland with her younger sister Samantha, and their parents divorced when Melanie was 17. After finishing her studies at school, Melanie was accepted into the prestigious RADA drama school, and even won its esteemed Vanbrugh Award. 2 After a long TV career, Melanie made her first appearance as Cathy Matthews on Coronation Street in 2015. Cathy began a friendship with Roy, who discovered she was a secret hoarder. Cathy was also run over by Carla Connor, and later began a relationship with teacher Brian Packham. “When my agent phoned me and asked if I wanted to audition for Corrie, naturally my reaction was a big…

Coronation Street’s Brooke Vincent, who plays Sally’s youngest, Sophie, has announced the birth of her first child with a series of adorable snaps on Instagram. Brooke, 27, posted pics of the newborn, and the baby’s dad, footballer Kean Bryan, 22, along with the caption: “On Wednesday 23 October at 8.14am, our baby boy arrived. Mexx S J Bryan, you complete us.” (We’ll bring you news on the origin of that unusual first name as soon as we get it!) Brooke is on maternity leave from Corrie while her character travels the Far East – we wish her, dad and little Mexx all the very best.…

The intrepid Dominic Littlewood heads Stateside for this new 10-parter, tasked with spending 24 hours shadowing people with some of the most dangerous jobs in the US – and they’re not about to go easy on him… “In all 10 shows, they threw me in at the deep end – quite often without any trunks or flippers!” he chuckles. “It was eye-opening, and physically and mentally draining, but I feel really proud to have done it.” The first episode sees Dom spend a day as correctional officer at Randall County Jail in Amarillo, Texas, where he has to learn the ways of the cell blocks very quickly. “I got an amazing insight into the system,” Dom tells us. “I spoke to a girl of about 19 who was in there…

Mel’s plan to embarrass Sharon in front of all her friends brings back memories of another famous Walford revelation – falling as it does almost exactly 25 years after the infamous ‘Sharongate’ scandal. It’s remembered as one of the greatest soap moments of all time, and we can’t help but feel that EastEnders is planning to top it with Sharongate II. It might happen this week at the end of the airport dash, although, as we know this story will build till Christmas, we advise you to book your place in front of the TV on the night of 25 December – for the biggest shock to hit the Square in a quarter of a century!…

Corrie has revealed the five faces set to take the Street by storm this winter – with bad boy Gary Windass at the centre of all the drama! Turbulent times lie ahead for both couple Adam and Sarah and former lovers Maria and Ali, as killer loan shark Gary vows to destroy both relationships, while taking down his rivals Adam and Ali in the process – leading to deadly drama in the coming months… DODGY DEALINGS “After losing Sarah to Adam, Gary is determined to take his revenge, and when Adam starts prying into Gary’s dodgy dealings, Gary decides it’s time that he took him down a peg or two,” warns our cobbles insider. “Gary may still have feelings for Sarah, but she crossed him and left him with nothing.…

“Honey, yeah? Funny because my mum used to call me honey bee, because I loved honey, Honey.” “But bees don’t love honey, do they? They make it. It’s bears that love honey, or at least Winnie The Pooh did. Maybe she should have called you Winnie, or Pooh – cause you’re definitely full of it.” Honey wins our inaugural Most Convoluted Put-Down Of The Week Award. “Kim Tate’s got a face that would make an onion weep.” This is how to do it, Honey – straight and to the point! “C’mon. Moira’s not the first one to have an affair around here – me and you included. And she certainly won’t be the last.” “She was the first to sleep with her husband’s son, though.” We’ve racked our brains to…

“Poor Cilla Brown has an illness or accident every time they need to write out Fiz for a bit. Can’t they do the poor woman a favour, and let her at least visit the Street for a change? I miss her.” …says reader Kezia “Is it too much to hope that Stacey and Martin have been split up permanently, rather than just for Lacey Turner’s maternity leave? I think, as characters, they really drag each other down. I like Stacey when she’s wild!” …begs reader Geoff from Camberley “I think Emmerdale should make Terry the casino boss (played by The Bill legend René Zagger) a regular character. The show needs a good heavyweight villain!” …suggests reader Kayleigh from Banbury “Now they’ve found Roman catacombs under Hollyoaks, the village should bid…

It’s all hands on deck in the ED this week, as the team prepares for an inspection by the Quality Care Commission. Robyn plans to spend a day with her daughter Charlotte, although Charlie persuades her that Duffy can babysit the youngster while the nurse comes into work. Duffy takes Charlotte to the park, where all is well initially – until the former nurse suffers an unexpected episode. When Duffy later turns up at the hospital alone, Robyn is panic-stricken – where on earth is Charlotte?…

FAIR CITY Paul struggles to regain his family’s respect this week, but Tommy asks Jane to find forgiveness. Orla and Wayne argue over Junior's behaviour in school, while Hayley puts Robbie straight. Also, Carol makes a life-changing decision – but what how will Robbie react? RIVER CITY Bob’s unhappiness at home leads him astray on his first wedding anniversary. Meanwhile, Scarlett and Lenny reluctantly join forces in the custody fight against Kelly-Marie. And Stevie feels snubbed when Poppy draws a line between him and her work. THE ARCHERS Elizabeth and Russ bond over a new project at Lower Loxley this week, and the pair grow closer still as he opens up about his feelings. Meanwhile, Tony’s campaign against sky lanterns brings him into conflict with the dreaded Joy, and Will…

NAME THAT COPPER Why did I recognise the policeman who arrested Ben for debt-collecting in EastEnders? What else has he been in? | Kelly Actor Victor Gardener is part of Walford’s little repertory company of police officers, having played DS Fred Cole since 2016. He also played Rick Spencer in Hollyoaks – the first victim of the ‘Gloved Hand Killer’. ALL ABOUT EVE After Emmerdale’s Chas named her baby Eve, I realised most members of the Dingle family have religious names. But where does Marlon fit in? | Kelly You’re right in saying that Dingle tradition favours either names from the Bible, particularly the Old Testament – Zachariah (Zak), Cain, Shadrach, Samson, Obediah, etc – or traditional Christian virtues such as Faith, Chastity and Charity. However, another branch of…

Jess, we couldn’t believe our eyes when Nancy and Darren got it on! Well, they thought they were going to die so, as Ashley [Taylor Dawson, aka Darren] and I said, you might as well go out with a bang! But when he ran back into Mandy’s arms afterwards – a snub for any girl – Nancy’s like, “It happened, it’s over and we won’t discuss it”. It’s Darren who’s keen… What did you think when you read the script? I laughed! We both giggled through it because it was so absurd! Would you like Darren and Nancy to reunite? Jessica would because she loves working with Ashley, but Nancy should never go back, because Darren has behaved appallingly – and what does that tell our audience? It would have…

Corrie stars Maureen Lipman (Evelyn) and Rula Lenska (Claudia) arrived in London recently, to attend the Women Of The Year Lunch And Awards. The event, held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, saw more than 400 women recognised for their achievements – and the Street ladies looked pleased as punch to be in attendacnce. Meanwhile, Rula and Maureen revealed that while their alter egos’ are often at loggerheads, the pair are best pals in real life – and even share a flat! “I get a good deal because Rula likes to cook and clean, and I like to sit down,” laughed Maureen, when they appeared on ITV’s Lorraine. “It’s weird, at this time of our lives, that we’ve found each other.” “I have to say, we laugh a lot,” added Rula.…

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I’m a big fan of The Chase – I even had the privilege of doing the celebrity version, which was so cool! I had a lot of fun on the show, and I love Bradley Walsh, he’s brilliant. I’ve just finished watching Top Boy . I didn’t think it was going to be my cup of tea, but actually it was amazing. I was so gripped by it, because it felt like such a true reflection of what’s going on in real life in east and north London. I though it was really good. Doing I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! was one of the best experiences of my life. There I was, doing a show I’d watched throughout my childhood, and I felt like the luckiest girl…

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 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 Claudia Colby.......................... Rula Lenska Mary Cole.................................. Patti Clare Carla Connor............................. Alison King Jenny Connor...............…

NICK WASN’T GAY! Ex-EastEnders legend John Altman, who played ‘nasty’ Nick Cotton intermittently between 1985 and 2015, has spoken out about why he originally left the show in 1991. “They tried to make Nick Cotton gay,” he explains. “And I didn’t think that was a good idea, as it would’ve changed Nick’s character completely. So, I said to the producer, ‘I don’t think it will work’ and I walked away. If I’d gone in playing a gay character, fine. But to suddenly make him gay… as an actor, it would’ve been wrong. I don’t think the public would’ve wanted it either.” HOLBY ‘WITCHES’ REUNITED! There was a big reunion for three actresses from the classic 1999-2001 era of Holby City recently, at the wedding of star Lisa Faulkner to celebrity…

EASTENDERS Change your ways! WILL BEN BECOME A BETTER MAN? Ben’s reign of terror could be brought to an emotional end next week, as his mum Kathy and boyfriend Callum confront him over his criminal behaviour, in the hope of convincing him to turn over a new leaf. With Ben having made many lives a misery of late, Callum and Kathy want to bring him into line – but can he be persuaded to reform? EMMERDALE Cash flack Lydia has even more shocks in store next week, as guilt-stricken Mandy remains determined to solve the ever-growing mystery of Sam’s partner’s unexpected inheritance. However, is Lydia fully prepared for the potential bombshell that Mandy’s investigation might unveil? CORRIE Laid to rest The Weatherfield residents are out in force to pay their…