Table of contents for 47 - 2019 in Inside Soap UK

Well, that was quite a way to go for EastEnders’ Mel, wasn’t it? Just when we thought Sharon was going to talk her out of all this revenge nonsense and pop her safely on a plane to Santa Cruz… SPLAT! A 40-ton HGV appeared out of nowhere and brought her 20-year Walford history to a short, sharp end! “SPLAT! A 40-ton HGV appeared!” I must admit, I did have mixed feelings about Mel’s return to begin with. No disrepsect to the wonderful Tamzin Outhwaite, but after Mel came back to such a big fanfare, it then seemed that the show didn’t quite know what to do with her. However, the last year has finally seen Mel have a purpose, and her final few months have been nothing but sensational, with…

Great news if you loved Dee and Andrea’s twin-tastic story in Neighbours, as fans may not have seen the last of them! The soap’s boss Jason Herbison dropped a huge hint while revealing that UK ratings were higher than usual over the summer, thanks to the introduction of the girls’ mum Heather – who eventually disclosed that the ladies were identical sisters. “That story is far from over,” grins Jason. “Kerry [Armstrong, who played Heather] had the best attitude form day one and Madeleine [West, aka Dee/ Andrea] – who is now completing a director’s training programme with us – is an unstoppable force.” While Andrea – who had been impersonating Dee long before her secret sister was revealed to still be alive – and Heather were sent to prison…

Star Louisa Lytton – who plays Ruby – recently promised fans that there were big plans for her and co-star Lacey Turner (Stacey). Could this be it? There’s no doubt that Stacey’s return will send shock waves through Walford, what with her attack on Phil, and split from Martin. If the feisty woman learns her best pal has so much as looked at her ex, there would be hell to pay. “Lacey is back from maternity leave, so things are going to get very juicy,” teases Louisa. “But I can’t say anything else.” Stacey and Ruby have been great pals ever since Ruby’s return to the Square last year, so to see them at each other’s throats would surely make for unmissable drama……

FAIR CITY Despite Will continuing to make life difficult for Cristiano this week, he finally admits his abuse ordeal to Damien! Meanwhile, Erica fears for the future of her salon. Also, the locals speculate over the new owner of McCoys… RIVER CITY The fight for custody of Callum and Michaela begins this week, and Kelly-Marie is prepared to do whatever it takes… Elsewhere, Sonny worries about his benefits assessment! Plus, cash-strapped Lou desperately searches for work. THE ARCHERS There’s a shock in store for David this week, when he finds out about the change to the Christmas plans – but what will happen when he makes Pip an offer? Meanwhile, Johnny makes an uncomfortable discovery… Finally, Eddie holds some important auditions!…

THUG LIFE I recognised the actor who played the dodgy guy that kidnapped Moses in Emmerdale. Has he had a role in a soap before? Jayden Thug Sean was played by actor Mark Holgate, who appeared in Corrie as Gavin Rodwell. He was the son of Gail’s husband Michael – and had his identity stolen by his pal Andy Carver! COLD FRONT In Emmerdale the other day, there was reference to a time that Jai locked Archie’s mum Rachel in a freezer! I remember him locking Charity in a shipping container, but how did the freezer incident come about? Hannah-Louise The alarming moment happened while Jai and  Rachel Breckle were battling for custody of young Archie in 2015 – Rachel threatened to tell the courts that Jai had bought a…

As well as being full of praise for her screen mum, Jacey is also very fond of her young co-star Harry Collett, who plays David’s son, Ollie. “He was born to be an actor,” she grins. “He has a real intensity – he’s really intuitive, and a beautifully well-mannered young man. But we have so much fun! He teaches me all the latest lingo and how to use Snapchat, and I help him with his GCSE English coursework. “I’m so excited for him, because he’s going to be a Hollywood star!” adds Jacey. “He’s in the Robert Downey Junior blockbuster that’s coming out soon, Dolittle – he plays the assistant. He’s been working with all these huge stars, but he’s still so humble and lovely. He just thinks, ‘Wow, what…

Coronation Street’s Lisa George, who plays resident seamstress Beth Tinker, has begun training for the next series of Dancing On Ice. The exciting contest gets under way in January, and Lisa is trying to get in as much training as possible, with the cobbles star recently admitting that she hasn’t skated for 40 years – and the tumbles she took suggest she may well be out of practice… “I skated when I was a child,” shares Lisa. “I did it for a couple of years until I was about nine, then I was in a competition and I fell. I stuck my blades in the ice, and the ice shot up and cut my chin open, and that was the end of my skating career.” Despite the falls on to…

Star of Hollyoaks Jess Fox, who plays the village’s Nancy, has announced that she’s engaged! Her musician boyfriend, Nicholas Willes, popped the question, and Jess took to social media to share the couple’s happy news. “Be with someone you can be completely yourself with,” wrote the star. “Someone who makes you want to be better, kinder, eat more fruit and veg. So of course I said ‘yes’.” The actress’ cast mates rushed to congratulate the couple, including Jess’ on-screen ex-boyfriend, Adam Rickett (Kyle), who commented: “So happy for you both!”…

The golden mask of Tutankhamun is one of the most famous images associated with ancient Egypt – but what does it really tell us? In this three-part series, Dan Snow – with Raskha Dave and John Sergeant – will be finding out how modern science has brought to life fascinating new information about the young pharaoh… “It was the biggest privilege of my career to explore this stuff,” Dan enthuses. “I got to see his body, and go into his tomb alone before the public was allowed in. It’s a topic that’s so exciting to revisit.” Using MRI scanners on the ruler’s body has allowed researchers to put together a more accurate picture of what he looked like when he was alive – although it might not be quite how…

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…

EASTENDERS BEN VOWS TO SUPPORT CALLUM’S NEW CAREER – BUT AT WHAT COST? Law & disorder! Ben has pledged his love to boyfriend Callum, and nothing can tear them apart now – well, except Callum joining the police force, maybe! Next week, Ben paints on a smile and agrees to help his law-abiding fella with his training, leaving Callum delighted that Ben has put his bad-boy ways behind him. But what will Phil say when he gets wind of this development? CORRIE Love at last! There’s romance on the cards for Emma next week, as one local lad vows to sweep her off her feet! But who is the man involved – and will the pair’s date turn out to be a roaring success? EMMERDALE Annoying neighbour! Diane is left…

How is Liam feeling about the wedding? Everything’s running smoothly, and he’s incredibly excited. I think he’s been referred to as Groomzilla more than once! He has everything planned to the tiniest detail – he even has a mood board! Is he confident that he and Bernice have what it takes to go the distance? One hundred per cent, yes. With all the relationships he’s had before, there have been question marks hanging over him for whatever reason. But he absolutely feels that Bernice is ‘the one’. They have such a great time together. What kind of wedding do they have planned? Being massively into murder mystery and roleplaying, Liam wants there to be quite a pronounced theme, whatever that might be. But a few days before the wedding, they…

Hair-raising! Hollyoaks’ upcoming one-year flash-forward episode will pose many technical challenges – not least of all Jess Fox’s (Nancy) ever-evolving hair style! “I did have a hair meeting,” she told us recently. “I didn’t know it was such a big deal!” Ramsay treat! Ever fancied living next door to Neighbours’ Toadie? Well, now’s your chance, as the iconic Kennedy house is up for sale! The property on Pin Oak Court – the real-life cul-de-sac that doubles as Ramsay Street – is currently on the market! Owens all out! Ex-EastEnder Martin Kemp (Steve) was just as gutted about Mel’s tragic death as we were…“So the Owens come to an end!” he tweeted straight after the episode. “Now just part of #EastEnders history – congrats to everyone on the show, taking ongoing…

Oh, Tamzin. What a way to bow out of the show, eh? It’s been a journey, for sure. I loved every minute. We absolutely loved Mel as a villain. Did you enjoy playing that side of her? I love how multi-faceted Mel was – that was a joy to play. After the vulnerability due to losing Hunter, it was exciting playing the unhinged, wicked side of her! Mel’s final week saw her lashing out at best friend Lisa. What were those scenes like to film with Lucy Benjamin, who plays her? Working with Lucy has been incredible. Initially, it was Mel and Lisa hugging and crying over Hunter with wonderful dialogue – but the more vicious and vengeful Mel became, the more electric the scenes felt to shoot. Lucy and…

“Grace could definitely hold her own in the McQueen family!” chuckles Hollyoaks star Tamara Wall, as we quiz her on her character’s new romance with Sylver. “I’ve always pictured her as a landlady, so let’s hope she starts running the Dog – I’ve always wanted to say, ‘Get out of my pub!’” Grace began an affair with Sylver only hours after the shooting of his wife, Mercedes – but what does Tamara make of Grace’s new man? “Grace is excited about her new relationship,” she tells us. “But I think she’s constantly panicking that he’s going to run back to Mercedes.” With Grace’s previous fiancée Trevor Royle having been stabbed on their wedding day, Tamara is hoping that this new romance might go the distance. “Sylver is some light relief…

Stars of the Street and Emmerdale headed down to London recently for the glitzy ITV Palooza – an annual do celebrating the very best the channel has to offer. At the event was Corrie’s Tina O’Brien (Sarah), who looked fab in a flapper-style dress. Also in attendance were Emmerdale stars Ash Palmisciano (Matty), Amy Walsh (Tracy), Matthew Wolfenden (David) and Laura Norton (Kerry). The Dales ladies opted for gowns in timeless black, while Ash and Matthew looked dapper in matching blue blazers.…

Look cosy and chic like Jen this season, in this snug and stylish attire… £12.99 H&M Add the finishing touch with these dangly earrings featuring chain detail. £16 River Island Cinch in loose clothing with this chic belt, and create the illusion of curves. £45 Missguided Jen’s rocking the classic over-the-knee boot – a must-have this season! £29.95 Gap Get cosy vibes with this winter warmer in a slightly oversized fit. £9.99 H&M Keep toes cosy and warm in boots this winter with these soft wool socks. £28 Nasty Gal Featuring a high-waisted glitter waistband, this maxi skirt offers total comfort and style.…

It’s no surprise that shows such as One Born Every Minute have been so popular, because there’s no shortage of variations on the story of starting a new life. But, of course, birth is only the beginning, and this new four-part documentary follows six families through their first weeks with their newborns to capture the highs and lows. Inside TV chatted with two contributors, married couple Paul and Craig Saunders, to find out how their twin girls have changed their lives… “We were ready for the most insane thing to happen to our household – we were like, ‘Anything less than chaos would be amazing’!” chuckles Paul. “And we have struggled with sleep deprivation, but other than that, they’re so incredibly well-behaved and amazing that I think we’re going to…

BATTLING ON Wartime drama World On Fire is set to return to BBC1 for a second series. There’s no news yet on when we can expect to see it, but the first reportedly took two years to finish – so we may have a bit of a wait! ROCKIN’ ROBBIE Robbie Williams will take centre stage in a one-off ITV special called It’s Not The Robbie Williams Christmas Show, to air in December. Filmed at the Alexandra Palace Theatre, he’ll perform his biggest hits, new material and Crimbo classics. MORNING GLORY ITV’s morning schedule is getting shaken up in the New Year! Good Morning Britain will be extended by half an hour to run from 6am-9am, followed by Lorraine, then This Morning – also extended by half an hour –…

KIERON RICHARDSON (Ste Hay, Hollyoaks ) OUT Hollyoaks viewers have just seen Ste leave the village, while his alter ego Kieron takes a break to join the touring production of Band Of Gold. And on top of that, he’s participating in Sleep Walk For Shelter – a 10k walk to raise money for homeless people. “Homelessness is a huge problem in Manchester and events like Sleep Walk help to raise vital funds to support the adults and children who are experiencing homelessness or bad housing,” says Kieron. AMANDA MUGGLETON (Wendy Shaw, Home and Away ) IN Amanda Aussie screen is returning superstar to Summer Bay for a second stint as Robbo’s mother Wendy, after her initial appearance earlier this year. Penny McNamee, who plays…

Speculation is rife over whether 2020 will see the ultimate McDonald gathering with Bev Callard (Liz) and Charles Lawson (Jim) hinting at another return for Liz’s ex. But the icing on the cake is that Angela Griffin (who played Fiona Middleton) is also up for a proper cobbles comeback… Star Angela – who played Fi from 1992 to 1998 – reprised the role briefly this year, as it emerged her ex Steve was her daughter Emma’s dad. “It’s tempting to go back,” says Angela. “There was talk for this year, but the dates didn’t work. It could happen in the future.” Meanwhile, Charles has revealed he has been in talks with Corrie boss Iain MacLeod about reuniting Jim and Liz. “We were talking the other week, and there are ideas,”…

1 MEL JILTS IAN! As Walford celebrated the dawn of a new millennium, Mel ditched husband Ian after learning he’d lied about his daughter Lucy having cancer, to ensure he could take her up the aisle… 2 MEL HAS HER PHIL! A drunken Christmas Day in 2000 ended with Phil seducing Mel, stoking the flames of his on-going feud with her soulmate Steve Owen… 3 MEL WEDS… AND STEVE’S DEAD! Steve and Mel finally tied the knot, with Steve confessing on the big day that he knew about her and Phil. The two men would eventually end up in car chase, with Steve’s car bursting into flames… 4 MEL AND RAY FIGHT TO THE DEATH! Mel remarried her bigamist ex-husband Ray Kelly and called the police…

Elsewhere in the Dales this week, the subject of kids brings more trouble. While Moira is pining for Cain’s son Kyle – whom she’s come to think of as her own child – it seems as though Cain is still keen on twisting the knife into his cheating ex. Little Kyle can see that his stepmum is upset, so he invites her to his birthday party. But Cain has other ideas about how his son should mark his special day. Will it be Kyle who loses out as a result of Cain and Moira’s tug of love?…

“You do know you can’t actually buy a star, right? It’s not like somebody has put a ‘For Sale’ sign on it. So, you’ve just paid £15.99 for a piece of paper? No, you’ve just paid £15.99 for a screenshot on your phone.” Where would the folk of Walford be without the ever-reliable Bailey to keep them grounded? “That was a battle. Leo kept saying he was tired, but he would not go to sleep.” “You should have called me. Locate the pressure point and – pop! – deadweight in a second.” “Did you just offer to use your military expertise to knock my son unconscious?” Frazzled parents around the country take a mental note of this useful information… “My name’s Roy. But you might know me better as Batman.”…

MEL’S LAST STAND Mel’s time in Walford came to a very abrupt end when she walked into the path of an oncoming truck! It was certainly a shock exit, and paved the way for big drama for the Mitchells… OMG, I can’t believe EastEnders just killed off Mel! I knew she was leaving, but I never thought she would end up going in such a shocking way. I practially jumped out of my skin when that truck hit her! It’s sad that she’s gone, but at least she had a memorable exit from the show. RIP Mel. Vicky, Manchester I know that Mel is a classic EastEnders character, but I’m actually glad she’s been killed off. She’s was getting really moany and annoying! Mel was always a schemer, but the…

SINS OF THE FATHER! From an affair with Rosie Webster to stealing the identity of his friend Colin Fishwick and murdering old pal Charlotte Hoyle, John Stape was a magnet for carnage! Poor Fiz finally learned the truth about his crimes before John abducted Rosie and later died following a car crash. DADDY’S GIRL! It was just after John killed Charlotte and buried her in the wreckage of the Street’s tram crash that Fiz went into labour with Hope. It’s no wonder the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree where his naughty daughter is concerned… MOTHER MOST HORRID! Kirsty Soames subjected fiancé Tyrone to emotional and physical abuse, before framing him and making out he was attacking her. Ty ended up behind bars, until Kirsty confessed to her crimes…

1 Perry Fenwick was born on 29 May 1962 in Canning Town, east London, to parents John and Diana. Perry has a sister, Tracey, and two brothers, Faron and Lee. Like a lot of his Walford co-stars, Perry studied at the Sylvia Young Theatre School. 2 In 1998, Perry joined EastEnders – and is now one of its longest-running cast members. As Billy Mitchell, his first episodes saw him as a violent uncle to Jamie. However, producers changed the character, who became a devoted dad to Janet and Will, his kids with ex-wife Honey. “It would be strange not being [on EastEnders],” reveals the star. “I had a good career before, but that was two generations ago I’ve been there for so long!” 3 Before he joined the popular soap,…

“Rosa’s mum is called Xiomara, and she’s as glamorous as her name!” chuckles Casualty star Jacey Sallés, as we quiz her on her alter ego’s mother arriving in Holby. “She is absolutely fabulous – but she’s very meddlesome. She’s very much a lady on a mission, she’s coming to Holby to see if she can get Rosa’s relationship with David on a more permanent footing…” That would be all well and good, if Rosa hadn’t completely fabricated her romance with housemate David! But as we chat to Jacey about Xiomara’s arrival, she tells us that the web of lies her character has spun her mother is about to get even more tangled… What does Rosa think about her mum meddling in her life? In the beginning she’s terrified, because her…

Coronation Street ladies Lucy Fallon (Bethany) and Alexandra Mardell, who plays Emma, took to social media to showcase their long tresses and fancy-dress skills recently. Actress Lucy looked a long way off from her shy alter ego when she transformed herself into Lady Marmalade- era Christina Aguilera! The cobbles fave dressed up as the legendary singer for her recent Stars In Their Eyes-themed birthday party. Meanwhile, cast mate Alexandra posted a photo of herself in a fabulous feline outfit, complete with sparkles and whiskers. The actress also displayed how good she is at multi-tasking, by sipping a glass of fizz while doing the splits!…

1 Green People Cosy Hands Nourishing Skin Treat Envelop hands in the soothing scent of sweet orange, marshmallow and chamomile. 2 Nivea Body Lotion for Dry Skin – Irresistibly Smooth This nourishing formula deeply moisturises skin to reduce roughness. 3 Percy & Reed Perfectly Perfecting Wonder Balm Meet your tresses’ new best friend – a balm that smoothes strands and enhances shine. 4 eos Organic Pomegranate Raspberry Lip Balm Get a hit of moisture and flavour in one, with this super-soft, luscious, fruit-flavoured lip balm.…

Set across both early-Noughties’ Leeds and present-day London, stand-up comedian Liam Williams looks back at his salad days in his new self-penned sitcom, which comes to BBC3 as a box set having been adapted from the Radio 4 series. Adult Liam (played by Williams) is physically placed within the flashback scenes – and when it came to casting himself as a teenager, Liam tells Inside TV how he feels he got it bang on… “We wanted it to be authentic, so we got hundreds of people to film themselves in their bedrooms on laptop cameras – you can hear their parents calling them down for tea in the middle of takes!” laughs the comic. “But the people who really shone were the ones who’d had a bit of experience. We…

LOUISA’S LUCKY ESCAPE! Former Emmerdale actress Louisa Clein (Maya Stepney) had a close call with a collapsing ceiling when she and her mum visited the theatre recently. The star was attending a performance of Death Of A Salesman at Piccadilly Theatre on 6 November, when part of the roof fell down, injuring some members of the audience, and causing the play to be abandoned for the evening. “Terrifying moment,” tweeted Louisa later. “Just to say, my mum and I are fine. The first half hour was utterly mesmerising. Really hope I get to see the rest at some point!” SOAPIES GO TO PARADISE! A number of former soap stars are appearing in the new series of BBC1’s popular crime drama Death In Paradise, which launches in the new year. Nina…

BULLSEYE! It’s funny – we’ve been rolling our eyes for months at Robert’s ‘double life’ storyline, virtually wishing the year away so that he would finally be caught. But as it turns out, it’s all been worth it just to see the women he wronged finally take charge of the story – with Michelle now appearing to hold all the cards. We’re really excited, and can’t wait to see her deal her final hand! Dan is the human embodiment of the phrase, ‘glutton for punishment’. Have some self-respect, man, and cut Kerry loose once and for all. It’s a shame that Mel had to die. Her car race with Sharon had us dreaming of a wacky animated spin-off! For one delirious moment, we hoped Mel had survived by clinging to…