Table of contents for 1 - 2020 in Inside Soap UK

In typical Summer Bay fashion, 2020 won’t be a quiet year – as star Lynne McGranger (Irene) tells us… “Well, a lot happened in our Australian end-of-year finale, which will be on screen in the UK in the spring,” explains the actress. “There’s a siege at the hospital, and people die!” Meanwhile, Lynne reveals that one of the biggest mysteries of next year will centre on Leah’s sudden disappearance… “It has something to do with a mystery phone call,” she tells us. “And then Leah vanishes off the face of the earth!” Elsewhere, over at the safe house, Robbo and Jasmine reel from the shock of Tori losing consciousness. With the new mum in a coma, Justin, Robbo and Jasmine are forced to adjust as they take care of her…

The good news is that Rita will be okay after her fall at Christmas – but more peril awaits when she and some of her pals from Weatherfield are trapped on a party bus that loses control while the gang is travelling to Blackpool – with heroic Rita forced to take the wheel! But will it be Rita’s new attitude towards life that puts them all in danger in the first place? “Rita is okay physically after her accident, but it will have more far-reaching consequences in terms of her perception of her own life, her place in the world and her role on the cobbles,” explains Corrie boss Iain MacLeod. “That’ll play out over the first two months of 2020…”…

The year ahead will be huge for The Mill, as Doctors marks its 20th anniversary! And with the show having lit up our lunchtimes for two whole decades, a major celebration is in order. So what better way to mark the milestone this coming March than by bringing back Diane Keen, who played legendary receptionist turned practice manager Julia Parsons? Welcome back to The Mill, Diane! We first met Julia in 2003 – did you think then that Doctors would still be on all these years later? It’s quite mind-blowing that I’ve been here on and off for most of those 20 years! It’s still exciting to be a part of the show, and I was thrilled when they asked me to come back. I’m just delighted to do it!…

Beloved Ramsay Street couple Shane and Dipi have been having relationship woes recently – but will the new year spell divorce for the pair? To make matters worse for Dipi, Shane has been spending more time with wild child Roxy, and their friendship could put a strain on his marriage… “Roxy feels as if she can be herself around Shane,” explains Zima Anderson, who plays her. “But there is a bit of a problem that arises with her friendship with Shane, and it does shake up the street…” Will Roxy pull Shane and Dipi apart? Or can they manage to find a way to salvage their relationship?…

Louise must come to terms with life as a single mum this week, as the events surrounding Keanu’s disappearance at Christmas weigh heavily on her mind. After the truth about Sharon and Keanu’s affair was finally revealed, Louise appeared to stand by her man as Phil and Ben plotted to take him out of the picture for good. Yet it was Phil’s daughter who ended up delivering the killer blow, leading Keanu into a trap with his kidnapper, Martin. So as life goes on in Albert Square, will Louise be able to live with herself? Or will she crack? “Louise proved that she is a Mitchell through and through – and when you cross one of them, you cross them all,” reiterates our EastEnders insider. “However, baby Peggy stands to…

The honeymoon is definitely over for Chantelle and Gray this week, as the abusive husband turns violent again. After renewing her wedding vows at Christmas, Chantelle desperately tried to avoid her husband’s romantic advances as he suggested trying for another baby – but she was eventually coerced to the bedroom. So, when Chantelle takes a pregnancy test on her husband’s orders – and the result is negative – his frustration swiftly turns to anger… “The monster that Gray had been trying to suppress is creeping back in, threatening to explode once again – and Chantelle can’t keep a lid on it,” explains our EastEnders insider. “It looked as if he was making progress in his therapy sessions, with Gray opening up more about his father, until heartbroken Chantelle halted the…

There’s a nasty shock for Whitney when she arrives at work this week – Leo’s the new stallholder on the market. She’s in utter disbelief as Tony King’s son is revealed to be Bridge Street Market’s latest recruit, working right by her, day in, day out. Worse still, Leo seems determined to pursue Whit, despite her making it clear that she doesn’t want anything to do with him. Will she be able to maintain a safe distance from the manipulative man? “This is Whitney’s worst nightmare – she can’t seem to escape her terrible past!” “This is Whitney’s worst nightmare – she can’t seem to escape Leo or her terrible past,” shares our Walford spy. “Leo says he believes her now and accepts that his dad Tony was a paedophile,…

Tori and Robbo celebrate the birth of their baby this week – but Tori has little time to bond with her child before tragedy strikes! Robbo has only just arrived back at the safe house, after finally arresting the crims responsible for killing his first wife and children. However, his happiness is short-lived… “Robbo gets there just in time for the birth,” grins Jake Ryan, who plays him. “It’s a beautiful moment, Robbo gets another chance to be a dad.” But the next day, Tori passes out – and falls unconscious! “Tori has a stroke, and ends up in a coma,” confirms Jake. “Jasmine and Robbo are suddenly thrown into being full-time parents to baby Grace, which is bittersweet for the two of them. Nobody knows whether Tori is going…

Ruby realises she will have to care for her new niece Harmony this week, after her sister Violette suffers a relapse. Despite newborn Harmony being ready to leave hospital, her mother Violette is nowhere to be seen – which results in a social worker approaching Ruby about taking her little niece home with her! Ruby is certain that Violette will return for her daughter, but unbeknown to her, Violette is back taking drugs. After overdosing, Violette is then rushed back into the ED! Can Ruby’s sister be saved?…

Schoolboy Hendrix is left mortified this week, when he accidentally stumbles upon Karl and Susan’s infamous ‘blue box’! The teenager finds the collection of saucy items after he mistakes it for a barbecue plate he was asked to fetch – and is initially so shocked that he puts it straight back where he found it! However, he’s soon struck with a cheeky idea, and decides to put the contents to good use… What exactly does Hendrix have in mind?…

From serving up bacon balms in Roy’s Rolls to confronting a gunman on the cobbles, Aggie Bailey is no longer the new girl on Coronation Street – she’s a flippin’ hero! “We’re filming so many episodes at the same time on Corrie, it’s not until you stand back afterwards and gasp, ‘I’m doing Christmas Day!’” squeals Lorna Laidlaw, as we applaud the actress for Aggie’s valiant efforts to save dying Robert’s life. “It was such an exciting story to be a part of.” Viewers now know from the events of Weatherfield’s armed siege that Aggie is actually a qualified nurse, and this week we’ll learn why she is no longer practising. So how does Lorna – who’s also best known for her Doctors role as Mrs Tembe – feel about…

As if getting to grips with being a first-time mum isn’t difficult enough, Elly also has to contend with her growing feelings for Finn this week! Neighbours actress Jodi Anasta, who plays the single mum, tells us how her character is coping after falling for her sister’s boyfriend… Hey, Jodi! When does Elly first realise that she has feelings for Finn? Well, this is not something new for her. She’s had a sense there is a connection between them for a while, but it’s determining exactly where to take those feelings. Does she realise that Finn also has feelings for her? Oh yes, that is what she’s most uncomfortable about, as Finn is with her sister, Bea! She feels extremely guilty and incredibly conflicted. What prompts her to move out…

Cheeky Dotty has recently returned to Walford, and is already causing mischief! But Milly’s on her best behaviour as she answers your reader questions… “What was your first day at EastEnders like?” My first day was a whirlwind – it feels so surreal even thinking about it now! I couldn’t believe the characters I saw when I was younger, like Dot and Ian, were actually people. It was overwhelming, although actors like Natalie Cassidy [who plays Sonia] made me feel so relaxed. It was enjoyable, but crazy. “What did you learn while at The BRIT School?” “There are pictures of you on your Instagram when you were blonde – did you have to dye your hair to play Dotty?” No, I didn’t. I was blonde for years, but I’d just…

Rev Will Davenport had a bumpy landing as Grantchester’s new vicar last year – not only did he have to win over his new parishioners and indomitable housekeeper Mrs C, but he also had a major falling-out with curate Leonard that ended up with Will punching him! Thankfully, the two have made peace, and Will’s now settled in his new role – which, of course, includes helping DI Geordie Keating investigate crimes. We caught up with Tom Brittney, who plays Will, to find out what lies ahead… How was it taking over from James Norton last year? The fear was before I had met everyone, but they made me feel so at home that the nerves just went. The only time I was nervous was doing my first sermon, but…

As a new series of Call The Midwife begins this weekend, it’s January 1965. The year begins on a sombre note with the state funeral of Winston Churchill – which brings the capital to a standstill, and is keenly observed on television by Sister Monica Joan. “It was interesting putting ourselves in that – it dates your character,” points out Helen George, who plays Trixie. “We see what Churchill would have meant to them: they have this personal connection to the end-of-the-war era.” While the passing of the former PM is marked with solemnity at Nonnatus House, the midwives are still busy tending to the community’s new and expectant mums. “Poplar is seeing more people coming into the community,” explains Jenny Agutter, who plays Sister Julienne. “She has always wanted…

The shock events of Christmas are still being felt on the Street as the new year dawns, with many residents blaming Gary for the shooting that took place on the cobbles! So what does this mean for his relationship with Maria as 2020 gets under way? Now she has a baby to think about, the hairdresser won’t want to face life as a single mum again – and Samia Longchambon, who plays her, says Maria is desperate to see the best in Gary… “She thinks Gary’s a hero,” confirms the star. “She reckons that everyone should be bowing down to him as he’s the reason they’re all still alive. Maria doesn’t realise he’s caused it…” And with Gary now public enemy number one in Weatherfield, the locals’ hatred of him…

Graham’s plan to leave the drama of Emmerdale behind and start a new life with Rhona comes to a grisly end in the new year – as he’s brutally slain by another villager! But who is the Dales local driven to do him in? The coming weeks will see Graham racking up a long list of enemies, and we’ll witness Graham’s final day from the perspective of several of them over an action-packed week. Each has a motive to kill – but who will do the deed? “Graham’s murder will form part of an unmissable week of drama, packed full of exciting twists and turns,” shares the show’s executive producer, Laura Shaw. “It’s always exciting to step outside of our usual storytelling style, and viewers will be on the edge…

Bethany will leave the cobbles in 2020 – but just like the rest of her time on the Street, her exit will be dramatic! Corrie head honcho Iain MacLeod has hinted that her departure will be tied up in her ill-advised relationship with widower Daniel… “In one of their heads it’s a romance, and in the other it is more complicated than that,” he tells us. “It’s an interesting take on a grief story that isn’t just about Daniel sitting alone in his flat feeling lonely, which will ultimately form part of Lucy Fallon’s [Bethany] exit plot.”…

It’s all set to kick off on the wards of Holby this year, when Serena stages a protest at the hospital and is marched off the premises by the police! Is that how she’ll make her dramatic exit? “Viewers will see a startlingly steely side to Serena when she is faced with a dark reminder from the past,” shares Holby City’s executive producer, Simon Harper. “Developments at the hospital will bring out her joyously rebellious nature as she passionately battles for her family, and her most cherished values.” Meanwhile, Nicky’s mum arrives and reveals that she is up to her eyes in debt – prompting her daughter to take drastic action. And Cameron’s dark side returns……

“Moira may have to hit the bottom before she can stand up again” Moira hits rock bottom this week, resulting in her falling unconscious in the woods! Following a miserable Christmas that saw her cast out by her family, while her toy-boy ex Nate was warmly welcomed into the Dingle fold, Cain’s shameful missus continues to drown her sorrows. But does she risk drinking herself into an early grave? “Moira is using alcohol as a crutch,” explains actress Natalie J Robb, who plays her. “She’s not really an alcoholic, but her boozing is affecting her judgement and causing her to make some very silly decisions. She’s her own worst enemy at the moment.” At the start of the week, Matty reaches breaking point, as he tries – and fails –…

How did it feel to play a huge part in the Christmas episode? I was chuffed! Everyone wants to have a Christmas ep on EastEnders, and I finally got to do it. And I got to be the bitch in it, which is even better! Louise turning on Keanu was the twist of the episode! What was your reaction when you read that in the scripts? I’d discussed with Jon and Kate [Sen and Oates respectively – EastEnders exec producers] early in the year that I wanted Louise to get back that mischievous evil side. So I knew it was going to come, and I was pleased! I didn’t want her to leave with Keanu after he betrayed her. What was it like filming the big confrontation between Louise and…

Sarah looks set to be duped by her untrustworthy pal Danny this week, when he tries to emotionally blackmail her into selling drugs for him – but will she be lured into his web? Aware of how vulnerable poorly Sarah is, particularly in the wake of her fall-out with cousin Noah over Christmas, Danny spins her a vacuous sob story to get her on side… “Danny doesn’t hold back as he turns up to visit Sarah, claiming to be upset,” shares our Dales insider. “Lying that he’s been beaten up by the people he’s been holding on to drugs for, he pleads with Sarah to help him.” Sarah has played right into school pal Danny’s hands with her ‘life’s too short’ attitude, prompted by her fragile health – and it’s…

This is the moment when Steve McDonald learns his wife Tracy has done the dirty on him! After waking up on New Year’s Day in someone else’s bed, guilty Tracy desperately tries to cover her tracks. However, after Leanne uncovers the truth this week and decides to make Tracy’s life a misery, Steve cottons on to the tension between them – leaving his missus with no choice but to fess up… “Steve’s not happy,” winces actress Kate Ford, who plays Tracy. “After years of not wanting to be with Tracy, they are finally settled – and then this. They want to give Amy a stable family life, yet between them they keep messing it up!” At the start of the week, Tracy hopes to hide her sex shame and begs…

Traumatised Jacob is horrified this week, when he finds mum Leyla kissing Doctor Liam! Jacob had no idea that she was interested in the medic, especially since their families share such a difficult history. The teen is still reeling from Maya leaving her baby on their doorstep, so the idea that Leyla is getting it on with the man who used to be married to his abuser sickens him. Jacob’s also shocked since Liam is the father of his on-off love interest Leanna, and the two of them came to blows when Jacob slept with her. What Jacob needs is the love and support of his parents, and Leyla’s actions could compromise his recovery. It’s not that he doesn’t want her to find love, but picking Liam makes all their…

Vicar Harriet Finch knew she was taking a risk when she reunited with her jailbird ex Will Taylor, but she genuinely believed he was a changed man. Until now, Will’s given Harriet no reason to regret the faith she put in him, as they’ve rebuilt their family with his daughter Dawn. However, when a shocking announcement from the bishop threatens to ruin their lives, Will takes drastic action. Now Harriet faces a terrible dilemma, reveals her real-life alter ego Katherine Dow Blyton… “Will robs the village church, but he does it with the best of intentions,” explains the star. “Harriet’s reeling because she’s just met the new bishop, who has told her that the church is going to be closed. The decision means that Harriet might be relocated to Rayleigh…

On 7 August 1985, June and Nevill Bamber, their daughter, Sheila, and her six-year-old twins, Nicholas and Daniel, were found shot to death at their Essex home. The Bambers’ 24-year-old son Jeremy was convicted of killing his whole family in order to inherit his parents’ vast estates – though he continues to protest his innocence 35 years on. Based on extensive research, this new six-part drama aims to give new insight into the case. Inside TV spoke to Freddie Fox (Jeremy), Mark Addy (DS Stan Jones) and Gemma Whelan (Ann Eaton) to find out more… “PEOPLE WERE JUST TRAIPSING THROUGH BLOODY PUDDLES” MARK “Essex Police at that time were coming under increasing pressure to get a backlog of cases cleared,” explains Mark. “So the instruction was, ‘Let’s get this over…

With Jennifer Hudson busy with her film career, there was a chair on this series of The Voice UK that needed filling – and US singer-songwriter Meghan Trainor was happy to take it! As Inside TV caught up with her during a break in filming, we learned why this was an opportunity the star just couldn’t miss… “This has been a bucket-list moment – I was like, ‘One day, I’m going to be in the red chair’,” Meghan tells us. “I’d performed on The Voice in the US and the UK, so this is a crazy dream come true. We videotaped the moment that I got to sit in the chair for the first time – I was crying!” Having started out writing songs for other artists before taking centre…

There’s plenty for Jesse and Courtney to smile about as January arrives, and they prepare to tie the knot at the end of the month. They’re two of the nicest people living in the village, so their friends and neighbours will be hoping for a happy-ever-after for this lovely couple. However, as they draw closer to saying “I do”, the pair are disappointed to be given some bad news about their wedding venue… While the bride stresses about her big day, Jesse is desperate to give her the wedding of her dreams, and vows to pull out all the stops. But as he does everything he can to give her the perfect Scottish-themed ceremony, will their nuptials go off without a hitch? Or will disaster strike?…

Newcomer Verity hits our screens this week – and she’s set to make a big impression on one of the local hunks! Actress Eva O’Hara has joined the cast of Hollyoaks to play the daughter of Edward Hutchinson – half-sister of Tony – and she tells us that there are big things in store for her character… Hi, Eva! What can you tell us about Verity? Well, she’s quite the woman! She’s a lawyer from London, so she’s very quick-witted and intelligent. We decided she’s the ‘head girl’ type – she’s always the one in charge, and she has a real sense of self when she arrives in the village. How would you descibe her relationship with her dad? It’s really interesting because he’s quite sly, and Verity is almost…

New Bistro boss Ray could be set to make Alya his next victim of sexual harassment, as the two continue to work closely on the cobbles! The businessman made a pass at former employee Michelle a few months back, leaving her outraged – and our sneaky behind-the-scenes snap appears to show Ray and his young protégé Alya growing closer. So will the sex-pest try to persuade Alya that she’ll need to mix business with pleasure if she wants to succeed? Or will she get wind of his true intentions, and expose him for the rotten egg that he really is?…

Fiz and Tyrone are distraught this week, as social workers declare them unfit to care for daughters Hope and Ruby! And worse is to come when their nightmare nanny Jade – the secret daughter of Fiz’s killer ex John Stape – unveils who she really is in a bid to take custody of the girls. But will she get her wicked way? Fiz and Tyrone are stunned when officials arrive to quiz them about Hope’s wellbeing, – even more so once it emerges that Hope’s version of homelife is vastly different from theirs. So the decision is made to remove the girls from their care… “This is Jade’s last-ditch attempt to get Hope away from Fiz – it all kicks off after Evelyn tells her to move out of No…

Fiz and Gary are relieved this week, when they both discover they’ve told the police the same story. After the horrifying shooting at Winter Wonderland on Christmas Day, Fiz and Gary are questioned by the police. And despite what they know, both claim that the only gun they’re aware of is the antique one in the shop. However, worried Tyrone tells Fiz that by fibbing, she might have made matters worse. Will Fiz continue to lie, or will she tell the police the truth?…

Jesse enlists Azim as his wedding planner this week, and Azim soon finds himself a willing assistant to help! Azim put together his first Chester wedding for his brother Sami, which was halted by runaway bride Sinead. So when groom-to-be Jesse realises that there’s a wedding planner in town, he asks if Azim will organise his nuptials to Courtney. However, Scott thinks Azim needs to be brought back to earth and offers his services as an assistant! Can the flamboyant pair work together?…

Keegan’s business is in big trouble again this week, after an unfortunate incident leaves him late for his sandwich round. The young entrepreneur agrees to go into partnership with Vinny, who helps him source his own moped, and the pair head off on their new wheels to sell their wares. However, after they encounter an unexpected hold-up along the way, the two are late arriving at Gray’s office – and the lawyer is quick to make it known that he’s not impressed! Will ruthless Gray end up firing his own brother-in-law?…

Department boss Connie struts back into the ED after a leave of absence this week – but is she ready to return to her old role? The clinical lead was forced to take a break from her job after becoming addicted to prescription drugs, and her close friend Charlie discovered that she’d let his wife Duffy take the fall for a terrible mistake she’d made while high. As Connie arrives back on the floor this week, she insists to iterim boss Dylan that she wants to come back gradually, and isn’t ready to return to a managerial position just yet. However, with Dylan not coping and an emergency in resus that needs handling, will Connie reconsider? And how will she reply when Archie asks her whether she’s clean now?…

“Jimmi feels very alone and has lost faith in everyone” Letherbridge GP Jimmi spent Christmas banged up in jail for breaking his bail conditions, following his shock arrest for possession of heroin – and is currently facing a very unhappy new year as a result. But while the grim reality of prison continues to take its toll on Jimmi this week, Adrian Lewis Morgan, who plays Jimmi, is making the most of his character’s woes… “I was excited when I heard what was in store for Jimmi,” shares the actor. “It’s a big departure from what we usually do. Before this, Jimmi was quiet and there was a bit of a lull for him – so I was hoping that it was something the audience would be able to get…

When the house shared by local doctor Tom Kendrick, his wife Kate, a schoolteacher, and their children catches fire in the middle of the night, it seems at first as though a senseless tragedy has struck the Scottish village of Kirkdarroch. Only Tom survives, and in the aftermath it becomes clear that the blaze wasn’t the cause of Kate and their kids’ deaths – prompting the locals to question everything they thought they knew about their community and closest friends. Inside TV caught up with David Tennant, who plays Tom, to find out more… What can you tell us about Tom? Tom is a GP who is very much the centre of his community. He’s popular and confident, has a wife and three beautiful children, and an enormous house. To…

Making an early bid for most bonkers show of 2020, here comes The Masked Singer! The set-up is simple(ish) – 12 celebs take part in a singing competition, but their identities are concealed under an elaborate costume, to the point where even the backstage crew doesn’t know who they are. So the big question is: who’s behind the masks? That’s what a panel consisting of Rita Ora, Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross and US TV star Ken Jeong must guess – and it’s a puzzle we at home can play along with, too. “I feel like half of them I kind of know,” Rita tells us. “It would be so bad if they were my mates! Then there are Jonathan’s wild suggestions that I get sucked in with – I don’t…

If you’ve been paying attention to our Telly Tattle section, you’ll know that Ardal O’Hanlon – aka DI Jack Mooney – will be leaving Death In Paradise this year, and Ralf Little will be replacing him as DI Neville Parker. However, the time and circumstances of his departure are yet to be confirmed – and as the ninth series begins this week, Jack is exploring new horizons. Ardal tells us more… What’s Jack up to at the start of the series? Jack goes for dance lessons, where he meets a witness in a case, and becomes friendly with her – so he’s in a good place. He’s still a melancholy soul, but he feels as if he belongs out there. So while it’s lonely, it’s also healthy. You’ve seen him…

THEATRE DISNEY ON ICE Disney is getting its skates on this year for an unforgettable show! Be amazed by more than 50 characters, including Micky Mouse, Donald Duck, Princess Jasmine and Cinderella – and sing along to favourites such as Let It Go and You’ve Got A Friend In Me at this skating spectacular! For more info and to buy tickets, visit www.disneyonice.com DVD GOLD DIGGER When affluent 60-year-old Julia meets thirtysomething Benjamin, she falls in love. But he has a secret past, and her family is on the brink of collapse. Is Benjamin really Julia’s second shot at happiness? Or is he in fact just a gold digger? For the chance to win a copy, tell us which Emmerdale village resident lives at Home Farm: A) Kim or B)…