Table of contents for 2 - 2020 in Inside Soap UK

“There’s a few big shocks on the agenda” We love looking into our soapie crystal ball and bringing you a peek of what the future holds for our favourite characters. But we must admit, we do have a bit of help from time to time. This week, we give a warm welcome to the lovely Iain MacLeod, Corrie’s producer, who took time to chat with us about the upcoming stories on the Street, and revealed there’s a few big shocks on the agenda in the next few months. But don’t worry, we’ve not neglected this week’s dramas. Those big secrets from Christmas are still causing big bother in Walford, with Linda, Louise and Martin all looking set to pay the price. Meanwhile, Emmerdale sees Graham’s enemies lining up, each one…

“ Brenda may seem to like the Emmerdale gossip, but I think it’s because she only has old Doug for company. She needs something else in her life – I reckon a love tussle with Bear would be fun – and might keep her out of everyone else’s business!” …says reader Samia from Bournemouth “Corrie’s Toyah is a character in need of a plot. I recall her real dad isn’t Les Battersby, so it would be great to see his side of the family. Imagine if they were even rougher than the Battersbys, now Toyah’s all vegan food and fancy frocks!” …reckons reader Della “The place EastEnders’ Sharon had her DNA test done seems a bit dodge to me – remember how they sent the results to Mel when she…

FAIR CITY Mairead and Damien get closer this week, when they offer to star in Bosco’s short film. But will working together drive them apart? Elsewhere, Sarah’s mother Rebecca arrives to confront Barry! And Wayne worries about Orla’s welfare… RIVER CITY Ruby becomes suspicious of Joe’s behaviour this week, and enlists Nicole to help her to find out what’s going on… Meanwhile, Lenny is horrified to find out that Rory has hired a hitman! Plus, Scarlett wants to be the next councillor for Shieldinch! THE ARCHERS Kirsty and Philip’s news spreads around the village this week, and a visitor soon arrives to give Kirsty support – but who could it be? Elsewhere, Alistair’s act of kindness ends in a devastating accusation… Finally, Lilian dreads delivering her news to Peggy! See…

WATCHING IN FAST-FORWARD I wasn’t quite sure how Hollyoaks was going to pull off a flash-forward episode set a whole year in advance, but it was brilliant. I’m so intrigued to see what the year ahead holds! Who’s getting married? Who dies? And how do Juliet and Peri end up together? I can’t wait to find out all the answers! Gemma, Sheffield SAVE OUR SHONA Why have the writers of Corrie had to break David’s heart yet again? One minute Shona was fine, then the next she collapsed and has not woken up since. There’s no way she’ll recover, unless there’s some kind of miracle. I know Julia Goulding [who plays Shona] is off on maternity leave, but this wasn’t the exit I expected. Corrie, I beg you not to…

It was certainly an eventful Christmas on the cobbles, and a little different from the cosy Corrie festivities we may have been used to. But according to show producer Iain MacLeod – who joins Inside Soap to reflect on Weatherfield’s Christmas gun terror, before we grill him on the drama in store later this year – there’s plenty more to come. “I’m aware that the presence of firearms on Coronation Street full stop is controversial, so it isn’t a decision that we took lightly,” he explains. “Famously, Ernie Bishop was killed by a shotgun many years ago, so it’s not as though this is the first time we’ve done anything on this scale. Doing something that involved a gun felt like a realistic and truthful payoff to the story we’ve…

THE BIG STORIES BABY SWAP! When Ronnie Mitchell found her newborn baby dead in his cot, she went out in search of help. On hearing Kat’s own one-day-old son crying, panicked and emotional Ronnie swapped the babies. Months later, increasingly unstable Ronnie handed herself in to the police, and Tommy was returned to Kat. FIRE HORROR! Desperate for cash, Alfie set fire to his and Kat’s home for the insurance money, without knowing Kat was asleep inside. He rescued her – and she thought him a hero – but Kat was left with severe burns. Later, when Kat discovered that a photograph of Alfie’s Nana had escaped the inferno, she realised Alfie started the blaze. MYSTERY AFFAIR! Alfie realised that Kat was having an affair with one of his friends,…

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It’s official: Love Island is now such a bona-fide megahit that we’re getting two series a year – hooray! Since it’s a bit too chilly for sunbeds in Mallorca at this time of year, the winter series will take place in the sunnier climes of Cape Town, and with Caroline Flack having stood down as the host of the upcoming series, Laura Whitmore will be overseeing the singles… “I’m super-excited – it’s the biggest and best TV show!” enthuses Laura. “Normally I’m sitting on my sofa watching it – which I’ll still be doing when I’m not out in South Africa – but I’m so glad to be involved, and being in a different location this year will bring a new side to things. I’m really looking forward to working…

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 Dev Alahan........................ Jimmi Harkishin Izzy Armstrong............... Cherylee Houston Adam Barlow...................... Sam Robertson Aggie Bailey......................... Lorna Laidlaw Eddison Bailey....... Trevor Michael Georges James Bailey..................... Nathan Graham Michael Bailey....................... Ryan Russell Amy Barlow.......................... Elle Mulvaney Ken Barlow......................... William Roache Peter Barlow....................... Chris Gascoyne Leanne Battersby................... Jane Danson Toyah…

While Louise is falling to pieces as she deals with her guilty conscience, across the Square, her stepmother isn’t wasting time feeling sorry for herself. Sharon is ready to stand up for herself, according to Letita Dean, who plays her… “The fighter in Sharon is going to come to the surface,” promises the star. “This isn’t the first time she’s found herself in this situation. Her priority will be her son, Dennis, and her unborn baby. She has a few friends left on the Square, so she’ll definitely be looking to them for help. And don’t forget, she knows Phil inside out – she’s able to push his buttons, so if he decides to fight dirty, Sharon will definitely go toe to toe with him.”…

Stressed Jai strays back into old habits this week, when the pressure of working at the outdoor pursuits centre sees his mind turn to cocaine! But will he be tempted to take the drug he was once addicted to? “Jai has a lot of pressure piled on him by Al and Kim,” reveals actor Chris Bisson, who plays Jai. “It’s mainly to do with the launch of the centre, and it’s been handed to Jai at the last minute. He’s frustrated as Al and Kim are doing very little, and he’s the one making it all happen – yet Al keeps chipping away and undermining him! The insults rub salt into the wound. Kim and Al just wind Jai up – and, as we know, he has a very short…

Troubled Honey is horrified to realise she could be pregnant this week – and slimy ex Adam would be the father. When Habiba mentions that it’s been six weeks since Honey saw off her cheating boyfriend, the worried mum works out she hasn’t had a period since then. Desperate to know for sure, Honey races off to get a pregnancy test, not even confiding in new pal Ash that she could be carrying Adam’s baby. But given her fragile state right now, Honey needs support... “Honey’s loved ones know she’s going through a dark time,” shares our Walford spy. “She’s very ill with her eating disorder, and the stress of a potential pregnancy makes everything worse. The last thing she needs is Adam back in her life – he’s toxic.…

With their wedding day rapidly approaching, Jesse and Courtney put the final touches to their preparations this week… until disaster strikes! The betrothed couple are gutted to hear that their wedding venue has been ravaged by a fire, forcing them to move their nuptials to the Loft. Then groom Jesse makes things even worse by firing wedding planner Azim, deciding that it will be more personal if he organises the whole ceremony himself! Will everything be ready in time for their big day?…

MARTIN VS THE MITCHELLS! EastEnders fans were treated to a double dose of festive drama, after a New Year’s flashback revealed what really happened on Christmas Day – but could Martin live to regret crossing the Mitchells? on the edge of my seat – I still can’t believe that Linda shot Keanu! What a twist that was. I’m glad Keanu survived, but I don’t know how Linda is going to cope with covering up such a huge secret. The way she’s drinking, she’ll have both her and Martin killed within weeks! Nina, Crewe I loved that it was actually Louise who sealed Keanu’s fate in the end. She’s Phil Mitchell’s daughter all right! I just wish someone would get baby Peggy away from that toxic family – she’d be better…

Having seen the episode where Lee raped Victoria, we as viewers know the truth of the situation. And so does Susan after tuning in herself – although she’s now regretting having watched that episode… “I thought that whole week was amazing, seeing everything from all those different points of view –those were such dynamic episodes,” she explains. “But I wish I could turn back the clock! I watched it before I started on the show, and it made it very difficult defending Lee on screen. “Luckily, Kris [Mochrie], who played Lee, was one of the nicest people you could meet,” adds Susan. “He’s the sweetest man – that made my job easier in terms of defending Lee, and that was what I worked on.”…

“A reunion is always on the cards for Martin and Sonia…” “This is probably the best stuff I’ve had since I’ve been on EastEnders, to be honest,” reckons James Bye, who plays Martin, as he reflects on his alter ego’s descent to the dark side. “I was a bit unsure about how we were going to get from Martin the fruit-and-veg guy to suddenly being this bad boy. But it’s been so nice for the audience to see him spiral out of control in front of them. And me and Max [Bowden, who plays Martin’s vengeful nemesis Ben] have had a ball!” Martin was on the run with wife Stacey after she almost clubbed Phil to death, when his daughter Bex’s suicide attempt forced him out of hiding. It’s this…

There has been no spectacle greater in soap than when a tram crashed on to the cobbles in 2010 to mark the Street’s 50th birthday. So, as the show turns 60 this December, the pressure is on to deliver an even greater show-stopper… “It’s an astonishing landmark – and at the start of the year, we have our 10,000th episode that we are intending to mark with something ‘classic Corrie’ that has a comedic and character-driven vibe,” shares Iain. “The 60th is likely to be something more explosive. The expectation from the audience now with anniversaries isn’t necessarily death and destruction, but that a spectacle is attached to it. We have some fairly novel ideas that we are exploring at the moment, so that should be exciting!”…

1 Helen’s real name is Cathryn Helen Wigglesworth! She was born on 7 January 1951 in West Yorkshire, but grew up in the seaside town of Morecambe with her older brother Neville. When Helen was eight, her parents fostered Ghanaian-born Wilson Kpikpitse, who lived with the family until her mum Gladys’ death in 1971. 2 One of Helen’s first jobs was as an urchin in the film Oliver!. She also appeared in another classic musical, this time on the West End stage, when at the age of 12 she starred as one of the von Trapp children in The Sound Of Music. “I remember getting out of bed at midnight with my mum to go to the auditions,” laughs Helen. 3 At the age of 22, Helen joined Corrie as…

STEVIE BASAULA (Isaac Baptiste, EastEnders ) IN We’ve already met Sheree’s son Isaac in the special flashback episode on New Year’s Day. And Isaac is set to become a more permanent presence in Walford… “I feel blessed to be a part of such an iconic show,” says actor Stevie Basaula. EastEnders boss Jon Sen describes Isaac as “a teacher with a troubled past”. Late Jan ROB KIPAWILLIAMS, ETHAN BROWNE & KAWAKAWA FOX-REO (Ari Parata,Tane Parata & Nikau Parata, Home and Away)  IN A new family is heading to Summer Bay – get ready to meet the Paratas! Rob Kipa-Williams plays Ari Parata – the first of the clan to make an appearance – and he’ll soon be joined by Ethan Browne (who plays Ari’s brother, Tane) and Kawakawa…

CORRIE Double wife! TIM’S TERRIBLE SECRET COMES BACK TO HAUNT HIM AGAIN… Tim was aghast to discover the joke wedding he’d had in Vegas was anything but, and his horrified missus Sally has barely forgiven him. Sadly, any hopes he had for a quick divorce are dashed next week, when his real wife rocks up on the cobbles! So why has she chosen now to seek him out? And what does she want from him? Sal’s definitely not going to be happy… EASTENDERS The Beale deal? The day of the Walford local election arrives next week, and Ian is keen to secure a venue for his victory party! But is the wannabe councillor getting ahead of himself? EMMERDALE Murder mystery! One of the Dales’ biggest ever ‘whodunnits?’ kicks off next…

He’s been to hell and back over the past couple of years, and David has yet more heartache ahead of him as Shona remains lost to him. We all know that the volatile fella can turn to the dark side, and Jack fears we may see the return of evil David – particularly when Fiz admits she brought the gun to the Street. “David reminds Fiz that Shona may not make a full recovery and that’s down to what she did!” shares Jack. “He’s been through so much this year. He’s living on the edge right now, and David is capable of anything. This storyline is something very different to play – I’m really looking forward to it!”…

It’s not just the situation with Al and Kim that is getting to Jai. His young son Archie has clearly been having problems, which has also caused great stress for the worried father. However, what Jai doesn’t realise is that Archie has been the subject of victimisation by Laurel’s son, Arthur. “Archie is still traumatised,” agrees Chris. “Obviously, from Jai’s perspective he doesn’t know why, but Archie’s having nightmares – he’s started wetting the bed – so Jai’s getting no sleep on top of this. It’s layer upon layer of frustration, of angst and anxiety about his son. He doesn’t understand what’s happened to Archie, and he’s not able to fix it, so it’s driving him insane.”…

Bernie reckons she has her former lover Kel bang to rights this week, after she sets a trap to expose him as a paedophile! Having sent Kel a message online, claiming to be a 14-year-old boy who would like some DJ lessons, Bernie’s delighted when Kel agrees to meet. She reckons she can get the evidence she needs to prove that he’s been taking advantage of teenage boys – but will it really be as easy as Bernie thinks? “There’s a reason police officers have to undergo rigorous training before joining the force!” tuts our Coronation Street insider. “Apprehending criminals is a dangerous job, and Bernie should beware taking the law into her own hands. Who knows what Kel could be capable of?” Bernie has no concerns about her own…

There’s another setback for struggling Daniel this week, when he plays Bertie the video his late wife Sinead made for their little boy shortly before she died. Determined that her son would feel his mummy’s presence even after she was no longer around, Sinead worked hard on a whole host of videos during her final days. Her special message for the birthday boy has the effect she was hoping for, and Bertie’s face lights up as he watches – while Daniel sobs. However, might his little boy’s joy help Daniel to turn a corner?…

Ruby struggles to look after her baby niece Harmony this week – and resorts to watching videos online for tips! Having been kept up all night by the baby’s crying, Ruby realises she needs some expert advice, and turns to the internet. However, Lev points out that all babies are different, and a generic video won’t be of any use – before asking if she’d like him and his wife Faith to help her out? Ruby’s insistent that she doesn’t need their support. But how much longer can she look after the newborn on her own?…

PINK AGAIN Linda in EastEnders was wearing a really nice pink, sequined top during the Christmas episodes. Do you know where it’s from, please? It would be great for my birthday do! Jillian Linda’s ‘Phase Eight Candy Alessa Sequin Knitted Top’ is available on the Debenhams website, and is currently in the sale for £42.50. BY GEORGE! I’m sure I recognised the guy who played Moira’s business associate George in Emmerdale at New Year – what might I have seen him in before, Sarah? Krystal, London George was played by actor Stuart Laing, who you probably remember from his 2006 stint in EastEnders as Rob Minter. Rob was the husband of doctor ‘Mad’ May Wright – and after he got Dawn Swann pregnant, the twisted couple offered to buy…

With Roxy’s secret that she’s a donor match for David now revealed, life for her at home is getting harder. And after her friendship with Shane was halted by his concerned wife Dipi, will Roxy go off the rails? Zima Anderson, who plays the troubled youngster, tells us what life is like for her alter ego… Hello, Zima! What’s the atmosphere like at home for Roxy now her secret is out? Not great at all. She feels she’s lost Paul completely – he’s just utterly ripped to shreds. Terese has always been understanding, but Roxy believes that she’s disappointed her a lot, as well as Harlow. She feels as though she’s lost a sister. Do you think Roxy could lead Shane astray? I mean, Roxy does get a little bit…

We asked Iain: If you could steal a character from a rival soap for just one day, who would it be and why? He was so spoiled for choice that he picked three! “The one who has the most enduring popularity across any soap – and it doesn’t matter what they do or to whom they do it – is Cain in Emmerdale,” grins Iain. “Seeing Gary, who has been coronated as the Street’s new villain, go up against Cain would be interesting. “I also love Sienna from Hollyoaks,” he adds. “Anna Passey, who plays her, is an incredible talent and has drawn this complex character that could start a crisis in an empty room. So I think having her get off the Weatherfield Wayfarer to cause some chaos would…

After a dramatic Christmas on the cobbles, Lucy Fallon – who plays Bethany – saw in the new year in New York! The star jetted off to America with her boyfriend Tom Leech, and has shown off the sights on Instagram, captioning her pictures: “2020… the year I take the biggest leap of my life! Feeling super-anxious, but can’t wait to see what this new decade brings.” Lucy is leaving the Street in a few weeks, and Tina O’Brien (Sarah) has revealed that she’s dreading her on-screen daughter’s departure. “I love her, and I really am going to miss her,” said the star. “I selfishly don’t want Lucy to go, but I totally understand that she has to, and it’s the best thing she could do for herself. There are…

EastEnders fans might well have noticed a familiar face in last week’s opening episode of Deadwater Fell: Laurie Brett (formerly Jane Beale) as DC Gemma Darlington, one of the detectives investigating the fire at the Kendrick house. The case takes a turn this week with the appearance of a fresh witness, as the police pay close attention to their prime suspect – so Gemma’s going to be kept quite busy… “She’s a totally driven career woman,” explains Laurie. “She’s passionate about her job – she’s meticulous, and she lives for work. Gemma’s not married, which is her choice – in my head, she’s probably got a few people on the go in the background! She’s no-nonsense, intelligent and intuitive – if I needed any police work doing, I’d certainly want…

The idea of Great Britain facing a destabilising crisis might not feel quite so fictional as it would have done five years ago, but try not to let that worry you while watching this gripping new drama. It follows some of the country’s most powerful people as the UK is beset by a natural disaster that leaves it plunged into darkness, and they face the unenviable job of trying to calm the public and decide how best to deploy their resources in the aftermath. Inside TV caught up with Robert Carlyle, who plays prime minister Robert Sutherland, Victoria Hamilton (chief of staff Anna Marshall) and David Haig (home secretary Archie Glover-Morgan) to find out more… Did you feel very powerful playing these characters? Victoria Yeah, to a certain degree. If…

ALRIGHT, RAHH KID Holly Quin-Ankrah, who played lapdancer Cheryl Gray in Coronation Street from 2010 to 2011, has been enjoying a new career. Under her stage name Rahh, the actress-turned-singer has been performing with former Oasis front man Liam Gallagher on his latest tour. Manchester-born Holly says she grew up loving songs such as Wonderwall, so can’t believe she’s now singing with Liam and a 24-piece orchestra. “Performing with Liam is amazing,” she says. “We were doing sold-out arenas and they’re such passionate laddy fans. It’s been incredible becoming a vocalist in his band.” A CARLY CAMEO? It’s been more than two years since we last saw Carly Hope in Emmerdale, but although there’s always the possibility of a return, it’s unlikely to be a full-time one. For now, Gemma…

BULLSEYE! Just putting this out there… At Christmas, did anyone else find Corrie’s Gary Windass really sexy when he dived in front of Derek’s shotgun and scooped up young Harry, saving Sarah’s boy from almost certain death? No? Oh, please yourselves! (Also: we bet you 50p that Sarah ends up back in his bed. Poor Adam. Talk about settling for a burger when you have steak at home.)…