Table of contents for 3 - 2020 in Inside Soap UK

“Emmerdale is good, clean, murder fun!” Whodunnits are a soap favourite, where a character is bumped off by a mystery assassin, normally after several other characters have snarled, “I’ll kill ’em!” through gritted teeth. This is followed by several weeks of shifty behaviour and several red herrings, before the killer is finally unmasked, sometimes to gasps of astonishment, but quite often to groans of slight disappointment after all that time we’ve spent waiting for the truth. Plus, we rarely get to see the killer doing the deed, just an explanation after the fact. That’s why I approve of Emmerdale this week – it’s less of a ‘whodunnit?’ and more of a ‘whoduzzit?’. We still get the big arguments and vows of revenge from each suspect, but on the last episode…

Here is your first look at Corrie lovebirds Sarah Platt and Adam Barlow preparing to tie the knot in style – wowing their guests with a gorgeous 1920s-themed ceremony! Tina O’Brien and Sam Robertson, who play the smitten couple, were spotted on location as they filmed scenes for the big day. Tina looked stunning in a flapper-style frock, topped off beautifully with a feathered shawl and matching sparkly headband – while Adam was even more dapper than usual… “No expense will have been spared on the do,” grins our Corrie spy. “Adam loves Sarah, and wants her to have the perfect day.” Adam proposed to Sarah while they were under attack from gunman Derek at Christmas, as he tried to take revenge on Gary, who saved Sarah’s son Harry. Paparazzi…

“Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Phil somehow ended up back with Kathy after all these years? She’s desperately in need of a storyline, and it has a kind of poetry to it!”…says reader Dave from Bexley “I hope the new bishop in Emmerdale becomes a regular character. Forget the Cains and Kims of this world – this is what proper terrifying looks like!”…chuckles reader Ange “With Andrew Whyment and Caitlyn Jenner getting on so well in the I’m A Celeb jungle, I would love for Caitlyn to pop up on the Street as an old kennel friend of Kirk’s.”…suggests reader Darren from Canterbury “Now that John Paul is home in Hollyoaks, he needs a new love interest. But getting back with James would be boring. How about Azim? JP needs…

WIT AND WISDOM “I would leave her to stew in her own juice, but I can feel Jesus watching me.” Dot “They say that you should be wary of strangers, but it’s the people you love who hurt you the most.” Dot “It’ll be all right this time, Ma. I can feel it. This time it will be different.” Nick THE KEY RELATIONSHIPS CHARLIE COTTON Dot’s first husband was an old-school spiv – a work-shy gambler who had an affair with Dot’s sister, then walked out on their marriage. But Dot stood by her Charlie, however badly he treated her, such was her respect for her marriage vows. NICK COTTON Dot’s life has been defined by her relationship with her only son, Nick. She prayed for his salvation, but every…

Sarah-Jane Aesthetics Magic Icey Globes Pop these in your fridge for a skincare upgrade that will depuff tired eyes and drain your face of toxins. Grounded Fountain Of Youth Serum This hydrating and ultra-plumping serum consists of hyaluronic acid and blue algae to detoxify skin. GlamGlow Waterburst Hydrated Glow Moisturiser Developed with moisture-lock technology, this sea-blue formula refreshes and renews. Tisserand Aromatherapy Mind Clear Pulse Point Roller Ball This blend with peppermint, lavender and uplifting lemon oils offers zen and relaxation.…

NO OFFENCE Stephen Merchant is to write, direct and star in BBC1 six-parter The Offenders. Strangers on a Community Payback scheme defend one of the group against a criminal gang… HOME TURF Olivia Colman’s next role will be in four-part Sky Atlantic drama Landscapers. It’s based on the true story of Susan and Christopher Edwards, a seemingly unassuming couple who killed Susan’s parents and buried them in their garden. OVEN READY Kelly Brook, Caroline Quentin, Russell Howard and Patsy Palmer are among the stars confirmed for the next Celebrity Bake Off For Stand Up To Cancer. They’ll be baking up treats for Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith (oh, and charity!) later this year.…

While Sharon schemes against Phil, Letitia Dean, who plays her, hopes there might be a second chance for the pair… some day! “I reckon that Sharon will always love Phil,” she muses. “So I personally hope they reunite – but I don’t think it will happen at the moment!” The past 12 months have certainly been a trial for Sharon, but Letitia has loved the latest twist in her alter ego’s life. “What we’ve just done is great,” she says. “The Christmas Day scene with Steve McFadden [who plays Phil] was really charged, and working with him – as I have for decades – is always a joy.” But the story has also given Letitia the chance to get close to some new co-stars… “I loved working with Danny Walters…

Ah, don’t newlyweds Courtney and Jesse look the picture of happiness as they pose for photos with their loved ones on their big day? Sadly, the smiles soon fade for the happy couple when bride Courtney wakes up the morning after her wedding to find out that her new hubby hasn’t come home! So where exactly is Jesse, and what has happened to him? “It’s a classic Hollyoaks wedding, full of high drama!” teases star Luke Jerdy, who plays missing groom Jesse. “It was absolutely brilliant to film, because I think in the past a lot of things have happened to Jesse, rather than him being the catalyst for situations. So it was nice for me to be able to film stuff where he’s the protagonist for a change.” The…

The stars of Corrie were thrown straight in at the deep end as they returned to work after the Christmas break. Sarah and Adam’s big day wasn’t the only huge story to commence filming, as actress Sally Carman – who plays Abi – took part in a night shoot for a plot that’ll see her alter ego seemingly set fire to a car! “Word on the cobbles is that Abi torches the motor in an act of revenge,” reckons our Street sneak. “But who has upset her so badly to prompt such a strong reaction?” The smart money has to be on Abi’s new partner, Ray. She seems to have a handle on the sleazy bloke – but if he oversteps the mark, he could regret it! Abi looks cool,…

Pregnant Maria has her 12-week scan at the hospital this week, and is relieved to hear that her baby is doing well. However, just as Maria finally relaxes and looks forward to starting a family with Gary, she overhears him on the phone telling someone else that he loves them! “This is a kick in the teeth for Maria,” sighs our cobbles spy. “She has stuck by Gary, despite learning he’s a loan shark and caused the deaths of Rana and Robert. The idea that he would betray her and their unborn child is crushing.” Gary insists that Maria is the girl he wants to be with, and that he’s made a conscious effort to turn over a new leaf by giving up loansharking. However, with the pair living in…

The fire drama provokes Bernie into making an uncharacteristically selfless decision this week – she’s leaving Weatherfield. It was her scheme to trap Kel, by posing as a 14-year-old boy online, that kicked off this latest round of horror for the family. Worse still, her actions compromised the case against Kel, who may never be brought to justice. So, in the aftermath of the fire, Bernie makes a heartbreaking decision, deciding to leave town. As Paul and Gemma wave goodbye to their feckless mum, can life return to normal?…

DAVID & SHONA’S HEARTACHE Some soap couples just can’t seem to catch a break, and David and Shona appear to be one of the most tragic pairings on the cobbles right now! Is it too much to hope for some happiness? While I’m happy that Shona didn’t die from her gunshot wound at Christmas, it’s been absolutely heart-wrenching to see her and David suffering in the aftermath of what’s happened to her. First she fell into a coma, then I read in Inside Soap that she’s due to wake up, but won’t recognise poor David! It just makes me wonder how much more the writers can put them through. Harrison Shona is one of my favourite characters in Corrie – she’s such a strong and gutsy lady, and I think…

“This story is the gift that keeps on giving,” grins Mark Charnock (aka Marlon) when we grill him on his alter ego’s murderous capabilities as Graham breathes his last this week. “It’s one of those presents that just opens up more and more, and at the centre of it is this amazing thing. When I first read the script, I couldn’t put it down – it’s a page-turner, and it’s thrilling!” With Graham’s sinister machinations finally proving his undoing at the hands of a mystery assailant (see p4 for our in-depth report), there’s a week of gripping Dales drama ahead – and Mark is clearly delighted that his character is one of the murder suspects. While the affable pub chef might be the last person we would expect to deliver…

CUTTING IT SYDNEY HENSHALL (2002-2005) Sian starred alongside Amanda Holden and Sarah Parish in this BBC series set in a Manchester hair salon. EASTENDERS ELAINE JARVIS (2006) As the manager of Fargo’s eatery, Elaine fell for Kevin Wicks – until she walked in on him snogging his ex-girlfriend, Denise Fox… NORTHERN LIGHTS PAULINE SCOTT (2006) Sian played the shy but fiercely protective wife of Mark Benton’s character, Howie, in this ITV comedy-drama. HOPE SPRINGS HANNAH TEMPLE (2009) Hannah was one of four female ex-cons in hiding after a robbery. Sian’s Corrie cast mate Mark Frost (Ray) also starred. EMMERDALE SALLY SPODE (2009-2010) Ashley Thomas’ life was made hell by ex Sally, who moved to the village intending to murder his wife Laurel! MOUNT PLEASANT BIANCA (2011-2014) This Sky series also…

Who’d have guessed that one of Corrie’s big baddies for 2020 would be a hospital radio DJ and amateur magician called Geoff? In recent months, jovial Geoff has been controlling and nasty – and in the first few weeks of this year, he’s really shown his true colours. New wife Yasmeen is now wholly under his coercive control, and has even confessed to being an alcoholic because he’s labelled her one. The darkness going on behind closed doors is painful to watch, but it’s the challenge of a lifetime for Ian Bartholomew, who plays Geoff… “I always knew where Geoff’s story was going, but I wasn’t sure just how far it would go!” explains the actor, who joined the Street in March 2018. “But the crab-eating moment was a real…

1 Ben Price was born on 1 January 1972 in Birmingham, but his family moved to Newcastle when he was nine. He then headed to London at 19 to study acting. “I come back home to the north east once or twice a year,” says Ben. “It’s got an incredible coastline and countryside. I miss it, but I needed to get out to become an actor.” 2 Ben reveals fellow Geordie Robson Green inspired his acting career. “He was the first lad from the local theatre scene that I saw on TV, so I thought this could happen,” he shares. “Growing up in the north gave me more determination. I thought, ‘If I’ve come all this bloody way, I’m really going to make it work!’” 3 Ben lives in Somerset…

We were astounded by the first series of Spy In The Wild, where cameras were hidden inside surprisingly convincing animatronic creatures to give us a more intimate view of nature. But the producers haven’t been resting on their laurels, as the show returns this week with a batch of improved Spies that get even closer… “The technology has reached a point where we can do something more complex, so I think we have a lot more Spies with a degree of authenticity in this one,” explains producer-director John Downer. “And the flying ones give it another perspective… We’ve created loads of birds of different scales that are more accepted than a conventional drone would be.” “It’s the versatility and the variety of the Spy Creatures,” adds series producer Matthew Gordon.…

LUCY BENJAMIN (Lisa Fowler, EastEnders ) OUT  There’s plenty of drama between Lisa and daughter Louise this week, but whatever happens, we know that actress Lucy Benjamin is leaving the show, having filmed her final scenes. “I knew I was going back for a stint, and I’ve completed that stint,” revealed the star on This Morning. When asked if she’d be back at some point, Lucy didn’t rule it out. “Possibly,” she grinned. “Lisa never seems to go away, she’s like a bad penny.” Soon AXLE WHITEHEAD (Zenin Alexio, Neighbours ) IN Former Home and Away star Axle (who played Liam Murphy from 2009 to 2013) joins the cast of Neighbours for a short run kicking off this week. His story begins as…

Soap ‘whodunnit?’ storylines have taught us that the killer culprit doesn’t always turn out to be on the main suspects list. Here are a few wildcards that might do for Graham… RHONA Poor Rhona thinks she’s finally found her hero. But if the vet finds out the dirty tricks Graham has pulled to secure their escape to France, will it cause Rhona to snap? JOE TATE What a twist it would be if Joe stepped out of the shadows as his manservant’s assassin! Charity did conveniently remind us recently that Graham broke Joe and ruined his life… KILLER KIDS! Walford’s Bobby Beale is living proof that soap’s younger generation should never be ruled out! Perhaps the likes of April, Noah, or even young Millie, have clocked Graham being mean to…

Thankfully, Luke has a lot more to smile about than his alter ego, as the star has just celebrated his 30th birthday with a surprise party! His fiancée and former co-star Daisy Wood-Davis (who played Kim Butterfield) arranged the whole thing… “Daisy organised a surprise meal, and we went to a really nice hotel in London,” grins Luke, as we wish him a belated happy birthday. “It was really nice – Daisy went above and beyond. All my London mates were there, and a few of the Hollyoaks cast came down for it as well.” And turning 30 isn’t the only thing Luke has to be happy about right now, as he and Daisy have just set a date for their upcoming wedding! “We’ve booked the venue for June 2021,”…

Secretive Sheree tries to build bridges with estranged husband Patrick this week – by introducing him to her mystery man, Isaac. But what’s the reason she was so reluctant to tell Patrick about her son? Isaac was the catalyst for Sheree’s Christmas departure, leaving Patrick devastated by what happened and lashing out at Denise – who he blamed for driving Sheree away from him. It’s concerned Lola who urges her colleague and friend Sheree to make peace with Patrick, but tensions between the pair are high as they discuss matters properly for the first time. Sheree decides that the time is right to come clean, and Patrick is understandably taken aback by what she has to say. While he now realises that Sheree was hiding Isaac from him, he doesn’t…

There’s fresh hell for Jimmi this week, when his new cellmate Bowser moves in. The menacing criminal wastes no time in making Jimmi’s life a misery, bullying him into handing over his cards and clothes. Bowser’s arrival couldn’t come at a worse time, too – with Jimmi receiving devastating news during a visit from business partner Al. Due to Jimmi’s imprisonment, his and Al’s joint venture The Icon is failing – and Al insists that they have been left with no choice but to sell up. How much more can the broken man take?…

FAIR CITY Barry provides proof of Fiona’s money laundering this week, but Paul struggles to believe him. Elsewhere, Hayley searches for more information about her biological father. Plus, Lee is doubtful when Cass tells him about his famous friend… RIVER CITY Caitlin and Joe clash this week – and in the middle of a stand-off, Joe lashes out! Will everyone come out alive when they go head-to-head? Meanwhile, Scarlett plans a Burns Night to remember. Also, Angus is shocked to learn that Bob has gone away! THE ARCHERS Jim, Alistair and Jazzer head off on their road trip this week, but when it comes down to it, will Jim be able to forget his past? Elsewhere, some residents continue to oppose the changes being made to The Bull! Finally, Rex…

SNOW STYLE I’ve noticed that Corrie’s Bertie has been wearing a lovely multi-coloured snow suit recently, which would be perfect for my son. Do you know where it’s from, please, Sarah? Georgia Bertie’s ‘Multi Chevron Snowsuit’ is from Next, and costs £30-£34, depending on the age. It comes in sizes three months to seven years. HARD SELL In Emmerdale, Graham made a comment about how Charity tried to sell Noah when he was a baby. Did she really do that? I don’t remember! Samantha She did indeed! Charity was in jail for allegedly killing her ex-husband Chris Tate when she gave birth to Noah, and wanted to put him up for adoption. Chris’ sister Zoe sought custody, and Charity agreed to hand him over in return for the evidence she…

Whether or not he’s a murderer, Marlon’s certainly killing it as a father figure to his ex-wife’s boys. Jessie may have not long left the village, but her grown-up sons Billy and Ellis remain – and Mark insists that, despite their chequered history, Marlon will always do his best for them… “Marlon’s house is an odd house – I love that he and Billy are like the odd couple in there, but Marlon really cares for him,” says Mark. “Ellis and Billy are a support network for Marlon, and he and Billy have a great relationship now, considering where they were after Jessie was shot. He and Ellis treat April like their little sister – they have all created this blended family, and they’ve made it work. It’s really sweet,…

Now that we know just how wicked abuser Geoff is, Corrie viewers are wondering what really happened in his previous marriage. Following the death of his first wife to breast cancer, Geoff tied the knot with second wife Tess, the mum of his son Tim. But their marriage ended in divorce, and we’ve only heard snippets about Tess from Geoff and Tim, who doesn’t really know his mum. So, does that mean that she was put through a similar ordeal to poor Yasmeen? “We don’t know much about Tess, but I am sure this is not the first time he’s behaved like this,” muses Ian. “On the face of it, the story of their marriage is very straightforward, but I think he has kept the details of the relationship with…

Don’t mind the gap... TAMZIN REVEALS SHE’S HAPPY WITH HER BEAU! Ex-EastEnder Tamzin Outhwaite (Mel Owen) has been enjoying some time off since leaving the soap back in November – spending it with her family and boyfriend, Tom Child. But she’s since felt the need to defend her relationship with Tom, who is 21 years her junior… “Tom and I met years before we went on a date,” said the star. “Our eyes met across a crowded yoga studio, and we’ve been together for more than two years now. We have a lovely time. People think I’m having a mid-life crisis – but, actually, not all men want a younger woman.” Fellow actor Tom, aged 28, now lives with 49-year-old Tamzin, and her two daughters, Florence and Marnie. “Tom…

I wouldn’t say I’m up to date on comedy, but The Young Offenders has its charms. And Derry Girls is brilliant – I was in it! It was just a cameo role, but I’m a big fan of the show’s writer, Lisa McGee, and when she asked me to do it I didn’t hesitate – even though I didn’t know what the part was! It’s lovely to spend time around young people in a successful show, with all of their enthusiasm. I was fairly gluttonous with my viewing in my hotel room, when I was on tour! Succession was my absolute favourite thing I’ve seen in the past two years, I loved it. Despite the fact that Death In Paradise is quite light and not in any sense gory, I’m…

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…

JEREMY’S IN COURT Former Holby and Hollyoaks star Jeremy Edwards is reportedly suing the makers of CBBC’s Millie In Between, after he injured his spine on set. Jeremy, who played Mike in the show between 2014 and 2018, is claiming £100,000 for loss of earnings, after having to perform a stunt sequence without, he says, receiving adequate training. The case is ongoing. THE SEARCH FOR ALICE Nigel Havers (Corrie’s Lewis Archer) and Jason Merrells (Emmerdale’s Declan Macey) are just two of the guest stars who will be turning up in ITV’s new drama Finding Alice. The six-part series, which stars Keeley Hawes, follows a woman whose husband’s sudden, accidental death unearths a trail of secrets, debt, suspicion and criminality. KATIE’S A&E SHOCK! Katie McGlynn (Corrie’s Sinead Osbourne) recently revealed how…

CORONATION STREET End of the line? GARY AND MARIA’S ROMANCE FACES THE ULTIMATE TEST… Gary Windass breathed a sigh of relief when girlfriend Maria agreed to forgive him in the wake of his loan-shark secret coming out – and the pair are now happily united, looking forward to the birth of their baby. However, the couple are thrown a curveball next week, when something happens to put their whole future in jeopardy. Can they survive this bombshell? EMMERDALE Home truths! Charity receives a massive wake-up call next week, when she discovers that recent family troubles were caused by someone close to home! How will she react to the news? HOME AND AWAY Alf moves Martha in! NEIGHBOURS Ned in the firing line… HOLLYOAKS Liam’s wicked revenge plot! EASTENDERS Shock for…

BULLSEYE! We know that Lord Sugar is an avid viewer of EastEnders, but perhaps he should also tune in to Corrie. Taking her mum’s infidelity in her stride, Amy’s attempt to blackmail Tracy for £174-a-week – so she can intern for lawyer Paula – was the kind of savvy and innovative negotiation that candidates on The Apprentice can only dream of. She’ll rule the world one day! The sound of Chantelle’s arm going crr-ack will haunt us for years to come. Oh, heck. Dales bosses should just have recast the part of Robert Sugden with his ‘Man Crave’ doppelganger. It would have saved Aaron a whole lotta heartache! Our favourite Random Fact of the Week is that, as a child, Kim had a pet goldfish named Beelzebub. Kush often displays…