Table of contents for 14 - 2020 in Inside Soap UK

“Inside Soap is as packed as ever!” Hope you’re all safe and keeping well. Here at Inside Soap, we’ve been staying busy, working from home at our kitchen tables – or, if you’re me, using garden furniture brought indoors to create an Inside Soap home office! It’s certainly been a busy week, with the soaps reshaping their weekly schedules to make sure that we can keep getting our fix for the foreseeable future. The cutting-back of episodes means we’ve ended up a bit ahead of ourselves, and some of the episodes we’re covering this week were also featured last week. But fear not, we’ve worked really closely with the soaps to bring you new pictures and secrets, so your issue is as packed as ever. Also, being at home in…

Rage against the machine Broadcasting regulator Ofcom has received complaints following a Corrie scene in which Gemma dreamt that she’d put baby Aled in the washing machine. “Whomever gave the okay to that scene needs to be jailed!” raged one angry viewer on Twitter. Staying alive! Beverley Callard, who plays Liz in Corrie, has confirmed that her cobbles character definitely isn’t being killed off – although the actress isn’t making any promises where Liz’s clothing is concerned. “On my last day, I’ll set fire to Liz’s wardrobe!” she jokes. Pregnant! A spring sneak preview for Casualty reveals that Fenisha will receive the mother of all shocks, after discovering that she is expecting! But who is the daddy – Ethan or Will? Sign me up! Over 600,000 people have responded to…

While Karen’s brood are no end of trouble, and her love life is a little up and down, her real-life alter ego Lorraine Stanley prefers a quieter life. The star recently posted a pic of her enjoying a trip to the woods of Hertfordshire with her partner Mark and their young daughter Nancy. Embracing the social distancing measures, the family made the most of their trip out to exercise. “Bike ride, and not a soul around,” posted Lorraine.…

Steve makes a terrible error in judgement this week, which places his little boy, Oliver, in deadly danger. After the lad’s mum Leanne leaves him to spend the day with Steve, disaster strikes as Oliver has a fit. The trouble is, Steve isn’t actually with Oliver when the seizure happens. Instead, he’s asked teenager Summer to care for his son while he races off to sort out a row between Emma and Seb… “Steve’s horrified when he returns home and is alerted to Oliver’s plight,” shares our Street spy. “He leaves him for a very short while, but it’s the precious minutes he spends away that may prove crucial to saving Ollie. Summer isn’t equipped to deal with the situation, and Steve should have been there.” After Steve rushes out…

There’s yet more bad news for poor Emma this week, as she clashes with her ex-boyfriend Seb over living arrangements… The drama kicks off after she spies Seb helping out his old flame Alina – whom he insisted he had no interest in – by carrying her coffee order over to the factory. However, as Emma becomes convinced that this confirms her suspicions that Seb still carries a torch for his former partner, is she jumping to the wrong conclusions about what she’s witnessed? Later, feeling understandly terrible after Eccles has been put to sleep, Emma returns to the salon flat and informs Seb that she’s going to be moving back in – which means that he will have to pack his bags. However, obstinate Seb refuses to budge, leaving…

Willow is left with some huge choices to make about her future this week, when her girlfriend Alex suggests they should buy a house together! With Alex’s time in Summer Bay coming to an end, Willow has made it clear that wherever her girlfriend goes, she goes too. However, when Alex overhears Jasmine talking about how diffcult it will be for her to lose best pal Willow on top of losing her husband Robbo, the doctor worries that taking Willow away from the Bay is the wrong thing to do. Alex tries her best to push aside her reservations, and assures Willow that they have a bright future together. But as she tries to paint the perfect picture of what their life will be like away from the Bay, complete…

NEW TUNES I absolutely adored the weddings in Neighbours – particularly Sky and Lana’s! Plus, I’m dying to know what song was playing as they walked down the aisle. Can you help me out? Bobbie, London The song is The Power Of Love, covered by Gabrielle Aplin. Her version rose to fame in 2012, when it was used in a John Lewis Christmas advert. BIRTHDAY BONANZA I’ve just finished watching the Doctors 20th anniversary episode, which was great! There were a few faces I recognised from the soaps – can you tell me who they were? Sophie We’re glad you enjoyed it, and yes there were! In the episode, there were three actors who have appeared in other soaps. Georgia May Foote – who played pregnant Grace – starred in…

1 Sair Khan was born on 11 February 1988 in Leeds to her Pakistani parents, and was raised as one of five children. The star always had a flair for acting, and started taking it more seriously when she attended the National Youth Theatre from the age of 17. Sair even crossed the pond in 2012 to attend an acting school in New York to perfect her skills! 2 Prior to her work on the cobbles, Sair appeared in another soapy favourite – Doctors! The star played receptionist Nina Chopra in one episode back in 2011. And before she got her break into the acting world, Sair actually worked as a receptionist at an advertising agency in London. 3 Sair joined Coronation Street in 2014 as Alya Nazir. Alya arrived…

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WE’RE BIG FANS OF SPENCER JONES, so we’re delighted his insane surrealist (note: understatement) style of comedy has finally hit mainstream TV. We’re loving his portrayal of the ever-optimistic klutz Leslie Winner, who continually ends up in calamitous scenarios. The show has real heart, and you can’t help but root for Leslie. There are also great supporting performances from Jones’ The Mind Of Herbert Clunkerdunk co-star Lucy Pearman (Jemma) and ex-EastEnder Shaun Williamson (Barry Evans) as Chris. Tonight, Leslie has a job interview. What could possibly go wrong? Oh.…

CASUALTY Connie Beauchamp.......... Amanda Mealing Rosa Cadenas......................... Jacey Sallés Faith Cadogan...................... Kirsty Mitchell Charlie Fairhead.............. Derek Thompson Noel Garcia.......................... Tony Marshall Ethan Hardy.................... George Rainsford David Hide................................ Jason Durr Jan Jenning............................... Di Botcher Dylan Keogh.......................... William Beck Fenisha Khatri........................ Olivia D’Lima 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 Lavendar Spark...................... Sian Webber Ruby Spark................................ Maddy Hill CORONATION STREET Dev Alahan........................ Jimmi Harkishin 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 Sarah Barlow........................... Tina O’Brien Simon Barlow.............................. Alex Bain Leanne Battersby................... Jane Danson Toyah Battersby....................…

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE! The fight-back against the coronavirus continues for our favourite soaps, with more developments surrounding filming and broadcasting schedules. This latest move helps ensure that the shows stand an even better chance of staying on air for as long as possible, while the soaps’ cast and crews take refuge in the safety of their own homes – as per the new guidelines set out by prime minister Boris Johnson. ITV LEAVES THE BUILDING It’s with a heavy heart that Corrie and Emmerdale have halted production, after previously announcing that they would be trying to carry on. “We’ve been doing our best to continue, while adhering to the government’s latest health guidelines, to ensure we have episodes of both soaps airing on ITV until at least the early summer,” says…

ON HIS JACK! As the stars of Corrie headed home after the closedown of production, Jack P Shepherd (who plays David) stocked up on the essentials. But it wasn’t loo roll or tins in his trolley… it was red wine! “See you on the other side!” he posted from the supermarket. He later revaled that he’s using the time at home – as we’re sure many of us are – for some extra hours in bed! SCHOOL’S IN! Living rooms have become classrooms for many – and the soapies are no exception. Home and Away actress Ada Nicodemou (Leah) shared her top tip for teaching her seven-year-old… “I thought I’d put a school uniform on Johnas to keep him focussed,” she posted. But Hollyoaks cutie Jayden Fox (Bobby)…

Yet another villager pays a heavy price for crossing DI Malone this week, after the bent detective has Billy arrested for a crime he didn’t commit! Malone takes action upon learning that Billy and Cain didn’t scrap his dodgy motor as requested, and makes Billy the primary target of his revenge… “Billy is definitely worried about the consequences of becoming mixed up with Malone, as he’s already had a few run-ins with the law since coming to the village,” explains actor Jay Kontzle, who plays the reformed ex-con. “His major worry is being put in prison again, as Billy knows it’ll be a long stretch, given that he’s already spent time behind bars. He’s really put the effort in trying to get back on the right path, and it’s all…

Having a baby – or four! – should be a happy time in a parent’s life, although Dolly-Rose Campbell (who play Gemma) and Sam tell us that their alter egos’ struggles are a reflection of the very real challenges many parents face. Dolly in particular says she’s really happy Corrie bosses decided to play out this tough storyline with her character… “It’s important to show Gemma struggling,” explains Dolly. “It would have been easy to have lots of comedy with the quads, but it would have been unrealistic.” “It’s been interesting to explore a serious issue,” shares Sam. “Hopefully we can help parents watching recognise if they are going through something similar, and encourage them to seek help.”…

“My wish is for EastEnders to stop using annoying background music, like they have on the Whitney story. It makes it all feel less ‘real’, therefore much less dramatic. You’re not making movies, EastEnders, you’re making soap – and that’s nothing to be ashamed of!” …storms reader Gary “ Pollard and Brenda have real chemistry in Emmerdale – I guess because they’re a couple in real life. They should become a proper naughty team; a real Bonnie and Clyde of the older generation.” …dreams reader Kath from Southend-on-Sea “With poor Jasmine grieving Robbo’s death in Home and Away, wouldn’t it be lovely if she found out she was actually pregnant with his baby? Then she and Tori could move in together and bring up Grace and her new sibling…” …suggests…

There’s heartbreak for the Barlows this week, when poor Eccles falls ill and dies. “Everybody loves Eccles – she’s a big part of the family!” The tragic events happen when Tracy and Steve decide to go to Scotland to visit Daniel and Bertie for a few days, leaving Emma in charge at No 1. She’s moved into the house following her break-up from live-in boyfriend Seb, and adorable pooch Eccles is in her care when tragedy strikes – but there’s nothing horrified Emma can do to save her… “Everybody loves Eccles – she’s a big part of the family, and Emma is aghast as she realises that the little dog is poorly,” whispers our Corrie spy. “Dev is there and tells her to rush Eccles to the vets’, which Emma…

“Thirty years ago I probably would have gone on a night out with Bernie,” considers Coronation Street star Jane Hazlegrove, as we ask her whether she reckons her alter ego would be a fun drinking buddy. “But not now I’m a middle-aged woman who’s usually tucked up in bed by half-past nine with a Horlicks! No thanks – I think I’d find her deeply irritating!” Bernie may arguably be one of the worst mothers ever to have graced the cobbles, but there’s no denying that she appears to have calmed down a bit since returning to help out new mum Gemma last month. Her more caring side has been welcomed by viewers – but Jane tells us that she loves playing a woman who has no filter whatsoever… It’s great…

As sneaky Guy seeks to get his mitts on the hospital work currently being facilitated by Darwin ward, it’s bound to pit him against his old enemy and ward chief Jac again. However, there’s a whole lotta history between the two hospital heavyweights that has the potential to explode… “There is something sexual going on between Jac and Guy that you feel is still there,” teases John. “Even though the affair they had in the past was very brief, there’s still a sparkle, despite everything. And, of course, she did save his life not so long ago, and vice versa! There’s a very short scene that they have coming up, actually, that I think sums all of that up – I reckon viewers will enjoy it!”…

“I’m not sure if any of the Hollyoaks audience were alive when I was on Coronation Street, let alone when Chris Quentin was on it!” laughs Adam Rickitt, as we call him up for a chat about his alter ego Kyle’s upcoming family dramas. “It’s one of the most bizarre experiences of my life to meet the man who played my dad all those years before I played his son on Corrie.” It’s certainly a tangled soap story. You see, once upon a time an actor called Chris Quentin played Gail’s hubby Brian Tilsley in Corrie, the dad of young Nick Tilsley – with housewives up and down the country weeping into their tea when heartthrob Brian was tragically murdered in 1989. Fast-forward a decade, and Adam was cast in…

All right, smegheads? Way back in 1988, a sci-fi sitcom launched that won over a legion of fans. It told the story of the last human alive Dave Lister (Craig Charles) and dead hologram Arnold Rimmer, who were stuck with one another, three million years from Earth, on the spaceship Red Dwarf. They were joined by the vain feline Cat (Danny John Jules) and fastidious mechanoid Kryten (Robert Llewellyn). The show originally ran for eight series until 1999, but was revived by Dave in 2009. Further series followed, and now Dave has commissioned the first 90-minute episode, The Promised Land. “It’s something slightly different and breaking new ground,” says Craig. “It’s a feature-length special, but filmed in front of a live audience. It’s just a new way of doing it.…

ALL BY MYSELF Strictly Come Dancing 2019 winner Stacey Dooley is making a documentary about the coronavirus for BBC3 as she self-isolates. The star is keen to celebrate “the small victories”. DISNEY TREATS Streaming service Disney+ has now launched in the UK, giving us plenty of choice for entertainment as we all stay at home for the next few weeks. Among the 26 original titles now available is the first Star Wars live-action TV series, The Mandalorian. BIG BREAK Britain’s Got Talent will return to ITV next week as scheduled, but only for the pre-recorded audition shows. The live stages of the competition are unable to go ahead, due to the current UK lockdown. ITV hopes to be able to resume with the live shows later in the year.…

Medical dramas Casualty and Holby City are supplying our brilliant NHS workers with authentic medical equipment – that would usually serve as props in their episodes. “Casualty and Holby City are all about celebrating NHS heroism, so we are only too happy to help out and do what we can for the courageous and selfless real-life medics battling this situation,” explains Simon Harper, executive producer for both shows. “We are in discussion with local NHS services and will be donating personal protective equipment and other useful medical items to assist them.”…

For Ken, it’s a particularly cruel blow after being forced to leave Eccles in Tracy’s care to move to his new home. “Eccles was a massive part of his life with Deirdre and Blanche – now all three of his girls are gone,” explains our Street insider. “Ken is in bits. He knew that he’d have to say goodbye to Eccles one day, but he never imagined it’d be so sudden.” From the moment Blanche brought Eccles home to live with them, the mutt made a big impression. Ken wasn’t a fan at first, but it didn’t take long for Eccles to win his heart. She’s been his constant companion, the gentle soul who was there for all the Barlows when they buried Blanche and Deirdre. Now they’ve lost her…

A WINNING SMILE! There’s often  more drama behind the bar than in front of it, so you have to make sure that when you face the punters, your 100-watt grin is on! – even if there’s literally murder going on upstairs! SOME GRIT AND MUSCLE! The regulars can get a bit rowdy from time to time, so you need to have a strong arm to chuck them out – as well as the steely determination to clear the bar at closing time. You need your beauty sleep! A DODGY DISPOSITION! The pub is the perfect front for all sorts of funny business, and that sort of nefarious activity always serves up a pint or two of plots for viewers. So while we want the pub to be the heart…

“I know I complain a lot, but when are they going to listen to me? I don’t want fruit in my sausages. I like them plain.” “I’m with you, Norris. A sausage is no place for a cranberry.” Corrie has always liked to confront the big issues of the day, head-on. “Mary has heard that if you spend five minutes a day hanging upside down, it drains your lymph nodes or something. Only she does it wearing a dressing gown while doing a handstand.” That’s odd. We always kind of imagined that Mary slept while hanging from a rafter in Eileen’s attic, like a bat. “Paddy, you can fix anything. You fixed me, didn’t you? God knows you had a job on your hands with that.” Oh yes, and Paddy…

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Bride-to-be Lydia is left speechless this week, when gobby Mandy offers to organise her hen night – but do they have the same idea about what constitutes as fun? Given that Lydia usually favours a sedate night in over Mandy’s wild nights out, it’s pretty unlikely that they’ll be on the same page when it comes to a hen party. Mandy will probably want a stripper and ‘L’ plates, while Lydia has likely been picturing something rather more low-key for her last night of freedom… So, as Mandy insists that she will be taking charge of proceedings – as well as arranging Sam’s stag do – will poor Lydia let herself be railroaded into what Mandy wants her to do? Or will she stand her ground? Would you let this…

SOAPS AND THE VIRUS With the nation in lockdown, and the soaps on slowdown, it’s an uncertain time for us all. But don’t fear – you can rely on Inside Soap for a bit of light relief from all that real-life drama… I know that the soaps have had to cut down on how much they’re on, but how will I cope with only two episodes of EastEnders – and less Corrie and Emmerdale? This is taking it too far! Jennifer, Kent I loved watching EastEnders last night (as always), but it’s disconcerting to see everyone still congregating in pubs and cafés. Although I know it’s fiction, it’s setting a bad example. Can’t the producers alter the scripts to reflect the current coronavirus scare? Marie, Sheffield I really hope we…

Former Casualty star Jane returned as paramedic Dixie – a role she played for 10 years – for a couple of episodes late last year. And she tells us that she was nervous about going back… “I was a little bit worried about how the show would have moved on, and if indeed anybody would remember me!” admits the actress, who left the drama in 2016. “But it was for Iain’s leaving plot, and I adore Michael Stevenson [who played him] – if he asks me to do something, then I usually end up doing it. He’s a very persuasive Yorkshireman! And it was lovely to see some of the old guard again.” But as for a full-time return to the medical drama, the jury’s still out… “I’m not sure…

WIT AND WISDOM “How spicy do you like your lamb, Patrick?” Claudette “As spicy as the chef!” Patrick “I’ll take a little white rum if it’s put in front of me. Why not?” Patrick “I’m a little ray o’ Trinidad sunshine, blazing through the rain clouds of Walford.” Patrick “Yeah, man.” Patrick THE KEY RELATIONSHIPS JIM BRANNING Patrick’s best friendship was with Jim. They made a right pair of old reprobates, boozing the days away in the Vic or up the allotments. Patrick was devastated when Jim was taken into care after a stroke and later died – pledging to take care of Jim’s widow Dot. HIS DAUGHTERS Over time, Patrick became a much-loved substitute father for Denise and Kim Fox. In fact, Denise once had cause to think Patrick…

“I would say I’ve learned the most from Jess Fox [aka Nancy] – she’s the voice of calm in every situation. Actors in general can fly off the handle, but Jess is the eye of a storm.” Ashley Taylor Dawson [Darren] makes me laugh the most. He’s so funny! I’m very lucky that I actually look forward to work because of the people who are there…” “I want to do more scenes with Lysette Anthony [who plays Marnie]. She’s just an icon and she’s absolutely stunning – a beautiful person, but also totally hilarious.” “The coolest member of the cast is Rishi Nair [Sami] – the man is always perfectly preened! He looks as though he’s stepped out of a modelling catalogue.” “I’d probably hang out on a break with…

I think Vinny’s at that age where he thinks he’s a bit of a ladies’ man, which he probably isn’t! He’s a bit of a geeky character, and we’ve seen a bit of him fancying Belle. However, since Graham’s gone, Kim Tate is without a love interest, so Vinny could be her toy boy! I don’t think he would be particularly fussy about who he’s with, though! Every week, we put your questions to a star of the soaps. Look out for requests on our Facebook page, or email your questions to youask@insidesoap.co.uk, putting the actor’s name in the subject line. Our favourite question each week will win a £20 prize!…

Something I enjoyed recently was White House Farm. It was really interesting, as it was based on true events. Also, my friend’s husband lived in that area where the murders took place, and actually played in that farm! I’ve been watching Inside No 9 , which is interesting, as each episode is separate. Some are slightly dark comedy, but some are very dramatic, and I really enjoy that. Its stars, [Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith] actually wrote it too, which I’m a champion of, as I write myself. I love comedies! Is Sex Education a comedy? Or is it a dramedy? But I love that – it’s really cutting edge. I loved the girl on the bus, Aimee [Aimee Lou Wood]. She’s my favourite character, and a brilliant actress too.…

Fancy improving your lifestyle, but only spending half as much money? Of course you do! Having fled her own terraced house in London for an amazing home in Wales – where she keeps sheep, pigs, hens, ducks and goats – Kate Humble follows others who’ve done the same in this new series. Inside TV spoke to her to find out more… “When I packed everything up and moved to Wales, I didn’t know anybody,” the presenter tells us. “Weirdly, I just felt it was where I wanted to be. And sometimes your instincts are spot on!” In this six-parter, Kate meets a different family in each episode. So what was it that drove them to move home? “All of them thought long and hard about that,” she reveals. “Some were…

BULLSEYE! The reduced number of episodes is helping us to better appreciate actors we may have taken for granted – such as rising stars Zack Morris and Maisie Smith. The pair absolutely nail every scene they share, building Keegan and Tiffany – always so believeable as real people – into a classic EastEnders couple. They’re the Pauline and Arthur of 2020… but let’s hope with a happier future! UK lockdown: It’s a whole vibe. The small pleasures in life mean so much more during these challenging times, and Cain Dingle – looking sexy as hell in a suit – is one we must not take for granted. Maria’s current perfectly snipped fringe vs post-lockdown. We hope any new viewers that Emmerdale might have gained recently haven’t been put off for…