Table of contents for 27 - 2020 in Inside Soap UK

“There seems to be almost more soap to enjoy…” Judging from your feedback, you enjoyed the first of EastEnders’ iconic episodes last week (some of your views can be found on p32) – and we’ve also had some great letters about Emmerdale’s special lockdown episodes, in which the exploration of the characters’ histories seemed to really chime. It’s strange that while we have fewer episodes of soap at the moment, there seems to be almost more to enjoy. From Secrets From The Square to ITV3’s Classic Coronation Street in the afternoons, I feel more stimulated by and interested in soap than I have in a while. Perhaps sometimes we’re always a little too anxious for that cliffhanger to be resolved, or that next big storyline to arrive – and the…

AT WAR WITH PHIL! No one double-crosses Phil and gets away with it. Mick went back on his deal with the Walford hard man and sold the Vic to Ian and Sharon instead. Will Phil make him pay? HEALTH SCARE? ’ Mick s on-going battle with anxiety, and the pressure to keep Linda sober, could pose a new struggle. Or perhaps another illness to test star Danny’s acting mettle. CHEATING HEARTS… The Carters have proved their loyalty to one another time and time again, with Linda forgiving Mick for a brief dalliance with Whit. But could one of them be tempted to stray for real? KIDS IN CRISIS! Offspring Lee, Nancy and Johnny Carter have all flown the nest, yet could still return and present Mick with his biggest challenge…

Doctor love Summer Bay is to welcome handsome new character, Dr Green, to its shores. The dishy doc – played by Ditch Davey – will be called upon after a popular character faces a medical crisis… Hello again… Neighbours is bringing back Jane Harris as a regular character! When she returns, actress Annie Jones will be joined by newcomer Charlotte Chimes, who will play Jane’s daughter, Nicolette Stone. Going solo Michelle Hardwick (Emmerdale’s Vanessa) has teased how her current plot will progress after the star goes on maternity leave. “The story will continue as Charity navigates life and parenthood in the absence of Vanessa,” she hints.…

There’s another setback for Evelyn’s romance with Arthur this week, as Roy tags along on one of their dates – again! Roy and Arthur are already in Evelyn’s bad books, after they left her out in the cold while bonding during her rendezvous with Arthur in the café. She appeared reluctant to allow her beau to make things right – but as she finally agrees to take a walk with Arthur along the Rochdale canal, Roy invites himself to join them. Is Evelyn set to dump the pair of them? “Talk about awkward!” mutters our Weatherfield insider. “Evelyn’s pride was dented when Arthur seemed keener to talk steam trains with Roy than enjoy a cosy moment with her – and no wonder! Arthur was desperate to make amends – despite…

It looks as if Leyla’s dream of a happy-ever-after with Dr Liam could come true after all – courtesy of her former nemesis Leanna! Despite being responsible for sending the couple to Splitsville, Leanna has had a big change of heart. Now that she’s patched things up with Jacob and apologised to Leyla, Leanna only has one thing to do before she’s fully made amends – she needs to matchmake the very couple she drove apart. “It’s always a shock when Leanna does something nice, which is why Leyla has been prostrate on a fainting couch since she apologised last week,” laughs our Emmerdale insider. “It could be something to do with Leanna being loved up with Jacob again, and wanting to be on the right side of his mum.…

Still a relatively youthful soap at this point, EastEnders reaches its 1,000th episode on Drama this week. (To put that in context, the recent cliffhanger ‘finale’, with Ian and Sharon winning the Vic from Phil, was episode 6,124 – so we have a way to go to catch up.) Responding to the perennial complaint of being “gloomy”, EastEnders decided to stage something of a birthday party, as the Square raises a glass to the marriage of Nigel and his beloved Debbie. This was a big deal at the time, as Nigel was a prime and popular example of a classic Walford character: the “soft touch” – permanently befuddled, sexually bungling, and taken for a ride by every schemer who crosses his path. (These days that role is held by Billy…

FASHION FIRST Sienna from Hollyoaks was wearing a really sophisticated leather-look dress the other day. Do you know where I could get one from? | Bella, Belfast This is the Double Pocket Belted PU Shirt Dress from Shein, and it’s currently in the sale online! It’s a great summer steal, but can also be layered up for the cooler months! CHEQUERED PAST… I’m new to Emmerdale, and the other day Marlon said to Al about how he was shot in a robbery, which is how he ended up with his house. What happened? | Maddie, Bath Well, Maddie – it all took place in 2007, when Marlon and his brother Eli planned to rob a bookies. Eli went in first, but the robbery ran into trouble after a customer arrived.…

It’s no secret that Darren has been struggling from depression, and now his best mate Kyle has taken his own life. But will this be the wake-up call Darren needs to finally get help? Ashley Taylor Dawson tells us more… Hi, Ashley! So Darren opens up to Nancy this week – can you explain what happens? Well, Darren goes round to tell her that she has to go to Kyle’s funeral. He sees the pain Nancy’s experiencing and feels as if he has to open up – he tells her he thought about taking his own life too. Then she gives him an ultimatum: “If you don’t tell Mandy, I will – I’m not losing another person, end of!” Do you reckon this could be a turning point for Darren…

“Oh, I’m sure Bernice is disgusted with Dr Cavanagh – she’s probably furious!” laughs former Emmerdale star Samantha Giles, who played her, when we catch up for a chat – and point out that the village GP moved on rather quickly with Leyla following Bernice’s departure. “But if she has met someone else in Australia, Bernice will have an excuse for that. She’s very good at calling out other people for their mistakes, when she is guilty of having done exactly the same thing!” Bernice swapped the village for Oz last year to support daughter, Dee Dee, after it transpired the girl’s father Charlie had suffered a terrible accident Down Under. For a character of Bernice’s popularity, viewers were hoping she’d leave with more of a fanfare, rather than simply…

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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 CORONATION STREET Aadi Alahan...................... Zennon Ditchett Asha Alahan......................... Tanisha Gorey Dev Alahan........................ Jimmi Harkishin Izzy Armstrong............... Cherylee Houston 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...................…

Geoff’s survival as a despicable human being rests on him being able to control Yasmeen. But now that she is behind bars, it’s almost impossible… “There’s a fairly large chapter of the story still to come, which features the emotional turmoil that Geoff is feeling,” explains Corrie boss Iain MacLeod. “This story is told from Yasmeen’s perspective, and we would never want to excuse Geoff’s behaviour, or illicit any sympathy for him. On the other hand, there are psychological elements to an abuser’s psyche, and we will be exploring a lot of those. Geoff does not find it easy having Yasmeen out of his sphere of influence, and that becomes quite significant as the legal proceedings unfold…”…

While viewers wait for regular drama to resume in Walford, the BBC has announced the next lot of cast members due to take part in the show’s interview-style filler programme, EastEnders: Secrets From The Square. We’re still to hear from stars Max Bowden and Tony Clay, who play Ben and Callum, and sister act Diane Parish and Tameka Empson, aka Denise and Kim. Following them to join host Stacey Dooley will be Linda Henry (Shirley) and Luisa Bradshaw-White (Tina), who are set to share some juicy stories from behind the Queen Vic bar – and perhaps even hip nightspot The Prince Albert, if we’re lucky! Shona McGarty will pop by to discuss Whit’s tumultuous life, and Natalie Cassidy will look back at her many years as Sonia. Will she blow…

Corrie star Maureen Lipman has revealed that the show’s older cast will be back filming later this year, and she’s hoping it’s the same old Evelyn we’ll be seeing on her return… The actress is delighted to be heading back to the Street, especially as many other actors are currently unemployed – with theatre performances not yet resumed, and only limited television dramas being filmed. “I’m very aware that I’m incredibly lucky to have Corrie to look forward to in September, when the wrinklies get unrolled,” chuckles Maureen. However, the star is less keen on the ‘softening’ of Evelyn that’s been seen in recent months, with her and Arthur’s romance exhibiting another side to the battleaxe. “I think they have been trying to give Evelyn a whole new side for…

Dear Jamie and Andrea… As Tates, you are contractually obliged to be grade-A drama queens, but we’re starting to worry that you are the worst parents ever. Firstly, Andrea, you leg it with poor Millie and deprive her of enjoying lockdown in a palatial country estate, instead forcing her to spend countless weeks cowering in a hotel room without her ‘Daddy’. Then when she returns and no longer has her mum by her side, you, Jamie, storm about in a rage because the wife you ditched doesn’t want to see you. Finally, once the poor kid is totally confused by your antics, Jamie, and your disappearance, Andrea, you leave her in the custody of the wickedest woman in Emmerdale while you both play another round of the blame game. It…

“The City Farm – are you insane? Think of all the germs!” “Look, we’ll take all the hand gels, the antibacterial wipes, the works.” This was filmed pre-Covid-19. These days, we’d happily take our chances with the animals. “This girl you’re in love with, what is she like?” “She’s amazing. She’s funny, beautiful and she’s really strong, too.” If only Seb had suddenly announced Eileen as the lady in question. “I can’t stand it. The constant performing. The endless, half-baked talentless pratting and fannying around. And you’re too tall! I can hear your arms and legs flapping through the air! Stop it! Enough!” For another view on Marlon, turn to p90! “If I was a flower, I’d rather have a short life inside with central heating on, than out in…

Soaps are brilliant at tackling stories that shine a light on difficult subjects and explore the toughest human emotions. Coronation Street has never shied away from tragedy, and now we know that the story of little Oliver Battersby is heading in the bleakest direction possible. This week, the people who love Oliver the most are in freefall following his devastating diagnosis, with mum Leanne finding it hard to accept that her son has an incurable illness. So, as partner Nick tries to find some way to reach her and keep the family going at its darkest hour, actor Ben Price – who plays Nick – tells us what it’s like to be part of such a painful story… “All the big stories are hard to tell,” explains the actor, who…

All the soap actors Inside Soap has talked to in recent months have been desperate to get back to work and the job they love. Some miss the camaraderie of their cast mates, some long to act again, while some just want to get out of the house! And although James Bye – aka Martin – certainly feels all these things when he talks about his imminent return to the EastEnders’ set, he has another burning desire we can all identify with… “I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next!” he laughs. “Things were left in an interesting position before the break – the hint that Ruby and Martin were getting it on! As much I’m involved in the show, I’m also excited as a viewer!” With Lacey Turner (Stacey)…

Ashley Thomas Flame-haired Bernice stole vicar Ashley’s heart, after an Inside Soap reader poll demanded that she leave boyfriend Gavin Ferris for him! Carlos Diaz In one of the juiciest love triangles in Dales history, Bernice had an affair with chef Carlos – who was engaged to her half-sister, Nicola… Lawrence White Husband Lawrence’s conflict over his sexuality meant that he couldn’t fully commit to Bernice – and she soon found herself drawn to old flame, Andy… Andy Sugden After discovering his affair with Bernice, scorned Chrissie White framed Andy for Lawrence’s shooting – forcing him to go on the run, and leave heartbroken Bernice behind. Liam Cavanagh The wistful GP was devastated when Bernice left the village. However, maybe it was his secret penchant for murder-mystery weekends that sent…

Danny Dyer was only 18 when he had his daughter Dani – and in these pics posted by Dani on Father’s Day, we can see just how babyfaced the future EastEnders star was! “I’m so lucky to have someone as amazing as you in my life,” wrote Danny’s eldest in tribute to her beloved dad – shown in the pics with tiny Dani and his wife Jo, and looking little more than a child himself! Recent years have seen Dani find fame on Love Island, while Danny has secured national treasure status as Walford’s Mick Carter – though the pair remain as tight as ever. “Me and my eldest daughter have grown up together,” says Danny. “We’re very close and she can tell me anything.”…

During Emmerdale’s special lockdown episodes, viewers finally got to see the truth about Cain’s feelings for the woman who broke his heart. While he swore that he and Moira could never go back, the final scene where he played the mixtape that he made for her, proved he still loves her. So, the idea that she could have moved on with his worst enemy brings out the green-eyed monster in Cain. “Cain is the jealous type – he sees red,” admits Jeff Hordley, who plays him. “The fact that he’s accepted that he still loves Moira – which we saw in that episode – feeds into all of this.” So, when Cain gets the call that Moira is gravely injured and may not survive, he’s utterly devastated. Is evil Malone…

Walford’s new era will kick off later this year, with a massive new storyline for popular pair Mick and Linda. The couple are no longer running the Queen Vic, but that doesn’t mean we’ll see less of them in plots, as bosses plan to ensure the Carters remain at the heart of the show. “Essentially, we’re all going to come out of lockdown like the rest of the country,” reveals actor Danny Dyer, who plays Mick, explaining what life on the Square will look like when EastEnders returns in the autumn. “I could potentially have the best story I’ve ever had on the show once we get back.” Danny’s telly missus Kellie Bright backed up the statement during the pair’s interview with TV presenter Stacey Dooley for EastEnders: Secrets From…

The first of several ITV specials featuring Corrie’s greatest-ever stories premieres this week – and boy does it kick off with some cracking plots! The first clip-based episode, narrated by Jason Manford, relives classic cobbles drama – such as Deirdre Barlow’s affair with Mike Baldwin, and the great tram crash of 2010, to name but a few awesome plots. We were in bits just watching a preview, so brace yourselves for an emotional and thrilling trip down memory lane. Catch Coronation Street: Stories That Gripped The Nation on ITV Monday at 8.30pm.…

“If Sonia tracks down her dad in EastEnders, she should also discover that she has a secret sister… Played by comedian Morgana Robinson, who does such a brilliant impression of Natalie Cassidy!” …chuckles reader Celeste from Sheffield “Now it has finished its lockdown specials, I hope Emmerdale remembers how powerful these stripped-back instalments can be. Top of my wish list for post-virus two-handers are Charity and Vanessa (obvs), and Cain and Moira.” …dreams reader Emma from London “If production guidelines mean that William Roache can’t appear in Corrie for a while, I think it would be neat if Tracy kept saying that Ken was ‘upstairs, listening to his audiobooks’. A fun reversal of Tracy’s years with her ‘tapes’.” …suggest reader Davy “I can’t believe Naomi has left Neighbours again already!…

It’s not all bad news for Toadie, as this week at the Erinsborough Writers’ Festival he meets Russell Brand, who is guest-starring in Neighbours – and offers Toadie some well-needed advice! “Oh, my God – what an experience!” gushes Ryan, as we ask him about filming with Russell. “He was so funny and such a nice person. The script went out the window, and Russell did his own brilliant monologue word-perfect on the first go, so my expression of hearing it for the first time is absolutely genuine! He was incredibly generous with everyone on set. Russell hung around for photographs and there was a queue lined up – he really gave everyone his undivided attention.”…

This week, a new character makes a dramatic entrance: all but thrown from a sports car. It’s Marlon Dingle – son of Zak’s hated brother Albert. “Marlon’s a complete plonker!” laughs star Mark Charnock, who has gone on to enjoy nearly a quarter-century in Emmerdale. “I usually play the nerd, and this time I’m the cocky nerd. It turns out that Marlon’s a little sharper than the rest of the Dingles, and makes a good double act with Butch. Marlon’s the ideas man!”…

A SOAP WORK OF ART  EastEnders has officially gone off air! Happily, however, a string of classic episodes, plus the Secrets From The Square specials, have taken its place – and you’re clearly having a lot of fun… The first instalment of iconic EastEnders episodes was a cracker! Watching Den and Angie brought back fantastic memories – and it showed EastEnders at its very best. Chris, Cork Everyone should watch Angie and Den’s special episode in the Vic together – I think it was the first two-hander ever, and full of brilliant drama! Phoebe, Devon You’ll be pleased to know there are more to come! Meanwhile, Stacey Dooley’s series provided a fresh insight into some of your favourite characters… I loved the show with Kellie Bright and Danny Dyer [Linda…

This week’s classic episode features the wedding of Syed and Amira, watched by a huge 11 million viewers on New Year’s Day 2010 – the same night that David Tennant transformed into Matt Smith in Doctor Who. Certainly one of the most visually stunning weddings the show has seen – the groom arriving resplendent on a white horse – behind the colour spectacle lay some dark secrets. Amira had stolen the money to pay for the wedding, while neighbour Christian had just confessed to Syed’s mum Zainab that he’d been having an affair with her son……

“Sometimes I cry for real in scenes. I did one with Maisie [Smith, aka Tiffany] recently, and it was when Karen was saying, ‘Look after my boy when I go away’, and she gives Tiff Shaki’s trainers. It’s a really emotional scene, and we were genuinely crying actually, as it was very moving. I just thought Maisie was brilliant in it, and it takes a sort of actor who can work with you like that and actually make you cry. Beautiful.” “My favourite outfit of Karen’s has to be the all-in-one silver, orange and pink catsuit. She had it on during the episode when Bernie came out. And did you see the scene not so long ago when Linda came out the pub, and said to Denise, ‘You going for…

We suppose there are worse places than Bali to be stuck during lockdown! Former Corrie and Hollyoaks star Chris Fountain – aka Tommy Duckworth and Justin Burton – has been trapped on the island since March, with no flights arriving or departing. “Stuck in Bali, so me and my friends have travelled to a remote part of the island to distance ourselves from the masses,” he says. “Everywhere is eerily quiet. Missing family and friends, but trying to make the best of the situation.” However spending time in paradise has given Chris a new ambition. Sharing a shirtless picture, he joked: “Anyone know when these new James Bond auditions are?”…

Which comedy shows do you love the most? It has to be Friday Night Dinner – the latest series was unbelievable. Whenever that guy Jim turns up with his dog Wilson, that’s it, the show’s started! And I have Peter Kay’s Car Share on repeat whenever I need that feel-good factor. He’s a comedy genius, and I’ve watched everything he’s ever produced about 10 times! I’d love to meet him. What about your favourite show growing up? The one that stands out is No Problem!, which was on Channel 4 in the 1980s – it was a groundbreaking show. The representation that Channel 4 gave people like myself back then was really refreshing. No Problem! was a sitcom about family, and I had family members exactly like the characters in…

As Alex Brooker explores what being disabled really means for him and for others, there’s an emotional journey in store – likely to prove as enlightening for us, as for the comedian himself… “I didn’t want to do a documentary that’s an hour of how s**t life is as a disabled person,” Alex candidly explains. “I also don’t want people to think they have to be disabled to get into it. There’s a positive message that shines through this film – some bits are emotional, and some bits are informative, but I do hope there are parts of it where people can laugh, too.” In looking to the future of his health and mobility, Alex first reflects on his past, sitting down with his mum Elaine and five brothers to…

DVD GREED Richard McCreadie has ruled the world of retail fashion for 30 years – but after a damaging public investigation, his image is tarnished. To repair the damage, he throws a lavish party to celebrate his 60th birthday on the Greek island of Mykonos… BOOK FROM VENICE WITH LOVE by Rosanna Ley In this romance novel, heartbroken Joanna returns to her home in Dorset to see her struggling sister Harriet. While she’s there, Joanna discovers a bundle of love letters in the attic which take her all the way to Venice… STAR CHOICE Hollyoaks’ Niamh Blackshaw (Juliet) “I’m watching The Haunting Of Hill House on Netflix at the minute. It’s about these siblings who grew up in this house, and it keeps flashing back and forward. I honestly…

EMMERDALE Funny business! WILL NATE AND RHONA’S PARTNERSHIP BE REVEALED? It’s a dramatic time in Emmerdale next week, in the aftermath of Moria’s hit-and-run – but could the tragic events have some unlikely consequences for Nate and Rhona? The pair have managed to keep the plates spinning on their clandestine buiness partnership without Moira – or anyone else – finding out what they’ve cooked up. However, in the heat of the moment next week, they could find thmselves in hot water with more than one person… CORRIE Queen Carla! After a traumatic few weeks, it seems Carla is set to emerge stronger then ever from her latest drama. And that’s certainly going to be proved when someone makes her a very tempting offer… HOLLYOAKS Warren’s past! Hollyoaks takes us on…

BULLSEYE! We’re not at all surprised that Marlon was Emmerdale’s choice to steer home its last lockdown episode. We were rewarded with what Inside Soap likes to call ‘The Full Mark Charnock’ – silliness and sadness so effortlessly balanced, it’s like hearing the actual beating heart of the whole programme. Also, after 26 minutes paired with Marlon, even Al now seems an interesting character. It’s a miracle!…