Table of contents for 43 - 2020 in Inside Soap UK

“We take a journey through Corrie history” Welcome to your super-duper, supersized, super-packed-to-the-rafters issue of Inside Soap. We have extra pages this week, and have served up some fantastic features and interviews to keep you busy – just when it looks as though we might all be spending a lot more time at home again… With Corrie’s 60th coming up, we thought it was high time we took a deep dive with the show’s original and biggest star. Nope, not Ken Barlow, but those famous red bricks and cobbles of the Street itself. We take a journey through Corrie history, go behind the scenes, and find out straight from the horse’s mouth what it’s like to work on that iconic set. Then, we take a leap into the future with…

Devastated Evelyn demands the truth from secretive Arthur this week, after he suddenly breaks off their relationship. The couple are happily planning their weekend away when Evelyn hits upon the idea of them spending a month away instead. Now she’s packed in her job with Dev, Evelyn reckons they should take the chance to enjoy themselves properly, and tells Arthur of her brainwave. But instead of being delighted at the prospect of an exciting trip away, Arthur rushes out. “Evelyn is hurt and mortified by Arthur’s reaction – she just can’t understand it,” explains our Weatherfield insider. “She was sure they were on the same page, and thought he’d love the idea of more quality time together. However, when Arthur comes back, he doesn’t just shoot the holiday plan down,…

Nicolette’s mysterious friend Audrey arrives this week, but it soon becomes apparent the pair are hiding something… Nicolette stops Audrey from revealing too much to David and Aaron. But when they’re alone, Audrey tells Nicolette that she’s feeling awful about their deceit – it turns out, when nursing in Canberra, the pair of them found a winning lottery ticket in a deceased patient’s room and claimed the money! Audrey can no longer live with the guilt, but can Nicolette persuade her to keep quiet?…

Kurt pitches his business plan for The Hutch this week, but Darren’s unsure about the proposal. After arriving back in town, Kurt hopes to make some cash. And while Mandy wants Darren to take a chance on her old friend, Darren needs reassurance the venture is a safe bet. Kurt promises it’s a sure moneyspinner and tells Mandy that he can make her famous! Will Darren sign on the dotted line?…

Mike Baldwin is kind of to blame for another disaster in Ken’s love life this week. Word of Mike’s mistreatment of Don gets back to Stephen in Canada, who uses it as an excuse to pull his big sportswear contract from the factory (though there’s other shenanigans going on there). Facing financial ruin, Mike decides to sell his flats on Crimea Street, which means that Deirdre will soon be homeless – so, Ken suggests that she moves back in with him at No 1. Alas, Deirdre is worried about drifting back under Ken’s control and gently declines his offer. And this is where Ken makes the fatal mistake of getting in a right hump; he even takes the sainted Samir’s name in vain. Deirdre storms out, spitting chips, but eventually…

BLING IT UP Despite being in court, Whitney looked stunning! I love her whole look, particularly her chain necklace – do you know where I can get one from? Maddy, Somerset You can replicate Whitney’s look with this exact match! Her beautiful heart necklace is from ASOS Design, and is called ‘Necklace with heart t bar in gold tone’ – and you can snap it up now for just £6! WHO’S LIVING WHERE? I’ve been genuinely wondering where the Carters are living now, as you see the inside of their flat, but never see the exterior. Where is it? Owen, Swansea What a brilliant question, Owen! Since hanging up their titles as landlord and landlady of the Queen Vic, Linda and Mick are living at flat 29A Albert Square. Let’s…

It’s hard to blame vicar’s daughter Gabby for turning her back on the path of righteousness and fully embracing the dark side. After all, her mum abandoned her as a baby, dad Ashley died tragically, and then Bernice rejected her yet again earlier this year. All that trauma is going to leave you feeling bitter, isolated, and shaking your fist at the sky. Sadly for Gabby’s boss, Leyla, the youngster has channelled all her complicated feelings into an unhealthy obsession with her. And this week, Gabby’s machinations look set to destroy Leyla’s romance with Dr Cavanagh. Who should we feel the most sorry for? Not even Emmerdale’s Rosie Bentham (Gabby) knows for sure. “There are times when I sympathise with Gabby!” admits Rosie, who joins us for a chat via…

It’s no secret that Dipi has been struggling after her husband, Shane, revealed his drug addiction. Since then, the lonely mum has been confiding in Pierce, who is also having marriage problems. The couple have shared a kiss, but this week the pair get even more intimate. Star Sharon Johal tells us why her character crosses the line… What leads up to Dipi and Pierce spending the night with one another? It happens because of a diamond necklace. Pierce buys it for Chloe to show her how much he loves her – but she rejects it. So Pierce goes to the hotel room and invites Dipi over, and asks if she wants to try the necklace on. Dipi unbuttons her top so she can see it properly, he calls her…

“I got quite attached to the stuffed weasel in the barbers’! We didn’t want a real one, so a prop-maker created it from scratch. It was made from polystyrene and had to be on a plinth, standing up on fake logs, and its teeth were meant to be in a particular snarling position. We had a lot of fun with Vin Diesel The Weasel, as David Platt called it. The weasel even had his very own Christmas hat! So much work goes into things like that, but you would never know – you just think it’s real!”…

Autumnal dressing is super-fun, and we love Sarah Jayne’s mix of monochrome palettes, subtle prints and chic detailing……

“I loved Neil’s book [The Sister is based on his novel Burial] – I read it twice!” grins Amrita. “But I do think what we have created is very different from the book. Holly has some emotional scenes: with everything that her husband Nathan isn’t saying, Holly’s anxiety builds in a different way. And when those two worlds collide, it has to erupt.” Meanwhile, former EastEnders star Nina (Syd Chambers) – who plays Holly’s police detective best friend Jackie – reveals that she was equally hooked by the gripping tale. “I was blown away by the script,” she shares. “It was phenomenal; a real page-turner. Jackie feels like a bit of a lone wolf – she’s driven in her work, which doesn’t give time for her personal life, and that’s…

SECRET VICTORIA LIST WOOD’S BBC2 is putting together a tribute to comedian Victoria Wood, who died in 2016. More than 20 of her best sketches will feature in the two hour-long shows, all chosen by Victoria herself, as the list was discovered in one of her notebooks after her death. CHANGING ROOMS IS BACK! Rejoice! Interior designer Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen is giving a fresh lick of paint to the BBC’s legendary 90s DIY show Changing Rooms. But this time, the six-part series will be on Channel 4, and  co-presented by Davina McCall. “I might get stuck in myself, if I’m let loose with a paint brush!” she tells us. NO RETURN Sheridan Smith has bagged herself the lead role in new ITV drama No Return, written by RTS-awardwinning screenwriter Danny Brocklehurst.…

CORRIE Party politics!  A FAMILY GATHERING CAUSES BIG TROUBLE... Relations between father and son have never been worse – although while Tim has found blanking dad Geoff the easiest way to cope, the anger and resentment is still simmering inside him. Sadly, it all comes to boiling point on what should be a happy occasion. And as insults are thrown, things quickly get out of control. So, are Tim’s actions going to have far-reaching consequences? And is what happens part of another game altogether? EASTENDERS Home truths! Lola’s had her doubts over Jay, which became very clear when she bedded Peter. Has lockdown helped her see Jay for the diamond he is? Or is it time for her to face facts? EMMERDALE Over the edge! Sam may be one of…

Dear Charity, Well, you’ve made some progress in the whole ‘relationships’ thing since meeting Vanessa. But old habits die hard, and once again you’re making bad decisions at the first sign of trouble. However, we can congratulate you on at least finding someone other than Cain to cheat with! So well done on a different bloke, and congratulations at stopping at just a kiss for once. Sadly, we think that’ll be cold comfort to Vanessa, but it’s one line of argument to take. Good luck! Lots of love, Inside Soap xxx…

Following the news that Lucas Johnson will be returning to haunt Denise, EastEnders is also bringing back the pair’s daughter, Chelsea Fox! You’ll notice that Denise’s eldest looks a little different from when we last saw her. Ex-Corrie star Zaraah Abrahams, who played Joanne Jackson on the cobbles from 2005 to 2007, is taking over the role from Tiana Benjamin. What drama will Chelsea bring to her mum’s door this time? “When Chelsea was around, trouble was never far away, and that’s as true as ever when she comes back to Walford later this year,” reveals Square boss Jon Sen. “We’re thrilled that Zaraah is going to play her.” Meanwhile, star Don Gilet, who plays Lucas, has already begun filming scenes that will see Lucas badly beaten up after he…

As Leanne and Steve prepare to head to court to take control of Oliver’s future, actress Jane Danson has revealed that the emotional story and Leanne’s decision has divided some of the show’s viewers. The actress took to Twitter after the episodes where Leanne vowed to fight for Oliver aired, revealing that the response on social media showed “split opinions”. “Some hate her (and me!)” she posted. “I find it interesting how we all see things differently, and that’s what helps us tell the stories. Sometimes she drives me crazy too!” However, she went on to thank fans for their support. “The story hits home for so many, she said. “Thank you for sharing your own experiences.”…

“You can’t fool me, Nan, I know you’ve got the hots for him.” “The last time I had ‘the hots’ was when I was having me menopause. Yes… that’s shut you up, hasn’t it? Talk about the lady’s excuse-me – that strikes the fear of God into men.” “Usually you’re as enthusiastic as a seagull on a sausage roll.” Charmed, we’re sure! “I remember I told my dad, and my dad was like, ‘Go on boy, you’re living the dream.’” “The fact that you were telling Daddy, did that not ring any alarm bells? Now that you’re an adult, now that you’re not 12?” All perfectly reasonable questions from Frankie – as we MOURN this horrifying new information about Stan Carter. “Look, last night was…” “As bad for me as…

This is the moment that Moira comes face to face with her estranged brother Mackenzie – kicking off a huge storyline for the pair that’ll see secrets from the past resurface! Moira is overcome with emotion when her sibling turns up in the village. But their reunion quickly turns sour… “Of course, Mackenzie comes with a secret that you think you’re going to find out – and then there is a further revelation down the line,” teases Dales boss Jane Hudson. “He’s a troublemaker, he’s good-looking, and he doesn’t care what anyone thinks. Mackenzie is going to mess things up with the Tates and the Dingles, and he’ll be a force to be reckoned with!” The mystery shrouding Moira and Mackenzie’s history begins to unravel after he confronts his sister…

Jamie Tate is left stunned this week, when Tracy reveals she was the person who slashed his tyres. Tensions between the Tate tyrant and pregnant Tracy have ramped up over recent weeks, thanks to his decision to frame Nate for Moira’s hit-and-run. When she and Nate bump into Jamie in the village, Tracy admits that she did the deed, leaving Jamie incredulous over her brazen attitude. But when Nate points out that he has no evidence to prove to the police, Jamie knows that he’s been snookered. Yet the small victory brings no comfort for the couple as they prepare for Tracy’s baby scan. She knows that if Jamie gets his way, Nate might not be around to welcome their baby into the world. So, as they get ready for…

FRIEND OR FOE? It’s funny how much I love EastEnders, yet the characters are awful people. There’s no one on the Square you’d want to bump into in real life. Look at the way Ruby and Stacey are treating each other, and they’re supposed to be friends. And don’t even get me started on the Mitchells! Tracy, Deal BUSINESS BRAIN I find it odd that Ray is trying to buy up the whole of Coronation Street – and not just the houses, he’s after the businesses now too. I thought Gary was going to turn out to be Ray’s secret conspirator, and clearly he’s not. I’m now wracking my brains to think who on the Street is heartless enough to want to aid his wicked plan! Shirley, Bristol I’m sure…

Bernice Not knowing who her child’s dad was, Bernice had a tough start in parenting, and left Gabby for a new life when she was just a baby. History repeated last year as Bernice headed to Australia without her teen daughter. Sandy & Doug Gabby was mad on Ashley’s dad, and thought of stepmum Laurel’s dad as her own grandpa. When they both left, she lost two of the biggest figures in her life. Ashley Gabby was brought up by her dad, so his death broke her heart. But the worse thing for her was that she never got to say a final goodbye – something she blamed Bernice for. Leanna & Jacob Jacob was Gabby’s first taste of love, while Leanna was her good friend – but their romance…

“When I joined EastEnders in 2005, Ruby was very timid and emotional, having lost both her mum and sister. “She’s dramatically different now from who she was then. Ruby worshipped Stacey Slater – and now she’s with Stacey’s ex-husband! I don’t think she’d have done that 15 years ago!” “ Billy Murray, who played Ruby’s father Johnny Allen, taught me everything. “EastEnders was my first real acting job, as I was still at school at the time. Billy really looked after me – we would meet up on days when we weren’t at work and go over lines, so he was a mentor as well as my second dad. If Johnny could see Ruby now, he’d probably be proud! He’d want her to be a bit…

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We’re taking a close look at this new psychological drama thriller, which shines a light on the lies we’re all guilty of telling ourselves… This series looks as though it would be Paddington bear’s worst nightmare! Yes, well spotted. The villains from the first two Paddington movies – Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant – play Grace and Jonathan Fraser, a couple whose lives start to unravel after a violent death sparks a terrible chain of revelations. So, are they a bit dodgy? Well, you wouldn’t think so. Grace is successful therapist with her own practice, and a loyal wife and mother. Jonathan, a paediatric oncologist in New York, is just as devoted to his family. Their 12-year-old son Henry attends a swanky private school. They sound too good to be…

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......................... Adam Hussain 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...................…

BULLSEYE! When someone like grubby Ray comes along, threatening our beloved Street, Gary Windass starts to look all kinds of sexy and heroic – like he hasn’t killed a woman on her wedding day by dropping a factory on her, or sparked the Christmas gun rampage which killed Robert Preston, or buried a man in the woods. Anyone else feeling that? Oh, fine then – please yourselves! “The world is one big Monopoly board!” raged Kevin. Perhaps Ray owns this version, and has just got carried away. How much for a hotel on Viaduct St? Kudos to new mum Michelle Hardwick, who most likely shot Vanessa’s special video link-up while praying that her waters didn’t break! Roy’s mask matches his trademark anorak! We hope it doesn’t mean there’s a mask-shaped…

Hi, Sally Ann! How does Jenny feel when Johnny finally tells her the truth about his past? She’s totally shocked by it. Jenny always knew that Johnny wasn’t whiter than white. In fact, I think she quite liked the fact that he was a bad boy, with a bit of a dangerous edge. However, this kind of past – so violent and serious – is completely horrifying, and Jenny doesn’t really know what to do with it. How does she cope when Scott has her at gunpoint? Well, if someone pulled a gun on you, you would be cacking yourself – and she is! I don’t like guns, so that really added to the performance, as I was genuinely scared… Can Johnny and Jenny’s marriage survive this? For Jenny, it’s…

Gambling addict Kush drifts into dangerous territory this week – after he steals money from Ruby, then gets lured into a poker game with Suki and the Panesar boys! Kat’s put-upon fella has been struggling to control his gambling habit of late, which makes Kush an easy target for Suki, as she and Ruby hatch a plan to run the Slaters out of Walford. With Kush a mere pawn in their cruel game, does he stand to lose everything if he can’t get a grip on his addiction? “The trouble is, Kush doesn’t believe that he has a problem,” explains actor Davood Ghadami, who plays him. “He thinks it’s just a flutter here and there, and that what he’s doing doesn’t have a negative effect on him or others around…

Soapy slip-ups! Corrie and Emmerdale have joined forces for a new ITV blooper show – featuring various filming gaffs from both soaps! The programmes will be broadcast on 2 and 3 November, narrated by Julie Walters. Fan fury! EastEnders star Lacey Turner (Stacey) has responded to viewers who are narked about her going off on maternity leave again. “I’m not sure what they are so angry about,” she says. “I’m taking it as a compliment!” Here to stay Returning Hollyoaks star Kieron Richardson (Ste) says that he owes his marriage and children to the soap, and has no plans to quit. “All the things that have made my life better are because I’m in this show,” he says.…

Terrible Todd decides to play Mary and Eileen off against each other this week – using George. But will the wind-up merchant end up causing big bother? He spots an opportunity to stir when Eileen says that she’s off to meet the pair for dinner at Speed Daal and invites himself along too. Eileen is stunned as Todd slyly tells her that he believes George is interested in her, not Mary. So, when they arrive at the eatery for dinner, Eileen’s on pins, and Todd’s primed to cause trouble. “Todd cannot resist the chance to prank both women,” explains our Weatherfield insider. “He’s looking forward to seeing sparks fly and pretending that he had nothing to do with it. Plenty of people fall for Todd’s charm and don’t see him…

“Any chance the wonderful Jenny and Lee from Channel 4’s Gogglebox could join Corrie? The pair would be an excellent signing for the show – maybe they could run the Rovers! I hope you’re reading this, producers!” …pleads reader Ben from Newry “Now that Stacey is back and at war with her friend Ruby, I think the first person she should turn to for help is Ryan Malloy as I am sure he’d do anything to see Lily again. And I’m sure his sister Whitney could do with his support!” …reckons reader Rachel “I’m worried that Luke in Emmerdale is going to steal Victoria Sugden’s inheritance. I just don’t trust that family!” …ponders reader Sam from Brentwood “Talk of an exorcism in Corrie makes me think that soaps could be…

FAIR CITY ● Ali Foley arrives back in Carrigstown this week, but Carol worries that Ali is avoiding spending time with her. Elsewhere, a question from Ruth makes Paul realise what Callum and Oisín are up to. And disaster strikes for one resident… RIVER CITY ● Poppy gets off to a bad start this week, when she discovers her office has been graffitied with unnerving threats from her stalker – before being accosted by a gangster! Meanwhile, Angus is surprised by a former school friend Rebecca. Plus, Lenny sends Alex off on a mission. THE ARCHERS ● Ben refuses to take no for an answer at Brookfield this week, despite Ruth’s concerns. Elsewhere, Alice is left with more questions after spending time with Susan. Finally, Elizabeth faces difficult decisions, and…

Thanks to the rate we’re rattling through these episodes, it feels like no time at all since we were last on stage with Grant at the Queen Vic. He was there to play a very special tape – ‘Now That’s What We Call Sharongate’ – to the baying crowd. And here we are again, up before the great and the good of Walford, as Grant prepares to re-propose to his beloved Sharon – the result of weeks of eyelash-batting and breathy promises on Sharon’s part. But it’s all fake. Sharon’s determined to make Grant feel the same humiliation that he inflicted on her – whether before, on or after that fateful Sharongate night. And, oh boy, Peggy is not going to take this one lying down. Across the Square, Arthur…

NEW LOOK, SAME OLD TODD It’s been a bit of a shock for Corrie viewers this week, as Todd returned – but not quite as we knew him. Despite the change, most of our readers are embracing Todd’s new face… Recasting an established character is never easy, but Corrie have got it spot on with the replacement of Bruno Langley with Gareth Pierce as Todd. As always, Todd is at the centre of a major drama after ripping off a gangster, and it is a superb comeback for this great character. Luke, Wakefield I am loving the new Todd on Coronation Street, played by the brilliant Gareth Pierce. I think he has slotted in perfectly as the new face of the Grimshaw clan. I can’t wait to see how he…

“We already know Suki is a force to be reckoned with, but she is one unpredictable animal!” laughs Balvinder. “There are lots of surprises in store. She surprises me! When I get the scripts, I’m like, ‘Woah, really?’ She’s devious, the manipulation is unbelievable. She’s calculated and clever, and what I really love about her is that, when she gets an idea, she doesn’t seek anyone else’s advice or opinion, she just goes and does it. So just keep watching – and let me know what you think…”…

“ It’s long overdue in the grand scheme of things to have a family of colour right at the front and centre of soap,” shares Trevor A Toussaint, who plays Walter, as we catch up on the drama within the Deveraux clan. “Not to say there haven’t been other black families in soaps, but I think what we’re doing and how we’re tackling our storylines is ground-breaking. And it’s amazing to have Richard [Blackwood, aka Felix], Andrea [Ali, who plays Celeste] and Bobby [Gordon, aka Toby] there to see them grow and be part of this history-making family.” Yes, 2020 has been the year of the Deveraux in Hollyoaks village, with turmoil never far away. And this week is no exception, as Toby schemes to keep Mitchell and Scott out…