Table of contents for 44 - 2020 in Inside Soap UK

Devastated Chas believes she’s lost Paddy for good this week, when he spends the night with ex-wife Mandy. Paddy is deeply hurt after he discovers Chas has popped back to the village, and hasn’t even told him she’s home. With their relationship in tatters, they both decide to sit down and confront the other before it’s too late. But when Paddy has some Dutch courage before the meet-up, he overdoes it and finds himself at the Dingles’ getting wrecked with Mandy. “It’s a massive knock to Chas that Paddy could cheat on her,” explains Lucy Pargeter, who plays Chas. “You don’t realise your own actions until someone does it back to you. Paddy and Mandy have always had a good friendship, and she’s a vivacious, crazy girl. Chas does think…

The Slaters are left in dire straits this week, as they try to pay off their ruthless landlady Suki following the events of Kush’s poker game with the Panesars. Kat needs cash, and she needs it fast – forcing the desperate woman to sink lower than no Slater should ever wish to stoop, and beg Phil Mitchell for his help… Will Phil find it in his cold, dead heart to throw Kat a lifeline, or see the family turfed out on the street? “There is certainly no love lost between the Mitchells and the Slaters,” grimaces our Walford insider. “Given their recent history, Kat has some nerve tapping up Phil!” It was after Kat’s ex Alfie Moon ripped off Phil for £50k – and left the dosh hidden in the…

Grace’s baby isn’t the only new member of the Bailey family in the offing, with news that the soap is adding an ‘important’ new member to the clan. Of course, we’ve yet to meet Dee Dee – Ed and Aggie’s daughter. So could she be the new face? Whatever happens, there’s a dramatic time ahead for the clan, with ITV’s head of continuing drama, John Whiston, confirming they will again be confronting racism in the coming months. “Following on from the racism storyline the show told in recognition of Stephen Lawrence Day, we have a more in-depth look at the effects of racism coming up,” he explains.…

Cain and Sam attempt to get their own back on Jamie this week, but as it’s turns out, they’re not the only surprise guests at Home Farm… When Lydia confides in her husband Sam that she’s had another confrontation with Jamie, Sam’s livid. He vows that Jamie will soon get what’s coming to him, and after Sam talks to Cain about what’s happened, the pair of them hatch a plan to get revenge on Jamie. Though when they reach Home Farm, they’re not alone… “It’s a state of high alert between the Dingle and Tate clans, and it doesn’t take much for tempers to flare,” explains our village insider. “The whole situation with Moira’s hit-and-run, plus Belle and now Nate’s involvement, has left the family fuming. But for Sam, Jamie…

While Honey is far from ready to begin dating again, EastEnders viewers already think that she is heading for a shock new romance with Jay. Fans have flocked to social media to ‘ship’ the couple, while Jamie Borthwick – who plays Jay – previously fessed up that he had a crush on cast mate Emma Barton (Honey), when he was younger. “I was 14 when I first set eyes on Emma, and I wanted to marry her,” confessed the actor, now 26. “We still laugh about it now!” As for Emma, well she tells us, “We are going to see a development with the Mitchells definitely. Jay has provided a huge amount of strength to Honey and you’ll see their friendship developing.”…

“As the soaps now need both social distancing and masks, surely Emmerdale is missing a trick? They have so much space there: woods, fields, a whole village. Surely this Halloween, residents could be hunted down one by one by a masked stalker?” …says reader Jennifer from Barrow “All this talk of Ruby’s dad Johnny Allen has got me thinking about her mum. Did she really die in that fire all those years ago? Now would be the perfect time for her return – and for Patsy Kensit to rock up!” ...suggests reader Gav “Isn’t it about time Damon and Liberty got together in Hollyoaks? It’s clear that they’re mad about each other. They’d be a really cute couple!” …reckons reader Josh from Mildenhall “Corrie badly needs humour at the moment,…

Diane makes a bold choice to switch up her hair this week, but Verity is left confused by her sudden change in her appearance… As Diane’s hair continues to fall out, her new beau Edward decides to make her a salon appointment. Not only that, but Edward encourages her to say goodbye to the old Diane and make a change to mark the beginning of her new life with him. However, as Edward’s daughter Verity spots Diane with fiery red hair, she’s lost for words and left convinced that her dad has an ulterior motive. But Verity’s concerns are soon silenced by a hefty sum in her bank account from Edward… Meanwhile, Diane’s husband Tony has decided he wants to win her back, and reapplies for his job at the…

Biff Fowler finds a novel way to get over losing wife Linda, by jumping into bed with his brother-in-law’s girlfriend! Jan Glover is aghast when she catches her late daughter’s widower between the sheets with village vixen Kelly Windsor, who is meant to be loved-up with her son Roy. Kelly and Biff’s connection has already led to some charged moments, but Ms Windsor had convinced smitten Roy he was the one she really wanted. Never able to resist trouble, naughty Kel’s scandalous seduction of her fella’s brother-in-law causes the grieving Glovers even more heartache following Linda’s tragic demise. Meanwhile, Zoe and Sophie’s relationship hits the rocks as the vet pushes her desire to have a child to the top of the agenda. The couple discuss their options with a fertility…

The arrival of Moira’s younger brother Mackenzie, now all grown up (and rather easy on the eye!) is an Emmerdale gamechanger. Moira has never divulged much about her own family since arriving with husband John and their brood all those years ago. Given the lorry-load of scandal served up by the Barton clan, we’d assumed that Moira’s family must be pretty normal by comparison. However, it would seem that we were dead wrong, because Mackenzie’s arrival is about to stir up secrets that Moira has long since buried! We caught up with Emmerdale stars Natalie J Robb and Lawrence Robb to get the gossip… Hi, guys! You must be so excited to be thrown into the middle of this massive drama… Natalie Yes! It’s a dark past that Moira’s had,…

With the McQueens growing more desperate over their blackmailer this week, John Paul seeks help from the only person he can think of in the village – James. But as the former lovers team up in the hope of flushing out the culprit, James Sutton (aka John Paul) tells us that it won’t be that easy… “It’s exciting!” reveals the star. “They’re hiding in the bushes with a briefcase full of money. Somebody turns up, and it’s not who they think it’s going to be – it may or may not be the blackmailer…” We now know that serial killer Silas is the one hell-bent on getting revenge on Mercedes, but also that he’s not acting alone – could it be his mystery accomplice who turns up for the cash?…

We always leave the supermarket with more than we went in for – and it’s thanks to a trip to Sainsbury’s that Corrie’s Jack P Shepherd (David) bagged gorgeous girlfriend Hanni Treweek! After a flirty first meeting at the soap’s studios, the pair bumped into each other while grocery shopping. “She threw her basket down and ran out of the store!” laughs Jack. “I texted afterwards: ‘That was awkward’, and Hanni said she looked a mess in her gym gear. I actually thought she looked really fit!” Having just marked their three-year anniversary, star Jack says he waited a year to introduce Hanni to his kids Nyla, 11, and Reuben, six. “I worried Hanni would seem a Disney villain, and be seen as a horrible stepmum,” he admits. “But they…

How good is your sense of geography? Or anatomy? Or astronomy? Do you think you can be precise enough to take on Phillip Schofield’s mind-bending challenges? Well, if you do, then you should put a ring on it, as Beyoncé once sang… “PEOPLE END UP SHOUTING AT EACH OTHER, EVEN CLOSE FRIENDS!” PHILLIP” Yes, ITV game show 5 Gold Rings is back for a fourth series this week, and in the opening episode, Corrie’s Simon Gregson (Steve) takes on Emmerdale’s Matthew Wolfenden (David), with help from members of the public. Here’s hoping they can find Weatherfield or the Dales on a map, should that arise… “I just love the way people doubt themselves,” chuckles Phillip of the show. “They can be absolutely sure they know an answer, so they put…

Row, row, row your boat, not-so-gently up the entire length of Britain! That’s the challenge two teams of celebs face in this new reality show… Among the famous faces taking part are ex-Corrie stars Lucy Fallon (Bethany Platt) and Craig Charles (Lloyd Mullaney), singer Fleur East and Olympic gold-medallist Denise Lewis. The dozen were pushed to their physical and mental limits as they rowed for more than 500 miles. We sat down with Inside Soap favourite Adam Thomas (Emmerdale’s Adam Barton) to find out what possessed him to say yes… “It was because I’d been in lockdown with my wife and kids for so long – any excuse to get out of the house!” he jokes. “I’ve done the jungle before, but this was something so different, and definitely not…

Mick and Shirley face off this week, in what could be Walford’s darkest-ever night of the soul – as she pressures him to explain his connection to Frankie. Mick has struggled to get to grips with the news that Frankie is his daughter, and that her mum Katy Lewis abused him when he was just 12 years old, and he’s taken his anger out on his mum, blaming Shirley for not being there for him as a child. Shirley knows that something isn’t right, and is determined to get to the bottom of Mick’s misery. But is she truly prepared for the horror that the truth will bring? “For Shirley, the sad reality of this story is that she was too young to bring Mick up as her own, forcing…

Debbie’s meddling with Tim and Sally isn’t the only drama that she’s involved in this week, as Abi confronts her about what’s she’s playing at! “Debbie thinks that she’s one step ahead of everyone…” After Debbie lies about going to a business meeting, and instead of heading into town slinks into the Bistro, Abi calls her out in front of Kevin. When Debbie then tearfully confesses to losing everything, the plot thickens. We caught up with Corrie’s Sue Devaney to learn more… Hi, Sue! How does Debbie feel when Abi starts making accusations? Abi’s like a Rottweiler with a bone, and Debbie knows she’s on to her. They’re very similar – both clever women who can quickly suss out when something isn’t right. Debbie thinks that because she comes from…

Kat and Phil rarely have many scenes together, but when they do, they are worth their weight in gold. Walford boss Kate Oates teased at the start of the year that new connections between existing characters were in the pipeline, and we’d love to see more of this one. Truly, the on-screen chemistry between stars Jessie Wallace and Steve McFadden is so electric that you don’t know whether Phil and Kat are going to rip off each other’s heads, or maybe even their clothes! And with Kat’s fella Kush due to depart, and Phil single, the chance to kick off such an unlikely affair is simply an opportunity too good to waste……

With half the village gunning for him, Jamie finds himself out on a limb at the moment. One woman that Jamie thought he could rely on was his wife, Andrea, who has stuck by him in the end, and he is also able to take comfort in the love of his daughter, Millie. However this week, Jamie is left infuriated when Andrea tells him that Millie is not coming home, and is staying with her sister for the moment. Could this latest blow push Jamie over the edge? And by taking Millie away, should Andrea prepare herself for Jamie’s wrath?…

Terrified Emma faces arrest this week, as the police start asking difficult questions about the £5,000 Scott gave her for Oliver’s fund. She’s stunned when guilty Johnny tells her that Scott’s in custody for the Bistro robbery, and realises that she could soon find herself in massive trouble for taking stolen cash! Emma initially plans to get the money back from Steve, but when the police arrive to speak to her, she fears it’s too late. What should she do? “This might be the biggest mistake Emma has ever made!” says our Corrie source. “Taking money from the perpetrator of an armed robbery is a serious crime, and Emma could face years in prison. In the end, she has to tell Steve the truth – and he can’t believe that…

Ned heads to the police station this week, and admits to cops that he murdered Scarlett – yet what they don’t know is that Scarlett is alive and well, and hiding out in Erinsborough! Ned woke up recently with no idea what happened to him, and a bloodied knife for company! After suffering hallucinations and nightmares, desperate Ned asks Paul for help, who arranges for Ned to go and see Beverley Robinson for a memory-recall session. But Ned fears that he may remember something incriminating as a result… “Ned is innocent, and this is all part of Scarlett’s elaborate revenge plan…” “It’s terrifying for Ned – especially when Beverley explains that she’ll have to report him if he makes a confession,” shares our Erinsborough insider. “The session finishes with Ned…

The building tension between Angelo and Colby comes to a head this week, when Colby makes a formal complaint against his colleague! Colby has been trying to find a way to get rid of Angelo ever since he arrived in Summer Bay. And Colby now knows he has Angelo right where he wants him when he finds a news story about Angelo’s policing past. Colby shows the piece to Taylor, Angelo’s wife, who he is having an affair with, and she explains the case in question almost ruined Angelo’s career. So Colby uses the articles as evidence when he files a complaint of harassment with his superiors against Angelo! Soon, Angelo hears what Colby’s done and confronts him at the beach. A fight erupts between the two, and Angelo vows…

Sam Mitchell returns to Walford, and Peggy is thrilled to have her home, but she’s probably the only one hanging up the bunting. When the landlady installs her daughter behind the bar of the Queen Vic, declaring that she’ll add a touch of glamour to the boozer, it puts pouting pint-puller Tiffany Raymond’s nose out of joint. However, the frostiness between the pair soon melts and they become BFFs. Sam is quickly making mischief – trying hard to wreck ex-husband Ricky Butcher’s romance with gobby Bianca Jackson, and continuing her holiday romance with ladies’ man David Wicks, after hooking up with him in Spain. B is riled by Sam’s flagrant flirting with her dad, and is soon unleashing her famous red-headed rage at the Mitchell minx during the pub’s quiz night.…

Lily Walker, The Mill’s new temporary receptionist, has already proved herself a welcome addition to the team – particularly with Dr Al, who’s currently benefitting from Lily’s tip-top organisational skills. We’d not long met Lily when Doctors went off for its summer break, so Verity Rushworth (who plays her) is thrilled to be back on screen as the series returns this week. Despite playing Emmerdale’s Donna Windsor for more than 10 years, after joining the cast aged just 12 – as well as treading the boards in musicals including Hairspray and Kinky Boots – Verity admits that she was still fairly anxious before joining the Letherbridge crew. “I was really nervous!” she shares. “But I was so fortunate getting to see three of my episodes on screen before we came…

“We look forward to this every year,” grins presenter Adam Henson, on the farming show’s annual event for BBC Children In Need. “This one couldn’t be the usual affair, with hundreds of people joining in, but it was still lovely!” Adam and his Countryfile co-hosts – including John Craven, Anita Rani and Matt Baker – were each joined on their UK-wide walks by an inspirational youngster who is supported by a Pudsey-funded charity or local project. “I walked with 11-year-old Ryane, who lost his hearing at 18 months, and his support dog, Diesel – plus my dog, Peg – through the Cotswold hills,” reveals Adam. “Diesel has given Ryane a huge amount of confidence.” Since 2015, Ramble has raised £7.9 million for the charity – and if this week’s show…

DVD KIDS HALLOWEEN COLLECTIONS Halloween is saved with ‘Spooky Tales,’ ‘Thrilling Adventures’ and ‘Tricks & Treats’ – three-DVD Collections from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Casper, The Addams Family, and Monster Family all feature – as well as Megamind, Mr Peabody & Sherman, Wallace & Gromit: The Curse Of The Were-Rabbit, and more! Out now. CINEMA DOG SOLDIERS Catch the re-release of this horror classic! A group of soldiers in the Scottish Highlands are on a special training expedition, but soon realise that they’re surrounded by a pack of blood-lusting werewolves – and are about to face the fight of their lives… BOOK THE EMMERDALE GIRLS by Kerry Bell It’s December 1944, and the residents of Beckindale can’t believe they’re going through another wartime Christmas. But the Emmerdale girls are…

It can only be a matter of time before viewers are introduced to Frankie’s monstrous mum, aka Mick’s abuser Katy Lewis. In order to portray the story sensitively and accurately, EastEnders is working closely with both the NSPCC and SurvivorsUK – a charity that helps male, trans and non-binary survivors of sexual violation. “Research suggests that it takes male survivors an average of 26 years to speak out,” explains Alex Feis-Bryce, CEO of the organisation. “The fact that the perpetrator in this storyline is female challenges the myth that sexual violence is something perpetrated by men against women. The reality is that is that anyone can experience this, and it is committed by people from all backgrounds and identities.”…

Furious Tim gets his own back on Geoff this week, after his dad tries to wreck a garden party Sally is throwing. “The Metcalfes have seen that Geoff is capable of all sorts” Tim, Sally, Faye and Debbie are all waiting for Faye’s new boyfriend to arrive at the do, when Geoff brings his boogie box outside and starts blasting out loud music to deliberately antagonise his son. It’s a very childish and vindictive move, which enrages Tim – who is already on edge. So when mischievous Debbie suggests that he should cool Geoff down, Tim goes for broke. “The pressure has been building up for weeks and Tim can’t contain his fury a moment longer,” explains our Weatherfield insider. “His dad has become a menace, and his new nemesis.…

Tom and Yazz’s tender moment to celebrate their engagement is shattered this week, when Ste returns to the village! “Ste had to take himself out of the situation and evaluate his life…” “The first set of eyes that Ste sees are Yazz’s,” explains Kieron Richardson, who is reprising the role of Ste following a break from the show. “All these emotions and memories instantly come flooding back for him. Yazz is stood there with her hearing aids in, all because of what happened before Ste went away…” Ste left in the wake of his grooming and radicalisation by a far-right extremist group, which saw him playing a part in some truly horrific crimes – one of which was triggering an explosion which left Yasmine partially deaf. “Ste had to take…

Emmerdale is in the process of creating a new black family to welcome to the village, in addition to its existing characters Al, Billy and Ellis – as ITV strives to make positive changes in response to the Black Lives Matter movement. Good work is currently going on behind the scenes at the show, with regards to recruiting new writers and directors, too… “We’re working on our Diversity Acceleration Initiative, which is part of ITV’s overall Diversity Action Plan,” explains John Whiston, managing director of continuing drama, and head of ITV in the north. “This is something that we are making real progress on – though obviously there is more to be done.” Further details about the new characters set to arrive in Emmerdale will be announced at a later…

Traumatised Michael is left reeling when he bumps into Grace this week, and she blurts out the shock news that she’s carrying his baby! Viewers saw Grace happily look at a positive pregnancy test just minutes before the police arrived to arrest her for lying about Tiana’s parentage. Since then, Grace has been detained by police and hasn’t seen Michael at all. However, when a chance meeting at the hospital presents her with an opportunity, Grace certainly doesn’t hold back… “The minute Grace clocks Michael, she’s desperate to get his attention and shouts, ‘I’m pregnant!’ at the top of her voice,” reveals our Corrie spy. “Michael can’t believe she’d say this again, especially after lying to him about Tiana. She destroyed his life by duping him, so Michael never wants…

In light of the torture he inflicted on the Carters, Stuart Highway used to rank high on the list of Albert Square’s most irredeemable characters. Remarkably, however, EastEnders bosses have really turned the character around, after teaming him up with equally vile Rainie – and together they’re a match made in heaven. Nevertheless, her accident this week brings out a side in Stuart that we haven’t seen for a while, when he goes nuts at Keegan for endangering Rainie and their unborn child. This all begs the question: If Stuart is still unable to control his temper after coming as far as he has, is he fit to be a parent? “You have to say no,” sighs actor Ricky Champ, who plays Stuart. “We see a flash of the monster…

Billy arms himself with a brick and makes a beeline for Honey’s attacker, Paul, this week – after learning the sleazebag spiked her drink. Honey had wanted to keep the details of her harrowing experience under wraps, but when Billy spots her speaking with a police detective, Jay struggles to keep the truth hidden, and tells him what happened. But is violence really the answer to helping Honey through her ordeal? “Honey knows Billy would be angry,” says Emma Barton, who plays her. “He would want to go and find this person, and probably kill him – and that’s the last thing she wants. She doesn’t agree with violence, she wants to try to handle it her way, and she doesn’t want more drama on their hands.” Billy goes rogue…

Charity hits the bottle this week, as her relationship with Vanessa hangs by a thread! News has reached Vanessa that Charity has been unfaithful and kissed a man behind her back, convinced that Vanessa was doing the dirty on her. Vanessa is understandably heartbroken – and is left to contemplate a big decision as she weighs up her future with Charity… “This is not information that Vanessa needed to hear as she nurses her poorly mother back to health, while receiving treatment of her own for cancer,” sighs our Dales insider. “Charity has really let her down, and shattered any trust between them. Why should Ness give her another chance when Charity has behaved so appallingly?” Charity is full of self-loathing as she accepts that her recklessness could spell the…

Sneaky Simon manages to steal a dictaphone from Wendy – who’s been appointed Oliver’s legal guardian by the courts – this week, giving Leanne and Nick access to her interviews. He pockets the device during their own interview when Wendy gets distracted, and hands it over to his mum. Leanne and Nick want to know exactly what’s been said by the others Wendy has chatted with. But when they hit play and the tape rolls, will they regret their sneaky actions?…

After her relief at being reunited with little Raymond, Denise remains unaware of Phil’s intention to ensure that he’ll be the one to bring up his son. But when her ex Jack’s suspicions are piqued over Phil’s recent actions this week, will he be the one to work out what Phil’s up to? With Jack having told Denise that they can’t continue if she has Phil as part of her life, it’s a sad moment when she arrives to collect her things from his house. But soon Jack’s mind turns to other matters, as he grows intrigued about how Ellie’s properties ended up being raided by the police without any evidence. He’s convinced Phil is behind it, and when Callum tries to cover, Jack is left more suspicious than ever.…

While Jay is excited about his and Lola’s plans to rent a new flat together this week, it’s clear she’s not keen – and soon her head is turned… Jay and Lola’s spark appears to have been lost during lockdown, and Lola is unsure whether they can ever get it back. So when Isaac offers to buy her a drink, she finds it exciting to have a new man show her attention. And as thrilled Jay informs her they got the flat, Lola’s in turmoil. Later, Isaac invites Lola to brunch, where he brazenly asks if she would like to go on a date. Telling Lola it’s clear to him she’s not happy, Isaac makes no attempt to hide his intentions – but what is Lola going to do?…

Jamie and Will’s feud escalates this week, when Jamie decides to dock Dawn’s wages! It’s clear that Dawn has struggled since she shot and killed DI Malone – at one point even quitting her job at Home Farm and going AWOL. Jamie is growing tired of his employee’s unreliable behaviour, and decides to cut Dawn’s pay. Will attempts to defend his daughter, but Jamie has no intention of backing down. Will Dawn be able to hang on to her job, and keep her life in the village on track?…

WAR OF THE WORLDS… I can’t wait for the Phil vs Ellie antics to begin in EastEnders. The Mitchells are hardcore, and I can’t see Phil stopping at anything to get Raymond back, but I’m pretty sure Ellie is a force to be reckoned with. There’s no doubt in my mind that it will all end in tears! Mike, Birmingham IT’S GOOD TO STALK I nearly jumped out of my skin when Silas’ reflection appeared in that boat window in Hollyoaks – of course he’s the McQueens’ stalker! He’s wanted to kill Mercedes for years. My money’s on Breda being his secret accomplice, and I’m really hoping she comes back from the dead with those knitting needles still stuck in her head… Nora, Southampton Ew! That’s a bit too gruesome…

WANT TO BAG YOURSELF £20? Tell us what you think is being said in this scene featuring EastEnders’ Keegan. Post your idea to the Soapbox address, email your entry to soapbubble@insidesoap.co.uk, or put it on our Facebook page. The prize-winning entry will be announced in two weeks’ time! WINNER! This week’s prize-winning entry comes from Debbie, via email. The cash for your Emmerdale caption is on its way – congrats!…

As Evelyn reels from revelations over her man friend Arthur, Coronation Street star Maureen Lipman had some shock news of her own recently – she’s about to be a dame in the New Year’s Honours list! We settle down for a chat with the 74-year-old actress about friendship, feuds and feelings… Hello, Maureen. You have been playing Evelyn now for more than two years. Do you reckon that she has mellowed during that time? We have seen a few more nuances to her, although she still has no discernible membrane between her brain and her lips! Fortunately, she’s able to take it as well as give it out. She seems very settled in Weatherfield and interacts with a lot of people – who would you say were her friends? She…