Table of contents for 32 - 2021 in Inside Soap UK

Hail me a black cab and play the tinkly version of the EastEnders theme, because after 21 years of writing about big soap exits, I’m finally having one of my own! This is my last-ever issue as editor of Inside Soap. However, as the old cliche goes, no one is bigger than the show, and the fantastic team here will continue to bring you top soap gossip every week, so please don’t panic! “I used to buy Inside Soap religiously…” I have a million ‘thank yous’, of course – to the wonderful staff on the magazine over the years, as well as actors and behind-the-scenes people who always go above and beyond for Inside Soap. But my biggest thank you is to you, the Inside Soap readers. People often ask…

There’s no smoke without fire – and it looks as if Walford superbitch Janine is going to arrive home in a blaze of drama this autumn! Inside Soap previously reported that smoke had been spotted billowing from the EastEnders set during a series of night shoots recently, as the cast and crew filmed a big disaster involving the emergency services. And now, actress Charlie Brooks – who is due to reprise her role as the soap’s legendary bad girl – has been snapped filming scenes while covered in soot and ash. A coincidence, perhaps? “Not likely!” scoffs our Walford insider. “Wherever there is trouble, Janine is never far behind!” Rumour has it that Kat’s son, Tommy – who is the half-brother of Janine’s daughter, Scarlett – will be caught up…

Ken and Audrey look poised to be reunited with their posh pal, Claudia Colby, following news that actress Rula Lenska is making a return to Coronation Street. Claudia hasn’t been seen since she and close companion Ken parted ways, after his decision to leave their luxury retirement home, Stillwaters. Claudia decided to stay put while Ken returned to the Street, so what prompts her to slip on her luxury furs for a jolly to Weatherfield? “Claudia’s back for three episodes,” whispers our Coronation Street insider. “She’s the sort of character who comes and goes, yet never fails to leave a lasting impression.”…

Alina learns the awful truth about who started the fire at her flat the week – but will she betray Tyrone and turn Hope over to the police? After rumbling Tyrone’s lies, Alina figures out that the perpetrator of the arson is close to home. So, she makes a life-changing decision which ends with Fiz being escorted into a police car. But later on, Tyrone makes a confession: Hope started the fire! “It’s tough for Tyrone to tell Alina everything,” explains our Corrie spy. “He’s had to choose between protecting his child’s secret and telling the truth to his girlfriend. But in the end, Ty feels Alina has to know what happened, considering she lost their unborn child. Unsurprisingly, Alina is lost for words.” “Tyrone feels that Alina has to…

It’s going to take a hell of lot of grovelling from Jimmy for Nicola to just erase his kiss with Mandy. However, actress Nicola Wheeler, who plays her, reckons that her alter ego ought to give him the chance… “I think there is scope for Nicola and Jimmy to get back together, as Jimmy was in a very difficult place at the time when he snogged Mandy,” reckons the star. “Sometimes life throws you a curveball, and maybe it’s not just about Jimmy and Nicola any more. It’s about the children, and what’s best for them…”…

Victoria is left shocked and confused this week, after Wendy delivers some bad news.… Harry’s gran meets up with Vic for a coffee at the café and shares some information, but doesn’t give stunned Vic the real reason behind her words. While Vic isn’t sure what to think, it’s clear that Wendy is keeping something from her and others in Emmerdale. It’s been a tough time for the bereaved mum after the death of rapist son Lee, and then the truth about Luke being exposed. She’s had to accept that both her boys behaved appallingly, and relations with Luke remain pretty frosty. So, Wendy has a lot to deal with, on top of her guilt about Robert being locked up because Lee died during their fight. She’s a good person…

FAIR CITY Will pretends to be afraid of leaving the house this week, in order to wangle an extra day at Bosco’s. But Mairead soon catches him out… Meanwhile, Tommy learns that Zak is planning a party, and warns against using Sash’s free house. And Doug tells Dolores that Pete has checked himself out of hospital! THE ARCHERS There’s a shocking showdown at Willow Cottage this week, as Alice goes too far and events spiral out of control. With guilt on her mind, Alice makes a drastic decision, but could it be the wrong one? Elsewhere, plans for the Ambridge summer fete are thrown into chaos. Finally, it’s a big day for Ruairi as he gets his A-level results… See TV listings for times & channel details. River City is…

THE FINAL REVEAL! Todd’s crimes were at last exposed in brilliant fashion for all to hear in Weatherfield. And it’s safe to say our readers were pleased that Billy could see Todd for who he really is… I love it when they do big reveals like they did with Todd in Corrie. It reminded me of the classic EastEnders reveal back in 2007, when Tanya discovered Max and Stacey’s affair. Todd’s face was a picture, and I’m so glad that everyone else can finally see what he’s been up to. Danny, Poole I was hoping the reveal would be a bit more dramatic – the video showed what Todd did, but that was it. And why was Paul so quiet? There wasn’t a socially distanced punch-up or anything! I thought…

1 “When I first joined Corrie, I was really excited to work with Chris Gascoyne [who plays Peter]. Although he’s been on the show for 20 years, he still has drive and stamina, which is impressive to me…” 2 “The green room at Corrie is very funny – the banter is exceptional! Jimmi Harkishin [Dev] makes me roar with laughter. He has the best stories that you would just not believe, and he’s a really nice guy too.” 3 “I’d love to have more scenes with Mikey North [aka Gary]. We did a bit a while back during the loan shark storylines, and I think there’s more to explore in that dynamic. Mikey and I have talked about it off set.” 4 “Another actor I’d love more scenes with is…

“Now that I have my own place on Albert Square, it’s as if I’ve officially arrived!” exclaims EastEnders actor Ross Boatman, whose alter ego Harvey makes himself at home in Walford this week, in order to be closer to his daughter Dana. “The day I turned up on the Square and walked through the door to my house was great; to know that you have a place there, it feels solid. I can’t tell you how exciting it is – I feel fantastic!” Dana’s dad Harvey recently turned up on the Square to check out his daughter’s new boyfriend Bobby at his 18th birthday party. Yet it’s clear that Dana has been hiding the truth from her dad about Bobby’s past… “Harvey thinks Dana can do better than dating a…

The residents of Summer Bay were lucky to escape with their lives following the recent food truck explosion, but the horrifying ordeal still isn’t over for Jasmine (see p31). Lynne McGranger, who plays Jas’ close friend Irene, fills us in on the injured nurse’s recovery… How concerned is Irene about poorly Jasmine? Irene loves Jasmine like a daughter – she’ll always be there to support her. Dr Christian is dismayed as well, and can’t work out what’s wrong with Jas. Of course, Irene is very concerned for her because Jasmine previously had depression when Robbo died, so she’s delicate at the moment… And are you enjoying working with Sam Frost, who plays Jasmine? Sam and I always have great fun filming these scenes, we get on like a house on…

Little Shrimp! EASTENDERS STAR BEN CHAMPNISS (SHRIMPY) WELCOMES A BABY BOY… Everyone’s favourite EastEnders extra Ben Champniss (Shrimpy) has become a father for the first time! The 36-year-old actor announced that he and wife Georgie are now the proud parents of a baby boy. The doting couple, who have named their little one Freddie Robert, posted pics of the newborn on social media, saying: “We’re so happy to finally meet you, Freddie! The final piece of the puzzle.” (It’s yet to be confirmed whether Freddie takes after his father and was actually born with that little hat on.) Friends and co-stars rushed to congratulate the pair, and Freddie’s arrival was covered by the showbiz websites. The youngster even got a shout out on This Morning,…

EMMERDALE For better or for worse? IT’S CRUNCH TIME FOR LEYLA AND LIAM… By rights, Liam and Leyla should still be enjoying their honeymoon period, basking in the delights of married life… and each other. But Leanna’s death has driven a wedge between them, and no matter how hard she tries, Leyla doesn’t seem to be able to pull them together. Meanwhile, tension between the pair is also putting strain on Leyla’s relationship with her son Jacob. Next week, things will reach a crisis point, leaving Leyla in a major quandary… YOUR NEXT ISSUE ON SALE TUESDAY 10 AUGUST CORRIE Sally’s new crusade! There’s nothing Sally likes more than being community-minded – well, apart from making herself feel important, that is! Next week, a new cause prompts her to rally…

While Liv’s life might be in the doldrums, star Isobel is flying high and working on releasing some new music in early 2022. The talented singer blew fans away during lockdown by performing hits for Emmerdale’s ‘Woolpack Sessions’. Like co-star Bradley Johnson (Vinny), Isobel has a deep love for music, and intends to launch a parallel career. “I’m hopefully releasing some new music, and then doing a tiny tour of three or four tour dates afterwards,” enthuses Isobel. “I’ll be performing in Leeds a couple of times, and then Manchester and London. It’s nice to be able to do both acting and music. It’s a lot of fun.” Now Liv and Vinny have split up, Isobel isn’t working as closely with good pal Bradley. So, she’s hoping there is a…

Halloween horror! Evil Trevor Morgan’s final showdown with Little Mo went up in smoke – along with Sharon’s courageous firefighter fiancé, Tom Banks, who tried to save him! Phil torches the Vic! While in the grip of an addiction to crack cocaine, Phil took a match to his mother Peggy’s beloved pub. The landlady’s wails of “Let it burn” echo around the Square to this day! Yusef’s last stand! Zainab convinced abusive ex Yusef Khan that his daughter Afia was trapped inside the fire that he had started at No 41. Yusef rushed back inside, but Zainab was fibbing… Alfie fires Kat! Alfie’s marriage to Kat went up in flames after he set their house ablaze as part of an insurance scam. However, Kat was inside and left with horrific…

Channel 4 is to dedicate a full day of programming to black talent in front of and behind the camera next month, including a bumper episode of Hollyoaks centred solely on the Deveraux family. Richard Blackwood and Kéllé Bryan (aka Felix and Martine) have commenced filming with guest director Patrick Robinson, who played Casualty’s Martin ‘Ash’ Ashford for the best part of the 90s. “I’m very excited to be directing this hour-long episode of Hollyoaks, featuring characters who share my background and heritage,” shares Patrick. “Overstanding other people’s cultures, I believe, is one giant step towards an inclusive society, and drama is one of the best tools to do that.”…

With Fiz keen to protect daughter Hope from the consequences of her own actions, it’s Evelyn who turns her beady eye towards the 11-year-old, and is concerned by what she discovers. Taking a quiet moment to speak to Hope, Evelyn quizzes her about starting the fire, and whether she understands the scale of the tragedy this has brought for Alina. However, the youngster remains stony-hearted, leaving Evelyn deeply troubled about her lack of remorse. Does the family have a psychopath in their midst? And if so, will anyone ever feel safe again?…

“Morning, Laura. Can I ask why you are late?” “No, you can mind your own business.” We’re so giving this a whirl sometime. “Now come on, it takes an awful lot to shock me.” Shazza’s seen it all, bought the T-shirt, slept with the T-shirt designer, wept at his funeral. “People think babies are cute. They’re not, they look like pugs.” Not the nurturing kind, our Hope. “A relationship? You’ve had two dates. I’ve had bowel movements that last longer.” “Are we really going to talk about things moving quickly? You were in Alina’s knickers faster than that factory could make ’em!” Tryone and Fiz are much more fun as jealous rivals than partners! “The male physique displayed in all its glory, every curve, every crevice.” “You can keep your…

Yashvi waves goodbye to Ramsay Street this week, after deciding to forge a new life in Sydney with her parents. Following her split from Ned, not to mention her recent brush with death, Vi feels there’s nothing keeping her in Erinsborough. But it’s clear that Toadie will be sad to see his niece leave, so he organises a farewell party for her at the nursery. With best pal Mackenzie by her side, Yashvi says her goodbyes – before leaving for pastures new……

Nikau continues to sweat over his indiscretion with Sienna this week – but will the truth come out? When Nikau and Allegra are booked for another shoot, Bella gives Sienna a piece of her mind about controlling Nikau’s life! Keen to get Bella on side, Sienna sweet-talks her, and offers her a gig as the photographer on the shoot… It’s too good an opportunity for Bella to turn down, but Nik is on tenterhooks as Sienna continues to meddle in his relationship. Will she spill the beans to Bella about her secret night of passion with Nik?…

There’s a new family in Walford this week, and they are “set to rival the Mitchells” – at least so claimed the producer of the day. Alas, this enthusiasm would prove misplaced, as although there are some charismatic actors among the eight-strong DiMarco clan – notably Louise Jameson as mum Rosa, and Michael Greco as elder son Beppe – they will ultimately fail to set the world alight. Instead of swooning over second son Gianni, most of the time you’ll be wondering how long it takes Beppe to draw on his beard with an eyebrow pencil each morning. The clan are old friends of gangster George, and introduced via the funeral of Rosa’s husband, Guiseppe – soon to be immortalised in the name of Walford’s new Italian restaurant……

PINK & PROUD Martine in Hollyoaks recently wore a larger-than-life silky pink top – where can I find one? Leah We’ve tracked down a few similar items – all pink! The first is the ‘Tie Back Gigot Sleeve Top’ from Shein. There’s also the ‘Vera Moda Blouse with High Neck and Ruffle Trim in Pink’ from ASOS. And check out the ‘Balloon Sleeve Organza Top’ from Warehouse. ADOPTION HISTORY I’m confused about Tyrone’s backstory in Corrie – especially as I’ve heard that Fiz’s new lover could be his brother! So did Jackie Dobbs adopt him? And how is he related to Evelyn? Kevin, Staffordshire Tyrone was adopted by Jackie Dobbs when he was a child. It was only in 2018, when Jackie died, that Tyrone discovered he was adopted. While…

Ryan might not have grown up around his birth mum Charity and her wayward family, but there’s no mistaking the fact that he’s a Dingle through and through! And this week he proves it, when he starts spying on his dodgy housemate Mack after Charity accuses him of stealing some smartwatches. But can Ryan really live up to his family’s reputation and outsmart wily Mackenzie? James Moore, who plays him, certainly believes so… “Like a true Dingle, Ryan likes taking matters into his own hands,” chuckles the actor. “And I think he has a feeling that Mack is going to screw him over – so his intention is to be one step ahead. “They’re living together now, so Ryan begins to suspect Mackenzie pretty quickly,” continues James. “He seems to…

“Barbara [Smith, who plays Dana] is so lovely – she’s a fantastic actor!” gushes the actor. “I’m always amazed when I meet actors as young as Barbara who are so accomplished and confident, she’s great. I’m really looking forward to working with her over the coming months. We’ve got some really lovely stuff to play together, and I’m confident we’re going to make a great team. I’ve been working a fair bit with Clay [Milner Russell, aka Bobby] too. What a smashing kid and so talented – so natural in his delivery. He’s bright and engaging, always chilled and in a good mood. Clay has such a great energy, it’s a pleasure to be around and to work with him.”…

WIT AND WISDOM “Bobby my darling, this isn’t because I don’t love you, it’s because I do.” Garry giving up Bobby after finding out that Ian was the boy’s father “I can’t bear to look at you. You are sick. Sick in the head!” Ian “Whatever she said, she started it. She made everyone unhappy…” Bobby stood looking at Lucy’s corpse, jewellery box in hand “Dad… DAD… I killed Mum. Just like I killed Lucy.” Bobby to a packed Vic after clubbing Jane THE KEY RELATIONSHIPS IAN Dad Ian has made a hash of raising all his kids, and Bobby is no exception. The pair have a rocky relationship, with Bobby spending long periods with mum Jane away from Walford. KATHY With Ian currently away – and despite the fact…

Get set for your big day, like Louisa – and look the belle of the ball with these bridal beauties… £22.99 Quiz Nothing says ‘I do’ more than this embellished statement clutch. £75 JD Williams Dress feet up, even if they’re hidden under your gown, with these embroidered crystal heels. £29.83 PaulettaStore @ Etsy Hang your dress in style on the big day with this keepsake hanger. £40 Boohoo Say yes to the dress, like Louisa, with this stunning and exquisite lace plunge gown £45 Jon Richard Complete your look with this sparkly beaded hair wreath. £50 John Lewis Add these iridescent pearl drop earrings for glamour and chic. £30 Jon Richard Details like this stunning bracelet will make your day that extra bit special.…

BULLSEYE! James and Michael’s story has again prompted conversations surrounding unconscious bias and out-and-out racism, with the debate between Steve and Tim a classic example of how cleverly Corrie opens a discussion with its audience. Personally, we think PC Brody should spend less of his time pulling over sports cars, and more of it keeping nice guys like Seb from being murdered. We suspect Hope’s supposedly happy drawing of her family in the sun actually shows them all about to be obliterated by a fiery meteorite. We do understand why Liam is going to insist on wearing the same grey marl tracksuit for the next six weeks. We only ask that it’s given a boil wash every three to four episodes. Nothing says “the honeymoon’s over” more than when you…

This week’s hit-and-run horror is just the latest in a long line of mistakes that Shona has made since suffering her brain injury. But Julia tells us that she’s been thoroughly enjoying getting to know this new side to her character… “It has been really interesting,” she grins. “We are starting to see glimpses of the old Shona; although the new Shona is here to stay. As an actor, I feel very comfortable about where she is since her brain injury. I’m bringing back the essence of Shona that never left, but having the freedom for her to be more outspoken, which is really fun to play. “She does have the ability to be sensitive with people, such as Nina when she was going through hell,” adds Julia. “However, when…

Ever since Shaq arrived in the village, it’s been clear that he has a soft spot for his cousin’s girlfriend. But this week even Verity realises how Shaq feels, after he helps Sami find her a thoughtful gift. Verity becomes conflicted herself, and seeks advice from Celeste. However, who does she prefer: Sami, or Shaq? “Misbah has an inkling that Shaq likes Verity – she’s spotted his little puppy dog look!” laughs Harvey. “And Misbah warns him not to go there, she’s Sami’s girlfriend, it’s not the right thing to do. It’s a conversation Misbah would have with any of her children, so she does try to make him see that to ignore it is the right thing to do. I mean, if Shaq acts on this crush, it will…

Dead keen Ex-EastEnders star Samantha Womack says she would return to the show, despite the fact that her Walford alter ego Ronnie is brown bread! “Did the Mitchell sisters really die?” she wonders… Undercover boss Rosie Marcel has revealed how she had to drive to the Holby studios wearing a hat, mask and sunglasses for four months, so that her shock return as Jac would stay a secret. “Sorry to have fibbed to you all!” insists the actress. Nicolette flees! Paul’s meddling will prompt pregnant Nicolette to do a runner in Neighbours, after she finds out that Leo slept with Chloe! Is the revelation set to tear them all apart?…

While Jason Donovan was the Aussie soap golden boy of the 80s, Home and Away star Dieter Brummer snatched that crown as the 90s arrived. The actor joined the show aged 15 as Shane Parrish, and propelled it to a height where it finally eclipsed arch-rival Neighbours. Home and Away was Dieter’s first major acting role when he joined in 1992, while still studying drama at high school. Shane’s romance and later wedding to Angel Brooks drew in huge audiences, but off screen Dieter admits he became eventually bored of the role – preferring his character as the bad boy of the early episodes, rather than the romantic lead. Dieter also admitted that his chemistry with cast mate Melissa George (Angel) was “far from real”. But none of this held…

Hi, Gillian! We’ve really enjoyed Jean looking after Ruby – but how do you think she’ll react if Ruby does confess what she did? Could Jean forgive her? That is a big question! Probably not… But the story unfolds in an unusual way, and what’s nice about it is that Jean doesn’t behave in a way in which the audience would expect. I love what goes on between her and Ruby because Jean has to be a bigger person. She has a choice to help or not, and she chooses to help. Jean is becoming a bigger and stronger person, although deep down she can’t forgive Ruby. How is Jean coping with Stacey being in prison? She’s coping remarkably well for someone with a history of mental health issues. Her…

Sue continues to disrupt Luke’s life from beyond the grave this week, as it becomes clear that she was keeping a huge secret from her son! While going through Sue’s belongings, Cindy is shocked to discover that Luke’s mum had been writing to a man in prison! Not only that, but the identity of her pen pal sends shivers down Cindy’s spine. Keen to keep the truth hidden from Luke, Cindy tells Zara that they need to burn the letters. However, nothing remains secret in Hollyoaks village for very long……

Prepare to don your black armband for this week’s Classic Corrie, as former Weatherfield mayor Alf Roberts slips from this mortal coil, just as 1998 gives way to 1999. Decent, dependable and a grocer to his core, Alf was, in many ways, a last link to a disappearing world. If there was ever a hat to be seen in the Rovers, you could bet that Alf Roberts was underneath it. With him, we also mourn the passing of a lost era of Coronation Street; a simpler age of largely genteel backstreet bickering. The Battersbys are already here, and the Street’s first serial killer is but two years away. Alf first appeared in 1961, when Corrie was newborn, popping up from time to time before becoming a regular in 1971. Twice…

WHODUNNIT? I love a murder mystery, but it will be tough to solve who killed Susie McAllister in Home and Away – everyone hated her! It could have been Leah, Irene, Stephen, John, Justin – or any of their family members who are seeking justice too… Florence, Surrey LIFE IN TATTERS Poor Nancy! It looks as if nothing’s going her way in EastEnders. And the sad thing is that when she finds out that it was Frankie who ran her over and Zack who covered it up, it’s only going to get worse. I think she was better off on the other side of the world! Nick However, in the wake of a divorce, home is probably the best place for Nancy to be… A WRONGFUL ARREST… It’s going to…

“Ryan really needs some more friends!” declares Corrie star Ryan Prescott, as we chat to him about his character’s life being in the doldrums right now. “Maybe that’s just coming from me being stuck in my flat for the past year by myself! But right now Ryan doesn’t have many close ties on the Street, and I think he’s one of those people with whom a lot of personalities would work well. He naturally falls into the sidekick role; he’s happy to be on the sidelines. I’d like for him to form more relationships with people on the cobbles.” Poor, naive Ryan isn’t really doing himself any favours at the moment, though. Having been duped by wicked Daisy into believing that he cheated on Alya with her, he found himself…

Mandy is delighted to welcome her daughter Ella home this week, after months incarcerated in a young offenders’ centre for Jordan Price’s murder. However, Mandy’s joy soon turns to horror when her teenage daughter runs away! Is there any let-up to Mandy’s misery? Sarah Jayne Dunn, who plays her, reveals that she isn’t sure there is… “Now that Ella’s back in the village, Mandy feels they can start afresh and put the past behind them,” she explains. “However, of course, that’s not how it works out! Mandy wants them to move on with their lives, and finally have some happiness, so when Ella runs away, Mandy is utterly devastated.” Prior to Ella fleeing the village, Mandy has been forced to lie to her daughter after Nancy bans Charlie from seeing…

1 Oscar De La Renta Bella Blanca A timeless feminine fragrance of dewy freesia, jasmine sambac and creamy sandalwood. 2 Lancôme La Vie Est Belle Eau De Parfum For Her Taking its name from the French for ‘life is beautiful’, this perfume is a gorgeous bouquet of fabulous florals, with fruity notes. 3 Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Mariage Eau De Parfum Limited Edition This limited-edition bottle holds an unexpected explosion of patchouli, jasmine and vanilla. 4 Chloé Eau De Parfum For Her Spray yourself in the essence of romance with this classic rose, magnolia and springtime freesia fragrance. 1 The Perfume Shop from £44.99 2 The Perfume Shop from £56 3 John Lewis £66.30 4 Boots £52…