Table of contents for 37 - 2021 in Inside Soap UK

“What greater fear does a parent have?” Every week, no page of Inside Soap receives deeper thought than our cover. It’s our ‘front window’, and the choices we make have a significant effect on our sales – and our continued employment! One cover star we know works well is the ‘damsel in distress’ –a beloved, sympathetic female character who is battling some terrible misfortune. This week our star is Corrie’s Kelly. But there hangs a question… Is she a sympathetic character? After all, we’ve just seen her slap Nina, and fail to stop Corey from killing Seb. However, I think anyone out there who is the mother, father or otherwise cares for a young daughter will feel for Kelly. After all, what greater fear does a parent have than of…

DO… Keep them close! When Emmerdale’s Moira cheated on Cain with his own son, it seemed there was no going back. It took Mackenzie locking them in a barn for the couple to realise that they truly belonged together. DON ’T… Secretly marry someone else! It’s hard to believe that EastEnders’ Tanya Branning gave Max another chance after he bedded Stacey. Yet their second wedding was ruined when Max’s secret wife, Kirsty, rocked up! DO… Get even! Carla was devastated when hubby Peter did the dirty with Tina McIntyre. Years later, she got her own back by sharing a naughty night with Peter’s nephew Adam – and the couple are still going strong. DON ’T… Keep making the same mistake ! Hollyoaks’ Nancy should have her lesson after…

Devastated Marlon is convinced he’ll lose the Woolpack this week, as a terrible accident plunges the business into even deeper turmoil. After months of scraping by, Marlon hits upon the idea of hosting a barbecue to bring in the punters – and persuades Matty to cook for cash in hand. But after the untrained chef is burned in an accident, his mum Moira demands compensation. For Marlon’s dream of running a successful business, it’s the final nail in the coffin… “Marlon and Chas are absolutely on their knees,” explains Mark Charnock, who plays the stressed landlord. “If they are sued by Moira and Matty, this could be the end of the Woolpack as we know it. Chas is merciless in blaming Marlon – and she’s right to do so. It…

BABY ON WAY! I love Linda’s maternity style, and I really want to get my hands on the black and red heart dress she had on recently… Kelly, Swindon There are lots of dresses similar to Linda’s – have a look at the ‘Tiered Maternity & Nursing Dress’ from Seraphine. Or the ‘Animal Print Maternity Devoré Twist Dress’ from JoJo Maman Bébé is really beautiful and flattering, too! COURT OF APPEAL I love Corrie’s Imran and think he was brilliant in this week’s court scenes – but I thought he was a solicitor, not a barrister? Stephen Inside Soap has long pondered – and joked about – this very question, and now we can bring you the answer, care of star Charlie de Melo himself! Imran works as a…

“ My favourite places to film are the Alahan house, and Roy’s Rolls. I love getting to sit down in the little café, it’s like being in Greggs! It’s a hot spot for all the characters as well.” “ Jimmi and Tanisha [Gorey, who plays Aadi’s twin sister Asha] are my favourite people to film with. We’re like a family in real life as well, I love them both.” “ Roy is probably my top Corrie character of all time. He’s brilliant; I just love his mannerisms and his traditions. He’s got a classic vibe about him.” “ Recently, I was impressed with the storyline about Seb’s attack. The acting, the directing, the camerawork – everything was just amazing, and it played out brilliantly on screen.” “ My favourite scene…

While Ruxandra is staying tight-lipped on whether or not Alina will exit Weatherfield for good this week, her recent social media posts suggest that her time on Corrie has come to an end for now. The actress posted a series of pictures of her enjoying drinks with various co-stars, and she even received a bouquet of flowers – the kind you would expect as a leaving present. “This week has been such a lovely one!” she gushed on Instagram. “And it’s all thanks to the wonderful people I spent time with. I wish I had a pic with each of you, but you know who you are. Thank You!”…

“I’ve lived in and around the Cotswolds for most of my life, so I jumped at the chance to present this series,” reveals poet, comedian, songwriter and broadcaster Pam Ayres, chatting about touring her scenic corner of south west England, stretching across five counties. “It was a no-brainer – and a lovely job!” In this four-parter, Pam shows off the stunning scenery on her doorstep… Hello, Pam! Has the series unearthed any Cotswolds treats you’d not previously discovered? Oh yes, indeed! The little steam railway at Toddington – put back together by volunteers, sleeper by sleeper – was delightful. And snobbishly I felt I wouldn’t be very interested in the perfumery in Bourton-on-the-Water, when in fact I found it really interesting. So I discovered as much myself as hopefully the…

BULLSEYE! It’s crazy to think that Super Soap Week is still to come, after the show-stopping stories in Corrie and Emmerdale lately. We were blown away by Amy Walsh’s performance as Tracy’s plot came to a head, examining themes surrounding post-natal depression and the help that is available. Sadly, we fear Tracy’s pain will be familiar to more mothers than anyone realises. We feel Ryan’s pain over the stolen perfume plot. It stinks! We really hope that Honey and Jay don’t have a cute pet bunny they’re particularly fond of. Well, as you asked so nicely. Seb’s dying voice message made the hairs on the back of our neck stand on end. To think, this plot is based on real events. Chas “gets an odd feeling” when she’s around Meena.…

There are ugly scenes on Main Street this week, as furious Rhona ends up in an altercation with Brenda over Cathy’s appalling behaviour! It’s after Cathy finally comes clean to April, and admits that she was the one who started the online campaign of hate against her, that the devastating chain of events kicks off. And as Rhona angrily accosts Cathy in the village, Brenda steps in to defend her stepdaughter – with shocking consequences… “It sounds really awful when you say that Rhona pushes Brenda to the floor!” gasps Zoe Henry, who plays the vexed vet. “Rhona’s fuming – she’s chasing Cathy up the street, and Brenda intervenes. It’s definitely not intentional, but there’s a scuffle. Brenda ends up falling on the floor and says that Rhona pushed her…

“We spent three days filming these scenes on location, and it was brilliant!” grins the actor. “We had amazing weather and a brilliant crew – plus I love working with Anna [Passey, who plays Sienna] and Rhiannon [Clements, aka Summer]. It was really exciting! “We’re usually in Sienna’s apartment, which is quite small, and we’re limited on how many people we can have in there,” he continues. “So to be outside and have that freedom in our acting again was really refreshing. Those days were really special to me, and it’s something I’ll always remember.”…

“Welcome to your middle age, ladies! If you haven’t got a mystery ailment now, one will be assigned to you shortly. It’s like one of those all-you-can-eat buffets. What should be hot is cold, and what should be firm is limp.” Vi is such a ray of sunshine! “It was Corey, I remember everything.” Six words that shook soap. “Do you think starting a business with Phil Mitchell is a good idea?” “Says the man who is in bed with his son.” Really? Did we miss an episode? “Poor Tracy. I feel terrible that I didn’t see it. I know I had my troubles after having Isaac, but this?” Troubles? You pushed a woman off a bridge! “When you were run over on a random hit-and-run, it was actually me…

As Marlon frets about his livelihood going up in smoke, poor Matty has the after-effects of his injury to contend with. Meanwhile, star Ash Palmisciano – who plays Moira’s lad – was thrilled to talk Inside Soap through the logistics of shooting the stunt… “It was really exciting!” grins Ash. “There’s an explosion from the barbecue and he uses his hands to shield himself, which is why they are burned. I filmed my reaction to a smaller fire, then I had to stand back while the explosion was shot. “After the injury, Matty’s hands are strapped up in lots of bandages,” adds the star. “That made going about my day quite awkward!” Of course, the effects for Matty are more serious – though Ash reckons he got off lightly. “All…

FAIR CITY Lee struggles to cope with the repercussions of his actions this week, and Darragh attempts to talk him out of turning himself in… Meanwhile, Cristiano notices that Dean is not himself. Plus, DI McCabe sets her sights on Ger as Will’s mystery moneylender! RIVER CITY There’s a shock in store for Alex this week as his ex-wife, Karen, makes an unexpected visit to check up on Jessie! Elsewhere, Maggie confronts Ash about his relationship with Ruby… And Eve wants Lou’s help to reach out to imprisoned Cameron. THE ARCHERS It’s an emotional week for the Aldridge family this week, as two of the clan have to make a harrowing journey – but will the trip be worth it? Meanwhile, a near miss at Honeysuckle cottage spooks Adam and…

If we had a pound for every photo we’ve printed of a lady looking wistfully into the middle distance while holding up a pregnancy test (always in a slightly unnatural way to ensure the camera can catch the label), we’d have… well, enough money to buy a solid-gold yacht. Each such photo kicks off a storyline – be it a shock twist, an unbridled joy, a terrible betrayal or a heartbreaking tragedy. For Leanne, her pregancy test this week marks the start of a lifelong journey. If they weren’t living in a soap, Leanne and Nick would surely be jumping for joy. They’re married, and at least reasonably happy. However, while Leanne takes a deep breath and starts to come around, Nick is practically hyperventilating. His worries only intensify as…

“What’s been the highlight of my time on Hollyoaks?” considers actor Adam Woodward, aka Brody, as he joins us to look back at his four years on the soap. “I was going to say working with such an incredible cast and crew, but if I’m really honest, it would be winning the Inside Soap Award [Adam was crowned Best Actor 2019] – it has pride of place in my house!” Only a handful of people get to display one of our prized gongs, so Adam is in a very elite group! As tortured Brody, he’s notched up a huge amount of drama in four years, from his abuse at the hands of football coach Buster, to being kidnapped by love-rival Warren, and even getting his girlfriend’s sister pregnant. But this…

Hi, Harley! Tell us a bit about Logan… He’s kind of a nomad. He’s seen and done a lot already, which he tries his best to avoid delving into. He’s also a bit of a medical cowboy, so he’ll probably come across as entitled and arrogant! What were this week’s accident scenes like to film? It is all so exciting! Logan’s life-saving intervention brings him to the Northern Districts Hospital, and it gives him a tantalising taste of what it’s like to follow his patients through from start to finish. He’s usually long gone before they wake up, so this is a brand-new playing field for him. What’s it like playing a doctor? I’m loving it! The opportunity to take on the role as a doctor and be thrown into…

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Hello, Zoe! What was it like filming these scenes? Lesley Dunlop [who plays Brenda] and I isolated, and did Covid tests so we could actually do this tussle together. I literally hugged her for a whole day, I was so excited to touch someone! What makes this story so relevant right now? I’m a parent of teenagers, so it’s a worry for me. I’m constantly checking in with my kids that they’re not badly behaved, and that no one is behaving badly to them. When I was a kid, if I was being bullied at school, I got home, shut the door, and it ended there. But now it doesn’t; it’s in your bedroom at 3am, because it’s constant. I think that’s why it’s been such an important story to…

Leanne’s doomed fate appears to be all but sealed in future episodes of Corrie, judging by new pictures of evil Harvey Gaskell’s terrifying return! Actor Will Mellor – who returned to the cobbles recently to film a dramatic comeback for his wicked character – has been spotted wearing handcuffs as Harvey is transported from prison. However, rumour has it that the situation will change dramatically after Harvey breaks free from custody… “It looks as if he does a runner and dives into some bushes,” reports our spy from Corrie’s location shoot in Manchester. “There is no telling at this stage whether Harvey is the mastermind behind the escape, or if he simply gets lucky and makes a dash for it. However, one thing is for certain: Leanne had better run!”…

Save our Square! EastEnders has a super fan in Whoopi Goldberg! The Sister Act legend said in a recent interview that she’s gutted the soap has stopped airing on BBC America. “Where’s Peggy? Where’s that woman with the cigarette?” she despaired. Mum’s the word! Brooke Vincent, aka Corrie’s Sophie Webster, says that she won’t be back on the cobbles any time soon as she concentrates on being a parent. Meanwhile, reports suggest that her former screen sibling Helen Flanagan (Rosie) also has no plans for a return. Wife swap! Stefan Dennis’ real-life missus Gail Easdale is returning to Neighbours as scheming Julie Quill! “Julie has reflected on her past deeds, making her a changed, remorseful character since you last saw her,” teases the actress.…

Tyrone suffers a very public humiliation this week, after he tries to break things off with fiancée Alina to get back together with his ex, Fiz! Having recently shared a kiss with Fiz, Tyrone has decided that he made a massive blunder leaving her for Alina, and he wants to put things right. But while he thinks it will be a simple case of ditching Alina and moving back in with Fiz, it turns out he’s very sadly mistaken… “The truth of the matter is that Fiz doesn’t want him back!” chuckles our cobbles insider. “And can you blame her? Tyrone has given no thought at all to Fiz’s feelings – he ripped out her heart and stomped all over it. So while Fiz will always care about Ty and…

Boxercise class isn’t a total washout for Sonia this week, as she bags a date! It’s been a while since our Son had any action, and she’s pretty thrilled by the attention. So, when gym-goer Ethan asks her out, she’s excited to accept. “We were beginning to think Sonia had secretly joined a nunnery – she hasn’t had a date in years,” chuckles our Walford insider. “Ethan is a good-looking guy, and Sonia is excited to find out more about him. God knows it’s finally time she put Martin behind her and moved on, so perhaps Ethan has some real potential.” Tiff is delighted for Sonia and encourages her to have a great time on the date. But when dad Rocky discovers she’s going out with Ethan, he’s less than…

Coronation Street loses a leading light this week, when Norris Cole passes away following a stroke. Intriguingly, just before he shuffles off his mortal coil, Norris contacts Ken to tell him he has some important news to share. Ken and Rita are excited at the prospect of meeting up with their friend and hearing the latest gossip, but fate has cruel intentions. Instead, they receive a call from Freda to ask them to make their way to the hospital where Norris has been taken after suffering a stroke. “They realise Norris is never going to get on their nerves ever again” “It’s so sad because when Ken, Rita and Mary get to the hospital, Norris has already passed on,” shares our Weatherfield insider. “They missed the chance to have that…

What did you think when you heard Jean was to be Walford’s surprise new drug dealer? That it’s a great story! In Jean’s mind it’s a very serious situation, but it was very funny for me to play. How does Jean feel when she’s arrested? Is she aware of the prison time she could be facing? Jean is floored completely and very scared for herself and the whole family, especially with Stacey away. We love that Jean turned to Shirley for help, as they make a good team! Yes! The shock of seeing the cannabis was huge – and Jean had no one to turn to as the culprit, Big Mo, is gone! The only person she could think to help her was Shirley. Did you enjoying working with Linda…

Levi’s mother, Evelyn, arrives in Erinsborough unannounced this week, and Levi attempts to hide his relationship from her… Knowing Evelyn won’t support his polyamorous situation, Levi decides to keep Amy a secret. But there are bigger problems at home, when Sheila asks why Evelyn is being so frosty towards her. Sheila tries to make amends for the past and invites Evelyn to stay a little longer. But this causes problems for Levi – how long can he hide his romance?…

THROW AWAY THE KEY! Corrie took us through the horrors of the night of Seb’s attack in a series of disturbing flashbacks. And as his killer was revealed, Inside Soap readers immediately demanded justice… The flashback scenes to the night of Seb’s murder were harrowing. But at least now Nina knows exactly what happened and can move forward – as long as Corey goes to prison, of course. And I have to say that it was also lovely to have Harry Visinoni [aka Seb] back on screen. Karen, Oxford I loved the complex journey Corrie took us on for Nina to remember what happened prior to Seb’s death. And I’m really happy that Kelly had nothing to do with it, after the initial slap of course… Phillipa We really need…

It’s fair to say that Corrie’s Dev is a complete one-off – from his wacky sense of humour and mannerisms to his unique way of wooing the ladies, there’s no one else like him in soap land. Yet it’s caught our attention recently that his son, Aadi, is starting to resemble his dad in more ways than one… “That’s something I’ve been trying to work on – like father, like son!” grins Corrie star Adam Hussain, who plays Alahan Junior. “I thought I’d incorporate some of Dev’s traits into Aadi, because he was raised by his father, so he’d have one or two of his mannerisms, at least. “Has Jimmi [Harkishin, aka Dev] been giving me any tips? No, I don’t think he’s noticed to be honest!” Aadi’s spent his…

Channel 5’s 2020 reboot of All Creatures Great And Small – harking from the hugely successful BBC series based on the novels of Yorkshire vet James Herriot – was a brave move. But as this fresh take, featuring Samuel West, Anna Madeley, Rachel Shenton and Nicholas Ralph returns for a second series, it’s already proving itself equally popular. We’re back in the Dales in the spring of 1938, where ambitious young vet James has a major dilemma on his hands after a trip home to Glasgow. But as we join Nicholas, who plays James, and his co-star Rachel – whose neighbouring farmer alter ego Helen left her fiancé Hugh at the altar at the end of the last series – it’s James and Helen’s potential romance we’re most keen to…

Back to crack three new cases, Shaun Evans reprises his role as DS Endeavour Morse, as an eighth series of Endeavour starts this week. Here, the actor reveals where we pick things up from the end of the last series, following his character’s lover Violetta’s tragic death… “It’s 1971, and Endeavour is drinking too much and phoning in sick,” explains Shaun. “It’s really interesting how his misery manifests. There was more of a drinking culture then, so you could hide it in plain sight.” “IT’S WHAT MAKES HIM BRILLIANT – BUT ALSO MAKES HIM TRAGIC…” In Sunday’s opener, there’s an explosive murder at an Oxford college, and the IRA has made a threat against the life of Oxford Wanderers’ star striker Jack Swift. Endeavour is tasked with acting as the…

POP THE QUESTION Claudia Winkleman will front new game show One Question for Channel 4, in which contestants can win £100,000 with just one answer… “No buzzers, no complicated rules,” Claudia beams. “I’ve bought a new black sweater and the studio has a toasted sandwich maker!” DEAD GOOD BBC thriller Guilt is set to return for a second series, as brothers Max and Jake ( Mark Bonnar and Jamie Sives) continue to battle their guilty consciences after accidentally killing an old man. Stars joining for the new run include Downton Abbey’s Phyllis Logan and Endeavour’s Sara Vickers. BABY TALK Alex Jones is to train as a fertility assistant as part of a new series for W, Alex Jones: Making Babies, airing next year. “This series is really close to my…

CASUALTY Matthew Afolami..................... Osi Okerafor Faith Cadogan....................... Kirsty Mitchell Iain Dean....................... Michael Stevenson Charlie Fairhead............... Derek Thompson Ethan Hardy..................... George Rainsford David Hide................................. Jason Durr Jan Jenning................................ Di Botcher Dylan Keogh............................ William Beck Marty Kirkby................. Shaheen Jafargholi Jade Lovall........................... Gabriella Leon Rashid ‘Rash’ Masum.............. Neet Mohan Jacob Masters........................ Charles Venn Robyn Miller................ Amanda Henderson Tina Mollett............................. Adele James Stevie Nash.......................... Elinor Lawless CORONATION STREET Aadi Alahan.......................... Adam Hussain Asha Alahan......................... Tanisha Gorey Dev Alahan........................ Jimmi Harkishin Izzy Armstrong................ Cherylee Houston Aggie Bailey.......................... Lorna Laidlaw Edison Bailey......... Trevor Michael Georges James Bailey...................... Nathan Graham Michael Bailey........................ Ryan Russell Ronnie Bailey......................... Vinta Morgan Adam Barlow.................. Samuel Robertson Carla Barlow.............................. Alison King Ken Barlow......................... William Roache Peter Barlow....................... Chris Gascoyne Sarah Barlow............................ Tina O’Brien Simon Barlow............................... Alex Bain Leanne Battersby.................... Jane Danson Toyah…

THEATRE WAITRESS TOUR Meet Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of some happiness in her life. When a hot new doctor arrives in town, life gets complicated. With the support of her workmates Becky and Dawn, Jenna overcomes the challenges she faces and finds that laughter, love and friendship can provide the perfect recipe for happiness. Starring Lucie Jones and Emmerdale’s Sandra Marvin (who played Jessie Grant). For tickets and further info, log on to www.waitressthemusical.co.uk DVD DECEIT This true-crime drama looks at the fallout from the shocking killing of 23-year-old Rachel Nickell on Wimbledon Common in 1992, and the subsequent bungling of the investigation by the police, which saw the prosecution of an entirely innocent bystander. Starring Niamh Algar and Eddie Marsan. BOOK NEVER SAW ME COMING…