Table of contents for 47 - 2021 in Inside Soap UK

“Who’ll polish Roy’s precious Woody?” There’s a legend warning that, should the last raven leave the Tower of London, “the kingdom will crumble into dust”. Something similar is surely true for Weatherfield, but instead of old birds, it’s Roy Cropper holding the place together; with strong tea, sticky buns and kindly wisdom. He always has an encouraging word –be it mumbled after closing time in his café, or bellowed down a freshly opened sinkhole. Should Roy ever leave the Street, those left behind will surely kill each other within days. What’s that you say? Roy is leaving for good this week? No! But who’ll keep Weatherfield from crumbing to dust? Who’ll butter the baps? Who’ll polish his precious Woody? A Street without Roy is unthinkable. Apparently, they clip the wings…

Vinny steps in to sort out a bedsit for Dotty and her mum this week, giving her hope that their friendship could be rekindled. The bond was badly shaken by Dotty’s antics, although Milly reckons her feelings for Vinny are sincere. “They were best friends, but it all went downhill after they slept together, and Dotty regretted it,” she says. “She didn’t mean to hurt Vinny by sleeping with Keegan, though he was collateral damage. She’s been slowly trying to grovel her way back in by speaking to Vinny every chance she gets. He is one of the few Dotty can trust and be herself around – so she wants Vinny back in her life.”…

The rumour mill has gone into overdrive following reports that original EastEnders star Adam Woodyatt (Ian Beale) is turning his back on Walford for good – after signing up for this year’s series of I’m A Celebrity…!. The actor is currently on an extended break from the Square while playing the lead role in his theatre show Looking Good Dead, although newspapers claim that his exit from the BBC soap is set to be permanent. EastEnders bosses have declined to comment. Meanwhile, there’s good news for viewers following Frankie’s poignant goodbye from Walford. Mick’s daughter was simply written out of the show temporarily so that actress Rose Ayling-Ellis could concentrate on competing in Strictly, and she will return. Hurrah!…

Felix and Martine finally tie the knot this week – but the mention of missing family members, and the arrival of a mysterious postcard, threaten to seriously derail the couple’s happiness! It’s been a bumpy ride to the altar for the bride and groom, following Martine’s cancer diagnosis, and Felix being forced to fake his own death. Yet there’s not a dry eye in the house as the teenage sweethearts become man and wife. Kéllé Bryan, who plays the blushing bride, fills us in on her alter ego’s big day… Hi Kéllé! How is Martine feeling on the wedding day? She’s really nervous, actually! After the cancer treatment, Martine is thinking a lot about how she looks, and on her wedding day she wants to feel beautiful. But mostly, Martine’s…

Chelsea announces the date for her wedding to Gray this week – it’s on Christmas Day! There’s just one catch: her mum and Jack have booked their nuptials for the exact same date… Denise is already unhappy that her pregnant daughter is rushing into marriage, so finding out that Chelsea plans to upstage her on her own big day is just too much for Denise. “Talk about a shotgun wedding!” splutters our Albert Square sneak. “Denise is well aware that her girl is impulsive, although all she wants is for Chelsea to slow things down a bit. She and Gray are already having a baby, what’s the hurry to get hitched?” After Denise questions whether Gray proposed to her daughter for the right reasons, Chelsea sets out to prove her…

It’s tense at The Mill this week, as Valerie stews over her colleagues’ lukewarm reaction to her announcement that she intends to marry herself! With Val convinced that the team aren’t taking her vow of sologamy seriously, Sid tries to persuade her to forgive everyone. But after Emma and Zara urge Daniel to wade in, Valerie starts opening up about how hurt she’s feeling that her friends can’t get on board with her life-changing decision. However, can Daniel convince her she has the support she so desperately wants?…

DENNY’S THE DADDY! When little Alyssa landed on Martin and Zack’s doorstep, the last man in Walford we expected to be the baby’s dad was Dennis! And it came as a shock to our readers, too… It was very clever of the writers at EastEnders to make us think the baby’s dad was either Martin or Zack – or even Jack Branning! – and then to reveal to us that it’s Denny. The idea of him being a father never even crossed my mind. And Sharon looked as surprised as the rest of us! Lucille What a great twist in EastEnders, with Sharon being the nanny. Dennis may be gone, but the legacy of the Watts lives on! And it’s great to see Sharon back centre stage too, especially as…

It’s rare to find a police officer in soapland who isn’t secretly corrupt – so while we now know that mysterious Hollyoaks newcomer Nate is an undercover copper, tasked with looking into Project Bluebird, it’s only natural that we’re suspicious of him. Especially as he’s using his position as an excuse to covertly investigate the disappearance of his former girlfriend, Lisa Loveday! Nate’s behaviour so far may have raised a few eyebrows, but Hollyoaks star Chris Charles – who plays him – insists that his alter ego is one of the good guys. But will he be able to keep himself in check once he finds out what really happened to Lisa? Hello, Chris! Tell us, what have the Hollyoaks viewers made of Nate so far? “His plan is to…

One of the casualties of Liv’s alcoholism has been her relationship with true love, Vinny. But like viewers, Isobel is hoping this isn’t the end of their story – and that there’s plenty of great stuff to come. “I was chatting to Bradley Johnson [Vinny] the other day, and we both want them to be together,” reveals the star. “I think they are such an interesting mix. If they can overcome all of this, nothing will stop them. I think they have the potential to be an Emmerdale power couple! “While they are in their early 20s, they might have storylines as a couple, not just individuals,” adds Isobel. “I’m biased about them, though, as I just want to work with Bradley as much as I can.”…

EMMERDALE Forgive me, Tracy! NATE’S ON A MISSION TO GET HIS FAMILY BACK… Parenthood hasn’t been an easy journey for Tracy, especially since she dumped Nate over his alleged cheating! But next week, the Dingles join forces to try to get Frankie’s mum and dad back together again. The clan believes Tracy and Nate are better when they work as a team, so they hope that their plan will work – but is Tracy ready to forgive Nate for what he’s done? Or is there more going on than first meets the eye? EASTENDERS Moving on? The writing seems to be on the wall for Tiff and Keegan next week, as she gets closer to Aaron, while he starts dating a new girl. Is this really the end of their…

Hi Simon, there’s some big Liv drama this week. Does that shake Aaron and Ben’s relationship? Ben has been a champion of Liv, but it’s getting to the point where she consistently wants to prevent his and Aaron’s happiness. They have been through so much together, and they are finally at a point where there is a life beyond all this conflict. That bonds them together, with the hope there’s happiness on the horizon for them. It’s been a while since Aaron was serious about someone, but it looks as if they are in it for the long haul now… Yeah, love is finally starting to blossom between Aaron and Ben. There’s some beautiful stuff between them coming up, and it’s lovely to play those moments with Danny Miller. It’s…

Shocking new EastEnders pictures suggest Phil will go on the run with his son, Raymond, as the police hunt them down to the seaside! The Walford hard man has been threatening to take off with young Ray since his mum, Denise, declared that she wanted Phil to have no part in the boy’s life. However, despite the pair having called an uneasy truce recently, Phil looks set to see through his original plan… “Phil snatches Raymond from Denise and flees to a campsite near Clacton-on-Sea,” shares our spy, who spotted the Square’s cast and crew filming on location. “Kat and Sharon track him down and try to get Phil to see sense and return with Ray, who he takes to collect pebbles on the beach and play in the amusement…

Faye’s family and friends are thrilled this week, as she returns home from her stint in prison. Loyal Craig is especially delighted and pulls out all the stops to make a fuss of his girlfriend – festooning her house with yellow ribbons to mark her newfound freedom. But the poor lad is left horrified when Faye immediately flees in tears! “Faye reminds Craig that she’s only out on bail,” points out our Corrie insider. “Her name is yet to be properly cleared, and she could be dragged back to jail on a technicality at any moment. In her view, all the decorations just seem to be tempting fate.” With a few soothing words from dad Tim and brother Gary, Faye begins to calm down. She apologises to Craig for overreacting…

“My mum was like a shooting star; she burned bright. Then she fell to earth and the light and the brightness was gone. When a star dies it can result in a black hole, that’s all that’s left behind. I have fallen into a black hole, and I don’t know how to get out.” Moving stuff. And coincidentally the last thought to go through Johnny Connor’s head. “How could it possibly get any worse?” Oh no! Never say that! “Toyah wants me out. How did you get Sarah to forgive you so easily?” “Faye battered me over the head and put me in a coma. You should try it.” Leave Imran’s beautiful head alone thank you. “I thought you were my groundsman, not my psychiatrist.” We thought he was her…

FAIR CITY Carol and Sash learn that Ritchie Lennon has been murdered this week, and soon an arrest is made – however, who really killed Ritchie? Elsewhere, Lucy attempts to keep the peace between Cleo and Dolores. Plus, Erica finally loses her patience with Teri… RIVER CITY Karen spots an opportunity to delve into Lenny’s personal life this week, but Darren tells her that she needs to find out more… Meanwhile, Ellie is overwhelmed when she goes to the IVF clinic! And Bob wants Angus to face up to his feelings. THE ARCHERS Eddie’s determined that everything will run smoothly for Clarrie this week, as they plan to renew their wedding vows! Elsewhere, Mia and Chelsea are thrown together at the Mysteries event. Finally, Lynda prepares for her appointment with…

LAYERING UP So Kelly is back on Corrie, which is brilliant. But the first thing I noticed was her coat. It would be great for my daughter – where can I buy one? Sue, Swindon In that case, head straight to River Island for the ‘Black Quilted Puffer Coat’. It will be perfect for when it gets colder in the next few weeks – and it comes in five different colours and patterns too! A WHOLE LOT OF HISTORY When I saw Janine and Jack talking in the Vic on EastEnders, it got me wondering whether they’ve ever had a romantic history? Charlene Those two certainly have history, but it’s not romantic! They’ve pretty much always been at odds – the most memorable altercation was when Janine poisoned Jack and…

“The best thing about working with Rob Mallard [Daniel] is that I’ve found myself a fantastic dog sitter!” chuckles Corrie star Charlotte Jordan, aka Daisy, as we quiz her about her new on-screen love interest. “He likes to take care of Olive [Charlotte’s French bulldog] for me when I go out, so it’s absolutely wonderful that they’re becoming friends as well. Rob’s a lovely boy, I really enjoy working with him.” That’s just as well, because it appears that Charlotte and Rob will be spending a lot more time together over the coming months, as their characters become embroiled in a very steamy romance! And while Daisy and Daniel aren’t necessarily two characters you would immediately put together, Charlotte reckons it’s their differences that ultimately make them work. “Daisy is…

If you’re a hardcore soap fan and you think you recognise Chris from somewhere, then you’re right! He was in EastEnders back in 2019, playing Jerome – the man that Stacey left her hubby Martin for… “I have to say that Jerome was actually met by a great reception from the viewers,” he confesses. “A lot of people liked him, and were rooting for him and Stacey! It was nice to come into a show and have people like my character. “Everyone at EastEnders was so lovely and welcoming,” he continues. “It’s a shame that I didn’t get to explore the character a bit more – although then if that had happened, I wouldn’t be at Hollyoaks now, playing Nate!”…

Something our pages have missed during Covid restrictions is paparazzi pictures of soapies out on the razz. So we were ecstatic to receive these photographs from Hollyoaks’ star Ruby O’Donnell’s (Peri) recent 21st birthday jamboree. Taking a cue from her name, guests dressed in every shade of red to celebrate Ruby’s special day. Among the revellers were the star’s on-screen girlfriend Niamh Blackshaw (Juliet) and bestie Haiesha Mistry (Yazz), plus Kieron Richardson (Ste), Eva O’Hara (Verity), Malique Thompson-Dwyer (Prince), and Gabriel Clark (Ollie). Even some former cast members teamed with the theme in their scarlet outfits, with Jess Ellis (Tegan Lomax) and Lauren McQueen (Lily Drinkwell) turning out for the celebrations too. Let’s hope nobody was left red-faced at the end of the night from any naughty escapades!…

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CASUALTY Matthew Afolami..................... Osi Okerafor Sah Brockner....................... Arin Smethurst Faith Cadogan....................... Kirsty Mitchell Iain Dean....................... Michael Stevenson Charlie Fairhead............... Derek Thompson Teddy Gowan............................ Milo Clarke Ethan Hardy..................... George Rainsford David Hide................................. Jason Durr Jan Jenning................................ Di Botcher Dylan Keogh............................ William Beck Marty Kirkby................. Shaheen Jafargholi Rashid ‘Rash’ Masum.............. Neet Mohan Jacob Masters........................ Charles Venn Robyn Miller................ Amanda Henderson 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…

It’s a tough week for Kat as she has to cope with Phil getting closer to his ex-wife again. She’s never seen Sharon as competition before, although the bombshell about baby Alyssa changes all of that. Phil is caught up in the drama surrounding his granddaughter and Sharon, and Kat finds it difficult to control her jealousy. However, when she vents to Stacey about Sharon and Phil’s renewed closeness, Kat’s wise cousin gives her a talking-to. It’s Stace who points out that the only person who is a threat to her and Phil’s happiness is Kat herself. Realising that Stacey is right, Kat decides to support Phil instead of putting more pressure on him at this difficult time. Will that strengthen their romance, or is Sharon a threat after all?…

STEVIE’S SHOWDOWN Finally, Stevie got to say her piece to Ethan in Casualty, and tell him about his forgotten history with her sister. Their confrontation on the roof was so emotional and brilliantly acted, then Ethan was stabbed and she saved his life! It’s a never-ending drama – literally. Jenna, Willesden KELLY’S STRUGGLE Even though Kelly has returned to the Street, I’m sad that her life on Corrie isn’t getting any easier. She doesn’t even have a home to go to now that Imran and Toyah can’t give her one. That poor girl hasn’t had an easy life, and she really deserves some happiness. Freya, Kent Kelly was very selfless giving up her old home for young Elsie… CRAZY KIDNAP QUESTIONS… What on earth has happened to Hollyoaks’ Darren, and…

“Don’t say it!” laughs Dayle Hudson, after we tell him that his Walford alter ego, Peter, has started to take after his father Ian Beale. “My biggest fear has come to fruition – Peter’s a chip off the old block!” Indeed, Peter fancies himself as Albert Square’s hottest young entrepreneur – a conviction that brings him into conflict with Mick and Janine this week (see p24). Though, in the real world, we’d have him pegged as the first contestant hopping into a taxi in The Apprentice after being given his marching orders by Lord Alan Sugar! However, Peter’s switch from hot personal trainer to manager of a two-bit burger joint is set to make for some hilarious scenes, promises Dayle… So, Dayle – what do you make of Peter’s metamorphosis…

It’s been a long time coming, but alcoholic Liv finally drives brother Aaron away for good this week, when he discovers how low she’s sunk. After the truth that Liv deliberately sabotaged his boyfriend Ben’s new job in Cornwall is revealed, Aaron finds her drunk again and declares he’s reached his limit. Liv’s heartbroken as her big brother tells her that she’s on her own in an emotional showdown that shatters both their hearts. We caught up with Emmerdale’s Isobel Steele for a chat, and she told us how tough those big emotional scenes were to film. “It’s hard to see Danny Miller [Aaron] so genuinely upset when he taps into that emotion!” explains Isobel, who plays struggling Liv. “When you have a real-life relationship like we do where we…

Home and Away takes its annual festive break from our screens this week, and ends on a cliff-hanger when the guests at Martha’s black-tie event are poisoned! Luckily, resident cop Cash is on hand – and actor Nicholas Cartwright is only too happy to play the hero… Hi, Nick! How are you finding it playing a Summer Bay cop? That’s one of my favourite parts of the job. It’s the best position to be in – I get to play out all the family and relationship dramas that everybody on the show gets to do, but every now and then I get to jump in a cop car and chase down a criminal! It’s so much fun. What do you make of Cash’s romance with Jas? They’re made for each…

EastEnders fave Danny Dyer (Mick) paid heartfelt tribute to his wife Joanne Mas on her birthday recently – celebrating the strength of the bond they share with a series of pictures of them though their three decades together. “Feliz cumpleaños to my Juana,” toasted Danny in his best Spanish. “You are so true and real. You can drive me insane, but in a world full of fakes you always manage to shine. There’s been major highs and dark lows but when we’re faced with adversity we always manage to stand together.” Bless them both – and here’s to another 30 years as best muckers!…