Table of contents for 02 - 2022 in Inside Soap UK

“My advice? Keep calm and watch the soaps” Happy New Year! Well… Maybe ‘happy’ feels like a lot to ask for in ‘the current climate’, but we do our best. In fact, I’m considering a front cover that just has the words ‘KEEP CALM AND WATCH THE SOAPS’ in friendly orange letters – maybe with a soothing picture of little Ollie from EastEnders. At times like this, pure escapism really is the best tonic. So, if you’re ready to hunker down with some telly, let our New Year preview be your guide to all the C-words you really need: cheatin’, connivin’, carnage and carnality – but not one mention of any virus you might care to name. Finally, if you’ll forgive the indulgence, I’d like to dedicate this issue of…

Sensible Amy will render her parents speechless in the new year after hooking up with dodgy drug dealer Jacob! “We thought, ‘How would Tracy and Steve react to Amy suddenly ending up in a romantic relationship with possibly the most unsuitable boyfriend they’ve ever heard of?’” smiles Iain. “Their strategy to put an end to this relationship involves reverse psychology, cutting Amy off financially – and all sorts of things that make the situation worse to comedy effect. In the end, they have to bite the bullet and try to get along with this lad!”…

Hiya Charlie! Can you give us any hints about what’s in store for Janine this year? She’s living her best life, and figuring out who she is as a mother. Then she’s trying to work out how those things sit side-by-side, because I’m not sure they do! She’s not a stable person. Would you like to see her get Scarlett back full-time? Good question! What frustrates Janine is that she doesn’t know how to do it, and she wanted so badly for her child not to be the same as her, pushed from pillar to post. I think she wants it, but I don’t know if she’s capable of it. It’s repetitive behaviour pattens from when she was a child. What are your hopes for Janine for 2022? I like…

Stacey decides to grab life with both hands as the new year dawns – and she’s got her sights set on business success and true love. The enterprising ex-con is set to launch a new venture that she hopes will make her a fortune. She’s smart, sassy, and willing to graft, so Stace believes she can smash her goals. However, she’s not prioritising business over pleasure, because Stacey has her heart set on a new love, too… “Stacey wants it all – and she’s willing to fight for it!” reveals our gossip. “This new man won’t know what’s hit him when hurricane Stace blows into his life!”…

Hi Ben! It’s fair to say Gavin’s not a very nice character, is he? Oh goodness, no! He’s very shady. He’s from a poor background, but he’s found a way of making money through loan-sharking. It just so happens that Al is in need of some investment, but he should be careful! Because if he can’t pay up, it can get quite scary and dangerous… We’re guessing that Gavin’s investors are not entirely legit? Their methods sail close to the wind, shall we say? You wouldn’t be getting any stern letters if you decided you weren’t going to pay, put it that way – more like firm, physical hands! Gavin can be a dangerous guy, and Al’s going to learn that the hard way. How would you say that Gavin…

The private lives of our favourite medics are set to take centre stage as the new year kicks off, and their personal affairs spill over into the ED. Faith is struggling to figure out what life after Lev looks like for her, and Stevie is determined that it’s time her pal got back on the horse! But their wild nights out together are set to have disastrous consequences… Meanwhile, Ethan’s still haunted by his decision to hand son Bodhi over to Ashley and Pen in the wake of Fenisha’s death. He’s beginning to have second thoughts about turning his back on his boy – but when he realises he’s made a huge mistake, will it already be too late? There’s also romance on the cards for both Marty and Iain.…

The shock waves from the recent poisoning continue to reverberate well into the new year, as Tane struggles to recover from what’s happened. Physically he’s fine – but his survivor’s guilt weighs on him, as Marilyn and Martha continue to suffer… Meanwhile, Dean is on his own slow road to recovery following his car crash. Frustrated, Dean seeks advice from Dr. Logan, who gives him some tips on how to move forward. And it seems as though Dean has his eyes set firmly on the prize! Finally, Ryder and Theo’s prank videos continue to cause controversy in the Bay. When Justin shows them to Ziggy, she loves them – yet it’s clear that Leah doesn’t approve. She tries to tell Justin how worried she is that these videos could remain…

KAREN She’s not as glam as his usual type, but Karen is all heart and shares Mick’s family values. Better yet, she’s great fun and full of personality. Between them, they’d have more kids than the Von Trapps, but imagine how much fun Mick would have with a huge brood under his roof. WHITNEY Isn’t it time that Mick admits he should have gone for Whitney after all? Ever since their dalliance, his marriage to Linda has been through more ups and downs than the London Eye. Whit needs a nice guy after seeing killer Gray’s true colours at Christmas. Who better than Mick to show her they do exist? SHARON Maybe Mick has been pining after the wrong blonde bombshell lately? OK, she’s his ex-missus’ best mate, but Sharon…

The stress of keeping up appearances with Gray is taking its toll on Chelsea this week, as she threatens to walk. Having realised that she married a monster, the new mum is finding it hard to maintain a façade to catch him out. She vents to Whitney that she hates Gray and wants nothing more than to put some serious distance between them so that she can focus on premature baby Jordan. But Whit tries to convince Chelsea to stay strong so that they can bring Gray to justice once and for all. “Chelsea is playing a very dangerous game,” warns our Walford insider. “She and Whitney might think they know the depths of Gray’s depravity, but they have no idea how many lives he’s taken. Whit believes that the…

There’s trouble brewing between Sally and Tim this week, when she begins to think her husband’s a cheat. Sally has no idea that Tim is in turmoil after hearing he needs a triple heart bypass operation. He can’t bring himself to tell his wife the truth, so kind-hearted neighbour Aggie has been supporting him. But after a couple of sexual knockbacks from Tim – and a misunderstanding over flowers – Sally begins to wonder if Tim has a mystery woman… “It’s a heartbreaking situation, because Sally could be giving Tim the support he so desperately needs, but he won’t let her in,” explains our Weatherfield insider. “He’s been acting so strangely just lately that she thinks he’s gone off her, but nothing could be further from the truth. Tim’s just…

FAIR CITY Louis wrestles with his guilt at deceiving Carol about his ill health this week. But will Carol discover the truth? Meanwhile, Paul reveals the extent of Vino’s issues to Orla, and she offers to help. Plus, there are emotional farewells at Cristian’s leaving party… RIVER CITY Caitlin offers to be Ellie’s surrogate, but their seemingly perfect plan quickly comes crashing down when AJ brings bad news… Elsewhere, Bob assures Kim that he can protect her from a violent ex! And Duncan tries to buy Scarlett’s silence about Stevie. THE ARCHERS Tom and Natasha throw Pat a family lunch for her 70th this week, but will someone’s present ruin the celebrations? Meanwhile, Stella is faced with a big dilemma when an employee makes his feelings known… Finally, Peggy lays…

Felicity attempts to convince Jasmine that she’s being set up for the poisoning this week, but all the evidence suggests otherwise! Will Jasmine believe that Felicity is innocent? With the police on her case and everyone turning against her, Felicity turns to Cash and Jasmine for help. But Sam Frost (Jasmine) tells us her alter ego is torn over whether to believe her boyfriend’s sister… Hi Sam! Can you remind us why Jasmine is suspicious of Felicity? Jasmine found the receipt for the poison in Felicity’s van! But Jasmine sees the good in everyone. So even though there are moments Jasmine might be suspicious, she takes Felicity’s side. They find a chemical container in Felicity’s van – at this point, is Jasmine’s belief in her friend beginning to dwindle? A…

With a new series of Flat Out Fabulous out now, co-host Tyler West tells us the telly that most catches his eye… What has been your favourite drama that you’ve watched recently? I re-watched Luther recently – anything about crime, or that has Idris Elba in, I’m an absolute sucker for! Also Peaky Blinders has been my go-to for when I’m on the Tube catching up on stuff. And what about comedy-wise? One of my mates has a show on Dave called Big Zuu’s Big Eats. It’s similar to what we do on Flat Out Fabulous. Zuu does the same thing but with food – and it’s very funny. Also, Mo Gilligan on The Lateish Show was an absolute game-changer for me. › What were your favourite shows when you…

EASTENDERS Bang to rights! PHIL’S IN BIG TROUBLE AS HIS CRIMES CATCH UP WITH HIM… Phil Mitchell may have had more dodgy deals than we’ve had hot dinners, but he prides himself on always getting away with his crimes. Is the wily old fox losing his touch, though? Next week, his string of misdemeanours is set to catch up with him, and the hard man is left facing a very bleak future indeed. So is there anyone who can throw him a lifeline and offer him a way out of this terrible mess? And more to the point, will he accept help? EMMERDALE United at last? There’s another misunderstanding between Will and Kim next week – but when they’re forced to work together to fix another relationship, will the couple…

Bernie’s return to Walford gives Rainie hope of a happy family future after all – but husband Stuart’s diagnosis threatens to shatter their dreams. He still can’t accept that he has breast cancer, and won’t let doctors help him, and Rainie has no idea that he’s facing a life-or-death battle. Meanwhile, surrogate Bernie returns to Walford with a baby on board, but will she hand the infant over to the Highways? “Stuart is burying his head in the sand,” says our Walford insider. “Rainie thinks their biggest problem is convincing Bernie they will be the best parents to this unborn baby, but she’s dead wrong…”…

Charity’s complicated love life will cause her huge dramas as the year kicks off, especially after she neglects her kids as a result! When Ryan receives terrible news, all he wants is for his mum to be there for him – yet with Charity distracted by Vanessa’s return, can she support her son in his hour of need? “Charity has missed out on an awful lot of milestones in Ryan’s life, and now is the time for her to really step up and be a proper mum,” whispers our Dales insider. “Yet she’s too sidetracked with her own love life to realise what’s going on with her kids! It falls to Mackenzie to step in and be there for his pal – though he’s also not happy to see his…

Liv’s 2022 is looking bleak, as she remains banged up for a crime she didn’t commit! But is any hope of a get-out-of-jail-free card all but lost? Following the dramatic events of this week (see p16), the likelihood of either Vinny or Manpreet being able to prove that Meena is Ben’s real killer is fading fast. But as Liv hits rock bottom in jail, and with her loved ones at a loss as to how to help her, are things about to take a dangerous turn as Liv grows increasingly desperate?…

It feels like forever ago that the BBC announced its decision to axe Holby City, and now the time is almost upon us. Filming finished last month, and Inside Soap has spoken to several of the cast in advance of a special ‘Goodbye Holby’ feature that will appear in the magazine before the final episode airs in the spring. Meanwhile, the coming weeks will see life and death drama for Jac as she struggles to control the symptoms of her brain tumour, while trying to save Holby from being swallowed up by a cut-throat merger with neighbouring hospital, St James’. Can Jac summon the strength to get the best outcome for her colleagues? And will she live to see the conclusion?…

Corrie boss Iain MacLeod has teased a new plot for Gemma in 2022 as she becomes more vocal about the discrimination faced by the deaf community. He’s promised that the story will be important, but contain comedic moments as Gemma makes mistakes in her mission. “In classic Gemma fashion, she goes too far in pursuit of a very admirable goal,” reveals Iain. “In setting out to make the world a better place for her son Aled, she will lay waste to quite a lot of relationships.” Iain says he’s very proud of Dolly-Rose Campbell, who has gone over and above to learn British Sign Language (BSL). “Dolly-Rose is incredibly proficient in BSL,” he says. “In her own time, she’s taking exams and qualifications in BSL. Everyone in the family is…

There’s nightmare news for Hawksford owners Jai and Kim this week, when they are hit with a £100,000 fine from the Health and Safety department. The business has been under investigation ever since survival week, which claimed the life of Andrea Tate and left many others seriously injured. Despite their efforts to shift the blame elsewhere, Jai and Kim are left in no doubt of their obligations once the fine is issued. For majority shareholder Jai it’s a disaster as he wonders where on earth he’s going to find the money… “If Kim were still in charge, she’d baulk at shelling out £100,000 – but she would have the money to hand,” shares our Dales insider. “Jai isn’t playing with that kind of personal wealth. He’s a successful businessman, but…

There’s a new nightmare for Dotty this week, when her dire financial situation sees her without a roof over her head. Vinny is forced to evict her from the bedsit after mum Suki discovers she’s staying there rent-free. Dotty can’t find the money to pay for the room, and later gets knocked back when she tries to get a job at the gym. Even Rocky hasn’t got the cash to bail her out, so Dotty plots to sleep in the club overnight. But, when Zack reminds her about the alarm, the teen ends up kipping rough at the allotments. The next day, Dotty begs Vinny to help her, and hints that they could give their romance a second chance if he finds her somewhere to stay. Vinny isn’t sure at…

She started out as Anna Windass’ longed-for foster daughter, but Faye’s closest loved ones are all men these days. As well as boyfriend Craig, Faye’s dad Tim and brother Gary mean everything to her, and Ellie says she feels the same about her co-stars Joe Duttine and Mikey North, who play them. “Joe is literally like my own dad!” laughs Ellie. “I love working with him and Mikey.” Gary is certainly no stranger to hiding killer secrets, and Tim would do anything to protect his little girl. So, Ellie hopes that they’ll be reunited on screen for more family drama. “I hope I have more scenes with them both soon because I love working with them,” she tells us. “I see the people I work with more than my own…

“Everyone’s gone back to hating Celeste!” exclaims Andrea Ali, as we catch up with her on the run-up to Hollyoaks’ explosive hour-long episode. “I knew it was going to happen – but it was nice for her to be liked a little bit. I only hope this episode shows everyone just how much love she has for her brother – I can’t wait to see it play out…” Celeste has gone back to her cold-hearted ways to keep her brother Toby from going to prison for Lisa’s murder. But as we chat to Andrea, who plays the protective sister, she tells us that Toby is ready to confess. However, an explosion stops everyone in their tracks – and Andrea hints that not all the family will make it out alive……

“Phill recently had a very interesting birthday cake on screen – have you ever had any cakes like that?” …asks reader Charlie Coates from Wrexham Oh my God, my mother-in-law makes the worst birthday cakes! When my wife and I were having our first child, she made us a cake for the baby shower. But it was an armless baby that she put in a glass bowl – so it looked like it was an in an incubator! She made another one of me swimming around Brighton pier. But I looked like a sea monster with a huge head! Every week, we put your questions to a star of the soaps. Look out for requests on our Facebook page, or email your questions to youask@insidesoap.co.uk, putting the actor’s name in…

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 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 Battersby.................... Georgia Taylor Sam…

Adam and Sarah’s marriage will be put to the ultimate test – when it turns out that his old flame Lydia is a woman scorned! Is she indeed the culprit responsible for the series of attacks on Adam recently? “For this story, we wanted to do an updated version of the 90s thriller Fatal Attraction,” explains Corrie boss Iain MacLeod. “Lydia will come to be quite a threat to Sarah and Adam, and the catalyst for them to risk destroying their own relationship. There’s lots of secrecy, scheming and incredibly intelligent subterfuge on the part of various parties. It culminates in an exciting sequence that becomes more nightmarish for Adam and Sarah as the story unfolds…”…

The romance between Jenny and toy boy Leo came as more of a surprise to the Rovers landlady than it did to anyone else – and her reservations haven’t gone away. “We’re doing this story to address a genuine level of emotion and love between Jenny and Leo, and say: what the hell is wrong with that?” explains Iain. “Jenny has to overcome her own internalised prejudices of: am I a cougar? Does he have a fetish for older women? It’s played like a romantic comedy that is funny and also mega cringe – with Jenny single-mindedly deciding to pursue her own happiness!”…

Maria and Gary have taken a chance on troubled Kelly and given her a job at Trim Up North. But will the ghost of her father Rick Neelan – whom Gary killed – return to haunt them all? “Gary’s guilt leads him to try to help Kelly, yet Maria knows that it could spell a lot of trouble for them going forward,” hints Samia. “She’s aware that they’re playing a dangerous game. They want to help Kelly, as Gary has obviously murdered her dad, so Maria has taken Kelly under her wing. However, that’s far from the end of it…”…

Hiya Gabriel! A romance has blossomed between Becky and Ollie – what effect will this have on him? Becky is beginning to influence Ollie – and he’s prepared to do anything to impress her! The more she talks to Ollie about her conspiracies, the more he gets caught up in them. We know Becky likes to protest, so Ollie will get wrapped up in that. And then, we’ll see how far he’s willing to go for her… Luke’s condition is deteriorating rapidly, how will Ollie cope with that? It does get worse and when it does, Ollie is with Becky – the worst person! Becky believes that Luke isn’t really ill, and that theory becomes very attractive to Ollie – it’s quite heart-breaking. Will Cindy and Zara meddle in Ollie’s…

Playing soapland’s most gleefully evil serial killer has been brilliant fun for Paige. So, as the net closes in and it looks as if Meena will be exposed, the star talks about what’s next for her wicked alter ego… Hi Paige! It looks as though the game will soon be up for Meena. How will she cope? Meena is not afraid of what people will think, she is excited by the thought of people seeing who she really is. To most people, she’s just a young girl who says inappropriate things, not a criminal mastermind. But Meena sees herself as just that – she’s the queen of killers, and she wants people to see her glory! How would she cope in prison, or on the run? Meena is so cunning,…

NIALL’S REVENGE 2008 “This was the first stunt I ever filmed at Hollyoaks, so when I heard the McQueens would be right at the centre of it, I was really excited. It was all brand-new to me, so I learnt a lot. I was with all of the original McQueens, and we had a ball!” THE TRAIN CRASH 2014 “This was the most exciting stunt for me, I couldn’t believe it when they told me they were crashing an actual train! We had what looked like a big hamster wheel in the Dog car park, so they could film all the scenes where we get bashed around in the carriage. It was fascinating.” HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR 2016 “I remember being very, very cold! We had these super-fancy cameras,…

Love will blossom for Yasmeen and Stu in the coming months, but is she ready to open her heart to romance again? This week, Yasmeen puts a roof over Stu’s head and gets him back to work at Speed Daal, but their friendship is destined to become deeper. However, Corrie boss Iain MacLeod says that Yasmeen’s continuing trauma over Geoff’s abuse will make it tough for her… “There’s a big question mark about whether Yasmeen can get past the damage Geoff did and embrace a happy future,” says Iain. “Stu is a bit like what Peter Barlow might be like if he were in his mid-60s. He’s a little bit rough and ready, and he likes carousing and causing trouble. That will have its own challenges for Yasmeen, as some…

Dom is back on the ward this week for the first time since Carole’s death, and it doesn’t take a brain surgeon to realise that he’s not coping. After Dom takes out his grief on a liver transplant patient, Alan, Sacha attempts to support his friend – who eventually reveals that he’s struggling to let go of his late mum. When Dom also admits that he doesn’t know where to scatter Carole’s ashes, Sacha comes up with an idea. Will he help Dom to find some peace?…

We’ve never imagined Cain as the lead in a saucy sex comedy, but this week, it’s Carry On Emmerdale as he and Angie end up in all kinds of scrapes. First up, Angie tries a bit of ‘How’s your father?’ at the Reynolds’ house. All is going well until Angie’s kids arrive home, and bedroom farce ensues as Cain tries to avoid being caught with his pants down. Their second go is no better, as Angie’s hubby, Sean, appears at a climatic moment. (The ad break, we mean.) Only marginally less farcical are Nicola and chef Carlos. In fact, so brazen are they in their passion that they simply carry on snogging right in front of Bernice, whose attempts to hide her crush on Carlos are about as subtle as…

ROMANCE ON THE CARDS… Many readers want to see some more love in the air for our favourite soap characters in 2022. From EastEnders to Home And Away, we picked a few of our favourite comments… After being so close to getting together quite a few times, I want romance for Casualty’s Faith and Dylan. There’s nothing standing in their way now! Lucy Charity and Vanessa deserve to live happily ever after in 2022! And then finally we’d get the wedding we’ve all waited years for… Kirsty John and Marilyn have been separated for a while now in Summer Bay. Since then, John and Irene have become quite close – am I the only one who thinks there’s romance in the air? Linda, Sussex Jay in EastEnders needs a proper…

At the time of Inside Soap going to press, Amy is busy preparing to welcome her new arrival into the world. And she admits that she isn’t quite ready for what’s about to hit her… “It’s been a chaotic few weeks!” she reveals. “I’ve finished work, moved house, emptied my flat in Leeds – it’s been a lot. But I’m finally getting to a point where I’m nesting, and feeling a bit more prepared. “I’m not a person who’s got the nursery fully decorated before the baby arrives, though,” she adds. “I’ve not even picked up my furniture yet from where I’m getting it from! The baby will be in with us for the first six months, at least, and I figure the rest will all come together when we…

“Gemma hasn’t lived in Erinsborough for so long that I don’t know if people will remember her from the old days,” laughs Neighbours returnee Beth Buchanan, as she reprises the role of Gemma Willis for her on-screen daughter’s nuptials. “But if they’re enjoying all the old characters coming back then it must be really satisfying – and I’ve had such a fun time!” Two years ago, Gemma dropped her troublesome daughter, Roxy, off on Ramsay Street in the hope she would settle down. And now, Gemma is back for Roxy’s wedding! But despite Roxy’s new, mature take on life, Beth tells us that her alter ego isn’t happy about the upcoming big day… “I think Gemma’s worried that Roxy and Kyle are too young to get married – it’s all…

1 “I’ve learned the most from Bobby [Gordon, aka Toby]. We lived together for a bit when we first started the show, and he’s taught me to see the good in everything.” 2 “ Richard [Blackwood, aka Felix] is a natural comedian. He provides comic relief when we need it on set, and comes out with some amazing one-liners.” 3 “I want to have scenes with Matthew James-Bailey who plays the new guy, Ethan. He’s a proper baddie, and I just think he and Celeste would make an epic couple!” 4 “I was in awe of Imran [Adams] who played my brother, Mitchell. He was part of incredible storylines and would do push-ups before scenes – he was very committed!” 5 “The coolest guy on set has to be Ashley…

Waken Lemon & Mint Lip Balm Condition lips with these charming balms, available in lemon & mint, strawberry & mint, and peppermint. FLORENA® Fermented Skincare Natural Gloss Lip Oil Enriched with pink helichrysum petals and fermented safflower oil to keep lips hydrated, it packs a glossy punch too. NUXE Rêve de Miel Stick Levres Hydratant Lip Moisturizing Stick Restore moisture and soothe sore, dry lips with this creamy, honey-scented lip balm. SOS Lip This deeply nourishing lip balm, with mistletoe and pea extracts, protects lips against harsh winter conditions.…

THEATRE JERSEY BOYS The remarkable true story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, and their rise to stardom from the wrong side of the tracks, is back in the West End! They were just four guys from Jersey, until they sang their very first note. It was a sound like nobody had ever heard, and the radio just couldn’t get enough of them. But while their harmonies were perfect on stage, off stage it was a very different tale – a story that has made them an international sensation all over again. For tickets go to: www.jerseyboyslondon.com FILM MOTHERING SUNDAY When housemaid Jane finds herself alone on Mother’s Day, she has the rare chance to spend time with her lover, Paul. He’s Jane’s long-term love, despite the fact he’s…