Table of contents for 03 - 2022 in Inside Soap UK

“Barely enough wits to fill an egg cup” The great thing about soaps is that, while some whingers may claim they are ‘predictable’, the truth is you have no idea where you’ll be in year, month, or sometimes even a week’s time. I mean, if you’d have told the January 2021 me that EastEnders’ Mick and Janine would be living in the Vic as a couple; or that Emmerdale’s Meena – of all people – would be a campy serial killer, I’d have thought you completely off your rocker. Even if you’d told the me from last month that Corrie’s Craig would be investigating a death of a pensioner possibly done-in by Faye and Emma – who barely have enough wits between them to fill an egg cup – I’d have…

As filming begins to get back to normal on the soaps, we’ve seen busier scenes, more close contact, and even a bit of snogging. But what Corrie has still been missing are those scenes which are often at the heart of the show – lively nights at the Rovers. The show managed to bring a bit of pub spirit back at Christmas, with the pop-up bar in the market having more space outdoors, allowing a larger number of characters to get together as Billy led a festive singalong. However, scenes inside the pub have been restricted to just a handful of characters as the show follows strict Covid rules. But Corrie producer Iain MacLeod hopes in 2022 we will finally get to see the old bar back in business… “The…

Beppe’s back! Former EastEnders star Michael Greco is making a soap return. Look out for the actor – who spent four years as Beppe DiMarco – in this week’s Holby City as the worried father of a lad who needs risky heart surgery. Yorkshire mood If you recognise the voice of the narrator on Channel 5’s Our Great Yorkshire Life, that’s because it’s Dean Andrews’ – aka the Dales’ Will. He’ll even appear in an episode next month with co-star Liam Fox (Dan). Soap baby! Congratulations to Emmerdale’s Amy Walsh (Tracy) and Toby-Alexander Smith (EastEnders’ Gray), who welcomed their first baby over the festive period. “Well… it’s been a busy week!” they joked in a post.…

Desperate Jai does the unthinkable this week, when he applies for a loan using partner Laurel’s details. After being rejected by multiple companies, Jai is panicked that time is running out for him to secure funds to pay the HOP’s fine. Without asking Laurel, Jai fills out another set of paperwork for a big loan, but this time uses her details instead of his own. Laurel is blissfully unaware that Jai is about to plunge her into huge debt. Will he get away with it?…

FAIR CITY Paul learns of Orla’s windfall from Wayne this week, and asks her to invest in Vino’s – but what will Orla decide? Elsewhere, Carol hopes Louis’ affection for Jack will get him to admit the truth… Plus, Sash and Tommy are optimistic after the council meeting. RIVER CITY The news of Pete’s passing hits everyone hard this week, and Maggie decides to organise a memorial… Meanwhile, Scarlett let’s slip to Bernie about Duncan’s attempt to buy her silence. And Ellie worries that Caitlin has changed her mind about surrogacy! THE ARCHERS Kenton and Jolene ask for suggestions for their Valentine’s Day event this week – however, one pitch proves to be surprisingly hazardous! Elsewhere, Chris prepares to start the next chapter in his life, while troubled Alice plans…

Janine returns this week, with Charlie Brooks taking over the role – and she’s very much the Janine we know and love today. Our teenage terror starts scheming the second she arrives – soon forcing Bianca out of the Vic before manipulating Pat and Peggy into a shopping trip, where she spends, spends, spends! “Ever ’ad the feeling you’ve been had?” comments Peggy. Believe us, darlin’ – you ain’t seen nothing yet! Elsewhere, Steve drags Matthew back to Walford before throwing him under a bus (not literally, but we wouldn’t put it past him). He claims to police that Matthew killed Saskia – but gabbling Matt has an ace up his Billabong sleeve: the CCTV he stashed. He’s stored the delicate tape safely in the back of one of his…

CAR CRASH HORROR! New Year for Emma and Faye got off to a terrifying start in Corrie when they ran over Ted – and then discovered he’d died! Our readers sent in their thoughts about their sticky situation… I really don’t know how Emma is going to keep the secret about Ted under her hat. She’s the biggest gossip on the Street – I think trying to keep this quiet plus the guilt will eat her alive! Cecile be solid evidence. They also didn’t think about wiping Emma’s fingerprints off the key safe outside Ted’s flat when they did their clean up! Rachel, Hartlepool One thing that I’ll never understand is why Emma and Faye didn’t call an ambulance when they first found Ted. It’s only going to get worse from…

Chris Tate Bad blood boiled between Cain and Home Farm overlord Chris. First they fought over Tate Haulage’s part in Butch’s death, before going to war over Charity’s heart. Chris and his big wallet drove Cain to the edge of reason, but he used secret love child Debbie and Charity’s simmering passion to settle the score. Sadie King There was a love-hate relationship between ice queen Sadie and Cain as “ they worked to wreck Tom week King’s plan to marry Charity. Although they did the nasty several times, been Cain also killed Sadie’s getting dog, shot and dumped her a at the side of the road and while he made off with a bit their money. What a gent! Cameron Murray The quickest way to get Cain’s goat is…

Cash grows desperate to prove Felicity’s innocence this week, but as evidence stacks up against her, the situation only gets worse… After cans of poison are found in her van, Felicity attempts to convince Cash she’s being set up. Eventually, Anne admits to Flick that she’s the real culprit behind the poisoning at Salt – but as Home and Away star Nicholas Cartwright tells us, there’s not much his alter ego can do to save his sister. “Cash tries to convince detective Darren Nassar to investigate Anne, but they have tunnel vision on Felicity at that point,” sighs the actor. “So Cash goes digging into Anne’s past himself. However, when he does, he’s warned that he’ll be taken off the case. And then Felicity disappears, which leaves Cash devastated.” Cash…

Family life Steve McDonald along with twin brother Andy were born on 2 June 1974 in Belfast to parents Liz and Jim. With dad Jim in the Army, they moved around a lot as the boys grew up, but finally settled in Coronation Street on 6 December 1989. Teething troubles Steve made an impression on the Street from day one – and it wasn’t a good one! His first episodes saw him break the corner shop window with a football, then days later break its replacement with an industrial earth mover! The pranks would turn into illegal activities as the teen grew up… Love of his life Tracy had a crush on Steve since she was a teen, and plotted for years to bag him. Steve, in the meantime, married…

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“Seeing Dad being pushed so far out of his comfort zone makes for great telly, I think,” grins Barney Walsh, as he and his famous old man Bradley embark on another thrill-seeking trip across Europe together. “Witnessing his genuine reaction to something and saying, ‘No, no, I’m not doing it’ – but then having to conquer his own self-doubt and having a go at it. It’s brilliant to see that…” “It’s a show you can watch with all the family, from grandparents to the kids, which is lovely,” reckons Bradley. “We’ve had some amazing feedback from people who have reconnected with members of their own family after watching the show, and it’s inspired them to go on their own road trip together. How brilliant is that?” This fourth epic adventure…

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…

BULLSEYE! So, Adam Barlow has a Fatal Attraction stalker. Fair enough. The only surprise is that it’s his scorned ex, Lydia, and not a member of the Inside Soap editorial team. Seriously, though, we’re excited about this plot and, if executed correctly, it stands to be an absolute thriller. However, thank mercy David Platt’s cute pet bunny is not around any more to reap the consequences……

While many fans were hopeful she would make a comeback, actress Charley Webb, who has played Debbie Dingle since 2002, has confirmed that she’s quit Emmerdale for good. The actress departed the show in 2019 to have her third son, Ace, before making a short return over Christmas 2020. However, the 33-year-old – who is married to Matthew Wolfenden, aka David – explained in an online Q&A that having now been away from the show again for a year, she didn’t feel the need to announce her decision, as she “never wanted to make a big deal out of it”. As for her own future, Charley, who is mum to Buster (11), Bowie (five), and two-year-old Ace, wouldn’t rule out more children. “I’m actually really broody!” Meanwhile, EastEnders star Priya…

Jenny and Leo are still going strong this week, as stunned Carla discovers when she unexpectedly pops in for a visit to Jenny! However, while things in her bedroom seem to be working well, Jenny still has concerns about the age gap between her and Leo – especially when he has a shock request. “Paranoid Jenny’s already been getting up at the crack of dawn, slapping on make-up and sorting her hair before Leo awakes,” our Corrie insider reminds us. “Leo’s big plans for New Year’s Eve also made her more aware of the decades that divide them. But it seems that Leo is as keen as mustard – even ditching his Hogmanay plans to spend a quiet one with Jenny instead.” However, Leo still wants Jenny as part of…

Marilyn is brought out of her coma this week, but it quickly becomes clear that something isn’t quite right with her! As Marilyn regains consciousness in the hospital after being poisoned at Salt, her nearest and dearest are desperate to visit her. However, when her ex-husband John enters the room, Marilyn is out of character and demands he leaves her alone immediately! As John and Irene quickly retreat before Marilyn screams at them again, Logan continues to run observations on her. The following day, Marilyn suddenly discharges herself and heads to the Diner where she strangely orders a beef burger. Irene is shocked considering Marilyn is a devout vegetarian – but she digs in! As Marilyn leaves the complex, she has a go at everyone in her path leaving them…

Damon tries to find a solution to his money issues this week, but a dangerous proposition from James threatens to derail everything! After maxing out his credit cards and Liberty suggesting a flashy holiday, Damon realises he needs to come clean about his gambling. Soon after, however, Damon changes his mind and turns to Grace for help. But as she turns him down, drunken James offers Damon one final bet that could end his financial problems for good……

Rule of Soap #134… All characters who’ve been to prison have their cellmate unexpectedly turn up after their release and expect to stay. See also: Corrie’s Deirdre and Jackie, and more recently EastEnders’ Stacey and Eve. So it shouldn’t be a huge surprise for recently released Jack to find his cellmate Harry asleep in his barn. But Harry is there for more than your usual bed and board and a chance for Jack to pay back all the favours Harry did for him in prison. No, Harry comes complete with a big bag of counterfeit cash he wants to pass on. Of course, Jack has little desire to go back to prison, so resists getting mixed up in anything dodgy – despite the fact he could really do with the…

GOING OUT! Please help – I loved Ash’s jacket in EastEnders that she wore on the big night out. Where can I get one? Ellen, Royston Good choice – Ash is always on trend! The closest match we found is the ‘Alysha Faux Fur PU Biker Jacket in Black’ from Vivichi. There’s also the ‘Blue Vanilla Cream Faux Fur Leather Look Trim Aviator Jacket’ from New Look – currently in the sale! FROM BEHIND THE BAR! I have a burning question about EastEnders on New Year’s Eve. When we went to Linda’s mum’s pub, who was the mysterious barmaid? She looks so familiar, but I can’t place her… Sarah, Basingstoke The barmaid, Paula, was played by Lisa Geoghan – who is best known for her role as Polly Page in…

Coronation Street is all about family, so it’s perfect that a talented brother and sister have both bagged a role on the show at the same time. Rebecca Ryan and her younger sibling Jack James look set to make 2022 the year their real-life family cause maximum mayhem for the Barlow clan, and they aren’t even related on screen. We caught up with them to hear about what to expect from troublemakers Lydia and Jacob on the cobbles… Hi, Rebecca and Jack! How does it feel to be working on Coronation Street at the same time? Jack It’s beyond words! I was so buzzing when I found out Becky was joining the cast. She’s been my biggest inspiration growing up – I wanted to be an actor since I can…

1 “My closest friend is probably Toby-Alexander Smith, who plays Gray. I see him 12 hours a day, so I can always rely on Toby for advice if I need it. He’s a great human.” 2 “Who was I most in awe of when I joined? Probably Rudy [Walker aka Patrick]. His energy is contagious, and he’s so wise, humble and healthy.” 3 “ Scott Maslen [Jack] always looks so cool, wearing his sunglasses. I turn up to work in my PJs looking a mess, but I’ve never seen him looking anything less than sharp.” 4 “ Tameka Empson [Kim] definitely wins the crown for funniest member of the cast. Her laugh is so infectious – and she has me in stitches!” 5 “I’d bring back Bill Treacher as Arthur…

“This is my first time playing a villain – and I love it!” exclaims Hollyoaks star Matthew James Bailey, as he tells us what we can expect from his alter ego, Ethan Williams, and how much he’s loving his new role. “But the twist with Ethan is that he’s three-dimensional. So he might come across as your typical bad guy, but he’s not really – Ethan has a heart.” After he kidnapped Darren, it’s safe to say that Ethan isn’t the most popular person in the village at the moment! And this week, the newcomer makes a bad impression on even more people when he attempts to cover up some vital evidence from the night of the deadly explosion! “Ethan has to hide something, and it happens to be in…

What is a triple heart bypass? The British Heart Foundation explains that a heart bypass is a surgical intervention used when the arteries become narrowed because fatty deposits build up around their inner walls. This surgery aims to bypass those narrowed sections to improve the blood supply to a patient’s heart muscle. In Tim’s case, three of his arteries require a bypass. How does the operation work? The surgeon grafts a blood vessel between the aorta – the main blood vessel leaving the heart – and a point along the coronary artery, past the narrowed area. In most cases, at least one of the blood vessels used as a bypass graft is an artery from the chest called the internal mammary artery. Blood vessels such as a vein from the…

Now that Becky is clashing with a whole host of locals, Katie’s getting the opportunity to work with lots more of the Hollyoaks cast. However, she tells us there are two pals in particular that she would love to have scenes with… “It would be nice to do something with Denise [Welch, who plays Trish] and Chelsee [Healey, who plays Goldie], because they’re old friends from Waterloo Road,” she grins. “I just haven’t had the chance to work with them yet. I’m really pleased that they’re bringing back Waterloo Road soon – it’s great news, because it was such a good show. There are so many fans out there who are excited. I’ll definitely be watching!” Katie played Scout Allen in Waterloo Road back in 2011 – here she is,…

His cancer diagnosis looming over him, Stuart is increasingly troubled this week with the strain of keeping his secret. Paranoid, he soon becomes convinced Rainie is having an affair… with Mick! But can he tell Rainie what the real problem is before he destroys his marriage? “Stuart spots Mick giving Rainie flowers and it sends his mind reeling,” explains our Square sneak. “They are a ‘thank you’ gift after she helped Mick recover from his recent panic attack. But when Stu asks about the flowers, Rainie doesn’t want to explain about their chat, so she’s evasive, leaving Stuart suspicious…” Soon, Stuart begins to follow Rainie and spy on her, though Sonia spots him, and advises him to go to a cancer support meeting. Later, however, Sonia finds him the worse…

Time flies when you are having fun tormenting a village every weeknight. At least that’s been the case for Emmerdale’s Jeff Hordley. Having clocked up two decades in the show playing bad boy Cain, he’s heading into a new year embroiled in another massive drama. The stakes are high as the dangerous feud between Cain and Al is close to boiling point, and lives – and livelihoods – are on the line. We caught up with Jeff to find out what the future holds and whether he’s planning to stick around for another two decades. “I’m a happy boy!” admits the star, who made his Dales debut in March 2000. “Cain has got so many layers now, and the longer I stay, the more challenges they have for me, which…

Brother Jack isn’t the only familiar face for Rebecca in the Coronation Street cast, as she’s also working with some old pals again… “It’s so lovely to work with Tina O’Brien [Sarah] again because we were together in Waterloo Road for a little bit,” says the actress. “Working with her a lot makes everything feel more comfortable and lovely. “I’d love to do some scenes with Sally Carman [Abi] too, because we worked together for a few years on Shameless,” adds Rebecca. “I haven’t seen Sally since I’ve come to Corrie, so I’d love that as she’s an amazing actress.”…

“Everyone was wishing me luck for Roxy’s big day!” grins Neighbours star Zima Anderson, as we chat with her about the  upcoming nuptials. “The whole thing felt so real, as if I was really in Roxy’s world. And when I was in the white dress everyone was going, ‘Your wedding is so lovely’ – it felt as though I got married that day, too!” It was Kyle’s devastating cancer diagnosis that prompted Roxy to pop the question. And after a tough couple of months, everyone on Ramsay Street prepares to give the couple the celebration they deserve. But Zima tells us there are twists to come… Hi, Zima! How is Roxy feeling? Things aren’t going to plan as Mick is arranging their wedding! Roxy wants to get married because she…

“Ethan and Warren haven’t met – yet,” reveals Matthew. “But I can tell you there are some exciting scenes coming up. These two are similar, villainous characters with a rich history of crime. Can you imagine if these two go head-to-head? “They come from different worlds because Ethan’s a very modern-day criminal, whereas Warren’s old school – he’ll lead with his fists. I’m sure the audience will be desperate to see what happens when these two meet, because I am! I do wonder why anyone moves to Hollyoaks – the crime rates must be ridiculous…”…

“Are there any British TV shows you would love to star in?” …asks reader Lily Williams, from Peterborough You’d probably be better asking my wife that question, because she binge watches them all! I’d be more interested in doing a film over in the UK. I always hoped I was going to be the new James Bond! But I think I’m past that time. Though Roger Moore played Bond well into his 60s, so you never know… 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 the subject line. Our favourite question each week will win a £20 prize!…

Ria Hebden Entertainment presenter on Lorraine “I love all the glitz and glamour of it!” Ben Foden English rugby union player “I like the challenge of learning a new sport…” Kye Whyte BMX Olympian “I’ve never trained professionally for another sport, so I’m super-excited!” Mark Berry aka Bez, Happy Mondays dancer “I’m quite accident-prone, which I’m a bit worried about!” Kimberly Wyatt Member of The Pussycat Dolls “As a performer, I’m excited to make sure I’ve still got it!” Regan Gascoigne Dancer and son of footie legend Gazza “I’ve never been on live TV before, so I’m excited for that…” Sally Dynevor Coronation Street’s Sally Webster “It will be nice for the public to see me dressed differently!” Liberty Poole 2021 Love Island…

Dog trainer Graeme Hall takes a break from his trek around the UK to tell us his favourite TV… What has been your favourite drama you’ve watched recently? I get enough drama in my working life, so I tend to watch things that are a bit lighter. I love Call My Agent! on Netflix, I’ve been told it’s quite realistic… And which comedy have you most enjoyed lately? I’m actually going to say a live one – Sarah Millican. I worked with Sarah, really briefly, on something that hasn’t come on the telly yet, so I can’t tell you what it is. But I went along to watch her live in New York, and she’s very rude, but very, very funny. What were your favourite shows when you were growing…

CORRIE JENNY VS CARLA! THE CONNOR WOMEN ARE AT WAR AGAIN Past tension between Carla and Jenny bobs to the surface next week, after the Underworld boss offers her two pennies worth on Jenny’s romance with Leo! From where Carla’s stilettos are standing, her father Johnny’s grave is barely cold while Jenny picks up where she left off with her toyboy – and Carla’s not shy in speaking her mind. However, her words are set to have a huge impact – as Jenny’s insecurities threaten her happiness with Leo… EMMERDALE Lives changed The dust settles in the aftermath of Meena’s insane week of mayhem, as the village reels from recent events. Can the locals pick up the pieces, and will Liv ever be free? EASTENDERS Together again? Bailey aims Cupid’s…