Table of contents for 4 - 2022 in Inside Soap UK

“It’s hard to imagine what they’ll spring on us next” Emmerdale celebrates its 50th glorious year with a promise of thrills and spills aplenty. Given that they recently brought us the most dramatic scene on a rope bridge since Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom, it’s hard to imagine what they’ll spring on us next. Having myself recently celebrated a birthday not entirely dissimilar to the one about to be enjoyed by Emmerdale, I know that such high drama is a far cry from the show’s humble origins. It still reminds me – in the warmest way –of sick days from primary school; eating syrup sandwiches while mum worked through the ironing to a backdrop of Emmerdale Farm, The Cedar Tree and Paint Along With Nancy. Back then, a…

EastEnders star Toby-Alexander Smith – who plays Gray – has recently become a dad for the first time, after welcoming a baby with his real-life partner Amy Walsh (Emmerdale’s Tracy). Luckily, he’s had co-star Zaraah Abrahams, aka Chelsea, on hand to offer him some pearls of wisdom on parenthood… “I’ve been trying to just be completely positive with him and saying, ‘It’s going to be wonderful’ – which it is!” laughs the actress, who is also a mum in real life. “I just said, ‘Enjoy every minute you can, just breathe it all in because it does go so quickly. Just be there for each other and that baby as much as you can, because it does go fast’.”…

So long, Sophie! Reports claim that Weatherfield favourite Brooke Vincent – best known for playing Sophie Webster – has called time on Corrie for good. Insiders had hoped the star would return after having her second son, Monroe. It’s been a blast! David Tag has lifted the lid on his character Sylver’s explosive exit from Hollyoaks. “Initially it was a shock and a little upsetting,” confesses the star. “However, I wanted to go out all guns blazing!” Street mates! Former Corrie stars Kym Marsh (Michelle Connor) and Oliver Farnworth (Andy Carver) are playing the lead roles in a new UK theatre tour of Fatal Attraction. And playing the wronged wife in the bunny-boiling thriller is Hollyoaks’ Susie Amy (Scarlett Morgan).…

BIG DECISION TO MAKE… R hona’s life is to be turned upside down when the son of her rapist ex-husband Pierce arrives in the village! Actor Darcy Gray is to take on the role of newcomer Marcus, in a story that will see Rhona’s happiness with Marlon under threat. “Pierce writes to Rhona from prison asking her to find his son, who she didn’t know about,” explains Jane. “Pierce has had no contact with him since he was young because he was abusive to Marcus’ mum. And then, when this young man tips up on Rhona’s doorstep, she makes the wrong decision to not tell Marlon about it. “We’ll have to wait to see whether Marcus is a chip off the old block, or the polar-opposite of Pierce,” she continues.…

Who’s pregnant? “There will be another baby arriving in Emmerdale before the year is out,” teases Jane. “But which of our ladies is expecting?” Wedding bells! “In addition to Dawn and Billy’s big day, we have two more weddings coming up,” grins Jane. “One is later on in the summer, and the other is an unexpected twist. It’ll shock our villagers and ruffle a few feathers!” Going green! “The environment is still high on our agenda,” promises Jane. “David’s shop will move to using an electric bike to do deliveries!” Comedy capers! “We have more from Cain and Liam, who have formed one of our favourite new relationships in the show,” enthuses Jane. “There’s fun coming up at the salon, too, where we’ll see an unexpected member of staff joining…

The Walford fuzz have been after Phil for many a long year, so are understandably delighted to finally have him bang to rights. We’ve seen countless coppers over the years try to nab the Walford kingpin, before being sent on leave with PPTSD (post-Phil traumatic stress disorder). Our favourites are pocket rocket DCI Jill Marsden, who doggedly pursued crook Phil for well over a decade; and PC Kate Morton, whose undercover placement saw her going furthest in the line of duty – ultimately becoming Mrs Phil Mitchell! So, will the boys and girls in blue, now led by the mighty DCI Keeble, win this time? What do you think…?…

Jenny makes a bold commitment to her new boyfriend Leo this week – by asking him to move into the Rovers! Jenny has so far been unsure about the romance, worried that the age gap will be an issue. And she’s not the only one with concerns… “Carla makes it very clear that she doesn’t approve of Jenny’s new relationship!” points out our cobbles spy. “She’s horrified that her stepmum has moved on so quickly after Johnny’s death, and accuses her of abandoning her family!” Carla’s words cut Jenny to the core, and she later sends some money to Johnny’s daughter Kate to make amends. The move appears to appease Carla, though she’s still refuses to get on board with Jenny’s new relationship. But any doubts Jenny’s been having disappear…

Randy Ellis and Belle can’t keep their hands off one another this week. The only trouble is they can’t get a room – and not for want of trying! The smitten pair are keen to be alone together as the war between their families rages on. However, every time they get within snogging distance of sexy time, the moment is completely ruined! Initially, Ellis and Belle attempt to seize the moment when it looks as if she has an empty house, but Lydia interrupts. Then, when the lovebirds meet up for a spot of afternoon delight at the B&B, fate intervenes again and Belle’s left wondering if she’s ever going to have Ellis to herself. However, hope is not lost after Belle comes up with an ingenious way to occupy…

There’s a frosty atmosphere at The Mill this week, as Emma continues to blank Zara in the wake of their run-in over a patient’s treatment. Their colleague Al can’t fail to notice that all is not well between the formerly close pals, and is typically delighted with himself as he shamelessly teases the pair. As the busy practice prepares for its Personal Development Review Day, however, the entire team is feeling the pressure. So, how is Zara and Emma’s very public clash set to affect morale?…

DENIM IS IN! I need a present for my nephew, and loved Zeedan’s denim jacket in Coronation Street. Do you know where I can find one? Debbie Zeedan is wearing the ‘Big Sherpa Trucker’ jacket from Levi’s – and it comes in lots of different washes. If you’re on more of a tight budget, check out the ‘Highway Sherpa Trucker Jacket’ from Superdry! A WHOLE LOT OF HISTORY… I spotted Amelia Curtis in Casualty recently. I know she played Carl’s ex, Juliette, in Emmerdale – but what other soaps has she been in? Mike, Bristol Now you’re asking! Amelia’s first soap stint was in 1995 for EastEnders, where she had a one-off role as Carla, who David Wicks was going to pay to impersonate Bianca Jackson in her driving test.…

1 CHEATING WITH DEIRDRE! Dev knew that employee Deirdre Barlow’s specs steamed up anytime he was close, and her adoration suited him just fine. But what started as harmless shopfloor flirting – they were both in relationships with other people – ultimately led to the bedroom, a forbidden night of passion, and one of the all-time great soap photos. 2 MOTHER AND DAUGHTER! The wife of one of Dev’s golf cronies turned out to be Nina Mandal – a Bollywood star he’d idolised – who set about seducing him. Things became complicated when Dev moved on to Nina’s daughter, Tara – and when he later cheated on her, Tara’s revenge was pasted 30ft-high across Victoria Street. 3 PUTTING IT ABOUT! In Dev, Sunita had married her dream…

“What was your favourite television show growing up?” …asks reader Alex Rhoades from Exeter Oh, it’s a nobrainer – Doctor Who! And it’s still my favourite show now. I’ve never had a favourite Doctor, though – it’s always whoever is there currently. So at the moment it’s Jodie Whittaker, and the next one will be my new favourite. Being in Doctor Who would be my dream role – either that or playing a Jedi! 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!…

TOGETHER AGAIN Detective duo Shakespeare And Hathaway are returning for a fourth run of the popular comedy drama series next month. Starring Jo Joyner as Luella Shakespeare and Mark Benton as Frank Hathaway, the Stratford-upon-Avon-based crime-busters will be back with 10 brand-new episodes. NORTHERN SOUL Filming has begun in Lancashire for ITV’s new detective drama Ridley, starring Adrian Dunbar as a retired police officer, back at work alongside his former protégée, DI Carol Farman ( Bronagh Waugh). “We really couldn’t be off to a better start!” declares Adrian. “Despite the wintry weather, everything from cast and crew, right down to the catering, is excellent…” POWER OF THREE BBC Three will return as a broadcast channel on Tuesday 1 February – from 7pm each night – with brand-new series RuPaul’s Drag…

BULLSEYE! Walford’s extremism plot has proved a tough and ugly watch. Yet the character-driven, inner family turmoil plaguing the Munroes has us gripped. From Harvey’s struggle to save his son, to nasty Aaron’s warped efforts to protect his sister, and Dana’s reluctance to believe her brother is a bad guy, we feel every beat of the agony. Potent stuff – well-written and well-played.…

Shock waves are rippling through soapland after the announcement that Mr EastEnders himself, Danny Dyer, is quitting his role as Mick Carter. Square bosses confirmed the news following reports that Danny has landed a mega-bucks deal with a rival channel – though the actor has quashed the rumours and insists he simply chose not to renew his BBC contract… “I’ve been contemplating for a while about whether I wanted to roll the dice and take a leap,” explains Danny, who has been playing the Queen Vic landlord for eight years. “It’s not because I’ve been poached by anybody or fallen out with anyone at EastEnders. I love everybody there – that job has been amazing for me. “Mick’s exit is going to be a very powerful thing,” adds the star.…

While it would make perfect sense for Vanessa and Mack to become fierce love rivals in the battle for Charity’s heart, it seems Ness could be set to embark on a new journey this year. This week, Vanessa is just as frustrated as Mack is over Charity’s behaviour – and goes above the call of duty as an ex to help repair the damage between them. So, does that mean Vanessa truly has closed the door on a reconciliation? Dales producer Laura Shaw hints towards a fresh curveball coming her way… “Will we see Charity and Vanessa back together in 2022, or will Vanessa head off in a new direction?” she teases. “I think it’s going to be time for people to decide whether they are ‘Team Vanity’ or ‘Team…

The clouds of intoxicating testosterone that seem to surround grease monkey Kevin Webster are making the ladies of the Street weak at the knees this week. Well, to be fair, Sally’s head is bit more of a hangover. Not because of too many glasses of Blue Nun on Alison’s hen night, but because she opted to swerve the party to head to Kev’s instead. Now full of regret, Sal confides her deep sorrows in best mate Gail, who sympathises in a way only a woman who’s lived a life like Gail can. Alison, meanwhile, is giddy as a kipper to be marrying a man not only good with his hands, but pretty darn smouldering in an oily overall to boot. And when her workmates turn up at the registry office,…

Dean takes another huge step in his recovery this week, as Ziggy pushes him to get back behind the wheel for the first time since his car accident. But is he really ready for it? Sophie Dillman, who plays Ziggy, tells us that it’s just as much for Ziggy’s benefit as Dean’s… How has Ziggy been coping with caring for Dean as he recovers? She’s trying the best she can. Anyone who has to be a full-time carer for someone has to be so patient and gentle, and as much as Ziggy is a kind human, she’s not a medical professional. So it’s been a real challenge for her – she’s used to dealing with cars, which don’t talk or have feelings! Why is she pushing Dean to get back…

Early days Maria Jane Sutherland was born on 23 May 1983 to mum Dot and dad Eric. She has an older brother, Kirk. We first met Maria in 2000, when Jack Duckworth and Tyrone visited Sutherland’s Kennels – Maria’s family’s business – and Ty was instantly smitten. She’s got skills! Maria was trained as a hairdresser by local crimper Audrey. She helped run the family kennels – revelling in criticising Fiz and Kirk when they disastrously took over the business in 2006. She’s also been a PA at Underworld, as well as a barmaid at The Rovers. Love match! Maria is currently loved-up with third husband Gary Windass, despite the pair splitting not long after their wedding. Her first marriage was to Liam Connor, while her second, to gay Argentinian…

“Bomb disposal feels like it’s a very closed world, so straight away we wondered how you would access information about it,” shares Jed, best known for creating the hugely successful Line Of Duty. “We don’t want to feed into anxiety about terrorism, but we recognise that threats to national security do exist – so we tried to imagine a real-world threat investigated in a credible way. That’s the mystery side of this story. Dealing with a situation in which the terrorists don’t want people to know who’s behind an attack felt like an interesting area for drama.”…

In an inspirational documentary, Jay Blades reveals how his life has been affected by not being able to read. After leaving school without qualifications, he’s coped against all the odds. And Jay isn’t alone. Research suggests a quarter of all children in England leave primary school unable to read to the expected level. So as Jay commits to learning, determined to read his 15-year-old daughter a story before her next birthday, we follow his very personal crusade. And as the popular presenter tells Inside TV, there’s nothing he’s not prepared to share to help others in the same situation... Hello, Jay! What was it that prompted you to make this documentary? I wanted to inspire people like me who are dyslexic. I don’t really need to learn to read –…

EastEnders has been handed the keys to its new home – except you’ll notice that it doesn’t look much different from the old one! BBC bosses called time on the original set that’s been standing since 1984, after it was deemed no longer fit for purpose. The replacement is rumoured to have cost the Beeb £87 million. There are a few significant changes to look out for on the new Walford set, including backdrops to hide nearby hangar-like studio buildings – while poor George Street seems to have disappeared entirely!…

Heartbreak is on the horizon for Emmerdale’s best-loved clan, as Cain’s war with Al reaches a horrifying climax! “There’s going to be an explosive moment for this pair that will force them to have a look at their relationship,” grimaces Jane. “Two of our most-loved Dingles are going to be facing huge life-changing situations that will have repercussions for the whole village, and the effects of this are going to be long-lasting over 2022 and beyond.”…

Christmas was an extra-special time for Rory and his partner Nadine Mulkerrin (who plays Cleo), as they announced that they’re adding another little one to their brood. The couple are already proud parents to two-year-old Reggie, who we hear is looking forward to having a younger sibling… “He loves it, he’s constantly saying ‘Baby, ah, baby!’” laughs Rory. “He goes to nursery, and he’s already adopted the role of trying to make sure all the other kids are okay, it’s really sweet. I think he’ll be an amazing big brother.” Despite having been through it all once before, though, Rory admits he’s nervous to introduce another baby into the mix. “You know what to expect the second time round, I think that makes it worse!” he confesses. “It’s a real…

“Would that be Meena: Ministering Angel of the Ingrowing Toenail? When she lanced my boil… phwoar, that woman has healing hands.” Jimmy has always been such an excellent judge of character. “I was going to play the end game down, but why should I? I’ve been misinterpreted all along, forced to hide my light, my skill, my brilliance! The pair of you are going to make history… You’re going to be immortal… You’re going out… in a blaze of glory, people!” Pop Meena on stage and sell tickets. “I went to the university of life, me. Clubbing was my religion. Then our Gemini and Apollo came along, and they took me time and me money; they mashed up me body, they took the perkiness from me knockers and the calcium…

Stuart is forced to face his breast cancer diagnosis head-on this week, as the doctor explains his surgery options to him. It’s clear that time is of the essence, and the medic advises Stuart that they should proceed with the operation as soon as possible. But when the subject of pain medication comes up, Stuart panics… “As a former addict, the thought of having to take painkillers is far scarier to Stuart than the surgery itself,” points out our Walford insider. “Going under the knife is one thing, but being reliant on medication in the aftermath of the operation is too much for Stuart to deal with. He just can’t bear that idea that he might slip back into the grips of his addiction again.” Following the appointment, Stuart confides…

FAIR CITY Teri makes a return to Carrigstown this week, and promises to keep Erica’s pregnancy a secret from Doug – but will the revelation get out? Elsewhere, Sash suspects Zak is still mixing with Ritchie’s gang! And Paul suggests he and Orla move in together. RIVER CITY Bob goes in search of a mystery woman this week, but he gets more than he bargained for on the hunt for the truth! Meanwhile, Suzie and Bernie are stunned when the police arrive at the café… Plus, Lenny is convinced that Lydia faked her own death. THE ARCHERS An unexpected guest makes a beeline for Leonard this week – will Jill be able to see off the competition? Elsewhere, David and Ruth enjoy a rare night out, but the party very…

Hollyoaks was rocked by the sudden explosion at the café – and so was I! With Juliet hanging off the staircase, Cher being trapped and then Maya dying as well, it was just never-ending madness! Orla has confessed to killing Lisa and framing innocent Mitchell, their family will never be the same again. Matthew, Hertford Even during all the drama and danger, there’s always time for romance. It was so lovely to see a tender moment between Jack and Marnie. I honestly don’t know why these two weren’t put together when she split up The Deveraux family is going to be torn apart no matter what happens after the explosion! Now that Toby from her psychotic husband, Mac all those years ago! Sue, Reading It was high stakes, but Bobby leaving…

We love a soap troublemaker, and the more outrageous they are, the better. That’s why we thoroughly enjoy watching Bernie Winter – sometimes through our fingers – and her naughty antics. Her big mouth, chancer personality and wacky dress sense light up the screen, which is why Jane Hazlegrove loves playing her so much. We caught up with her for a good gossip, just as Bernie manages to wreck her life all over again. “Bernie is incredibly selfish, but she’s a survivor!” declares Jane, who joined Coronation Street in July 2019. “She’s mellowed since she arrived, and what’s changed her is seeing love in other people for her that she didn’t know was there. She’ll still scrap and fight for her family, though!” “She’s just out there, isn’t she? Bernie…

He’s one of soapland’s rising stars, but Emmerdale favourite Bradley admits he has career dreams away from Hotten, which would take him to the stage, the rink – and even Down Under… “I’ve always said I want to do a musical and tour the country,” he grins. “There are also two shows I’ve always said I’d love to do, and that’s Dancing On Ice and I’m A Celeb…. Even though I’m petrified of spiders, it would conquer my fear of that!” After co-star and pal Danny Miller Aaron) was crowned King of the Castle in the most recent series, Bradley says that he’s even more keen to be tormented by Ant and Dec. However, he’s hoping if he did the show, it’d be back in its original location. “I’d love…

1 Heathcote & Ivory Sweet Pea & Honeysuckle Hand & Nail Cream Contains a blend of sweet pea, honeysuckle flower, patchouli extracts and primrose oil. 2 Dr.PAWPAW Age Renewal Soothing Hand Cream Enriched with papaya, olive oil and aloe vera to nourish and sooth parched skin. 3 I Love Cosmetics Violet Dreams Hand & Nail Cream Rejuvenate hands with this conditioning combination of shea butter and coconut oil. 4 Sanctuary Spa Hand Cream Wrap up hands in a creamy blend of shea butter and sweet almond oil.…

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…