Table of contents for 12 - 2022 in Inside Soap UK

“We’re going to put on a happy face” Later this year, the residents of Erinsborough will call ‘OUT!’ on their last game of cricket on Ramsay Street, and the camera will lift quietly away into sunny Melbourne skies. Neighbours has been a big part of Inside Soap from the very beginning, so we’re determined to put on a happy face and give the show the rousing celebration it deserves. This week, we have an in-depth interview with devoted producer Jason Herbison, and in due course there’ll be chats with your favourite stars, and a look back at all the iconic moments. To that end, we’d very much like Inside Soap readers to have their say… Who are your favourite Neighbours characters? Who would you like to see back on our…

EastEnders has paid tribute to much-loved actress Lynda Baron, who has died aged 82. The popular star played Linda Clarke – mother to Jane Beale and her brother, Christian. “Absolutely heartbroken… the showgirl’s showgirl,” tweeted actor John Partridge, who played Christian. “She was very gracious, giving, and a RIOT to boot. Night night, mum.” A spokesperson for the BBC soap added: “We’re deeply saddened to hear that Lynda Baron has passed away. Our love and thoughts are with her family and friends.” Lynda’s other famous TV roles included Nurse Gladys Emmanuel – the long suffering object of Arkwright’s lust – in the sitcom Open All Hours, and Norma Patterson in the ITV comedy Fat Friends.…

This week is the first time we’ll meet new student Freya, whom Mason quickly takes a shine to. Viewers will soon find out that Freya’s mum is none other than Lexi, the detective Saul was working with when he first came to the village. Former Emmerdale star Natalie Anderson reprises the role, and we can expect to see a lot more of her on our screens in the coming months. “I’m so thrilled to be back playing Lexi,” shares the actress. “She’s such a strong and intriguing character with lots of layers, that I’m thoroughly enjoying playing with. I’m having so much fun, and everyone at Hollyoaks has been really lovely and welcoming.”…

Meena’s trial is the talk of the village this week, as the locals hope they can get justice for their lost loved ones. But a shocking development throws the case into chaos, and causes a rift among two friends… Manpreet knows her evidence could be the key to putting her sister behind bars. However, the stress of taking the stand has already proved too much for the doctor, and she fled the courtroom at Meena’s plea hearing in the grip of a panic attack. Now she faces the decision of whether she can testify, and when she reveals the conclusion she’s come to, it doesn’t go down well… “Manpreet tells Liam that she will not be giving evidence,” reveals our Dales source. “The pressure has really got to her; it’s…

Faye delivers the mother of all shocks this week, when she tells her granny Elaine that she could be pregnant! The petrified youngster opens up to Elaine as her relationship with Craig lies in tatters following the death of pensioner Ted. Faye doesn’t go into the details as to why they are fighting, but tells Elaine that the timing of her baby news couldn’t be worse. Meanwhile, Craig has no idea of what his girlfriend is going through… “This is going to make or break Faye and Craig,” predicts our Corrie insider. “They are locked in this nightmare lie with Emma that cost Craig his career. It doesn’t matter what he says, Craig does resent what he’s given up to protect Faye. Now she has to drop another bombshell on…

As Ian Beale moments go, this week’s is a corker. In fact, it changes him from an averagely objectionable little twerp to a truly terrible person, as you’ll soon come to see… We open with Ian’s bride-to-be Melanie putting her second thoughts behind her. Well, it’s probably third, fourth – maybe even 2000th thoughts by now. Mel’s best friend Lisa, dad Jeff and her ex Steve all have their own opinions on the matter, not to mention her icy mum Jane (a wonderful turn by the amazing Shirley Stelfox, aka Emmerdale’s legendary Edna Birch), so Mel’s in quite a spin. But deep in her heart, Mel knows that if Ian’s daughter wasn’t seriously ill, she would walk away there and then, and look back with a wry smile on that…

IT’S ALL OVER! It was so satisfying after all this time to see the residents of Walford finally get clued-up on exactly what Gray has done – and how he manipulated them. All I hope is that baby Jordan doesn’t inherit any personality traits from his serial-killer dad… Laura, Manchester FUN AND FLIRTY Nicolette’s attempts at charming Kiri in Neighbours were hilarious! But after her doomed romance with Chloe, I think it’s about time Nicolette set her sights on someone new. And as far as we’ve seen, Kiri seems like a down-to-earth woman – she’d be a nice addition to Ramsay Street. Rosemary We hope Nicolette’s flirty alter ego comes back to Erinsborough. END IT NOW… How much longer is this Meena storyline going to drag out for? It’s such…

We’re bracing ourselves for one almighty fallout when Toyah finally discovers that both Imran and Abi have been lying to her. And Charlie predicts that his co-stars Sally Carman (Abi) and Georgia Taylor (Toyah) will light up the screen in those scenes… “That will be a huge deal, because it’s two people who are fantastic at their job, being fantastic at their job,” he grins. “I was nervous when I was told this was coming, because you don’t want to mess it up or be the weak link. But when I was given a roadmap of this story, it sounded pretty exciting. I knew it was going to be a huge shake-up!”…

The news that Neighbours is to end this summer has knocked us all for six – but none more so than the soap’s current executive producer Jason Herbison, who’s been working on the Aussie show for almost 32 years. He began as a writer in 1990, and has been involved in the legendary soap on and off ever since. Jason also has a long history with this very magazine – he was the Australian correspondent for Inside Soap for 15 years, before stepping back when he took up the role of series producer on Neighbours. So, as Inside Soap joins the cast and crew of Neighbours in celebrating their record-breaking 37 years on air, we asked Jason to share his thoughts with us as the residents of Ramsay Street prepare…

The mysterious identity of Lady Whistledown, all-knowing scribbler of Bridgerton’s ‘gossip sheet’ (narrated in the series by the legendary Julie Andrews) was finally exposed at the end of the last run (though to us viewers only) as the shy and sweet-natured Penelope Featherington. She’s played by Nicola Coughlan, who couldn’t be more delighted by the dramatic disclosure… “We actually recorded the reveal months after everything else in series one because they couldn’t make up their minds whether or not to reveal it,” beams the Derry Girls star. “I’d originally found out that Penelope was Lady Whistledown in an unexpected way, on an online fan forum, and I was in shock, I couldn’t believe it! I think it was the smartest thing to let the audience in on the secret early,…

As she presents new weekly podcast Downton Abbey: The Official Podcast, Anita Rani reveals why she’s down with Downton – along with the other TV shows that make her ‘abbey’… Hello Anita! Please tell us about the podcast… If you’re a Downton super-fan and you want to nerd out… I’ve been lucky enough to read the script for the new Downton movie – Downton: A New Era, and sit in a room with Michelle Dockery [Lady Mary Crawley] and Elizabeth McGovern [Countess of Grantham], talking with the cast, the producers, the writer Julian Fellowes and the people who work behind the scenes. And what else have you enjoyed on TV recently? I loved Around The World In 80 Days, that was so good – I had to binge it as…

CINEMA THE NAN MOVIE Catherine Tate’s iconic character, Nan, goes on a wild road trip from London to Ireland with her grandson, Jamie, to make amends with her sister, Nell. Militant vegan arsonists, raucous rugby teams, all-night raves and cops on motorbikes all make for a proper day out! Starring Catherine Tate, Mathew Horne, and Katherine Parkinson. DVD RULES OF THE GAME Sam is a strong-willed manager at a family-run company in the north-west of England. It’s business as usual – until she arrives in the office one day to find a dead body! Sam’s forced to confront some uncomfortable truths along with some murderous secrets… Starring Maxine Peake. BOOK THE UNSINKABLE GRETA JAMES by Jennifer E Smith After the death of her mother – and weeks before an album…

WHAT IS A STROKE? A stroke occurs when blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, damaging brain cells that can affect the body’s functions, including speech and mobility. The most common form is an ischaemic stroke, caused by a blockage, or clot. One happens every five minutes in the UK and is the biggest cause of adult disability. WHAT ARE THE SIGNS? The FAST test can help recognise symptoms… Facial weakness has the person’s face drooped? Arm weakness can they raise both arms easily? Speech is their speech slurred? Time phone for an ambulance straight away if you spot any of these signs. WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE? Emmerdale has worked closely with the Stroke Association on the storyline. For information and support, contact stroke.org.uk or…

There’s trouble in paradise looming for George and Eileen – when Eileen takes it upon herself to go snooping around George’s house! Our sneaky snaps of Corrie stars Tony Maudsley and Sue Cleaver filming upcoming scenes show their characters raging at one another after George catches Eileen prowling outside his property with Sean. But the big question is: does George have something to hide? “Very little is known about what George gets up to away from the cobbles,” points out our Weatherfield insider. “We only ever see him going about his day job at the funeral parlour and failing spectacularly to strike the right chord with Eileen. The life he leads outside of those things is still a total mystery!” It looks as if Eileen’s curiosity about George will finally…

So over it! Hilariously, Dales actress Samantha Giles (Bernice) is ready to wrap up the Meena plot! “Lots of people have said they’ve enjoyed it, but come on, it’s time for it to end,” she asserts. The perfect match? Meet the new Hollyoaks girl who will be setting hearts aflutter in the village! Played by Ashling O’Shea, pretty Nadira will turn out to be the childhood friend of lovelorn Shaq after they run into each other this week (see p28)… Karl & Susan AXED! A former Neighbours boss has revealed that the Kennedys were almost written out of the show. Dan Bennett says that he promptly squashed plans to bin Karl and Susan when he took over as chief in 2007. Phew!…

Steve is at his wits’ end this week, when his determined daughter Amy sets out to build her new life with Jacob. Amy has shacked-up with her boyfriend following another massive family row about their relationship, and Steve is reeling. He was hoping that a few nights under Jacob’s roof would bring Amy to her senses, but the stubborn young woman isn’t budging. Instead, she’s working out how to finance her new life and secure the money she needs to go to university. “Rebel Amy is more than a match for Steve – he’s making a pig’s ear of this!” whispers our Street gossip. “Every time he lashes out at Jacob, he makes Amy love the boy more. Even Tracy can see his heavy-handed tactics are a disaster, but Steve…

Shaq has second thoughts about his idea to get married this week, as he struggles to get any romantic matches. With his plan all set to find a wife, Shaq is disappointed when no one pops up on the matrimonial app. However, Zain invites Shaq to an event for Muslim singles – and after some advice from Misbah, he goes! Shaq heads in with barrels of confidence, although his chat-up lines soon land him in trouble. Will anyone there end up catching Shaq’s eye?…

The men of Corrie aren’t having it easy this week. First up, Rebecca realises that Martin is never going to be able to untangle himself from Gail and her ever-troubled clan, so decides to cut her losses. After she departs for Dubai, Martin is so upset that he tells Gail what he’s been meaning to say for several weeks now: he’s been having an affair, he loves Rebecca and he doesn’t love her. This makes things all a bit awks in the Platt house as Father’s Day arrives and Sarah showers Martin with gifts. Elsewhere, Gwen has bought her last Aztec-print sofa and glass display cabinet as Jim finally reaches the end of his tether with her spend, spend, spend mantra, and chucks her out. When the HP people arrive…

ABI’S BABY SURPRISE! Just when we thought the drama of Abi and Imran’s one-night stand in Corrie was over, Abi had a baby! She was knocked for six by the new arrival, and so were our readers… Poor Abi really can’t catch a break, can she? It seems her life has fallen apart all in one day – I can’t imagine how she felt suddenly being in labour and not even knowing about the pregnancy either. Talk about a shock! Jamie, Kent I think having this baby is a good thing for Abi. After the terrible loss of Seb, this is something that could make Abi turn her life around. She can go to rehab, get clean, raise this son right – and make everyone proud. Chloe, Hertfordshire What shocked…

As part of his research into portraying Marlon’s condition accurately, Mark met Nick Hounsfield, 48, who had a stroke in 2020 and lost the ability to talk, read and write. He’s now back to full fitness, but Nick admits it was emotional to re-live the fear. “I get teary hearing Mark talk about how to play the scenes, because he feels a weight of responsibility to get it right, but I have complete faith in him,” he tells us. “We talked about the emotional effect of the stroke and the disconnect it created between my brain and trying to communicate, which was frustrating, but also humorous. I was getting my words wrong and would say the funniest things.” Despite the sensitive nature of the subject, Mark says that Nick helped…

“Every time someone asks me about Hollyoaks, I can’t help but smile!” exclaims Garcia Brown, who plays Chester’s newest detective sergeant, Zoe Anderson. “I used to watch the show when I was back in school. I love Zoe, and I feel as though I can relate to her – she takes her job seriously, but at the end of the day, she wants to go out and paint the town red!” Since her arrival, Zoe has reunited with her family, formed a firm gal-pal group, caught the eye of an eligible bachelor, and started a new job! But Garcia tells us her alter ego puts being a detective above everything else… “Zoe wouldn’t put her job in jeopardy for anyone,” admits Garcia. “She’s worked so hard to get to where…

Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia Eau de Parfum Spray Smell the bouquet of floral notes built around the gardenia flower, blended with pear blossom and sweet brown sugar accords. Dolce & Gabbana Dolce Shine Eau de Parfum for Her An irresistible fresh floral and fruity fragrance charmed by top notes of mango and zesty grapefruit essence. Marc Jacobs Daisy Spring Eau De Toilette Bursts of pink rosebuds and rosewood blossom paired with cardamom create an essence of nature and lush greenery. Floral Street Arizona Eau de Parfum Get sunshine in a bottle with a sprinkling of Balinese coconut, salted musks and a shot of Madagascan black pepper.…

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…

HOLBY CITY End Of an era!  HOLBY CITY SIGNS OFF AFTER 23 YEARS… Viewers of Holby City have sadly known for some months that the medical drama is due to end, following the BBC’s decision to swing the axe. And next week, the time comes to bid an emotional farewell to the likes of Hanssen, Max and Fletch with one final episode of heart-stopping drama. Believe us when we say it is going to knock your socks off! Pick up the next issue of Inside Soap for fabulous chats with the cast, as we say goodbye… CORRIE Moving troubles Fiz and Phill’s plans for their new dream home hit a stumbling block next week, when Fiz gets bad news about the sale of her current house. Is she stuck on…

You’d hope that poor Adam being hospitalised by Lydia would be enough to bring him and Sarah back together. Yet don’t expect Mrs Barlow to rock up at his bedside with sympathy, warns her alter ego Tina O’Brien… Hi, Tina! Why can’t Sarah see through the fog of Lydia’s lies? She wants to believe that Adam is telling the truth – but look at all the evidence! Sarah’s in a tough place, and she’s doubting everything. Does Sarah still love Adam? Very much so – but she just feels so badly betrayed that she really doesn’t think they can come back from it. How does Sarah feel once she hears about Adam’s fall? She’s genuinely worried, but her response is that he’s not her problem any more! It sounds a…

“There are worse things to be obsessed with other than chess. When I was his age, it was Jason Donovan for me. Nothing good ever came of that, though – except me knowing all the colours of his coat.” Any dream will do for our Leanne. “You never did have much flair in the kitchen, did you? Too busy dissecting dead spiders. You were such a peculiar little child.” Well, at least they were dead. “They say age mellows people, don’t they? And yet here you are, practically ancient and you’re still an UPTIGHT BITCH!” C’mon Charity. Tell us what you really think. “I looked it up, Alfred – and it means ‘magical counsel’ which I took to mean ‘wise’. But it also means ‘ready for battle’. So I reckon…

Fears mount for Kheerat’s future this week, after Suki finds out that her son plans to plead guilty to attacking Gray! The news is devastating for Suki, who knows that her boy will spend years behind bars if he accepts responsibility. But with Dotty and Eve joining the crusade to save Kheerat, can Suki make her son see that he must fight for his freedom? “Suki has already lost one child in prison, the last thing she wants is to lose another,” explains our Square insider. “She knows Kheerat is guilty of lashing out at Gray, but it was a provoked attack, and he doesn’t deserve to spend the rest of his life paying. She’s desperate to make him change his mind.” What Suki doesn’t bank on is having two…

Bobby continues to spiral this week – with a devastating set of consequences… When Honour suggests that Bobby would benefit from attending a special school that can deal with his behavioural needs, Mercedes doesn’t want to listen. But after Bobby later finds a leaflet for the school among his mum’s stuff, he’s furious. As an argument breaks out, things get heated – and Bobby is knocked unconscious! Will Mercy finally accept that it’s time to seek help?…

FAIR CITY The residents of Carrigstown search for Ruth this week, when she is declared a missing person! Is Ruth in danger? Meanwhile, Anto thinks Sharon’s horse-racing winning streak was a fluke. Plus, Zak receives a delivery of counterfeit goods! RIVER CITY Tensions are high among the O’Hara clan this week, as Stevie prepares to tell Andrew he might not be his biological son! Elsewhere, Amber confronts Lenny about his and Rachel’s reckless prison escape… And Nicole secures an event at Jailbirds. THE ARCHERS A shocking confession leads to devastation for more than one Ambridge resident this week, but who will come off worse? Meanwhile, over at the vicarage, Alan has huge concerns about a family member. Finally, plans for Easter are stepping up at Lower Loxley! See TV listings…

“You’re never supposed to judge your character,” admits Corrie star Charlie de Melo, aka Imran, as he joins us over Zoom to chat about his character’s recent baby bombshell. “But I feel I’ve been doing this long enough that I’m allowed to have an opinion of him now. I think Imran presents himself as heroic, and wants to be seen like that. Yet he’s far more selfish than he would let on!” Imran’s selfish actions have landed him with the daddy of all dilemmas, because he’s just found out that he’s the father of Abi’s baby, Alfie! As far as bombshells go, this is one that nobody saw coming, least of all Imran. Let’s not forget that when Abi believed she was pregnant at the start of the year, Imran’s…

“I love it when we get to film on location. There are places in Wales that are so gorgeous! But on set, my favourite place is the ambulance station; it’s our little hub.” “I could never pick just one favourite person to work with. It has to be Michael, Di and Arin – we’re a team, and I enjoy working with all three of them so much.” “The new doctor, Stevie Nash [played by Ellie Lawless], has such a great energy in the ED – so I think she’s my favourite character. Stevie keeps everyone on their toes!” “I’m enjoying the storyline between Dylan and Paula with her pregnancy. It highlights so many important things, and it’s beautifully acted by Will [Beck] and Rosie [Jones].” “My favourite scene is one…

Nikau is determined to escape from Summer Bay this week – but can Tane convince his nephew they can get through this troubling time? Ari’s arrest has thrown the Paratas into disarray, and Nikau is falling apart at the thought of losing his uncle. Ethan Browne, aka Tane, tells us his alter ego needs to step up… Hi, Ethan! How is Tane coping with Ari in remand? He’s finding it very tough, but Tane must stay strong for everyone else. He feels by being a pillar of strength for the family, it will ease things. Can you tell us why Tane and Nikau take a trip away? Tane trains Nikau in taiaha [a traditional Maori weapon], to help him cope with the Ari situation. Can you tell us about the…

BULLSEYE! Get in, EastEnders! From Gray’s attempted getaway serving as a thrilling tour of the new set, to the women of Walford (and Mick and Mitch) finally fighting back against the killer, this was the Albert Square we know and love. We hope it’s the start of a fresh chapter for what was once the nation’s highest-rated soap, as it turns a new corner (literally) and returns to its brilliant best.…