Inside Soap UK 46 - 2022

“Nothing in his life became him like the leaving of it.” William Shakespeare wrote that one, I’m sure in anticipation of the recent feet-first departure of Al Chapman from Emmerdale. To be gunned-down by a 10-year-old is definitely the most interesting thing to happen to Al during his residence in the village. That said, I’m sure every four-star hotel spa within a mile of the Robblesfield road will be mourning the loss of his gold Amex, which funded endless Tuesday-night romps with soap’s most ironically named character, Chastity Dingle. “Cain and Moira are my fave couple in soap” Personally, I’ve found the shotgun drama more gripping even than fancy-pants Storm Week, chiefly because it’s seen big-hitters like Chas, Moira and Cain giving it their all. Cain and Moira are my…

Moira is a woman on the edge this week, as she comes to terms with the terrible truth that it was Cain’s son, Kyle, who killed Al. With Cain taking the rap for the murder, both he and Moira are forced to do whatever it takes to protect the lad. But when Moira can’t cope with the pressure any longer this week, she flees the village, leaving poor Cain feeling abandoned and devastated. “Moira was totally shocked after she learned the truth about Al’s death, but Cain has made her swear she’ll back him up and there’s no way he’s going to change his mind,” says Natalie J Robb, who plays her. “She’s also seen how traumatic this all is for Kyle and how it is affecting him. Moira…

Hi, Natalie. What did you think when you learned about Kyle being the killer? I thought it was a good twist. There are loads of different consequences that can come out from it, and I love it when we get storylines like that, where I get to work with different people. Cain could go to prison for a long time – will Moira be a prison wife? She’s trying to get her head around it, but she doesn’t know if she can do it. Cain is the love of her life and they have a family – and if there’s one thing Moira is, it’s fierce about family! How has it been working with Huey Quinn (Kyle) on this story? It’s been great seeing him come into his own a…

Vulnerable Max falls into the trap of evil terrorists this week – after nasty Griff and his gang manipulate the lad into spreading hateful propaganda online. The Weatherfield locals are coming to realise that the so-called eco warrior is a vile piece of work, and their fears are confirmed when Griff tries to poison the community with his toxic agenda at a meeting that’s supposedly about the environment. However, while the grown-ups see through him, impressionable Max winds up doing Griff’s bidding – much to David’s horror… “No parent wants to see their kid fall in with the wrong crowd – but Griff and his pals are next-level terrifying,” grimaces our Corrie insider. “They’ve chanced upon Max, who has been a victim of persistent school bullies since losing his place…

As secret cop Spider continues to infiltrate Griff’s gang, he risks losing Toyah! Now that the locals are wise to vile Griff’s true agenda, it appears to Toyah that Spider is best mates with a racist thug. How can Spider convince her that he’s not without blowing his cover? “Toyah’s keen for her and Spider to get a flat together – but naturally she has concerns about the company he keeps,” explains our mole. “So, Toyah sits Spider down and subjects him to a grilling about Griff – and how her boyfriend answers could make or break their relationship…”…

Jack’s attempts to protect daughter Amy end in violence this week, as he loses his rag – and punches Howie! It’s not the first time Jack’s anger has got the better of him recently, with Howie’s son Denzel on the receiving end of the police detective’s fury the last time. But as Amy’s actions become more worrying, there’s only one person Jack blames… “Jack is convinced that Denzel is to blame for Amy pushing her family away,” says our Albert Square insider. “He reckons that his daughter was sweet and innocent until her new boyfriend rocked up – though he’s clearly forgetting she’s Roxy Mitchell’s child! Unfortunately, innocent Howie gets caught in the crossfire.” The past few weeks have seen Amy become more isolated from her loved ones, as false…