Table of contents for 51 - 2022 in Inside Soap UK

Cain’s life gets even more complicated this week, when the truth about Al’s death threatens to be exposed – and a blast from the past pushes him to reach out to a long-lost relative… While he awaits his fate for the murder his son Kyle committed, incarcerated Cain is receiving correspondence from someone on the outside – who turns out to be his secret brother! “Cain is sticking to his plan to protect Kyle from a prison sentence by taking the blame for shooting Al dead,” our Emmerdale insider reminds us. “Nothing’s going to change his mind, and he’s practically told his family to forget about him and focus on keeping Kyle safe – and making sure that he doesn’t confess what really went on! “But there’s something Cain is…

There’s danger for Max this week, after he joins Griff’s gang on a camping trip that goes horribly wrong. The far-right leader regularly takes his recruits away to practice survivalist skills, and Max is keen to join in with his new friends. When Spider hears Griff is planning a getaway and has invited their youngest recruit along, he’s deeply worried. However, with no choice but to protect his cover, Spider can’t stop things from unfolding – and Max is about to discover that life in Griff’s gang can lead to peril… “Every step Max takes down this dark path leads to more danger,” warns our Corrie insider. “Meanwhile, Griff has done an excellent job of brainwashing the youngster and isolating him from family and friends. For Max, being part of…

There are zero tidings of joy in the Stape-Dobbs household this week, as Fiz predicts the family will have the worst Christmas ever! She doesn’t realise that Ty and the girls are planning the ultimate festive surprise by staging a romantic wedding. Instead, their odd behaviour has Fiz thinking that none of her loved-ones cares about having a family Christmas full of fun, and she tells Maria that it’s shaping up to be a total disaster. Has Tyrone made a terrible miscalculation? “All Fiz wants is to have an amazing Christmas and put the stress of the past few weeks behind them,” shares our Weatherfield insider. “But when she suggests booking a cute cottage in the Lakes, she has no idea that she’s accidentally scuppering all Ty’s plans. She’s just…

EASTENDERS BBC1 FRIDAY A my is touched by a thoughtful gift from Denzel this week – can his kindness help the teen as she navigates her struggles with self-harm? Since it was revealed that Amy’s increasing anxiety had pushed her into secretly hurting herself, the stressed schoolgirl has tried hard to manage her mental health challenges. Denise has done her best to be there for her stepdaughter, while Amy’s dad Jack has admitted to feeling out of his depth. Wanting to give his ex-girlfriend something to smile about, Denzel decides to get her a thoughtful Christmas present – trouble is, he’s brassic! Patrick suggests the lad make an old-fashioned mixtape of Amy’s favourite songs, so Denzel updates the idea into a digital playlist. Unveiling his gift at the café, Denzel’s…

EMMERDALE ITV1 WEDNESDAY E than and Marcus are ready to take their relationship up a notch this week, as they put in a bid to buy Harriet’s old house! After Amelia overhears the pair talking about their search for a place of their own, she suggests they consider Woodbine Cottage. It’s a bit out of their price range, but Ethan convinces his boyfriend that they should just go for it… Meanwhile, Marcus is uncomfortable when Ethan’s boss Greg joins them for lunch. Will Greg show his true colours?…

As Steve Owen is laid to rest this week, the fallout from his explosive exit continues for those left behind – and none more so than his widow, Mel. Her fried fella’s secrets are spilling out all over the place, including his fling with Sam and the fact that he sold their house from under her before flogging the club to Beppe and his funny little beard. Mel’s unsure where to turn, and ignoring a universal chorus from viewers of “no, not that way!”, Mel ends up in a clinch with Ian. We know grief can do funny things, but come on! Meanwhile, with Steve’s wife cursing his name, it’s left to Phil to sprinkle his ashes, which he does with relish on the grave of Steve’s hated mum Barbara.…

’TIS THE SEASON! We revealed some shocking Christmas previews for our soap favourites – and here’s what our readers are looking forward to on what should be the most wonderful time of the year… Seeing William Ash on the telly is going to make my Christmas! And the fact that he’s joining the best family in Emmerdale is perfect – I always thought he looked like a young Cain Dingle. | Deb Part of me is desperate to know what’s going to happen to Mick this Christmas, the other half of me is absolutely dreading it! Will he go out in a blaze of glory as they say? Or could EastEnders leave the door open for his return? | Paula, Exeter After so much heartbreak, I’m pleased to see Mercedes…

Since his return to the Square, Alfie’s had one mission – to win back the love of his life, Kat. She’s resolute that she is sticking with fiancé Phil, so it seems Alfie’s fighting a losing battle. But he’s not one to give up. “He’s like a dog with a bone,” laughs Shane Richie, who plays Alfie. “He will not let go.” Indeed, there are few men who would mount an entire theatrical production to win their lady fair – however, that’s just what determined Alfie does this week, as he and Kat take to the stage to play the leads in the Walford pantomime. “Kat is wooing the crowd, and Alfie is there looking at her, thinking, ‘There’s the love of my life!’” grins Shane. But when the curtain…

This glossy, glamorous and deliciously bingeable new drama series lands on ITVX this week – and if you still hanker after the diamond days of Dallas and Dynasty, you’ll be thrilled with the rich and ruthless Richards family. Their hugely successful hair and cosmetics empire, Flair & Glory, has bossed the beauty scene for more than two decades – until the unexpected death of patriarch Stephen (Hugh Quarshie) knocks his nearest and dearest for six. Stephen’s shock passing sends his eldest daughter Nina and second wife Claudia into a brutal battle for ruling power of the family firm – as Deborah Ayorinde and Sarah Niles, who play the formidable ladies, are delighted to reveal… Hello, both! Please introduce Nina and Claudia… Deborah Nina is strong and smart, sexy and feminine.…

“My mission is to find out if money fulfils you inside,” says Alison Hammond, introducing this one-off special in which she hangs out with the mega-wealthy of the French Riviera. “Having cars, yachts, houses, does it make you happier?” Alison dives in at the rich end to arrive via helicopter at a billionaire’s St Tropez villa – worth €30 million – available to rent for an eye-watering €135,000 a week, for which you’ll have a team of staff including head butler, assistant butler and a Michelin-starred chef. Alison continues her tour across the region, mixing with the A-list in the tax haven of Monaco (home to 200 billionaires), hoping to uncover the true cost of living the high life – and work out whether it’s a price she’d be prepared…

MONDAY 19 December PAUL O’GRADY: FOR THE LOVE OF DOGS – A ROYAL SPECIAL ITV1 9PM Marking 160 years of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home finding furry friends their forever homes, this one-off special features long-term supporter, Her Majesty The Queen Consort. Filmed during her previous role as Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla helps host Paul O’Grady care for a few of the abandoned dogs at the Brands Hatch site in Kent, and hosts a celebratory event at Clarence House… “It was a lovely afternoon, really pleasant,” shares Paul. “We took some of the dogs from Battersea to the garden party with us. I won’t give too much away, but one of the guests ended up taking one of the dogs, which is what we’d hoped for, so it was a…

THURSDAY 22 December THE MADAME BLANC MYSTERIES Channel 5 9PM “I love everything about Christmas telly – it’s like a gift to the nation!” declares Sally Lindsay, as her unlikely detective alter ego returns for a festive spesh (ahead of a second series of the scenic crime drama she co-wrote with Sue Vincent, launching in the New Year). “So, creating my own Christmas special was just so exciting. There are no woollies because you don’t need them in the South of France [where Madame Blanc is set] in winter. But there are Christmas trees, there are decorations, there’s a choir and there’s presents – and obviously there’s a huge murder mystery plot, too… There’s a very Christmassy feel to it, right down to the music. It’s all in there!”…

Theatre STRICTLY BALLROOM THE MUSICAL Scott Hastings is a rebellious young ballroom dancer. When his radical and daring dance style sees him fall out of favour with the Australian Federation, he must dance with beginner Fran. Together they find the courage to defy tradition and discover that, to win, your steps don’t need to be strictly ballroom! Starring ex-EastEnder Maisie Smith and Kevin Clifton, and directed by Craig Revel Horwood! Visit strictlyballroomtour.co.uk SKY CINEMA THIS IS CHRISTMAS Adam and Emma are on their daily commute from their picture-perfect village to London, meeting the same passengers every day. One morning, Adam breaks the unspoken taboo of talking to strangers on a train – and invites the whole carriage to hold a Christmas party… BOOK A WHITE CHRISTMAS ON WINTER STREET by…

First with the week’s HOTTEST headlines There’s massive wedding drama in Walford this week, as Linda makes a last-ditch attempt to stop Mick from marrying pregnant Janine! Preparations are well under way for the big day, but Janine’s secrets and lies are starting to unravel, making the bride-to-be desperate to get a ring on Mick’s finger. Meanwhile, Mick himself is grappling with his lingering love for Linda as he tries to force himself to commit to the mother of his unborn baby. With so much at stake, emotions are running high – but Janine is hell-bent on getting her man… “Janine is anxious, nervous, excited – and determined to get this wedding done!” asserts Charlie Brooks, who plays the Square villainess. “She’s terrified that Mick is going to fall back…

K at ends up starring opposite Alfie in the Walford panto this week, thanks to a last-minute change of lead actress. But is their love set to be rekindled off stage as well as on it? “Oh yes, it is!” cries Alfie, who has set up the whole production to woo Kat back. The panto was just another ploy for Alfie to get back with Kat” “Oh no, it’s not!” moans Kat, who is determined her Alfie Moon days are over. But as the curtain falls, will we see a fairy-tale ending in Walford? “Alfie had this great plan from the off – the panto was just another ploy for him to get back with Kat!” laughs Shane Richie, who plays him. “His idea was to put on this panto;…

There’s even more heartbreak in store for Lola this week, when she receives bad news about a clinical trial – before her hair falls out. As a professional hairdresser, the idea of losing her crowning glory is devastating for Lola. Worse still, it happens during a poignant family moment, while her daughter Lexi is plaiting her hair… “The most gut-wrenching part of all of this for Lola is the effect her cancer diagnosis is having on young Lexi,” reveals our Square spy. “Lola knows she has a tough road ahead of her, and she’s prepared to fight, but she wants to protect her daughter at all costs. When her hair starts to fall out while Lexi is brushing it, Lola can see the shock on her little girl’s face –…

ITV1 MONDAY The search is on for missing Summer this week, as frantic Billy and Paul decide it’s time to call in the police. The two dads are worried for their vulnerable daughter, who ran off without telling anyone after a massive row. They know that Summer is in a terrible state following her shock pregnancy, miscarriage, and surrogacy drama. The last thing they wanted was for Summer to be so broken and alone, and now they have no idea where she has gone. But when they speak to the police, Billy and Paul get a rude awakening… “It all happens when they go to report Summer as a missing person,” explains our Corrie insider. “The police are kind and supportive because they understand what Billy and Paul are going…

Cain plays dirty to save the Dingle house this week, blackmailing Charity over a dark secret. Chris wants the Dingle land for part of a new development, so pushes Charity hard to persuade her family to sell up. But when Cain presents Charity with some shocking information, insisting he’ll keep it to himself if she calls off the bailiffs, Charity quickly does just that. But her efforts are in vain. Soon the reason for her change of heart arrives at Home Farm, as Charity comes face to face with the daughter she gave up as a teenager. This is no happy reunion. Charity tries to gently break it to Debbie that she can’t be part of her life, much to the girl’s disappointment. But when Debbie – and Charity’s hubby…

It’s taken former Weatherfield drug dealer Jacob a long time to gain the trust of the locals, after he lured Simon into a life of crime, and brought horrible Harvey into everyone’s orbit. But now that he has a stable job at Underworld, a loving relationship with Amy, and a home at the builders’ flat with a good group of mates, it seems his life is finally back on track. So it’s the worst possible time for his dad Damon to rock up on the cobbles and ruin everything for him! It’s clear Jacob wants nothing to do with his wayward father – but this week, Amy persuades him to have lunch with Damon and at least hear him out. So is Jacob’s dad really on the level? We sat…

’ve been on Hollyoaks for nearly half my life!” exclaims 22-year-old star Ruby O’Donnell, who plays Peri, as we catch up with her for a pre-Christmas natter. “It’s gone so fast, but it’s the best place to be and so much fun, that’s why I love it. And I’m very proud of Peri since becoming a nurse – considering the terrible upbringing she had, anyone else would be an absolute mess!” Even though Peri’s personal achievements are on the up, she continues to struggle with her breakup from Juliet. Things go from bad to worse when Juliet reveals her cancer diagnosis this week – and Ruby tells us that Peri is heartbroken… Hi Ruby! How does Peri react when she discovers Juliet’s illness? Overall, she’s just in shock and disbelief.…

Holby ED consultant Stevie has been told she needs to work on her people skills – but luckily, actress Elinor is all smiles as we put your reader questions to her… “What do you enjoy the most about working on Casualty?” It doesn’t happen often, but I love it when there’s lots of characters in one scene; they’re so much fun to film. The other day there were eight of us and I think the assistant director was wishing for us to be quiet. It’s like getting a bunch of kids together, because that’s what we are, and we play dress-up for a living. I also like filming in resus as we’re against the clock – I love the fast pace and high stakes. “Is it true that you’ve been…

In a Yuletide special of the veterinary drama, a new arrival brings Christmas cheer, as the threat of conscription looms with WWII having broken out. And while resident vet James Herriot and new wife Helen celebrate their first Christmas as a married couple, Mrs Hall is grappling with her feelings towards Gerald… Inside TV had a chat with Nicholas Ralph, who plays James, and Anna Madeley, aka Mrs Hall, to find out more… Hi, both! It’s Christmas in Darrowby and WWII has begun: how has this affected everyone? Nicholas An evacuee called Eva comes to stay at Skeldale. She’s Jewish, so you have different traditions coming together, and everyone is trying their best to welcome her. Anna Eva brings a lot of joy to the house. And for Mrs Hall,…

SATURDAY 17 December CLIFF AT CHRISTMAS BBC2 9.35PM Sir Cliff Richard (he of untold festive No.1s) holds Christmas court at London’s Abbey Road Studios in this special – chatting to Sara Cox about his incredible 64-year career in music, before performing a selection of his Christmas classics, new tracks and well-known hits with an array of special guests at St John-at-Hackney Church… “My show wouldn’t have been the same if I hadn’t had some good guests,” he beams. “I’ll just give you a tease – all I can say about one of them is, ‘Corr blimey, she’s good!’ And there are two other guests who I know you’ll recognise, because they’re friends from way back. The show was great fun to film, so I’m hoping you’ll love it!” TIPPING…

TUESDAY 20 December THE ROYAL VARIETY PERFORMANCE 2022 ITV1 8PM Lee Mack hosts this year’s Royal Variety Performance from London’s Royal Albert Hall, and as you’d expect, the show will feature myriad performers, from magic to music to comedy – including this year’s BGT winner, Axel Blake. There’s the cast of mega-hit musical Cabaret, and a death-defying routine by Cirque Du Soleil, while bringing singalong numbers will be Nile Rodgers & Chic, Ellie Goulding, Sam Ryder, George Ezra, Becky Hill and even Frank Skinner, David Baddiel and The Lightning Seeds with a very special rendition of Three Lions… “We’ve got lots of surprises up our sleeves!” grins Lee. “We’re swinging the pendulum from slow songs to acrobats: the variety is incredible!” THE TRAITORS BBC1 9PM From tonight through…

FRIDAY 23 December MOTHERLAND BBC1 9.30PM This fantastic comedy series gets another Chrimbo special, and ever-stressed Julia (Anna Maxwell Martin) has got a houseful. Already dealing with an influx of grandparents all demanding their tea, she adds Kevin to the mix after he admits his Christmas dinner this year consists of turkey crisps from a vending machine – then Liz rocks up after her ex cancels on her due to imbibing one too many bevvies on Christmas Eve. Meanwhile, after Meg’s hubby Bill buys her a truly dreadful present, she gets stuck into the plentiful supply of booze she’s bought in for the big day. However, that’s a choice Meg soon comes to regret when something shocking happens across the street at Julia’s house… RED RIDING HOOD: AFTER EVER AFTER…

Mick and Janine look set to move away – but isn’t the Vic what Janine truly wants? I’m quite surprised because I thought she’d do everything to stay in that pub; but getting Mick away from Linda is her super-objective. It’s more important for her to be alone with Mick and the baby, so the Vic is something she has let go of – for now. Why do you think Janine behaves like she does? I don’t feel Janine has ever been loved to the point where she feels safe. We don’t know what her relationship with her mum was like before she died, but since then Janine’s been loved conditionally. It was quite hard for her, and not that it excuses her behaviour, but it helps me understand why…

Disaster strikes for Daniel this week, when his plans to surprise Daisy with a festive proposal are shattered by cold-hearted thieves! It’s the second nightmare before Christmas for Daniel, as he and Daisy face up to the terrifying possibility that she could have breast cancer. Having freaked out at the idea of losing Daisy in the same way he lost Sinead, Daniel almost ruins their relationship. It’s no wonder he thinks a big gesture will put things back on track – but a robbery at the Barlow house wrecks it all… “Daniel has realised just how much Daisy means to him, and he doesn’t want to waste any more time,” reveals our Corrie insider. “Proposing at Christmas will be magical, and Daniel hopes that Daisy will love the surprise. But…

It’s Christmas in Hollyoaks this week – but there’s no peace or goodwill to be had for the McQueens, as killer Bobby prepares to strike again… The schoolboy is on the verge of claiming his next victim when he becomes dangerously jealous of the attention Mercedes is lavishing on her new fella, Felix. Wanting his mum all to himself, Mercy’s overprotective offspring feels threatened as Felix gets his feet under the McQueens’ table – so he plots to trap him in a burning building! “No man is good enough for Bobby’s mum” “The sexual tension between Mercedes and Felix is off the charts!” teases our Hollyoaks insider. “Since Mercy confided in him that Bobby killed Silas and she covered it up, Felix has been a huge support. He knows all…

Whether Alfie gets his woman at the end of the panto remains to be seen, but the experience seems to bring him and Kat closer together this week. There’s soon a greasy spanner flying right in the works of Alfie’s plans, though – when Phil arrives back! “To begin with, Kat is angry with Alfie for setting her up for the kiss at the end of the panto, but she’s clearly softening towards him,” says our Square sneak. “While Kat confesses her confusion to Stacey, Alfie is busy striking while the iron is hot by making a big gesture. Kat succumbs to his efforts and agrees they can have a magical Christmas as a family. But there’s a shadow about to be cast over Alfie’s sparkle…” Phil’s home, but he’s…

While Cain tries to keep a lid on one scandalous secret from his prison cell this week, little does he know another dangerous deception is on the verge of being rumbled back in the village… “Kyle is a ticking time bomb waiting to go off!” Kyle has been ordered to keep shtum about accidentally pulling the trigger and ending Al’s life. But the stress of the lie that’s put his dad behind bars takes its toll – and this week he ends up talking to the cops! “Amy is desperate to keep things normal,” observes our Dales spy. “That’s easier said than done, as Kyle is clearly traumatised by his actions, and wracked with guilt that his dad is paying the price. Kyle is a ticking time bomb, one that…

An old flame could well be rekindled this week, as former teenage sweethearts Ricky and Sam go on a date! Ricky recently returned to Walford following an SOS call from Sonia, who was concerned that Janine needed family support. But with his sister’s wedding to Mick seemingly back on track this week (see p4), Ricky has time to ponder his own romantic future… “Ricky and Sam’s simmering passion goes back over 30 years!” our Walford insider reminds us. “They eloped to Gretna Green together back in 1991, though their marriage barely lasted two years. But every time they’ve been together since then, there have been sparks – Sam even named her son after Ricky because she believed he was the lad’s father!” But while the flames of passion still burn…

D avid’s money worries escalate this week – forcing him to make a big decision about the future of his business… The shopkeeper has been struggling to make ends meet for months now, after the pandemic left his business facing financial ruin. And his recent driving ban hasn’t helped matters, as he’s been left unable to run his local grocery delivery service. It’s with a heavy heart that David realises he only has one option left – but what will his future hold?…

HOLLYOAKS Channel 4 TUESDAY Warren faces the reality of his failing health this week, as he fears he won’t see another Christmas with his kids. The gangster’s tough facade has faltered since he was diagnosed with severe liver failure, and unless he gets a transplant in the next few months it could be curtains. While Norma tries to find a donor for her dying son, Warren wants to spend time with Sophie and Sebastian, despite relations with their mum Sienna being at an all-time low. But when fragile Warren shows up for an unscheduled visit and collapses into the Christmas tree, he upsets the twins – and unimpressed Sienna throws him out. Norma panics after Warren then goes missing and asks Grace to help find him. The mechanic is actually…

DANGER AHEAD… Soap writers have really got it in for the young women in their shows at the moment. First with Lola being diagnosed with a brain tumour in EastEnders, and now Juliet in Hollyoaks has been given a life-threatening illness, too. Is there danger for anyone else on the horizon? | Maria THE MEN’S CLUB It’s been lovely to see the men in Emmerdale pulling together to support newly widowed Vinny. The poor lad is having a tough time, so it’s good they’re looking out for him – especially as not all of them have crossed paths before. Everyone in the village has had experience with grief, so I’m sure anything they say or do will help. | Dean, Reading There’s not one person who hasn’t lost a friend…

WANT TO BAG YOURSELF £20? Tell us what you think is being said in this Eastenders scene. Post your idea to the Soapbox address, email your entry to soapbubble@insidesoap.co.uk, or put it on our Facebook page. The prize-winning entry will be announced in two weeks’ time! WINNER! This week’s prize-winning entry comes from Elsie, via email. The cash for your Corrie caption is on its way – congrats!…

This two-hour special will bring together top magic acts from past series of Got Talent across the globe, as they compete to be crowned the ultimate champ, and bag a whopping £50,000. Overseeing the 10 acts are BGT judges Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams, joined by legendary magician Penn Jillette of Penn & Teller. And as host Stephen Mulhern tells Inside TV, Penn adds an extra dynamic to the panel… “Penn and Teller have the longest-running show in the history of Las Vegas, which is phenomenal,” he cheers. “What Penn brought was knowledge: he knows all the methods, so he brings a real source of authority. Plus, having him adds another element of danger for the magicians!” Among the global acts taking part are Austrian couple The Clairvoyants;…

This new series – presented by Stephen Fry – takes us around the globe to experience the extreme weather, breathtaking landscapes and ever-changing seasons amongst which the world’s remarkable animal species have thrived and evolved. ELEPHANTS CAN SMELL WATER FROM MILES AND MILES AWAY!…” “The series concentrates on something so obvious and surprising about our planet that we often forget it: it’s on a tilt, and that creates the seasons, and the seasons create… well, everything! And so many species have evolved to cope with it,” shares Stephen. “We’ll watch the vast migrations of animals who instinctively know that there’s a band of rain coming,” he adds. “And if they journey a thousand miles north, they and their new young might reach its benevolent drops. Elephants can even smell water…

SUNDAY 18 December SNOW DOGS BBC2 9PM Hi, Gordon! What drove you to command a sled team of dogs across the Yukon wilderness? Well, first I re-read Call Of The Wild by Jack London, which ignited memories of being a kid and wanting to experience it. Canada’s Yukon region is in many ways wilder now than it was in the book, and I wanted to capture the sledding skill and share what it’s like to hurtle through a snowy wilderness, powered only by seven dogs. How well did you bond with your dogs: Hero, Epic, Vicky, Lucky, Exy, Wookie and pack leader Yukon? When I first met them, some were jumping up at me, really excited, while others were timid, or aloof. They’re a team of individuals who know each…

WEDNESDAY 21 December BBC SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR 2022 BBC1 6.45PM Gabby Logan, Alex Scott, Gary Lineker and Clare Balding host this glitzy ceremony celebrating an epic 12 months of sporting prowess live from Salford’s Media City UK. And, in a year of footy victory in the Euros, and gold medals galore for the Home Nations at Birmingham’s 2022 Commonwealth Games, competition will be fierce… “The Lionesses have had a historic year,” reckons Gabby. “Their Euros win was just out of this world, and Beth Mead’s six goals were unforgettable.” “It’s been an amazing year for women in sport,” adds Clare. “I can’t recall more women in more different sports being potential contenders!” EMILY IN PARIS Netflix Lily Collins returns as the eponymous Emily, still embracing her…