Inside Soap UK 24-2025

Last weekend, a handful of the Inside Soap team had the pleasure of attending The British Soap Awards at London’s Hackney Empire. We wholeheartedly embrace any chance to celebrate the wonderful world of soap, so we were delighted to join cast, crew and fans to look back on what’s been a truly triumphant year for our favourite shows. Everyone works so hard to bring us soap viewers the most thrilling storylines night after night, and each and every person in attendance deserved a trophy, in my opinion. You’re all absolute superstars! “Everyone deserved a trophy in my opinion!” Speaking of true superstars, you’ll never guess the first person we bumped into while having a sneaky pre-awards tipple? None other than Emmett J Scanlan, aka Hollyoaks favourite Brendan Brady! He was…

First with the week’s HOTTEST headlines Banged up Robert goes head-to-head with his estranged brother John this week, and vows to expose his true colours! “Aaron visits Robert, much to his surprise and delight” Desperate to win back his soulmate Aaron from the clutches of his twisted brother, Robert sticks the knife in during this special episode and goads insecure John. But just as smug Robert has the upper hand, John makes a grave slip up that could change everything… “John comes to visit Robert!” reveals Ryan Hawley, who plays Robert. “They have it out, but the prison setting means their feelings towards each other have to be restrained. It’s tense!” Shock reunion After Victoria admits Robert is struggling inside (see p42 for more on that), guilty Aaron risks destroying…

Hi Ryan! Fans have had a huge reaction to Robert’s return – what’s that been like? I had a look on social media, which is not something I used to do, but there were so many lovely comments and so many people excited to see Robert back. It made me feel incredibly lucky. How does Robert feel, knowing that Aaron went ahead with the wedding? He’s devastated he hasn’t been able to change the course of action. He turned up thinking everything would go his way, but he’s gutted to be so humiliated in front of everyone. Does he have a plan to win back his ex-hubby? I’m not sure he does. I think he’s resigned to the fact that Aaron has chosen John. What’s it like working with Oliver…

Debbie’s dementia becomes public knowledge this week – as she’s forced to admit her diagnosis to the rest of the family. With her symptoms getting worse, Debbie ends up in a dangerous situation which forces her to face her fears and come clean to Kevin and Abi… “This is the last thing Debbie wanted,” begins our Corrie insider. “Pride and privacy have stopped her letting anyone know about her condition so far – Carl only found out by accident. But people start to notice she’s not right, so she has no choice but to tell them, and not necessarily on her own terms.” "Debbie tells Kevin she knows exactly what’s wrong with her…” Hiding the truth has led to heartbreak for Debbie after it wrecked her relationship with Ronnie. Not…

Carl’s preoccupied by his growing feelings for Abi this week – and people are starting to notice! Kevin thanks his wife and brother for all their support through his chemotherapy, and detects a hint of awkwardness between the pair as they can barely make eye contact. Unsure if they were just embarrassed or whether there is something else at play, Kev decides to sit on it for now. Unable to cope with the sexual tension between them, Carl then collars Abi and tells her he thinks they belong together! Does Abi feel the same? And are the cogs starting to turn for Kevin?…

Warped Joel crosses a criminal line this week, when his appalling actions escalate and he gropes a stranger on the tube! Will Joel ever learn his lesson if his parents take the easy way out?” Horrified by his actions, the woman reports Joel. But when Ross and Vicki learn the truth, will they be able to steer him onto the right path? “Joel’s mindset is twisted and dangerous,” warns our Walford source. “He’s already taken a photo under a girl’s skirt and filmed Avani without her consent. The internet is corrupting his view on women and his attitude is chilling…” The assault occurs as Joel and Tommy are messing around on the tube home, and Joel badgers Tommy to film him. Oblivious to his plan, Tommy enjoys spending time with…