Table of contents for 30-2025 in Inside Soap UK

It’s a weird law of soapland that the more wicked the character, the nicer the actor who plays them is in real life! So when Inside Soap sat down for a chat with Emmerdale’s Oliver Farnworth – who plays killer medic John Sugden – for our Big Interview this issue, we were delighted to find out that he’s every bit as lovely as we expected him to be. And he’s clearly enjoying the on-screen rivalry between John and his brother Robert as much as us viewers are! There’s a pivotal turning point in that battle this week, so be sure to turn to p42 to read more from Oliver about what’s in store… Meanwhile, don’t forget you can still vote for John Sugden in our Best Villain category in this…

Abi declares that her marriage to Kevin is over this week, before she runs into Carl’s open arms! But will they be brave enough to give their romance a proper shot? Having uncovered Kev’s cancer lie, furious Abi tracks down Carl and insists that she’s done with her husband. And the forbidden pair waste no time at all before they passionately lock lips … “It’s the moment Carl’s been waiting for!” exclaims our Coronation Street insider. “In the garage, the pair grab each other and finally give into their magnetic attraction. Although, let’s be clear that Carl isn’t the one to expose Kev’s secret. Earlier in the day, he just about resists the temptation to reveal all when Abi lays into him for stirring up trouble, but in the end…

Laura-Jayne snoops behind the soap headlines… The rumours are true – Max Branning is returning to EastEnders! The Walford womaniser is confirmed to be heading home later this year, with soap legend Jake Wood reprising his iconic role. It’s the news we’ve been waiting for and, now it’s official, Inside Soap has the answers to some of your burning questions… Where has Max been? So, Max’s affair with Linda Carter turned sour and he left in February 2021 to live with Lauren and Louie, who were in New Zealand at the time. Later that year he was in France and was last heard of in Croatia with grandchild Abi – the orphaned kid of Max’s late daughter, Abi, and Cindy’s deceased son Steven Beale. Did Max ever find out about…

Shirley not Shirley Carter will not be returning to Walford, according to latest reports. Linda Henry last played Shirl in 2022 and was tipped to make a comeback after taking a break, but it appears the star has no plans to rejoin the cast. Holly-blokes Hollyoaks legends Nick Pickard (Tony) and Ashley Taylor Dawson (Darren) have joined the line-up for the soap’s 30th anniversary live show, touring the UK in October. You can catch the on-stage event in London, Manchester, Glasgow and Nottingham. Back to Byker Classic kids’ drama Byker Grove, which launched the careers of future soap stars including Emmerdale’s Laura Norton, is now streaming on STV and hits ITVX later this year. The 90s favourite also famously made stars of two lads called Ant & Dec!…

ROB DONOVAN Carla’s bad-boy brother was always on the wrong side of the law, but had a prison guard in his pocket (and his bed) last time we saw him – what if Becky was on the take and secretly helped Rob commit one of his numerous crimes? HARVEY GASKELL The Radcliffes were in league with Harvey, who terrorised the street the night Carla’s dad Johnny was killed. Harv is part of a huge Weatherfield crime family – what if Becky was the Gaskells’ woman on the inside all along? TONY GORDON Terrible Tony got banged up for killing Carla’s former lover Liam, but broke out of prison and held Carla hostage in a terrifying siege at Underworld – what if Becky was Tony’s helper and aided his escape?…

Emmerdale had me on the edge of my seat after John read out Tracy’s eulogy. I thought we were finally about to get the moment that John confessed to all of his sins. So close, but so far! Lillie, Watford I was glad to see Cain and Tracy finally call a truce with each other after the funeral. Frankie will surely benefit from her mum having a big support network in the form of the Dingle family. Abbey, Newcastle Cain’s grief felt so raw in the lead-up to Nate’s funeral. The scene of him and Moira by Zak’s grave really showed how awful this saga has been for him. It also makes me think that Cain could get himself in big trouble while on the hunt for Nate’s killer… Sasha,…

LIVING LEGENDS! “I share a dressing room with Patrick Mower [Rodney] and Tony Audenshaw [Bob], and they are both absolute legends. The other day, all three of us were in at the same time, and they always have such brilliant stories.” WET AND WILD! “The last scene I shot was outside in the rain under some very damp trees with Cain and Caleb, which was fun. We were trying to stay dry for most of it, but maybe things get a tiny bit heated…” JOB SATISFACTION! “I’ve picked up some of John’s medical skills, such as how to check breathing, and heart massage, as we have trained advisors on set. It’s always interesting to be shown the proper techniques by the professionals.” IN THE NECK! “John has a nice collection…

PICK OF THE DAY The Hit List BBC1, 6.20pm Rochelle and Marvin Humes welcome more contestants to take part in the music quiz. Saturday Kitchen Live Chef Matt Tebbutt’s guests include writer and actor Mark Gatiss. Fergie, Andrew & The Scandal Of SouthYork 5, 8pm A revealing look at Royal Lodge, the home of Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York. REGIONAL VARIATIONS BBC1 WALES as Main BBC1 except: 1.15pm Hairy Bakers: Celebration Cakes 1.30 FILM: Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile 3.10 FILM: Back To The Future 5.00 Our Lives: Dolphin Town 5.30-6.00 The Prisoner Of Portmeirion – Our Lives BBC2 WALES as Main BBC2 except: 12.00pm FILM: Designing Woman 1.55 FILM: Spellbound 3.45 The Great British Sewing Bee 4.45 Flog It! 5.30 Fake Or Fortune? 6.30-7.00 A Special School STV as…

PICK OF THE DAY The Great British Sewing Bee BBC1, 9pm Sara Pascoe hosts, with judges Esme Young and Patrick Grant. 1,000 Men and Me: The Bonnie Blue Story Channel 4, 10pm Documentary following the adult content creator. Coastal Adventures With Helen, Jules & JB 5, 8pm Helen Skelton and the gang explore more of the UK’s coastline. REGIONAL VARIATIONS BBC1 N IRELAND as Main BBC1 except: 10.40pm The Crime I Can’t Forget 11.40 This Country 12.10am This Country 12.40 High Country 1.25-6.00 BBC News BBC1 SCOTLAND as Main BBC1 except: 1.35-1.45pm Reporting Scotland 7.00-7.30 River City 11.35 Scotcast 12.05am High Country 12.50 High Country 1.35 Weather 1.40-6.00 BBC News BBC1 WALES as Main BBC1 except: 1.35-1.45pm BBC Wales Today 10.40 Crimewatch Caught 11.10 This Country 11.35 This Country 12.05am…

PICK OF THE DAY Here We Go BBC1, 9pm Rachel (Katherine Parkinson) and Paul (Jim Howick) face more familial calamities as the comedy continues. Under The Bridge ITV1, 9pm Rebecca (Riley Keough) and Cam (Lily Gladstone) reconnect as shocking news rocks the town. Kirstie And Phil’s Love It Or List It: Brilliant Builds Channel 4, 8pm The much-loved duo look back at memorable builds and house-hunts in a new series. REGIONAL VARIATIONS BBC1 N IRELAND as Main BBC1 except: 12.55am High Country 1.40-6.00 BBC News BBC1 WALES as Main BBC1 except: 7.30pm Back In The Day 8.00-8.30 Wales’ Home Of The Year 11.20 Mike Bubbins: Throwback 12.25am FILM: When Harry Met Sally 1.55-6.00 BBC News STV as Main ITV except: 1.00-4.00pm STV Racing Live: Glorious Goodwood 6.00-6.30 STV News/Weather 7.00-7.30…

BULLSEYE! “With a mini bisexual Max Branning on the loose, no one is safe,” quipped Jack about Oscar, who we honestly could have dedicated this entire page to, we were so spoiled for solid gold content. A fearless performance from EastEnders newcomer Pierre Moullier teamed with brave, on-the-nose writing (which we love!) saw his arrival go down an absolute storm. A welcome breath of fresh air! There’s a fine line between the soap’s championing leopard print – and murdering it. Lou dressing to match the tiles at HMP Weatherfield is one way of settling into prison life. Oscar getting Ian’s name wrong is a family trait, don’t ya know. Tee-hee. Lauren & Peter’s social worker? Or the Fisher Price edition of Abi Branning? It was a good week for unexpected…

DO … Invest in security When Andy Sugden was set to marry Katie for the second time, jealous Bernice took revenge by nicking the bride’s wedding dress. She even turned up at the church wearing it! With a green-eyed ex always around the corner in Emmerdale, we’d recommend that April and Belle hire bouncers to keep unwanted exes far, far away! DO … Be honest with your boss Manager Megan Macey refused to hire Holly Barton to work as a photographer over concerns about her drug use. In response, Holly poured her heart out and told Megan she wanted the job so that mum Moira could feel proud of her. Later, the Take A Vow boss had a change of heart and told Holly she would take her on board.…

Nicola sets her sights on George this week, in a bid to stop him discovering Harry’s dodgy dealings! Can she keep the truth under wraps, or will George learn that his vulnerable brother Kojo is being used? “Harry is currently under Ravi’s thumb after his drugs went missing from the garage,” explains our Walford insider. “He has no choice but to follow Ravi’s orders and has let him use Kojo’s flat as a storage space. But George is also staying there, and Harry is on edge when he almost discovers a hidden stash!” Ravi gives Harry the details of his next illegal job, but Kojo asks to tag along, unaware what his best friend is involved in. Harry stops him from going, and even George agrees that it’d be a…

Celia is furious with the Tates this week, so devises a plan to get her own way. The frightening farmer hasn’t exactly made many friends in the village, and she clearly couldn’t care less! But when Kim puts the rent up on the land she’s letting out to Celia, there’s even less love lost between the women… Sly Celia reckons Moira could provide the key to manipulating the situation, so she sneakily calls round to Butlers to have a word. What exactly does sneaky Celia have in mind?…

FAIR CITY When Maxine and Sash’s date night is ruined by drunk Ian, Maxine defends him and reveals details of his fertility issues to Sash. After finding out, Ian lashes out and urges Maxine to reconsider her relationship with Sash. Will Ian manage to break them up? RIVER CITY After hearing that Viv plans to meet with Tyler again, angry Harry kidnaps her! Making a shock confession, Harry calls Tyler and outlines his dark intentions to punish Viv for her betrayal. Turning to Eddie for help, can Tyler save his mum’s life before it’s too late? THE ARCHERS The shop is jeopardised when Susan receives some shocking news. Also, George has a really important question to ask someone – but how will they respond? And Chris is forced to make…

Rosemary returns this week and immediately gets on her high horse, but she’s heading for a fall. When Tom’s widow storms back into Home Farm, insisting she is there to stay, the Kings don’t exactly give her a warm welcome. However, it’s when her dirty dealings over the brothers’ murder trial come to light that things get explosive. As she tussles with Matthew, Rosemary falls over the balcony, leaving the brothers fearing they might be facing another court appearance! Meanwhile, worried he might spill out a confession over Tom’s murder, Carl realises she has to end things with Chas. And rejected Chas deals with it in the Dingle way, keeping it in the family and cosying up to cousin Eli! WHERE TO WATCH… CORONATION STREET ITV3 Double bill at 2.50pm…

While Siobhan is tough on her team of nurses, she’s always there to support them – including Rida, who recently returned to the ED in her new role as a Band 6 nurse. “Siobhan has always had that respect for Rida,” says Sarah Seggari, who plays the nurse. “She trusts Rida and puts a lot of work on her shoulders.” While Rida’s promotion means she mostly deals with clinical lead Flynn now, an upcoming episode will see her and her friends end up in hot water with Siobhan after a very dramatic night… “I’m nervous about that episode!” laughs Sarah, as she teases what’s to come. “But I think that will be a real turning point for Rida.”…

With the series already adapted for France, The Netherlands and America, exec producer of the UK version Dan Adamson – who’s also behind the likes of The Apprentice and Challenge Anneka – is thrilled to bring the format to a UK audience… “That was the appeal – bringing it to the UK,” he cheers. “We loved the wanderlust of it. We loved the journey. We loved the play-along element. And once we knew Rob was up for it, we got a sense of humour and playfulness.’” Given that the contest could take the players anywhere, the logistics were no mean feat… “It’s rare to get to turn the whole of Europe into a board game!” grins Dan. “You have to do it at scale. We use whole castles; we run…

PICK OF THE DAY Karen Pirie ITV1, 8pm Karen (Lauren Lyle) hits a brick wall when she comes face to face with Adam’s father. Inside The Cult Of The Jesus Army BBC2, 9pm Tracing the story of the Jesus Fellowship Church. The Veil Channel 4, 10pm The pressure is on Max (Josh Charles) to determine the true identity of the Djinn al Raqqa. REGIONAL VARIATIONS BBC1 N IRELAND as Main BBC1 except: 3.50-3.55pm BBC Newsline/ Weather BBC1 SCOTLAND as Main BBC1 except: 3.50-3.55pm Reporting Scotland/Weather BBC1 WALES as Main BBC1 except: 2.15pm Nigel Slater’s Dish Of The Day 2.35 Guardian Of The Night – Our Lives 3.05-3.35 SOS: Extreme Rescues 3.50-3.55 BBC Wales Today/Weather 7.30 Back In The Day 8.00-8.15 Weatherman Walking BBC2 N IRELAND as Main BBC2 except: 2.35pm…

PICK OF THE DAY The Moors Murders: A Search For Justice BBC2, 9pm Investigating the infamous case of the Moors Murders. Long Lost Family: Born Without Trace – What Happened Next ITV1, 9pm Nicky Campbell and Davina McCall tell Natasha’s story. Can’t Sell, Must Sell Channel 4, 8pm Stuart and Scarlette Douglas transform two houses that need to be sold. REGIONAL VARIATIONS BBC1 N IRELAND as Main BBC1 except: 1.35-1.45pm BBC Newsline/ Weather 10.40 Hunting The Online Sex Predators 11.30 FILM: Spider-Man: Far From Home 1.30-6.00am BBC News BBC1 SCOTLAND as Main BBC1 except: 1.35-1.45pm Reporting Scotland/ Weather 10.30-10.40 Reporting Scotland/Weather 12.40am Scotcast 1.10 Weather 1.15-6.00 BBC News BBC1 WALES as Main BBC1 except: 1.35-1.45pm BBC Wales Today 7.00-7.30 SOS: Extreme Rescues 10.40 Crimewatch Caught 11.10 FILM: Spider-Man: Far From…

ACROSS 4___ Miller, actor who plays Emmerdale’s Aaron Dingle (5)9 See 40A 10 ___ Bracken, she has convinced Remi to be on her album in Home and Away (6)11 & 17A Evil Erinsborough medic who poisoned Holly Hoyland’s drink! (5,6)12 Food at Harold’s Cafe (4)14 ___ Alahan, Weatherfield lad who’s falling for Summer (4)15 John Sugden’s patient who spiked the drink of his brother Robert in the Dales (4)16 & 12D Man who is grieving for his murdered son Nate in Emmerdale (4,6)17 See 11A 18 Star sign of 31A, whose birthday is May 27th (6)19 Summer Bay _, gym located downstairs at The Surf Club (3)22 ___ Ladderbanks, played by the Dales’ late Meg Johnson (5)24 Stephanie ___, Eden Fowler in Home and Away (7)26 ___ Dean, plays original…

Hi, Natalie! Why does Moira not want to sell to the Tates? They don’t care about the land and won’t keep it as a farm. People are trying to push her out and she doesn’t want to be forced to sell to anyone. She doesn’t know that Robert’s also betrayed her… He bought Annie’s Field and secretly sold it to the Tates! Robert gave this speech about wanting to protect the family legacy, and Moira thought he’d understand her point of view. She’ll be deeply hurt it was a lie. Is Cain supporting Moira? He doesn’t want her to give into the Tates, but there’s an offer on the table which could take a lot of the stress away – after the tumour, Cain doesn’t want Moira getting stressed. He…

Lisa digs for more info about her late wife’s dark secret this week – unaware that Carla is going behind her back to carry out her own sneaky investigation! Her determination to discover if Becky really was a corrupt cop causes Lisa to almost lose her job – but if she knew what Carla was up to, could it be curtains for the couple? “Was Lisa’s entire life with Becky a lie?” ponders our Corrie insider. “Knowing her wife was accused of corruption before she died is something Lisa has never got closure on. She needs to know if it’s true, and it’s becoming an obsession. Whatever Becky did in the past, let’s hope it doesn’t destroy Lisa’s future…” DS Swain is struggling with her grief, especially with the date…

Mack struggles to admit his true feelings about Charity’s rash surrogacy plans this week – but can he voice his concerns before it’s too late? After coming to an agreement with Mack about her decision to act as her granddaughter’s surrogate last week, Charity excitedly prepares to attend her fertility clinic appointment at the hospital with Sarah. However, she’s left lacking the support of her avoidant husband when he makes his excuses and tells her he needs to go to work at Butlers farm… “Even though Mack has tried his best to come to terms with Charity’s decision, he’s secretly stewing on some serious concerns,” reveals our village spy. “He discusses his worries with Aaron after informing him that he’ll be steering clear of the hospital – but after their…

Super Sally to the rescue! Was anyone else tearing up when Sally looked after Joanie on the roof of Underworld? Sally’s bravery and motherly instinct was the highlight of the episode, and I can’t wait to see her and Tim’s relationship with all three of Mick and Lou’s kids develop over time. Bravo! Martina, Liverpool SLATER BANTER Stacey, Kat, Big Mo and Jean had me in stitches when they wound up Ian with the fake scratchcard win. The more they went on about their supposed cash, the more it looked like Ian was about to explode! I’m also really looking forward to seeing who secures The Vic in the end. I have a suspicion a new era is about to dawn in Walford! Mike, Reading The Slater ladies are still…

Wily Robert Sugden is hot on the trail of his killer brother John this week – but bringing down Nate’s murderer isn’t going to be easy, after John turns the tables on his sibling! But who do we want to triumph in this hard-fought battle? Our readers are up on their soapbox calling for John’s comeuppance on p38, yet do we have a degree of sympathy for his tortured soul? Star Oliver Farnworth weighs up the conflict… Hi, Oliver! It’s been an eventful year so far for John. Has it turned out how you expected? Yes, and more! The Nate situation was revealed to me very early on, it was one of the first things I shot, so I’ve always understood the direction John’s character was going in. That said,…

Having starred in Emmerdale for five years, actress Natalie is no stranger to hanging around soap legends. But even so, she couldn’t help but feel starstruck by two Coronation Street superstars in particular… “Being in the Grimshaws’ with Sue Cleaver [who played Eileen] and Ryan Thomas [aka Jason] was a ‘pinch-me’ moment!” she grins. “I almost forgot I was in the scene with them. I was meant to have left, and I just stood there in the doorway watching their spat! But getting to shout my head off in the Rovers at Tina O’Brien [Sarah] was another highlight. That was proper!”…

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There’s a show first as series 10 of the GBBO spin-off concludes: the judges will decide which of the three remaining teams has fallen at the final curdle, leaving just two to batter it out. And co-host Liam Charles knows what’s needed to win… “Communication,” he states. “You’d be surprised the amount of chefs, over my 10 years on the show, that don’t talk. Delegation is really important, too – you need to know each other’s strengths and weaknesses.” The top two teams will face a seven-hour challenge to create a showpiece and enough puds for 120 people. And Liam’s on hand to see them through…. “Some chefs need a pep talk and a hug,” he reveals. “Some you know to leave alone, and some might need a few hard…

PICK OF THE DAY Mandy BBC2, 10pm The arrival of a mysterious night-time visitor leads to Mandy’s dreams being shattered. Mayfair Witches BBC1, 11.10pm Rowan tries to raise Lasher as a child but is confronted by his rapid growth. Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters ITV1, 9pm The famous faces experience being lost at sea. REGIONAL VARIATIONS BBC1 N IRELAND as Main BBC1 except: 1.35-1.45pm BBC Newsline/ Weather 8.00 If Walls Could Talk 8.30-9.00 Oul Treasures 10.40 Panorama 11.10 Have I Got News For You 11.40 Mayfair Witches 12.25am Mayfair Witches 1.15-6.00 BBC News BBC1 SCOTLAND as Main BBC1 except: 1.35-1.45pm Reporting Scotland/Weather 12.40am Scotcast 1.10 Weather For The Week Ahead 1.15-6.00 BBC News BBC1 WALES as Main BBC1 except: 1.35-1.45pm BBC Wales Today/Weather 8.30-9.00 Wales’ Home Of The Year 10.40 Saving…

PICK OF THE DAY The Gone BBC2, 9pm DS Diana Huia (Acushla-Tara Kupe) investigates when an Irish journalist disappears. New series. Queen Victoria: Secret Marriage, Secret Child? Channel 4, 9pm Rob Rinder looks into an extraordinary new theory. Mr Bigstuff Sky Showcase, 9pm Glen (Ryan Sampson) is left reeling from an old video, leading to a bust-up between him and his brother Lee (Danny Dyer). REGIONAL VARIATIONS BBC1 N IRELAND as Main BBC1 except: 10.40pm House Of The Year 11.10 FILM: Spider-Man: No Way Home 1.25-6.00am BBC News BBC1 SCOTLAND as Main BBC1 except: 7.00-7.30pm River City 12.55am Scotcast 1.25 Weather For The Week Ahead 1.30-6.00 BBC News BBC1 WALES as Main BBC1 except: 10.40pm Rookie Cops 11.10 FILM: Spider-Man: No Way Home 1.25-6.00am BBC News BBC2 N IRELAND as…

Casualty Rida Amaan........................................... Sarah SeggariFlynn Byron................................................................ Olly RixSunny Callahan.......................Jamie Marie LearyFaith Dean................................................Kirsty MitchellIain Dean..................................... Michael StevensonTeddy Gowan .................................................Milo ClarkeIndie Jankowski ...........................Naomi WakszlakJan Jenning ..................................................... Di BotcherDylan Keogh ..............................................William BeckRash Masum...............................................Neet MohanJacob Masters ........................................ Charles VennSiobhan McKenzie .................................Melanie HillCam Mickelthwaite ...........................Barney WalshStevie Nash.............................................Elinor LawlessNgozi Okoye..............................................Adesuwa OniNicole Piper...................................Sammy T DobsonJodie Whyte ......................................................Anna Chell Coronation Street Aadi Alahan..............................................Adam HussainAsha Alahan.............................................Tanisha GoreyDev Alahan...........................................Jimmi HarkishinIzzy Armstrong ...........................Cherylee HoustonDee-Dee Bailey ...Channique Sterling-Brown Ed Bailey ..........................Trevor Michael GeorgesJames Bailey......................................Jason CallenderMichael Bailey............................................Ryan RussellRonnie Bailey...........................................Vinta MorganAdam Barlow............................. Samuel RobertsonAmy Barlow...............................................Elle MulvaneyKen Barlow ............................................William RoacheLeanne Battersby...................................Jane DansonSam Blakeman........................................ Jude RiordanLauren Bolton...................................................Cait FittonJoseph Brown ...............................William FlanaganCarla Connor....................................................Alison KingJenny Connor .........................Sally Ann MatthewsLiam Connor ..................................Charlie WrenshallMaria Connor.....................Samia LongchambonRyan Connor............................................Ryan PrescottRoy Cropper..............................................David NeilsonFiz Dobbs..............................................Jennie McAlpineHope Dobbs ..................................Isabella FlanaganRuby Dobbs ...................................................Billie NaylorTyrone Dobbs.................................................Alan HalsallKit Green.................................................... Jacob RobertsTodd Grimshaw..................................... Gareth PierceToyah Habeeb......................................Georgia TaylorNoah Hedley........................................Richard WinsorNina…