Inside Soap UK 39-2025

One of my most favourite things about working at Inside Soap is our unparalleled access to the actors of our favourite shows. The soaps all see us as a loyal friend – which is why, when the cast of Emmerdale travelled up to Scotland for a charity event recently, Inside Soap was the only media outlet invited along to hang out with the actors (you can read our exclusive feature over on p44). So while other mags or websites may claim to be the authority on the soaps, we can guarantee you that the Inside Soap gang are the only ones invited to sing showtunes in the hotel bar with the cast until 3am… “We were singing showtunes until 3am…” Speaking of which, we’re very busy gearing up for next…

First with the week’s HOTTEST headlines Stacey is hit by a massive double shock this week – not only does her ex-lover Max Branning make a surprise return to Walford, she then discovers he’s been having a fling with her cousin, Zoe! The bombshells come just as Stacey prepares to leave for a new life in Brazil – but will Max’s unexpected appearance change her plans? “Seeing Max again gives Stacey the shock of her life!” declares Lacey Turner, who plays Stacey. “She knows full well that whenever he’s around, there’s trouble!” You can say that again! Even before the Branning bad boy bowls up, Stacey has a big decision to make about her future… “Stacey has always tried to help others…” Goodbye Walford? Big brother Sean has asked Stacey…

Hi Lacey! Is it nice to have Jake Wood (aka Max) back? I’ve always loved working with Jake. We can just pick up where we left off, and it’s interesting to watch Max and Stacey together because there’s always something sizzling underneath there… Will we explore Stacey and Max’s past? That’s the beauty of a show like this, we have a story with so much history still being played out today. We can pick and choose little moments such as a look between them. Have you also enjoyed revisiting Stacey’s relationship with her cousin Zoe? When they were younger, all they did was argue and wind each other up. That hasn’t changed! It’s been the best to work with Michelle Ryan [who plays Zoe] again. It’s 25 years since the…

April’s secret drug dealing has horrific consequences for her family this week – when her brother Leo collapses after taking one of the pills she’s been pushing! As he fights for his life, April is consumed with guilt at the chaos she’s caused. Will Marlon and Rhona discover the truth about the dark double life their daughter is leading? “The situation with April is still fragile,” reveals Mark Charnock, who plays Marlon. “It has been since she ran away. Marlon lives on very thin eggshells all the time around her. He has no idea April is involved with drugs, when this happens, the rug is pulled from under the whole family.” ''Leo has collapsed and they can’t work out why... it’s such a shock” Discovery! Having been forced into becoming…

Hi Mark! How would Marlon react if he knew April was dealing drugs? He’d be absolutely horrified. Why would any parent suspect their kids of being dragged into this horrible world of county lines dealing? It makes you realise how quickly and suddenly this can happen. Would he blame Dylan? Understandably, that would be his first port of call. With Dylan’s backstory, Marlon would assume he would be a part of it. Could he confront Ray if he knew he was pulling the strings? They haven’t crossed paths yet, but Marlon be homicidal if he knew the truth. Ray actually seems very likeable at first, Laurel certainly has a crush on him! If any parent knew this guy was exploiting their child, I think you’d abandon all legal sense. What…

Theo’s past comes back to haunt him this week, after he bumps into an old acquaintance named Owen while out on the town. Having agreed to a night out in Manchester’s gay village, Theo and Todd let loose with Sean, James, Mary, Glenda and Christina. However, Theo’s lively evening takes a sudden turn when Owen approaches him, clearly determined to settle old scores… “Owen has a look of pure shock on his face!” splutters our Corrie source. “All the Weatherfield gang are having the time of their lives in the club, but the same can’t be said for Theo after he’s spotted by Owen. Knowing he’s been recognised, Theo stares at Owen until he turns away and rushes out. But Owen isn’t one to run and hide, as he soon…