Table of contents for 1-2026 in Inside Soap UK

This week, I’m writing my editor’s letter from carriage D of the Grand Central Trains service from Bradford to London, as I make my way home from a very special screening of Corriedale. To say that Team Inside Soap was excited to see this once-in-a-lifetime soap moment would be an understatement; we were like kids before Christmas on the train up there, all giddy that we were on our way to watch this epic episode on the big screen with the casts of both soaps in attendance. “Corriedale more than lives up to the hype” And believe me when I say that Corriedale more than lives up to the hype. Several moments had the audience letting out a collective gasp, and one scene in particular had me wiping away the…

Crazed Becky Swain drives terrified Lisa and Betsy straight into hell this week – triggering the devastating atrocity that will scar both Weatherfield and Emmerdale forever. Hellbent on fleeing the country with her family, Becky speeds off with her wife and daughter, believing that she’s won the battle for Lisa’s heart. However, as the three of them race towards the ferry, Lisa receives a call from her beloved Carla (see right). It’s a surprise phone call that sets off a domino effect of disastrous proportions – as a last-minute swerve from Becky results in a deadly multi-car pile-up… “Within a split second, it’s catastrophic!” declares Vicky Myers, who plays Lisa. “Life is never going be the same again, for many reasons. The episode is a reset for many of the…

In all the confusion of the crash, it’s chaos on the road as traffic builds up near the site. While viewers wait anxiously to learn the fates of those involved in the collision, a van pulls up and comes to a stop. The driver looks to the back of the vehicle where we see a woman is tied up, clearly terrified for her life! Who is this mysterious person, and why is she bundled into the back of a van? With Celia’s operation exposed by now, has she been abducted by someone seeking revenge? Could it be April, who is set to return to the village after a mysterious absence? Get ready for a game-changing shock when their identity is eventually revealed……

It’s not only Phil who has a lot to deal with this week, as Sam is also anxious about the prospect of her impending surgery, following her breast cancer diagnosis before Christmas. Ahead of her operation, Sam decides to confide in her old friend Alfie, who will know exactly how she’s feeling – as he was diagnosed with prostate cancer back in 2023 and also underwent an operation to successfully treat his illness. It’s an emotional chat that hopefully gives her the reassurance she needs, as later in the week, Sam hesitantly reveals that she now has a date for her lumpectomy. Can she find the strength to undergo her potentially life-saving surgery?…

The BIG stories from a week of timeless drama… Sam Mitchell’s return to Walford has certainly caused a stir. Not only did Phil’s sister announce a whirlwind engagement to ex-hubby Ricky, but she was also caught in a police chase and arrested for her part in the dark demise of Den Watts some four years previously. With a bit of help from mum Peggy, Sam’s released on bail this week, but she’s hardly on her best behaviour. First up, she’s doing all she can to keep Ricky from falling for Bianca’s charms again, then there’s the outrage at her winning the title of Miss Queen Vic, all thanks to a little vote rigging from good old Peggy! Off screen, the return of Sam also ruffled a few feathers. Original Sam…

Adam Barlow: what a waste! Come on Corrie, you’ve got a gorgeous bloke like Adam Barlow on the Street, grandson of a legend, and he’s so totally underused! Now that Eva’s back, maybe he should revisit their history and ditch dull Alya. It feels like forever since Adam had a story – sort it out! Kirstie, Chatham We asked our readers to tell us what they’d most like to see happen in soap in 2026 – here are some of our favourites… MOTHER MARY Every year, fans ask for more Mary in Emmerdale but we never seem to get it! I think the writers are missing a trick. Older characters have always been the heart of the village, gossiping and snooping. I’d love Mary to find love. Andrea, Redcar Mary…

While Denise has loved getting to reunite with her old co-stars, one familiar face is missing – Philip Martin Brown, who played school icon and Steph’s frenemy Grantly Budgen. Grantly tragically died back in 2013, but that didn’t stop Philip from hoping to return… “Grantly was Steph’s nemesis, though it depended on the day!” laughs Denise. “When Waterloo Road was brought back, Philip rang me and said, ‘Do you think they’ll ask me back?’ And I said, ‘No, you died, Philip’. He’d completely forgotten that he died! Unless we can bring back Grantly’s long-lost twin, because I’d love that.”…

1 Caudalíe VinoHydra Deep Hydration Moisturiser This winter skin hero is a super-rich cream that drenches dry skin in all-day (and all-night) hydration. 2 Balmonds Skin Salvation This winter skin lifesaver soothes itchy, eczema-prone patches, keeping even the most sensitive skin calm, soft and happy. 3 No7 Good Intent Skin Sip Moisture Milk A silky, lightweight moisture milk packed with hyaluronic acid and squalane that instantly quenches dull skin. 4 Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream A rich, plumping formula packed with lipids, peptides and hyaluronic acid to brighten, firm and hydrate skin.…

The Night Manager BBC1, 9pm Tom Hiddleston stars as Jonathan Pine, as the second series of the adaptation of John le Carrés novel continues. The Floor ITV1, 8pm Rob Brydon hosts a new game show, in which 81 contestants go head-to-head on a giant floor made up of 81 squares. The Great Pottery Throw Down Channel 4, 7.30pm Keith Brymer Jones, Rich Miller and Siobhán McSweeney return with a new series of the crafting challenge. REGIONAL VARIATIONS BBC1 N IRELAND as Main BBC1 except: 5.50-5.55pm BBC Newsline/Weather BBC1 SCOTLAND as Main BBC1 except: 5.50-5.55pm Reporting Scotland/Weather BBC1 WALES as Main BBC1 except: 4.40pm Back In The Day 5.10-5.40 Our Lives: Dolphin Town 5.50-5.55 BBC Wales Today/ Weather STV as Main ITV except: 3.50-5.05am Unwind With STV…

The Traitors BBC1, 8pm Claudia Winkleman hosts more of the reality game of detection, backstabbing and trust. Kirstie And Phil’s Love It Or List It Channel 4, 8pm Kirstie Allsopp and Phil Spencer help more homeowners as the popular property series returns. Patience Channel 4, 9pm Ella Maisy Purvis stars as the titular character in a new series of the crime drama. REGIONAL VARIATIONS BBC1 N IRELAND as Main BBC1 except: 10.30pm BBC Newsline/Weather 10.40 Titanic Sinks Tonight 11.40 Match Of The Day 1.10-6.00am BBC News BBC1 SCOTLAND as Main BBC1 except: 1.35-1.45pm Reporting Scotland/ Weather 2.30-3.00 Politics Scotland 10.30-10.40 Reporting Scotland/Weather 12.10am Scotcast 12.40 FILM: Eddie The Eagle 2.20 Weather For The Week Ahead 2.25-6.00 BBC News BBC1 WALES as Main BBC1 except: 1.35-1.45pm BBC Wales Today/ Weather ANGLIA…

ACROSS 4 Channique Sterling-___, Corrie actress who played 12D (5)9 & 32D Hollyoaks cancer survivor who revealed that she shot 14A (8,7)10 See 15A 11 Joe-Warren ___, actor behind Jacob in Emmerdale (5)12 See 1D 14 ___ Hutchinson, original Hollyoaks bloke who fathered Morgan Osborne (4)15 & 10A Corrie lass who recently spent some time in a psychiatric facility (4,6)16 See 43A 17 ___ Blackstock, Dales father of 33A who is portrayed by the legendary Patrick Mower (6)18 & 27D Nephew of 21D in Hollyoaks 19D (6,3)19 & 44A She recently turned up in Albert Square looking for support from her family (3,8)22 …and her relative, who has taken the rap for a crime committed by his son Harry (5)24 Picture clue: Jacob ___, former Holby ED nurse who retrained as a paramedic…

NEW YEAR PREVIEW IT’S TIME TO SHARE A GLIMPSE INTO THE FUTURE… The beginning of a new year is a special moment in soapland – as our beloved folks either live out the consequences of the Christmas just gone or come up against all-new chaos and drama. Whichever way it goes, you can rely on the next issue of Inside Soap to unpack all the epic plots that will hit your screens in 2026. And let us tell you, those guys and gals over in Weatherfield, Walford, Emmerdale and Chester are in for a helluva start to the year! Tighten your seatbelts… EASTENDERS Change of plan Linda ends up ditching an outing with a friend soon, after she receives news relating to a loved one. It’s not a problem for…

PEGGY MITCHELL Ronni did a perfect take on the pint-sized powerhouse, complete with ‘Gerrouttamypub’ catchphrase. KAT SLATER The lippy, the leopard print and – of course – the attitude, Ronni was a cracking Kat. Can you imagine if Bea bumps into the Queen Vic landlady and mimics her to her face? LITTLE MO MITCHELL Kat’s put-upon, dowdy little sister was another of the multi-talented star’s uncanny sendups. Maybe they’ll bring the character back and Ronni could play her?…

It’s been quite the year for Nancy, including her involvement in the devastating anniversary stunt in the village. Fans were horrified when the soap legend’s fate was left up in the air, but Jess tells us that she loved the viewers’ passionate response to this terrifying cliffhanger. “The plane crash was so fun,” she recalls. “I absolutely love being part of the stunts and I really got to be involved in this one. I got blown up twice, once wasn’t enough! That was wicked, but my favourite bit was the reaction to when everyone thought I’d been killed off – I got such a lot of love.”…

Fiz suspects that John is cheating this week and unleashes her anger at the factory. But she slaps the wrong woman! Fiz is irked that John is tutoring Sally again, so when she spots John leaning in for a kiss with her, she explodes and whacks Sal. There’s red faces all round when Fiz realises that John was helping Sal get something out of her eye. How will Fiz react if she discovers who John’s actually been bedding? Elsewhere, there’s more bad romance when Claire goes to a singles’ night and tries to kiss Kev! Will this make her realise estranged hubby Ashley is the one she really wants?…

Please come back! From Eva Price to Robert Sugden, Dodger Savage to Max Branning, 2025 was the year of the comeback! But you lot were eager for more, and these are some of your most requested returns… Surely it’s time Meena came back to Emmerdale? We’ve just had Celia so now I want more of that same unhinged female energy! With Billy now single, I could totally see her latching on to him again and making her escape! Tilly, Nuneaton Zoe’s return to the Square hasn’t been as good as I hoped, but what I really think is missing is more Slaters. Get back Little Mo and Lynne, and then we’re talking! I’m missing the rowdy atmosphere they all used to have and I reckon they’d liven things up in…

The Websters may currently be at war on screen, but thankfully that couldn’t be further from the truth in real life. Both Sally and Johnny reveal that they adore their on-screen relatives Mike Le Vell (Kevin) and Sue Devaney (Debbie)… “We all went out for a Websters’ Christmas dinner the other day!” laughs Sally. “It doesn’t feel like work when you’re working with people you genuinely love. We’re in all day, every day at the minute because of the storylines, yet we’re still meeting up at the weekend. That says it all, really.” “Sally, Sue and Mike have worked together for years, but when I came into the show they really took care of me and made me feel like part of the family,” adds Johnny. “It was really nice…

The hit daytime series is back, with Helen Skelton and her team of free divers returning to the Lake District to reunite folk with the beloved belongings they feared gone for good. And as Helen tells Inside TV, there are many reasons why S1 struck a chord with viewers… “It’s about tapping into the themes of people’s lives that are universal,” she proffers. “Like, we find this young boy’s iPhone that had pictures of his grandparents on. The mum and son spoke about how lucky they were that the grandma had helped bring the son up. So it was never about a phone – that’s just the thing that sparks the conversation and makes you think about what people bring to our lives.” As well as chatting to those with…

Red Eye ITV1, 9pm Hana (Jing Lusi) is left wondering why Fox spared her, while Brody (Martin Compston) suspects Russia isn’t behind the murders. Murder Suspect No 1 5, 9pm A new series opens with detectives investigating after a man is beaten to death in the early hours. Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake U&W, 9pm The reality star returns for a new series. Six Chihuahuas are rescued from the home of a hoarder. REGIONAL VARIATIONS BBC1 N IRELAND as Main BBC1 except: 1.35-1.45pm BBC Newsline/ Weather 8.00-8.30 House Of The Year BBC1 SCOTLAND as Main BBC1 except: 1.35-1.45pm Reporting Scotland/Weather 12.50am Scotcast 1.20 Would I Lie To You? 1.50 Weather For The Week Ahead 1.55-6.00 BBC News BBC1 WALES as Main BBC1 except: 1.35-1.45pm BBC Wales Today/Weather 7.00-7.30 Bear Grylls:…

What We Do In The Shadows BBC2, 10pm Nandor and his fanged friends welcome a new housemate. The 1970s Diet: Could It Work For You? 5, 7pm Josie Gibson joins a disco-inspired dance class. The Trial Of Michael Jackson 5, 9pm Examining the singer’s 2005 trial that took place in California. REGIONAL VARIATIONS BBC1 N IRELAND as Main BBC1 except: 10.40pm Kegworth: Flight To Disaster 11.40 FILM: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire 1.55-6.00am BBC News BBC1 SCOTLAND as Main BBC1 except: 11.30pm Animal Park 12.00-1.00pm First Minister’s Questions 3.00-3.45 Bargain Hunt 12.55am Scotcast 1.25 Weather For The Week Ahead 1.30-6.00 BBC News BBC1 WALES as Main BBC1 except: 10.40pm Confessions Of A Steroid Gang 11.10 FILM: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire 1.25-6.00am BBC News BBC2 WALES as Main BBC2 except:…

Lives are changed forever after the epic events of Corriedale, and as the dramatic week continues on the cobbles here’s a sneak peek at the fallout – starting with a potential new arrival! Exciting pictures reveal pregnant Shona screaming in pain at the hospital in the aftermath of the crash, with none other than fellow mum-to-be Emmerdale’s Charity Dingle coming to her aid! Will Charity play midwife? Shona and David’s unborn baby girl needs surgery to remove a lump on her neck before she can be delivered – but if the crash has triggered an early labour, will mother and child survive? A recent trailer for the episode also saw trainee Emmerdale doctor Jacob and young paramedic Asha from Corrie step in to help the injured, while Weatherfield detective Kit…

Hi, Charlottle! Were there any red flags about Ray for Laurel? Apart from his phone going off every time she went in for a snog, she had no idea! He was very charming, accommodating, irresistible – we could go on. The audience knows that she was walking into fire, but it was a long time before she was aware of his other side. How will she feel now the truth is out? The fact that her good friends Marlon and Rhona already knew and covered it up is going to be really awful. How much danger was she in all that time? Laurel is a single mum on her own in the house, and they knew somebody extremely dangerous was in there with her. Where’s their loyalty? Did she think…

Elaine is desperate to get her new business off the ground this week, and even attempts to sabotage Kathy’s café in the process! Wanting a new challenge after leaving The Vic, Elaine recently opened her lavish hotel, Peacock Palace, in Albert Square by hosting a memorable launch event – despite her nemesis Ian’s attempts to shut her down. And the newfound rivalry between the pair is set to continue into next year… “The pair were forced to stop quarrelling when they starred in Nigel’s film,” our Square insider reminds us. “As they say, there’s a fine line between love and hate… could there be more to this war than meets the eye?” As 2026 kicks off, Elaine is keen to drum up business. But times are tough in January, so…

FAIR CITY Ali warns Carol of JJ’s criminal activity this week, and tells her that she doesn’t want Lorcan spending time with him – and when JJ takes Steo’s side about his firing, Carol starts to reconsider her unpopular relationship. Could this be the end of Carol and JJ’s romance? Also, after getting humiliated by Greg and the site lads, Ian hatches a revenge plan when he sees Holly’s old profile on a sugar baby website. When Ian teases Holly about it, she vows to teach him a lesson, but gets a caution from Maxine first. Stepping in, Greg secretly swipes evidence of Ian’s bullying. Can he put a stop to it? THE ARCHERS The shocking events of New Year take a toll on Ambridge as the villagers try to…

Steph Haydock is undoubtedly one of the most iconic Waterloo Road characters, so fans rejoiced when it was announced that Denise Welch would be reprising her role for the first time since 2010. Steph is now a supply teacher, so returns to her old haunt in the new series this week – and it doesn’t take long for her to stray from her job description, deciding to give the next generation of students a much-needed sexual health lesson! We catch up with Denise and ask her all about her sensational return to the show, how Steph has changed over the years, and a potential romantic reunion with her former lover Jack… Hi, Denise! What made you decide to return to Waterloo Road after all these years? It was quite random…

No winter wardrobe is complete without a cosy beanie, and this season’s colourful picks are here to brighten even the frostiest days……

Based on Elizabeth George’s popular Inspector Lynley novel series, this new four-parter follows the mismatched detective duo of DI Thomas Lynley (Leo Suter) and DS Barbara Havers (Sofia Barclay) as they investigate crimes across Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire while also negotiating their differences. Lynley and Havers’ backgrounds are in stark contrast: his, as the 8th Earl of Asherton, from a world of privilege; hers from hard-grafting, working-class roots… “The class difference between Lynley and Havers is certainly a central thrust to both the books and our show, but they are able to overcome. For Lynley, I don’t think he wants to make a big song and dance of the fact that he’s an aristocrat. If he was too brazen about it, he’d be laughed out of the police by his…

Top dog trainer Graeme Hall is back for S8 of teaching more mutts good manners. And as he tells Inside TV, there are two brand-new segments – the first being his Puppy School… “I love this new element!” cheers Graeme. “I take dog owners on a journey through the best way to socialise dogs. Things often go a bit wrong before it all comes right – but that’s puppies for you!” Also debuting is Paws For Thought, in which experts tackle tricky canine questions – and nothing is off-limits… “I’ve assembled a team of vets, groomers and nutritionists to help me answer any dog question,” explains Graeme. “I’ve even learned why tears leave rust-coloured stains on the white fur of a Maltese terrier cross. It’s fascinating!” Graeme learned something else…

Waiting For The Out BBC1, 9.30pm New drama starring The Responder’s Josh Finan as a teacher leading a class in a prison. Space Shuttle Challenger: Days That Shocked The World Channel 4, 8pm Examining the 1986 explosion of the space shuttle. Taskmaster's New Year Treat Channel 4, 9pm Former footballer Jill Scott takes on the second lot of silly tasks in the New Year’s special. REGIONAL VARIATIONS BBC1 SCOTLAND as Main BBC1 except: 11.30am Sportscene: Premiership Highlights 1.00am Mo Salah: Never Give Up 2.00 Weather For The Week Ahead 2.05-6.00 BBC News BBC2 WALES as Main BBC2 except: 5.30pm The Wonder Of Animals 6.00 Weatherman Walking 6.30-9.00 FILM: The Guns Of Navarone STV as Main ITV except: 1.15-4.00pm STV Racing: Live From Sandown 3.50-5.05am Unwind With STV…

Inside The Factory BBC1, 8pm Cherry Healey and Paddy McGuinness take a look at the production of Jammie Dodgers. Rick Stein’s Australia BBC2, 7pm New series. The chef explores the grassroots food that makes the country’s cuisine unique. The Good Ship Murder 5, 9pm Jack (Shayne Ward) and Kate (Catherine Tyldesley) investigate a rising star’s death at a film premiere. REGIONAL VARIATIONS BBC1 SCOTLAND as Main BBC1 except: 1.35-1.45pm Reporting Scotland/ Weather 10.40 Sportscene: Premiership Highlights 11.10 Waterloo Road 12.10am Scotcast 12.40 Mrs Brown’s Boys New Year Special 1.10 Shedites 1.40 Weather For The Week Ahead 1.45-6.00 BBC News BBC1 WALES as Main BBC1 except: 1.35-1.45pm BBC Wales Today/Weather BBC2 N IRELAND as Main BBC2 except: 9.45pm The Chronicles Of Belfast 10.00-10.30 Farm 999 11.00 Live At The Apollo 11.45…

Mystery Road: Origin BBC2, 9pm New series. A detective relocates, only to find a community in denial about its troubles. Tom Read Wilson’s Magnificent Journey 5, 8pm The presenter visits a vineyard and Italy’s oldest cafe. The Big Fat Quiz Of Telly Channel 4, 9pm Jimmy Carr acts as quizmaster as contestants face fiendish TV-related questions. REGIONAL VARIATIONS BBC1 N IRELAND as Main BBC1 except: 7.30-8.00pm Farm 999 10.40 Would I Lie To You? 11.10 The Graham Norton Show 12.00am FILM: Superbad 1.50-6.00 BBC News STV as Main ITV except: 3.50-5.05am Unwind With STV UTV as Main ITV except: 7.00-7.30pm UTV Life WALES as Main ITV except: 7.00-7.30pm Vanished Wales…

Casualty Rida Amaan........................................... Sarah SeggariFlynn Byron................................................................ Olly RixFaith Dean................................................Kirsty MitchellIain Dean..................................... Michael StevensonTeddy Gowan .................................................Milo ClarkeIndie Jankowski ...........................Naomi WakszlakJan Jenning ..................................................... Di BotcherDylan Keogh ..............................................William BeckJacob Masters ........................................ Charles VennRash Masum...............................................Neet MohanSiobhan McKenzie .................................Melanie HillCam Mickelthwaite ...........................Barney WalshStevie Nash.............................................Elinor LawlessNgozi Okoye..............................................Adesuwa OniNicole Piper...................................Sammy T DobsonJodie Whyte ......................................................Anna Chell Coronation Street Asha 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 FittonChristina Boyd..........................................Amy RobbinsJoseph Brown ...............................William FlanaganCarla Connor.................................................. Alison KingLiam Connor ..................................Charlie WrenshallMaria Connor.....................Samia LongchambonRyan Connor............................................Ryan PrescottRoy Cropper..............................................David NeilsonFiz Dobbs..............................................Jennie McAlpineHope Dobbs ..................................Isabella FlanaganRuby Dobbs ...................................................Billie NaylorTyrone Dobbs.................................................Alan HalsallBen Driscoll........................................ Aaron McCuskerMaggie Driscoll ...............................Pauline McLynnOllie Driscoll.............................Raphael AkuwudikeWill Driscoll ............................Lucas Hodgson-WaleKit Green.................................................... Jacob RobertsTodd Grimshaw..................................... Gareth…

EastEnders Favourite characters The heartwarming bromance between Kojo and Harry had more depth to it than an ovenproof dish hosting Jean Slater’s sausage surprise. #Hojoforever! Most OMG moment Angie Watts – with actress Anita Dobson wearing the exact same dress that she wore in 1985 – appearing to Sharon as she lay trapped under the Vic rubble. Genius! What went wrong Okie’s drugs nonsense and Zoe’s incessant whinging about her lost kitten, which should have scampered off to Cats Protection when it had the chance. Our dream for 2026 Former Hollyoaks star Tamara Wall (Grace Black) turns up in Walford as Nicola Mitchell’s much-referenced sister. Can you even imagine? Hollyoaks Favourite character Clare Devine’s unexpected return from the dead was her most wicked story yet – but it was her…