Содержание выпуска: 41 - 2016 — Inside Soap UK

Do you know what I’m going to tell you? The stars of soap truly are a lovely bunch. I know people always want tales of behind-the-scenes battles and diva behaviour, but after this year’s Inside Soap Awards, I can honestly say everyone was amazing. These guys work really hard (they do far longer hours than I ever have, believe me!), and although they’re happy when they win a prize, they just really appreciate the viewers who tune in every week to watch what they do, so they’re doubly grateful if people take the time to vote for them. Don’t get me wrong, they’re only human, so I’m sure things aren’t always perfect (when are they ever?) but the good far, far outweighs the bad in my experience – and anyway,…

Emma has lost the plot! Is it because she wants revenge for James kissing Moira? Gillian It’s actually not about revenge – it’s all about James. Emma is keeping him hostage and waiting for him to fall in love with her again! How on earth can she think this sort of behaviour is attractive, though? The situation just accelerates and Emma goes into this mode – but not in the way you expect. She becomes super-caring in the hope of convincing James that she is the woman he’s meant to be with. She thinks James has been brainwashed into not wanting her. How did you approach doing scenes of such a dark nature? I wanted to find a way of making it believable and not camp. Emma has to believe…

While Rhona, Paddy and Marlon enjoy a drink or seven under canvas, they’re oblivious to the fury that Pierce is brewing back at home. And while his next move remains a secret, Jonathan Wrather, who plays him, insists that we shouldn’t underestimate Pierce’s jealous streak… “Pierce is a passionate person – and there’s quite a jealous rage in store!” warns the actor. “We still don’t really know what Pierce’s agenda is, and I quite like that, because his story could go in any number of directions. He really has it in for Paddy, and finds him a threat – and there are so many things that could happen because of that.” Since Pierce is about to discover that Rhona has snuck away with Paddy in the wake of their big…

What did you think when you heard how extreme David’s plan would be? I wasn’t particularly keen at first, because we’ve been here before with David and the suicide thing. But this time it’s serious and he really means it. I’m a ‘simplicity’ guy and prefer drama to big stunts and explosions, but the way this has been shot and the way the scripts have been written is really good. When did you find out just how much was involved in filming David’s escape? About three months ago I got a text from our assistant producer, and he asked me how I was with cockroaches! That’s when I found out David would be crawling through sewers to escape. Then it turned out that cockroaches were too expensive and it was…

“CARMEL INSPIRES BELINDA - SHE WAKES UP AND THINKS ‘RIGHT I CAN DO THIS’ ” Drastic action is required by Belinda this week, after it’s revealed that her salon is about to go bankrupt! Her cousin and employee Stacey is stunned to realise how much debt Belinda has built up since launching Elysium just a few weeks ago. With her livelihood on the line, Belinda is forced to go cap-in-hand to the Carters and beg for investment – but is it already too late? “Belinda’s not very good with figures,” sighs Carli Norris, who plays her. “She’s always worked for someone else, so this is very different. Coming from a marriage with money, she wanted to still be surrounded by that. She’s invested everything from her divorce, thinking she could…

The dodgy dealings of Steven Beale look set to be laid bare this week – when Jane gets a look at the finances for Beales. For weeks, new manager Steven has been using his position to manipulate the books, taking money where he needs to and even organising a robbery to pull off an insurance scam. Given their history together, Jane has never really trusted Ian’s stepson – but had her fears silenced when he was proved to be innocent of forging a credit card in the late Lucy’s name. However, as Jane tries to make herself useful at the restaurant again, she discovers the finances are in dire straits. That’s bad news for Steven and girlfriend Lauren, as they have been conspiring to keep Jane far away from the…

THE ACTRESS SHARES SOME OF HER BEST MEMORIES… Although this hard-hitting story has been full of tears, it’s had even more touching, positive moments – and these are the memories that Kassius will be treasuring most. “Jumping out of a plane is my highlight,” she grins. “That was on my own bucket list, and those were real tears when I landed! “Alfie and Jade’s wedding was really nice as well,” adds Kassius. “It was a very intense scene, and me and Richard had a nice hug as I got so emotional in the middle of the scene. “This year has been a real roller coaster. I love being creative, so I’m going to keep going and look forward to moving on to the next thing!”…

Karen and Rob prepare to welcome their newest foster placement, Barney, this week – and the pair are warned he may be more challenging than their previous foster-kids. Concerned police officer Rob checks up on the lad in advance of his arrival, and Karen becomes anxious when he fails to turn up on time. Once Barney does arrive, Karen is none the wiser as he remains uncommunicative – but after he offers to help with making dinner, the two begin to bond. When Rob returns home, however, Barney seems uncomfortable – so can the couple get to the bottom of his troubles and persuade him to open up? Also this week… Lack of sugar takes a toll on the detoxing staff, and Sid returns home.…

“THIS MEANS A LOT TO ME – A BIG THANK YOU TO THE READERS WHO VOTED!” BEST ACTOR STEVE McFADDEN PHIL MITCHELL EASTENDERS He’s the undisputed megastar of EastEnders – yet for many years, star Steve McFadden has been one of Walford’s unsung heroes. But after a mammoth year that has seen Phil’s alcohol addiction return with a vengeance – not to mention the death of his beloved mother Peggy – Inside Soap readers have crowned super-talented Steve as the king of soap… Huge congratulations, Steve! How does it feel to win this Award? I’m genuinely chuffed to bits! The last time that I won an Inside Soap Award was in 2007, so this one will be going on my mantlepiece next…

When Stephen Fry announced that he would be stepping down as the host of QI , we wondered who on earth could replace him. Then it was announced that Sandi Toksvig – a regular player on the show with many wins to her name – would be the new presenter, and we knew QI was in safe hands. However, Sandi tells us that she did feel slightly nervous about taking over. “Everybody gets butterflies – you have to have a bit of adrenaline, or you’re rubbish!” she grins. “But you can’t be thinking about trying to replace somebody, you can only think about being yourself. I’m not a mini-me, I’m not Stephanie Fry!” Sandi hints that there have been “a tiny few subtle…

1 SATURDAY DVD MONEY MONSTER George Clooney and Julia Roberts star as financial TV host Lee Gates and his producer, Patty, in this intense conspiracy thriller. When an investor who has lost everything forcefully takes over their studio, a stand-off broadcast to millions ensues. Also starring Jack O’Connell. WIN! For the chance to win a copy, tell us which Summer Bay character George Mason plays: A) VJ, B) Ash, or C) Matt. Text ISWIN1, a space, then A, B, or C and your name & address to 85010 (50p). Or see below for postal entries. 2 SUNDAY Book THE GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF: PERFECT CAKES & BAKES TO MAKE AT HOME by Linda Collister Accompanying the 2016 TV series comes this great book for bakers. With recipes by Mary Berry…

ARIES 21 MARCH - 20 APRIL Romance is something you’ve had on the back burner for a while, but this could be the week to revisit your love life. Spice things up with a partner? Put in the effort to go out on a date? It’s a great time for it. TAURUS 21 APRIL - 21 MAY It’s been a long time since you let someone undermine your sense of self worth - but it could happen this week. Try to bear in mind that no one can make you feel inferior without your consent. GEMINI 22 MAY - 21 JUNE You’ll be dreaming a few bigger dreams this week, and there’s no reason to limit yourself. You’ll only be constrained by how high you choose to jump - and…

The Thomases prepare to officially welcome baby Dotty into the world this week, as the day of her christening dawns. But in a heartbreaking twist of fate, Ashley’s dementia flares up and he loses his memory at the church, leaving him with no clue as to who his little girl is… “Before the day, Ashley suffers a severe transient ischemic attack [a mini-stroke], so his condition has deteriorated quite a lot,” explains actor John Middleton, who plays him. “It’s worse than people have noticed, so Ashley is very confused as Dotty’s christening approaches. “There is also a power cut, so the time on his electric alarm clock is flashing 12.00, and he can’t tell whether it’s midday or midnight,” continues the star. “Young Arthur has a bright idea about writing…

Peter Barlow legged it two years ago after being cleared of the murder of his mistress Tina McIntyre. In the wake of all that drama and the affair that smashed his wife Carla’s heart to smithereens, you’d have thought Peter would be giving trouble a wide berth these days. But the quiet life has never really been Peter’s style, has it? Now he’s back, with a big cut – and a guilty look – on his face. Dad Ken and the rest of the Barlow family had better brace themselves for the oncoming storm… Hi, Chris! What on earth has Peter been up to now? He’s returning because he can’t stay in Portsmouth any more. Well, he’s running from lots of things! He’s had a problem with this guy in…

Sally and Kevin could be in for a testing time, when their eldest child Rosie heads home to Coronation Street! Corrie bosses have announced that Helen Flanagan – who played the troublesome minx from 2000 to 2012 – will reprise the role for a short time next year… “Rosie’s family has missed her – and so have we,” shares the Street’s producer, Kate Oates. “With Sophie away on holiday with her sister, it seemed the ideal time to bring Rosie back home with her for a visit. We’re delighted Helen is keen to explore what Rosie has been up to away from the cobbles as much as we are.” The expectation surrounding the young woman’s return is sure to be huge, given the fact that wild child Rosie is a…

Stacey learns about Belinda’s divorce after going through her accounts this week, and only then does she realise the extent of her cousin’s despair. And although Belinda’s former husband Neville is a wrong’un, Carli reckons her alter ego will struggle without him… “This is the end of an era for Belinda,” muses the star. “She’s always had a man on her arm and the security of all that to fall back on – but now she’s totally on her own. She had a long marriage with Neville and at times she was very happy, so their divorce is bittersweet. “But she’s an optimist, and now that it’s all finalised, maybe she can look for someone else!”…

FAIR CITY Mondo and Angela come to blows this week, with Mondo furious that Angela is trying to worm her way back into his life. As Pete and Dolores try to persuade him to give her another chance, will he agree? Elsewhere, Laura is outraged to find Hayley and Damien searching for her steroids. Also, Doug worries that Wayne’s business idea will put his job at risk… RIVER CITY Scarlett is shaken when some heavies demand payment for Jimmy’s debt this week – so enters into a desperate scam with Pete! Will DI Donald rumble her? Meanwhile, Angus is disappointed when Bob bails on their Bogus Bromance Day, so Cassie plans a day of lad activities. Also, Patrick is upset that Anderson might not face prosecution for abuse. THE ARCHERS…

In the 1900s, British archaeologist Howard Carter was on a dig in Egypt where he was determined to find missing treasures. But an incident in which he lost his temper led to his licence being revoked. His career was in tatters until wealthy British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon enlisted Carter to help him with some excavations – and together the pair went on to find the last resting place of the young pharaoh Tutankhamun. “I think Carnarvon found Carter frustrating at times, as everybody did,” admits Max Irons, who plays Howard Carter in this four-part retelling. “Carter was stubborn and single-minded, but I think there was a huge amount of respect between them. And there were a lot of people who were there for monetary gain, fame and glory, to pillage…

BRIEF ENCOUNTER Joanne Froggatt and Ioan Gruffudd have signed up to star in new six-part thriller Liar for ITV. Written by the creators of The Missing, the drama tells the story of one night that changes the lives of two people forever. CHALLENGE ACCEPTED Comedy game show Taskmaster is to return for two more eight-part series on Dave next year. Each series will feature a new panel of comedians trying to win the approval of Greg Davies in a number of quirky challenges. CASTING NOW! Channel 5’s make-under series 100% Hotter is returning. If you know someone who has a unique look and is in need of a style transformation, email hotter@nakedentertainment.tv for more information.…

PRAISE THE DALES! Our postbag this week was full of cheers for Emmerdale’s big win at the Inside Soap Awards 2016 – and shock at that surprise death… Emmerdale deserves to win Best Soap for the second year running. I could write a long list of the great storylines they’ve given us this year, and after the shock twist of Holly dying from a drug overdose, there is surely more to come. Corrie and EastEnders might be going through changes right now, but they’ll have to come up with dramatic storylines to keep up with the Dales. Another thing I am very pleased about is Steve McFadden [EastEnders’ Phil] winning Best Actor. It’s been a long while since he last won an…

WHERE’S JAY? Please put my mind at rest (and my sister’s as well) by saying that Jay will be back in EastEnders soon! Carole, via email There’s a bit of mystery on screen about where Jay’s got to – so we understand your worry that he’s left Walford for good. However, there’s been no formal announcement to say that actor Jamie Borthwick has left the show – so you have every reason to be optimistic about his return! ON THE BALL Why do I know the actor who played the footballer that Tim and Steve were desperate to meet in Corrie this week? Did he used to be in Neighbours? Alicia, via email Not Neighbours , Alicia – Hollyoaks ! Matt Milburn, aka footballer…

BULLSEYE! Holly Barton’s tragic death and its aftermath is undoubtedly some of the finest work that Emmerdale has produced this year. We take our hats off to Natalie J Robb, whose moving and heartbreaking performance as grief-stricken mum Moira sent shivers down our spine, and continues to do so. Phenomenal stuff. Debbie sold her cottage and half the garage to Chrissie, right under Cain’s nose. Hmm. Deciding that she’s never returning from France is one thing, but completely shafting the family she left behind? That’s just selfish. This was the state of Leyla after ‘indoor skydiving’ with Pete. Well, everyone has their own name for it. Little Max came first in the 15m swimming competition. With those skills, he’d surely be safer doggy-paddling across the Irish…

Leo’s school play sparks a massive falling-out between Rhona and Pierce this week, prompting her to join Marlon and Paddy on a camping trip with the little boy. But when Rhona fibs to Pierce about where she is, he’s left in a furious mood. So what will he do next? Zoe Henry (Rhona) and Dominic Brunt (Paddy) admit that there’s major trouble in store… Why does Rhona and Pierce’s lovers’ tiff turn into a huge argument? Zoe Pierce can’t come to Leo’s school play because he’s on a business trip, so Rhona invites Paddy instead. But then Pierce’s trip is moved, so she tells him a little white lie and claims that the play has sold out. When Pierce finds out the truth he confronts her, and insists Paddy can’t…

Brody gets closer to solving the mystery of his past this week, as he’s plagued by further vivid memories of his late mother arguing with someone. And when he finally realises that the man in question is the family’s witness protection officer Decker, events spiral out of control… “Brody doesn’t remember his mother being an angry or argumentative person, so having visions of her in such distress is extremely worrying for him,” explains Jackson Heywood, who plays Brody. “He goes to Decker for answers – and while Decker reveals what he can, Brody has a feeling that he isn’t telling him everything. “When he finally remembers that Decker was the person his mum was arguing with, Brody is confused, angry and worried. The Morgans can no longer trust the one…

READERS, WE’RE IN LOVE: in love with DS Nancy Devlin, because she’s one of the most engaging, fully realised characters we’ve seen in a crime drama for ages. Sure, she’s a deeply flawed character, compromised by her criminal connections, and she’s done some fairly questionable things already in this series, but Karla Crome is really nailing her performance as the spirited detective. Plus, it’s great to have a drama with a strong female friendship at its heart, as Nancy tries to keep her childhood best friend Hayley from falling into the same traps as her……

“KARREN GETS HER NOTES IN BEFORE ME AND HERS ARE BETTER, SO I’M CONSTANTLY TRYING TO IMPROVE.” Claude Littner on the rivalry between him and Karren Brady on The Apprentice “WE SAW A LOT OF STUFF FROM THE 90S - OH MY GOD, I’VE SEEN THE SAME COUCH SO MANY TIMES!” House Doctor presenter Tracy Metro was haunted by a three-piece suite while making the series “DAVID WOULD PROBABLY CONFESS HIS LOVE, AND SIMON WOULD GIVE HIM A CAKE IN THE FACE AND LEAVE.” Amanda Holden on what would happen if Walliams and Cowell went on I’ve Got Something To Tell You “WE KEEP HAVING THIS JOKE ABOUT THE FACT THAT WE NEED LESS MAKE-UP NOW, BUT IT REALLY ISN’T A JOKE!” Still Game’s Greg Hemphill has been playing a…