Содержание выпуска: 34 - 2017 — Inside Soap UK

“Yep, it’s that time of year already!” Yep, it’s that time of year already – the voting is open in this year’s Inside Soap Awards! It’s only when you look back at a year in the soaps – as we do when putting together the list – that you realise just how much all the soaps pack into a year. Several times I’ve said out loud, “That only happened six months ago? So much has happened since then – it feels like years back!”. You see, the soaps just don’t stop, and they really are masters of keeping those stories coming, ensuring we are so firmly in the ‘now’ that we never even have the inclination to look back at old ground! But this is the one time of the…

Councillor Sally Metcalfe sets her sights on a new political position this week: she wants to be the mayor of Weatherfield! Sal finds out from council official Brian that the current mayor has stepped down, meaning the prestigious job is now up for grabs. Having already been elected to serve the public, Sally is certain that she’s the ideal candidate, and sets about plotting her campaign. Her first move is to enlist sister Gina to help in the race – but that could prove to be her downfall. The problem is, Gina’s money troubles are getting worse. She and Sally have a fight after Sal discovers that Gina has been storing bric-a-brac at Dev’s, with the intention of selling things online to make some cash. Following a public spat, Gina…

Paul Robinson must feel like all his Christmases have come at once this week – when he and Terese finally sleep together! The scheming businessman has made it clear he’s in love with Terese, but she’s quite sensibly chosen to get married to dependable Gary instead. However, as Paul continues to support Terese through her cancer treatment, she finally gives in to her lust for him… “It’s a spontaneous moment where they can’t hold back their feelings,” chuckles Stefan Dennis, who plays wicked Paul. “The truth is that Paul still loves Terese deeply, and can’t accept that she’s chosen Gary. He doesn’t believe for one second that Gary is good enough for her.” Once Terese receives the happy news that she’s responding to treatment, she turns to Paul – though…

“Abi definitely still has tricks up her sleeve – she’s an evil mastermind!” “You’ve got to laugh, really – it’s the least romantic thing ever!” EastEnders actress Lorna Fitzgerald tells Inside Soap, as we quiz her about filming Abi’s steamy encounters with sibling Lauren’s fella Steven. “People watching it on TV must think it’s passionate – but in reality, when you’ve got 10 crew members staring at you, it’s all a bit awkward! “I couldn’t believe it when I found out that Abi would sleep with Steven – I didn’t see it coming. It had never been mentioned before, so when I read the scripts, I was very shocked.” Given how determined Abi is to ruin her sister’s life, it’s not surprising that she would stoop so low as to…

As a good friend of Holby City cast mate Joe McFadden – who plays Raf – Lee is thrilled that his colleague is one of the celebs taking to the ballroom in this year’s run of Strictly Come Dancing. “Strictly is such a great show – I’m slightly jealous!” confesses the star. “After doing Any Dream Will Do and experiencing the public phone vote and judging panel, I said it would be the last time I ever did anything like that, since it’s so nerve-wracking. “But now that a few years have passed, I reckon that I could be tempted back. I quite fancy doing Strictly Come Dancing myself one day…”…

Legend has it! BROOKE UNVEILS A TRIBUTE TO ICON JEAN … The Southport Flower Show 2017 has decided to pay tribute to Corrie stalwart Jean Alexander (Hilda Ogden), with current cobbles star Brooke Vincent (Sophie) in attendance for the big unveiling. Organisers knew that Jean was a huge fan of the event, and decided to introduce a memorial bench in honour of the Street superstar. Brooke was delighted to play a role in the ceremony, saying: “Mike Le Vell [Kevin] and Sally Dynevor [Sally] have told me what a wonderful lady Jean was. She was incredibly professional and so well respected. A lot of Coronation Street’s success is down to icons like her.” Family man CORRIE’S SIMON ENJOYS WIFE QUALITY , KIDS TIME … AND WITH DOG HIS…

FULL CREDIT TO THIS SHOW for maintaining its pace and tension as we’ve followed nurse Cath Hardacre’s attempts to pass herself off as a qualified doctor while hoping nobody figures out her true identity . It was never going to last forever, of course, and in this week’s finale it looks as though Cath’s lie is falling apart, when her ex-husband arrives in Edinburgh. We have loved Jodie Whittaker’s performance, and the way she’s made us root for a morally questionable character – which sounds like the perfect training for her upcoming role as a certain other Doctor……

One of Corrie’s best-kept secrets finally exploded on screen when viewers learned that Andy Carver isn’t dead after all! Back in January, it looked as though monstrous Phelan had done away with Andy and disposed of his body – but it turns out that Pat has been keeping the dishevelled fella prisoner in an abandoned building for all this time… What a brilliant twist, Oliver! How did you react when you found out that Andy was still alive? When I first read the scripts where Phelan attacked Andy, I honestly thought he was dead – I think we all did! But before I left the Street, I had a meeting with our producer, Kate Oates, and she pitched the idea to me. I had no idea…

The Dales are set to welcome two fresh faces in the form of rich and handsome Tom Waterhouse, and his faithful sidekick Graham Foster. The pair will catch the eye of money-hungry Charity Dingle as she hopes to clinch a megabucks deal with Tom. But it’s her daughter Debbie who’ll make a real impression on the wealthy tycoon as she fights to keep her luxury-car business afloat. Could Tom be the answer to Debbie’s cash troubles if she plays her cards right? It’s no secret that Debbie is desperate for dosh so that she can pay for her daughter Sarah’s ongoing cancer treatment. She’s prepared to do anything for her children – so will the smell of Tom’s money and the glamour of his fancy lifestyle prove too tempting for…

“If you need a maid of honour, look no further. But I’ve got a strict ‘no peach’ policy, dress-wise. It just doesn’t work with my exotic colouring.” Fair enough, Mary. Has anyone in the history of the world looked good in peach? “I’ve got loads of ideas for me own wedding. I’ve always wanted to look like a sexy robot from the future.” And – lucky you, Gemma – here’s Inside Soap to help make your dream come true. “I know people think you’re some self-obsessed wide boy with a dodgy coat, but underneath that pillock-y exterior, I think I just got a glimpse of a guy with a heart.” Yes, he is a proper pillock, but we’re really rooting for Eva and Adam to be a thing… “I’ve called…

FAIR CITY Caoimhe and Dean give in to their feelings this week – and are left feeling guilty after Damien apologises for having suspicions! Elsewhere, Katy and Charlotte plot revenge on Oisin, but are they underestimating their opponent? Also, Paul and Niamh continue to fight over the house… RIVER CITY Annie prepares to marry Alex this week, but their big day takes a dramatic turn as an uninvited guest turns up. Meanwhile, Caitlin plans her own wedding to Pete – only for the idea to be put on hold after he delivers some shock news… Also, Stevie uses Scarlett’s family fun day to keep his loved ones safe. THE ARCHERS Susan vows to beat Clarrie in the Kefir challenge this week, as the warring women go head-to-head to impress Tom.…

RITA’S HEALTH CRISIS Many of you have noticed that the Street’s Rita has been forgetful of late – and now we’re starting to suspect that her memory loss could be a sign of something more serious… It isn’t like Rita to be so forgetful, and she’d never usually forget to lock up the Kabin! I’m very worried she may have dementia, but I hope I’m wrong. Steph, Middlesbrough I think this storyline will be one to watch! Chris, Co Cork It certainly looks like this is the start of a dementia or Alzheimer’s story for Rita, but I’m wondering whether there could be another reason for her memory loss. After Emmerdale’s plot with Ashley, I’m not sure the Street would follow suit quite so soon… Mary Rita’s bond with Gemma…

ABI DOG KILLER! The wannabe vet claims to be an animal lover – but Abi ran over her pet dog Tramp while fighting with her dad, before coldly declaring that “things die”. SISTER STALKER! Jealous of sister Lauren, Abi chased her on Halloween dressed as one of Doctor Who’s Weeping Angels, before trying to drown her while apple-bobbing! PREGNANCY FAKER! When she found out that boyfriend Ben was gay, Abi did what any self-respecting schemer would do – faked a pregnancy so he wouldn’t leave her! ATTEMPTED MURDERER! After wicked Aunt Babe had Abi fired from the Vic, Abi took her revenge by locking her in the freezer! STEVEN POISON PEN WRITER! After catching Ian cheating on wife Laura with prostitute Janine, Steven went off the rails – and sent…

When Valerie Pollard met her maker in the dark depths of a collapsed hall of mirrors, sucking on a fag while holding court with the shard of glass that would be her undoing, we knew we’d never again see the like of her in Emmerdale village. Her beloved husband Eric was devastated by her loss, and it’s only recently that the legendary charmer has begun showing an interest in a lady other than his adored Valerie. So when we join Charlie Hardwick – who played Val – as she prepares to tread the boards in new play Hyem, our first question naturally concerns the prickly topic of Pollard and Faith… “She’d better keep her hands off!” laughs the actress, during a break from rehearsals. “There’s only one Val Pollard, and…

“THE RELATIONSHIP WITH ROBIN IS A WEIRD BLIND SPOT” TOM Private investigator Cormoran Strike joins the ranks of television detectives this week, in a new series adapted from the novels by Robert Galbraith – a pen name for JK Rowling. Surely, playing the lead role in such a hotly anticipated series must come with a lot of pressure? But as Inside TV chats to Tom Burke, who plays Strike, we discover that he managed to push it to the back of his mind… “It’s huge, but for some reason it didn’t quite hit me until after we had finished,” admits the star. “I’m really hoping that people will like it, but I don’t think about fame – I think if I did,…

BULLSEYE! It was a belter of an EastEnders episode when Walford heavyweights Steve McFadden and Jamie Borthwick went head-to-head in a superb two-hander between Phil and Jay . We were shocked when it appeared that Walford bosses had rewritten history with the news about Jay’s dad, and even more so when it transpired that all might not be as it seems. What a thriller! Sonia and Bex share the same smitten, doe-eyed expression whenever Mr Pryce is within swooning distance. We bet you 50p that a mother-daughter love triangle is cooking up! If Inside Soap looks as good as Bonnie Langford (53) and David Easter (57) when we’re their age, we’ll be very happy! And where can we buy one of these? Say what you want about Jenny , but…

YES 64% “Linda should reveal whatever her secret is and stop being so hard on Mick…” “Yes! The Vic won’t be the same without Mick and Linda – and when are we going to find out what Linda was up to while Mick was coping with the pub by himself?” “Mick’s not in love with Whitney – she just reminded him of Linda! They can definitely come back from this.” N0 36% “Linda needs to let Mick go – their relationship is not as strong as we think…” “I think Mick and Whitney are a far better couple – we saw a different side to him while Linda was at her mum’s. ‘Mickney’ all the way!” “No – send him packing, Linda. Or better still, sell up and move in…

Batten down the hatches and prepare for one heck of a storm, as Carla Connor gets set to make a sensational return to Coronation Street ! Rumours of actress Alison King’s comeback have been doing the rounds for a while, but nothing concrete has been confirmed until now. Corrie boss Kate Oates has revealed that she only recently tempted star Alison to sign a new contract on the show – propelling Carla back to the heart of the Street drama ready for Christmas… “It’s time to break new ground with Carla,” explains Kate. “I didn’t want to put her on that familiar cycle of self-destruction and recovery, followed by yet more self-destruction. What we will have instead is two strong Connor women – Carla and Michelle –…

Phelan’s twisted psychology has so far stopped him from bumping off Andy – but this week, the desperate builder is clearly pushed to breaking point as he digs a hole for his prisoner. Will he really do the deed this time? “I think Pat has been doing everything he can to avoid that, but there are times when he’s trying to convince himself that it’s the only option,” reveals Connor McIntyre, who plays the fiendish brute. “The further we go with this character, the more we realise that he’s suffering from narcissistic personality disorder. He will sidestep killing Andy if he can, but something needs to happen for this situation to be resolved.” Meanwhile, Andy has an infected arm and is in serious pain – so will his dreadful circumstances…

Jac 4 Fletch? Holby City chiefs are cooking up a new partnership between Jac and Fletch. Could it lead to love? “The chemistry between Rosie Marcel and Alex Walkinshaw is palpable,” grins series boss Kate Hall . Kat culled? Star Jessie Wallace doesn’t know if Kat survived at the end of Redwater… “I have this fear that Stacey will get a phone call and say, ‘Oh, Kat is dead’,” she reveals. For fake sake! Madeleine West’s recent appearance in Neighbours has sparked a huge debate as to whether Fake Dee is up to her old tricks, or if real Dee is set for a shock return. “The answers lie in a new juicy saga waiting to be told,” teases Channel 5 commissoner Greg Barnett . Soap SPY... Seeing…

There’s big trouble for Robert this week, as a doctor finally sees ailing Lawrence. For the past few weeks, wicked Robert has been drugging his former father-in-law with sleeping pills to keep him weak and disconnected from Home Farm business. But Robert’s plot to stage a coup from within while pretending to help out the beleaguered Whites could be about to be rumbled! So far, he’s managed to convince Rebecca not to take her father to see a doctor. Instead, he’s tried to plant suspicions in her mind that what’s happening is down to Lawrence being depressed about Ronnie leaving him, and drinking to forget. However, when nurse Emma spies Lawrence falling asleep at the café, she advises Rebecca to get him checked out ASAP. Thankful that her fears have…

“Because of Toyah not being able to have a baby of her own, I think she should do a John Stape and kidnap baby Ollie ! It would be very dramatic and interesting.” …suggests reader Jack “I think Peri in Hollyoaks deserves a nice boyfriend for a change – and who better than lovely Alfie ? Though the fact he’s Tom’s best mate might be a problem!” …says reader Rani “I would like to see Chrissie White run into Nathan Wylde – because they would be a perfect match for each other. And perhaps the rest of the Wylde family could return in due course as well? They were great.” …hopes reader James from Huddersfield “ Karen should win the lottery and decide to buy the…

This week, Fletch, Essie and Donna compete to become the hospital’s next director of nursing. Fletch’s managerial skills are unexpectedly put to the test when an operation is postponed due to lack of theatre space – meaning the patient will be unable to return home to look after his children. With time running out, can Fletch convince Jac to operate as a matter of urgency? And will Fletch’s ability to manage the situation help him bag the top job?…

MAN IN BLACK Darcy’s mystery man in Hollyoaks really gave me the creeps. I’m sure I’ve seen him before. What else has he been in? Meera, Blackpool Star Neil Roberts was DS Wise, the Dales detective who investigated Aaron’s abuse case. Neil has also had recurring roles in Corrie , Holby City , and the first season of US witchy drama Charmed . TONY’S TRAGEDY I was surprised when Hollyoaks’ Tony was talking to Warren about his and Mandy’s daughter, Grace. I remember them being married, but don’t recall them having a baby. What happened to Grace? Dale, Suffolk Little Grace was born two months premature in October 2005, but tragically died from suspected sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) at seven…

“The timing just hasn’t been quite right for Dom and Lofty” Our favourite doctors and nurses are limbering up for the Holby half-marathon this week – but pulses are racing in more ways than one, as Lofty continues to question his true feelings for Dom. However, Lofty’s real-life alter ego Lee Mead reminds us that the course of true love doesn’t always run smooth… Hi, Lee! Why hasn’t Lofty confronted his feelings for Dom before now? When Dom moved in for a kiss with Lofty and he rejected him, it wasn’t because he didn’t like him. Lofty was taken aback by Dom being so forward, and had no idea Dom felt that way. It’s only when Dom begins dating a guy called Freddie that Lofty gets jealous! So far, Lofty…

Tina isn’t content with being a top-class soap star – she’s training the talent of the future, too. She and pal Esther Morgan set up theatre school The Drama Mob in Manchester in 2013, and enjoyed such huge success that they are opening a second school. Tina’s own children Scarlett, eight, and two-year-old Beau are already signed up and learning their craft – and Tina and Esther have helped other youngsters win roles in soaps, adverts and on stage. In Corrie alone, twins Seth and Theo Wild [aka Gary’s son Jake] and the babies who play Sarah’s son Harry –plus Leanne and Steve’s little’un Oliver – are all from Tina’s books. “I’m so proud when I watch Coronation Street and I see all the children we represent,” she grins. “When…

The soaps have been more dramatic than ever over the past 12 months – and for many characters, life will never be the same again. But now the pressure is on you, as we ask you to pick your favourite actors, characters and plots for the Inside Soap Awards 2017! Will the thrilling drama of Weatherfield win your vote, as brave Bethany overcame her abuser and Leanne faced the mother of all dilemmas? Or did Walford rock your world, as Denise faced the prospect of bringing up Phil Mitchell’s baby, while Max plotted to bring down the entire Square? Or could last year’s Best Soap winner, Emmerdale, reign supreme once again following the truly heartbreaking death of village favourite Ashley, and the motorway pile-up where James…

“Chris and I were great colleagues on set , and we’re also firm friends,” beams Charlie. “When he married Lesley [Dunlop, who plays Brenda] last year, I went to the wedding. And when it got to the bit where they say, ‘Speak now or forever hold your peace’, I was desperate to stand up and shout, ‘He’s mine!’. My friend told me it wouldn’t have been very funny, though, so I didn’t interrupt – but Val wouldn’t have stopped short. She’d have torched the church!”…

I’ve just got hooked on Billions . When you’re starting to become an entrepreneur, you’re always looking for advice and people who can guide you. So I’ve been watching this and taking notes and going, “Yes, that’s what I’m going to do – I’m really going to smash it today”, haha! Watching something like Billions really gets your mind going , and there have been a lot of really crazy times when I’ve wanted to watch something a bit more light-hearted, so that’s when I’ll watch Modern Family. I’d say I’m quite obsessed with that, and I end up watching it a lot of the time! Another favourite of mine, and I can’t believe I’m saying this out loud, is Family…

TROUBLE AND STRIFE Star of Happy Valley and Downton Abbey Siobhan Finneran has joined the new series of Cold Feet , which returns in September. She plays housewife Nikki, who meets David through work. MARRIAGE GUIDANCE The cast of Poldark have already reunited to start work on the fourth series. The next run of episodes will focus on the aftermath of Demelza’s dalliance with Hugh Armitage. STAR GUESTS This October, a Greek hotel will be managed by a group of celebs for a new E4 show. If you’re aged 18-30, and want to go on a girls’/lads’ holiday, celebrate a stag or hen do, or you’re just single and ready to mingle, email celebhotel@twofour.co.uk…