Inside Soap UK 18 - 2018

“Soaps can become part of our lives…” We tune in to the soaps to see what drama befalls our favourite characters – but soaps are more than just snogs, slaps and secrets. They become part of our lives; a friend we look forward to catching up with; a cosy, familiar escape from our own personal worries. That’s why, when soaps pull the rug out from under us, they can be the most important and powerful dramas on TV. This week’s Corrie won’t be cosy viewing, as we see the events leading up to Aidan taking his own life, and the effects it has on his friends and family. The questions about why Aidan does what he does will reverberate through the Street, but more crucially, they’ll also reverberate through our…

The residents of Coronation Street are left in shock and utterly devastated this week, after Johnny discovers Aidan’s lifeless body – and realises that his son has taken his own life. For Aidan’s loved ones and Corrie viewers alike, his death comes as a complete bolt from the blue. But as departing Weatherfield star Shayne Ward explains, Aidan has been struggling to cope with life – and it’s a story that has been in the works for months, carefully plotted by Street bosses to highlight the important issue of male suicide. “Everybody is going to be thinking and asking themselves, ‘Were there any telltale signs that Aidan was suicidal?’” shares the actor. “You can’t pin it down to one thing that has happened to him over the years. He has…

Every week in the UK, 84 men take their own lives – with suicide the biggest killer of males under 45. Meanwhile, only 55 per cent of men who have experienced depression will tell anyone about it, hence why Corrie has teamed up with mental health charities Samaritans and CALM to encourage people suffering from depression and suicidal thoughts to speak out. “With 84 men taking their lives each week, we can’t afford not to talk about it,” says Street boss Kate Oates. “Aidan’s story, bravely and brilliantly tackled by Shayne Ward, is designed to give people who hide their feelings of desperation the chance to start a conversation – letting someone know what they are going through. We want to tell people that, however bleak they are feeling, there…

After word spreads of Aidan’s death, Eva returns to the cobbles – but as she reunites with Susie, how will she feel now the baby is her only link to her ex? Making out she is back from her beauty course in the US, Eva arrives at the Rovers and cradles her daughter for the first time since handing her over to Toyah. The joy she feels upon holding Susie is plain to see, prompting sympathetic Toyah to remark that the little girl bears a likeness to Aidan. But the resemblance is of no comfort to Eva, when Johnny calls to quiz her on Aidan’s movements on the evening of his death. While Eva’s guilt consumes her, will she choose to confess to Johnny the truth of Susie’s parentage? And…

“Phil realises he has the perfect chance to get one over on his enemy” There are tense scenes at the car lot this week, as Rainie tries to use Robbie as a quick way to get cash – but there’s more intrigue to come when Rainie isn’t alone in trying to get one over on Max! Rainie and Max have been maintaining the pretence that they’re now happily married, in the hope of adopting baby Abi – but as they put their plan into action this week, it’s increasingly clear all is not well behind closed doors. Desperate for cash, Rainie asks Max to help her out, but he fobs her off, telling her that if she wants money then she’ll have to start working – by selling cars on…

While viewers were shocked by the identity of Max’s bride, Tanya Franks – who returns to the role of Rainie – reckons the pair have a lot in common. “Nobody in the world wants either of them, but both have to look to a new pathway,” she says. “They are two people who absolutely loathe each other, but actually there’s similarity between them for different reasons.” Off screen, meanwhile, Tanya is loving her new partnership with long-time EastEnder Jake Wood, who plays Max. “We do find ourselves laughing a lot on set, myself and Jake,” explains the star. “We would never have thought of this idea so it is really fun for us to play, and we are having a good time with it. I think Max and Rainie are…