Inside Soap UK 31 - 2018

“It’s a special kind of joy to see Dr Legg” When I heard the news that Dr Legg was returning to EastEnders for an ‘exciting and emotional’ storyline with Walford favourite Dot, I felt a special kind of joy reserved only for certain occasions. As a child of the EastEnders era, having watched the show since the very first episode, I feel there’s something special about the characters from those early days, who appeared in my living room two, three or four times a week. Whenever I see them back on the screen, it’s like catching up with an old friend or relative who you haven’t seen for many years. It’s also great to see actor Leonard Fenton, who plays Dr Legg, looking so fit and well at the grand…

The clock is ticking on Rebecca’s determined bid to escape Lachlan’s clutches this week, with her life hanging by a thread. However, when a camping trip to the woods leads the village kids to make a discovery, has help finally come for Rebecca – or will desperate Lachlan resort to ever more terrible measures to keep his secret? While Lachlan has conned Rebecca’s friends and family into believing she’s been taking some time to herself away from the village, viewers know that he is keeping his helpless aunt captive. Restrained with chains inside a shack deep within the woods, Rebecca is in a very bad way as the week begins… “Rebecca’s ultimate plan is survival,” insists Emily Head, who plays her. “She has convinced Lachlan that because they’re family, she…

So how come the children are playing in the woods near Rebecca’s shack? It’s because Bob and Laurel and the kids have joined Jimmy and Nicola and their kids, plus Rodders and his girlfriend Misty, on this big camping trip. And Jimmy and Bob have been winding up the children with this story they’ve concocted about the Beast of Ilkley Moor – which would spook anyone at night when they’re out camping! What was it like filming these big scenes with the youngsters? It’s great. Just as the kids get on really well on screen, the actors who play them get on too. They’re all working together and coming on leaps and bounds, so it’s nice they have got their own story! How are Bob and Laurel after Brenda told…

A bi’s drinking binge has scandalous consequences this week, when she makes a boozy pass at Steve! The snog comes after the pair have been at loggerheads, following Steve’s criticism of Abi’s parenting skills. And when a subsequent home visit from her young twins – currently in foster care – goes disastrously, she’s devastated. As she hits the bottle, it’s Steve who comes to Abi’s rescue. But when their bonding session results in Abi’s shock kiss, how will Steve react? And how long will it be before Tracy finds out that her new best mate has made a move on her man? “Abi feels she’s made a real connection with Steve,” explains Sally Carmen, who plays her. “The two of them talk, and Abi feels like she’s understood. It’s one…

“Abi can’t believe her luck that she’s living on Coronation Street – and connecting with Tracy and Steve like she has is helping her to put down roots,” muses Sally. “She recognises a kindred spirit in Tracy, and Tracy is the only one who takes her seriously. “Abi feels horrendously guilty about kissing Steve, because she likes Tracy, and she’s not one to do over another woman. But after her big heart-to-heart with Steve, Abi does start to wonder if maybe there’s something more to him than first meets the eye…”…

Unhinged Stuart makes his presence felt at the Vic this week, as the terrified Carter clan wonders what he’s going to do next. Mick is horrified to find a cryptic note left in his home, and is shaken when Halfway confirms it’s Stuart’s writing. Mick is furious that his former best pal is waging a campaign of terror against Tina and the family, and prepares to storm over to his place and have it out with him. The rest of the Carters calm him down and try to convince Mick not to tell Tina what’s happening. So to avoid making Tina even more traumatised, Mick suggests they go on a mini-break to Southend – but will that be far enough away as disturbed Stuart quietly seethes? “If Mick can’t batter…