Inside Soap UK 14 - 2017

“The Barlows are so dysfunctional...” Oh, I do love a good soapie whodunnit. The second the bullet hits the chest, the unfortunate victim goes over the balcony, or the dead body slumps to the floor, I’m hooked. So, as you can imagine, I’m compiling a mental scrapbook on the Corrie ‘Who pushed Ken?’ plot as I note down the clues and ponder the motivation. It’s a particularly good storyline to pop the Barlow family at the centre of, as their relationships with one another are so gloriously dysfunctional that the possibilities of where it will all go next are endless. Talking of taking a tumble – although this fall is from grace rather than the top landing of No 1 – Michelle Fowler hits rock bottom this week. But luckily…

The residents of Emmerdale come together this week, as tragic Ashley’s life is celebrated. The former vicar – who had been living with early onset dementia – passed away quietly at home last week, with his family by his side, just as he would have wished. And when the day of his funeral arrives, his wife Laurel is surrounded by those to whom he meant so much, as they prepare to say one final goodbye. But despite the heartfelt support, it’s a day devastated Laurel just wasn’t ready for… “Laurel really thought that she and Ashley had many years together,” admits Charlotte Bellamy, who plays the widow. “She wasn’t at all prepared to have him taken from her so quickly and so abruptly. That said, are you ever ready to…

It was a hugely emotional few weeks for John Middleton as he filmed his final scenes as Ashley, but there was no way he would be allowed to leave without fitting fanfare. So his close friends and colleagues organised a party to be proud of – and John had a truly wonderful time… “My leaving do was tremendous,” he beams. “It was at a cool venue called Casa Colombiana in Leeds, and we had a fantastic band called Mambo Jamboree performing. A huge number of people came along – some I was very surprised to see, because they never normally make it out to these kinds of things. Nearly all of the make-up and wardrobe teams were there, camera operators, directors of photography, writers and cast – it was lovely!”…

“Martin can’t bear to look at Michelle right now…” With her life in tatters, Michelle needs her nearest and dearest more than ever this week – but can she manage to persuade her family to forgive her? Michelle’s relationship with teenager Preston has seen her lose almost everything – and after the truth was dramatically revealed in the Vic recently, she came very close to losing her life, too! With nowhere else to turn, the Fowler woman is desperate to make amends – but will anyone be willing to listen to what she has to say? “It’s time for Michelle to start rebuilding her life,” insists our Walford sneak. “But where does she begin? Her husband and son have wiped her out of their lives. The entire Square knows she’s…

Having her sordid secret out in the open might not be ideal for Michelle, but Jenna Russell – who plays her – reckons that it’s for the best… “Now Michelle has to face up to the consequences of what she’s done,” explains the star. “It’s the worst case scenario, and the walls are falling down around her. Her brother, who she loves so dearly, is looking at her in a different way. But I feel it’s a good thing, as it means she will have to mend bridges and build a better foundation. And at least she won’t be lying about Preston now.” While Michelle is in the midst of a nightmare, Jenna’s Walford experience has proved a pleasure so far… “Everyone has been very supportive – I feel like…

“Chloe has Peter on the ropes, and he can see no way out of it” Calculating Chloe makes Peter’s life even more difficult this week – when she convinces the police to apprehend him for assault! In spite of all Chloe’s meddling, Peter and Toyah are miraculously still together and looking to the future, as they get ready to head to the IVF clinic for the harvesting of Toyah’s eggs. Unfortunately, their happiness is shattered after the cops arrive to question him over Chloe’s cruel claim that he assaulted her. Although Peter has already told his loved ones about the visit he paid Chloe on the night of Ken’s fall, the potential charges become more serious when Chloe claims the assault happened the night before… “This is a nightmare for…