Inside Soap UK 44 - 2020

“It’s comforting to see a familiar face on telly” Just as we’re approaching another tricky time in real life, ironically the fictional world of the soaps seems to be getting more back to normal than ever. This week, Doctors returns to our screens after an extended break, and we have a lovely catch-up with new recruit at The Mill, Verity Rushworth – an Inside  Soap favourite who we first met when she was just 12 years old, playing Emmerdale’s Donna Windsor. I find it comforting to see a familiar face back on our screens at the moment, even if it is in another role! And if you’re seeking more of the familiar, my spies tell me another of our beloved dramas is also going to be back very soon. More…

Mick and Shirley face off this week, in what could be Walford’s darkest-ever night of the soul – as she pressures him to explain his connection to Frankie. Mick has struggled to get to grips with the news that Frankie is his daughter, and that her mum Katy Lewis abused him when he was just 12 years old, and he’s taken his anger out on his mum, blaming Shirley for not being there for him as a child. Shirley knows that something isn’t right, and is determined to get to the bottom of Mick’s misery. But is she truly prepared for the horror that the truth will bring? “For Shirley, the sad reality of this story is that she was too young to bring Mick up as her own, forcing…

It can only be a matter of time before viewers are introduced to Frankie’s monstrous mum, aka Mick’s abuser Katy Lewis. In order to portray the story sensitively and accurately, EastEnders is working closely with both the NSPCC and SurvivorsUK – a charity that helps male, trans and non-binary survivors of sexual violation. “Research suggests that it takes male survivors an average of 26 years to speak out,” explains Alex Feis-Bryce, CEO of the organisation. “The fact that the perpetrator in this storyline is female challenges the myth that sexual violence is something perpetrated by men against women. The reality is that is that anyone can experience this, and it is committed by people from all backgrounds and identities.”…

Devastated Chas believes she’s lost Paddy for good this week, when he spends the night with ex-wife Mandy. Paddy is deeply hurt after he discovers Chas has popped back to the village, and hasn’t even told him she’s home. With their relationship in tatters, they both decide to sit down and confront the other before it’s too late. But when Paddy has some Dutch courage before the meet-up, he overdoes it and finds himself at the Dingles’ getting wrecked with Mandy. “It’s a massive knock to Chas that Paddy could cheat on her,” explains Lucy Pargeter, who plays Chas. “You don’t realise your own actions until someone does it back to you. Paddy and Mandy have always had a good friendship, and she’s a vivacious, crazy girl. Chas does think…

Hi, Lucy! Are the fans horrified by Chas’ indiscretion with Al? The fans hate what Chas has done. I read people’s comments saying she’s using the death of her child for her own gratification, and that she’s a mental abuser because she shouts at Paddy all the time. I’m like, “Oh, my God!” Chas isn’t popular right now. Was it fun to film with Michael Wildman (Al)? Yes! These scenes came out of nowhere, and suddenly we were supposed to have a spark. But Michael is a gentleman – so lovely, charming and charismatic. It wasn’t hard to see why Chas would have a bit of a twinkle around him. Would you be gutted if Chas and Paddy split? I would! On paper, they aren’t meant to be, but I…

Furious Tim gets his own back on Geoff this week, after his dad tries to wreck a garden party Sally is throwing. “The Metcalfes have seen that Geoff is capable of all sorts” Tim, Sally, Faye and Debbie are all waiting for Faye’s new boyfriend to arrive at the do, when Geoff brings his boogie box outside and starts blasting out loud music to deliberately antagonise his son. It’s a very childish and vindictive move, which enrages Tim – who is already on edge. So when mischievous Debbie suggests that he should cool Geoff down, Tim goes for broke. “The pressure has been building up for weeks and Tim can’t contain his fury a moment longer,” explains our Weatherfield insider. “His dad has become a menace, and his new nemesis.…