Inside Soap UK 17 - 2021

“It’s silly and camp, but a whole lot of fun…” Oh, I do love it when soap goes proper ‘soapy’ – as per recent episodes of Emmerdale, where we saw a mysterious perpetrator sprinkle some poisonous powder into Kim Tate’s brandy decanter. Okay, it’s silly and camp, but also a whole lot of fun. Don’t get me wrong, we totally applaud the soaps for the issue stories they tell so well, and for the great writing and acting we see as couples come together through adversity, or families are torn apart. However, sometimes you need a bit of something that’s just sheer, unapologetic entertainment. The mystery of Kim’s poisoner will carry on for a while yet, with little clues and big red herrings being dropped in over the coming weeks.…

Sharon proves that she really can’t be trusted this week, as it becomes clear that her ulterior motive for returning to the cobbles is to track down Leanne! The grief-stricken mum was forced to pack up and flee along with Nick and Simon, after evil drug boss Harvey found out that she’d grassed him up to the police. However, as Sharon hasn’t seen Leanne for over 20 years, just what on earth does she want with her now? And how far is she prepared to go to find her? “There are some aspects of Sharon’s personality that really haven’t changed,” considers our Corrie source. “She’s wormed her way back into her foster mum Rita’s affections with a long-overdue apology, and she’s nominated Rita for a special award – but there…

Corrie viewers will find out pretty quickly this week as to why Sharon is desperate to find Leanne, and the reason is sure to reignite their rivalry. Two decades ago, Rita took raucous Leanne under her wing and employed her at the Kabin as her assistant, only to later give the sweet shop to Sharon as a birthday gift – much to Leanne’s horror! And you can bet your TV license that the beef between the two women is anything but water under the bridge… “The thing that’s exciting me the most, really, is the Leanne storyline,” teased producer Iain McLeod earlier this year. “I really think this story will end up in the place where you least expect it when you start watching…”…

Peter is given the lifeline he desperately needs this week, after his doctors call to say they have a new liver for him. However, there’s danger when son Simon comes out of hiding so he can see his dad. A hospital worker spots the lad, before sinisterly reporting his location – and Peter realises that his son could be in peril. As he tries to intervene, however, the ailing dad ends up sprawled across the floor… “This is an absolutely crucial moment for Peter – the key to his salvation is within touching distance, and this incident could scupper it all,” reckons our Coronation Street insider. “All he needs is to get to the operating table unscathed.” Although the week ends in drama, it starts on a very different note…

If Peter’s surgery goes ahead, there are still risks, and no guarantees he’ll be cured. Complications include infections, kidney problems, and his body rejecting the new liver. But most people live for more than 10 years after a liver transplant, with many surviving for 20 years or more. So in Peter’s case, the benefits more than outweigh the risk. That said, the key to Peter’s salvation also relies on him staying off the booze. Is this the incentive he needs to finally kick his habit for good?…

Poor Mitch is in for a terrible time this week, after Bailey makes a drastic decision that she naively believes will ease her dad and Karen’s cashflow crisis. After the Taylors encounter various problems due to their unhealthy bank balance – and resort to desperate measures to top it up (see p46 for Bernadette’s solution) – Bailey overhears a conversation between Mitch and Karen, who wonders out loud whether the youngster would be better off fending for herself! So, Bailey forms a plan – with her dad and Karen none the wiser… “Mitch assumes that Bailey is caught up in her schoolwork…” “This situation with Bailey is a great example of kids knowing things that their parents think they don’t – but kids know!” suggests actor Roger Griffiths, who plays…