Table of contents for 19 - 2016 in Inside Soap UK

Try as I may (although to be honest, I haven’t tried terribly hard!) there’s only one word that I have to write in my editor’s letter for this issue, and that word is… wait for it… GRANT! There’s something a little bit special about the return of this Walford legend. And it’s made all the more of a treat – in a sad way, of course – that it coincides with the final goodbye to Peggy Mitchell, another Walford legend who will simply never be bettered. We are talking classic, tear-jerking EastEnders this week. Grant himself, actor Ross Kemp, tells us about his return over on p8 – and it’s lovely to hear the fondness that he still has for the show and the legacy of the Mitchell family. We…

SHARON She broke his heart by cheating with Phil, but ex-wife Sharon always got under Grant’s skin. Their violent marriage was a disaster, but given that she’s just divorced alcoholic Phil, will Grant be her Mr Right again? JANE Her affair with Grant almost killed Jane and Ian’s relationship, as Jane never could resist the Mitchell hard man. But now Jane and Ian are bound by Bobby’s killer secret, would the temptation of Grant be too risky? KATHY The Mitchell brothers always seem to fall for each other’s women, and Kathy was no exception. Her fling with his brother drove Phil mad – he and Grant ended up in the Thames! Could Kathy be the woman for Grant?…

The ‘No More Secrets’ storyline between Pete and Cleo has caused a huge stir among fans, and the importance of Cleo’s story really hit home for Nadine when she decided to run the London Marathon with Kai Owen [Pete] for the NSPCC. “I spotted two young girls in the crowd at the NSPCC stand, and I felt so emotional because they helped us as part of the NSPCC research group,” says the star. “That was incredible and it made me realise that although I love being an actress, I’m also doing something worthwhile by telling this story. If it helps anyone come forward and say that this happened to them, then that’s priceless.”…

The child of Cindy Beale and her lover, Simon ‘Wicksy’ Wicks, Steven is horrified to learn that Ian’s not his biological dad. He flees to New Zealand to live with his birth father. However, five years later, the troubled teen returns to Walford and begins stalking Ian. All hell breaks loose when his true identity is revealed – and Steven accidentally shoots Jane! She is unable to have children of her own as a result. When Steven tries to take his own life, Stacey saves the day. The pair start dating – however, confused Steven realises that he’s gay when he tries to snog Jane’s brother Christian! After trying to smother his grandma Pat, Steven attempts to flee the country with his half-sister Lucy. Ian finds out – and tells…

Serena returns to AAU following her suspension this week – only to learn that Bernie has been charged with supervising her! As a power struggle unfolds between the women, their cheeky colleagues Raf and Fletch have a bet on which of them will come out on top. However, when Serena is challenged by her colleagues on a surgical matter in theatre, she’s forced to step back and let Bernie continue with the procedure. In that moment, Serena realises her future at Holby looks bleak – and she gives Hanssen her resignation. Is this the end for her, or will she be thrown a lifeline? Also this week… Can Arthur find the strength to tell his parents his news?…

“BILLY IS QUITE ASHAMED OF LEE – BUT ALSO OF HIMSELF!” It came as quite a shock when vicar Billy lost his temper and went the full Incredible Hulk in the Rovers recently, threatening to ‘deck’ both Johnny and Phelan. But it was also an intriguing development, because we all thought we knew Billy inside out. This week, as his troubled past is exposed, it transpires that the seemingly affable vicar has plenty of secrets to hide… “We forget that vicars are people, too – and they are just as capable of making mistakes as the rest of us!” says Daniel Brocklebank, who joins Inside Soap for a good gossip about his character’s latest travails. “That’s the idea at the heart of Billy’s latest storyline. He’s been keeping a massive…

While Ashley was still married to first wife Bernice when Laurel arrived in the village, it appears that Emmerdale bosses always intended the pair to somehow end up together. John reveals he was working with Charlotte Bellamy, who plays Laurel, before she had even won the role… “I was there at Charlotte’s first audition, so we’ve worked together practically since she started on the show,” he explains. “Back then I fed her the lines and she did all the rest – but that’s why there’s such a strong connection between us. We have an openness which means there’s no question of insulting one another in being honest. Charlotte is a delight so of course, I’m very pleased that Laurel and Ashley are together again!”…

It’s not just Zosia’s relationship with Ollie that suffers this week – she’s continuing to avoid her best friend Arthur in the wake of his cancer diagnosis. And the emotion we’re seeing from Zosia hasn’t been difficult for Camilla to muster, seeing as she’s great mates in real life with Rob Ostlere (Arthur) and David Ames (Dominic)… “When I first heard about Arthur’s story, I called a little meeting for the three of us in Soho in London,” the star tells us. “We had a few cocktails and talked it through – and now we’re throwing so much of our energy into it because we love Rob so much.” Indeed, the trio are so close off screen that they’re already planning their next holiday away together. “Rob’s family own a…

It’s rare for an experienced actress such as Dame Barbara Windsor (Peggy) to be caught off guard - but did the queen of Walford let slip her displeasure at the unveiling of her very own portrait last week? The EastEnders legend was guest of honour as her portrait by Welsh artist Dan Llywelyn Hall was unveiled at L’Escargot in London’s Soho - but while Babs reckons she loved the picture as soon as she saw it, does her reflection in the mirror tell a different story? Or is she just studying herself intently? Either way, we think she looks great!…

Are you enjoying Erica’s ‘girl gang’ with Liz and Mary? …asks Tricia from Scarborough I love it and wish we had more scenes together! I think that dynamic is one of the Coronation Street cornerstones. It’s that humour of women chewing the cud, putting the world to rights, talking about men and having a good old laugh together over a drink! And I love Bev [Callard, aka Liz] and Patti Clare [Mary] because we clicked straight away, and I’m very comfortable working with them. What’s the best reality show you’ve been part of? …asks Sophie, via email Undoubtedly [2007 BBC2 show] Safari School. We were taught how to be game rangers and lived in the African bush for a month. I love wildlife and I’ve been on loads of safaris,…

1 SATURDAY Book THE BUTTERFLY SUMMER by Harriet Evans Growing up in London with just her mother, Nina Parr never knew her father, who died while catching butterflies in the Amazon. Nina is totally in the dark about her dad and his family – until one day in a dusty old library, she bumps into an elderly woman who seems to recognise her… WIN! For the chance to win a copy, tell us who played Neighbours’ Nina Tucker: A) Holly Valance, B) Margot Robbie, or C) Delta Goodrem. Text ISWIN1, a space, then A, B, or C and your name & address to 87080 (50p). Or see below for postal entries. 2 SUNDAY DVD INDIAN SUMMERS - SERIES TWO This second series picks up three years after the…

STEPH’S SIBLINGS? I know Steph in Neighbours has two sisters, Flick and Michelle, but doesn’t she also have a brother? J McGlinn, Wemyss Bay Steph actually has two brothers. She’s the oldest, then brother Jack, sisters Flick and Michelle, and finally young Oscar. Jack is abroad, Oscar lives with mum Lyn – and the last we heard, Flick and Michelle were in New York. ROVER RETURNS! Sarah, could you please tell me what has happened to the dog, Rover, that Steve had in Corrie? Beryl, Southam Good news, Beryl! My spies at Corrie tell me that Rover remained at the pub with Liz and Michelle while Steve was in Spain, and hopefully will be appearing on our screens again very soon. JACK’S HOUSE I am a…

Soap’s number one family faces its most tragic chapter this week, as the legendary Peggy Mitchell passes away, just after son Grant arrives to be with her. This is no tender reunion for the clan, however, as Grant arrives in Walford furious that Peggy’s sad secret has been kept from him – and that he has been denied the chance to spend more time with her… Brothers Phil and Grant are later united, though – both upset that poorly Peggy has stopped receiving treatment that could prolong her life. But while she tells them she’s ready to face death, it’s facing her sons who are torn up with grief and fury that’s the big battle for Peggy. “Grant and Phil are in turmoil and they are lashing out at each…

“JACK HAPPENS TO BE THERE THE SAME DAY JENNY GOES TO BLACKPOOL” Jenny is hailed a hero this week, as she bravely runs in front of a tram to save little Jack Webster’s life. She’s in Blackpool with new love interest Johnny when the accident happens, where she’s trying to exorcise the demons of her past. But in a frightening reminder of what happened to her wicked dad Alan, Jack is in peril on the tramline. And it’s Jenny who rescues him… “It’s purely instinct,” shares Sally Ann Matthews, who plays her. “Jack happens to be there the same day Jenny goes to Blackpool with Johnny. She never went and visited the site where her dad fell, so Johnny offers to take her there so she can remember her dad…

“We’ve had chats on set about what Rhona should do for the best,” reveals Zoe. “Most of the guys reckon that because Rhona has been wronged and Paddy’s left her, she should do exactly what she likes – it’s the women who think it’s too soon for her to be moving on. “But I come from the point of view of, ‘Go on, girl – you go for it, Rhona!’. She wouldn’t be in this position of taking up with Pierce or anyone else if Paddy hadn’t done what he did. So I’m definitely in the camp where she should do what she likes!”…

SNEAK PREVIEW! Here’s your first look at good-time girl Sam Mitchell – back where she belongs in Albert Square. Star Danniella Westbrook, the original actress to play Phil and Grant’s troublesome younger sister, is thrilled to be working with EastEnders again as the soap films the funeral of the Mitchell siblings’ mother Peggy… “First day back at work and loving every second!” posted chuffed mum-of-two Danniella on Instagram. The Celebrity Big Brother contestant was recently snapped at the hairdressers’ topping up her highlights in preparation for her EastEnders transformation. And doesn’t she look the part? With that blonde hair and dazzling smile, Danniella has never looked more like Peggy’s daughter! Viewers can expect to see Danniella on screen in a few weeks’ time, where she’ll join Steve McFadden (Phil), Ross…

The students of Hollyoaks High cut loose at the Space Ball this week – but it’s John Paul who has a night to remember when Scott decides to pop the question! It was down to John Paul to organise the school bash, and he was initially reluctant to step up to the plate – especially when he found out he’d be working in such close quarters with wacky Scott. But eventually the pair managed to see eye to eye, and with a bit of help from Mrs St Claire, JP and Scott became Hollyoaks’ latest couple. But as John Paul gets to sit back at the ball and admire his and Scott’s efforts, the teacher is knocked for six when his new boyfriend proposes to him – a moment made…

FAIR CITY Eoghan and Rose are worried sick this week, when Katy disappears! After it transpires that she never arrived in Galway, Katy is officially considered a missing person… Also, Decco plans to propose to Kerri-Ann, but will he be influenced by talk of her client’s proposal? And Charlotte worries she and Oisin have taken their campaign against Jane too far. RIVER CITY Annie wants a mini-break with AJ this week, but Alex denies AJ’s holiday request. Furious, Annie confronts him – but is stunned as Alex admits he scuppered her plans out of jealousy! But will Annie give in to her growing attraction towards him? Elsewhere, Eileen tries to rally support in her fight against the Murdochs, but Lenny decides to play her at her own game. THE ARCHERS…

The fact that Coronation Street is now home to a gay vicar is a progressive and wonderful thing. It has meant a lot to people working in the church who have faced prejudice and bigotry because of their sexuality – and Daniel is delighted to be flying the flag for them on prime time TV. “The character of Billy has shown you can be gay and have faith, and it’s all right,” he explains. “I did a lot of research when I started because I wanted to get it correct. Now I have loads of gay vicar mates and they are on call if I’ve got something in the script I don’t get. Their advice is invaluable. “The vicars I have met have been really good fun,” continues Daniel. “One…

SILAS NUMBER OF VICTIMS • India Longford• Jenny• Rae Wilson• Heidi Costello THE ONES THAT GOT AWAY • Nancy Osborne• Texas Longford• Lynsey Nolan• Cheryl Brady• Theresa McQueen• Mercedes McQueen FATAL MISTAKE Desperate to bump off arch-nemesis Lynsey, Silas accidentally killed his own beloved daughter Heidi by mistake. Oops! SWORN ENEMY Lynsey Nolan. She was the first person to realise that Silas was a killer, and vowed to bring him down. Silas failed to get rid of her but she was later murdered by Dr Browning instead! LINDSEY NUMBER OF VICTIMS • Rick Spencer• Mariam Andrews• Will Savage• Ashley Davidson• Phoebe McQueen• Dylan Jenkins• Doctor S’Avage THE ONES THAT GOT AWAY • Freddie Roscoe• Esther Bloom• Diane O’Connor FATAL MISTAKE The medic was sure she’d done in her husband Freddie. But he lived to tell the tale and helped the police with their investigation. SWORN ENEMY Mercedes McQueen. The pair…

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AUSTRALIA (NOPREVIOUSWINS) Dami Im, ‘Sound Of Silence’ After making their Eurovision debut in 2015, Australia are back for more, sending X Factor champ Dami to represent them with this moody, Sia-esque track. Australia don’t get an automatic pass to the final show this year, but we still think Dami will do pretty well. FRANCE (LASTWIN: 1977) Amir, ‘J’ai cherché’ It’s been a while since France were serious contenders at Eurovision, but this year they’ve seriously upped their game. This laid-back track is tipped to be their best result in years, and having the chorus in English should help them out too. RUSSIA (LASTWIN: 2008) Sergey Lazarev, ‘You Are The Only One’ Last year’s runners-up Russia have abandoned their usual strategy of sending wholesome young…

HARE TRIGGER Rabbit classic Watership Down gets a new adaptation for BBC1 next year. The four-part animation will use the voices of James McAvoy, Ben Kingsley, Gemma Arterton and Olivia Colman. WINTER IS COMING A new detective is coming to the lawless streets of Midsomer County, as Nick Hendrix joins the next series of Midsomer Murders playing DS Jamie Winter, alongside Neil Dudgeon’s DCI John Barnaby. GRIN AND BEAR IT A special celebrity edition of The Island With Bear Grylls has been filmed as part of Channel 4’s Stand Up To Cancer. Participants include Made In Chelsea’s Ollie Locke, presenter Zoe Salmon and The Hotel’s Mark Jenkins.…

KEEP CARM & CARRY ON! I felt so sorry for EastEnders’ Carmel after she dolled herself up for a date with her ex-hubby, only to realise that the whole thing was a set-up by her son Shakil. But after everything Umar has done to her, why would she go back to him? She’s fabulous – someone should snap her up! Roxanne, via email And what’s Masood playing at? She’s perfect for him! JULIE NOTED? Just like the Erinsborough cops, I’ve been trying to figure out who was responsible for the Lassiters explosion, and I think I’ve finally cracked the case. It has to be Julie Quill! Nobody hates Paul more than she does, so it makes sense that she would frame him for the crime. Juliette, London But would she…

BULLSEYE! Creepy/sexy Walford builder Andy has piqued our curiosity – and we’ve come up with a wild theory. What if he’s Archie Mitchell’s son? Our evidence… He’s obsessed with Ronnie for some reason and has taken an unhealthy interest in Stacey, who was Archie’s killer. We could be wrong, of course – but there’s definitely something afoot! We have a horrible sinking feeling that soon-to-depart Paul Coker is going to die. He and Ben are so blissfully happy, we suspect a brutal separation must be heading their way… Welcome home, Roxy! You look well. We hope Tootsie sticks around in Emmerdale to serve as a lovely reminder of the late Edna. Though it looks as if she’s keen to leg it at any minute… We were deeply alarmed at the…

SNEAK PREVIEW! The Dales’ Matthew Wolfenden has shaved his head for his alter ego David’s testicular cancer storyline. The actor posted a snap of his new look on Instagram while on holiday in Venice with his partner and village co-star, Charley Webb, who plays Debbie Dingle in the soap. “Me and my beautiful girl (and my freshly shaven head!),” said the pic caption. Devoted Matthew has made no secret of his wish to portray David’s story as accurately as he possibly can. Speaking recently to Inside Soap at an Emmerdale press event, the star shared why he was ready to sacrifice his own hair for the plot. “I got a call into make-up to talk about how I felt about it,” revealed Matthew. “I didn’t want to go half-hearted with…

It’s the morning after the night before for Ash – and he’s got some serious grovelling to do after his girlfriend Phoebe finds out that he spent the night with another woman! Ash wakes up with no recollection of what happened, other than the fact that there was a stranger in his bathroom. He confides in sister Billie that he thinks he cheated on Phoebe, and she encourages him to retrace his steps to find out what went on. Things get more confusing once pictures of Ash and the mystery girl turn up – and when the woman later reaches out to him, he becomes more convinced that they slept together. How will Phoebe take the news of his indiscretion? Also this week… Irene opens up to Hannah…

“ZOSIA IS MOST HURT BECAUSE OLLIE SPEAKS TO MO PRIVATELY” Lovebirds Zosia and Ollie require major heart surgery this week – but not the type we’re used to seeing in Holby! Their romance ends up on the critical list after Ollie is forced to question whether Zosia, who suffers from bipolar disorder, is mentally fit to carry out her surgical duties. And when Zosia realises that her fella is the driving force behind her being removed from a particular case, she takes the devastating decision to call time on their relationship… “Essentially Ollie pulls rank on Zosia, and her pride takes a real kicking,” sighs star Camilla Arfwedson, who plays her. “It’s very sad, as she still loves him and he loves her – but she can’t get over what…

The lads of soap recently teamed up for a game of footie in honour of late Corrie legend Bill Tarmey, aka Jack Duckworth. Soap hunks including Ryan (Jason) – was displaying a killer set of abs – put in a match-winning performance to raise money for Brain Tumour Research, a charity of which Bill was a proud ambassador. But we weren’t just watching events on the pitch! There was an intriguing moment during half-time as the Street’s Alan Halsall (Tyrone) – who was out of action after suffering a hamstring injury – was consoled by Lucy-Jo Hudson (currently starring as Rhiannon in Doctors). The married couple were spotted locking lips, despite announcing a split six weeks ago. So could it be a win-win all round? Also starring...…

LESSON LEARNED! Thank goodness Hollyoaks’ Nikki Sanderson (Maxine) didn’t pay attention in school… when it came to career advice, that is! “I wanted to be an actress or a forensic scientist, and my careers officer told me to focus on the forensic side,” revealed the star recently. We think science’s loss was Chester’s gain! SHOP HORROR You may think the celeb life is all glitz and glamour, but it isn’t always an easy ride – Hollyoaks’ Anna Passey reveals she was once attacked in a supermarket because of her alter ego Sienna’s antics! “I was so embarrassed,” she sighs. “I was just thinking, ‘What if people don’t watch the show? They’re going to think I’m a home wrecker in real life!’” DOLLS’HOUSE It seems quite a few soap stars also…

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WE’VE BEEN UTTERLY SPOILT for choice for great drama on Sunday nights lately. This week marks the conclusion of the occasionally confusing, always gripping drama about brilliant barrister Maya Cobbina, who constantly battles for truth and justice, but has only recently discovered the lies and deception in her own life. Sophie Okonedo has been superb as Maya and reduced us to tears more than once, and co-star Adrian Lester has made her conflicted, secretive husband Nick far more likeable than he has any right to be. More of this please, BBC1.…

After three series of tending to elderly patients in a beleaguered NHS hospital, Getting On’s nurse Kim Wilde takes on a new role in this comedy spin-off. Kim’s now a care assistant working in the community and employed by an outsourced provider – working just as hard, still on low pay, and with even less help than before. “Working in the community has very different challenges,” shares Jo Brand, who plays Kim. “When you’re attached to an institution, there is at least a structure there to support you. In the community, you’re on your own and that can be hard. Some chaos is in store.” Fortunately for Jo – who’s a former psychiatric nurse herself – she was able to get inspiration on what Kim’s new…

“EITHER SOMEONE COMES IN WITH A HARVEY NICKS BAG, OR SOMEONE COMES IN WITH A HANGOVER.” In The Club star Taj Atwal on the cast’s two favourite pastimes while filming in Leeds “WHEN I GET THE HAIRCUT, YOU CAN’T HIDE THAT PEAKY BLINDERS IS COMING BACK!” Cillian Murphy reveals the big giveaway that lets fans know when he’s working on the hit drama “I’VE BEEN WORKING WITH PHIL FIVE YEARS LONGER THAN I’VE BEEN WITH MY PARTNER.” Kirstie Allsopp on her enduring partnership with her long-term ‘TV husband’ Phil Spencer “WE LOOK SO DIFFERENT. HE’S QUITE BUILT AND STACKED- AND HE’S A PILOT AND I’M… NOT.” The Windsors’ Hugh Skinner thinks he’s not an obvious choice to play Prince William…

While I have the utmost sympathy for poor Nick, he’s really not doing himself any favours by keeping the truth about his brain injury a secret from Carla. I know he’s worried about their future together, but surely it’s a problem they should be working through as a couple? Their marriage is never going to work if they’re both hiding massive secrets! Kavita, Ipswich Wow, how scary is Nick when he loses his rag? I expected that mug to fly right out of the TV when he hurled it against the wall! I’m surprised that Carla isn’t terrified of him now. Lyla, via email It’s great to see that Corrie has picked up on Nick’s brain injury story again, even though it was a good couple of years ago that…

ARIES 21 MARCH - 20 APRIL  A big event that you’ve been looking forward to for a while finally arrives this week! Things might go exactly as you expected, maintain a positive attitude - it will all work out for the best in the end! TAURUS 21 APRIL - 21 MAY  They say love strikes when you least expect it - and that might just apply to you this week, Taurus! Much to your surprise, a friendship may begin to blossom into something a lot more romantic. GEMINI 22 MAY - 21 JUNE  Money may be on your mind this week, Gemini - but don’t feel bad about your finances. Opportunities could be in store that improve your situation, so remain determined and keep working hard! CANCER 22 JUNE -…