Table of contents for 41 - 2017 in Inside Soap UK

“Harry and Nitin are lovely actors!” Well, it’s been a big week for soap gossip. We’re saying goodbye to Ben Mitchell, which is very sad for us here at Inside Soap as Harry Reid is one of the nicest actors we’ve ever had the pleasure to deal with. But as always with the soaps, it’s swings and roundabouts – because straight off the back of the news that Ben is departing, we can reveal that Masood is heading back to Walford! And Nitin Ganatra is equally one of the most lovely actors we’ve had the pleasure of working with. Plus, he’s the secret crush of a couple of our staff members, so they’re very happy! But it seems there’s little in the way of a silver lining when it comes…

“Summer is loaded into an ambulance – Billy is terrified!” Billy and Todd face their first big test as Summer’s guardians this week, after the schoolgirl smokes a strange cigarette and passes out! However, it’s not just Summer’s actions that have horrifying consequences, as Billy flies into a rage and viciously attacks Peter – when it’s revealed that his son Simon dared Summer to puff on the dodgy fag in the first place! “Billy sees Summer being loaded into an ambulance, and he is terrified,” sighs actor Daniel Brocklebank, who plays him. “He promised Summer’s late dad, Drew, that he would take care of her – and within a few months of him taking her on, Summer is in hospital. Not only is Billy worried about her, but he has…

We can’t quite believe it, but it seems Corrie bosses are lining up a shock exit for Gary Windass! After the former soldier returns to Ukraine later this year to continue his private security work, his loved ones will be given the terrible news that he has died in a fatal explosion… “Gary’s family are devastated when they’re told he’s dead,” explains our cobbles insider. “His mum Anna and girlfriend Sarah are inconsolable, and everyone is desperate for more information from the foreign office about what happened.” The nature of Gary’s job has been a huge worry to those closest to him for a number of weeks. His financial situation is so bad that he’s been travelling to and from the war-torn country, earning danger money…

However, it’s not all bad news for Walford fans – EastEnders chiefs have called for the return of viewer favourite Masood Ahmed! “When I was told Masood still has much to give to the show and is missed by the audience, it was hard to refuse!” explains star Nitin Ganatra, who left the soap a year ago to pursue other acting projects. “It is with great pride that I will grow my Masood goatee again to help create an extended family around him.” Masood was last seen heading to Pakistan with young son Kamil to reunite with his ex-wife, Zainab. However, he won’t be coming home with the original Masood clan – instead, Mas will be joined by a couple of new family members whom we…

Arch-manipulator James Willmott-Brown piles the pressure on minion Max this week – giving him a cruel task to execute. With Kathy’s café in his grasp, the vicious tycoon is hell-bent on making the Beales pay. Max is pretty stunned to discover what his boss wants him to do, but he’s in no position to argue and Willmott-Brown has other pawns in his game to move. Son Luke reveals to the Carters that the roof work is going to cost a fortune – and although they demand a second opinion, they’re unaware that it’s a front to rob them of their pub. It looks as though Willmott-Brown has got all the main Walford players exactly where he wants them……

Tony pushes ahead with his plan to buy into Nightingales this week – and his former wife Mandy is keen to help. With Tony having failed to secure any cash in a poker game with Damon, Brody and Mac, thoughtful Mandy takes out a loan for him in her name. However, Diane is furious when she finds out the extent of her husband’s financial lies – and by the end of the week, Tony has something else to confess! Has he endangered two of his most important relationships?…

HIPPY CHICK I’m a big fan of the top that Corrie’s Bethany was wearing on her first day in court. It’s pink with stars and flowers all over it. I love the boho look – where can I buy this? Staci, Glasgow Like a lot of her wardrobe, Bethany’s ‘Star & Floral Print Ruched Blouse’ is from Topshop. It’s recently been reduced to £15! FAMILY TIES I was stunned to learn that Milo caused the crash that killed Gordon and Helen Cunningham in Hollyoaks all those years ago! But I’m a bit confused as to how Mandy, Cindy and Tom are actually related. Mandy is a Richardson, so please explain! Una Gordon and Helen were both Tom’s parents, and Gordon was Cindy’s dad, but her mum was Angela. Later, Gordon…

She might be a bit ditzy, but Sinead is no airhead. When she moved to Weatherfield she was earning a living selling homemade soap and candles – but her job as an Underworld machinist allowed her to show more of her creative talent when she designed the new Prima Doner uniforms. Katie would love it if Sinead could profit from her skills… “When she first came in, Sinead had her own business,” recalls the actress. “Now she’s been in the factory and stuff, you don’t get to see much of her talents. I think it would be good for her to have her own kooky shop selling soaps, candles and all sorts of weird things. Maybe a little pop-up shop somewhere would be nice!”…

There’s baby joy all round, it seems – as soap daddies far and wide have recently celebrated new additions to their families! Former EastEnder Ross Kemp (Grant Mitchell) revealed that his wife Renee O’Brien has given birth to baby twins named Ava and Kitty , and shared an adorable photo with his bundles of joy. “My girls and me,” tweeted the actor. “Mum, Ava and Kitty doing well. Dad overjoyed!” Meanwhile, Neighbours star Scott McGregor (Mark) shared a picture of his first child – a beautiful baby girl called Evie Skye – alongside his fiancée and new mummy Bianka Voigt . Sharing the post-delivery snap, Scott said: “I’ve never been so in love in my life!” Aww!…

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SLIGHTLY UNWIELDY TITLE ASIDE, this has been another excellent edition of the Educating… documentary series. Harrop Fold School’s story is truly inspirational : at one time it was in special measures, but the series rightly focuses on where Harrop is now, and how it has become a nurturing and supportive educational environment of which everyone in ‘Team Harrop’ is justly proud. It’s been an absolute pleasure to get to know the staff and pupils over the course of a challenging year, and the next school that allows the cameras in will have an awful lot to live up to……

BULLSEYE! No other scene in soap this year has made us punch the air so jubilantly as when Nathan and his vile cronies were declared ‘GUILTY!’, ‘GUILTY!’ and ‘GUILTY!’ for their sick treatment of Bethany . Meanwhile, Lucy Fallon flew the flag for survivors everywhere with a stunning and surely award-winning performance. A truly amazing young actress. These two relationships were sealed at the very moment all hell broke loose at Moira’s farm. That can only mean one thing… they’re all doomed! It was hard to take Craig seriously when he was being addressed in court as Special Officer Tinker . Like something out of a Carry On film. The only thing that would have made this scene more perfect was if ghost James had suddenly appeared behind Emma ,…

There is even more heartache on the horizon for Michelle and Robert, after the Bistro boss learns that he has testicular cancer. According to a tabloid newspaper, Michelle’s fella will have a major decision to make when doctors tell him that he needs an operation in order to remove one of his testicles as part of his treatment. And when Robert has doubts over whether he can go through with the procedure, it will fall to Michelle to try to persuade him otherwise… “Michelle and Robert have been to hell and back over the past few months, and it’s all going to get a lot worse for them,” reveals our Corrie snitch. “Just when you think they’ve put their nightmare behind them, Robert’s life will be turned upside down once…

Kat & Alfie live! Former Square star Shane Richie has finally set the record straight on whether Kat and his alter ego Alfie were killed off in Redwater. “Thankfully they’re not dead – that much I know,” he said. “If I got the phone call to go back to EastEnders, I’d love the idea.” Libby for Holby! Former EastEnder Belinda Owusu , aka Libby Fox, is joining the Holby cast. She’ll play Dr Nicky McKendrick, who is anxious about starting her new role. London calling! Neighbours looks set to pay the UK another visit! Tim Kano , who plays Leo, was recently spotted filming scenes for a storyline in London with Sheree Murphy – who is reprising her role as Dakota Davies in the Aussie soap.…

“If Ben is leaving EastEnders , it will have to be because he goes to prison for killing James Willmott-Brown ! Ben is unstable at the best of times, and will go ape when he learns what James did to his mum.” …reckons reader Dom from London “Can you arrange a soap crossover, please? I think it would be brilliant if Corrie’s Liz McDonald could somehow meet Emmerdale’s Rodney Blackstock . They’re made for each other!” …pleads reader Dakota “I really love the new Donovan dad in Hollyoaks – I think that he’s the perfect man for Marnie Nightingale , and he’s got the same kind of look as Mac .” …says reader Gemma from…

“Jai accuses Leyla of having double standards” Sneaky Jai hatches a plan to repair Leyla and Priya’s friendship this week – but with his plot in full swing, tragedy strikes him and Megan. Following the exposure of her affair with Pete, Priya naively believes it’s time for her former bestie Leyla to forgive her for bedding her fiancé – though unsurprisingly, betrayed Leyla is still furious! And as Leyla’s anger towards his sister spirals out of control, Jai decides to play peacemaker between the two women… “The situation comes to a head because Leyla thinks she can carry on doing business with the Sharmas, while holding a grudge against Priya,” shares Chris Bisson, aka Jai. “The relationship isn’t going to work under those conditions. Jai accuses Leyla of having double…

“Cain is set to be a key player in Moira’s life again” NATALIE While going into labour was the last thing Moira expected when trapped in a blazing row with Emma, there’s every chance it actually saved her life. Until Moira roared that the baby about to be born was Emma’s grandson, the crazed nurse seemed set on leaving her to burn in the barn fire. This dramatic storyline twist came as a massive shock – to everyone apart from Natalie J Robb (Moira) and Emmerdale’s series producer Iain MacLeod, of course! Now it’s time for the pair to break their silence… Congratulations on both managing to keep quiet for so long! When did you find out Moira was pregnant? Natalie About four months ago – I thought,…

“Now that’s ironic, isn’t it? You’ve tried to kill me three times, and you can’t even kill yourself once.” Phelan has a great knack for keeping Andy up to date with exactly how useless he is. “The baby is Pete’s, and it’s fine. Moira is weak, but she’s fine. Emma isn’t fine, because she killed herself. She probably hasn’t been fine for ages, only I didn’t see it. And those lads who lost their father have now lost their mother and their brother. And she wasn’t bananas, she was ill. And now she’s dead. Has that answered everyone’s questions?” If you’ve not been keeping up with Emmerdale, vicar Harriet can be relied upon to ensure you know what’s been going on. “I’ve spent the best years of my life here……

FAIR CITY Sash is annoyed as Carol drinks on the job this week, and Robbie is stunned to walk in on a free-for-all she’s hosting at The Station! Elsewhere, Kerri-Ann suggests that she and Decco see a counsellor. Also, Caoimhe refuses to tell Damien about her fling with Dean… RIVER CITY Kim shadows Dr Annie this week, but a set of distractions cause her to make a huge mistake on the job… Meanwhile, Caitlin bans Maggie from her wedding – only for her mother to be rushed to hospital. Also, Lenny makes an unlikely ally to get the community onside. THE ARCHERS Emma is intent on winning the parish council seat this week – but grows very suspicious after gaining support from a certain villager! Elsewhere, Lily encourages Pip to…

“Frank told Vanessa that Charity was poison, and now she’s kissed her!” “Vanessa’s problem isn’t whether or not she’s a lesbian – she’s mortified because she slept with Charity! And I quite like that.” Michelle Hardwick – aka Vanessa – is chuckling away as she chats to us over her lunch break at the Emmerdale studios. And she has a valid point! Vanessa’s not embarrassed because she’s snogged a woman – she’s horrified because she’s gone and copped off with her father Frank’s former fling! That slightly icky point aside, we can’t help wondering whether this shock pairing might be a match made in heaven after all. Yes, Charity is wicked, and rarely more than a few steps away from an outrageous scam. But could getting it on with the…

It’s rare that we see two TV stars from the same show competing against each other in the ballroom, but Joe was thrilled that his former co-star Chizzy Akudolu – who played Mo Effanga in Holby until a few months ago – was also part of this year’s line-up. Sadly, though, Chizzy was the first celebrity to be knocked out of the competition. “It was a shock to lose her, and a lesson to us all to enjoy it while we can – you never know when it’ll be over,” says Joe. “Chizzy did herself proud. I’m sure it can only lead to great things for her.”…

Peggy PEGS IT! Peggy Mitchell made a final return to Albert Square, knowing that she was on borrowed time. Every bit the proud Mitchell, she wanted to go out on her own terms and in style. Sons Phil and Grant were stunned by her decision, and Grant thought his mercy dash to Walford had changed his mum’s mind. But this was Peggy he was dealing with. After waving off Grant, she took a final tour around the Square, before facing her final end, dressed to the nines, accompanied by a vision of her best frenemy, Pat Butcher . “I shall die as I have lived,” she memorably stated. “Straight back, head high, like a queen.” Killer Queen… and King! Only in Hollyoaks could the most prolific serial killer go on…

Hollyoaks is a jungle every day of the week, but Chester favourite Nikki Sanderson (Maxine) looks to be having just as hairy a time away from work! Getting up close and personal with life-size reptile replicas at the Dinosaurs In The Wild VIP evening at EventCity Manchester, the star playfully posed for a snap with a Dakotaraptor. Watch out, love – those teeth are sharper than Darcy’s! Nikki enjoyed a voyage of discovery through the Mesozoic Era while sipping on themed cocktails, as well as getting her hands on some dinosaur dung – and she wasn’t the only soapie having a ‘historical’ time. Turn the page to see which parents shared some quality time with their little monsters……

He’s always causing a stir in the Dales with his bad-boy ways, but Michael Parr (Ross) has never left his fans as gobsmacked as when he was spotted beardless among Strictly Come Dancing audience. Attending the show with cast mate Isabel Hodgins (Victoria) to support contestant and former co-star Gemma Atkinson (Carly Hope), Michael shook fans with his baby-faced look. Sparking rumours of a shock soap exit following his drastic change, he said: “Yes the gone. My looks like freshly plucked chicken, but this is the sacrifice one must make for his art, daharlings.”…

While the Fowlers face the agony of potentially losing a child, Lacey continues to shine as Albert Square’s tragic heroine. Inside Soap caught up with the star – who recently married childhood sweetheart Matt Kay in Ibiza – to talk about what it’s been like being in Stacey’s shoes for all the latest drama… Stacey hasn’t had a lot to smile about lately! How have you found this latest story? It’s felt like a really busy few weeks! It’s definitely good yet again for EastEnders to shine a spotlight on mental health problems via all that Stacey goes through. It seems like a lot happens in a short space of time – how much could happen to one person in two weeks? [laughs] But I guess this is Stacey we’re…

PLUMMET TALKS! Robert pushed ex-love Katie Sugden, leading her to fall to her death after she discovered his secret affair with Aaron. However, Katie’s death could be categorised as an accident because Robert didn’t know that the floor behind her would give way… ROCK BOTTOM! To silence Aaron’s mum Chas from revealing his affair, Robert almost struck Chas with a rock – though bottled it at the last minute. He later called a hitman on her, but another pang of conscience saw him frantically call it off, only just getting to the hitman in time. GRAIN OF TRUTH! After Robert grew sick of Paddy’s interference in his and Aaron’s life, he saw an opportunity when the vet got stuck in a grain pit – so turned on the auger and…

Albert Square’s big shakeup continues following the news that Ben Mitchell is the latest character due to be written out of EastEnders . “We can confirm that Harry Reid will be leaving the role of Ben,” says a show spokesperson. “He has been a great addition to the cast, and we wish him all the best for the future.” Word of the actor’s upcoming departure follows the announcement that Branning sisters Lauren and Abi – played by Jacqueline Jossa and Lorna Fitzgerald – are also heading off, as the show’s creative director John Yorke steers EastEnders in a new direction. But as the girls prepare to bow out in a dramatic storyline this festive season, what does fate have in store for Ben? “Phil’s son is a…

“Peri is shocked to see that this perfect girl has a darker side” Yasmine and Peri make a shocking discovery this week, when they witness Lily self-harming. As the three girls compete to win a much-sought-after internship in a journalism competition, Peri and Yasmine start to question their chances at victory when they learn that studious Lily intends to write an article about Scott. However, when the two best friends try to get one over on their rival, they’re horrified by what they see her doing… “Peri and Yasmine think that Lily is getting changed in the toilets, so they plan to humiliate her by taking a picture of her scar and showing it to the whole school,” explains actress Ruby O’Donnell, who plays Peri. “But when they go to…

There’s more misery for Ian this week, when wife Jane announces she’s leaving Walford – and him! Her shock announcement comes after Ian agrees to sell up in Albert Square and make a new life nearer to Bobby’s young offenders’ unit. However, just as he’s got his head around selling the café to Weyland & Co and saying goodbye to his family and friends, Jane stuns him by explaining that she has decided to go it alone… “It’s a horrendous moment for them both,” shares our Square snoop. “Ian is busy proclaiming his love for Jane before she drops the bombshell. Suddenly, everything that Ian holds dear is gone in a flash.” Ever since her accident, Jane has been struggling to cope with what happened to her. Steven is dead,…

Poor Jai has only just started to come to terms with another recent trauma, having discovered that his girlfriend Nell was a total phoney! The smitten businessman was on the cusp of proposing to the fraud until he discovered her lies – but seeing as he urged her to seek help, might Jai make contact with his ex one day? “No, I don’t think Jai and Nell will keep in touch,” chuckles the actor. “In her final episodes, she explained her logic and reasoning behind what she did, but she wasn’t very remorseful. Jai was very hurt by that because he was in love with her. “The Nell thing really affected him, but events with Eliza quickly refocus his mind away from everything to do with her,” continues Chris. “The…

Finn’s shock death has hit the Bartons hard – but for Joe Gill, who played Emma’s youngest boy for nearly four years, it’s the end of an exciting era… “I’ve loved playing Finn,” beams the actor. “But it was the right time for me to move on. I spoke to Iain in February about leaving, and my contract ended in October, so everything fitted in perfectly. “I’m really proud that Finn has made his exit so dramatically, and the fact that he’s dead draws a proper line. The slate is wiped clean and is a lot more final than if he’d just nipped off somewhere!” There were things Joe needed to do before going, though – and a last-minute return to the set provided an unusual opportunity. “I hadn’t taken…

Zara shows her rarely seen softer side this week, having recently rushed to the aid of stabbed teenager Reece. Following a sleepless night, the medic heads to the hospital to check on Reece’s condition, and finds him in an induced coma after undergoing surgery. At his bedside, she meets Reece’s mum Carlene, who is convinced that Zara saved her son’s life – but as the two women start to bond as they talk about their boys, is Zara getting too personally involved?…

BABY SHOCK IN THE DALES! She was left at death’s door after Emma’s fiery revenge, but the biggest gasp of the night came when stunned Moira went into labour inside the burning barn – without even knowing she was pregnant! I thought Moira was making it up when she said she was having a baby, only to realise she meant it – and it’s Pete’s too! Let’s hope she survives… Louise, Leicester Moira turning out to be pregnant and trapped in the burning barn was a real nail-biter! It was brilliant. I hope this means some happiness for her after losing Holly. Zoe, Cleckheaton I wonder whether Moira really does believe Pete is the baby’s father – has she forgotten about her night of passion with Cain? She slept with…

While Vanessa’s unexpected liaisons with Charity have sent her into a spin, how is Charity feeling? We know she likes a no-strings-attached fling – but could Vanessa be the woman to finally melt her heart? “It would be interesting if things got serious between Charity and Vanessa,” shares Emma. “Up till now, she hasn’t even liked Vanessa! Sometimes, though, even if you don’t like someone, you can’t help but be drawn to them. Charity also knows how much this would wind up Frank – and her cogs are always whirring.” So far, so Charity. However, we need to believe that Vanessa and Charity have a chance! “Charity is so mean when she exposes Vanessa in front of everyone – I stopped defending her a long time ago!” laughs Emma. “But…

“Chesney is the sort of guy you settle down and have kids with” Nobody was more shocked than Sinead herself when she abandoned dependable Chesney for a fling with brainbox Daniel. Her crazy gamble proved disastrous once she got entangled with the barmy Barlows – so it’s no wonder she’s retreated into the arms of reliable old Ches again. But is Sinead’s heart really in it? It doesn’t look like it at the beginning of the week, as she meets Daniel for a drink in the Bistro. However, she swiftly abandons him after finding out Chesney has been rushed to hospital – and there are more shocks in store when an unexpected development reveals a previously unseen side of Chesney. So might Ches turn out to be her hero after…

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Growing up, I loved Disney films – things like Pocahontas, and then the Pixar films like Toy Story. I used to try to get in on grown-up TV shows that my parents watched as a sort of bonding thing, but I didn’t understand any of them. If I watched them now, I’d probably find they were full of sexual references! I’ve got Netflix and I’ve got Amazon Prime , and when we’re filming it’s such a nice thing to do in the evening, just curl up with a box-set. My guilty pleasure is RuPaul’s Drag Race – I’m so in love with that show. I go back to The Sopranos every couple of years, and I think I’m due another go! I’ve done it twice all the…

ALL TALK In new Channel 4 comedy Hang Ups Stephen Mangan plays a down-on-his-luck therapist who now treats his clients via webcam. David Tennant, Celia Imrie, Jessica Hynes and Richard E Grant will also appear. POTTED HISTORY Celebrities including Linda Robson, Christopher Biggins and Pam St Clement will be on a US road trip to find out more about the medicinal use of marijuana. Look out for three-part series Gone To Pot on ITV later this year. GUARD DUTY Richard Madden and Keeley Hawes have signed up for new BBC1 drama Bodyguard , from Line Of Duty creator Jed Mercurio. The story follows a war veteran assigned to protect the Home Secretary – whose politics he loathes...…

SHOW CRAZY FOR YOU Join two former Strictly contestants – Tom Chambers (Casualty’s Sam Strachan) and Caroline Flack – as they tour in this feel-good musical. With mistaken identities, heartbreak and happiness, it’s a glamorous show featuring memorable tunes not to be missed. It’s touring until 19 May 2018 – for tickets, visit www.crazyforyoutour.com BOX-SET HOUSE OF CARDS – THE COMPLETE FIFTH SEASON Tensions mount in the White House as Frank (Kevin Spacey) and Claire (Robin Wright) continue to navigate their political careers and redefine their relationships – particularly with each other. Win!  For the chance to win a copy, tell us who plays Frank in the Dales: A) Michael Praed or B) Patrick Mower. Text ISWIN1 , a space, then A or B and your name & address to…