Table of contents for 24 - 2018 in Inside Soap UK

“Soaps have really come a long way!” Soaps have certainly come a long way. Twenty years ago, the usually reserved Corrie hit the headlines when it introduced soap’s first transexual character in Hayley Cropper. Of course, Hayley went on to be one of the show’s most popular characters ever, with a nation weeping when she passed away in 2014. Back then, a female actress was cast in the role, with producers thinking the public would better accept the character this way. Fast forward to today, and Emmerdale is reintroducing Moira’s one-time daughter Hannah, who now identifies as male, and has found a wonderful transgender actor to play the role of Matty in the form of Ash Palmisciano. This story feels very timely, and watching Moira coming to terms with the challenges…

As their devious plotting continues, will Rainie and Max be pushed together – or futher apart? “Well, they hate each other, so there’s no chance of them getting with one another properly!” laughs Jake Wood, who plays Max. “Max is only after her for what she can give him. He’s playing with fire, though, and may have underestimated Rainie...” But Jake insists Max’s scheming is justified – in his own head at least! “He wants to be a good dad,” says the star. “He does have a good side – and a bad side!”…

Moira is in for the mother of all shocks – when her daughter Hannah returns, and reveals she is now living as a man called Matty having undergone gender reassignment while away from the village. This week, viewers will realise someone is spying on Moira and Cain, but the sinister stalker’s identity will be kept under wraps until next week, when Cain punches an intruder at the farm. However, Moira instantly recognises Matty as the daughter she knew as Hannah. But how will Moira feel about having a son? And what are the challenges ahead as mother and child try to rebuild their relationship, after so long apart? “Matty knows how to make an impact: Cheeky, effervescent, quick-witted and headstrong, it’s not long before he’s charmed his way into the…

MO She’ll take you the long way while adding a cheeky surcharge for everything – opening the window, closing the window, breathing. You name it, she’ll pop a quid-and-a-half on the meter! JEAN Jean will be one of those chatty cabbies you always get just when you’re not in the mood. She’ll make no profit – as every passenger will terminate the journey halfway through just to get away from her incessant twittering. STACEY The other end of the scale, Stacey will never want to chat – she’ll take the route she wants to take, not the route you ask her to, then give you a mouthful if you don’t tip her enough. Service with a scowl, guaranteed! HAYLEY This girl is good. She’ll give you the ultimate sob story…

There’s misery for Fiz this week, as Hope causes more trouble for her and Tyrone. Now that she’s decided to try to reunite with Ty, Fiz plans a surprise date night for her and her estranged partner. It’s been tough for Fiz to put aside her fears about Tyrone forming a bond with Abi to give their relationship another go – so it’s a real knockout blow as Hope’s devious meddling leaves her and Tyrone further apart than ever before. Hope’s wickedness begins when she tells Tyrone that her mummy has a date that night, and neglects to mention to her daddy that he’s who she plans to meet. Hurt that Fiz appears to be moving on, Tyrone decides to accept an invitation from Abi to go out together after…

Gem and Rash are left to look after Connie’s beloved goldfish, Mrs B, this week – but disaster strikes, as the poor pet dies! The pair are horrified to find Mrs B swimming with the fishes, and they’re forced to work together to come up with a creative solution before Connie gets back. It’s clear that Rash and Gem are getting on swimmingly as they go about their slippery business – but can they succeed in replacing Mrs B before Connie returns and puts the fear of cod into them?…

FAIR CITY Ray struggles to swallow his pride this week, as he worries about renting alone. Can Nora provide a solution? Elsewhere, Robbie is left licking his wounds after being rebuffed by Carol. Also, Cristiano and Will disagree about their relationship – is it casual or serious? THE ARCHERS Ruth’s big birthday bash begins this week – and while Jennifer panics when Kate tries to let loose, Kenton has a surprise in store. Across Ambridge, Pip finds out what Toby has been up to, as the villagers take bets on what the pair will name their unborn baby… Finally, Rex receives unwanted attention. River City is taking a two-week break during coverage of the World Cup, and will return to BBC One Scotland on Tuesday 3 July. See…

It started with a kiss… and now Holby’s Bernie and Serena are one of the most ‘shipped’ couples on television. However, fans of the pair have endured a fair bit of separation anxiety as a result of stars Jemma Redgrave and Catherine Russell both taking breaks from the show. So now the smitten surgeons are firmly within snogging distance again, what does their future hold? Catherine Russell, who plays Serena, teases us with the juicy details… Was it fun reuniting with Jemma to revisit Berena’s romance? Absolutely! Jemma and I have worked together for two years and it’s always a treat to play opposite somebody who inspires you to be better than you are. I hope she feels the same, and yes, I’ve loved having her…

ROSEMARY When we met her, Rosemary had some messages for Audrey and Gail from their dead friends and family. However, it transpired that she was on the rob with sly Lewis Archer! STELLA Stella’s reason for pitching up on the Street may not have been sinister, but it was no less shocking – as it was revealed that she was the birth mother of Leanne Battersby! ED He seemed like a normal churchgoer – yet Ed was one of the men responsible for killing Emily’s husband Ernest almost 30 years before seeking forgiveness.…

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The Woman In White was the last drama I got into. I love Jessie Buckley, I think she’s a brilliant actress. My husband and two sons occupy the sofa and I rarely sit down, so I don’t have time to watch much telly! But I did really get into War And Peace and Downton Abbey. I love Have I Got News For You , but there don’t seem to be many sitcoms on any more. There’s Not Going Out, – I like Lee Mack. I enjoy Would I Lie To You?, but I think some of the lines in Coronation Street are funnier than any sitcom! It sounds boring, but I love the news – it’s our world and some of the time you don’t want…

KEEPING MUM Sheridan Smith, Alison Steadman and Sinead Keenan will star in Care, a 90-minute BBC1 drama by Jimmy McGovern. Two sisters’ lives are changed forever when their mother develops dementia. STRIKE IT LUCKY Filming has begun on a new series of Sky One’s action drama Strike Back. Warren Brown, Alin Sumarwata and Daniel MacPherson return alongside Jamie Bamber. IRELAND’S SONG Matthew Rhys and Jamie Dornan have signed up for BBC2 drama Death And Nightingales, alongside Red Rock star Ann Skelly. The three-part series, set in 1885, tells a story of love and betrayal in Fermanagh.…

OUT AMANDA CLAPHAM (Holly Cunningham, Hollyoaks ) The fifth actress to play Cindy’s daughter Holly is bowing out of the village, as Amanda Clapham leaves the role she’s played since 2013. “I feel it’s my time to go now,” she says. “Holly’s been through so much in the past five years and it’s been a pleasure to play her. I’m still filming to the end of summer, so my exit will be on screen in or around September. There’s some exciting stuff coming up – it will be emotional.” September JESSIE WALLACE (Kat Moon, EastEnders ) IN Fear not! She may be missing from our screens (and from the recent British Soap Awards ceremony), but Jessie Wallace – aka Kat – is coming back…

The couple’s false-alarm pregnancy forced them to get serious – but are babies on the horizon for Belle and Lachlan? We asked star Eden-Taylor Draper, who plays Belle, what she thinks… Is Belle at all suspicious of killer Lachlan? No, she’s oblivious! Belle was so focused on her ‘pregnancy’ when Lachy killed Gerry that she didn’t know what he was doing. Did she want his baby when she thought that she was pregnant? The timing was terrible, but deep down she was over the moon to find out she was pregnant – it was something that she and Lachlan wanted. Belle isn’t keen to try for another baby, though – would you like her to get pregnant? Yeah, I think it would be something different and interesting for her and…

It looks as though vile Josh will target a new rape victim – but not if David has anything to do with it! These new pictures of actor Ryan Clayton – who plays Josh – filming on location show his evil alter ego out for a drink with a random bloke, who is potentially in danger of being drugged and attacked by Josh, just like David was. But help appears to be close by in the form of David and vicar Billy, who are watching Josh from a car outside… “Josh has been arrested and let go by the police, as there is no evidence to support David’s allegation,” our Corrie source reminds us. “He’s fully aware that people are on to him now, though he’s still cocky enough to…

HAYLEY CROPPER CORRIE Played by actress Julie Hesmondhalgh, Hayley was soap’s first permanent transgender character. Previously known as Harold, Hayley went on to marry Roy, and the rest is history. JASON COSTELLO HOLLYOAKS Originally introduced as Jasmine – played by Victoria Atkin – Jason suffered from gender identity issues before choosing to live as a boy. SALLY ST CLAIRE HOLLYOAKS Annie Wallace was the first transgender person in British soap history to play a trans character, as Sally was revealed to be the biological parent of John Paul McQueen. KYLE SLATER EASTENDERS Trans actor Riley Carter Millington joined EastEnders as Kyle, who turned out to be Stacey’s half-brother, formerly known as Sarah.…

“That Phillip Schofield, he’s a silver fox! I’ve never thought about older men before, but yeah, I’d give it a go.” “Yeah, he’s like patron saint of sexy middle-aged men.” “She hates herself, that is why she got back with you. Nobody has ever treated her worse than you did. You called her a prostitute. You treated her like dirt and that is all she thinks she deserves, because of what happened to Ross. You’re hurting her and you’re hurting me now. If I get ill again and die because of you… I’ll never accept you being with my mum. Please, please just leave us alone.” You think that’s bad, Joe? You should hear Sarah when she really doesn’t like someone “It’s time Ross got back on the horse.” “Our…

Chas and Paddy’s nightmare continues this week, as the distressed parents-to-be contemplate the reality of their unborn child’s future. Having learned that their daughter has the condition bilateral renal agenesis – meaning that she has failed to develop kidneys and so can’t survive – the couple must decide their next move. Aware that there’s a possibility she could carry the baby to term and allow her a brief moment of life – as well as enabling a chance of organ donation – Chas admits to her lover that she just can’t bring herself to have a termination. However, while Paddy agrees to accept her decision, it’s clear that he’s struggling with what it will mean in practice. He knows that bringing their daughter into the world – with absolutely no…

I can’t decide who’s given the best performance this week in Emmerdale. Emma Atkins, as Charity dealt with the pain of having to admit to her son Ryan how he came into the world. Or Lucy Pargeter, as Chas desperately tried to come to terms with the fact that her baby won’t survive. Daniel, Rochester I’ve really enjoyed seeing the more vulnerable side of Charity these past few weeks, and I hope we will continue to see it as this story plays out. Now that she has found her son, I’d love for the two to get to know each other properly. I realise it will be a difficult road for them, but I think they need each other. Christine Charity’s son Ryan is such a breath of fresh air.…

“ James Hooton [Sam] is one of the best actors I’ve ever met. I was so in awe when I first met him. I didn’t know who he was because he was so different to his character!” “ Dominic Brunt, who plays Paddy, makes me laugh every time I watch him on set. I think he’s brilliant – but I do giggle whenever we have a scene together!” “I’d love to work more with Charlotte Bellamy. I just think that Laurel and Kerry are such opposite characters, so I reckon that would be a really interesting dynamic.” “ Chelsea Halfpenny, [aka Kerry’s daughter Amy] is one of my best friends –so I miss working with her. But we keep in touch loads, and I did a charity show with her…

Flirty Fleur Fanshawe steps in as Holby’s resident obstetrician this week, and once again makes no secret of the fact that she fancies Serena! So could Bernie have a very serious rival for her girlfriend’s affections? “At the moment Serena’s commitment to Bernie is strong,” insists Catherine. “But hey, anyone would be susceptible to the lovely Debbie Chazen [who plays Fleur]. I think if she were persistent, and Bernie was nowhere to be seen… well, who knows?”…

“Ollie’s initial reaction is pure shock, so he decides to quit the team” Landing your first proper job is always a nerve-wracking prospect – but imagine if that job was working on Hollyoaks! Teenager Aedan Duckworth has been playing Luke Morgan’s son Ollie since January, and he admits that joining the soap has been quite a steep learning curve for him… “It’s been absolutely terrifying!” he chuckles, as we sit down for our first proper chat with him since he joined the cast. “It’s been a roller-coaster ride. Sometimes I’ll have a really tough scene, and I’ll be worrying about it the week before. Then when I do it, somehow I do all right – and I’m on a massive high for the rest of the day. It’s amazing!” And…

Hot on the heels of Weatherfield villain Josh being grilled by the police, his much nicer real-life alter ego Ryan faces your questions… “Where is the most bizarre place you’ve ever been recognised?” “What has the reaction from the public been like since David reported Josh for rape?” “Where’s the most bizarre place you’ve been spotted?” I imagine there were a few celebrations – bottles of champagne may have been opened by some Corrie fans! Generally, if people see me out and about they will make a joke with me, and it’s all in good humour. The viewers just want Josh to be caught and get his comeuppance! I went to Thailand recently with Qasim Akhtar [Ryan’s ex- Corrie co-star, who played Zeedan]. I’d been talking about going away, and…

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OF ALL THE NORDIC NOIR SHOWS we’ve seen, The Bridge is our favourite. While we’re sad that the current run is the last, we’re happy to see it going out on a high with another complex and multi-layered case and multiple red herrings. We particularly appreciate the way it’s giving proper closure to Saga Norén: these final episodes have revisited everything from her partner Martin Rohde (who she shopped for murder) to her inability to lie, and even told us how she got such a cool car. As much as we’ll miss hopping from Copenhagen to Malmö and back again, we’ll miss Saga most of all.…

Sometimes when Inside TV chats to actors about the show they’re promoting, we can tell that they’ve said the same things over and over all day and that they’re a little fatigued. But when we chat with Jason Priestley about his starring role as private investigator Matt Shade in Canadian comedy-drama Private Eyes, his enthusiasm for the show is still infectious – even after he tells us he’s been doing interviews for nearly eight hours… “Matt is a guy who is very intuitive,” says the former Beverly Hills 90210 star. “He likes to be very off-the-cuff and fly by the seat of his pants, and that certainly keeps things lively and makes it a lot of fun for me, and keeps me on my toes!” It’s not just the show…

RUN OF THE MILLIE! Thoroughly Modern Millie, the stage production in which ex-Weatherfield actress Hayley Tamaddon (Andrea Beckett) had the starring role, has been cancelled. The show’s tour has stopped just halfway through its intended run, with the reason cited as “lower ticket sales than expected, which has put the company producing the play in financial difficulties”. DIABETIC DOMINIC Ex-Emmerdale star Dominic Power has revealed that he became seriously ill towards the end of his time on the soap, playing bad lad Cameron Murray. After being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, the actor collapsed on set. “By that point I didn’t even know if I could learn lines,” he admitted, “but [producer] Kate Oates, Lucy Pargeter [Chas] and Charley Webb [Debbie] were all supportive, and I got through it. I…

BULLSEYE! In the wake of Phelan’s bloody shooting spree, Corrie came out all guns blazing with a fabulous week of classic cobbles comedy – anchored by the fantastic return of Nigel Havers. If it were up to us he’d have a job on the Street for life, and Lewis and Audrey would live happily ever after. Or, he could crack on with conning us to his heart’s content. We’re not fussy! We’re fascinated to know what Stacey finds so sexy about ravishing fellas in the Queen Vic loos. Does the intoxicating aroma of bleach do it for her? Or is it merely the proximity of such a plentiful supply of Andrex? Thank you, Corrie, for spotting a gap in the soap market for a pair of…

“Carmel is still grieving for Shakil – Max is the last thing on her mind” Desperate Max begs Carmel for help getting custody of baby Abi this week – but will his angry ex even give him the time of day? It’s clear Max is willing to do anything to gain full-time care of his granddaughter, including marrying his former sister-in-law Rainie to prove that he can provide a stable home! However, when it comes to obtaining character references to support his custody bid, scheming Max discovers that he may have burned too many bridges in the Square… “Given that he doesn’t have one friend in Walford, finding someone to be a character reference could prove tricky for Max!” chuckles our EastEnders insider. “And Rainie isn’t that much more popular.…

Parents up and down the country will soon be left heartbroken for Weatherfield’s Kevin Webster, when his seven-year-old son Jack is struck down with life-threatening sepsis. The lad is set to get a cut on his knee during a game of football, and will be taken to hospital after he begins to feel unwell. Initially, Jack will be sent home – before Kevin is forced to rush him back to hospital, where it will be confirmed that his boy is suffering from blood poisoning. As Jack is placed under sedation to support his organs, will Kevin be left with no choice but to amputate Jack’s leg in order to save his son’s life? “Stories like Jack’s are all-too familiar, and remind us of the devastating human cost of sepsis,” says…

Cougar town! Reports claim that Corrie’s Sophie Webster is to be seduced by a sexy older woman! Rumour has it Soph will catch the eye of a lawyer friend of her mum, Sally – who is unimpressed, to say the least! All abroad! Hollyoaks star Jennifer Metcalfe will make a sunny return to the soap when we pick up with Mercedes in Spain. “Her return is being filmed in Palma Majorca in a few weeks’ time,” she grins. Double dose! Former Doctor Who star Paul McGann (Gaskell) is to be joined on Holby by the man he replaced as the sci-fi show’s Time Lord. Seventh Doctor actor Sylvester McCoy will guest star as a patient in the medical drama this autumn.…

“Hayley is on a mission – nothing will stop her!” The Slater clan have a pleasant surprise this week, when Charlie’s old black cab trundles back into their lives. Could the motor be the answer to all their money troubles? The gift horse turns up in the form of a mysterious package at No 31. Hayley rips apart the envelope and finds a key, leaving everyone baffled – yet it soon becomes clear that it’s for the taxi that Charlie Slater used to drive. Since Charlie’s death in 2016, the cab has been looked after by one of his pals, but it’s finally been returned to his family. Hayley soon spots the vehicle’s potential value, and thinks that if she can get it up and running again, it could fetch…

“Watching Danny Dyer’s daughter Dani on Love Island really brings home what kind of daughter Mick Carter should have. The Carter kids have been far too prim and proper. Get Dani in the show – she’d liven things up a bit!” …laughs reader Gary from London “You know what I really miss? Hollyoaks Later . They should bring it back. I liked how it was so much more wild and dangerous than ordinary Hollyoaks . It would be the perfect show for Jamie Lomas ( Warren Fox) to lead. He could open a club in Ibiza. (Or Liverpool if they can’t afford Ibiza!)” …suggests reader Annie “Pictures in Inside Soap of actors Nicola Thorp ( Nicola)…

Brody and Damon’s latest moneymaking scheme is a pop-up cinema in the village. But when their original venue falls through, Joel comes to the rescue, offering them the use of the garage as a replacement location. As you might expect, the real drama comes from Hollyoaks rather than Hollywood! Jealous Luke accuses Brody of flirting with Mandy when he’s merely trying to sell her tickets. Meanwhile, Peri and Harley turn up for their shifts as usherettes and immediately take against their uniforms, and resent being told what to do by the lads. Is the cinema doomed even before the customers have taken their seats?…

There’s a bolt from the blue for Daniel this week, when Zara announces that she wants them to have another baby. He’s knocked sideways by the proposal, and the look on his face says it all, as Zara reckons that their son Joe should have a sibling. She goes on to suggest that they could approach a surrogate in order to extend their family. It’s the very last thing Daniel’s expecting in the middle of a conversation about Joe’s current obsession with space! Can Zara succeed in talking round doubtful Daniel?…

1 Jake Dylan Wood was born in London on 12 July 1972 to his English father John and French mother Joelle. Jake seemed destined for television success, making his small-screen debut at the age of 12, in a 1984 episode of crime drama The Gentle Touch. He trained at the Anna Scher Drama School in Islington, before notching up an impressive list of TV appearances in shows as diverse as Dramarama, London’s Burning, Only Fools And Horses, Inspector Morse, One Foot In The Grave and Press Gang. And he was still just a teenager! 2 Jake made his Walford debut as slippery Max Branning in June 2006, when the car salesman turned up in Albert Square to confront his estranged dad Jim. In the 12 years since then, Max has…

CASUALTY Connie Beauchamp......... Amanda Mealing Gemma Dean...................... Rebecca Ryan Iain Dean...................... Michael Stevenson Lisa ‘Duffy’ Duffin................ Cathy Shipton Charlie Fairhead.............. Derek Thompson Noel Garcia........................... Tony Marshall Elle Gardner.......................... Jaye Griffiths Ethan Hardy.................... George Rainsford David Hide................................ Jason Durr Jan Jennings............................ Di Botcher Dylan Keogh.......................... William Beck Bea Kinsella........................... Michelle Fox Jacob Masters....................... Charles Venn Rash Masum........................... Neet Mohan Eddie McAllister................... Joe Gaminara Robyn Miller................ Amanda Henderson Alicia Munroe................ Chelsea Halfpenny Sam Nicholls........................ Charlotte Salt Louise Tyler........................... Azuka Oforka CORONATION STREET Dev Alahan....................... Jimmi Harkishin Angie Appleton................. Victoria Ekanoye Jude Appleton..................... Paddy Wallace Adam Barlow...................... Sam Robertson Amy Barlow.......................... Elle Mulvaney Ken Barlow......................... William Roache Peter Barlow....................... Chris Gascoyne Simon Barlow.............................. Alex Bain Tracy Barlow............................... Kate Ford Leanne Battersby................... Jane Danson Toyah Battersby................... Georgia Taylor Chesney Brown......................... Sam Aston Mary Cole...................................…