Table of contents for 40 - 2018 in Inside Soap UK

If I had a soap dream (actually, I have many soap dreams doing this job – I had a really weird one recently, but I’m not sure it’s repeatable here as my mum reads this column every week!), it would be to see a super-sleek sports car pull up at Home Farm, while a glamorous party is in full swing. The car door would open, and a lady would step out, dressed to the nines. Announcing herself to the assembled crowd, the woman in question would reveal that she is the owner of the big house –and that her name is… wait for it… Kim Tate! “Kim Tate’s return is a dream come true!” After 20 years, I was beginning to think this dream would never come true. But as…

Hi Louisa! How did you come to be back on Albert Square? Originally, my agent rang and told me EastEnders had called. I was like, “What do you mean? About what?” Then [executive consultant] John Yorke called me and said, “We have a massive plot coming up, and we’d love you to come back to do it.” So he outlined the whole storyline to you? Yeah! He said it’d be nice to team Ruby back up with Stacey, but also that this happens to my character pretty much straight away. As an actress, all you want is to go into a show and have a huge storyline. Had you ever thought what Ruby would be doing now, since we last saw her back in 2006? Of course. Ruby is nearly…

In the midst of the big drama kicking off on the Street this week, Nick Tilsley makes his shock return to Weatherfield – but there’s more surprises in store in the coming weeks, according to reports. Gail’s son was last seen leaving the Street a year ago, after a failed attempt to reunite with Leanne – and Corrie bosses have revealed that his return is connected to his feelings for his ex-wife. But if Nick does manage to woo Leanne back, he’s going to have to fess up – because Nick’s got himself a new wife, and she’s set to arrive in Weatherrfield! “It looks as if Nick’s new marriage hasn’t worked out – in fact, it seems so bad, he’s run away from his wife!” says our cobbles insider.…

Hannah tries to regain control this week, as her wicked plan to extort money from Liz and Johnny seems in danger of collapsing. However, can she still rely on Jim to back her up, or has she lost him to his ex? The evil con woman seems to be unravelling, while her partner-in-crime Jim secretly meets with Liz, telling her that he’s never stopped loving her. While he pours out his heart to his ex-wife, Jim begs her to give him another chance, insisting they could be happy together. Liz promises to think it over, but what is going on in Jim’s mind? Is he genuine in his feelings for Liz, or is he still intending to carry on with Hannah’s planned sting? “Jim is sending out mixed signals to…

Playing mysterious Ray is a dream come true for EastEnders newcomer Sean Mahon. While fans guess and speculate over what’s really going on with the enigmatic Mr Kelly, Sean is enjoying being in possession of a big soapland bombshell. “It’s always great to come in with a secret that you are slowly divulging,” he told Metro.co.uk. “What’s interesting about that is that you know where it’s all going, so you think people also know where it’s going – but then you read about the possible storylines ahead and what people are guessing, and you think, ‘That’s so not the right direction!’ So, it’s great to hold the cards and to play them very, very slowly…”…

Piper finally learns the truth this week, when Cassius confesses that he killed Hamish! Will Piper stand by him, or is it all over for the murderer? Following a warning call from his mum, Elissa, terrified Cassius goes on the run, yet Piper is in hot pursuit and wants answers! She finds him hiding out at a motel, agitated and upset. But after a grilling, Cassius reveals all… He was the one who saved Piper from the bush, he’s Tyler’s brother, and he killed Hamish! “It takes Piper a while to process what’s happened…” “Piper takes control of the situation, unlike in the past with Tyler,” says Mavournee Hazel, who plays her. “That ruined her and she was on the receiving end of all of that, so she confronts Cassius…”…

POPPY LOVE I really love Toyah’s style in Corrie, and recently she was wearing a gorgeous floaty blouse with poppies on. Could you tell me where it’s from, please? Ida, Canterbury I can indeed! Toyah’s Marguerite Poppy Print Pussy Bow Blouse is from joanieclothing.com , and is currently reduced from £30 to £15! So snap it up while you can! COP FOR THAT Like everybody else, I was absolutely gripped by the BBC drama Bodyguard, and I’m sure I recognise the main detective who was looking into Julia’s murder, Deepak. Has he been in a soap before? Sammy Actor Ash Tandon has been appearing in Corrie as cop Sam Daullah on and off since 2002! He arrived to investigate the disappearance of Patricia…

“If Tracy finds out about this, the poop will hit the fan!” It’s been a real treat to have the ‘bad’ Leanne Battersby back on the Street in recent months. For so long, Leanne has been forced into the nagging wife-and-mother role by the troublesome blokes in her life – but now, she’s flirty, sassy and up to mischief, and we love it! The problem with being naughty, though, is that you must be careful who you cross – and Leanne has been very careless indeed. Right now, she’s trying to hide her secret night of passion with Steve from his bride-to-be Tracy, a woman who has killed before. As we sit down for a chat with Jane Danson, who plays Leanne, our first question is: has her alter ego…

Dean’s life could be about to change forever this week, as he faces the prospect of going back to jail! Star Patrick O’Connor reveals how his alter ego feels about the possibility of doing time again… Hey, Patrick! How worried is Dean about going to prison? To everyone else in the Bay, Dean may seem pretty relaxed and fine with the idea of going back to jail. However, having been there before, he knows exactly what’s waiting for him, and it’s the last thing that he wants right now. Why does he call his mum before the trial? When Dean went to jail the first time around, after the car crash with Colby, it was a horrible experience for him – and his mum didn’t speak to him throughout his…

The newest drama I’ve been watching is Age Before Beauty on BBC1. It has love, hate, anger, all of the emotions. I like Love Island as well, but I don’t know if that counts as a drama! I don’t think I have an absolute favourite film because it depends on my mood, but the one I keep going back to is Pretty Woman – a classic love story, a Cinderella storyline, and I can watch it over and over again and I still find something new in it. I think with age, I can relate to something different every time. I adore The Notebook as well. Growing up, Home And Away and Neighbours were always something that we watched, they were just always…

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 Jacob Masters....................... Charles Venn Omo Masters........................ Ellen Thomas Rash Masum........................... Neet Mohan Robyn Miller................ Amanda Henderson Alicia Munroe............... Chelsea Halfpenny Ruby Sparks.............................. Maddy Hill Louise Tyler........................... Azuka Oforka CORONATION STREET Dev Alahan........................ Jimmi Harkishin Lewis Archer........................... Nigel Havers Angie Appleton................ Victoria Ekanoye 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 Emma Brooker............... Alexandra Mardell Chesney Brown.......................... Sam Aston Claudia Colby..........................…

In tackling this difficult plot, Katie McGlynn – who plays Sinead – reveals how she’s been inspired by the work of an important cancer charity… “I met with a charity called Mummy’s Star, which was started by a man who lost his wife to cancer soon after the birth of their child,” shares the star. “I also met a lady who had cancer while pregnant. It’s important for women going through this to know that there are charities like Mummy’s Star out there, and that they’re not on their own. So many people are affected by this, but it’s a subject nobody really hears about.” For more information on Mummy’s Star, visit their website at www.mummysstar.org…

Debbie’s no stranger to disastrous nuptials – and disastrous relationships in general! She’s dated a serial killer (Cameron Murray), a former fiancé’s sibling (Pete’s brother Ross) and even her mum Charity’s husband-to-be (Michael Conway)! And when she finally married Pete – shortly before he discovered she’d been sleeping with Ross – a helicopter proceeded to come crashing down on to their stricken ceremony. So as Graham lays down the law to Joe, is she about to secure a lucky escape – or is she heading for romantic disaster all over again?…

EastEnders’ Danny Dyer is going to be a busy boy in the coming months, but fans of Mick Carter shouldn’t worry – the actor has revealed that he’s happy to keep playing the loveable landlord for a fair while yet! Danny has two stage shows in the offing: he’ll be playing the Producer in Nativity! – The Musical this Christmas in London, alongside his daughter (and Love Island winner) Dani, and then January will see him starring alongside Sherlock’s Martin Freeman in The Dumb Waiter in London’s West End. Meanwhile, filming has started on a reality TV show centred on Dani Jnr, but featuring her whole family – including dad Danny! “We’ve just sort of started,” revealed Dani on Capital Radio. “It’s exciting. It is hard work, though.…

“ Sonia talks about nursing as if it was second-best to being a doctor – but it’s just as important a job! Perhaps EastEnders should give Sonia some ambition, and let her study to be a practicioner – to show what a rewarding career it can be.” …comments reader Mrs F “I wonder if Charity’s mum is really dead. Charity was very young at the time, and if Obadiah’s wife left him, it would be just the sort of thing he would lie about. It’d be a big twist for Charity’s mum to show up in the village!” …says reader Hannah from St Albans “ Colby and Dean’s bromance in Home and Away is so cute! But what if they realised they…

Raging Ross has murder in mind this week, as he gets Simon – the man who attacked him with acid – right where he wants him. But when events reach a dramatic climax, there’s one thing standing in the way as Ross prepares to become a murderer – his Auntie Moira… Following the tip-off from his ex-lover Dawn, Ross discovers that Simon is attending Joe Tate’s masquerade ball with the intention of robbing the joint while he’s there. Grabbing a holdall packed with duct tape, rope and plastic ties, Ross rushes up to the estate to kidnap Simon. What does he want from the man who destroyed his life? “Ultimately, Ross wants to hear Simon confess, and he wants justice to be served, but because the court case was thrown…

Pavan gets back in touch with Mishti this week – and officially calls off their engagement! He tells Mishti that Dipi called him, and that he’s also found out about the sex video she’d kept secret from him. Mishti blames Dipi for the breakdown of her relationship, convinced that her meddling sister has warned off Pavan, as well as sending him the video. She also accuses Dipi for being against the arranged marriage from the start, and doing her best to sabotage it! Will the sisters be able to get back on track after this?…

LEADING A MERRY DANCY I felt so sorry for Nancy in Hollyoaks when she found out Darren had cheated on her! Jessica Fox played a blinder in the role, and I’m so glad Nancy stood firm and decided not to take her cheating hubby back. I have so much more sympathy for her than I do for Mandy or Luke! Isabella, Watford NO CHARITY CASE Could someone please give Charity Dingle a kick up the backside? She’s not the only Emmerdale character to have had a rough time, but she has been wallowing in self-pity for ages. What she really needs now is a stiff dose of tough love, not the entire contents of the Woolpack’s wine cellar. Mary I don’t think the rest of the Dingles will let her…

From the moment Kim Tate boarded that helicopter back in January 1999, in a typically dramatic bid to evade justice, her loyal fans have been desperate for their Queen of the Dales to return to the scene of her many crimes. This week, almost two decades later, those dreams are finally about to come true. The bitch is back, as formidable and fascinating as she ever was – and Inside Soap is thrilled to have Claire King, who’s been playing the first lady of Emmerdale since 1989, on the phone again… We’re so excited about Kim’s return, Claire – have you been enjoying all the speculation? Oh yes! I knew about it for quite a while and wasn’t able to say anything, so half my friends have stopped talking to…

Even if Leanne hadn’t slept with Steve (again!), the wedding was always set to be troublesome. As the ceremony approaches, Tracy’s plans of a dream occasion have seen her at loggerheads with Leanne over little Oliver, who’s a pageboy. But as Jane tells us, there’s a lot of fun to be had as Steve’s ladies clash… “Tracy did this whole thing about little Oliver’s outfit and what she wanted him to look like,” she reminds us. “Leanne said, ‘No! He is not wearing that!’, and Tracy went, ‘He is!’ It’s the sort of thing that in real life would be awful, but here it’s quite humorous. “Tracy has ideas above her station,” continues Jane. “She wants this high-society bash wedding – while the reality is, she’s getting married down the…

It was the cobbles ladies and their mini-me kids at the Manchester press launch of the musical Matilda last week – as the mums and their daughters dressed to impress at the Palace Theatre. We don’t know who looked the most stylish – the cool Corrie mums or their even-cooler offspring! As Kym Marsh (Michelle) rocked the plaid look, her seven-year-old daughter Polly looked super-cute in her bow. Giving them a run for their money was Samia Longchambon (Maria) in a leopard-print dress, while eight-year-old Freya rocked velvet – but the pair both wore matching grins! And Tina O’Brien (Sarah) was pipped to the post in the style stakes by little Scarlett, who at the tender age of nine has already had success as a model for kids’ clothes –…

GIVEN THIS SHOW IS FROM Shonda Rhimes’ (Scandal) production we assumed it would be company, loud, shocking and salacious. So we were surprised when this drama about idealistic lawyers working on high-stakes cases in the ‘Mother Court’ of the Southern District of New York turned out to be quite understated and thoughtful, but it’s all the better for it. It actually feels like it’s taking place in the real world, and we’ve really grown to care about the characters – especially the intense and hyper-organised Kate Littlejohn, the lawyer we’d definitely want on our side……

KILLER JOKES Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc are to star in Hitmen for Sky One. They’ll play Fran and Jamie, best friends who somehow end up working as slightly inept contract killers… THE ROYAL WE David Walliams, Samantha Bond and Johnny Vegas are to star in Sky One comedy The Queen And I. The show follows the royals after a Republican government evicts them from Buckingham Palace. ON THE PHONE Channel 4 has gathered a team of all-star agony aunts for Celebrity Call Centre – a one-off special for Stand Up To Cancer. Stars including Kimberly Walsh, Rachel Riley and Louie Spence will be manning the phones to advise the public on their problems.…

SAM & OLIVER’S TRAIN TRIP! Former Walford resident Samantha Womack (aka Ronnie Branning) and ex-cobbles star Oliver Farnworth (who played Phelan’s cellar-dwelling victim Andy Carver) are heading on tour next year for a brand-new production of The Girl On The Train. The play is based on Paula Hawkins’ acclaimed novel, which was made into a film starring Emily Blunt in 2016. “Having been thoroughly captivated by the novel, the opportunity to take on a role like this is incredibly exciting,” says Sam, who plays the lead character Rachel Watson. JAMES GETS MARRIED! Ex-Hollyoaks star James Sutton (aka John Paul McQueen from 2006 to 2017) got hitched last month! James shared pictures of himself with his new wife, Rachael Collin, on social media. “Thank you to everyone who made the trip…

The Steve and Tracy romance has been brilliant for actress Kate, because she loves working closely with her screen love Simon Gregson. The old pals have a great working relationship, and she’s having a ball now they are coupled up. “I’m happiest when I’m playing comedy stuff with Simon,” she enthuses. “We have such a laugh together. I’m really enjoying Steve and Tracy being back together and playing the humour in their relationship. I’ve also had some great scenes with Beverley Callard [aka Liz] recently, and it’s always nice being back in the Barlow house too!”…

JOE Kim is Joe’s stepgranny, who stood and watched as her hubby Frank – Joe’s granddad – died in front of her. Now that Kim’s trying to kill Joe’s relationship with Debbie, he has plenty of reasons to want her gone. CHARITY Capable of holding her own, Charity was indirectly responsible for the job Kim couldn’t finish – killing Chris Tate, Charity’s ex-husband and Kim’s former stepson. So is angry Charity about to see her off, too? DEBBIE Charity’s her mum and Joe’s her man – so despite having never laid eyes on Kim, Debbie already has beef with her. And Kim’s potentially fatal shove could well be down to Debs – like mother, like daughter! VANESSA Vanessa isn’t backwards in coming forwards when protecting her girlfriend – as she…

Filming the wedding was an odd experience for stars Nadine and Rory Douglas-Speed, who plays Joel – as the pair are also an item in real life! “When we did the engagement scenes, I was really nervous – I could feel myself going bright red!” blushes Rory. “Then we sent pictures to both our families of us in the wedding costumes, pretending that we’d eloped!” “I’m not going to lie, I loved it!” adds Nadine. “It was very strange and surreal. But hopefully if we do ever get married in real life, it will be totally different from Cleo and Joel’s wedding!”…

8000 and counting! Neighbours celebrated a milestone recently, filming its 8000th episode! Cast members including Alan Fletcher (aka Karl) were treated to a yummy cake to celebrate the feat. Casualty@Holby There’s good news for fans of Casualty and Holby City – the two shows will soon be joining forces once again! “I am not going to say too much, but there are some extremely exciting crossovers coming,” teases Casualty producer Lucy Rafferty. Surprise guests Loose Women’s Janet Street-Porter and Linda Robson are to make a cameo in Hollyoaks! The pair will play wedding guests in an episode to air in November. “We do make an impact!” laughs Linda.…

Honey worries that her fledgling romance with dentist Adam is doomed this week – believing she’s not intelligent enough for him! Honey’s concerns grow after Adam returns from his trip abroad and brings her back a thoughtful gift – a beautiful book about art. It’s not quite what Honey was expecting, though, and Billy later finds her furiously researching the topic so she can impress her new fella with her inner art critic. As Billy questions what she’s up to, Honey is forced to admit that she’s worried Adam will think she’s stupid! Billy can’t bear to see his ex-wife feeling so glum, so lifts her spirits by offering her some glowing compliments – but his words lead Honey to make a big decision about Adam… Meanwhile, Mel warns Billy…

FAIR CITY • Melanie is still struggling with money this week, and tries to hide her worries from Alex. What does the future hold for them? Elsewhere, Mairead will stay in Dublin if Will agrees not to see Cristiano again. Plus, Tommy and Paul clash over Jane in front of a journalist! RIVER CITY • Amber finds herself in a dangerous place this week, after a call from Harris leaves her considering using heroin. Elsewhere, Bob finds out that he’s the beneficiary of Theresa’s will, but can he accept the money? Finally, Caitlin reports Pete missing to the police. THE ARCHERS • The family worries about Christine this week, as Peggy finds a solution to her problems. Also, Freddie loses it with Elizabeth, leading her to make a decision that…

GASKELL KILLS ROXANNA! Doctors are meant to save lives, not end them – so imagine our shock when wicked doctor Gaskell administered a lethal dose to Roxanna in Holby! And we weren’t alone in our outrage… The moment that Gaskell cold-heartedly murdered his so-called friend Roxanna was one of the most chilling scenes I’ve seen on TV this year! It’s a shame he’s not eligible to be nominated in the Best Villain category at the Inside Soap Awards, as he would win hands down! | Rose Professor Gaskell makes my blood boil! He’s got such a god complex, thinking that he’s in charge of whether people live or die! I really hope Hanssen cottons on to what he’s up to soon, before he ruins any more lives. Sandra, Glasgow How…

Tate takeover 1989 Kim moves into Home Farm with husband Frank and his kids Chris and Zoe – and life is good, for a while… “The whole family was happy,” says Claire. “Kim was supposed to be a bit Londonish, but I quickly made her slightly Yorkshire. She was very prim and proper, though!” The rst a air1992 After Kim miscarries Frank’s child, he hits the bottle and neglects his wife. She seeks comfort from family friend and fellow horse-lover Neil Kincaid – and when Frank finds out, he demands divorce… “I think the viewers saw that coming –soaps always have to have affairs!” chuckles Claire. “It was great for me, although I knew people would take Frank’s side. I got hit on the head with an umbrella in Marks…

“I’m absolutely loving Doctors!” beams Paul, who sadly lost his brother and comedy partner, Barry, earlier this year. “I’m obviously better known as a Chuckle Brother – not to me, to you! – but I’m hoping Doctors fans will love our episode. I’ve never done the show before, and they’re a great crowd of people here. I think I should come back as a senior consultant. I’d put everyone right!”…

With bewitching silver hair and a slinky figure-hugging dress, star Amanda Mealing revealed a stunning new look recently. The actress – who plays Connie Beauchamp in Casualty – has been wearing a wig for most of the year in the show, as her character battled cancer. So she appeared a far cry from her alter ego at the National Lottery Awards at BBC Television Centre in London! We can’t help but wonder, though – what’s brought on the revamp? Are we set to see a new Connie – as well as a new Amanda?…

“I LOVE THE PRIDE IN WATCHING IT KNOWING THAT I DID DO IT ALL!” We’ll always remember where we were on that historic day: 16 July 2017, watching the Wimbledon men’s singles final in the comfort of our living room, when the reveal came that the 13th version of the Doctor would be played by Jodie Whittaker – the first woman to play the role in 55 years. In the year-and-a-bit since then, there’s been all sorts of speculation about what the first female incarnation of the role would be like, but this weekend we’ll finally get some answers as the Doctor crash lands in Sheffield, of all places, and is of course thrust straight into the middle of an extra-terrestrial…

JAKE WOOD (Max Branning, EastEnders ) OUT We’ve loved Max’s recent scheming and sparring with Rainie – but we’ll have to make the most of the Branning bad boy while we can, as he’ll be heading off next year. Star Jake Wood announced on Twitter that he’s taking his podcast Pound For Pound around the UK for a live tour in January – which means no more Max for a while! EastEnders bosses have confirmed Max is taking “a short break” from Walford in 2019, but we’ll have to wait to find out how he departs… 2019 KAI OWEN (Pete Buchanan, Hollyoaks ) IN Villainous Pete returns to Hollyoaks this week, as Joel visits the convicted paedophile in prison. Torchwood star Kai Owen first played…

BULLSEYE! Okay, so he’s in the middle of the hallowed Inside Soap target, but it doesn’t mean we’ve stopped loathing Stuart. However, praise where praise is due… star Ricky Champ has done amazing work creating the most unlikeable soap character we’ve known in a long time. It looks as if Mick will be trapped in Stuart’s web for some time yet – but we can’t wait to see this spider flushed! Cormac seems fun Oh well. Glad we didn’t get too attached. There’s a statue of George III near our office that would be easier to teach to dance than Steve McDonald. Oh – the sadness of Paddy going through the list of things he and Chas need at the hospital when the baby is born……