Table of contents for 45 - 2018 in Inside Soap UK

It’s always fun to catch up with our favourite soap stars, especially when their plots are getting rather juicy – so it was a joy to chat to Jake Wood, aka EastEnders’ Max Branning. While he told us about the state of Max’s twisted marriage to Rainie, he also revealed his own hope for Max’s matrimonial future – and it’s an interesting one! “Get yourself the Inside Soap Yearbook 2019!” Elsewhere this week, there’s part two of our Inside Soap Awards winners’ coverage, with Emmerdale’s Danny Miller revealing all on Aaron’s – and his own –popularity with fans. Meanwhile, Danny Dyer and Kellie Bright – Walford’s Mick and Linda Carter – tell us why they’re over the moon to be named Best Partnership. And if that’s not enough for you,…

While Tracy is busy wrecking Abi’s life, her daughter Amy has demolition plans of her own. Sceptical of Steve and Tracy’s recent marital reunion, the savvy teen is determined to keep her useless parents in line with a special contract, which she asks them to sign. Tracy is daft enough to scribble on the dotted line without even reading it, so she’s horrified as Amy points out what it covers – declaring that she’ll divorce her mum and dad if they break any of the terms! When the penny drops that solicitor Adam has helped Amy to stitch her and Steve right up, Tracy is fuming. However, Adam insists that Amy drawing up such a contract is simply her way of letting her parents know that she’s worried about their…

Victoria’s erstwhile husband has left her high and dry, but Adam Thomas, who played him, still keeps an eye on his on-screen wife – and has been quite vocal concerning her recent antics on his Twitter feed! Back in September, when Victoria shared her first kiss with Matty, Adam tweeted “Nooooooooo” – but Isabel reckons it’s all good fun… “Adam’s not happy, is he?” she chuckles. “But it shows he cares about me, so that’s nice. I think it’s funny. I miss him every single day I come to work, but we’re still in touch. We have many a phone call, because he’s not so great at the texting – so we know what’s going on in each other’s lives. And I like that he’s looking out for Victoria!”…

How they manage to clear it with her husband Martin we’ll never understand – however, Stacey is back in the thick of things with ex-lover Max again this week, when he flees the Branning house to stay with her at No 31! “I don’t think that Martin is very pleased, to be fair!” winces Jake. “But Max and Stacey are always there for each other when they need to be, so it’s natural that he gravitates back towards her friendship.” So will they always be more than just good friends? Turn to our in-depth chat with Jake on p42 where he gives his opinion on what’s next for Stacey and Max……

“My mother went into labour after taking a long walk.” “What? Going down to the well to fetch water?” “My mother had an eight-bedroom house. She took a stroll in the grounds.” We love Mariam – gently smiling through Hayley’s casual racism. “I drank through all my pregnancies. Just a bit of stout – for iron, you know? I’m surprised they’re not magnetic.” Karen Taylor is sponsored by the Department Of Health. “Well, I’ve booked a front row seat to watch Gail cut her toenails. Highlight of the week for me. There’s no telling where those bad boys are going to fly off to – could be the staircase, kitchen, in me tea. They’re like little ninja death stars, them.” Richard Hillman may be long gone, but you still risk…

Harley admits her jealous feelings to Peri this week, as well as dropping the bombshell that she’s left Hollyoaks High! Having made her confession, Harley is soon embroiled in an argument with Peri, and the green-eyed youngster finally admits that she’s envious of Tom and his little girl Steph. Later, Peri begs Tom to talk to Harley, and he discovers that the teenager can barely read or write. Will Tom be able to convince Harley to get back on track with Peri – and with her much-needed education?…

Robert stuns Michelle this week, when he suggests the time is right for them to try for a baby! Michelle’s nearest and dearest have been through the wringer since being targeted by bully Ronan – but while Michelle’s son Ali was responsible for Ronan dying from his injuries after the car crash, the family is relieved as the coroner rules that Ronan’s death was accidental. Relieved to hear they’re all in the clear, Robert takes the chance to proposition Michelle with his baby plan. Will she agree that it’s the right time?…

SWAP SHOP I’m sure I recognised the oncologist who was treating Sinead when she was in hospital recently in Corrie. What has he been in before please, Sarah? | Julianne The actor in question is Raji James, and you will probably remember him playing Ash Ferreira in EastEnders from 2003 to 2005! He was also in The Bill as DS Vik Singh. BAD BLOOD? There was a scene in Hollyoaks recently where Nancy and Russ saw each other, and she said she had been avoiding him since he returned to the village. What’s the history between the two of them? | Donna, Cambridge Nancy and Russ actually used to be romantically involved! The couple  split when he told her his plans to…

“I’m trying to rope in some of the other Hollyoaks guys to come surfing with me!” chuckles actor Kyle Pryor, aka newcomer Laurie, as we quiz him about how he’s settling back into UK life. “I’ve found a nice surfing spot in Abersoch in Wales, but I don’t have any transport  – so the more people I can get, the more likely it is that I’m going to be able to go!” The former Home and Away star (who played Hunky Dr Nate) might be in for a rude awakening once he realises that Abersoch isn’t as warm as the Sydney beaches he’s used to! But when we sit down for a chat about his first few months at Hollyoaks, the Brit-born star tells us he’s…

The image of Raf Di Lucca being shot dead still haunts us to this day, but at least the Holby gang can console themselves with the hospital shooting being voted as your Best Drama Storyline! Stars Alex Walkinshaw (Fletch) and Kaye Wragg (Essie) are absolutely thrilled to be joined by their former co-star – and last year’s Strictly Come Dancing winner – Joe McFadden (Raf) to collect the award… Hey, guys! So, tell us how it feels to have won… Kaye Amazing! But also bittersweet at the same time, as we don’t have Joe with us any more – although at least he’s gone out on a high. Joe Some people [Looks across at former co-stars] have enjoyed seeing me killed, which…

Hollyoaks star Jen Metcalfe (Mercedes) is no stranger to an Inside Soap award – but she’s thrilled to have been named our first female Soap Superstar this time round… “I didn’t even know I was up for an award, so this is great,” she grins. “Being called a superstar is very cool, and I’m really happy that people have chosen me. I think that it’s just about loving yourself and how you look.” Our readers told us that Jen is “the original McQueen – and definitely the best!”, and “she’s a great mum with a positive outlook”. But Jen has her own theories about why people love her. “The Hollyoaks writers are so good to me, they always put me at the forefront of…

FOR YOUNGER READERS who are starved of new dramas to watch, we can heartily recommend this new series from the BBC. It centres on a group of teenagers who are spending their summer at a camp on a remote Scottish island. While it all starts out seeming like a standard battle of social supremacy between two alpha females, by the end of episode one it takes on a different direction entirely, when it becomes clear that something otherworldly is going on. It’s a gripping yarn – and there’s a bonus for Doctors fans as Lisa Ambalavanar (Ruhma’s daughter Alia) plays lead character Mia.…

We’ve all had that moment where we’ve started to search for something on the internet and the autocomplete window has thrown up some truly odd suggestions. Well, that’s the foundation for this new quiz where contestants must guess the most popular autocompletes so as to stay in the game… “It’s a bit like Family Fortunes, but the internet is the survey,” explains host John Robins. “Everyone’s seen those drop-down menus when they’ve typed something into Google, and every so often it makes you think, ‘Why are people looking at that?!’” John will be joined on the show by fellow comic Sunil Patel, who’ll be offering up insights into why we search for what we do, and the contestants even offer up their own recent search histories for examination. “It’s nice…

WITTS’ END Ex-EastEnders star David Witts – aka Joey Branning – admits he struggled with the fame that came with being on the show. “It just takes over your whole life,” says the actor, who is currently appearing in West End musical Wicked. “You can’t go anywhere without people rushing up to you, wanting to take pictures and stuff, and that’s just so strange.” So David wouldn’t be tempted back? “I think everyone I was related to is dead!” he jokes. HEALTH SCARE! Corrie star Charles Lawson (Jim McDonald) has revealed that he suffered a mini-stroke while on stage recently. “I was aware for about two or three seconds that something was about to happen – I thought one of my co-stars was messing me about, saying lines from a…

EASTENDERS Green-eyed mistress! SHARON IS JEALOUS OF HER OWN STEPDAUGHTER… Mitchell matriarch Sharon isn’t happy with the company Keanu keeps next week, when he starts spending more time with Louise. But seeing as Sharon ended her affair with the younger fella, does she really want him back? Or is it a case of if she can’t have him then nobody can? CORRIE Ches be friends! One cobbles resident has a big decision next week, as Chesney debates whether to romantically pursue Emma or Gemma. Which is the girl for him – and who will end up heartbroken? EMMERDALE Together again! Many moons ago, Nicola took Robert’s virginity – but next week, something else entirely brings the two of them back into each other’s orbits. So what are they up to?…

BULLSEYE! Corrie’s four-hander, featuring the Barlow family’s reaction to Sinead’s cancer, was sublime. From Daniel’s devastating discovery to Peter’s reasoning with him – and then Ken’s gratitude and admiration for Peter, followed by his own promise to do right by his kids – it was the strongest episode of soap in a long time. No stunts or tricks… Just a blistering script and top-drawer performances. It Can Only Happen In A Soap, No 347: Moira breezily giving her husband advice about how best to move on after committing murder. We’re not sure about the Street’s new solicitor. He strikes us a bit of a soft touch. Bless Graham for still pulling on his three-piece every day, even when there’s nothing to do at Home Farm. Mate, no one’s…

Cain’s secret could spell the end of his relationship with his girl – much to the horror of Emmerdale stars Jeff Hordley (Cain) and Charley Webb (Debbie). The pair hope that whatever happens between dad and daughter, the Dingles can find a way through it. “It would be hard for me if Debbie hated Cain and it meant that I wouldn’t get to work with Jeff any more,” shares Charley. “We’re both like, ‘How far is this going to go?’ because we love working together so much. Jeff is one of my closest friends – we have an amazing bond. It will be good to explore this secret, but we will make sure that Debbie and Cain always get back together.” They’ve worked together for years now, so has the…

It looks as though history is set to repeat itself in Walford as Mel prepares for a New Year wedding! EastEnders has been busy filming on location for her big day – but it won’t be Ian Beale that she ditches before the ink is dry on her marriage certificate! While her fiancé Ray waits patiently for his blushing bride, he presumably has no idea that Mel is well aware that he has a secret wife and child! “Mel was seething when she discovered Ray’s betrayal – and as she later prepared him dinner with a whopping big kitchen knife, there was no telling how she was going to serve up her revenge!” our Albert Square insider reminds us. “It seems ludicrous that Mel is really prepared to marry Ray…

When we chat, Guy has a cold and needs a real doctor – but he’s still happy to wax lyrical about his cast mate Paul McGann, aka Gaskell! Did you know from the start what was planned for Hanssen and Gaskell? No – we were given the idea that he wasn’t going to be a goody, but I don’t think we realised how dark it would be. I was at the chemist in Tooting the other day, and Jo from behind the counter said, “It’s been riveting – like something out of a horror film”! What can you tell us about the location for their final showdown? Well, let’s just say that Paul was up to his nadgers in water – and I was up to mine in duck poo!…

Reality hits hard for Bob this week, as he realises that he’s lost both the women in his life! The chastened fella overhears his estranged wife Brenda telling Doug that she has no intention of ever taking back her husband, and that it would be better if Bob left the village for good. Given that the couple split hours after exchanging their wedding vows, when it was revealed that Bob was having an affair with Laurel, Brenda’s attitude is hardly surprising! However, with Laurel also having unceremoniously dumped him recently – in the most public way possible – it’s begun to dawn on Bob that he’s made a mess of his life. So will he beg either of the women to give him another chance, or might he have sufficient…

Lovebirds Robbo and Jasmine finally arrange to go on a date this week – but their plans are derailed by Tori’s IVF dramas! After Robbo arranges a romantic dinner cruise, Jasmine turns up dressed to the nines. However, just as they’re about to leave, Robbo gets a call from Tori, asking if he can come to the hospital as quickly as he can. As apologetic Robbo bails on Jasmine, will she be understanding of his situation? Or has he blown his final chance with her?…

CAINING IT! I laughed when Cain in Emmerdale suggested he could send Debbie, Sarah and Jack off on the run, and even put Sarah in a private hospital in Belgium, with a whole new identity. How does that work exactly, given the untold folders of medical notes Sarah must have? Do us a favour! | John, Brighton And how might Cain pay for all this? He only owns half a small village garage! BRIENNA FOREVER What a stroke of genius from the Hollyoaks writers to put Sienna and Brody together. I think bonkers Sienna may have finally found her match in lovely Brody, who actually has just as much baggage as she does. Sienna is my favourite character, and I’d love to see her be happy in love at last.…

Max Branning never fails to surprise us. Just when you think there is nowhere else to go for a character so destructive and damaged, there he is – setting our screens alight as one of Walford’s most watchable characters. But what is it about the shameless love rat that we can’t get enough of? Star Jake Wood – who continues to act his socks off as Max, while regularly topping polls as the UK’s weirdest crush – is extremely modest when Inside Soap probes him on the secret to his character’s success… Lovely to chat to you again, Jake. What is it about Max that has kept you with EastEnders for so long? I love playing him as much now as I did when I joined…

There was stiff competition in our Best Drama Star category this year – but Casualty’s Chelsea Halfpenny (Alicia) wrestled the gong from her co-star and last year’s winner, George Rainsford (Ethan). And she’s delighted… “I mean, he can’t win it again, can he?” chuckles the actress, as we ask how she feels to have beaten her on-screen love interest this time round. “Two years in a row? That just wouldn’t be fair!” It’s no surprise that Chelsea won this award by a country mile – her character Alicia has been to hell and back this year, after being raped by her colleague, Eddie. But despite the harrowing nature of the storyline, Chelsea has loved having something so challenging to play. “It’s been amazing,” she grins. “All…

“Thanks muchly. When do I get Rear Of The Year, please?” quips the suitably amusing Simon Gregson on discovering he’s scooped our Funniest Male gong for the third time. While Inside Soap couldn’t possibly comment on Simon’s bottom, we’re happy to report that he’s back in the comedy game again this year, having lost the Funniest Male crown to his equally deserving Corrie co-star Joe Duttine (Tim) in 2015 and 2016, and Emmerdale’s Dominic Brunt (Paddy) last year… “I’m very privileged,” grins the star, who’s been cracking Steve’s jokes since 1989. “It’s always good to know how much everyone enjoys silly Steve. The two of us share the same sense of humour – although thanks to the talented…

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 Jenning............................... Di Botcher Dylan Keogh........................... William Beck Jade Lovell.......................... Gabriella Leon Jacob Masters....................... Charles Venn 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 Izzy Armstrong............... Cherylee Houston 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..........................…

After her troubles with Hayley this week, Kat has a bigger shock in store when she receives a video call from her estranged husband Alfie! Kat’s at a loss at what to do – but turns her attentions back to Hayley as she realises how much the struggling mum is worried about a visit from the social worker. While she tries to help Hayley, Kat ignores Alfie’s increasingly frantic calls. However, realising she can’t carry on avoiding her hubby forever, Kat finally gets in touch and follows his instructions – and is staggered to find him waiting for her. “It’s the last thing that Kat is expecting, as she assumed Alfie was phoning from Spain,” reveals our Square informant. “When she claps eyes on him, she dares to dream she’ll…

The answers that all EastEnders viewers have been desperate for relating to Vincent Hubbard’s disappearance will soon be with us, according to actress Tameka Empson, aka Kim. Back in April, her hubby was all set to go on the run from gangster Aidan Maguire, when a crooked police detective tricked him into a car with the promise of witness protection, and went on to pull a gun on him. What happened next remains a mystery. Was Vincent killed? Or was the corrupt cop simply trying to scare him off? One way or another, we’re set to find out the truth in December… “Where is he? Kim doesn’t know,” says Tameka. “However, there are lots of answers that will come about at Christmas.” For all we know, the truth about Vincent…

“Is Nick drifting back towards Leanne, and Peter to Carla? No! They should properly mix things up and go with the only combo they haven’t tried yet – Leanne with Carla and Nick with Peter. I reckon the boys would make a cute couple!” …dreams reader Cas “ Mel in EastEnders has it in her to become soap’s next big serial killer. She’s got that whole psychopath thing going on! I think that would be a brilliant plot for 2019 – and she can clear out some of the dead wood!” …cackles reader Gary “I think Clive the con man in Emmerdale will end up tempting Frank back to the dark side. I want them to team up to do a big…

FAIR CITY Hayley assures Robbie that she doesn’t want a serious relationship this week, just as Carol wrestles with her own feelings for the fella. Elsewhere, Jake returns home, causing tension between him and Will. Also, Wayne manages to badly insult Orla. RIVER CITY Bob and Kim’s wedding day arrives this week – but after Bob makes a shock confession, will they end up tying the knot? Meanwhile, Ellie stops short of revealing her pregnancy to AJ when he admits he doesn’t to be a dad. Plus, Lydia returns to the site of the blast. THE ARCHERS Lexi’s strange behaviour is explained this week, as she drops a big bombshell. What could it be? Across the village, Peggy is excited for her birthday tea, but a confession from a loved…

Talk about being your own worst enemy! I was screaming at the TV (quietly!) telling Hayley to just tell someone and ask for help! It’s been a few years now, but I can remember going into labour with my two, and I certainly wasn’t up to steering a taxi in a three-point turn as the contractions came – let alone deliver my own child without help or pain relief! | Lucy I know EastEnders is famous for being depressing, and it certainly did nothing to shake that reputation in this week’s episodes where Hayley Slater gave birth. It was almost unbearably grim. | Camille For one reader, it really was too much to take… I watch EastEnders with my daughter (12) because it often leads us…

JO JOYNER Tanya Branning Never a day goes by without another rumour that Jo is returning as Tanya. But the actress has been busy this year playing Mandy Carter in the second series of Ackley Bridge. JACQUELINE JOSSA Lauren Branning Star Jacqueline is living her best life after giving birth to her second daughter, Mia, and was recently snapped looking loved-up with husband Dan Osborne as they celebrated her 26th birthday. CHARLIE CLEMENTS Bradley Branning Charlie returned to his old stomping ground at Elstree Studios recently for a guest part in Holby City, and is set to reunite with his former EastEnders co-star Rita Simons (Roxy Mitchell) in a new play, The House On Cold Hill. LORNA FITZGERALD Abi Branning After cutting her acting teeth on EastEnders, Lorna received rave…

“This is the one award that Danny and I have always wanted to win, so we’re thrilled!” grins Kellie Bright, as she accepts Inside Soap’s trophy for Best Partnership on the night of our awards party. “We’ve been working together for five years now – it was our anniversary in October – and I’ve been celebrating all day!” With super-busy Danny unable to make the Inside Soap Awards bash, beaming Kellie is thankful enough for the pair of them – particularly since this is the first time that they have been voted most popular on-screen couple. However, we are able to catch up with Danny the following day, to find out his reaction… “We have a special bond, me and Kellie,” he says. “We came into…

The Dales’ Aaron is adored by hubby Robert, sister Liv and mum Chas – and Danny Miller, who plays the Dingle fella, has proved himself equally popular with Inside Soap readers, as he steps up to collect our very first Soap Superstar award! This brand-new category is dedicated to the stars you love to love – so we asked you to nominate your favourite soapies and tell us why they’re your top telly talent. Our Danny garnered comments ranging from, “His portrayal of Aaron has given hope to people facing issues in real life,” to, “He’s the best crier on TV” – and more than a few saying, “He’s fit!” And it’s clear that Danny is thrilled to have been voted to win the prize… Congratulations…

It’s a double whammy for Dolly-Rose Campbell, who has scooped our Funniest Female trophy two times on the trot. When we first met wayward Gemma back in 2014, there was nothing very funny about her troubled life – but since moving to the cobbles, she has lit up the Street with her wacky outfits and quirky turn of phrase. Even heartbreak at the hands of her fancy ex-fiancé Henry couldn’t suppress Gemma’s sense of humour for long – so no wonder she’s your queen of comedy once more… You’ve been voted Funniest Female again – did you expect it? No, not at all, it’s always a surprise – and I’m really pleased. It’s always nice to be voted for, and to know that the audience are enjoying watching Gemma and…

I watch so much telly! I really love Unforgotten, and I’m a bit obsessed with The Handmaid’s Tale – I even get goosebumps just thinking about it. Last year, me and my boyfriend were in the Philippines and we were meant to be going up a mountain, but we ended up staying up till four in the morning the night before, watching all of it! We didn’t make it to the mountain! If it’s ever on, I will always watch The Inbetweeners. It just makes me die laughing every time. And I love Fleabag as well – I love that kind of British humour. When I try to get people to watch it, they’re like, “That sounds weird.” And it is, but that’s why it’s so good! I love…

FUTURE TENSE Emma Thompson is to play an outspoken politician in Years And Years, the new BBC1 drama from A Very English Scandal writer Russell T Davies, which follows 15 years in the life of the Lyons family. Russell Tovey and Anne Reid are also set to star in the show. UNDER THE EYE War And Peace star Callum Turner and Strike’s Holliday Grainger have signed up to lead the cast of BBC1’s new surveillance thriller The Capture. The six-parter follows a British soldier fighting to clear his name in a world of misinformation. JOLLY OLLY Olly Murs’ star is on the rise – now he’s getting his very own TV show! The one-off Happy Hour With Olly Murs will see the singer and The Voice UK coach taking over…

JANET DIBLEY (Melinda, Corrie ) IN Star Janet Dibley made waves in EastEnders 20 years ago as alcoholic Lorna Cartwright, who had an affair with Phil when he was married to Kathy. She made a brief return to the soap two years ago after Phil fell off the wagon once again – but you’ll be seeing the actress appearing on the cobbles at the end of the year, as Bessie Street School head teacher Melinda. December JUSTIN ROSINAK ( Ross Nixon, Home and Away ) IN There’s more drama in store for Colby next year, as rumours suggest that his wicked stepfather, Ross, will be turning up in the Bay! Ross is the reason that Colby’s mother and little sister, Bella, went missing – so…