Table of contents for 47 - 2018 in Inside Soap UK

“There’s still so much to enjoy this year…” This week, I’ve had quite a problem working out what to talk to you about. You see, I’m already really excited about 2019 in the soaps – especially the amazing news that Mandy Dingle is heading back to Emmerdale (see p14) – but that makes me get ahead of myself, which I really shouldn’t do, because there’s still soooo much to enjoy in this year’s soaps. We’ve got EastEnders’ baby secret primed to explode, with this week’s return of Alfie to Albert Square (see p4) bringing the anticipation to fever pitch! Meanwhile, Corrie sees poor Sal discover her fate as the trial drama comes to a head (see p18). Over in Emmerdale, Graham is well and truly on the edge – and…

Jen’s gown and out! Hollyoaks’ Jennifer Metcalfe didn’t let filming Mercy’s big day keep her from lunch – she went to the pub for pie and chips in her dress! “It takes so long to get off, and you only get an hour, so you have to make the best of it!” she says. Street shock! Reports suggest terror will rock Weatherfield as Dev’s shop is the target of a robbery, leaving him determined to find the culprits. Jack in the docs! Former EastEnder Jack Ryder (Jamie Mitchell), is set to appear in Holby City. He’ll play consultant surgeon Evan Crowhurst, who will arrive in 2019. “I’m delighted to be joining,” he grins.…

“Relapsed alcoholic Graham needs someone to get him out of his slump. He needs the love of a good woman! And who better than Laurel? She’s had her own battle with the booze and – gosh – is suddenly single…” …says reader Dee “I’m sure I spotted a glint in Mercedes’ eye when she first spotted Sinead’s hubby Laurie in the pub! Surely it’s only a matter of time before those two fall into each other’s arms – they’d be the best-looking couple on Hollyoaks !” …predicts reader Margaret from Bath “With Peter Barlow buying the snooker hall, what’s the betting that one of his neighbours is a secret demon player? I nominate Kirk! He’d seem a pushover, but then would clear the table in one go.…

Kate and Rana take their first tentative steps to becoming parents this week, after Johnny offers to pay the bill for their IVF treatment. And as Kate pushes forward with her plans, she makes a big suggestion herself – and asks Robert to father the baby! When Rana and Kate look at their options, they’re shocked to discover the process of IVF will set them back several thousand pounds. However, as Johnny learns of their financial woes, he comes to their rescue. It’s fantastic news for both Kate and Rana – or is it? “Kate is desperate for a baby, and when she mentions it to her dad, you can see how she’s trying to fill that void since her brother Aidan’s death,” says Faye Brookes, who plays her. “She…

FAIR CITY This week, Wayne is left reeling at the sour idea of Orla have a ‘saviour sibling’ with Tommy. Meanwhile, Phoebe is thrown as Mairead proposes a move to Dublin, and Damien is dragged into the mix. Also, Decco agrees to Ritchie’s dodgy job – will he be caught out? RIVER CITY Maggie is feeling the pressure this week, as she tries to keep Ruby’s abortion a secret. But when Ruby collapses, will she reveal the truth? Elsewhere, Kim receives a worrying phone call about her mum – Isabel has gone missing! Can she be tracked down? THE ARCHERS Jazzer proves himself to Hannah this week, but Fallon worries that Jazzer will just get his heart broken. Also in the village, the stress continues for Lily as she tries…

There was a time when we thought unlucky-in-love Marlon would never smile again, but thanks to lovely Jessie Grant he’s positively beaming these days. She’s changed his life for the better, and both he and daughter April have fallen in love with her and her son Ellis. They’ve reached that point in their romance where Marlon wants to say the ‘L’ word, and this week he takes the plunge. However, Sandra Marvin – who plays Jessie – tells us her alter ego’s reaction is going to make him wonder if he’s been reading their situation all wrong… “Jessie is really happy with Marlon, but she’s floored by what he does – she isn’t expecting it at all,” insists the star. “I reckon she’s a bit shocked, because I don’t think…

Coming back to Hollyoaks has been a challenge for single mum Steph, whose son Caben turns two in January. And she says the only way she’s been able to make it work is with the help of her own mother… “I’m in a routine now, but it’s been hard,” she admits. “I put Caben in nursery three days a week, while I’m at work. My mum has been a huge help, though – she has him on the days he’s not in nursery. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without her.” And Steph tells us that Caben is getting used to her being on TV… “He watched Hollyoaks last night – he pointed to the screen and said, ‘Mumma?’!” she shares. “He looked really confused. Then the scenes…

“Is it true you once enjoyed a night out with Prince Edward?” …asks reader Rita Lindell from Lincoln In my ancient history! I was in the National Youth Theatre, which Prince Edward was a patron of. I was asked to partner him at a fund-raising ball, and was terrified. But he was utterly charming, and very funny. I was chatting away, and realised my dad was behind a pillar with his camera. I said, “I’m so sorry, that’s my dad…” – and without missing a beat he replied, “Shall I have him taken to the Tower?” He was really lovely.…

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THIS IS THE SORT OF SHOW that makes us thank our lucky stars for iPlayer, because one viewing is never quite enough – there are so many characters with motivations that aren’t always immediately clear that we find we need at least two viewings of each episode to keep on top of the story. Normally we’d be on the fence about whether that was a good thing, but when a show looks this spectacular and has clearly been made with so much love and care, watching for a second time is actually a bit of a treat (especially when Alexander Skarsgård is involved – hey, we’re only human…).…

GREAT DIVIDE Peaky Blinders star Jack Rowan and Masali Baduza are to star in BBC1 drama Noughts + Crosses. Adapted from Malorie Blackman’s novel, it follows two young lovers in an alternate world rife with racial division. SPACE CASE Harry Hill is returning to ITV next year with a new series of Alien Fun Capsule. He’ll be inviting lots more celebrities to join him in selecting the weirdest and best elements of human culture to convince aliens to spare us from invasion. MOTHER’S PRIDE Katherine Ryan is to make her first-ever scripted series for Netflix. In six-part comedy The Duchess, she’ll play a single mother who loves her daughter Olive so much she contemplates another baby with her worst enemy – Olive’s dad.…

MELISSA JOHNS (Imogen Pascoe, Corrie ) IN Melissa is back on the cobbles, reprising her role as Kate’s ex-girlfriend Imogen, after her initial brief stint last year. You may remember that Kate and Imogen started dating back in September 2017, but Kate’s burgeoning feelings for Rana meant that the romance was short-lived. Imogen will make her comeback at Christmas, as she meets up with Rana. The pair have been spotted filming in Manchester – so what might it mean for Kate and Rana’s relationship? December AMY LENNOX ( Chloe Godard, Holby City ) IN Amy will star as Chloe, a doctor at a neighbouring hospital, who arrives to help her mother Ange – played by Dawn Steele – with a tricky patient. Scots-born Amy is…

EASTENDERS The tooth hurts! WILL BILLY MAKE A DENT(IST) IN HONEY’S RELATIONSHIP WITH ADAM? Honey’s ex Billy is still licking his wounds about losing her to hunky dentist Adam next week – and he will stop at nothing to destroy their fun for good! But as he sets out with a dastardly new plan, his behaviour could have unexpected consequences… EMMERDALE Daz in danger? After being dumped by Bernice, Daz is again plummetting into the depths of despair. And next week, he’s had enough – but his actions only makes things much worse… CORRIE Toyah & trouble! Toyah loses control to her rebellious Battersby streak again next week – as she gets steamy with a cobbles fella! But who’s the lucky man? And is this a casual fling – or…

BULLSEYE! When we first met Abi – as an out-of-control, drug addict mum – we’d never have guessed that she’d become one of our absolute favourites. But actress Sally Carman has helped create a character of such depth and likeability, Abi’s name already deserves to be spoken in the same breath as the likes of Karen McDonald and Becky Granger. She’s the next big thing! Emmerdale is going to properly sloooow-burn the Victoria-Matty romance, isn’t it? ‘ Robron’ style. But what do we call them? ‘ Mattoria’? Sounds like an island somewhere. Peter is so gung-ho for Simon to join the Navy, it feels as if it’s taking all his strength not to knock the boy over the head and set him adrift on the Manchester Ship Canal. We always…

It was Graham’s boss – and lover – Kim who ordered him to kill Joe, and going through with it has destroyed him. So how will Graham feel when Kim returns to the village next year? “Oh, that relationship has changed because of what Kim asked of him – there’s a lot of tension,” muses Andrew. “They both have something over each other now!” But could there be another twist in the tale? Fans reckon Graham didn’t go through with it, which would put a whole new spin on things… “That’d be wonderful!” enthuses Andrew. “After all, Graham knew Joe like a son, and I don’t think Graham would kill his own son. Viewers don’t trust me at all any more – not that I think they trusted Graham before.…

Here’s the moment EastEnders’ Mel Owen gets her revenge on her lying fiancé Ray Kelly – as he’s arrested on their wedding day! Despite Mel knowing that Ray has a secret wife, it’s been full-steam ahead towards their wedding. And if reports are to be believed, she’s set to go through with marrying Ray – before having him nicked for bigamy straight after! While Mel may look smug as she carries out her plans, has she underestimated her new husband? “It looks as if Mel has won when Ray is bundled into a police car,” says our Walford insider. “But this may only be the beginning of the story – Ray has proved to be a clever manipulator. And with time in the force, he may…

ILLNESS? Does Mandy perhaps contact her family because she’s suffering from a condition that means she needs some Dingle DNA? In which case, is she searching for a donor? CHILD? Lisa herself has said before that Mandy slept with Paddy before they ultimately parted – so could she possibly have a 16-year-old in tow who looks distinctly familiar? CRISIS? Perhaps she needs cash desperately, and has come up with a way for the dodgy Dingles to help her out – but at what risk to themselves?…

With Kate obsessed with babies, and Rana having doubts, will the couple make it down the aisle? “They’ve spent so much time apart, love is in the air completely,” reckons Faye. “They are just infatuated with each other, and they can’t wait to start making plans for the future.” But will those plans be made jointly – or will Kate be the one taking charge? “Because Rana has been married before, she’s slightly reserved,” suggests Faye. “Whereas Kate is the opposite. This is the first time, and she knows she’s marrying the woman of her dreams. She wants the perfect dress, and can’t wait for her dad to walk her down the aisle. So I think she’s far more excited than Rana…”…

Leyla must battle her conscience this week, when she realises that her fiancé Clive is planning to stitch up Frank and flee the country! As Frank and Clive put their plot into action, they load the forged painting into Megan’s car. Leyla agrees to be the getaway driver, but she’s furious when she realises that Clive is really plotting to double-cross his partner in crime. Nevertheless, she has a hard choice to make – if she listens to what her inner voice is telling her, she will almost certainly lose Clive completely. Given that Clive has declared his undying love for her, and even brought her in on the sting, her loyalties are seriously torn. Will Leyla do the right thing, or stay quiet for the sake of her engagement?…

Darren and Nancy’s separation turns a whole lot nastier this week, as Darren files for full custody of their children! Since the revelation of Darren and Mandy’s affair, the Osbornes have tried to be civil for the sake of Charlie and Oscar. But now, Darren wants to hire an expensive lawyer to fight his corner. Kyle hires James for Nancy – and the lawyer tells her that she should stop her cheating husband from seeing the kids altogether. Who will win this battle?…

I’ve watched every single one of Mercedes’ weddings in Hollyoaks, and I didn’t think anything could top her nuptials to Dr Browning. But I have to say that this one was my favourite yet! It had everything you could want from a McQueen wedding – outrageous outfits, insults, punch-ups, Nana – and to top it all off, Breda was unmasked as a serial killer! I loved it. | Hannah, Essex Oh my God, I can’t believe that Breda is a murderer! What a brilliant twist. And you know what? I kind of agree with all of her crimes! Obviously horrible Glenn needed to be bumped off, and Carl wasn’t very nice either. Russ was a dirty cheat, and didn’t deserve Mercy or Goldie. So I reckon Breda did everyone a…

“I’m off for lunch with Julie Hesmondhalgh [formerly Corrie’s Hayley Cropper] after this – she has something lovely planned!”  grins Street star Connie Hyde, aka Gina, as we sit down for a natter with her about her character’s crush on her sister’s hubby, Tim. “Julie and I have been friends since we were 14! It’s weird having her not here, but here – she’s sort of like a ghost, walking the corridors! Mind you, we couldn’t have worked together, because we were such a nightmare at drama school – you’d get no sense out of us!” It’s a shame Gina and Hayley were never actually friends, as we reckon that Gina could do with a good pal to offer her some much-needed advice at the moment!…

Talented Sandra has a career as a backing singer, as well as acting. One of the big names she’s worked with is crooner Michael Ball. “Michael is lovely – I worked with him on a production of Hairspray for many years – I was Motormouth Maybelle, and he was my Edna!” laughs Sandra. “He was brilliant, and I ended up doing a couple of his tours as a guest vocalist.” As much as she enjoys the spotlight, Sandra says her childhood dream was to be a backing singer. “The first time I decided I wanted to do that was when I was watching Live Aid in 1985,” she tells us. “I was about nine, and it was David Bowie’s set that got me. He had two backing singers, and they…

GARY & NATASHA SPLIT Ex-Hollyoaks and former EastEnders star Gary Lucy has sadly separated from his wife of four years, Natasha Gray. In a statement, the couple said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the end of our marriage. This was a very difficult decision, but was reached mutually and amicably. No other parties are involved. Our priority is, as always, our children. We are still a family and will always be loving, dedicated parents.” A BABY FOR AMY Meanwhile, Gary’s former screen wife – in both Footballers’ Wives and Hollyoaks – Susie Amy, has revealed that she’s pregnant. The 37-year-old tweeted, “For the first time – maybe in my life – I can’t wait for January!” Meanwhile, the actress, who split from rugby player Rob Kearney in…

Hayley has a birthday party this week – despite the fact that she’d rather her family just ignored it! While Kat has her own troubles, Hayley is struggling with bringing up her baby daughter. So despite all the tensions at No 31, Jean tries to lighten the mood. But will she regret it? “Hayley doesn’t react well to the card that Jean presents her with, but the older woman isn’t deterred,” says our sneak. “She arranges a surprise party to lift not only Hayley’s spirits, but everyone else’s too…” Having got Kat to help her and Ian to bake a cake, Jean’s plan is coming together – but once the time comes to spring her big surprise, Hayley is horrified to see what’s waiting for her! “After taking one glance…

After a hellish six months, EastEnders’ Keegan Baker has needed his father more than ever – so it’s better late than never that his wayward dad Mitch is coming back to Walford! It’s been revealed that actor Roger Griffiths will be reprising his role as the slippery customer – who we last saw slinking off with his tail between his legs after Karen found out that he was married. “It feels great to be returning to Albert Square and working with the wonderful cast and crew again – especially the fantastic Taylor family,” grins Roger. “I’m excited for the viewers to learn more about Mitch and see what kind of trouble he gets himself into this time…” Upon Mitch setting foot back in Walford, it will…

They’ve had a rocky year or two, but Corrie’s Sarah and Gary are back in a good place – or so they think… The news that Nicola Rubinstein – mother of Gary’s baby Zack – is returning to the cobbles means there’s trouble ahead for the pair. Although Nicola and Gary parted on good terms back in June, when she returns to visit Eileen in January, the mood might be an awful lot frostier. “Nicola has a great heart – especially considering she’s Pat Phelan’s daughter!” says our cobbles spy. “But she’s a feisty one and will always speak her mind, so it’s easy for things to flare up. Plus, although Sarah has moved on from Gary and Nicola having a baby behind her back, has…

It’s the first opportunity that we’ve had to speak with Louisa since Ruby’s hard-hitting plot aired – and the star tells us that the storyline has been a real eye-opener for her… What has the response to Ruby’s ordeal been like from the viewers? So many women have messaged me on social media and sent emails to my agent to personally say thank you for doing the story. When I was in the show before, there was no direct contact other than fan mail, so to receive that response, it just goes to show that people have really bought into it. Did you feel pressure when filming the big reveal episode in the Vic? Everyone in the show will tell you that filming in the Vic is scary – even…

“You conniving, cheating cow!” Kat found the perfect description for Bev Slater. “How are you feeling? I didn’t sleep very well at all last night.” “I blame that prosecco. Tell me, when did all that start? In my day we used to drink Asti Spumante. We thought we were the height of sophistication.” At Inside Soap, we prefer a glass of cava. Is that more or less classy than prosecco? “Honestly, I’d much rather be here with you than watch your dad rearrange his olive display.” That’s a euphemism we’ve never heard before. “So, you got any dates yet?” “You knew what you were getting when you lured him away with your tousled updo and your big green eyes. Was it worth it, Laurel?” It’s awful to see women fight.…

Daniel discovers that his daughter Izzie is struggling to settle into her new school this week, after he and Zara are called in for a meeting. Determined to discipline Izzie, Zara reckons it’s time for a few house rules. But when she suggests that use of her mobile phone should be strictly limited, all hell breaks loose! Zara’s mortified as Izzie tells her to shut up, prompting her own son, Joe, to wade into the mix. Can Daniel bring his disobedient little girl into line?…

1 “ Dolly-Rose Campbell [Gemma] is hilarious! She’s just a gorgeous, funny, intelligent girl. I think she’s a good role model for young girls, actually. She’s very self-effacing.” 2 “My best pals on set are Sally, Dolly, and Jimmi Harkishin [Dev]. They’re just such great people. I would love Gina to get back with Dev – I liked those two as a couple!” 3 “I’d love to have more scenes with Maureen Lipman, who plays Evelyn. I’ve always really admired her – and I don’t think Gina would be afraid to square up to Evelyn!” 4 “There was a lovely scene between Fiz and Gina recently, where Gina opened up to her. Those two could be good pals – well, if Jennie McAlpine wasn’t on maternity leave!” 5 “I’m in…

“Life is really good for me right now,” grins Hollyoaks actress Stephanie Davis, as we sit down for our first in-depth natter with her about reprising her role as Sinead. “I did so much growing up when I was away from the show, and I appreciate this job so much more now. It’s only when you lose something that you realise how much it means to you. Now I’ve got my son Caben, I’m doing what I love, and I feel that I’m in a very lucky position. Karma’s been good to me!” “Sinead keeps finding herself drawn back to Sami!” It’s really great to see the star so happy and relaxed. Her turbulent personal life has been well-documented in the media over the past few years – but Inside…

Joe I’ve been watching quite a bit of TV recently. I’ve been catching up on stuff, so I’ve done Bodyguard – I loved that. And I’m really enjoying Alex Horne’s game show on BBC1, The Button – as well as Taskmaster, obviously! Alison I watched Bodyguard, too, I thought that was great. And I watched The Circle, which was hilarious. The first episode was a bit rubbish, to be fair, but it got so much better as it went along! Joe And also, because you’re Inside Soap, I’m really enjoying Emmerdale, Coronation Street and EastEnders… Alison I’m also watching Underground on Netflix, which is about slavery, but it’s really glossy – when I say that, I mean it’s well-made – and I’m just loving it. And the crime drama Power…

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 Marty Kirkby................ Shaheen Jafargholi 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 Leanne Battersby................... Jane Danson Toyah Battersby.................... Georgia Taylor Emma Brooker............... Alexandra Mardell Chesney Brown..........................…