Inside Soap UK 28 - 2016

I love it when the Inside Soap Awards voting season is upon us, because it gives us the chance to hang out with some of our favourite stars as they campaign for your votes. First up this week is the cast of Emmerdale – last year’s victor in the Best Soap category, lest we forget! And they’re determined to make it two in a row, as they explain in our exclusive – and very glam – shoot over on p42. Elsewhere this week, things have gone a bit baby crazy. We’ve got all angles covered – Corrie’s Leanne is preggers and didn’t plan to be, Walford’s Whit is up the duff and over the moon, while Emmerdale’s Belle is trying to get pregnant while lying that she already is! Of…

“AS THE CRUEL REALITY SINKS IN, PHIL AND IAN JUST CAN’T BELIEVE IT” Brace yourselves for a shock death in Walford this week – as the Mitchell and Beale clans receive the devastating news that Ben has been killed! The nightmare unfolds after Ian receives a phone call from Walford General, informing him that his half-brother has been involved in an incident and is critically injured. However, when Ian and Steven – along with Ben’s dad Phil – arrive at the hospital, they’re told that doctors were unable to save the lad… “As with any unexpected death, this is an awful shock for Ben’s loved ones,” laments our Square insider. “When they’re contacted by the hospital, there is still hope that he will be okay. But as the cruel reality…

This week marks the start of another sizzling Walford affair, as Kathy and Buster slip off to a hotel and spend the night together! The chemistry between them has been evident since they shared a passionate kiss a few weeks ago, though the guilty duo have since tried to keep a lid on their feelings. However, all bets are off as they take their clandestine romance to the next level… “It’s obvious that Kathy and Buster are mad for one another,” reckons our sneak. “He’s known for some time that his relationship with Shirley isn’t right, and has decided to throw caution to the wind with Kathy. But the question is: what kind of hell lies in store for the pair when Shirley finds out?” Of course, there’s the possibility…

“LEANNE SWEARS TO THE FATHER THAT HE DOES NOT HAVE TO BE INVOLVED” Leanne is forced to come clean to Simon about her pregnancy this week – before dropping the bombshell on the father! Leanne decides to be honest with Simon after he gets himself into a terrible state, thinking his mum is ill. Leanne’s morning sickness and a text confirming a GP appointment have the lad jumping to conclusions – but while Simon’s mind is put to rest, he’s stunned to learn that he will soon be a big brother… “Leanne has been single for a while, so this is a bolt from the blue for Si,” says our cobbles insider. “Simon naturally wants to know who the father is, but Leanne’s not ready to give anything away –…

ZEEDAN   Those lingering looks, their close bond… we wouldn’t be surprised if Zeedan had fallen for Leanne’s charms. GOOD STORY! Imagine Yasmeen’s face if she discovers her grandson has knocked up her late son Kal’s fiancée! It could tear the Nazir family apart, and position Rana as Leanne’s latest arch-enemy. BAD STORY! It’s a bit icky to share a bed with the woman who was set to be your stepmum. Plus, once past the shock of Leanne bedding a toyboy, would we want to see Zeedan knee-deep in nappies? ROBERT   There’s more than professional respect between this pair. Robert was desperate to get Leanne back at the Bistro – and stuck up for her with Tracy as well. GOOD STORY! Having the baby of Tracy Barlow’s man is…

“MOIRA KNOWS HOLLY CAN KICK DRUGS AS LONG AS SHE IS THERE FOR HER” Moira is beside herself this week – when she fears that Holly has run away to find more drugs. As her daughter struggles to cope with the methadone treatment intended to wean her off her addiction, Moira can’t help but worry. And after the lass disappears, all hell breaks loose as Moira heads to Holly’s dealer’s house for an almighty showdown… “Moira isn’t a happy chappy!” admits Natalie J Robb, who plays her. “She goes round to Simon’s expecting to find Holly, and more or less kicks the door down. Holly has left her phone at home, and there are missed calls and messages on it from Simon saying he’ll do her a deal on more…