Inside Soap UK 2015-09

Every year the soaps’ big bosses – the producers – take the time to chat with Inside Soap. It’s always fascinating to learn how our favourite plots were developed – as well as hearing sneaky hints about what’s coming up, of course! This week, we kick off our annual set of interviews with Corrie’s Stuart Blackburn, who reveals all about their impending live episode. Look out for more soap bosses in the coming weeks – and do send us any questions you have for them via email, or leave them on our Facebook page. Elsewhere this week, we welcome Lauren back to EastEnders, together with a new baby Branning-Beale to boot (see p12). Over in Emmerdale, bad boy Ross takes a terrible revenge on his brother Pete (p8), while Hollyoaks…

Desperate Callum brings heartbreak to the Platts this week – when he causes Max to run out in front of a car! With the looming threat of violence from the thug he owes money to, Callum believes his only way out is to extort the cash from David, Kylie and their family. But as they stand firm in the face of his demands, the volatile criminal loses the plot – and accidentally puts Max in deadly danger in the process… “Callum is ready to cause hell for whoever gets in his way,” says Sean Ward, who plays the Street villain. “But he cares about Max, and doesn’t mean this to happen to him. After it does, he really wants to help – but the Platts won’t let him.” REVENGE TIME…

We know that Callum vs the Platts will be the big plot for Coronation Street’s latest live episode, to be broadcast next week. So how is actor Sean feeling about carrying so much responsibility on his shoulders? “I might have to have a hip flask in my pocket!” jokes the star. “I will probably meditate – I’ve always been into that, so I’ll do some breathing exercises. I’ve been told that everyone is on the ball, and that the energy and the silence just makes you galvanised, so you are ready to do it.” It’s going to be a huge night for everyone at Corrie, but Sean’s getting used to the impact that the Street has on his life. Everywhere he goes, people want to talk…

Wicked Ross proves he’s as despicable as ever this week – by plotting to kill Pete and make it look as if his depressed older brother has committed suicide! For weeks Ross has been biding his time and waiting for the moment to take revenge on Pete, who beat him up and left him for dead. So when Pete spirals into severe depression and everyone fears for his sanity, Ross sees his chance to strike… “The plan is very clever for Ross,” says Michael Parr, who plays the bad boy. “You’d expect Ross to just blunder in there and be violent, to use some kind of weapon and do what Pete did to him. But the more he’s thought about it, the smarter his plan has become.” FOR PETE’S SAKE…

A health crisis for little Sarah sees Debbie come up against Emma – but just who will emerge victorious? The worried young mum is terrified that her daughter is poorly again, so takes her to the doctor to get her seen. In order to rule out a return of the genetic disorder that almost killed her, the doctor orders tests – but Debbie’s horrified to find out Emma is the nurse in charge of taking the blood samples. It’s no secret that Emma despises Debbie for what she’s done to Pete and Ross, so it’s a toxic situation as they are forced together. The next day, Emma is further enraged when Debbie insults her – and she decides to hide the results of Sarah’s blood tests in revenge! It’s a…

Lauren Branning makes a dramatic return to Walford this week – when she goes into labour just as dad Max’s trial kicks off! The last we saw of Lauren, she was heading off to New Zealand to make a new life with boyfriend Peter Beale, as the pair tried to escape the horrific truth about Lucy’s murder. While they’ve been away, the couple have been excitedly preparing for the birth of their baby – but upon hearing that Max is now accused of killing Lucy, Lauren is back to ensure justice is done. However, just as she announces that she’s going to tell the police the truth, the mum-to-be’s waters break… “Lauren means business – and that’s why she’s travelled halfway across the world,” says our Albert Square source. “What…