Inside Soap UK 36 - 2020

“It’s so lovely to have all of our bigs soaps back” Hurrah – the ‘duff duffs’ are back for the first time since June! While we’ve enjoyed the gossip of Secrets From The Square, and the nostalgia of the classic repeats, nothing beats the real thing. As always, we have all the news on EastEnders’ return, with some great star chats and backstage secrets. Meanwhile, Hollyoaks is also back after its summer break, and the show is throwing itself right in at the deep end – as Mitchell and Scott’s wedding ends in seriously high drama. Like all of the soaps, EastEnders and Hollyoaks have put a tremendous amount of work into getting their shows up and running. It’s so lovely to have all four of our big soaps back…

Following a two-month break from our screens, EastEnders returns this week. As for most of us in the past few months, where lockdown restrictions have slowly lifted, life is getting back to normal – but in Albert Square, of course, ‘normal’ simply means a whole heap of drama! “We all wanted EastEnders to return with a bang!” explains the show’s producer, Jon Sen. “We wanted a huge level of ambition story-wise, and we also wanted to use it as a chance to have a great jumping-on point for viewers.” We’ll join the residents of Albert Square post-lockdown, something which will be reflected in the storylines… “We have some amazing stories about how lives have been affected during that time,” says Jon. “Chantelle hasn’t had it easy – that’s a huge…

Brave Chantelle sets the wheels in motion to divorce Gray and flee Walford this week – but her violent husband suspects that she is plotting to dissolve their marriage! Life in lockdown was hell for Chantelle while she was cooped up with Gray, yet it helped her to realise that she and the kids need to break free of his grasp. So as restrictions start to ease, Chantelle formulates a plan – and puts all her trust in smitten boss Kheerat to help her… “Quarantine with Gray made Chantelle realise he’s probably never going to change,” says actress Jessica Plummer, who plays her. “I think, in that confined environment, she saw him for who he really is. Gray wasn’t as physical with her, as the kids were around all the…

Kheerat’s heroic efforts to save Chantelle look set to cost him dearly this week, as it’s revealed he’s in huge financial trouble! As Trading Standards visits the Panesars to check in on Kheerat’s business affairs, Suki lets slip that Gray reported them – and demands Kheerat cut ties with Chantelle. But how much bother does the family empire stand to be in if Kheerat has given her all his spare cash? Meanwhile, Jags is keen to tell his mum that he and Habiba are dating, although his secret girlfriend is not so keen – and continues to hide the truth from her sister, Iqra. Will hurt Jags feel compelled to reveal all? And how will the couple’s opposing families react should the truth of their secret romance come spillling out?…

The future looks rosy for Ben and Callum this week, as Ben gets ready to ask Callum if he’ll move in with him – but could Ben’s dirty dealings scupper their happiness? The two very different worlds that the boys have each chosen to navigate in life are set to collide in catastrophic fashion, after new police recruit Callum is tasked with investigating villain Danny Hardcastle – and stumbles across evidence incriminating Ben in the process! “Callum knew joining the force was always going to be a conflict of interest after falling for a Mitchell,” points out our Walford insider. “But what were the chances of him stumbling across Ben’s criminal dealings on his very first case? This is Callum’s worst nightmare!” “Callum is told to gather evidence on Danny…”…

Hi, Tony! So Callum is suddenly a police officer. When did that happen? He’s been fast-tracked and is full-blown in the mix now. Naturally that causes some issues down the line! Yes, this doesn’t sound good for Ballum… Well, the heart wants what the heart wants. Callum is keen to do the right thing, but also family means everything to him. He’s come from a broken home, and all of a sudden the Mitchells are welcoming him into the fold. So will he choose his job, or his love life? You will see a new side to Callum. He is growing into himself. What will we see him get up to as a police officer? I’ve already filmed my first stunt! I had to run through the Square and arrest…