Inside Soap UK 46 - 2016

Who doesn’t love a good soap psycho? This season’s character who is one episode short of an omnibus is the Dales’ Emma, and I’m loving her antics. But will she cause her own downfall this week, as she heads to the inquest into James’ death, determined to tell all about that fateful day on the bridge? Turn the page for more on that from Gillian Kearney, who plays her. There is a road back from soap psychodom, however – just ask Tracy Barlow! She’s gone from being a murderous schemer to the linchpin of the newly reformed Barlow house. And as star Kate Ford puts it in our chat over on p36, it’s “weird” that Tracy is now the good one in the family! Finally, don’t forget the Inside Soap…

“EVERY TIME EMMA WAKES UP, SOMETHING REMINDS HER OF JAMES” As the inquest into James Barton’s death arrives this week, Emma is a woman on the edge. She’s perilously close to coming clean about the fact that she pushed her ex-husband to his death, and is self-medicating to keep her guilt at bay. But by the time she takes the stand, Emma has realised that she can’t hide the truth forever… “I think the viewers will be shocked!” teases Gillian Kearney, who plays her. “At first, Emma tries to get out of going to the inquest so she doesn’t have to face it – and her boys are okay with that. She goes to James’ graveside, but talks to Harriet there and realises that you can never run away from…

It was Emma’s jealousy over James’ love for sister-in-law Moira that led to his death – so fans of the feisty farmer will be troubled to hear that the unhinged killer is going to get much closer to her former love rival! But this time, it seems Emma doesn’t want revenge on her sworn enemy. In fact, it’s quite the opposite… “Emma now sees Moira as her only redemption,” shares Gillian. “She thinks that if she can forgive Moira, she’ll be forgiven by God. So she transfers all the passion she had for James into having a good relationship with Moira. “She wants to support Moira in her grief over her daughter Holly and James, but obviously some people are a bit cynical about that. Rightly so, because Emma has…

“THE MITCHELL FAMILY HAVE TO FACE THE REALITY OF LOSING PHIL” The Mitchells finally learn that Phil can be considered for the transplant list this week – but the clan are mortified when he decides he isn’t going to accept a liver donation after all! Despite the odds always being against him, Phil has amazingly managed to prevail against his alcohol addiction and hasn’t touched a drop for a whole six months. This sobriety pays off – and the Mitchells are delighted after doctors agree that they can begin serious talks about the possibility of a liver transplant. However, the mood turns sour when Phil refuses to be tested for the transplant list – and resigns himself to dying instead… “For Louise and the rest of the Mitchells, it’s a…

“PHELAN TAKES ONE MORE ROLL OF THE DICE - HE HAS NOTHING TO LOSE EITHER WAY” Scheming Phelan discovers he’s been duped this week – as Vinny takes the money and runs without him! The schemer is all set to make his escape after the development scam is exposed, and arranges to meet his twisted cohort to travel to the airport together. But when he arrives at Vinny’s place, he finds it empty – and the neighbour confirms that he’s left. Had Phelan become a victim in his own racket? “Phelan is blindsided!” shares Connor McIntyre, who plays him. “The first thing he thinks is, ‘Did I get the time wrong? Was I supposed to meet him at the airport?’. But when he rings Vinny’s phone and the line is…

“WHEN YOU MEET TABBY, YOU’LL UNDERSTAND WHY MARNIE IS SO BRITTLE” If you thought ice queen Marnie was bad, just wait till you meet her mum, Tabitha! Marnie successfully persuades Tabby to come to the village, hoping to hit her up for a loan, but she soon realises that she’s bitten off more than she can chew! Star Lysette Anthony (Marnie) was honoured to work with the legendary Linda Gray, and tells us what it was like having Sue Ellen Ewing herself on the Hollyoaks set… Hi, Lysette! Exactly how excited were you when you heard that Linda would be playing your mum? I whooped with glee and joy! People were gibbering wrecks when it was announced to us. I only joined the show a year…