Inside Soap UK 8 - 2018

“Bob & Laurel’s affair is well and truly on!” This week’s Emmerdale sees the affair between Bob and Laurel well and truly on – and the drama is coming thick and fast. Some think it’s a bit quick for Laurel to move on after Ashley’s death – though while this may not be the best decision of her life, isn’t that the point? One of the strongest things about soaps is the fact that – unlike a film or series – we spend years with these people, watching them go through good times and bad. We understand why they do what they do, even if we don’t always agree with it. Poor Laurel is lonely and grieving. She spent so much time and effort caring for her late husband, only…

“It’s hard to put aside feelings for someone living over the road!” Laurel and Bob are thrown back into each other’s arms by a terrible accident this week – and finally admit their true feelings to one another. But just as they’re getting passionate, the worst possible person is about to walk in on them… “The moment they come together is like fireworks going off between Laurel and Bob,” explains Charlotte Bellamy, who plays her. “But neither realises that Brenda is coming up the path towards the house and is about to arrive at the open front door!” Laurel has been trying to resist her attraction to Bob, which began with a heart-to-heart and led to the two of them falling into bed together. Meanwhile, Brenda has reconciled with Bob…

What kind of response have you had regarding Bob and Laurel so far? I’ve had a few, “What are you doing?!” kind of remarks, though it’s all quite restrained at the moment. Of course people would wonder why Laurel’s doing this, but I understand why this path has been chosen for her. After being Florence Nightingale and nursing someone for so long, you’d need to spice it up a bit. Do you think Bob and Laurel would make a good couple, if it came to that? I think they would. But it’s hard, isn’t it? It’s sometimes difficult to see your character with someone else. Time will tell, and I think the audience will let us know whether they like it or not. But I do think Bob and Laurel…

“Bethany has a panic attack – all she can see in her head is Nathan” Traumatised Bethany lashes out at a rowdy stag who attempts to grope her this week – and ends up getting arrested! The troubled girl returns to the lap-dancing club after leaving her job at Audrey’s salon in a huff. And with a new owner in charge at Tassels, Bethany hopes her career could be back on track. But things go horribly wrong on day one… “The club has changed from what it was like when Lulu was running it,” shares Lucy Fallon, who plays Bethany. “Bethany notices the girls are wearing much skimpier outfits – and when the manager hands her one of the bikinis, Bethany says she has her own clothes to wear. She…

It’s a difficult week for Craig, as his guilt over girlfriend Bethany’s issues exacerbates his OCD symptoms. Craig has been covering up his condition for months, but when his sweetheart endures another horrible episode, he can’t control his behaviour. And as he worries that mum Beth might be close to rumbling his secret, Craig is keen to move out of the flat – so after Kate offers him Luke’s old room, he jumps at the chance. Craig knows he has to keep away from Beth, who is getting increasingly worried about his anxiety and is confused when he tells her he’s moving out. But living with Kate might not be the escape he wants, as she soon notices him displaying some strange behaviour and wonders what’s going on. Can the…

“If there is a plot to discredit Martin, who could be behind it?” Martin’s bond with newcomer Hayley looks set to turn romantic this week – but as he confronts life after Stacey, she sees red over his behaviour! Viewers know that Hayley has an ulterior motive – so as she manages to drive Stacey and Martin even further apart, what exactly is her plan? “As far as Martin is concerned, his marriage to Stacey is over, so he doesn’t think there’s anything wrong in exploring where things might lead with someone else,” says our Walford source. “Martin is clearly intrigued by Hayley, but he is also revelling in the fact that he’s getting attention from a new woman. If that serves to make Stacey jealous, then it’s just a…