Inside Soap UK 50 - 2018

Nothing makes me feel older than a soap character I remember being born going on to have a child of their own. Well, that’s not quite true. Nothing actually makes me feel older than when I can also remember the mother of that character being born! So, with this week’s news that Amy Barlow is to fall pregnant, I now feel even more ancient than the Corrie cobbles! “I feel more ancient than the cobbles!” What I do love is that sense of history and the generations in soaps, as it really rewards those of us who have been loyal for decades. But I tell you what – when Amy’s baby goes on to have a kid of their own, I’m officially throwing in the towel… that’s if I’m fit…

Poor Sally has already lost her liberty – but it looks as though she may be about to lose her beloved husband this week, if her sister Gina has anything to do with it! Ever since innocent Sal was sent down for fraud, Gina hasn’t been able to resist growing closer and closer to down-hearted Tim. And it looks as if her dreams may come true, when the disillusioned fella moves in on his sister-in-law for a kiss… “There’s a line that’s definitely crossed, where Gina decides that she likes Tim,” explains Connie Hyde, who plays her. “But Gina doesn’t go all out for it to happen – she tries to fight it. None of this is easy for Gina, she just does irrational things without considering all the consequences.…

While there’s no excuse for stealing your sister’s mister, we do have to cut Gina some slack – her struggle with bipolar means that she doesn’t tend to see things the way the rest of us do. And Connie tells us that her character’s illness is always at the back of her mind when playing out these scenes… “I think I have a responsibility of care,” she admits. “That’s why it’s important to me that Gina is not seen as a baddy, because that’s not how it is with a mental illness. It comes from a place of vulnerability – someone is showing her love and she’s soaking that up like a sponge.” Connie confesses that playing Gina’s highs and lows can often be tiring, but she’s found a relaxing…

Linda’s Christmas wish comes true this week, as her husband Mick finally gets out of jail! But after his devoted wife went to extreme lengths to extract a confession from evil Stuart, Mick struggles to shake off everything that his nemesis has put them through… “Mick comes back and is asking a lot of questions of Linda,” explains actress Kellie Bright, who plays her. “He wants to know what she has done. What exactly did happen between her and Stuart? And how much will it change Linda’s relationship with Mick going forwards?” All will soon become clear when the special two-hander between Linda and Stuart plays out, and we see for ourselves just how far Linda is prepared to go to secure Mick’s freedom. However, from Mick’s point of view,…

And no, we’re not taking the Mick… After the horror of Stuart, it’s fair to assume that the entire nation is very much ‘Team Mick’ as the pair embark on what could be their final battle. With that in mind, Inside Soap was thrilled to stumble across this Christmas jumper in honour of his real-life alter ego, Danny Dyer – because what better way to show your support for the Carters than by donning this marvellous festive knit? It’ll set you back £34.99 from www.notjust.shop – and for all other manner of soapy treats, turn to p50 for our cracking Christmas gift guide!…

Maya is left furious this week, when Jacob admits that he confided in a friend about his love for an older woman. The vulnerable teenager is an emotional mess as David and Maya go off to rekindle their relationship, and is left wondering where he stands with the teacher. He doesn’t understand the fact that Maya is playing games with him, and poor Jacob’s confusion drives him to seek advice. With his feelings of jealousy becoming more and more difficult to deal with, he turns to Ellis – and after he admits that the woman he loves is much older than him, his pal has cause for concern. “David has no idea his son is being groomed by his girlfriend…” Ellis knows that something is wrong here, and he’s worried…