Table of contents for 52 - 2016 in Inside Soap UK

“KERRY HAS A FEW RUN-INS WITH CAIN OVER KYLE - HE’S NASTY TO HER” This is the shocking moment drunk Kerry takes her blazing revenge on Cain – by setting fire to his caravan! The drama unfolds after the stubborn dad refuses to let Kerry see her grandson, Kyle, leaving her absolutely furious. However, it’s wicked Charity who inspires Kerry to strike back, setting off a chain of events that leaves the Dingles terrified that one of their own is inside the doomed mobile home. Has Kerry killed someone? “Charity plants the seed for Kerry to cause havoc, but it all goes a bit too far,” explains actress Laura Norton, who plays Kerry. “It’s a tatty old caravan, and Kerry’s seen Cain in the village beforehand so she’s convinced that…

THE HOT-HEADED HUNKS SCRAP… It’s not just Jenny who has her eye on Underworld this week, as ex-shareholder Adam Barlow stakes his claim on the knicker business! When he learns that his uncle Peter once owned half the company – but gave his share away for nothing – the Barlow boys form a plan to sue for what they believe is rightfully theirs. However, when Aidan gets wind of Adam’s plan, he loses his cool – grabbing the solicitor by the scruff of his neck and shoving him against a wall! Is Aidan right to be ruffled by Adam’s threats to steal the factory – and will he regret reacting violently when the police later come knocking?…

Mary gears herself up to make a life-changing decision this week, as she says her final goodbyes before jetting off to South Africa with her son Jude. Never did she expect to be reunited with the boy she gave up as a teenager – but after Norris was left reeling from her tragic tale, Mary finally accepted her pal’s help and commenced the search for her long-lost child. Following an unsuccessful start, Norris was encouraged to turn to social media to put out a heartfelt plea asking Jude to get in touch. And while Norris was confident in his idea, the plan backfired as his video was mistakenly played in the Rovers in front of a horde of stunned punters – as well as mortified Mary! Luckily, the pair made…

Any hope of a relationship between Paddy and Chas appears doomed this week, as the couple clash painfully! They may already have been an item a few years back, but their efforts at getting together again have so far failed – and another attempt ends in Chas giving Paddy a fat lip while trying to kiss him! Might they decide that they’re much better off to just call it quits? “Chas and Paddy prove that the course of true love never runs smooth,” laughs our Dales insider. “This has been a comedy of errors from the start – and it’s Paddy who’s usually to blame for messing up these things. But it seems they’re in double trouble after Chas accidentally wallops him!” The cursed kiss occurs in the veterinary surgery,…

The new year gets off to a smashing start for Megan – but by no means in a good way! The stressed-out mother is driving to baby Eliza’s physiotherapy appointment with Jai, when she loses concentration and slams into the back of another car. But just what is troubling Megan so much to cause her to have an accident? Prior to the crash, it finally looks as though the smitten wedding planner has fallen head over heels for the charms of on-off lover Frank. The ex-con has persisted with his efforts to woo Megan after their relationship hit numerous bumps in the road. And when the villager emerges as her knight in shining armour this week, it looks as though the pair are definitely on the right track to romance.…

Finn is left devastated when his romance with Kasim comes to an end this week, and he blames his heartbreak on Emma! Overwhelmed Kasim feels as if the relationship is moving far too quickly – but after Emma piles on the pressure, Kasim lies to Finn that he’s getting back with his ex! Finn reckons this is all his mum’s fault, and Tracy worries as she catches him texting Kasim. Is there any hope of Finn winning back his love? Also this week… Chrissie learns that Lachlan has been attacked in prison, and Pearl accuses Liv of stealing her money – does she have the wrong end of the stick?…

This won’t be the first time that Lauren rubs shoulders with some famous soap faces, as the actress previously starred alongside former Corrie cast member Michelle Keegan (Tina McIntyre) in the first series of BBC drama Ordinary Lies. “I got on really well with Michelle,” she reveals. “We were in a lot of scenes together because I played the receptionist at the car showroom. She was so lovely, and I couldn’t believe I was working with her, to be honest!”…

There’s more than one village resident who won’t be sorry to see the back of 2016 – with the past year leaving death and destruction in its wake. But will the new year turn out to be a happier one? Surely 2017 can’t have worse in store for the Dales… DEBBIE’S ON THE RUN! Debbie bid an emotional farewell to the village when she left for a fresh start in France 12 months ago. She’s been missed ever since – not least by her parents, Cain and Charity. They’re in for a surprise, though! After discovering that her lover Ross had shot Robert Sugden, Debbie vowed she was done with the Dales as she packed up and left – but it seems she’s set to make a dramatic return in…

The new year brings romance for the staff of Holby City’s ED, with Ethan loved-up after spending the night with Alicia. But there’s just one problem – she’s still dating his brother! Although Alicia agrees to end things with Cal as soon as he gets back from London, it turns out that dumping him isn’t as easy as she thought. So will Alicia pluck up the courage to tell Cal the truth – or will she break Ethan’s heart? Meanwhile, Connie is determined to hold someone accountable for Grace’s injuries. And after she goes through the medical reports from her daughter’s horrific accident, she comes across information that suggests her colleague Elle was negligent during Grace’s treatment! Connie is fuming, and vows to make Elle pay. But can Jacob persuade…

 Last year’s special may have helped to ease the pain of the long break between each full series of Sherlock, but it also wasn’t quite Sherlock as we know it – taking place as it did almost entirely in Victorian London (or inside Sherlock’s mind palace which manifested itself as Victorian London, however you prefer to view it). “Sherlock feels protective towards the Watsons!” BENEDICT Thankfully, we can confirm that the new series brings us back to the present, as Sherlock, John and Mary have a compelling new case to solve – as well as childcare to sort for the newly arrived Watson Junior… “Parenting responsibilities have kicked in for the super-sleuths!” chuckles Benedict Cumberbatch, who plays Sherlock. “Childcare is never easy, but it gets even more complicated when…

At the end of Uncle’s second series, slacker musician Andy received a shock when he discovered his ex Teresa was pregnant. We’ve seen from his relationship with nephew Errol that Andy isn’t exactly a stable, mature influence – is he really ready to be a father? “It’s a wake-up call,” agrees Nick Helm, who plays him. “Andy has been in denial, and now he has to confront the fact he’s growing up. Fatherhood affects everyone in this series, and it forces Andy to wake up and realise what he wants in life.” This third series looks set to be the last one, as the show’s creators are calling time on the characters – but Nick is confident they’re giving the show a good send-off. “We are…

Ronnie and Jack’s dream wedding finally arrives this week – and no expense is spared as the pair prepare to celebrate their big day in spectacular style! Blushing bride Ronnie is a vision in white as she emerges from No 27 in a gorgeous lace gown, ready to make her way to a lavish hotel venue with bridesmaid Roxy. It’s truly a breathtaking sight to behold as the siblings take to the wheel of their surprise wedding transport – a snazzy red sports car courtesy of Ronnie’s cousin, Phil. Meanwhile, a Routemaster London bus is laid on by the happy couple to ferry their excited guests to the ceremony, setting the stage for what Ronnie and Jack hope will be the best day of their lives. However, as wayward Roxy…

If Kerry manages to make it through this latest trauma, is there still a chance for her and Dan after he so valiantly comes to her rescue? “If anything was going to bring them back together, you’d think it would be this,” muses Laura. “They still love each other to bits, but they’re just massively insecure and think that they’re not good enough for one another. I know I’d like to see them get back together, and I think that everyone else would as well!” Or, perhaps all Kerry needs in her life right now is a really good friend to lean on… “I always say that she and Tracy would get on really well, though they’d probably bring out the worst in each other!” laughs Laura. “Kerry really needs…

“PATRICK THINKS THAT DENISE IS MAKING A DECISION SHE WILL REGRET” Determined Denise makes a shocking confession to her close friend Patrick this week – she doesn’t want to even meet her baby when he or she is born! The pregnant woman has already stunned Patrick by admitting that she’s planning to put up her child for adoption after it’s born. And the fella was further gobsmacked when he discovered that Denise had met with social services in order to get the ball rolling. Although he’s struggled to get his head around Denise’s decision, Patrick has vowed to help his pal through the process – however, her latest bombshell leaves him flabbergasted… “It’s hard enough for Patrick to understand Denise’s reasons for giving up her baby, but as far as…

Roy forges ahead with his plans to sell the café and move away this week – but his loved ones are determined to prevent him from leaving the Street! After his wedding to Cathy was called off, Roy has taken the decision to sell up and get as far away from the cobbles as possible. And who can blame him? With so many memories of his late wife Hayley all around him, it’s no wonder that the poor fella is finding it hard to move on with his life. However, as he prepares to show a potential buyer round the café, his pal Brian reckons that the time has come to take action! He can see that Roy leaving his beloved business is not really the best way forward for…

Rana receives a surprising gift this week, when Yasmeen presents her with some ovulation kits! After a few bumps in the road, carefree Rana is now happily married to Zeedan, and is content in keeping things as they are. But while she’s keen to reap the benefits of married life, Yasmeen is keen to hear the patter of tiny feet, and has been open about wanting great-grandchildren. Reluctant Rana has been secretly taking the contraceptive pill, though – so when Yasmeen gives her the ovulation kits, Rana feels terrible for being deceitful. But the truth comes out as her pills fall from her bag! The guilty lass finally plucks up the courage to tell Zeedan that she’s not ready to start a family yet – but will he respect her…

With all the tears and tragedy that engulfed the residents of the Street in 2016, they’ll be eagerly counting down to the start of a new year! But will 2017 bring the locals any more joy than the past 12 months has? It looks unlikely – especially if wicked Phelan has anything to do with it… WEDDING BELLS! Dastardly Phelan has every reason to be optimistic as 2017 dawns – not only has he come out of the property scam smelling of roses, but Eileen has agreed to marry him! However, with people like Anna and Andy still convinced that he had something to do with Michael’s death, the dodgy builder better watch his back… Phelan isn’t one to let other people get in his way, though, and he’s determined…

As the action in Walford races towards a dramatic climax for some, it’s the beginning of a new chapter for former Albert Square favourites Kat and Alfie Moon. After months of speculation and sneak pics from the set, the couple’s spin-off series, Redwater , will at last hit our screens this year… “What is interesting about the script was that we make no reference [to EastEnders]!” reveals actor Shane Richie, who plays Alfie. “We never mention Albert Square, and we never mention Walford. There’s just one scene where somebody says, ‘Oh Alfie, have you ever had any experience in a pub before?’ and he replies, ‘Maybe a little bit’!” The six-part drama will see Kat and Alfie travel to the small Irish harbour village in search of…

There’s a lovely surprise for Irene as the new year gets under way, when old pal Bianca arrives on her doorstep! But Irene is surprised to see that Heath isn’t with her… As Irene probes her friend about the whereabouts of her hubby, she’s aghast when Bianca drops a bombshell – her marriage is in trouble, and she wants a divorce! It’s not long before Heath rocks up, begging Bianca to reconsider and telling her that he’s not willing to give up on them. But what exactly has happened between the pair to make Bianca want to end their relationship for good? Meanwhile, the Morgans’ big secret is revealed in the most public way, when their witness protection status is splashed across the front page of the Coastal News! The…

Emmerdale’s Jo Sugden went from husband-stealer to a shadow of her former self after being abused at the hands of Andy Sugden – so we can’t imagine Jo would be particularly cut up about the injustice of Andy’s current plight. But as we sit down with Roxanne Pallett, who played Jo from 2005 to 2008, she reveals that she is well aware of her on-screen ex-husband’s current predicament… “Do you know how I found out about what happened to Andy?” quizzes the actress. “People started asking me in the street where Andy had gone. I left Emmerdale ages ago – yet people are still asking me about it in the Marks & Spencer food hall! It’s dead funny, though, and it’s really heartwarming when the public involve you…

Leanne Battersby has always been a feisty one – and her two sisters aren’t exactly wallflowers, either! So as Toyah and Eva find themselves at loggerheads, it’s going to mean big trouble when one lass tries to get the upper hand over the other… with poor Leanne caught right in the middle! And this is one family feud that looks set to run and run – but who will prevail? HOME AND AWAY Passion for Brody? CASUALTY Romance for Lily? HOLBY CITY No love for Morven? EMMERDALE IT’S MY PARTY… …so will Charity cry if she wants to? After her birthday falls flat, the Dingle comes up with a business idea - one that may annoy many of the villagers! NEIGHBOURS PIPER PAYS THE PRICE! The teen’s relationship with Tyler…

“SAM AND I DID OUR FINAL SCENES, GOT BACK INTO BED AND HAD A COUPLE OF GINS!” Might the Mitchell sisters exit with a skip in their step? It’s the Walford departure that everyone is talking about, and now the wait is finally over as we learn this week how Ronnie and Roxy bow out of Albert Square. When news of their ‘explosive’ departure first broke, the rumour mill went into overdrive as various reports emerged stating how the sisters would actually leave. However, EastEnders bosses later announced that they’d shot multiple endings in order to keep the episode a surprise until it airs on screen. Now, while the smart money is on Ronnie and Roxy meeting a tragic end (see opposite), there is cause to hope that they might…

“EVA GOES BERSERK - AND SHE LUNGES AT HER SO-CALLED LOVE RIVAL!” The Connors fall foul of a snake in the grass this week, as devious Jenny Bradley schemes to become the queen of Underworld – and she doesn’t care who gets hurt in the process! The calculating redhead has been like the cat who got the cream ever since she sunk her claws into knicker boss Johnny. But when he announces his plans to retire, horrified Jenny resorts to desperate measures to secure her place as the factory’s First Lady… QUEEN BEE! “After being treated like public enemy number one when she returned to the Street, Jenny is loving the status that comes with being Johnny’s girlfriend,” explains our Weatherfield insider. “She has carefully manipulated him into promoting her…

“AARON CAN’T BEAR TO THINK OF ROBERT BETRAYING HIM LIKE THIS” Aaron is in no mood to celebrate his birthday this week, after he becomes convinced his fiancé Robert is having an affair with Rebecca! The lad has been suspicious of the pair’s relationship for quite some time, but Robert has assured Aaron he has nothing to worry about. However, as Aaron’s birthday dawns and Robert sneaks out to work without a word, it’s no wonder Aaron jumps to conclusions. “Well, how would you feel if your partner didn’t even want to celebrate your birthday with you?” splutters our Emmerdale insider. “Aaron is gutted. Now he and Robert are engaged, he thought it was the two of them against the world. So for Robert to take no interest whatsoever in…

“THIS IS PSYCHO SIENNA WE’RE TALKING ABOUT - ANYTHING COULDHAPPEN” Joel finally figures out Sienna’s real identity and what she’s up to this week – just in time for her to launch an assault on him! It’s when he’s paying his dad Warren a visit at his flat that the penny finally drops for Joel, who’s been counselling Sienna in his role as a priest. But after he asks Sienna to meet him, he might not make it out of the pair’s confrontation alive… “This is the crescendo of the story, Joel knows exactly who Sienna is at this point,” reveals Rory Douglas-Speed, who plays him. “He calls her up and says, ‘I know what you’re doing, I’m going to phone the police’. But he doesn’t get the chance, because…

Dylan is in no mood to celebrate New Year’s Eve with his colleagues this week, when he finds out that junior doctor Sebastian has made an allegation of sexual harassment against him! Viewers will recall that following the ED Christmas party, Seb called round to see Dylan and tried to kiss him – and was left embarrassed when Dylan rebuffed his advances! So after Dylan later warned Seb to pull his socks up at work, or risk failing his placement, Seb took drastic action and told Elle that Dylan made a pass at him… Of course, the allegation came as a huge shock to Elle, especially as Dylan isn’t gay – and this week, she urges Seb to think carefully before taking the matter any further. But with his mentor…

After Rhona rejects Pierce, you might wonder whether a reunion could be on the cards for her and Paddy. And while Zoe thinks that’s unlikely, she confesses the pair will always love one another. “Rhona thought she and Paddy were soulmates,” explains the actress. “But she’s emotionally moved on from him with Pierce, while Paddy and Chas haven’t quite managed to get it together yet. I don’t know if Chas is right for him, although Paddy will find love again, I’m sure. I think Rhona would be secretly heartbroken if he were to meet someone else. “She can’t go back with Paddy because of what he did, but she wants him to be happy,” adds Zoe. “So she’d tell him to go for it if he finds love – then…

“LILY IS VERY CLOSE TO HER COUSIN SCOTT” It’s remarkable how many McQueens have turned up in the village since the clan arrived back in 2006. The recent death of Celine means there’s now a vacancy in their crowded house – and Inside Soap thought we’d found its latest inhabitant, till a chat with new star Lauren made us realise we had it all wrong! “My name in real life is Lauren McQueen,” explains the actress. “But I’m not playing a McQueen, so it all gets a bit confusing! “When I was introducing myself to people on my first day I had to explain that to every person! I’m definitely not as mad as the Hollyoaks McQueens, but I love watching all their craziness on screen. Mercedes is without doubt…

Births, deaths and marriages mark the beginning of a new era in Walford, as 2017 gets off to an explosive start! It’s no secret that the Square is set to be rocked by many high-profile departures as the year gets under way – but what’s to become of those left behind? BRANNINGS UNITED? The mystery surrounding Max’s shock Christmas comeback is set to deepen in 2017, as viewers are left to wonder what his true motives really are. Max will settle back into Walford life seemingly determined to put his family first, as he attempts to build bridges with daughters Lauren and Abi. But with the latter still licking her wounds over the damage that’s been done in the past, will the Brannings be able to put their troubles behind…

The saucy young folk of Hollyoaks weren’t very good at keeping it in their pants this year, and plenty of residents got away with doing the dirty on their loving partners. While some characters continue to hide their guilt as they enter the new year, others will start to wonder whether they can trust the person they’re with… THREE’S A CROWD! Lisa may be the only cheat in her relationship, but the paranoid party girl is riled by the ever-growing closeness between Cleo and Nathan. When Nathan plans a treat to lift downbeat Cleo’s spirits, Lisa is furious and warns Cleo to stay away from her man. Jealous Lisa then issues a shock ultimatum – and demands that Nathan choose between the two girls. But something far more serious happens…

Toadie receives the bombshell to end all bombshells in 2017 – when his dead wife Dee returns to Erinsborough! It’s been 13 years since his missus was lost at sea on their wedding day – but it turns out she survived the horrific cliff plunge, and has been battling to regain her memory ever since. However, that’s not the only shock coming Toadie’s way, as Dee has another surprise that’s set to turn his whole world upside down… Meanwhile, his wife Sonya has her own issues to worry about after discovering that she’s pregnant with Mark’s baby! But while the cop is over the moon to discover that he’s finally going to be a dad, his fiancée Steph is still struggling with the idea. Things go from bad to worse…

Hospital heroes! The Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital recently had some festive fun courtesy of the soaps, when stars from Corrie and Emmerdale paid a visit to the wards. Antony Cotton (the Street’s Sean), plus co-stars Jennie McAlpine (Fiz) and Brooke Vincent (Sophie) donned their Christmas jumpers to deliver gifts to the young patients, and they were joined by their Dales pals Gemma Atkinson (Carly) and Joe Gill (Finn) for the special occasion. “Visiting the Hospital at Christmas is always one of my favourite times of the year,” said Antony. “Meeting the patients and their families is a huge privilege.” Meanwhile, Gemma and Joe - who have both run races to support the hospital - also enjoyed their day. “It was lovely to hand out presents and put smiles on faces,”…

London, 1940: while the city is being ravaged by German air raids, life goes on as normal inside the five-star Halcyon hotel. The staff are still expected to deliver first-rate standards of service to their demanding guests, regardless of what might be happening outside – and the people passing through or working in the hotel provide a unique perspective on the war itself. Inside TV caught up with former Waterloo Road star Mark Benton (Chalky), who plays concierge Dennis Feldman in the new eight-part drama, in order to find out what’s in store. Hi, Mark! Tell us about Dennis… He’s your first port of call when you enter the hotel, and if you want anything while you’re there, he will sort it for you. The other…

When it launched back in 2015, we learned pretty quickly that No Offence wasn’t an ordinary crime drama. It blended some dark, gritty procedural stories with flashes of outlandish humour – like Scott & Bailey mashed up with Shameless . And it instantly created an icon in the form of DI Viv Deering, played by Joanna Scanlan. “I like the fact that she knows what she wants,” the actress tells us. “She asks – or demands – what she wants, and she gets it! If that was my life, that would be lovely. It’s fantastic to play a character who doesn’t have the concern of being worried what anybody else thinks about them.” The new series begins as Deering…