Table of contents for 26 - 2020 in Inside Soap UK

“We appreciate your loyalty to Inside Soap!” As I type this, it’s exactly 100 days since we left the Inside Soap office. I don’t think any of us back then thought we’d be away for this long, or predicted the huge effect it would have on our lives and on our soaps. But in a way, it’s an amazing achievement that it’s only been 100 days, because in that short time, the soaps have embraced a whole new way of working – which is no mean feat for productions so huge. This week, Emmerdale brings us our first ‘proper’ episodes filmed under the new conditions – well, more like half-episodes as some material was filmed before lockdown – and I can’t wait to marvel at their ingenuity in getting the show…

Harriet fails to show up for an important meeting with the Bishop this week – after finally confessing that she’s having doubts about marrying Will. In turmoil, Harriet can’t face sitting down with her boss to discuss the nuptials. Instead, she meets secret lover Malone in the vestry. She’s adamant that their affair must stop, but Malone refuses to leave the village. Could Will be close to discovering that the woman he wants to marry is romantically entangled with his arch- enemy? Katherine Dow Blyton (Harriet) is here to tell us more… Hi Katherine, we think Harriet’s playing with fire right now. Is the pressure getting to her? It’s getting very stressful! Harriet loves Dawn and Lucas, and she’s fooling herself that if she can just make this work with…

It looks as though EastEnders fans will have to wait until early autumn to get their next Albert Square fix. In a now-deleted social media post, star Dayle Hudson – who plays Peter – teased fans with a picture of his new scripts, which happened to give away Tuesday 8 September as one of the show’s new transmission dates! Walford bosses are remaining tight-lipped as to when the soap will be back. However, the good news is that they plan on restoring EastEnders to four nights a week – but at a slightly shorter duration of 20 minutes an episode… “Resuming production is exciting and challenging,” explains the show’s executive producer, Jon Sen. “We’re determined to return to screens four times a week – as EastEnders should be. Filming will…

Like many real-life marriages this year, Sally and Tim’s Corrie nuptials will be affected by the coronavirus outbreak – the ‘behindthe-scenes’ reason being that it’s not currently possible to film on location, or with large gatherings of actors on set. However, Weatherfield chiefs aren’t going to let a global pandemic stand in the way of the Metcalfes’ happy-ever-after… “Scripts have been re-written,” explains actor Joe Duttine, who plays Tim. “It will have to be a different type of wedding. It’s a shame Tim’s horse has gone – I fancied him riding into the reception on it!”…

Jamie and Andrea’s story ended on a cliffhanger filmed back in March – and as Alex (who plays Jamie) reveals, there was drama on set then, too… “The last day we filmed, I was sent home early as I was ill, so they shot all of those scenes with the back of the assistant director’s head instead of mine!” says the star. “Thankfully, my illness turned out to be nothing to do with Covid-19.” Meanwhile, Alex’s decision to shave his head during quarantine left him with another worry… “I still have to act the other side of those shots,” he explains. “I haven’t had a haircut since I shaved my head, so I look pretty much the same as I did before we stopped. It’s worked out quite well!”…

Cain is left secretly heartbroken this week, as Moira enjoys a bit of flirting with new business associate Ricky. “Ricky is a breath of fresh air for Moira…” The thought of his ex-wife moving on is like a dagger to the heart for Cain, who so far has point blank refused to entertain a reconciliation for the pair. However, will seeing Moira with another man force Cain to accept that he still loves her? “Moira hurt Cain like no other woman in his life ever has, and that’s not the type of pain that he can just switch off,” argues our Dales insider. “The fact remains, though, that Moira is the great love of Cain’s life – and it isn’t a feeling that he can ignore!” When Moira bumps into…

While Evelyn’s taking her romance with Arthur slowly, star Maureen Lipman – who plays her – is in no rush to jump into anything off screen either. The actress has been dating retired Italian businessman Guido Castro for the past 13 years – but has revealed that she has no intention of tying the knot again. “It’s quite easy to be an independent woman in this day and age,” Maureen said in a recent interview. “And it’s quite easy to have lots of male friends and a partner you’re not married to.” Maureen was married to Corrie scriptwriter Jack Rosenthal from 1975 until he died in 2004. And while she met Guido in 2007, he and Maureen do not live together – with her residing in Paddington and him living…

It’s so interesting that we’re finally finding out what Carla got up to when she went missing last year, during her breakdown. I always love it when Alison King takes centre stage. Lilly, Edinburgh Although being threatened and blackmailed is sad for Carla, it’s great to see Peter stepping up. He always has Carla’s back, no matter what, and he seems to be really committed to their relationship. What a great boyfriend he’s turned out to be! Mona, Sheffield Carla is so weird! If someone started blackmailing me, the last thing I’d do would be to organise a free breakfast for them at Roy’s Rolls! I’m quite liking the mouthy young Scottish woman, Chelsey. She should visit the Street more often. Ryan, Middlesex Some cobbles viewers are worried about the…

The Square’s stroll down memory lane continues this week, giving viewers the opportunity to relive the Walford love triangle that set the bar for all others. What made ‘Sharongate’ special was not merely that the Square’s princess took the starring role. The magic came from the fact that the boys battling for her heart were the ultimate brotherly double-act, Phil and Grant. Their loyalty was supposedly so strong that no mere woman could come between them. But then, Sharon Watts is no mere woman… Sharon and Phil fell into an affair while Grant was in prison, leading to one of Walford’s most dramatic showdowns. “It’s still one of my favourite-ever plots,” grins Letitia. “It received great feedback. The story developed over a long time, a year and a bit, which…

With the Black Lives Matter movement hitting the headlines, Corrie’s Alexandra Mardell (Emma) has added her own personal take to the voices speaking up against racism. Posting a picture of her and her brother she stated: “This is my brother. My full brother. Same parents, same genes, same society. He has never been personally racially abused. I have.” The actress then added. “But he IS black. We are the same. Does this not prove that we are all the same no matter what colour?” Alex also joined the Black Lives Matter protests, alongside boyfriend Joe Parker and co-star Dolly-Rose Campbell (Gemma). Meanwhile, Walford’s Shona McGarty (Whit) showed solidarity with her own protest on a roundabout near her home, later posting: “Please sign every petition you can. Do anything you can.…

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With Glastonbury not able to go ahead this year – on what would have been its 50th anniversary – the Beeb is taking a look back at some of its greatest moments from the past half-century. Jo Whiley will join Mark Radcliffe, Lauren Laverne and Clara Amfo to celebrate some of the festival’s most fantastic performances… “One memory I will always treasure is interviewing Adele just as she was about to go on stage,” reveals Jo. “At one point, she was in tears, saying how she’d worked her way up, and now she’d be singing to thousands of people. She was absolutely panic-stricken. It was so amazing to witness that, then see her do the most incredible set, just oozing with confidence.” Talking of iconic shows, Jo reckons one topped…

Hi, Lauren! Who has been your favourite TV character to play? Well, Cat – the character I play in The Other One – is a bit mad, isn’t she? My other roles have largely been crackheads, rude girls or prostitutes, so it would be nice to play Cat again because she’s so versatile, I think. She has multiple personalities and is so all over the place, which is really fun to play. Who inspired you to become an actor? My brother Michael [Socha, This Is England], who is also an actor. He’s the only person I looked up to as a kid, and I was his little shadow. He always has the best advice. He’s such an amazing actor – I’m not just being biased because he’s my brother: I…

BULLSEYE! As it turned out, a two-hander was exactly what we’ve been needing from Mandy and Vinny since they arrived in the village, to shine some light on their foggy history. So, a lockdown scenario was perfect, and reinforced what we’ve known for some time – bringing Mandy back to the Dales full-time has been a resounding success! Lisa Riley and Bradley Johnson are two of the show’s top talents. The Hollyoaks suicide story has, of course, been a tough watch, but we were especially moved by Jimmy McKenna as Jack, who did a sterling job of wrapping his arms around Nancy, Darren and viewers alike. Potent stuff. EastEnders really should have gone the whole hog with Mitch and Billy’s Bridget Jones-style fisticuffs, with them crashing through the windows of…

Dales villain Malone will be back to his hell-raising ways on screen this week, and actor Mark Womack cannot wait for his village comeback. During the lockdown, Mark has been at home with wife Samantha – aka EastEnders’ Ronnie Mitchell – and their children. We caught up with him just before he went back up north to film, and he told us he’s excited to get going. “I’m really glad to be back,” explains Mark. “I have mates who have everything collapsing around them – theatre tours, shows, and so on. It’s really nice to think, ‘I’m back off to work’. I’m having a great time at Emmerdale!” But the big question is: does Malone love Harriet, or is it all a game? “He definitely has feelings for Harriet,” says…

Hello again… Holby’s Kian Madani (played by Ramin Karimloo) appeared to walk out on the hospital and Jac in a recent episode, but the good news is that the sexy surgeon isn’t gone for good. He’ll be back next month. Life after Corrie … Former cobbles star Katie McGlynn, who played Sinead Osbourne, has landed her first TV job since leaving the soap. She’s to star in Kay Mellor drama The Syndicate when it returns to BBC1 after a four-year break. Snap happy! Users of the social media platform Snapchat can now film their very own Hollyoaks cliffhanger! Stars Ruby O’Donnell (Peri) and David Tag (Sylver) have already given it a whirl. Head to the app to give it a try……

“What we have is unbreakable. And I’m telling you this, because this is what honesty looks like. And I want you to always be honest with me.”Vomit! He’s so disgusting! “You know Bobby looks up to you, don’t you?”To be honest, Ian, everyone in Walford has to look up to the new Peter. “Did I ever tell you about that time I burned this gaff down? Bottle of vodka in one hand, box of matches in the other. I nearly killed myself and took out everyone else with me.”Oh, misty watercolour memorieeees. Of the way we weeeere… “Might be nice if Phil didn’t just click his fingers and get everything he wants for a change.”We’re guessing that Callum was as thrilled with that cliffhanger as we were! “You’re going to…

Ever-so-nice Nigel and drippy Debbie have staggered and stumbled along the rocky road to love, and seem to have finally shaken off Debbie’s abusive ex, Liam. With Debbie’s divorce soon to come through, Nigel gets to thinking (and you can tell that he’s thinking from the way his face scrunches up with the effort). And so it is that an uncomfortable cuddle on his futon turns into a full-blown, down-on-one-knee proposal. This leaves two questions to be answered: Will Debbie say yes? And will Nigel be able to get up again? Over at the Vic, Steve discovers why hairdresser Della has been blowing hot and cold, when he walks in on her in bed with her girlfriend Binnie. However, it will turn out that Della and Binnie have very different…

MODEL LOOK I really love the aesthetic of Chantelle and Gray’s house in EastEnders, and I spotted the interesting bronze statue in the living room. Where can I get one from? Kathy, York This statue is known as the Keswick sculpture with outstretched arms, and you can get them in varying sizes and materials. Amazon sells them, as do many interior design shops! WHO’S THAT FILM STAR? I just watched a great film called The Ascent, starring ex-Coronation Street actor Shayne Ward [Aidan Connor], and I’m sure I recognise the woman in his character’s squad. Do you know who it was? Jane, Birmingham Of course we do! That’s former Hollyoaks star –and Shayne’s real-life fiancée – Sophie Austin. Sophie was Lindsey Roscoe, otherwise known as the Gloved Hand Killer, who…

“People are just really nostalgic about the Battersby sisters!” grins Georgia Taylor, who plays Toyah, as we catch up with her on one of her first days back filming on the cobbles since lockdown. “Jane [Danson, aka Leanne] and I always get comments and positivity when we have scenes between Toyah and Leanne – it’s when we get the most reaction.” And while those viewers will definitely be happy to see the two girls pull together as they face Oliver’s diagnosis this week, the story is a tragic one for both sisters. “What makes this so interesting between Leanne and Toyah is that Leanne is going through a very difficult time with a bleak future ahead, just as Toyah might potentially get what she wants,” says Georgia. “I always knew…

With Nick Pickard (Tony) and Joe McGann (Edward) as her leading men, Alex has no complaints about the two fellas fighting for Diane’s affections… “It’s quite nice for Diane – normally no one bats an eyelid at her!” she laughs. “I felt bad for Nick as he was stuck filming on that pig farm, spending all day getting muddy. And there I was as Diane getting things bought for me! “Me and Nick do work well together, though, and Joe’s a brilliant add-on,” continues Alex. “I know Edward’s been getting slated by the audience, but that’s what he was brought in for, isn’t it? Everyone loves a baddie!”…

They weren’t exactly bosom buddies on screen as scheming Mel Owen and bad boy Ben, but Tamzin Outhwaite and Max Bowden clearly left their alter egos’ differences back on the EastEnders set – just look at the pair’s joy at sharing a socially distanced meet-up on a recent sunny day! Max was enjoying pizza with his long-term girlfriend Danielle McCarney when delighted Tamzin arrived to join them in north London. “Met some randoms in the park,” she jokingly posted alongside a photo of the beaming trio. Max was one of a handful of co-stars that Tamzin listed as her “cast family” when she left the show last year, explaining how she would miss them “so much” – so we’re happy to see the two enjoying a good catch-up.…

We love an awards bash, especially one with a soap flavour, but sadly, we’ll have to make do without The British Soap Awards this year. It’s just one of many events – including Wimbledon and Glastonbury – called off due to the coronavirus pandemic. But fear not! Fans of soap, sport and music can still get their fill with some special programming across this week and beyond… “Our team wanted to do something to celebrate the soaps,” explains The British Soap Awards’ regular host, Phillip Schofield, “and this documentary, celebrating 21 years of the awards, is really compelling.” The 60-minute show packs in some of our favourite soap memories of the past two decades, not to mention some wonderful highlights from the previous 21 ceremonies… “It’s one of the most…

CASUALTY Connie Beauchamp.......... Amanda Mealing Rosa Cadenas......................... Jacey Sallés Faith Cadogan...................... Kirsty Mitchell Charlie Fairhead.............. Derek Thompson Noel Garcia.......................... Tony Marshall Ethan Hardy.................... George Rainsford David Hide................................ Jason Durr Jan Jenning............................... Di Botcher Dylan Keogh.......................... William Beck Fenisha Khatri........................ Olivia D’Lima Marty Kirkby................ Shaheen Jafargholi Jade Lovall.......................... Gabriella Leon Lev Malinowski........................... Uriel Emil Rash Masum........................... Neet Mohan Jacob Masters....................... Charles Venn Robyn Miller................ Amanda Henderson Will Noble................................. Jack Nolan CORONATION STREET Aadi Alahan...................... Zennon Ditchett Asha Alahan......................... Tanisha Gorey Dev Alahan........................ Jimmi Harkishin Izzy Armstrong............... Cherylee Houston Aggie Bailey......................... Lorna Laidlaw Eddison Bailey....... Trevor Michael Georges James Bailey..................... Nathan Graham Michael Bailey....................... Ryan Russell Adam Barlow...................... Sam Robertson Amy Barlow.......................... Elle Mulvaney Ken Barlow......................... William Roache Peter Barlow....................... Chris Gascoyne Sarah Barlow........................... Tina O’Brien Simon Barlow.............................. Alex Bain Leanne Battersby...................…

The world has been a strange place recently, so we’ve all grasped on to anything we’ve felt is ‘normal’. Here at Inside Soap, that has been making the magazine for you every week, and we hope in reading it, you’ve found your own bit of ‘normal’. Thank you so much for your support over the past few months –we appreciate every single one of you. 50p off lnsideSoap Issue 27, 4-10 July TERMS AND CONDITIONS To the Consumer Please hand this voucher to your retailer at the time of purchase to receive £0.50 off the cover price of Inside Soap magazine (issue on-sale 30/06/2020). Only fully completed vouchers can be accepted. ONE per household. This offer is valid from 30 June 2020 to 6 July 2020. This voucher…

Chester is to wave goodbye to another high-profile star, following the news that Stephanie Davis will not be returning to screens as Hollyoaks’ Sinead O’Connor. Actress Steph – who was last seen on screen in September – admitted towards the end of 2019 that she was on a break from the soap after suffering a mental health relapse, and has now taken the decision to sign off indefinitely. “Sometimes we make decisions based not on what we want, but what we know is right,” announced the actress to her followers on social media. “I have loved bringing Sinead into your homes for the past 10 years, but it’s with a heavy heart that I have decided to leave Hollyoaks, and am now looking forward to working on new projects.” The…

Emma finds herself another shoulder to cry on this week, when Jenny arrives back in Weatherfield to be confronted by the tragedy of Oliver’s diagnosis. The Rovers landlady is left devastated after Liz breaks the news to her. Although she’s not close to the family, Jenny knows what it’s like to suffer this kind of tragedy. Soon, Jenny is consumed by heartbreaking memories of losing her little boy, Tom – a pain she shares with Emma. “To lose a child is the very worst thing any parent can go through, so Jenny’s heart goes out to Steve and Leanne,” shares our Corrie insider. “Oliver’s diagnosis brings all those nightmares back, and Jenny can’t stop thinking of her lost son. All she can do is offer support and empathy to everyone…

“Hello, Phil – what can I get ya?” is sure to go down as one of the most memorable EastEnders ‘duff duffs’ of all time – as Sharon, played by Letitia Dean, took control of her beloved Queen Vic, just as the soap went off air for the first time in its 35 year history. Viewers’ jaws hit the floor when spiteful Phil thought that he had robbed Sharon of the chance to run the pub and live in her old family home again, until departing landlord Mick announced that she and Ian had in fact gazumped him at the eleventh hour. Classic! So, as Square chiefs busily make preparations to bring the show back to BBC1 later this year, how does Albert Square’s First Lady – aka the ever-gorgeous…

1 “I’ve learned the most from Jane Danson [Leanne]. When I started on the show, it was my first TV job, but Jane had been working in the industry since she was 10! She was definitely someone I felt very lucky to have by my side.” 2 “So many funny people work here! I don’t get to act with Peter Gunn [Brian] much, but if I’m in a Rovers scene with him, it’s a real treat. Peter’s so mischievous and has a twinkle in his eye – he’s got naturally funny bones.” 3 “I loved working with Martin Hancock, who played Spider. He and Toyah split up off screen and they haven’t seen each other in about 15 years, so it would be interesting to see what Toyah’s first love…

Neighbours has worked closely with the organisation Adopt Change for this storyline, and its founder, Aussie actor and director Deborra-Lee Furness, has even come on board as a guest-director. Deborra – who’s married to movie star Hugh Jackman – has two adopted children, and reveals she’s delighted Neighbours is highlighting this important issue… “I’d seen how many children around the world needed loving families, and I saw that it was not happening in Australia,” she explains. “So with like-minded people, we formed Adopt Change over 10 years ago. “I was thrilled when I got the call from Jason Herbison, who is the producer here at Neighbours, who also has an adopted child,” adds Deborra. “He wanted to put this issue front and centre. These kids need a lot of support…

“What I admire most about Tiffany is that she would do anything for the people she loves. “She has quite a small family at the moment and doesn’t have many blood relatives left on the Square,” explains Maisie. “But, for the few that Tiffany does have, she’s totally loyal, and I really respect that about her. “However, I was annoyed with Tiff when she didn’t tell anyone about the letters from the council to Ted Murray’s flat, and the eviction. So the most frustrating thing about her is that she should be more honest!” “I love the sisterly relationship developing between Tiffany and Whitney. “I see Shona [McGarty, aka Whitney] as my sister in real life,” shares Maisie. “We’ve gone through so much together, so Whit and Tiff are like…

Emmerdale star Chris Bisson (Jai) has joined stars such as Alan Halsall and Jack P Shepherd (Corrie’s Tyrone and David) in facing his troubles head-on – by undergoing a hair transplant! “If make-up are putting more powder on your head just to take the shine off before filming, you notice!” says Chris. The procedure – carried out at the Farjo Hair Institute – saw hair folicles from the back of his neck replanted on his head. And Chris says the results have left him feeling “relaxed and confident”.…

This year’s cancellation of Britain’s premier tennis tournament is only the second time in 80 years (the last being during WWII). So, the BBC is serving up a selection of unforgettable Championship moments. Wimbledon 2020 will be hosted by Sue Barker each weeknight across the next fortnight, while Claire Balding’s Wimbledon Rewind airs every weekday lunchtime… “There’ll be some fantastic footage and great memories,” explains former British No 1 Annabel Croft, who – along with the likes of Tim Henman, Martina Navratilova, Boris Becker and John McEnroe – is joining Sue in revisiting the contest’s top highlights. “Wimbledon gives people a lot of pleasure, but it’ll be fun to look back at some big moments. And when the tournament comes back next year, we will appreciate it all the more!”…

Pop star Myles Stephenson Comedian Judi Love Apprentice contender Thomas Skinner Death In Paradise star Shyko Amos Olympic rowing gold-medallist Sir Matthew Pinsent CBE Actor and comedian Crissy Rock Tennis coach Judy Murray OBE Television presenter Gethin Jones Ex-EastEnders actor Phil Daniels Musician Lady Leshurr Kingdom Choir conductor Karen Gibson Actor Felicity Montagu Don’t Get Done’s Dom Littlewood Travel presenter Amar Latif Radio & TV presenter Jeff Brazier Internet personality Riyadh Khalaf Drag artist Baga Chipz Olympic hockey gold-medallist Sam Quek Reality TV personality Pete Wicks…

EMMERDALE Moira in danger! SHE BECOMES THE LATEST VICTIM OF MALONE’S MACHINATIONS… Dodgy detective Malone has been ruining one life after another since he rocked up in Emmerdale – and next week, poor Moira is set to become his next unsuspecting victim! After the farmer accidentally stumbles upon a secret involving the shady DI, she’s left in no doubt about how dangerous he really is. But how far will Malone go to ensure that Moira keeps her mouth shut about what she knows? And what will Cain say when he finds out Malone is terrorising his missus? NEIGHBOURS Prison break! Toadie’s worst nightmare comes true next week, when Andrea escapes from jail – and kidnaps Hugo! But how did she get out? And will Toadie ever get his son…