Table of contents for 10 - 2021 in Inside Soap UK

Karen gets dolled up believing that she’s bagged the man of her dreams this week, after Lucas agrees to go on a date with her! “Lucas lies, using the name of his dead son, Jordan!” Poor Karen has absolutely no idea that she’s fallen for a serial killer – and has even less reason to suspect the truth when Lucas uses a fake name to hide his true identity. Is she in deadly danger? “Bless, Karen,” despairs our Walford insider. “This handsome, very charming man walks into the launderette and she thinks, ‘I’ll chance me arm!’, and her flirting pays off. However, as viewers know, Lucas isn’t the sort of man that a woman wants walking her home at the end of the night…” Working in the launderette, Karen has…

Neighbours is bringing back evil Finn Kelly – but don’t worry, he isn’t embarking on another terror spree! Susan’s stalker is most definitely dead following his killer exit in the show’s 35th anniversary episodes last year. However, actor Rob Mills will reprise the role again in a story that sees Susan employ visualisation techniques in order to confront her tormentor… “David thinks that if Susan can visualise Finn, she can ask him all the questions that have remained unanswered since his death,” explains Susan’s alter ego Jackie Woodburne.…

Harriet is terrified that her murderous secret will be blown open this week, as the grave where Malone’s body once laid is finally exhumed! The vicar has been fighting against the coffin being dug up, for fear of what may be discovered, but her protests have been in vain, and work commences in the cemetery. But what secrets will be unearthed in the process? “This is Harriet’s worst nightmare!” declares our Dales spy. “Although Malone’s body has long since been removed and relocated to a shallow grave up at Home Farm, the fact remains that he was buried in this plot for quite some time. So, there could still be some forensic evidence that he was once there.” It was the news that the grave was to be dug up…

Grieving Ruby struggles to move on this week, after sharing a touching moment with little Hope. Following her miscarriage, Ruby begins to feel stronger, and insists that she’s ready to look to the future – until she spends time with Martin’s child. Being with the little girl reminds Ruby of everything she’s lost because of the miscarriage, and she is overcome by her sadness. Laid low by her grief, Ruby realises she has a long way to go. What will she do next?…

Chloe is convinced that Cameron had something to do with Bobby’s death, and resolves to expose him this week – especially after Skylar backs up Chloe’s suspicion that Cam is bad news… Bobby was the cyclist who knocked down Xavier Duvall, and could place Cameron at the scene of his death – forcing Cameron to take action. Yet after the medical examiner’s report relating to Bobby reveals his treatment was inconsistent before he died, it’s Chloe who is suspended pending an enquiry! Will she get the blame while Cam gets away with murder? Meanwhile, Ange requests to see the post-mortems for Bobby and Harvey Dean – the other patient who passed away as a result of Cameron’s negligence. What will Cameron have to say for himself, after Ange summons him…

Poor Toadie makes an amorous howler with Melanie Pearson this week, after inviting her round for dinner on Valentine’s Day! With Toadie and Melanie spending more and more time together for work, Paul warns Toadie to stop meeting up with her around the Lassiters complex. Paul has been growing frustrated and is still trying to avoid Melanie, who keeps sending him Facebook messages. Later in the week, Toadie expresses how grateful he is for Melanie’s work at the law firm, and invites her over for a meal. However, Toadie is unaware that he’s invited his PA round to his place on the most romantic day of the year! With their wires crossed, both Toadie and Melanie worry that the other is keen for romance. As Melanie prepares to go over…

THE GANG IS BACK… It was so great to see Heath Braxton back in Home and Away and with the River Boys in tow. It’s a shame that it was only a cameo, but I suppose there’s no reason as to why Heath would return – most people he knew have been killed, or sensibly left Summer Bay! Kelly, Buckingham LIFE CHANGES I’m so pleased that Paul in Corrie has moved his life on, got himself a new job, and secured a new place to live. Paul deserves some good luck, and perhaps to find a new beau at some point. I think both Billy and Todd are a bit flaky, and have unresolved issues – Paul is better off without them. But I hope he keeps his friendship with…

Nicola’s thrilled with her new antagonist… We love a great soap feud, and the toxic combo of Nicola and Brenda at the café is shaping up to be brilliant. Since the Kings became ‘sleeping partners’ at Brenda’s business, the women have been jostling for power and getting into spats. For Dales veteran Nicola, it’s a treat to have a new adversary. “I’m hoping we can have a lot more of that!” she laughs. “I love Nicola and Brenda’s animosity, and the fact they can’t stand each other. I used to love working with Dominic Brunt [Paddy], as we played that Nicola and Paddy hated one another, but worked well together at the vets’. There was a slight respect from Paddy, as Nicola knew the surgery’s systems and how to organise…

Walford’s Danny Dyer (Mick) has welcomed his first grandchild into the family – and judging by this adorable snap, we’d say he’s besotted with the gorgeous little lad! Danny’s daughter Dani – who won Love Island in 2018 – gave birth to her first son, Santiago, at the end of January, and her proud dad was one of the first to congratulate her on her new arrival. “We needed some joy this year,” he announced on his Instagram account, next to a pic of Dani and her bub – later declaring, “I’m a Grandad! Yeah, Grandad Danny is what I’m now known as.” Dani and boyfriend Sammy Kimmence announced their baby’s name shortly after his birth, with Dani explaining, “We are going to be calling him Santi. I think it…

Some of Britain’s most famous faces enter Britain’s most famous tent, as The Great Celebrity Bake Off… returns. Matt Lucas is back to host the five-episode special – each of which sees four celebs battle it out over the usual three challenges. Among the 20 bakers hoping to impress judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith are Rob Beckett and Stacey Dooley. They told us about their baking skills – or, rather, the lack of them… Hi, both! Can you bake? Stacey No! I’m particularly bad! I’ll be the weakest on the show. But we just need to raise awareness and make as much money as possible. As it’s for charity, you don’t mind making a fool of yourself. Rob I tend to do all the normal family stuff, roast dinners……

MR MAGNIFICENT The much-loved Mr Men celebrate their 50th birthday this year, with comedian and mega-fan Matt Lucas charting their colourful history in a special Channel 4 programme, 50 Years Of The Mr Men. “I considered the characters my friends!” he beams. “I’m delighted to be meeting them all again.” DEAD FUNNY Taskmaster’s Greg Davies is joined by a stellar cast including Helena Bonham Carter and David Mitchell for new BBC1 comedy The Cleaner, which he wrote and stars in as Paul ‘Wicky’ Wickstead, a crime-scene cleaner who likes to gossip… HELLO, GOODBYE Following news of the departure of Morven Christie (DS Lisa Armstrong) from ITV crime drama The Bay comes the latest announcement – that NCIS: Los Angeles star Marsha Thomason will be joining the cast of the hit…

There’s a horrible moment for pregnant Gabby this week – when she has a nasty fall after witnessing Jamie kissing Dawn. Gabby is distraught to realise that Jamie has been stringing her along, while romancing Dawn on the sly. Jamie’s been playing on Gabby’s hopes of the pair having a relationship, while actually trying to persuade her she’s too young to be a mum and coerce her into having a termination. So, when the distressed teenager collapses in front of him, Jamie is praying that the fall will result in a miscarriage… “Jamie’s waiting for something to happen, some complication that could make his wishes come true and see Gabby lose the baby,” sighs Alexander Lincoln, who plays the despicable dad. Jamie’s been playing nice and hoping that he can…

Simon’s journey to the dark side takes a horrifying turn this week. After finding himself selling pills to his friends Asha, Kelly and Summer, Simon comes face to face with evil drugs boss Harvey, who promotes him to the role of his right-hand man! Meanwhile, however, after Kelly takes some of the gear that Simon has supplied her with, she suddenly collapses… “Simon’s actions could cost lives – including those of his friends!” “Simon’s in way over his head,” sighs our cobbles source. “He’s been playing the tough lad, but when Harvey arrives on the scene, the situation becomes far more serious. And when Kelly has a bad reaction, it serves as a crushing reminder to Simon that his actions could end up costing lives – including those of his…

Lucas’ date with Karen isn’t the only time he uses his false identity this week, as he takes on the guise of ‘Jordan’ again, to meet with nasty Caleb! The drug dealer has been piling pressure on Lucas’ daughter Chelsea to ferry illegal substances out of the country, and she had been planning for Lucas to be their mule. However, after Chelsea’s attempt to seduce Jack is revealed –and Lucas realises just how low she is willing to stoop to honour her debt to Caleb – he decides to meet with the brute face to face… “Lucas visits Caleb under the pretence of a job interview – but Caleb soon rumbles him,” reveals our Square insider. “After Caleb insults Chelsea, Lucas loses his cool – resulting in Caleb issuing him…

Traumatised Carla is offered a lifeline this week, when Lucas asks her to move to Devon with him, and free herself from alcoholic Peter for good. The tempting offer comes as Carla ends up by Peter’s hospital bedside yet again, after he seemingly has a relapse. Steve is horrified to find Peter drunk and locks him away so he can’t get near more booze. But when Peter later collapses, Steve rings the ambulance, and he’s rushed to the hospital, where Carla races to be by his side. “This is just another one in a long line of nightmares that Carla can’t seem to wake up from,” explains our Street spy. “Peter is at death’s door, so Carla can’t believe he would keep drinking and destroying all their lives. When she…

While Harriet’s having a nightmare week, her colleague Charles is fairing much better – as he shares some flirty banter with Andrea! The pair haven’t crossed paths much so far, but they’re thrown together to discuss Mandy and Paul’s upcoming wedding. With Andrea’s business Take A Vow organising the big day, and Charles officiating the church ceremony, the two are brought into contact as planning commences. And as they share some ideas about how the nuptials might pan out, it’s clear there’s a spark of attraction between Charles and Andrea! So might a spot of romance be on the cards for them?…

Flirty friends Ash and Peter get passionate this week, but will their blossoming relationship take off, with manipulative Suki making her presence felt? Noticing Ash and Peter’s spark, matchmaker Kim takes matters into her own hands by organising a daytime date for them, and she won’t take no for an answer! She’s convinced that Ash and Peter could be Walford’s hottest new couple with the right encouragement. But little do Kim or Ash know that Peter is hiding a scandalous sex secret that would blow the whole thing up. “How long is Peter planning to leave it before he admits to having already bedded Ash’s mother?” muses our Square insider. “This is Walford, so Ash is bound to find out at some point. It’ll probably kill her passion stone dead,…

Ellis and Priya’s steamy new romance looks to be over before it’s even begun this week, as he questions her motives for being with him! Given that Priya was recently engaged to his father Al – before finding out that he’d been cheating on her with Debbie – it’s little surprise that Ellis is rather suspicious of Priya’s behaviour. He wonders whether spending time with him could just be another way of Priya sticking the knife into his dad… However, as Ellis tells Priya that things probably wouldn’t work out between them in the long run, is this really the end for the unlikely pairing?…

Cher and Mercedes go head-to-head to become Dee Valley Business Woman of the Year this week. However, the contest ends in disaster… Jealous Cher declares that she intends to go against her stepmother to win the grand prize. Nevertheless, the process isn’t plain sailing for Cher – and in a fit of anger, she turns violent towards Mercedes! Later on, Cher scrambles to convince everyone that she didn’t hurt Mercedes on purpose. But Romeo suspects she’s lying, and so Cher decides to take her revenge plan up a notch… What will the jealous teenager do next?…

Rishi has romance on his mind this week, and makes a shock proposal to Manpreet! After a tumultuous few weeks, Rishi is keen to put his marriage back on a solid footing, and reckons that the best way to achieve that is for he and his wife to renew their vows. However, when he asks Manpreet to marry him for the second time, she’s left stunned! The suggestion catches her completely off-guard, and it’s unclear whether she thinks it’s a good idea. Will Manpreet agree to Rishi’s romantic plan, or will she break his heart?…

As bad girl Grace, Corrie’s Kate served up a shock soap twist with the truth about baby Tiana’s parentage – but are there surprises in store as she answers your questions? “Did you always know that Grace would return after the truth was revealed about Tiana?” “Did you always want to get into acting?” I didn’t! I knew the secret that Tiana wasn’t Grace’s baby, but it wasn’t until I read the script where she was pregnant again that I realised, ‘Oh, I think she’ll be back!’ It was really exciting because Coronation Street is an incredible place to work. I also really wanted to explore different parts of Grace’s personality, and find out who she is! “We loved the big twist with Tiana! Were you expecting such a massive…

The competition is really heating up on The Voice UK this week, as we reach the first live semi-final! The four coaches – Sir Tom Jones, Olly Murs, will.i.am and Anne-Marie – are all hoping one of their acts will triumph, with Olly looking for his third win on the bounce. So, what do the others have to do to stop the pop star from getting the hat-trick? “Step on his foot!” grins Sir Tom. “I have to threaten him!” “Olly really wants to win again,” chuckles will.i.am. “In fact, he enjoys it more than the singers!” “THERE’S SO MUCH DIVERSITY, AND THEY’RE ALL AWESOME!” WILL.I.AM “I’ve had two great – and, I would say, deserving –winners,” admits Olly. “But I don’t think it’s down to whether I coach them,…

DVD PIXIE Pixie sets out to avenge her mum’s death, and attempts a heist that will give her the means to leave her small-town life behind. But when the plan goes wrong, she must team up with two misfits who are in over their heads. On the run from a criminal gang of priests and nuns, the trio attempt to swindle anyone they come across. Starring former EastEnder Ben Hardy (Peter Beale). DVD THE SERPENT In this drama inspired by real events, serial killer Charles Sobhraj is Interpol’s most-wanted man. But when Herman Knippenberg, a diplomat at the Dutch Embassy in Bangkok, unwittingly walks into Sobhraj’s intricate web of crime, he sets off an extraordinary chain of events… BOOK THE DARE  by Lesley Kara When teens Lizzie and Alice head…

Wicked Kim goes all out to destroy Jamie’s blossoming romance this week – by wrecking Dawn’s chances of getting son Lucas back! Determined to keep Jamie apart from Dawn, Kim reveals to her that Jamie has been pretending to be Gabby’s boyfriend in a bid to get the young mum-to-be to have a termination. Dawn is sickened at the plan, and confronts Jamie. Yet when he talks Dawn round, Kim realises she has to take more drastic action… “It’s a twisted move – even for someone like Kim Tate!” “Kim is stunned – she was certain this would be the end of it!” shares our Dales spy. “But instead of them breaking up, Dawn and Jamie end up confessing they love each other. It doesn’t matter what Kim wants –…

Simon isn’t the only one to blame for Kelly’s worrying collapse this week – it’s Asha who suggests scoring the pills in the first place! Dev’s daughter goes off the rails when her blossoming new romance with Nina comes to an abrupt end, after Nina tells Asha that she is not ready for a sexual relationship, and concludes that they should just be friends. Asha is heartbroken, and her knee jerk reaction is to suggest to Kelly and Summer that they spend the afternoon getting wasted on pills! If Kelly fails to pull through, will Asha be able to live with herself? And how will Nina react when Dev assumes she is to blame, and accuses her of turning Asha to drugs?…

Furious Nancy demands answers this week, after she hears Mandy and Luke discussing the truth about Jordan Price’s brutal murder! Nancy’s nephew Charlie is currently in prison for the violent crime, yet she has no idea that it was actually Mandy’s daughter Ella who stabbed the drug dealer to death. So, is she about to find out the whole story? “When you picture a cold-blooded murderer, the last thing you think of is an angelic child who wouldn’t say boo to a goose!” reckons Jess Fox, who plays worried Nancy. “So no, I don’t think Nancy suspects Ella at all. She thinks there must have been a third party involved in the killing.” So far, the only people who know the truth are Ella and Charlie, Ella’s mum Mandy, and…

Bailey is left struggling with her grief this week, as she prepares to spend another Mother’s Day without her late mum, Dinah, just as the Taylors are about to lose another member of the family – their dog, Bronson! While on his date with Lola, teacher Isaac spots downbeat Bailey and wonders why she seems so upset. When Isaac remembers that Mother’s Day is coming up, he realises that Bailey will be particularly missing her mum. In an attempt to make things better for Bailey, and to take her mind off things, Isaac encourages her to take part in the school science competition… “This sad news is a really hard hit for Bailey” “Isaac believes that diving into schoolwork will keep Bailey distracted from everything else going on,” our Walford…

Sean continues to be dazzled by conman Rhydian this week, and his promise of big money. However, Sean’s luck takes a turn for the worse following an accident at Underworld, seeing him fall further into Rhydian’s clutches… The trouble kicks off when Sean secretly stores his make-up boxes at the factory, causing injury to co-worker and neighbour Kirk… “Rhydian hands Sean the keys to a swanky car…” “Sean is already in Kirk’s bad books over the way he’s treated Gemma when it comes to the cosmetic business,” our cobbles sneak reminds us. “But then Kirk slips on some liquid in the packing area of Underworld, and ends up with a terrible injury. Sean quickly clocks that the leak has come from one of his dodgy makeup boxes, and realises he’s…

Poor Iqra walks in on her ex-lover Ash getting busy with Peter this week, and it cuts her deep. But is there hope on the horizon? “Just a couple of weeks ago, Ash was swearing her love for Iqra and begging her to give their relationship another chance,” our spy reminds us. “Looks as if Ash got over that with indecent haste! Iqra was the one to break it off and walk out, but that doesn’t mean that she’s happy to see Ash all over Peter Beale. It’s pretty heartless!” However, Kim isn’t about to let her pal Iqra lock herself away to stew over the situation. Instead, she has a plan to hook up her heartbroken friend with barmaid Mila. She reckons that the fun-loving lass is just the…

Debbie stuns newly engaged Kevin and Abi this week, by offering to host their wedding for free. Kevin can’t believe it when his sister says that she’ll give them one of her hotels as a wedding venue, and they won’t have to pay a penny. However, while he’s cock-a-hoop at the idea of making such a considerable saving, Abi’s not happy at all… Despite Debbie’s ordeal in the fridge, Abi has limited sympathy for her sister-in-law-to-be. She doesn’t trust Debbie one bit, and doesn’t want to get wed in a hotel that was once owned by sleazy Ray Crosby, and is now part of Ms Webster’s portfolio. To keep Kev happy, Abi agrees to look at the venue. But Kev’s disappointed after their visit, when his bride insists that they…

Connie gets an attack of the green-eyed monster this week, after Jacob’s new girlfriend Tina pops into the ED for a quick tour. It’s clear that Connie is seething with jealousy as she spots Jacob with his new woman, and she’s even more furious when she finds out that agency nurse Tina will be working a few shifts in the ED. So, in typical Connie style, she takes out her bad mood on the rest of her staff! How will Jacob react when he realises his ex is jealous?…

Yasmeen embarks on a fresh chapter of her life this week, after Elaine officially becomes her new lodger! Given that Yasmeen has also gifted Geoff’s other ex-wife his share of Speed Daal, Alya’s not sure about Elaine moving into No.6, so gently tries to raise her concerns with her gran. However, after Elaine pitches up with her belongings – and Tinkerbell – in tow, Yasmeen’s adamant that the pair of them share a unique bond. Will Yasmeen prove Alya wrong?…

Daniel is mortified this week, after he ends up being dragged into a student hunger strike protest. When Daniel watches a clip of protesters, Maisie and Anita, Daniel recognises them as the pair he freed after they’d glued themselves to their uni building – and he’s horrified as the girls claim he was an inspiration for their latest stand! In a bid to persuade them against the hunger strike – particularly since Anita has Crohn’s disease – Daniel visits their flat, reminding Anita of the risks involved. He’s relieved after the girls agree to issue a statement insisting that neither Daniel or The Mill are backing such a protest. But when he’s asked to visit uni pro vice chancellor Matthew Portman, he is shocked to hear Matthew’s stance on the…

We’ve known for a long time that little Andy’s inconstant father, Billy Hopwood, is a right wrong’un. And this week we find him holed-up – in more ways than one – in the Sudgens’ second-best barn; hiding from gangsters and slowly bleeding-out from a gunshot wound. Only Andy knows he’s there, and Billy has his starry-eyed son stealing food for him – it’s all very Great Expectations via Whistle Down The Wind. As ever, Billy promises a bright future ahead for the Hopwoods – in Holland, no less – although Andy now recognises one of his father’s fantasies when he hears it, and doesn’t rush out to buy new clogs just yet. Of course, investment in property in Old Amsterdam is going to require an awful lot of money –…

LOLA’S LOOK The lovely Lola Pearce was wearing a short, black jacket in EastEnders recently – do you know where I can get one from? | Georgie, Newent We certainly do! Lola was wearing the Ellis Black Teddy Borg Button Up Coat from Missy Empire. To get the complete Lola look, you should match this jacket with some black jeans, and a pair of her signature gold hoops! A BARLOW HISTORY I’ve recently learned that Simon is not Leanne’s biological son in Coronation Street. How did she come to adopt him? | Melanie, Norwich Simon was born to Lucy Richards back in July 2003 after she had an affair with Peter. Later on, Lucy decided to leave for Australia, and took Simon with her. Years later, Lucy returned, and sadly…

“Jimmy and Nicola have to find a way to make money…” It’s one of life’s great mysteries that Nicola and Jimmy’s unholy union is among soapland’s most successful marriages. These dysfunctional, often despicable people have survived where so many have failed, but they are about to face a huge test. We caught up with Emmerdale’s Nicola Wheeler to get some teasers about what’s ahead for the Kings, as they fight Carl’s birth mum Juliette for custody. And the star reveals there are some shocking twists down the road… “We have a big year coming up!” enthuses Nicola. “As we all know, having a solicitor doesn’t come cheap, and Jimmy and Nicola have to find a way to make money. The question is, if they can’t take an honest path, do…

In honour of International Women’s Day on 8 March comes a preview of this new series following the women of the North Yorkshire Police, both on shift and off. The 10-part documentary (which follows later this month) shines a light on the realities of their extraordinary work… “We follow women in a variety of roles across the force,” explains co-executive producer Dan Clark-Neal –himself a former police officer. “Detectives, call handlers, and senior officers at the top of the command line – North Yorkshire has a female Chief Constable, Lisa Winward. We also have access to the women away from work, which you don’t often see in a police series. “We wanted to show that behind the uniform, officers are just like you and me,” he continues. “They’ve got their…