Table of contents for 24 - 2021 in Inside Soap UK

“We’re going to miss Holby City terribly…” It’s been quite a week in soapland. Some very sad news, which I’ll come to. But first, something which piqued our interest – the three big soaps releasing episodes as weekly ‘box-sets’. It’ll only be for a few weeks while the Euros are on, but it’s an interesting idea – one that Hollyoaks has already adopted over Christmas, for the same reason of episodes being shoved from pillar to post in the TV schedule. But will it take away from their ‘soapiness’ – that waiting-for-the-next-episode anticipation? Our own research recently (many of you might have filled out our survey online) told us that, even with catchup services, two-thirds of you still prefer to watch your soaps ‘live’. So, do write in and tell…

Mick’s misadventure leaves Linda waiting anxiously alone at the hospital – and gives her time to make a serious decision about the future. Although Mick has assured Linda that he’s completely behind her as she goes through her pregnancy, she knows that she’s asking a lot by expecting him to take on another man’s baby. She’s also been left with serious concerns about letting Max know that he’s set to be a dad again, especially given the news he’s taken off with his young granddaughter Abi, leaving Rainie heartbroken. So, when Mick and Linda do eventually catch up with each other, she reveals to her husband that she’s made a huge decision about the baby! What she says leaves Mick totally surprised, and he reiterates to his wife that he…

Liberty vanishes this week, after overhearing a damning conversation between Summer and Sienna. But was it her choice to leave, or is something more sinister afoot? “Liberty goes missing – and Brody blames Sienna…” Offering to help Brody plan his wedding to Summer, Liberty is soon in her element. But when she drops off her wedding shoes at Summer’s place, Liberty walks in on the shocking chat. When she confronts Sienna about what she heard, Liberty is sworn to secrecy. But not long after, Damon gets a text out of the blue from Liberty, revealing that she’s left him… “Damon’s heartbroken by Liberty’s disappearance,” explains Jacob Roberts, who plays Liberty’s doting boyfriend. “And he’s blaming himself, as they had a little barney before Liberty went – Damon asked if she…

It’s with much sadness that we bring you the news that Holby City has been cancelled. A Tuesday night staple for over 23 years, the medical drama’s final episode will air in March next year – with a statement from the BBC explaining that it wants its “drama slate” to better represent and serve all parts of the country. Meanwhile, stars of the drama past and present have responded to the news. “Sad to see the end of a magnificent show,” shared Joe McFadden, who played Raf Di Lucca. “Thoughts go out to cast, crew and production.” “I only had the privilege of being part of Holby City for a few months, and it’s clear that it’s a big family and not a workplace,” added Davood Ghadami, who is due…

There’s a fantastic opportunity to see your most-loved soapies live on stage later this month. Soap From The Box – a podcast by soap director Lee Salisbury – is going live from the City Varieties Music Hall in Leeds. Lee and co-host Sheree Murphy (Emmerdale’s Tricia Dingle) will be joined by a variety of stars – including Walford’s Nina Wadia (Zainab Masood) and the Dales’ Tom Lister (Carl King). Plus, you can even meet and greet your favourite actors! Visit leedsheritagetheatres.com.…

There’s good news for Keegan this week, when he finds out that his business has been shortlisted for an award! However, sadly his success leaves his wife Tiff feeling sidelined. EastEnders star Zack Morris (who plays Keegan) explains how his character navigates these choppy waters… Hello, Zack! How does Keegan feel about being shortlisted for an award? For him, it’s like being nominated for an Oscar! His business is something he’s been developing for a long time, so the fact that he has his own van on the market and has been nominated for this award makes him very happy. Does he realise quite how insecure Tiffany is currently feeling about her own lack of direction? To an extent – but one of Keegan’s main drives is creating a better…

“Filming a soap wedding is a bit like going on a school trip!” laughs Emmerdale star Roxy Shahidi, aka Leyla, as we chat to her about her character’s nuptials to Dr Liam this week. “It usually means a good day out; you’re often filming on location with a nice group of people. We’ll all go, ‘Yeah, we’re getting out of the studio!’ Everyone gets to dress up, and it’s lots of fun.” Of course, filming weddings under the current social-distancing guidelines is a little different – yet Roxy insists it didn’t dampen their spirits. “We still had that same sense of excitement to be somewhere different,” she reveals. “We’re so used to following the guidelines now that it’s almost like second nature to us. And the scenes were pure comedy…

We’ve all got used to spending a lot more time at home with loved ones over the past 18 months, and this one-off BBC film is the tale of how a family survived through lockdown. X-Men actor James McAvoy and Catastrophe star Sharon Horgan take the lead roles as a couple whose 10-year-old son, Arthur, is the only thing keeping them together while they tackle the challenge of living through a pandemic. The pair are only ever known to the audience as ‘He’ and ‘She’, but we learn a lot about them as the film progresses… “He is a man very much like myself,” chuckles James. “He looks like me, he’s the same age as me… but he’s a working-class guy who’s done well for himself. He and She have…

For soap fans worrying that the football is going to play havoc with the scheduling of their favourite shows this summer, we have some very exciting news to report! From 14 June, all episodes of Corrie, Emmerdale and EastEnders will be made available every Monday on the ITV Hub and BBC iPlayer respectively, to watch ‘box-set style’. This means that viewers can binge their favourite shows in one go, or enjoy them at their leisure. Alternatively, if you relish battling the footy lover in your life for full control of the remote, the soaps will continue to air on the telly as well. “Given how exciting our stories are, it’s great that fans will have the chance to binge-watch all episodes at the start of the week,” says Corrie’s head…

Grant returns? Ex-EastEnder Ross Kemp has been asked the million-dollar question yet again about whether he’s up for reprising the role of Grant Mitchell, and he didn’t say no! “I still have a mortgage to pay… so whatever comes my way,” teased the star. Be our guest! Former Holby character Vanessa Lytton – played by Leslie Ash – will pop up in Casualty this summer for a guest appearance. “I’m excited to see what’s in store,” says Leslie. Kidnap drama! After weeks of tormenting Mercedes, cruel Cher will go further and frame her stepmum for snatching Tony and Diane’s baby! As she manipulates Mercy into believing that she’s responsible, will the truth ever come out?…

This storyline is a family affair in more ways than one, as it brings actress Joanne Mitchell back to the Dales as Sandra. Happily, she can save money on her transport to the Emmerdale studio by car-sharing with her husband Dominic Brunt, who plays Paddy! As well as being a jobbing actress, Joanne is a producer of successful independent films, and her latest project – horror movie Evie – is co-directed by multi-talented Dominic. “It’s very much a psychological thriller with a wicked horror twist to the tale,” shares Dom “And a fantastic opportunity to work with my producer wife again!”…

FAIR CITY Will schemes to win over Dolores this week, as his trial approaches – but will she see through his manipulation? Meanwhile, James gives Juliet an ultimatum about her side hustle. Plus, Ray and Orla clash over priorities at the garage. RIVER CITY Maggie fears her actions could see Caitlin found guilty of murder this week, but will Caitlin walk free as the trial takes a shocking turn? Elsewhere, Ellie is left heartbroken when AJ ends their romance! And Stevie asks for Sonny’s help on his road to recovery. THE ARCHERS Brian makes a shocking discovery this week, but pins the blame on an innocent bystander! Will the real culprit own up? Meanwhile, Joy babysits Henry and Jack while Helen and Lee enjoy a night out – but Joy…

Chris has been in captivity for nearly a month (old Emmerdale moves at double-speed on ITV3), but this week he finally understands his kidnapper’s motivation, when Liam reveals that he is the illegitimate son of Frank Tate; left to grow up in poverty while Chris lived a silver-spoon childhood with their father. The fact that Liam’s prepared a special scrapbook should suggest to Chris that it won’t be easy to talk his way out from under the weight of his grievance. Elsewhere, there’s history in the making as Ashley wakes up beside Bernice for the first time – but not the last!…

Let’s face it, Kim Tate is so unpopular in Emmerdale that I’m surprised she didn’t invite the entire village to her ‘who poisoned me?’ dinner. Colin, Southgate Knowing what Emmerdale likes to do, I reckon the real poisoner is none of the people who were at that weird lunch. There’s no doubt in my mind that the show will twist it on someone else like Andrea, Meena, or more than likely, any of the Dingles… Davina, Blackpool Out of everyone at Kim’s lunch, I think it’s Will who’s poisoning her. Kim’s treated him like rubbish since he started working for her. She has also had it in for Dawn, so maybe Will’s trying to get his own back. Or it’s Gabby – she’s a nasty piece of work! Inga, London…

This is the third time Leyla has tried to get married since arriving in Emmerdale – her engagement to David in 2011 ended when she fled the village in the run up to their big day, saddling him with a mountain of debt. And her wedding to Pete Barton in 2017 ended with both of them making a run for it by climbing out of the toilet windows! Will it be third time lucky for Leyla? Roxy tells us that it’s definitely third time lucky with her soap wedding dress… “I’ve had two wedding dresses previously on the show, but I never got to wear the first one!” recalls Roxy. “Matthew Wolfenden, [David] ended up wearing it, but Leyla didn’t – so technically, I’ve had two. And this one is…

The sun has got its hat on – hip-hip hooray! But while Dales stars Jurell Carter (Nate) and Max Parker (Luke) look cool as cucumbers in their shades, not all of the cast are summer ready – just ask Alex Lincoln (Jamie) and Rosie Bentham (Gabby). Ouch!…

It’s horse-racing season, so don your finery like Rebekah – and don’t forget that fascinator! £69 Phase Eight Be occasion-ready with this pink hue clutch. £36 www.jewellerybox.co.uk Horse lovers won’t be able to resist these gold stud earrings. £23 www.jewellerybox.co.uk Will fortune be on your side when wearing these lucky horseshoe studs? £25 Claire’s Ascot isn’t complete without a fancy fascinator, like this feather swirl design. £55 Joe Browns Look elegant like Rebekah in a floral figure-hugging dress for graceful style. £45 Annie Haak Match your accessories to your dress, with this peach-gold bangle. £29.50 M&S Go for chunky-heeled stilettos that won’t sink into the grass!…

As Food Unwrapped’s latest series wraps up this week, show newbie Amanda Byram shares her top telly faves… What’s the best thing about joining the Food Unwrapped team? I’m a big foodie – I studied nutrition, so I’m fascinated with how food affects us. And I love unearthing secrets and debunking myths! It’s an amazing team to be a part of, they’re a lovely crew. So what have you been enjoying on telly most recently? The Mosquito Coast on Apple TV+ – it’s based on the movie with Harrison Ford and River Phoenix, one of my favourite movies of all time. Justin Theroux is in the TV series, and Justin is the cousin of Louis Theroux, whose dad is Paul Theroux, who wrote The Mosquito Coast book! How about the…

If football’s not your game, substitute the Euro fixtures for a drama binge via BBC iPlayer! Kick off your telly tournament with our pick of box-sets, all available on demand… Golden oldies Step back in time with these oldies but goodies… Go back to school with all 10 series of Waterloo Road – how many of the rowdy comprehensive’s head teachers can you name? Plus, there’s plenty of eps of forensic pathology drama Silent Witness – with stars including Amanda Burton and Emilia Fox – and MI5 spy series Spooks (featuring Matthew Macfadyen, Rupert Penry-Jones and Keeley Hawes) to revisit. Ready for more Swot up on these shows, with new series of each in the pipeline… Psychological drama (and spin-off of The Missing) Baptiste has charismatic detective Julien Baptiste at…

BULLSEYE! It’s inconceivable to us that Dales bosses have crafted a clever ‘get out of jail free’ card for Robert – by having Luke more-or-less confess to accidentally killing his brother – yet there are “no current plans” for Robert’s return. Sorry, but what? We were convinced he’d be freed to fight Mack and Ben for Aaron in the hottest soap love quadrangle since, well… ever. But fine then – please yourselves! We enjoyed Sarah and Carla’s textbook undercover mission… In a van with their name, address and phone number on the side. We know there are rules, but surely breathless, ailing Peter – on the point of collapse from liver failure – can be excused a mask? “Mirror, mirror on my nightstand, who is the campest in the land?”…

Star Mollie tells us that despite Nina’s hardships, she’s relishing the challenge… “When I first read the scripts, I was really excited about playing out the aftermath,” reveals the actress. “When I play Nina, I feel like I am her, I feel attached to her and I think it’s sad when you see a character like Nina who has her own specific ways – she was so distinctive – and that’s gone. “Nina’s more introverted now, whereas before, she was a very open person, so I’ve tried to show that,” continues Mollie. “The costume has helped me get into her new mindset as well, because she’s wearing different shoes! Normally, she would wear Doc Martens, and I wear them as Mollie too – and now her shoes are a lot…

Feast your eyes on the four Emmerdale ladies who’ll be setting our screens alight this summer – kicking off with deadly drama at Home Farm! While her plan to catch the culprit responsible for poisoning her reaches boiling point, Kim sets her trap – with killer consequences… “As with all best-laid plans, they don’t always go accordingly,” teases Dales producer Kate Brooks. “What happens to Kim and how her plan backfires will be the big question over the next few weeks. Will her mission to snare this person bring about her own downfall, and see Kim pay the ultimate price?” Faith’s cancer hell? Meanwhile, a dark cloud hovers over the Dingle family when Faith grows concerned that she is seriously ill again. “We’ll see her health start to decline, as…

Here’s your first look at former cobbles star Katie McGlynn – aka Sinead Tinker – raring to go as new Hollyoaks character Becky! Having swapped her blonde locks for a brunette do, Katie looks worlds away from her tragic Corrie alter ego for a plot that will see Becky bond with Diane. But it’ll later transpire that Becky has an ulterior motive for befriending Tony’s missus… “I knew instantly that this storyline was important,” teases Katie, who left the Street in 2019 after Sinead lost her life to cervical cancer. “I’m excited for everyone to meet Becky, and I’m hopeful the story will have an impact on the viewers, as it covers some very current issues…” Becky’s first episode will air on 5 July on E4 and again the next…

“If Jenny is giving up the Rovers, then as Rita’s adoptive daughter, she’s a more natural heir to the Kabin than Brian. I can see her there into her old age, dispensing acid drops – in more ways than one!” …suggests reader ‘Fish’ “I think we should have Luke’s dad come into Emmerdale. He could be a reason why Luke has kept his sexuality a secret, and why his brother grew into a monster – when Wendy is so nice! I bet his father’s appearance could clear up a few things.” …reasons reader Zoe from Yorkshire “The Panesars are such a fab group of characters. So why are we still waiting for them to have a proper storyline? Pest control and rubbish gangsters don’t count!” …wails reader Nicky “When more…

Bernie grows more determined than ever to give Rainie a baby this week, now that young Abi is gone. However, is Bernie putting her own health at risk by attempting to lose so much weight? Rainie is devastated as she heads to the police station with Stuart to seek news on missing Abi – worried she’ll never see her again now that Max has taken her overseas. Meanwhile, Bernie continues her health kick, leaving Keegan surprised at his sister’s commitment. “With Abi gone, Bernie really wants to give Rainie exactly what she wants – a baby,” says our Albert Square insider. “But Bernie has a long road ahead in her weight-loss journey if she’s to receive the go-ahead to become a surrogate.” When Bernie goes to her first weight-loss class,…

Quality time proves anything but for Karen and Rob this week, when Rob seemingly forgets Karen’s plan for a quiet day at home together – and packs for a fishing trip instead! Determined to plough ahead anyway – well aware that their strained relationship urgently requires some TLC – Karen prepares a picnic and announces she’ll be joining her husband on the riverbank. However, a relaxing day in the countryside it certainly isn’t, as untalkative Rob becomes increasingly annoyed by Karen’s efforts to chat. But after Rob fails to keep a lookout while Karen is caught short, the disastrous day comes to a very unfortunate end, with Karen leaving Rob to stew as she heads home alone. Is there any way back for the troubled husband and wife?…

The mystery surrounding Ollie’s illness deepens this week, when he’s brought into the ED after falling sick at school. Rash is perplexed after all of Ollie’s tests come back clear, and suspects that the teenager could have been taking drugs. Yet when that test also comes back negative, Rash is left more confused than ever. With David ramping up the pressure on Rash to find out what’s wrong with his son, plus the tension between David and Rosa escalating, Rash is forced to think outside the box. Can he solve the mystery?…

One of Walford’s all-time great couples meets for the first time this week, as Tony’s mum Irene comes to town, and immediately bumps into Simon’s dad, Terry, in the Vic. They seem made for each other (indeed, perhaps they were, you’d have to ask the storyliners) as they share the same louche, reprobate energy. Like the best soap pairings, every scene they share just fizzes. Ironically, Tony is no more pleased to see his mum than Simon is to have his dad back on the Square, with both lads telling the other that they should make more effort with their respective parents. But how long will Simon’s enthusiasm for Irene last when he realises that Tony is too scared to reveal the true nature of their relationship? And just what…

SUITED UP Sarah from Corrie was wearing a matching pink trouser and blazer combo this week. Where can I get that from? Zoe, Manchester Power suits are all the rage right now, so there are lots of choices! There’s the ‘Blazer with Pockets’ in pale pink from Zara. Or there’s the ‘Single Breasted Blazer’ in pink from M&S. Both also have the option of matching trousers, too. MARVELLOUS MEDICS! I’m so sad to hear that Holby City is set to end next year, but at least we still have Casualty to keep us going! It got me to wondering, how many characters have been in both shows over the years? Harry Far too many to list here! But some of the most noteable crossover characters include Adrian ‘Fletch’ Fletcher, who’s…

Young lovebirds Chloe and Ryder take a leap of faith this week, and open their own business together! Since they’ve both now lost their jobs at Salt, it’s clear they’ll need a new source of income – so when Chloe pitches the idea of them opening their own food truck, Ryder jumps at the chance! However, is it way too soon for the teens to be going into such a big project together? “Chloe comes up with the idea for the food truck, but it really excites Ryder,” grins Lukas Radovich, who plays him. “It’s not something he has ever thought about before, though he’s looking forward to it. While it’s still quite early on and could test Ryder and Chloe’s relationship, they have worked together before.” Once the couple…

We imagine it’s quite flattering to be mistaken for a celebrity – although it does depend on who the celeb in question is! Walford newcomer Brian Conley – aka Rocky – revealed during a recent Loose Women interview that with his new grey hairstyle, he’s been likened to George Clooney. And we can see the resemblance! But spare a thought for poor Rose Ayling-Ellis (Frankie), whose celeb comparison was far less flattering! “When you feel pretty until your friends tell you, you look like The Rock!” she wailed. Even if we squint, we can’t see it……

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COPPING ON Martin Freeman plays unconventional urgent response officer Chris, working the night shift on the beat in Liverpool alongside rookie partner Rachel ( Adelayo Adedayo) in new five-part drama The Responder, for BBC1. Filming is under way on the series, which also stars Rita Tushingham and Warren Brown. DON’T FORGET! Sandi Toksvig hosts mind-blowing new show Can I Improve My Memory? later this summer, with celebs including ex-EastEnder Nina Wadia, former Strictly judge Len Goodman and champion boxer Chris Eubank bravely putting their memories to the test across four knockout episodes. BACK IN LINE Line Of Duty stars Vicky McClure and Adrian Dunbar are lined up for two new ITV dramas. Vicky will join Adrian Lester for six-part thriller Trigger Point, as a bomb disposal squad officer working in…