Table of contents for 31 - 2021 in Inside Soap UK

“It seems Hope’s done something unthinkable” Oh, I do love a soap devil child, and Hope Stape is one of the best in the business. This week, it seems she’s done something unthinkable, which brings huge drama to the Street. Okay, we can maybe blame Hope’s behaviour on the fact that her dad was accidental serial killer John Stape – but when you look at it, practically every soap child has had a terrible and traumatic upbringing, yet not all of them turn into monsters. It’s probably just as well, or else in 15 to 20 years’ time we’d have the most dysfunctional soap cast you could ever imagine! Elsewhere this week, we talk to the star behind one of soap’s traumatised tots, Katie Hill – aka Emmerdale’s Sarah Dingle –…

Prepare for hilarious scenes in Emmerdale this week, as Nicola and Mandy square up for a furious showdown! Things are already tense between the two women following Mandy’s kiss with Jimmy, but the real drama kicks off at Angelica’s birthday party, when Mandy overhears Nicola bad-mouthing her and son Vinny. Seeing red, Mandy whacks Nicola with a huge inflatable – and the situation turns very messy indeed… “It’s like a red rag to a bull for Mandy – you can say whatever you like about her, but don’t mention Vinny, or she’s going for you!” declares Lisa Riley, who plays her. “She goes up to HOP for a hot chocolate, which is when she hears Nicola speaking with Rodney, calling her an unfit mother. Nicola says it’s no wonder that…

The scenes in Ruby’s office this week required stars Milly and Zack Morris, who plays Keegan, to be up close and personal with one another – and Milly says she couldn’t have asked for a better leading man. “Honestly, I’d want my son to be like Zack in the future,” grins the 22-year-old star. “He’s been raised so well and is such a gentleman. Obviously, with scenes such as Keegan and Dotty’s this week, it’s important that you feel at ease with your partner, and Zack just made me feel so comfortable.”…

Corrie bosses have brought in a new face to play Imran’s former missus, Sabeen, who returns to the Street in the coming weeks to cause him grief! Unforgotten star Zora Bishop is taking over from previous actress Avita Jay, who was last seen in the role in 2018. What will prompt Sabeen’s reappearance this time? “Imran learns that Sabeen is one of the barristers he’ll be going up against in court for Kelly vs Corey in their upcoming murder trial,” explains our Corrie mole. “The drama will spill over into Imran’s homelife, as he becomes torn between Sabeen and his current partner, Toyah…”…

Everyone knows Bernice has been a pretty awful parent to the daughter she abandoned as a baby. And she let Gabby down again by arriving back in Emmerdale on the pretence of being there for her, but instead throwing all of her energy into winning back ex-fiancé Liam! However, since finding tragic Leanna’s body, Bernice is determined to prove how much her daughter means to her. So, when she arrives at Gabby’s hospital bedside, mother and daughter have a heart-to-heart. Bernice takes responsibility for neglecting Gabby and admits that she’s been a bad mother. Then she promises her girl she’ll be there for her and the baby, and even asks Gabby to move in. Bernice hopes she can be the tower of strength Gabby will need as she navigates the…

The nation’s newest singing sensation is discovered in Walford this week, after Rocky hears Whitney belting out a tune, and introduces him to someone who could change her life forever. He can’t believe his ears once he hears Whit’s beautiful voice, and goes so far as to make a recording of it. Rocky believes that Sonia’s niece has what it takes to top the charts – so he shares the recording with his friend in the music industry to see if she agrees. “After the year from hell she’s had, Whitney deserves some good fortune,” muses our Walford insider. “She has a lovely voice, and there’s no doubt Whit’s a beautiful girl too. That’s a great combo when you want to be a pop star, but Rocky didn’t check with…

TRUTH AND BEAUTY It’s been a tough watch recently in EastEnders, witnessing Tiff and Bernie drastically attempt to alter their appearances. However, are the pair being reckless in doing so? The hardest thing for me about these storylines is watching the girls hating on their looks when they’re absolutely beautiful! No changes needed for either Tiff or Bernie, I say! Bernard, Nottingham I can’t imagine Keegan will be pleased when he finds out about Tiff’s diet pill side-hustle. Hopefully he’ll stick by her, though – Tiff is obviously going through a difficult time herself. It would be a good time for Keegan to sit up and pay attention to her. Erin Is it just me or did Bernie not look overly impressed with being pregnant? And also, if she’s struggling…

“ I’ve always been known for playing ‘goodie’ characters, so it’s been fun to show that Curtis has some fight in him!” laughs Neighbours’ star Nathan Borg, as we chat to him about his alter ego. “The reaction from fans has been brilliant, too. What they really like about Curtis is that he hasn’t come to Erinsborough to kill anyone or break up a relationship – he’s in town for himself and his career.” Initially, new teacher Curtis ruffled feathers at Erinsborough High, resulting in some friction between him and Jane Harris. But despite the prickly atmosphere, Nathan tells us it couldn’t be more different behind the scenes… “Annie [Jones, aka Jane] is the loveliest person you’ll ever meet,” reveals Nathan. “We get along so well. I’ve always been a…

BLACK TO FRONT Channel 4 is set to disrupt its regular schedule for 24 hours to broadcast a day’s worth of material that showcases black talent. Sir Trevor McDonald and AJ Odudu are among the presenters for the day’s shows, which will include a reboot of 1990s hit The Big Breakfast! KEEEEEEP DANCING! Four new professional dancers have been added to the line-up for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing this autumn. Nikita Kuzmin, Cameron Lombard, Jowita Przystal and Kai Widdrington are the latest additions – and you might recognise Kai as a Britain’s Got Talent finalist, while Jowita won BBC1’s The Greatest Dancer. OUR HOUSE Line Of Duty star Martin Compston and Downton Abbey actor Tuppence Middleton are to play a husband and wife in new ITV drama…

Tiffany is totally oblivious to Keegan’s closeness with Dotty this week, as her obsession with getting facial fillers puts her health at serious risk. Inside Soap caught up with Maisie Smith, who is able to shed some light on why gorgeous Tiff feels the need to ‘improve’ her appearance… What was your reaction when you found out Tiffany was going to have this storyline? I’ve been very lucky with the storylines I’ve been given on the show. EastEnders always tries to focus on issues that are happening in the world – so I was so glad to be given the chance to actually show that body insecurities are a massive thing that lots of people go through, especially within my age group. Tiffany is becoming obsessed with her appearance, what…

Hot on the heels of the news that Casualty will bring back ex-ED legends Noel, Big Mac and Cal for its 35th birthday, show boss Loretta Pearce has lifted the lid on what else is in store for the big shebang later this year… “There is an anniversary smorgasbord to offer for both old and new fans of Casualty – with huge stunts, faces from the past, some indelible new characters and some wonderful story twists,” teases Loretta. “Elinor Lawless, who joins us as consultant Stevie, makes a splash right from her first episode – and I’m confident she will become one of the most talked-about characters in Casualty history. “There are also huge, heartbreaking stories for Ethan and Jacob later in the series,” adds Loretta. “And I’m delighted to…

Daddy cool! Congratulations to Walford’s James Farrar, who plays Zack, and his wife Ali! The couple are expecting their first child, with Zack complimenting his missus online as a “sexy mama”. Agreed! Friends like these Corrie’s new nasty cop PC Brody has another soapy connection, other than playing Billy Parker in Hollyoaks. Daniel Jillings is best mates with the Dales’ Danny Miller (Aaron), having co-founded children’s bereavement charity Once Upon A Smile with him in 2019. Jungle Jake! Ex-EastEnders star Jake Wood (Max Branning) says he’s free to take part in this year’s series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!. Could Jake give his former on-screen daughter and 2019 Queen of the Jungle, Jacqueline Jossa, a run for her money?…

The battle for little Raymond sees Phil devise a shocking plan this week – to do a runner with his son! After launching a bid for custody, the Mitchell hard man fears that he’ll never win and end up being cut out of his little boy’s life. Devastated at the prospect, Phil reveals to lawyer Ritchie that he’s considering taking drastic action. But as he gets ready to flee Walford with Raymond, can Kat make him see sense? “What Phil is planning will destroy so many lives – including Raymond’s!” warns our Walford insider. “After everything that little lad has been through, this would be too much for him to cope with. But Phil can’t see the bigger picture, as he’s desperate not to lose his boy. Kat’s terrified he’ll…

There’s a new war erupting between Shona and Todd this week, as they fall out over parking on the Street! Shona is so fed up with Todd leaving the Shuttleworth hearse wherever he likes, she decides to take drastic action by creating a book of homemade parking tickets and slapping one on Todd’s vehicle when he abandons it yet again. Of course, Todd doesn’t take Shona’s antics well and kicks off, informing Shona that she’s committing fraud. Todd then storms off and hopes that’s the end of it – but unfortunately, he’s met his match in Shona! “Todd has underestimated how far Shona’s willing to go!” chuckles our Corrie insider. “He isn’t the most considerate person at the best of times, but he’s really going to pay for crossing her.…

FAIR CITY Zak ends up flirting with Jane this week, but his attempt to make a move means Jane kicks him out! Elsewhere, Phoebe admits to Ger that she deliberately provoked Will into thinking she fancied Dean. Plus, Ger changes Will’s repayment schedule and he soon gets a chilling warning… THE ARCHERS Shula starts to get paranoid following an innocent comment this week, but her actions soon lead to trouble – and then disaster strikes… Meanwhile, Neil tries to make amends after recent events – but he’s left more bewildered than ever. Finally, David feels bad, though can Josh prove his dad wrong on this occasion? See TV listings for times & channel details. River City is on a summer break – it will be back on screen in August.…

Ashley is determined to rescue Zoe from the weirdo Etheric Foundation this week, and storms into a meeting to squeak furiously at them. Alarmed to find Zoe, creepy Ben and the other acolytes swaying and moaning in unison – which is strange as Hollyoaks isn’t on until later – Ashley begs his friend to leave. However, Zoe is resolute, and announces that she is to be Ben’s new sexual partner, and will be “purified” to become “a daughter of Nirab”. And then off she goes to America – never to be heard of again! So the full time score is: Nirab 1, Ashley nil. We do love a happy ending. And it’s a busy old week elsewhere. Les almost dies from an overdose after stealing from Martin’s drugs trolley at…

TIE DYED I spotted Leyla wearing a patterned jumper in Emmerdale the other day – where can I get one from? Sarah Leyla manages to make even the most casual outfits look glamorous! Her ‘Cream Tie Dye Hoody’ is from River Island, and has just been restocked after selling out. So if you’d like one of your own, get on the website fast! FAMILIAR FACES In EastEnders, I recognised Isaac’s social worker, but I can’t place him. Where do I know him from? Tim, Newcastle Mental health worker Rafe Vaughan is played by Daniel Boys. While Daniel hasn’t appeared in soap before – apart from one episode of Holby – he’s no stranger to TV. The star rose to fame in 2007, when he competed in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s…

“I’m so pleased that Emmerdale is revisiting Sarah’s dramatic past,” says Dales actress Katie Hill, as we catch up with her about her character’s latest plot. “It’s been such a touching storyline from the very start. When I played out the heart-transplant stuff, I knew that one day it would be emotional to get back into it, and for Sarah to try to find out the identity of her donor…” It’s safe to say that Debbie’s daughter never had the easiest of childhoods, being in and out of hospital. Three years ago, Sarah underwent a heart transplant. But after Leanna’s recent murder, Sarah begins to re-evaluate everything about herself – including her health history. “Leanna’s death has had quite an impact on Sarah,” explains Katie. “It leaves Sarah worrying about…

Zara Morgan returns to Chester this week, to confront her brother Luke after not being invited to their mum’s funeral. Zara soon decides to stick around, but it’s clear that she isn’t everyone’s up of tea. We catch up with star Kelly Condron – who tells us what it’s like to be back at Hollyoaks to reprise her role as Zara after 22 years away… Hi Kelly! So how does it feel to be in Hollyoaks again? Well, it’s been a while, but I’m very happy to be here! Everything is totally different, the sets have changed hugely. Though at the same time, there’s something so familiar about it. What’s the sibling relationship like between Zara and Luke? Zara gives Luke a hard time about their mum at first. However,…

WIT AND WISDOM “What you on about, you mad old bag?” Toyah meets Rita for the first time… “That’s Leanne and Toyah, I taught them both. Well, I tried to…” Ken “You cross our Leanne, then you cross me too Deal with it!” Toyah “Is this a real burger? A meat one? You’ve gotta always check that Toyah hasn’t swapped it for one of her veggie ones…” Curly THE KEY RELATIONSHIPS LEANNE While Toyah and Leanne aren’t actually related by blood – Leanne is Les’ daughter and Leanne is Janice’s – you couldn’t meet two closer or more fiercely loyal sisters. Cross them at your peril! SPIDER You never forget your first love, and Spider and Toyah seemed made for each other. The eco warrior ignited Toyah’s passion for environmentalism,…

CASUALTY Faith Cadogan................... Kirsty Mitchell Iain Dean.................... Michael Stevenson Charlie Fairhead........... Derek Thompson 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 Malinovsky.......................... Uriel Emil Rashid ‘Rash’ Masum............ Neet Mohan Jacob Masters...................... Charles Venn Robyn Miller............ Amanda Henderson Tina Mollett.......................... Adele James CORONATION STREET Aadi Alahan....................... Adam Hussain Asha Alahan....................... Tanisha Gorey Dev Alahan..................... Jimmi Harkishin Izzy Armstrong............ Cherylee Houston Aggie Bailey....................... Lorna Laidlaw Edison Bailey...... Trevor Michael Georges James Bailey................... Nathan Graham Michael Bailey....................... Ryan Russell Ronnie Bailey...................... Vinta Morgan Adam Barlow............... Samuel Robertson Carla Barlow............................ Alison King Ken Barlow........................ William Roache Peter Barlow..................... Chris Gascoyne Sarah Barlow.......................... Tina O’Brien Simon Barlow............................ Alex Bain Leanne Battersby................. Jane Danson Toyah…

EVENT WILDERLANDS CAMPING Enjoy a summer of small, wild weekends, creating a campsite with the opportunity of learning skills – such as rewilding, fire making, den building, plant identification, bird language, archery, wood carving, yoga, creative writing, wild arts, foraging, wild cooking with campfire music, myth making, storytelling, and much more! There’s also a wild spa, camping, glamping, and delicious organic food. For tickets, visit www.wilderlands.co.uk/wild-weekends CINEMA HERE WE ARE Aharon has devoted his life to raising his autistic son Uri. Now as a young adult, it might be time for Uri to live in a specialised home – but deep down Aharon feels that Uri isn’t ready for this separation. So, on the way to the home, he decides to run away with his son – and the pair…

As we suspected, Emmerdale looks set to embark on a long-running serial killer storyline with mad Meena! Johnny McPherson, who plays grieving Liam, tells us that wicked Meena is not finished wreaking terror on the Dales yet… “Leanna won’t be her last victim, for sure!” confirms the actor. “It would be interesting if Liam did find out what really happened to his daughter, as what would happen as a consequence? Somebody who’s as reasonable and rational as Liam, competing with an absolute torrent of fury… that would be interesting!”…

Nina comes up with a fitting way to remember her late boyfriend Seb this week – by building a memorial garden for him. Nina’s been in a world of pain since Seb died in a vicious hate attack. And the horrors of that night come flooding back to her when witness liaison officer Lauren calls by to speak with her… “While Nina would love nothing more than to forget that night ever happened, the sad truth is that her ordeal is far from over,” points out our cobbles spy. “The trial of Seb’s attackers, Kelly and Corey, is on the horizon, and Nina’s testimony will be crucial in determining the outcome. Yet the thought of getting up in court and reliving her nightmare fills Nina with dread.” While Nina attempts…

CORONATION STREET | ITV WEDNESDAY Dropping Kenneth’s snazzy hot pants in Benidorm to pick up George’s sombre funeral suits in Weatherfield, means actor Tony Maudsley has undergone quite the TV transformation in recent times! However, despite ITV’s smash-hit holiday sitcom being one of the best acting jobs he’s ever had, the 53-year-old star still can’t quite believe that he’s treading the cobbles on Britain’s most famous street. “George doesn’t know how to handle the onlslaught of female attention…” “I think fans of Kenneth fully expected me to join Corrie and go to work in Audrey’s salon playing the same character!” grins Tony, who played Benidorm’s camp crimper for seven years, before joining the Street in 2020. “I was thrilled to bits that Corrie trusted me to throw off Kenneth’s shackles…

Dotty Cotton “I’ve only been here for two years, but Dotty’s still changed a lot since then.” When she came to Albert Square as a child with her dad, Nick, you saw that Dotty had grown up fast for her age. And it was clear that she hadn’t been raised in a household of love, care and comfort! “The way I view Dotty is that the world hasn’t treated her well – so why would she treat other people well? But since I’ve been  playing her, she’s made some real connections of a kind she never had before. She has friends. Vinny, Tiffany and Keegan are now people she genuinely cares about. Dotty’s definitely softened, and she’s grown up too. Now she’s a 20-year-old woman and less of a devil…

As he stars as Nadeem in Baptiste’s second – and final – series, Ace Bhatti tells us his top televisual treats… Hello, Ace! What have you been most enjoying on TV recently? I’ve been watching quite a lot of documentaries on science and art: the drama and pain that some of these scientists and artists went through when they weren’t believed, or were trying to push the boundaries, is just heart-breaking. And some of the facts are totally mind-blowing. What’s your favourite comedy programme? It doesn’t get repeated very often nowadays, but I’m still a big fan of My Name Is Earl. What were your favourite shows when you were growing up? As a kid, I’d watch The Banana Splits, Tiswas, Stig Of The Dump and Grange Hill. And was…

BULLSEYE! We were certain that not even a Trident missile could penetrate Suki’s wall of emotional steel – for the death of her son that she helped to cause, no less. Though, clearly the supremely talented Balvinder Sopal was saving all her fire power for the moment Suki’s barriers came down – and now, we’re even more intrigued as to how many more layers there are to this Titan of a woman. Imagine eventually finding out that your dad, sister and boyfriend were complicit in covering up your hit-and-run? Only in EastEnders! Trend alert! The ‘through the knackers’ camera shot is making a late charge for Position Of The Year. There are Olympic pole vaulters taking smaller leaps than the one Keegan made to conclude that he was going to…