Table of contents for 27 - 2022 in Inside Soap UK

Phil Mitchell edges ever closer to his ultimate doom this week, when he makes an enemy of a violent fellow prisoner – and inadvertently signs his own death warrant. And while there is a lifeline on offer – to become a police informant for DI Keeble – it goes against every fibre of his being. It seems that Phil really is prepared to die for his principles… “The idea of turning grass sickens Phil – it’s the definition of a fate worse than death,” muses our own prison snitch. “He’s assumed he’ll be able to keep his head down at Walford nick, do his time, and at least emerge with his integrity and reputation intact. But when he finds himself on the hitlist of Craig – a seriously scary inmate…

Toyah puts her freedom on the line this week, when she agrees to help her ex-boyfriend with a risky scheme! Spider’s arrival on the cobbles has been a welcome distraction for Toyah, so when he reveals that he and a group of local activists are planning to occupy the disused brewery, Toyah’s keen to get involved. Spider points out that she’s still on bail, and could risk going to prison if she’s caught – but Toyah won’t be deterred… “Toyah’s already at rock bottom, so she doesn’t see how things could get any worse at this point,” reveals our cobbles sneak. “After everything that’s happened recently – Imran’s death, and her being accused of killing him – it feels good to be back fighting for an important cause. This is…

Avery isn’t the only new Baker on the block this week – his two sons, Finlay and Felix, are hot on his heels! In the wake of Avery’s collapse, Mitch and Karen anxiously wait for news at the hospital. Mitch thinks his nephews need to know what’s happened, so he calls the two of them to fill them in. And soon, Finlay and Felix make the trip to Walford General to find out what’s going on with their dad… Whether Mitch has a better relationship with his brother’s sons than he does with Avery himself remains to be seen, but there are a few surprises in store when the two of them arrive at the hospital. Soon, the pair share a shocking piece of news with Mitch – but what…

Audrey ignites a feud among her family this week, when she reveals she’s changing her will – and none of them are getting a penny! Audrey makes her decision in the wake of her recent brush with death, and it fuels more fights within the clan… “Audrey just wants to put the last few weeks behind her,” reveals our Coronation Street insider. “Gail is pleased to have her home from hospital, though she’s still walking on eggshells after all the arguing about her mum’s excessive drinking. So when Audrey heads straight to the Rovers for a cheeky tipple, Gail is aghast – but she’s too scared to say anything in case she gets her head bitten off!” Meanwhile, Gail gets chatting to Elaine, who is planning a holiday to the…

The McDonalds are at loggerheads this week, after Amy informs Steve and Tracy that water is dripping through the ceiling of No.1! And that’s just the tip of the iceberg – as neighbour Ed reveals that the damage has spread to his roof, too… “Building repairs are never fun, but when Tracy is bending your ear over it, the struggle is real!” sympathises our Corrie insider. “Steve’s roof drama is mild in comparison to the earbashing from his missus.” After Steve deduces that Jacob’s cowboy builder mate is to blame for botching the repairs, Tracy insists her husband hires a professional rather than tackle the problem himself. As luck would have it, one of Steve’s taxi fares offers to send round her roofer hubby to price up the job. However,…

Ian Beale is having a no-good, very bad day. It’s not so much a cash flow problem he’s suffering from as a full blockage – which in turn is showering raw sewage over his entire life. Ian needs money to save him from bankruptcy – and he needs it fast! First stop, his lover/nanny Laura (lover when Ian is randy, nanny again 40 seconds later). She offers the entire contents of her Abbey National Saver account. While Ian ungratefully sniffs that it won’t even touch the sides, sensible Laura suggests that at least it’s a start, and all that he needs is a little help from his friends. And there lies the rub. It’s at times like this you learn who your friends really are. And Ian certainly does… It…

WALFORD FLINGS! Is everyone just as disappointed in Zack as I am? How could he cheat on Nancy with Sam Mitchell? And he thought proposing to Nancy would be a good idea – he should have thought about their relationship and their future before jumping into bed with someone else! | Gill, Manchester IS IT TRUE LOVE? I wish Fiz would hurry up and realise that all these problems with the house and the wedding – not to mention the fact that Phill was intending to write a tell-all book about her serial killer ex-husband – are signs that she should really be with Tyrone in Coronation Street! | Tess, East Sussex But Tyrone cheated on her with Alina – can he really be trusted not to stray again? BECOMING…

“Did I love being the centre of attention for the wedding scenes, and having everyone looking at me? Oh my goodness, no!” cringes Corrie star Jennie McAlpine, as her character Fiz gets ready for her dream wedding to Phill this week. “I think I might have had my eyes shut the whole time! Luckily there weren’t loads of people there when we filmed it all, so it was okay. It was quite intimate. “You’re talking to someone who, in real life, went off and eloped – it was just me and my husband,” adds the actress, who wed Chris Farr in 2017. “I’m not into all that fuss and messing about. At one point Fiz asks, ‘Should we have this big wedding?’ and I was thinking: ‘No – you shouldn’t!’”…

Gabby has taken on a lot since becoming a mum to baby Thomas – but as we put your reader questions to Rosie, it’s clear that she’s much more carefree than her Dales alter ego… “Where were you when you found out you’d landed the role of Gabby?” I was out shopping with my best friend. My mum phoned and just said, “They want you”. At first I thought she was joking. Then me and my friend screamed in the middle of the shop – everyone around us probably thought I’d won the lottery. “Who is your fave person to work with?” “What’s the best thing about having Samantha Giles back as your on-screen mum, Bernice?” I love working with Sam, she’s so innocently hilarious! The good thing about Sam…

“Mariel sounds like a real hoot, I wish I knew someone like her!” declares Sarah Parish, as the W1A and Broadchurch star makes a guest appearance as Mariel Flynn, a cosmetic surgeon embroiled in McDonald and Dodds’ latest murder case this week. “She’s very stylish, flamboyant, and rather naughty. She’s really good at playing golf, she loves karaoke, and she owns a plastic surgery clinic. She was a joy to play!” The drama kicks off after lifestyle influencer Rose Boleyn checks in at Mariel’s exclusive clinic Ford & Flynn, which she co-owns with her soon-to-be ex-husband Al (Rhashan Stone). But when Rose dies on the operating table after her nose job goes dreadfully wrong, the bickering couple come under suspicion… “What at first seems to be a terrible accident…

Architect George Clarke is back with a new series of his Remarkable Renovations, in which he meets more ambitious folk embarking on eye-popping property overhauls. Inside TV had a chat with George to find out how people are preserving our architecture by breathing new life into it… “There’s nothing better than recycling, rather than massive waste,” he reasons. “If you can convert a property so it lasts another 200 years, that’s very sustainable. It’s good ecological design to repurpose and recycle little buildings.” “IT’S GOOD ECOLOGICAL DESIGN TO RECYCLE LITTLE BUILDINGS” A fine example of this comes in the opener, which sees pig farmer Paul and his wife Imogen snap up a collection of abandoned buildings, including a former pub, bakery, blacksmith’s, butcher’s and slaughterhouse… “When you stood in their…

It’s a sad week for Luke’s loved ones, as they gather to say farwell to him. But in true Hollyoaks style, the funeral is full of drama from the get-go! First there are arguments among Luke’s friends and family about what his final wishes were; then on the day itself, Luke’s last goodbye is gatecrashed by his ex-wife, Scarlett, who has a shocking announcement for the gathered mourners. Gabriel Clarke, who plays Luke’s son Ollie, talks us through the emotional week – which also sees his character wave goodbye to the village for good… Hi Gabriel! How has Ollie been coping since his dad’s death? It’s been a real roller coaster emotionally for Ollie. But he is being very mature. That was a nice surprise when I read the scripts,…

Charles’ life is turned upside down this week, when he comes face-to-face with the daughter he never knew. Feisty Naomi is in the middle of a row when Charles suddenly intervenes, and she’s bewildered to discover he’s her biological father! The drama begins after Ethan receives word from his mum, Esme, that Naomi has gone missing, and Charles blames himself. So he goes on a mission to find her… “Charles takes it upon himself to track down Naomi because his ex, Esme, hints that the core reason she ran away was him!” explains Kevin Mathurin, who plays the conflicted vicar. “Esme told Naomi that Charles didn’t want to meet her, so he feels that guilt. It sets him off on this journey to find his daughter.” “Charles’ guilt sets him…

There’s heartbreak ahead for Stacey this week, when she’s forced to end her relationship with Kheerat after he lets her down. She’s already feeling uncomfortable because Kheerat has convinced her to keep their romance on the down-low. He reasons that he wants them to enjoy some time together before the rest of Walford sticks their oar in, but Stacey isn’t sure that’s the real story. So, she decides to test him by planting a passionate kiss on him in the café, but Kheerat’s reaction mortifies Stacey… “It’s a really humiliating moment,” whispers our Square spy. “Stacey kisses Kheerat, and he backs away! Things might have been different if the exact moment she planted the kiss, his mother Suki hadn’t walked in. But the way he behaves proves to Stacey that…

Wicked Janine gets a rude awakening this week, after Linda announces her return to the Queen Vic – and shows her love rival who’s boss! Mick’s ex-missus resolves to clean up her act following the devastating car accident that nearly killed her. However, the clock is ticking for evil Janine and her monstrous secret… “The big question is: when is the truth about Janine framing Linda for drink-driving going to be revealed?” points out our Walford mole. “If Linda truly doesn’t remember that Janine was driving the car, them working side-by-side – with the threat of Linda suddenly recalling all the details – is going to be hell on earth for Janine!” Janine curdles as Mick offers support to Linda during a visit with her social worker. The good news…

Mercedes thinks she and Bobby are finally back on track this week, though a sinister threat to the family is looming… Bobby is misbehaving in the aftermath of Wendy’s death, but Mercedes manages to get through to her son by giving him a special gift. As he starts grief counselling with Honour, Bobby appears to be making a breakthrough – then a string of mysterious messages unnerve the McQueens, and Mercy decides to investigate… Could Silas be showing his hand after Wendy failed to get custody of Bobby?…

Poor old Susan. Despite being born and bred on Coronation Street – and a Barlow to boot – she was banished to Scotland at just six years of age; returning only a handful of times, without so much as a Scottish accent. Finally, however, her moment has arrived. She has a hot new story that’s seems set to run and run: secretly hiding away Mike Baldwin’s son Adam. This could keep Susan at the centre of the drama for years to come, as she clashes with her dad and Mike over the lad. Except… No sooner is Susan back than she finds herself dead in a motorway smash. It’s not even a dramatic finale. After a phone call, Peter pops to the Rovers to deliver the news just as Mike…

We love a good soap wedding – so it’s always a little disappointing when the actors tell us that filming one isn’t that glamorous at all! And Jennie tells us that this one was no different… “It was flippin’ freezing, and it’s very hard to get a thermal vest on under a wedding frock!” she confesses. “It was the same for the girls as my bridesmaids, they loved their dresses, but after about 10 minutes they wanted to put their tracksuits on – like most bridesmaids do!” Jennie reveals that while she tried on multiple dresses in the quest to find Fiz’s perfect frock, finding the right one was surprisingly easy. “It was a case of, ‘this one doesn’t fit, no to that one, no to this one’ until there…

“Unlike Serena, I don’t excel at sports!” reveals Hollyoaks star Emma Lau, as Inside Soap chats to her for the first time about her character, Serena, who’s an Olympian in training. “But I suppose Serena can be quite neurotic, hardworking, and she can be emotional – I’d say that I’m all those things, too. That doesn’t sound very positive, does it?” The Chen-Williams family first moved to the village so that Serena could achieve her Olympic dream. But that’s left in tatters this week when Serena is involved in a shocking accident! And as we chat with Emma, it’s clear that Serena is going to have a really long road to recovery… Hi Emma! Can you tell us how Serena ends up in hospital? Serena’s out celebrating with Maxine and…

Theatre BACK TO THE FUTURE Welcome to Hill Valley! When Marty McFly finds himself transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown, he accidentally changes the course of history. Now he’s in a race against time to fix the present, escape the past and send himself… back to the future. For information and tickets, go to backtothe futuremusical.com PARAMOUNT+ MISSION IMPOSSIBLE I, II & III Start at the very beginning with the Impossible Mission Force as they attempt to stop enemy troops, while preventing impending global disasters and saving the world – all under the leadership of Ethan Hunt. Starring Tom Cruise. BOOK THE LOVER by Helene Flood When their neighbour Jørgen is found dead, Rikke and her husband Åsmund are taken in…

Faith is given the shattering news this week that her cancer has spread – and she immediately decides to stop chemotherapy. But as her family digest this, will Chas convince Cain to make amends with their dying mother before it’s too late? “Faith has a scan and is a bag of nerves, as she’s worried about what it will show up,” reveals our Emmerdale insider. “She knows her cancer is terminal and has accepted it as much as she can; but if there is any change to her condition it could mean she has less time left with her loved ones than she thought.” Cain is still keeping his distance from his poorly parent, despite Moira’s attempts to persuade her hubby to make amends. She begs him to accompany Faith…

The last time Susie Amy was on screen as Scarlett, Ollie was being played by previous actor Aedan Duckworth. So after taking the role over two years ago, Gabriel was delighted to finally meet his Hollyoaks ma… “I was quite nervous about meeting Susie,” Gabriel tells us. “But from the moment we met, we hugged, and we just got on straight away. She’s brilliant, gorgeous, fantastic, talented… everything I could have wanted, and more! “Me, Susie and Gary [Lucy, aka Luke] are going on a family trip to the theatre soon: mum, dad and me!”…

Mitch receives an unwanted birthday surprise this week, when his estranged big brother, Avery, rocks up in Walford unannounced! It’s clear from the look on Mitch’s face that he’s not at all happy to see Avery, and it soon transpires that the brothers haven’t had any contact for quite some time. So what has happened to keep the siblings apart for so many years? “Mitch and his brother have a love-hate relationship, so Avery is the last person he expected to see,” reveals Roger Griffiths, who plays Mitch. “Avery just lives a different lifestyle to Mitch. He’s very lavish, and Mitch is very basic. I think the reason Mitch is the way he is, is because of his brother.” Even before Mitch lays eyes on his estranged sibling, Avery is…

Hi Karene, what are Naomi’s first impressions of Charles? Esme told Naomi that Charles didn’t want anything to do with her, so that’s informed her initial impression of him, which isn’t a great one. She’s grown up in a loving home, but she’s got abandonment issues. What’s Naomi like as a person? She’s a little bit misunderstood and has an edge to her – she’s a rebel. We meet her under not-great circumstances, but as the story progresses, Naomi redeems herself, and we’ll see different sides to her. How does she feel about having her brother Ethan to get to know, too? That’s also rocked Naomi’s world because it’s just all this stuff coming at her. Even though she knows she’s adopted, having a brother out there wasn’t something she…

Stu jeopardises his job at Speed Daal this week – after Zeedan catches him getting drunk with the customers! Yasmeen’s friend doesn’t deliberately set out to cause trouble, however, as private agony fuels his desire to go off the rails… “It’s no secret that Stu has a daughter, Bridgette, whom we are yet to meet,” explains our Weatherfield insider. “He confessed to Yasmeen recently that they haven’t seen each other in ages, and that he doesn’t even know where she lives anymore.” Stu sends Bridgette gifts to an address every year, but has had no indication as to whether she receives them. However, this week he is pained to get a parcel that has been returned to him by the new owners of his daughter’s house – meaning that Stu…

Ollie’s funeral takes place this week – but David goes to work instead! Can he bring himself to say goodbye to his son? Dylan is shocked to find David at work rather than making plans at the church. However, since the shooting, David has been unable to accept Ollie’s part in it and throws himself into work. But when David treats a young patient, her mum recognises him as the dad of the school shooter! Matters are only made worse for David when Faith’s daughter, Natalia, is brought into the ED – and the nurse blames David for Natalia’s state of mind. Later on, Faith apologises, and David admits he just can’t bring himself to go to the funeral. However, after a little convincing, David heads to the church where…

There’s embarrassment all round when Zoe gets the wrong end of the stick about her new friendship with Angie this week. Honestly, just because an attractive woman favours a short haircut and a practical shoe… You can’t just leap to conclusions, Zoe! With Zoe stinging from her recent arrest and Angie’s family disintegrating around her, both could do with a pal. Luckily, when Zoe pops around later with an apology and a bunch of flowers, the pair toast their new friendship. This time, thankfully, Zoe manages not to lunge. Elsewhere, Bob works in the Woolie for the first time and it turns out he’s a natural. However, with Viv barred, Bob keeps his new career a secret – leaving Viv convinced that he’s busy pulling Diane rather than pulling pints!…

BIG AND BOLD Hello! Olivia in Hollyoaks recently wore a green print blouse, and I love it! Where can I buy one? | Zoey, Brighton We haven’t found an exact match. But head to Zalando.co.uk for the ‘Mango Cosima Blouse’ which has a very similar bold print. Or go to Karen Millen for the beautiful ‘Tile Print Woven High Neck Blouse’ which is in the sale online. HELLO HOLBY HOSPITAL! Please help – this is driving me mad! There was an angry grandparent in the Casualty shooting episode, and he had a very familiar face. But I just can’t place him – who is he, please? | Liza That was actor Billy Hartman – who you will remember from Emmerdale! He joined in 1995 and played  Terry Woods – he was…

Bringing a new family into a soap is always a big gamble – it takes a while for them to bed in and for viewers to warm to them. But when they’re related to characters already existing on screen, it makes the job so much easier. And if you cast a well-known name to play the head of the clan, it’s a sure-fire winner! That’s why Inside Soap is sure that the new branch of the Baker family will settle into Albert Square just nicely. Mitch’s brother Avery is played by 80s soul singer Omar Lye-Fook – and he makes quite the entrance into the Square this week (see p20)! We sat down with Omar and Roger Griffiths, who plays Mitch, to see what’s in store for the Baker brothers……

Xander has to decide whether or not to turn his patient, Millie, over to the police this week – as Logan is charged with death by dangerous driving! Xander was one of the first people on the scene of the horrific car crash, which left Millie’s best friend, Jo, dead. Millie recently revealed to Xander that she was texting while driving; so she’s the one at fault, not the other driver, Logan. But when Xander advises her to go to the police, Millie turns the tables on him… “She accuses Xander of harassment!” reveals Luke Van Os, who plays the paramedic. “And he has been hanging around Millie a lot, so it’s not a good look for him. There’s a fine line between caring and overstepping – which Xander has…

In the beginning With six kids to a selection of hapless dads, Karen’s certainly not had it easy. Her hardest time was with Shane, the dad of her first son Keanu – to the point where he stabbed her with a kitchen knife after she tried to leave him, almost killing her. Walford past! When Karen arrived in 2017, the family’s reputation preceded them. Their new neighbours Ted and Joyce knew the Taylors had driven their friend Joan at Walford Towers to a nervous breakdown when they lived next door. And son Keegan had already caused bother for schoolmate Louise Mitchell. Love life Karen and Mitch have taken steps towards rebuilding their romantic relationship. She previously romanced Billy Mitchell and also had a near-miss with serial killer Lucas. Star Lorraine…

Big Zuu returns with his besties Tubsey and Hyder for a third series of his double BAFTA-winning show, as they traverse the UK to cook for some of our fave celebs. And the eponymous chef tells us he’s thrilled to be back… “Big Zuu’s Big Eats is made for the road,” he enthuses. “I love being able to learn about different types of food and different cultures. That’s something very beautiful.” First up, Big Zuu is in Stockport with comedian Johnny Vegas, who’s on a mission to reinvent the humble can of Spam. And Zuu was blown away by Johnny’s halal-friendly culinary triumph… “I couldn’t believe his level of cheffery!” he cheers. “He made us Spam Fritter Burgers using turkey Spam, which doesn’t sound nice on paper but came out…