Table of contents for 4 - 2016 in Inside Soap UK

We can spend hours at Inside Soap deciding what to put on the cover, debating which story or characters we care about more than others, and if one shock news story is hotter than the next. But this week, the debate lasted all of, oh, two seconds – because, ladies and gentlemen, the Mitchells are back in EastEnders, and it’s going to be amazing, dramatic and totally heartbreaking! There’s almost too much – we could probably have got four covers out of this! Walford legend Peggy is going to breathe her last. Grant is returning for a tragic goodbye. And there are even whispers that errant daughter Sam will be coming home – well, there are two of her, so they’ve got double the chance, I suppose! Check out pp12-14…

It wasn’t just the ladies who Grant had a reputation with – he was also known for being handy with his fists! News of Ross’ return has set the cat among the pigeons at EastEnders, with Danny Dyer, who plays Mick, keen to go up against him… “I would like to have a tear-up with Grant,” admits the actor. ‘I’d love to see him come in and throw his weight around!” Meanwhile, Richard Blackwood – who plays the Mitchell clan’s biggest rival Vincent – says that his alter ego is ready to rumble. “It would be legendary to work with Ross,” he shares. “Vincent would fight Phil and Grant if he had to. He definitely wouldn’t win – but he’d go out swinging!”…

Killer Kylie is set for another dramatic departure from the cobbles, following the news that actress Paula Lane is pregnant with her second child. The 29-year-old star and husband Tom Shaw are already parents to one-year-old Arthur, and are delighted to be expecting his little brother or sister… “The new addition to the Shaw clan will be arriving this summer,” Paula recently announced on Twitter. “Tom and I are thrilled. #doubletrouble!” Paula’s exciting news means that she’ll be heading off on maternity leave – so will Kylie finally be in the frame for last year’s killing of bad boy Callum? As Corrie viewers know, David’s missus struck the fatal blow that killed nasty Callum Logan. The villain’s corpse is concealed underneath the concrete floor in Gail’s granny flat – and…

The Hubbard family are to be joined in Walford by another family member, when Claudette’s foster-son Linford arrives in Albert Square. Actress Ellen Thomas, who portrays the steely matriarch, previously teased that her alter ego has taken in lots of waifs and strays over the years – so Linford could just be the first of many new arrivals to descend on the Square… “It was one of the first things that hooked me when I came on board,” explained Ellen, during a chat with Inside Soap. “It’s a chance to bring in people with diverse backgrounds, as she’s fostered lots of kids from different cultures. We go from robbers and bad’uns to the high-ranking bankers!” Leon Lopez has been cast in the role of Linford, and makes his debut in…

Life seems to be looking up for Leanne this week, when a handsome stranger walks into the Bistro – and instantly falls under her spell! Thanks to her troubled son Simon, Leanne’s been having a rough time of it for months – suffering badly as his temper tantrums became increasingly violent. Now that the young lad is in counselling, however, Leanne is glad to notice that Simon is finally starting to make some progress, and she begins to hope for a happier future. Additionally, there’s more good news when delighted Simon tells her that he’s been picked for the football team. Relieved to see that her boy is smiling again, Leanne decides to listen to her friend Zeedan when he encourages her to get out and have some fun for…

FAIR CITY Shane feels guilty about his affair with Heather this week, and the pair are later caught in the act by Bob! Shane is left shaken after Bob warns him to get out while he can, but will he break it off before Ama discovers the truth? Elsewhere, Adam has cold feet about pitching Pierce’s app to investors – and Pierce is horrified to later learn that Adam chickened out! RIVER CITY Caitlin has a job interview this week, but it doesn’t go well and makes her late for a dole appointment. As a result, she has her benefits sanctioned and tries to return her interview clothes. Meanwhile, Alex is forced to confess his alibi – and Scarlett is shocked to find out that he was in bed with…

“JOHNNY FEELS THE FIRST RUSH OF THE CONNOR ENDORPHINS!” On paper, we should despise Johnny Connor. He cheated and fathered a love child – a treachery that in turn led to the death of his doting wife. It’s hardly the model of the reliable family man. However, Johnny is so likeable, and seems so genuine, that we find ourselves rooting for him, in the hope that he might finally bond with his secret daughter Carla. So, it’s heart-warming to see him step up and finally be a father to her, following so many years of denial… “I think Johnny is relieved that Carla knows the truth, because now he can truly be himself,” shares Richard Hawley, who joined Corrie to play the errant dad in October. “There’s been a lie…

THE NIGHTINGALES are unaware that Alfie has been doing all he can to track down his real parents – but he’s still unaware that Mac is his biological father and Cindy is his mum! Although Mac and his brother Nathan know the truth, Cindy doesn’t have a clue either… “How would anybody feel if they found out the child they put up for adoption 14 years ago is living on their doorstep?” muses Stephanie, who is mum to two daughters – ten-year-old Mia Grace and Lexi Grace, five. “It would really shake her! Alfie went to a loving family and as far as Cindy is concerned, it’s a closed chapter. She’d never imagine that he’s living with Mac – and she’ll be shocked that Mac never told her! He’s taken…

EASTENDERS Nothing says ‘party’ like a bit of sparkle, and Walford beauties Gillian Taylforth (Kathy) and Emma Barton (Honey) brought razzledazzle to the red carpet with their updos and silver sequinned dresses. Dressed to the nines, the gorgeous pair braved the cold as they bared some delightful décolletage in their glittering floor sweepers. EMMERDALE The villagers dressed to impress in their delightfully chic outfits, with Nicola Stephenson (Tess) and Amy Walsh (Tracy) getting in a bit of shoulder action in their sleeveless frocks. Meanwhile, lovely Lesley Dunlop (Brenda) looked just fur-bulous in her faux-fur shawl, with her glam pixie cut the centre of attention. CORONATION STREET Monochrome was top choice for the cobbles wonders, with Alison King (Carla) flashing her toned midriff in a black cut-out frock and Brooke Vincent…

SUMMERS DAYS Penelope Wilton and Angela Griffin have signed up to star in new ITV drama Brief Encounters. Set in the early 1980s, it follows four women who meet while running Ann Summers parties. SONGS FOR EUROPE The UK public is getting a say in our Eurovision entry for the first time in six years. Eurovision: You Decide, hosted by Mel Giedroyc, will air on 26 February on BBC4, allowing us to pick one of six acts. CONTRIBUTORS WANTED A sensitive documentary about relationships wants contributors who are having an affair or seeing someone who is married. For more information (in confidence), call 020 3179 0099 or email casting@curvemedia.com.…

“SHABNAMHAS BEEN PUSHED RIGHT TO THE EDGE - SHE JUST WANTS TO RUN AWAY” Devastated Shabnam makes a heartbreaking decision this week, as she informs her husband Kush that their marriage is over. But it isn’t just her fella that Shabs vows to turn her back on, as the crushed woman opts to swap Walford for Pakistan… “This is a classic Shabnam reflex,” reckons actress Rakhee Thakrar, who plays her. “She’s been pushed right to the edge, and wants to run away from the sorry mess as fast as possible.” At the start of the week, Shabnam’s emotions are all over the place as she struggles to cope following recent events. Stunned by the knowledge that Kush is the father of her best friend Stacey’s son, Arthur, poor Shabs has…

“IF JENNYHAD ONLY OPENED UP TO KEVIN, THINGS COULD’VE BEENDIFFERENT” History repeats itself for Kevin this week, when his young son Jack disappears – and Kev finds him in the arms of hysterical Jenny Bradley! Kevin’s distraught when Jack wanders off from the garage, and after he, Sophie and Tyrone desperately search for the little lad, they are stunned at the situation they find him in… “Kevin did not want Jenny back in town after everything that happened,” says Michael Le Vell, who plays him. “It was a shock for him to see her again, and he’s not happy with Rita for letting her stay. So when Jack goes missing, Kevin’s first thought is that this is the reason Jenny has returned – his first instinct is to blame her.”…

It’s a busy week for Charity when it comes to social callers! Not only does Emma pop by to say hello, but there’s a further face-off after Charity sends Moira a visiting order, demanding she bring in Noah to see her. Fearless Moira is well up for the challenge, as she hopes to put Charity straight on a few house rules before she’s released from jail to move in with Moira and Cain on the farm. Well aware of Charity’s feelings for former flame Cain, Moira warns her nemesis in no uncertain terms to keep her hands to herself. However, after smug Charity drops into conversation that she knows about Moira’s kiss with Pete, can Moira and Cain remain united enough to bat off Charity’s jealous scheming?…

While the Platts continue to be sidetracked by more deadly drama, poor Bethany faces a harrowing time when she’s set upon by a vicious gang of girls! But why are they targeting her? Our sneaky snaps show actress Lucy Fallon, who plays Bethany, filming the scary scenes on location. The star’s defenceless alter ego finds herself in dire straits after she’s surrounded by the mob. Bethany is clearly in distress as the ringleader grabs her by the hair and begins shoving her around. Will anyone come to the teenager’s rescue, or is Bethany set to suffer in silence as her clan concern themselves with more grave matters?…

PSYCHOVILLE? EastEnders stars Jessie Wallace and Shane Richie have revealed that Kat and Alfie will discover a dark secret in their spin-off series in Ireland, which is due to begin filming in April . “It’s like Broadchurch meets The Wicker Man,” reckons Shane. GREAT MATES! Danny Dyer is thrilled that his character Mick will become best pals with Jack Branning when he returns to EastEnders full-time. “Scott [Maslen, who plays Jack] said, ‘I want to get on with Mick - I don’t want to be his enemy’,” reveals Danny. “I think it’s going to be a beautiful friendship.” HI, GEORGE! Former Britain’s Got Talent champ George Sampson has signed up for a guest role in Emmerdale! The actor - who shot to fame with his dance routine to Singin’ In…

SINEAD MAKES QUITE AN IMPRESSION ON AIDAN… Aidan scores a marketing win when he takes an idea to new client O’Driscolls this week – and it’s all down to Sinead. She comes up with the idea of using real women for the modelling campaign of the line they’re producing, and Aidan is delighted when O’Driscolls love it. Sinead is dead proud when she hears that her notion will be taken forward, and feels good about giving girls with normal figures a chance to shine. But how will Sinead react when Aidan tells her that he knows exactly who should be the ‘real woman’ in their photographic shoot?…

Former Emmerdale actor Tom Lister (Carl King) guest stars this week as troubled dad Martin Laws. Martin is outraged after his father-in-law Grandie (Waterloo Road’s Philip Martin Brown) postpones a heart operation out of concern for his grandson, Adam. Since losing his wife Ella in a car crash, struggling Martin has taken to drinking and gambling, and Grandie doesn’t believe he’s able to take proper care of Adam. Can Martin face facts before it’s too late? Also this week… Mrs Tembe has a tough decision to make, and Ayesha is in for a surprise blast from the past.…

VOTE STEWART! HOMEANDAWAY UP FOR GRABS Mayor of Summer Bay POLITICAL MOTIVATION When Alf found out that yuppie Josh West was running for mayor of Summer Bay, he was convinced that the wrong’un was up to no good. So in a bid to put a stop to his outrageous plans for redevelopment once and for all, Alf decided to stand against him CAMPAIGN TRAIL With Alf being the heart and soul of Summer Bay, his supporters thought he was a shoo-in for the role. But they underestimated Josh’s ability to play dirty – and the rotter planted evidence to make it look as if Alf was taking bribes! ALF FOR PM? Not only did poor Alf lose out to Josh for mayor, but he also faced court on corruption charges.…

Are you pleased that Zeedan is finally going to have some romance on the Street [when newcomer Rana arrives in February]? …asks Ceri, via email I think it’s about time – he’s been there for well over a year and he’s not had one woman in his life! I’m really happy about it, because nobody has been able to see that side of him yet. Are you as good in the kitchen as Zeedan is? …asks Jamie from Liverpool I’ve started to get in the kitchen more since Zeedan became a chef, because everyone has been asking me if I can cook – and I can’t really! My mum is a wicked cook and I should go to her for tips, but I’ve started doing little things like making my…

FAYE BROOKES CORRIE’S KATE We’re totally crushing on Faye’s outfit as she flies the high street fashion flag with her carefree getup. Without even trying, the star looks fierce with a capital ‘F’……

IT WAS A BOLD MOVE for the crime drama to move from its established two-parter format into telling a single story across a six-episode series, but so far we think it’s a gamble that’s paying off. The show has always had aspirations towards being a Brit answer to the Nordic thrillers on BBC4, and giving the story more space to breathe (and more scope for us to play along at home) makes the stakes feel a lot higher this time around. Let’s just hope, now that we’re suitably invested in the murder of Robbie Morton, that the pay-off turns out to be satisfying……

After a well-received initial run last year, Keith Lemon is back this week with a new series of his sketch comedy show, featuring new characters as well as returning favourites. Inside TV caught up with Keith to ask about the creative process behind the show, and we weren’t entirely surprised by his answer… “I’m all about self-promotion and I’m really self-indulgent,” admits Keith. “I went on holiday, and that’s when I get most of my ideas, as I’m not doing anything. When I came back, I said, ‘I want to tell you who I want to be, even if I don’t know what the idea is yet’. I said I wanted to be Frankenstein, Mick Hucknall, Paloma Faith – and we wrote all the names on the wall and decided…

“I’VE BEEN ON AT THECOSTUME DESIGNERFOR AGESTOSEEIFWECAN THEY HAVECAPES ’VEGIVENIN ,ANDFINALLY !” Call The Midwife’s Helen George is thrilled about the nurses’ new uniforms “IT’S A CLASSIC ‘TWO FISH OUT OF WATER, ONEFISHINDEEPER WATER,ANDABLIND FISHPULLING THESTRINGS’ SCENARIO.” Adam Hills sums up how easy it was to make The Last Leg Down Under “THEMOST DANGEROUS STUNTIDIDWAS WALKING DOWN THE STAIRS IN ENORMOUS HIGH HEELS AND NOT BREAKING MY NECK!” Actress Sienna Guillory took things one step at a time while filming Stan Lee’s Lucky Man “ISAIDSTRICTLYWAS THEMOSTNERVEWRACKINGTHINGI’D DONE-BUT THIS BEATS IT ALL!” Mark Wright didn’t relish being the ‘single man’ in a Take Me Out rehearsal……

TOXIC TRACY We almost felt sorry for Corrie’s Tracy when she found out that Robert had slept with her arch-enemy Carla – then she went and left Carla at the mercy of a pair of criminals! She’ll never change… Say what you want about Tracy, but I love it when she’s being vile. The way she coolly walked away and left Carla in danger was just typical Tracy. She’s clearly biding her time and plotting revenge – I can’t wait to find out what she comes up with! Ben, Milton Keynes I’m gutted that Alison King [Carla] is leaving Corrie, but I’m looking forward to seeing one final showdown between her and Tracy. The rivalry between the two of them has always been great fun to…

ARIES 21 MARCH - 20 APRIL  This week, you’ll be surprised by the power of positive thinking. An opportunity will come your way, by seeing brighter side of life you’ll be able to take full advantage of it - and you deserve to! TAURUS 21 APRIL - 21 MAY  Staying on top of your personal finances has always been your forte. This week, having stuck to a tight budget since Christmas, you’ll finally be able to start enjoying some of your hard-earned cash! GEMINI 22 MAY - 21 JUNE  You’re not actively seeking romance, but it might just hit you when you least expect it this week. Someone new may spark your interest, or you could start seeing an old friend in a new light. CANCER 22 JUNE - 23…

BULLSEYE! The normally dozy Martin proved to be Stacey’s knight in shining armour when he cleverly – and so compassionately – convinced her to go to hospital. Actor James Bye’s performance has been outstanding, and he’s really made the role of Martin his own. We’re thrilled for him! Claudette coming on to Patrick was terrifying! It reminded us of one of those insects where, after mating, the female eats the male. Hasn’t Emmerdale’s ickle Jacob grown up fast? He could be the star of a top new boyband. We’re obsessed with Gordon’s hair in Emmerdale. It’s a bold move by Interflora to sponsor Tracy, a convicted murderer. At least the extra funerals help business. But what next? Phil Mitchell sponsored by Smirnoff? Tyrone Dobbs sponsored by Wonga.com? Putdown Of The…

While Kevin is distracted by the Jenny drama this week, he fails to see the real drama that is unfolding elsewhere on the cobbles – Anna’s terrible history with wicked Phelan. “I want Anna and Kevin’s relationship to work out, so I’m really hoping she’ll tell Kev the truth about Phelan, and that Phelan will move on to someone else,” shares Michael. “Anna should have told Kevin everything ages ago – he’d have dealt with it and been supportive. He wouldn’t have blamed Anna at all! They have a lot of hurdles to get over, but hopefully they can get there…”…

If there’s one thing we know about soapland, it’s that karma always wins out in the end. And Sophie tells us that she’s more than prepared for her alter ego to be brought to justice at some point… “I’ve had the most amazing time at Hollyoaks – however, a character such as Lindsey has got to get her comeuppance,” she admits. “And I want her to, because she’s killed so many people! But there’s still a long time to go, and there are so many more twists and turns to come. I’m really excited about filming my next lot of scripts!”…

Wicked Dean faces court this week, accused of the attempted rape of his fiancée, Roxy – but will he plead guilty to the crime? As the week kicks off and his plea hearing approaches, Dean reaches out to mum Shirley and asks her to visit him in jail. Despite Buster begging her to have nothing more to do with their son, Shirley goes ahead and sees Dean alone. However, it’s not long before relations between mother and son are at an all-time low once more, as the pair argue in the middle of the prison visiting room! When the day of Dean’s plea hearing arrives, Shirley is confident as she tells Ronnie and Linda that her son is going to admit he’s guilty. Although Linda is adamant that she’s not…

“AS FAR ASHANNAH IS CONCERNED, RONNIE RUINED HER PARENTS’ MARRIAGE” Horrified Ronnie’s past comes back to haunt her this week – in the shape of Hannah, the daughter of her late former lover Joel. With all the madness going on at home, Ronnie hasn’t been able to give the shock news of Joel’s death much thought. But her feelings of sadness and grief have been festering ever since Billy told her that Joel and his wife Stephanie had been killed in an accident. So when Hannah arrives and lays the blame at Ronnie’s door, it hits her hard… “Ronnie has always been an ice queen, but we know that’s just a front,” says our EastEnders insider. “The truth is, she loved Joel for a long time. He was the father…

Life is certainly looking up for Kyle Braxton this week, as Summer Bay beauty Charlotte sets her sights on him! With dodgy Trystan pushing her to find out if Brax is really alive, Charlotte decides that Kyle might be the one who holds the answer. But how will Kyle react when he arrives home to find Charlotte skulking around his house? “He’s confused, to say the least!” grins Nic Westaway, who plays the remaining Braxton brother. “But he’s encouraged to go with it because of his attraction. Kyle has been working hard recently, so to have a gorgeous woman like Charlotte make a move on him isn’t the worst thing ever!” As the pair share a steamy afternoon in the bedroom, it appears Kyle has fallen hook, line and sinker…

Maxine is haunted by flashbacks of Patrick this week – and loses the plot when Mrs St Claire unveils a portrait of him at the school! Maxine has done all she can to hold it together since discovering Patrick’s body, along with evidence of his plan to set her up for his murder. But after she and Darren shoved his corpse into a convenient hole in the city wall, several chilling incidents have pushed Maxine to the brink. This week, as she battles to banish Patrick from her memory, Darren and Nancy are forced to come to her aid when she falls apart. Later, Mrs St Claire summons Maxine, Sienna and Nancy to Hollyoaks High, and presents them with a portrait of Patrick to be placed in the special needs…

AARON’S REVELATION is very bad news for Gordon, who is about to become the Dingle family’s number one enemy. We reckon he’ll face severe consequences from Chas and Cain, but Danny says Aaron will find it hard to lash out at his father… “He’s got a fear of Gordon,” explains the actor. “Aaron doesn’t know Gordon’s motive for coming back to the village. For all Aaron knows, Gordon came back to finish him off and make sure he could never tell anyone what happened.” For Danny, playing Aaron as being so physically afraid of someone is a very new and unusual thing. “Aaron isn’t scared of anybody – he’d much rather throw a punch and see what happens after that than talk,” he shares. “But he can’t seem to do…

It was all smiles at the National Television Awards for the cast of EastEnders, as they scooped the Serial Drama prize, plus Serial Drama Performance for Danny Dyer (Mick Carter) – with Ellen Thomas (Claudette) and Bonnie Langford (Carmel) playfully fighting each other backstage for possession of one of the treasured trophies! The event was also a chance for Shayne Ward (Corrie’s Aidan) to celebrate a successful year on the cobbles by taking home the prize for Best Newcomer. Now turn the page to see who was on to a winner in the style stakes… Also starring...…

He may have picked up one of the major prizes at the NTAs in front of a crowd of thousands - plus millions of TV viewers - but EastEnders’ Danny Dyer (Mick) has admitted he’ll be terrified saying “I do” to fiancée Joanne Mas in front of his loved ones later this year! The star revealed that Joanne is taking the reins on all the wedding plans, after she popped the question on Valentine’s Day 2015 following nearly 25 years as a couple. “It’s going to be happening this year - maybe August or September, round that sort of time,” said Square favourite Danny. “I’m petrified! I’ll let the missus deal with that - she’s the brains of the outfit!” Needless to say, the dad-of-three is hoping for a big…

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I think The Affair is just superb. I was completely gripped by the first season and I’m in the middle of the second one at the moment. I recommend it to everyone, and some people enjoy the idea of it being filmed from two perspectives, but others don’t want to see the same footage again from a different viewpoint! I do love things like Made In Chelsea as well. I just think that’s so entertaining and great for when you’re about to go to bed and you just want to switch off. I’m actually in the middle of my tax return this afternoon and I’ve got the New Year’s Made In Chelsea special on in the background… Suranne Jones was fantastic in…

You may not know his face, but you know his voice. Dave Lamb has been providing the acidic commentary for Come Dine With Me for 11 years, but this all-star series – where previous winners return to fight for the ultimate title – is the first time he’s appeared on screen, and he’s quite excited about it… “Eleven years in the voiceover booth is a long time in solitary confinement!” Dave tells Inside TV. “Normally I’m not on the shoot, so it was interesting to actually meet the contestants. I really liked them all, which was surprising when you see some of the people on the show!” The spin-off sets challenges including improving a dish that one of their original rivals failed to perfect, and replicating…

1 SATURDAY DVD MISS YOU ALREADY Drew Barrymore and Toni Collette star in this heart-warming comedy about two best friends experiencing the ups and downs of life. While Jess struggles to have a baby, Milly is hit with some terrible news – and it’s only a matter of time before the pressure takes its toll… WIN! For the chance to win a copy, tell us which EastEnder is played by Jessie Wallace: A) Pam, B) Jane, or C) Kat. Text ISPRIZE1, a space, then A, B, or C and your name & address to 87080 (50p). Or see below for postal entries. 2 SUNDAY DVD ENDEAVOUR - PILOT FILM & COMPLETE SERIES ONE, TWO & THREE In this prequel to the Inspector Morse series set in the 1960s,…

COPPING OFF The copper who turned up when Kirin called the police on Rakesh in Emmerdale looked really familiar. What’s she been in before please, Sarah? Daniella, via email You may recognise actress Laura Howard from her time in Midsomer Murders – she played DCI Tom Barnaby’s daughter Cully from 1997 to 2011. FOWLER PLAY? When Louise Mitchell returned to EastEnders, Sonia asked her ex-husband Martin if Louise was with him. What does Martin have to do with her? Pamela, via email Louise’s mum, Lisa Shaw, was married to Martin’s big brother Mark – and led Mark to believe that he was Lou’s dad. It wasn’t until later that Lisa’s ex, Phil, was revealed to be the girl’s real father. TASSLE FREE? The cream tassled dress that Rakhee…