Table of contents for 6 - 2016 in Inside Soap UK

Valentine’s Day might be here, but there’s not a whole lot of loving going on in the soaps this week! We’ve got Kush and Martin knocking lumps out of each other in Albert Square, Jai and Nikhil enjoying some brotherly hate in Emmerdale village, and Anna with vile Phelan in her sights down Weatherfield way. In fact, the closest we get to a bit of romance seems to be creepy Gavin leaving a surprise Valentine’s card for Walford’s Kathy (see p16) – and that’s hardly going to be a love letter straight from the heart, is it? So, being the old softies we are here at Inside Soap, we decided to sprinkle a few figurative rose petals over this issue and give you a Valentine’s treat – by intercepting the…

“CARLA REALISES THERE IS NO WAY OUT OF THIS TERRIBLE SITUATION” Carla’s worst nightmare comes true this week, as she realises that Tracy knows about her one-night stand with Robert and plans to use it against her! When Carla heads off to visit a wedding fair with Michelle, she’s relieved to put some distance between her and Robert. But she soon discovers that he and his girlfriend Tracy are there as well, and events take a dark turn as the fuming florist reveals that she knows all about what went on… “Tracy has Carla over a barrel!” reveals Alison King, who plays the Underworld boss. “She’d like nothing better than to get rid of Carla, to ruin her and take away everything she has that Tracy has always been jealous…

THE TRUTH HURTS, BUT ZOE IS GLAD THE SECRET IS OUT… “I’ve had a lot of tweets over the past few weeks, warning me that Paddy is a bad one!” reveals the actress. “I think people have enjoyed loving to hate Paddy, and I reckon they will most probably enjoy watching Rhona find out – and seeing how she handles it. “From a personal point of view, I would like to see them work it out, as I love working with Dominic Brunt – who plays him – and I like Paddy and Rhona together. But we also enjoy shouting at each other, in the nicest possible way!”…

NEAT REPEAT There’s good news for fans of EastEnders, as the show’s weekend omnibus is coming back on the new channel W (currently known as Watch). Viewers can also catch a nightly repeat of the soap on Watch from 16 February, just like they used to on BBC3. STREET SAFE Soon-to-be Corrie boss Kate Oates - who is currently in charge of Emmerdale - has played down rumours of a cobbles cull when she takes over in April. “I know a lot of the cast already, and nobody has cause to be afraid,” she insists. “It’s going to be fine.” SOAP SWAP! Former Home and Away star Andrew Morley is joining the cast of Neighbours! The actor - who portrayed Spencer Harrington in the rival Aussie soap - has signed…

Wannabe councillor Sally gets a whole host of local voters offside this week – including her own husband! The political drama kicks off after Sally’s campaign manager, Norris, writes a letter to the Weatherfield Gazette on her behalf, opposing the opening of a new supermarket. She’s irate that he went behind her back, and publicly tears into him… “Sally hasn’t even been elected yet, and already the power has gone to her head!” chuckles our cobbles source. “She’s strutting around the Street, telling everyone what they want to hear. But she really has no clear policies.” Norris’ letter states that Sally opposes the plan for the new Freshco store as she’s keen to support local businesses, such as hubby Tim’s window-cleaning firm. You’d think that would be a policy Sal…

There’s trouble in store for Ayesha this week, after she turns up at work with a terrible hangover. The practice nurse’s nightmare gets worse once it transpires that her grubby work tunic needs a wash – so she’s forced to dig out a dodgy training top to wear instead! Boss Anthony is not at all pleased when he spots Ayesha, hauling her over the coals for the state she’s in. Horrified, Ayesha turns to Mrs Tembe for advice – but not even she can help the girl this time. So when her troubled mum Bren arrives at the surgery after months of no contact, is Ayesha’s bad day about to get a whole lot worse? Also this week… Mrs Tembe cracks open the surgery’s suggestion box, and Heston…

“BEN RECKONS HE CAN PLAY HAPPY FAMILIES AND KEEP PAUL” There were cheers all round from EastEnders fans when Ben Mitchell was finally ready to tell his girlfriend Abi that he was leaving her for a man. Ben had been lying to her – and himself – for months, sneaking about behind her back while his secret fling with Paul developed into a full-blown relationship. Unfortunately, and with devilish timing, Abi has announced that she’s pregnant with Ben’s baby! The moment of Ben’s big confession has been eclipsed, and in the blink of an eye, it seems his life really has changed forever after all. But as Harry Reid, who plays him, insists, it’s not in the way he’d been hoping… “Ben was so nearly there!” wails the 23-year-old actor,…

LAUREL AND ASHLEY are going through hell at the moment, but the frazzled pair are due to walk down the aisle again – in what will surely be one of soap’s most tear-jerking weddings. This week, Laurel announces that she and Ashley are remarrying. It’s a white lie, but Ashley realises it’s what they both want – and the scene is set for both happiness and heartbreak… “It’s lovely working with Charlotte Bellamy [Laurel],” grins John. “I think it’s a good idea for Laurel and Ashley to marry again. The more stability they can inject into their lives, the better. It’s going to be a reaffirmation that they’re very grateful for one another.” John also credits his cast mate with making the dementia storyline easier. “There’s a shorthand we’ve developed…

TOM IS ALWAYS HAPPY to slip Sam’s stethoscope back on, but he admits that there’s one character he wouldn’t be so keen to play again… “I wanted to be a villain, so I thought I’d love playing Max in Waterloo Road – but then I started to hate it, as he was so nasty!” reveals the star. “I think that I shocked a few people, because they loved Sam, but Max was horrible.” Sam was certainly a hit with Holby viewers – and Tom says one person in particular is a big fan of his character. “My cousin is a consultant in a hospital, and we look very similar,” the actor tells us. “The staff always say how much he looks like Sam Strachan – I think he likes it…

2002 Looking fresh and baby-faced, Tina played it safe in smart black trousers and a patterned halter-neck top that showcased just the right amount of skin. We love that short, sharp bob, too. 2004 With lush long locks and a choppy fringe now in place, Tina’s style was evolving as she rocked a striped monochrome neck-scarf and matching skirt to show off those perfect pins. 2005 Va-va-voom! The young star went adventurous with this red-carpet look, boasting 70s curls and a plunging multicoloured print dress. She’s a total star in our eyes! 2007 Tina ‘blue’ us away in this fishtail dress as she showed off some serious shoulder action and emphasised curves in all the right places. 2010 Looking as sweet as sugar, Tina opted for a dainty ensemble that…

“IT WAS A BIT DAUNTING TO START WITH -I MUST HAVE GONE ALL ROUND THE BRITISH ISLES WITH THE ACCENT!” Vera star Brenda Blethyn admits her character’s Northumbrian lilt took a lot of work to get right “I THINK WE ALL GO THROUGH THAT STAGE IN OUR LIVES WHERE WE JUST GO TO HOMEBASE OR B&Q.” Keith Lemon reveals that he loves going browsing for home improvements “I THOUGHT WATCHING IT BACK I WOULD BEUNDER THE SOFA GOING, ‘I CAN’T BELIEVE I SAID THAT’.” Boy George was relieved that seeing himself on The Voice UK wasn’t too cringeworthy “I ALWAYS WANTED TO SKI -IT WAS ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS IDECIDED TO DO WHEN IRETIRED!” The Jump’s Beth Tweddle wasn’t allowed on the slopes during her career as a professional…

How brilliant was Chas when Aaron finally broke down and told her what Gordon had done to him? She went into protective mum mode straight away, and didn’t once suggest that he might not be telling the truth. She may have abandoned Aaron when he was a lad, but she’s more than making up for it now. Jeremy, via email I cheered at my telly when Chas smacked Gordon across the face. The vile weasel deserved it! Una, London After this week’s episodes of Emmerdale, I feel that actress Lucy Pargeter [Chas] deserves some praise. She was brilliant when Chas found out that Gordon raped Aaron. I hope fans remember that when it comes to voting in the awards. Jill, via email When Aaron was talking to Chas about what…

ARIES 21 MARCH - 20 APRIL  You’ll be hankering for the chivalry and courtesy of a bygone age this week - and who knows, a gentleman could come along and sweep you right off your feet! Enjoy the delightful company. TAURUS 21 APRIL - 21 MAY  The bills are still piling up from Christmas, and you may find yourself in a pit of financial despair this week. There’s no need to rob a bank - just make a budget and stick to it, and you’ll be out of trouble soon. GEMINI 22 MAY - 21 JUNE  It’s sad to say it with Valentine’s Day upon us, but your sex drive is flatlining! Give it time and allow things to get back on track - alternatively, you could try a few…

BULLSEYE! As disappointed as we were to see Shabnam – and actress Rakhee Thakrar – leave Walford, at least she won her happy ending with daughter Jade. Although quite frankly, it’s remarkable that Shabs didn’t stick two fingers up to Kush weeks ago! Actress Catherine Tyldesley was clearly dragged kicking and screaming to perform Eva’s note-perfect karaoke performance. You can tell Linda is feeling better. Her hair has swelled to a previously unprecedented volume. Jenny: “Be careful before you cross me.” Sally: “Or what?” Jenny: “You really don’t want to know.” Ooh, ooh, ooh! Bring it on! We’re so pleased that Danny Miller gave the Emmerdale props department this adorable picture of him as a little boy. So sweet! We don’t think EastEnders has ever floated a more peculiar plot…

CAN CARLA WALK AWAY FROM THE COBBLES? After so many years of heartbreak on the Street, will Carla give in to Tracy’s demands that she leave for good? Actress Alison King is set to exit the show soon, so it could be the case… “Carla thinks about it and admits to Michelle that she’s tempted,” confirms the star. “She sees it as a chance to walk away from everything that has ever happened to her in Weatherfield. But first of all, she has to test the water with Nick.” Will her fiancé be at all agreeable to leaving behind his family and friends, and the business he’s worked so hard to build up?…

Determined Eva will prove she’s made of tough stuff in the coming weeks, when she heads to the dark streets of Manchester to try to find missing slave girl Marta! Accompanied by her boyfriend Aidan and local vicar Billy, Eva stumbles across the terrified young woman living rough – but can Eva convince Marta to accept her aid? “When Eva sets her mind to something, there is no stopping her,” reckons our Weatherfield insider. “She was horrified to learn of Marta’s story when they first met, and wants to do anything she can to help.” It was only recently that Eva came across Marta kipping at the factory. She then shockingly discovered that Marta was being kept as an unpaid worker by a wealthy couple – who we now know…

Wayward teen Xanthe is reunited with her dad Gary this week – as she goes to visit him in prison! The young lass had no idea that her father was even behind bars when she first rocked up in Erinsborough, so finding out that he is a criminal came as a huge shock to her. But after Gary sends a visiting order to his son Kyle – which Kyle summarily rejects – Xanthe is keen to see her dad, and begs Sheila to take her to the jail. Although things are awkward at first, Xanthe is over the moon to come face to face with her dad. And both she and Sheila are delighted when Gary tells them that he may soon be getting out of prison. After Kyle hears…

Heartbroken Les struggles to mend his marriage to Pam this week – and like a circling vulture, Aunt Babe swoops in and tries to seduce the fella when he’s ripe for the taking! At the start of the week, Pam agrees to go on a date with Les. But when he begs her to give their marriage another go, she says she can’t shake off the image of him dressed as Christine – and tells him that it’s over. As the Cokers’ marriage falls apart, scheming Babe sees a chance to bag herself a man, and gives Les the come-on. But after the horrified bloke rebuffs her advances – adamant that Pam is the only woman for him – will his wife agree to give him another chance? And what…

1 “Parry Glasspool, who plays Harry, makes me laugh. We’re both quite ditzy, so sometimes we misunderstand each other for so long that people want to give us a shake! And when he makes me laugh, I just can’t stop.” 2 “There are a couple of people I really miss, but I think maybe Danny Mac [Dodger Savage] the most. He was so much fun and always up for a laugh. Even if we were just in the green room, he had a nice presence, so I do miss him.” 3 “Daisy Wood-Davis [Kim] is one of the coolest people in the cast because of the way she dresses. I also remember that when she started, she walked in and felt like one of us straight away. You could tell…

LOOKING FOXY They say blondes have more fun – and it’s a claim that Hollyoaks’ Jessica Fox (Nancy Osborne) seems to be putting to the test, as she debuted her new blonde locks on Twitter. We’ll try to keep track of how much more fun Jess has in 2016, and see whether the old adage holds true! BABY BRAIN Martin Fowler may have a lot on his plate, but star James Bye has revealed that his recent storylines have him and wife Victoria eagerly awaiting the birth of their second child. With the baby boy due at the end of this month, the 31-year-old EastEnder shared: “Working with a newborn baby on set has made me excited for our own baby’s arrival, too. As Edward [James’ first son] is now…

Long for lace in these ravishing red briefs from New Look. Pretty, feminine and dainty, they’re just divine! Wear your heart on your sleeve – or on this lingerie. They sport cute heart motifs, and for less than a tenner for a pair, we’re sold! Do structure with style in this balconette bra from Boux Avenue. With a luxe lace fabric and delicate design, you can’t go wrong! Treat yourself to this cute gift set if no one else will, and feel pretty in pink with these lacy Brazilian knickers. Feel ssslinky and sssexy in this black snakeskin-effect bodysuit, with padded cups for an extreme boost and underwiring for added support.…

IT TOOK A COUPLE of episodes to grow on us, but this comedy about a group of property guardians living in a disused hospital has become captivating, with its bleak, filthy, hilarious take on modern romance. Writer and star Phoebe Waller-Bridge has great fun with the characters, whose emotional states are as dilapidated as their living arrangements - watching them fall in and out of love/lust with each other has been illuminating and exhausting all at once. In this week’s final episode, Kate and Fred have gone AWOL after one scandalous revelation too many……

1 SATURDAY DVD STILL OPEN ALL HOURS - SERIES TWO Sir David Jason returns as much-loved shopkeeper Granville, who remains frustrated in his courtship of Mavis by her formidable sister, Madge. After finding an admirer who can distract Madge from his wooing of Mavis, can Granville engineer a happy ending for all concerned? WIN! For the chance to win a copy, tell us who Jason in engaged to in Hollyoaks: A) Grace, B) Holly, or C) Simone. Text ISPRIZE1, a space, then A, B, or C and your name & address to 87080 (50p). Or see below for postal entries. 2 SUNDAY Book LOOK AT ME by Sarah Duguid After losing her mother, Lizzy discovers that her father has another child. Defiantly inviting her into the family, Lizzy…

Pregnant Sarah shows that she’ll do anything to protect her kids in the coming month, as she confronts the girl tormenting her daughter, Bethany! Inside Soap recently brought you sneak pictures of the teen being set upon by a vicious gang of bullies. And we can only assume that the grief is set to continue if Sarah is forced to step in… “Just because Sarah is expecting, it doesn’t mean she’s going to stand by and watch while Bethany is being intimidated,” whispers our Street source. “She can be a feisty madam when she wants to be, and isn’t afraid to stand up to these thugs.” Considering the awful experience that Sarah suffered at the hands of her vicious ex-boyfriend, Callum Logan, we don’t imagine she’ll be too fazed by…

It’s hard to imagine vile Phelan as anything other than an evil scumbag – but Debbie tells us that his real-life alter ego, star Connor McIntyre, is actually a lovely man when the cameras stop rolling. “It’s so brilliant having Connor back with us on set,” she enthuses. “We keep laughing during filming, because every time Phelan does something horrible to poor Anna, the director will shout ‘Cut!’ after the scene, and Connor will say sorry and give me a hug!”…

FAIR CITY Rachel is shocked to learn about Pierce’s debts this week, and there’s more bad news when the bloke finds out the investor isn’t interested in his app. However, Pierce is still keen to move to Australia to try to get it off the ground… Elsewhere, Heather gets a visit from Ama, who is stunned when Heather doesn’t recognise her. Also, Hayley uses Mondo to get at Dean. RIVER CITY Annie thinks she’s found AJ’s Valentine’s gifts for her this week, but she’s upset when she later sees Eileen wearing the same necklace! Assuming that AJ is cheating again, Annie lashes out. Meanwhile, Kelly-Marie presses on with the funeral for baby David, and delivers a devastating blow to Alex. Also, Robbie’s plans are dashed when his insurance fails to…

“I KNOW ASHLEY HAS A REALLY ROCKY ROAD AHEAD OF HIM” It was a brave decision for Emmerdale to tackle the subject of dementia, and they couldn’t have attempted it without an equally brave actor. This year, John Middleton will celebrate two decades as vicar Ashley Thomas, and he’ll mark the milestone knowing that his time on the show is reaching its conclusion. It’s a testament to how highly he’s rated by producers that his last storyline is such a complex and demanding one… “The response to the story has been tremendous,” reveals the 62-year-old star. “I have people coming up to me and saying that their mum or aunt or husband or grandfather have this condition. It’s so prevalent that it’s made me realise what a huge problem it…

IRENE IS THE LAST PERSON we’d expect to be capable of murder. But when local pariah Charlotte King is gunned down in cold blood, Irene is set to find herself in the frame for the shooting… “Irene, and the rest of the Bay along with her!” grins Lynne. “I think there are about 10 characters under suspicion, and they all had good reason to want Charlotte dead. We filmed a bunch of different endings to the story, and for a long time none of us knew who did it. I’d be looking at Ada [Nicodemou, aka Leah], thinking, ‘Was it you? Did you do it?’! We were all looking very shady. “I didn’t want to be responsible, but then I thought, ‘Gee, looking at the way Irene’s been behaving recently,…

She works hard to maintain that gorgeous figure of hers, so the Street’s Kym Marsh (Michelle) has probably come to expect attention – and she certainly got it on a night out with television personality David Gest! Looking every inch the glamour puss in a svelte navy velour dress, topped off with her signature quiff and smoky eye, the Weatherfield beauty enjoyed a meal with David and former Coronation Street star Denise Welch (Natalie Barnes) in Manchester. The night seemed to be a bit of a cobbles reunion – Jimmi Harkishin (Dev) was also spotted leaving the restaurant with his showbiz pals as they laughed the night away. Also starring...…

Would you like to see Rhona get revenge on Paddy for his terrible betrayal by having an affair of her own? …asks Tom, via email Fighting fire with fire is probably not the best way of dealing with it. That said, this is soap we’re talking about, so I guess anything is possible! If Rhona came to me for advice on doing that, my gut instinct would be to tell her not to be so ridiculous. But it’s unlikely she would do something like that anyway, because Rhona is quite a down-the-line kind of person, and it wouldn’t solve anything. You’re married to Jeff Hordley [who plays Cain]. Do you get a lot of attention when you’re out together? …asks Clara from Bolton Jeff gets recognised a lot more –…

Get your hands on these love-themed nails and add a little sass to your Valentine’s outfit. Feel the love at first blush with these cute heart-packaged blushers from Too Faced. If love could be bottled, this is definitely what it would smell like! With hints of jasmine and honeysuckle, this has ‘be mine’ written all over it. Enjoy a little quiet time in the bath with this rosy treat, and feel blooming lovely as you soak among the petals. Put a smile on your face with this deliciously kissable lip gloss, and make your Valentine fall in love with your plush pout.…

At the moment I’m watching The Walking Dead , which I’m a big fan of. I’ve just got up to series six. If I could pick to be in any show, it would be that one – maybe Rick Grimes’ long-lost son, who’s an Essex lad, comes to America to find him? I reckon I could take out some zombies. I’m a fan of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! . Lady C was a big character last year, wasn’t she – a real diva, you might say! I wouldn’t claim I liked her, but she was great for the show. Would I do it? I like my home comforts – I couldn’t imagine being stranded in the Australian jungle! But never say never.…

ROYAL REVELS Ant & Dec are to host a special programme for ITV to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday later this year. Broadcast live from the grounds of Windsor Castle, it will feature 1,500 performers. A FRIEND INDEED Friends star Matt LeBlanc will be joining Chris Evans as one of the new hosts of BBC2’s Top Gear. Matt is no stranger to the motoring show: he is the current Star In A Reasonably Priced Car champion. COLD COMFORT Misfits’ Robert Sheehan and film star Dennis Quaid have joined the cast for series two of Sky Atlantic drama Fortitude. The thriller, airing later this year, will pick up with another murder rocking the quiet Arctic town.…

LIVER AND LET DIE “We’ll find you a new liver, even if I have to go out and get you one myself!” said Ronnie to Phil in EastEnders the other day. What’s she going to do? Bump off some poor sap, cut out their liver, then send them down the scrapyard in a car boot? The woman is an absolute nutcase! Nina, via email I’d be fearing for my life right now if I lived in Walford! MARNIE-MITE I really hate the new characters in Hollyoaks, Marnie and James. They’re both such awful people, and I don’t believe for a second that someone as lovely as Mac would be married to someone who is as horrible as Marnie. What kind of mum treats her own children like that? Katherine, Plymouth…

WHO IS JOEL? There’s been a lot of talk in EastEnders recently about Ronnie’s ex, Joel, but I can’t for the life of me remember who he was! Can you jog my memory please, Sarah? Maggie, via email Joel was Ronnie’s teenage sweetheart, and father of her daughter, Danielle. Ronnie gave birth when she was just 14, but her wicked dad Archie took the baby away and lied that she had died. Years later Ronnie was reunited with the girl, who died for real when she was hit by Janine Butcher’s car. Joel was brought to Walford by Janine – and despite being married with kids, he started an affair with Ronnie. Joel left his wife, but split up with Ronnie after she admitted that she was just using him…

Leanne hopes to build bridges with Simon next week, so she and Ken come up with a plan to try to build a solid foundation for the troubled teenager’s future. But as their ploy develops, little do they know the amount of trouble they could be bringing to their own front door… NEIGHBOURS Doug’s younger woman HOME AND AWAY Calamity for Kat… HOLLYOAKS Over the edge! EMMERDALE SEX WITH THE EX? It seems that Bernice is tiring of her sexless marriage next week, as she first flirts with a bloke at work - and then gets close with ex Andy at home! EASTENDERS FAMILY MISFORTUNES While little Pearl celebrates her first birthday next week, will the party turn sour for grandma Claudette after she receives a blast from the past?…