Table of contents for 37 - 2016 in Inside Soap UK

If I lived in a soap – and I practically do in my job – I would never make plans for my wedding. I’d have no church, no outfit, no slap-up catering. Nothing. Why? Because it will almost certainly be a total waste! When does a soap wedding ever go to plan? I’d grab my beloved, get as far away as possible, and happily marry disaster free in a register office somewhere. Take this week’s Emmerdale. David has proposed to Tracy 287 times (or something like that), the church and reception are ready to go – David’s even beaten actual cancer, for Heaven’s sake! So where’s the bride? Yep, covered in mud and stranded in the middle of nowhere. Told you! They should have gone down Hotten register, then popped…

Jack isn’t the only man Eva has her sights on this week – village Romeo Liam Donovan also catches her eye! So will she find time for romance in between her plotting? “There’s definitely some chemistry between Eva and Liam, but we’ll just have to wait and see if anything unfolds,” teases Kerry. “Eva isn’t the kind of girl who falls in love very easily, if ever. She likes to just have a bit of fun with men, and doesn’t hang around for too long.” Sounds as if Eva and commitment-shy Liam could be the perfect match, then!…

EastEnders fans rooting for on-off lovers Masood and Carmel will be disappointed to learn that a fairy-tale ending isn’t on the cards for the pair. The couple will be going their separate ways following the news that Nitin Ganatra is quitting after nearly a decade as the popular postie… “When I trained as an actor, I set out to play many different characters,” explains the star, who has been playing Masood since 2007. “Never did I realise that I’d be so fortunate to find a part that I’d love playing for nine years. However, after thinking long and hard, I have decided that it is time to get back out there and take on some other roles. I will of course miss everyone at EastEnders. I have had…

SNEAK PREVIEW! Coronation Street bosses are set to bring back another former character – in the shape of bumbling buffoon Brian Packham! Whispers of a possible return for Julie Carp’s ex-boyfriend began circulating a couple of months ago, when the soap’s new chief Kate Oates took the helm. Now show insiders have confirmed the gossip to be true… “After splitting from Julie, Brian returns to our screens to become a confidant and support for his pals Ken and Roy, who are both having a troubled time,” reveals a cobbles spokesperson. The former headmaster was most recently seen in June of last year, when he returned to Weatherfield to woo Julie and take her on a round-the-world trip. However, Corrie viewers recently saw Eileen receive a call from her…

“I was on holiday in Spain when I heard I’d got the role of Bex. My agent called and I couldn’t believe it – I was dancing round the pool, and almost jumped right in! It was amazing news.” “The first thing I knew about the role was that Natalie was coming back as Sonia, and that I’d be playing her daughter. But when I auditioned, I didn’t know any of those details – so I was surprised when I found out!” “It was weird seeing all the cameras and equipment when I first stepped on to the Albert Square set. EastEnders is my first TV role, and I had no idea how many people are involved in just one scene.” “Seeing Bex on screen for the first time was…

During a heart-to-heart with Ric this week, Serena spills the beans about her snog with Bernie. For a long while, we thought that she and Ric would be the ones to pair up – so has Serena’s latest love twist put paid to that? “We’ve always toyed with the idea that Serena and Ric might get together, but actually I think it’s sexier if they don’t,” muses Catherine. “He’s rather marvellous when Serena tells him about Bernie, and it’s a sweet scene since the two of them are actually still flirting. The spark is still there!”…

LOOKING AB-FAB! These soap faves went belly out at an awards bash… It’s usually a battle for best soap at award dos – but it was a contest for best abs among these two stars, as Hollyoaks’ Jennifer Metcalfe (Mercedes) and Corrie’s Faye Brookes (Kate) dared to bare all! Standing out for all the right reasons at the TV Choice Awards 2016, Faye left little to the imagination in a nude satin dress, complete with a thigh-high split and washboard abs. Meanwhile, Jen got pulses racing in her metallic co-ord – winning in the style stakes, despite losing out to EastEnder Lacey Turner (Stacey) as Best Actress. Turn the page for more… Also starring... Girl power! The ladies ruled the red carpet… The women of soap took the TV…

FAMILY STRIFE As the much younger brother of Mark and sister Michelle, Martin faced family trauma from an early age. He was just a baby when his father Arthur suffered a nervous breakdown in 1986, and his gran Lou died a couple of years later. Martin was only eight when his parents separated temporarily – and two years later his dad went to prison, before dying when Martin was aged just 10. LOVE & WAR When his girlfriend Nicky di Marco dumped him, Martin got drunk and slept with Sonia. After she unexpectedly gave birth to their daughter Chloe nine months later in October 2000, a feud sparked between the Fowler and Jackson families over Chloe’s custody. However, Sonia gave up Chloe for adoption, and she was renamed Rebecca by…

GIGGLEBOX You Have Been Watching, coming soon on Gold, will see stars of hit comedies such as Miranda and Only Fools And Horses sharing a sofa and commenting on their favourite classic sitcoms. NOW SAY ‘AAAAH’ Peek into a GPs consulting room in Dr Christian Will See You Now, coming soon to W. Dr Christian Jessen will diagnose and treat patients in a special clinic that’s rigged with cameras to allow us to all have a good snoop! TIME GENTLEMAN Doctor Who has enjoyed an extended break from our screens, but star Peter Capaldi has revealed that the show will return at Easter 2017. He’ll also make a brief appearance in the show’s ‘sexy’ BBC3 spin-off Class in October.…

ROUGH JUSTICE! The mystery of Patrick Blake’s death in Hollyoaks has finally been solved – or so the local cops think! In reality, they’ve banged up the wrong woman, and wicked Nico has got away with murder once more… Is it wrong to love evil Nico as much as I do? I know that she’s really sinister and creepy, but she’s brilliant too! She shows absolutely no remorse for what she’s done, and I think that’s so interesting to watch. Persephone Swales-Dawson and her co-star Ruby O’Donnell played a blinder in the scenes between Nico and Peri. Charlotte, Grimsby I honestly can’t believe that Sienna has covered for Nico again – after everything that girl has done! It was bad enough that Nico bumped off Trevor,…

Todd and Phelan share brilliant chemistry, so it’ll be interesting to see the duo on the same side. However, Bruno reckons it won’t be as easy as Todd is hoping. In fact, there’s going to be plenty of drama to come for them… “Todd is playing with fire – and it’s a ticking time bomb between him and Phelan,” he teases. “They are going to lock horns again. Although Todd and Phelan are both similar characters in their twisted ways, Todd has one weakness and Phelan knows exactly how to use that to his advantage. Todd is in real danger if he doesn’t act smart and quick!”…

According to expert Dr Max Pemberton of Netdoctor.co.uk , finding a donor for a liver transplant can take a very long time – so Phil should count his blessings that his son Ben is willing to go under the knife for him. “The liver is incredible because, unlike any other organ in the body, it can regenerate itself,” Dr Max tells us. “That means a person can have a piece of their liver removed, and their liver will grow back to nearly the same size before surgery – so living people can donate a part of their liver to others whose livers have completely failed. It’s a big operation and isn’t without risk, so it’s a very kind and generous thing that Ben is doing for…

Incensed Mick confronts Buster this week – flabbergasted by the suggestion that his father is having an affair! Cheating Buster has been doing the dirty on Shirley for weeks, having fallen head over heels in love with Kathy. The pair have been sailing pretty close to the wind with their clandestine meetings, but so far only Jane has clocked their hidden romance. However, as Buster’s grandson Lee also begins to suspect him of playing away this week, it’s not long before Mick is put in the picture… The drama unfolds after Buster promises to support his son as Mick and Linda prepare for baby Ollie’s next hospital appointment. But when Buster fails to show up on time at the Queen Vic – after agreeing to look after the pub with…

Dirk’s nephew Nick turns up to stay with him and Cindy this week – and Cindy is gutted when Nick is given the maître d’ job at Nightingales instead of her! Although she’s thrown by Nick’s sudden arrival, Cindy is more concerned with getting her hands on one of the new luxury flats that are being built in the village. The properties are pretty pricey, so ambitious Cindy realises she’ll need a new job in order to foot the bill. And as luck would have it, Marnie has a role available at Nightingales restaurant – and offers delighted Cindy the position. But unfortunately, the gig is not all it’s cracked up to be, as humiliated Cindy later learns that she’s the restaurant’s new pot washer! Charming Nick is hired as…

FAIR CITY Debbie is shocked to see Cathal back in Carrigstown this week – and she’s further outraged when he offers her information about Katy if she’ll agree to sleep with him… Elsewhere, Oisin catches Paul and Hayley in the act – and gives Paul a sinister ultimatum. Plus, Sash encourages Kerri-Ann to learn how to accept Decco’s new life. RIVER CITY The Mullens are relieved to hear that Jimmy is still alive and well this week, and Scarlett is under pressure to protect her family from Lenny. However, after digging for information from DI Donald, Scarlett is left unconvinced about the police protection on offer – so takes matters into her own hands… Meanwhile, crafty Pete and AJ break into the Murdoch flat. THE ARCHERS Tom is nervous about…

DRAGON SLIDE DISASTER! EASTENDERS “It’s like the Blitz!” declared Den Watts, as Walford’s infamous dragon slide ride collapsed on several locals. Miraculously, no one was killed, with even the forgettable Ferreira family living to fight another day. MIRROR MAYHEM! EMMERDALE Perhaps one of the most memorable soap stunts of all time, Emmerdale’s helicopter crash led to a fairground Hall of Mirrors shattering the life of Val Pollard. We’re still in mourning! TOADIE’S TERROR! NEIGHBOURS The residents of Ramsay Street weren’t jumping for joy when Toadie sacrificed himself to save young Nell from a bouncy castle that wasn’t properly anchored to the ground. He was left temporarily paralysed. PRIDE & PERIL! HOLLYOAKS Hollyoaks’ first-ever gay Pride celebration was bright and beautiful – until the day took a dark turn. ‘Gloved Hand…

There are two new arrivals on Ramsay Street this week, as the mysterious Tanaka brothers – David and Leo – rock up looking for a long-lost member of their family. Whether they’ll find who they’re searching for remains to be seen, but when we sit down for a chat with new recruits Takaya Honda and Tim Kano – who play the brothers – they tell us that there’s a lot more to their alter egos than initially meets the eye… TAKAYA HONDA plays DAVID Hi Takaya! Can you tell us a bit about your character? He’s the good guy – a great contrast with his twin brother Leo. He has a lot of love for his brother, and is always there for him, no matter what mischief Leo gets up…

Who were you most in awe of when you first started working on Neighbours ? …asks Jenny from Watford The people who’ve been there for a long time, like Jackie Woodburne [Susan], Alan Fletcher [Karl] and Stefan Dennis [Paul]. I grew up watching the show, so I felt almost like I knew them! When I get the chance to work with them even now, I’m so nervous before doing the scene. I really listen to the advice they give me and try to take it on board. Which of your co-stars have you learned the most from? …asks Nancy, via email The people I just mentioned, and also Colette Mann [Sheila]. I sit next to Colette in the green room, and whenever I have a question, she’s…

Look gorgeous like Tessa in this navy polka-dotted dress. Wear it casual in the day or dress it up for the night with some luxe accessories. A style must-have! No wardrobe is complete without a pair of trusty black heels, so why not indulge in Steve Madden’s version? French Connection has got it in the bag with this one! Add a sophisticated clutch to your ensemble for a nice dash of extra style. Keep all eyes on you with Pandora’s sparkly daisy studs. Shoot for star style with Ted Baker’s Cupid arrow ring.…

“I WAS IN THE COSTUME AREA IN ONLY MY PANTS AND THE CULTURE SECRETARY JOHN WHITTINGDALE SUDDENLY CAME IN.” Jeremy Vine remembers an awkward encounter during last year’s Strictly “I WENT HOME AND PRACTISED ON MY MUM, SO THEY FEEL SAFE AROUND ME AT HOME NOW!” Michelle Keegan put her training for the role of an Army medic in Our Girl to reassuringly good use “CEL IS A MAD MAN CITY FAN. WE FILMED AT OLD TRAFFORD AND HE FELT HE WAS BEING TERRIBLY TREACHEROUS.” James Nesbitt reveals how his Cold Feet co-star Cel Spellman suffered for his art “I DON’T GET SENT ANYTHING NAUGHTY OR RUDE. MAYBE I SHOULD TAKE MY SHIRT OFF AND SCYTHE?” Eleanor Tomlinson’s fan mail is a lot cleaner than Poldark co-star Aidan Turner’s……

LIGHT OF MY LIFE For a long time now, I have admired a lamp that has been featured in the Woolpack in Emmerdale. Any idea where I can get a similar one, please? Kim, via Facebook It took a while, Kim, but we’ve tracked it down! Log on to www.decor-us.co.uk  and search ‘wide wooden carved lamp’ – it will cost you £170, but it’s totally worth it if you ask me! FATHER FOX? I was quite surprised when Warren’s son, Joel, turned up in Hollyoaks, because I didn’t even realise he had a son! Have we seen him before? Whitney, via email Joel was previously played by a different actor, Andrew Still, so that may be part of the reason you don’t recall him! Warren’s ex-girlfriend, Marie Dexter,…

CORONATION STREET DEATH ROCKS MARIA! Her loss gives Caz the grand opportunity to get closer to her… Some terrible news shatters Maria’s whole world next week, when she learns that a much-loved family member is about to take their last breath. As Maria crumbles in the face of death, Caz is delighted to be her rock. But should vulnerable Maria let the obsessed girl help her? Or could there be worse consequences if she decides to shun Caz’s support? NEIGHBOURS Trip to the tropics… HOME AND AWAY Plane crash terror! CASUALTY David’s family reunion EMMERDALE LOVE FOR MEGAN? Things have been quiet for Megan on the romance front, but next week there’s a new man coming into her life - and plenty of obstacles in her way… EASTENDERS SLY LIKE…

As Pam opens up to Claudette about her marriage troubles this week, Les finds an ally in the form of Vic landlady Linda. After his showdown with Pam, the heartbroken undertaker storms off and bumps into Mick’s missus. But can she help him through his predicament? “Don’t forget that Linda knows all about Christine and Les,” our mole reminds us. “The truth came out when Claudette told her and Mick about Babe’s plot to blackmail the Cokers.” While her initial attempt to help Les backfires, Linda perseveres when she sees him suffering from chest pains. She finally gets her anguished neighbour to sit down and discuss Paul’s tragic death – but will their chat help Les find the closure he needs?…

Cathy’s discovery has huge implications for her and Alex, which brings the pair centre stage of the Corrie drama once again. Liam Bairstow, who plays Alex, is having the time of his life on Coronation Street – and tells us that he’s keen to encourage others with Down’s syndrome to follow their dreams. “I do tell other actors to go for it – because obviously it’s nerve-wracking, but it’s really good,” says the actor. “It’s been a huge honour to work with everyone here and it’s amazing to be considered a role model.” “Liam works really hard,” adds Melanie Hill, who plays Cathy. “He actually learns his lines better than David [Neilson, aka Roy] and I!”…

Denise continues to struggle with her shock pregnancy this week – but as Masood reaches out to help her, can she trust him with the truth? The mum-to-be has been rocked by the discovery that she’s expecting Phil Mitchell’s baby, but it’s a secret she’s so far been determined to keep to herself. While she weighs up her options regarding what to do next, the reality of her situation remains hard to bear – and when best pal Carmel fails to get through to her, Masood takes the reins after he finds out Denise is expecting. But as the close mates discuss what’s next, might Denise be tempted to tell Mas the identity of her baby’s dad? Also this week… Lee and Whitney want a flat – can…

“IT WAS QUITE ODD WATCHING SONIA GIVING BIRTH TO ME!” Considering her precarious childhood, it’s a wonder Bex Fowler has grown into such a well-rounded young woman. Her arrival into the world was quite a shock for young mum Sonia – who didn’t even know she was pregnant – and Bex’s life has rarely run smoothly since. But despite all that, she’s taken the ups and downs in her stride, and is a daughter to be proud of. Unfortunately, there’s more upheaval in store for Bex this week, as Sonia departs Walford to take on a new job. And actress Jasmine Armfield, who plays the upset teen, is missing her co-star just as much… “It’s so different without Natalie [Cassidy, aka Sonia] here,” shares the star. “She’s been such a…

Duncan had a tougher introduction to Hollyoaks than most, after being admitted to hospital with a slipped disc. It meant a delay to his start date on the soap… “There I was hobbling around on set with a walking stick!” he recalls. “The first two weeks were tough. I should ideally have stayed in hospital resting, but it got to the point where I was fed up. Hollyoaks was good for getting my head round what I’d been through. “Being on set was all so surreal and new, and I’d get to 4pm and think, ‘God, I need a lie down!’” continues Duncan. “But you just have to get through it – and it turned out to be good brain training for me.”…

STEVE & ANDY McDONALD Meet the twins Rascal brothers Steve and Andy McDonald, sons of Jim and Liz, arrived in Weatherfield when they were just 15 years old, and very quickly developed a talent for causing trouble. Twin one Headstrong Andy was gifted with a few more brain cells than his brother, and did well in education – being the first McDonald to go to university. But he was also incredibly sensitive to the ongoing troubles between his dysfunctional parents. Twin two Joker Steve had to rely on street smarts to make it in life. Always involved in dodgy deals, Steve often ended up on the wrong side of the law. Plus, his romantic blunders worry Liz to this day! Where are they now? Andy has it made in Spain,…

James Alexandrou was 21 years old when he chose to say goodbye to Albert Square, after 11 years of playing Pauline and Arthur’s youngest and most difficult son, Martin Fowler. At the time, James didn’t rule out returning to Walford at some point – but when the opportunity arose in 2014, he made the decision not to. And as James prepares to take to the stage in his latest role, in theatrical thriller Sleuth, he insists that he couldn’t be happier about the choice of actor who has since stepped into Martin’s shoes… “I really didn’t have any big plans when I left EastEnders,” shares the star of his 2007 departure. “But I knew that I didn’t want to be on the telly again for at least a year or…

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1 SATURDAY DVD BAD NEIGHBOURS 2 Just when Mac (Seth Rogen) and Kelly Radner (Rose Byrne) think that they’ve reclaimed the neighbourhood, they discover the new residents next door are a hard-partying sorority. In a battle of parenthood vs sisterhood, Mac is forced to team up with ex-neighbour Teddy (Zac Efron). WIN! For the chance to win a copy, tell us who plays Zac in Home and Away: A) Kyle Pryor, B) Charlie Clausen, or C) Scott Lee. Text ISWIN1, a space, then A, B, or C and your name & address to 87080 (50p). Or see below for postal entries. 2 SUNDAY DVD THE CLOSER WE GET When Karen’s mother, Ann, suffers a devastating stroke, Karen and her father – who is separated from Ann return home. Armed with…

ARIES 21 MARCH - 20 APRIL   Home is where the heart is - and no one you know enjoys familiar surroundings as much as you do. This week, however, you may feel inclined to get out a bit more - just don’t put pressure on yourself. TAURUS 21 APRIL - 21 MAY   You’ve had it in your mind for a while that you would like to refresh your style - and this week, inspiration will strike! If the moment takes you, hit the shops and get yourself a whole new look. GEMINI 22 MAY - 21 JUNE   Have you been feeling a bit down on your luck of late, Gemini? Well, this week there’s every chance things will start to go your way. Keep thinking positive, and…

BULLSEYE! “Ooh, if I were 20 years younger…” cooed Rita over Luke, as he turned heads in his tuxedo. Seriously, Rita – why hesitate? Luke has a bit of spare screen time on his hands, and this would be like no other Weatherfield romance we’ve seen before. Make it happen, Corrie ! This is the face you pull when your stalker tells you how quickly she can field-strip an L85A2 assault rifle. Ofcom has received numerous complaints about Todd and Billy’s kiss. Really? In this day and age? Get over it! We’re not too sure about the new Gogglebox family. Jonny Labey has been playing dead for about six weeks now. The poor boy has had more screen time as a corpse than he did when Paul…