Table of contents for September 26, 2015 in Inside Soap UK

We’re on the countdown to Christmas! No, don’t worry, I’m not buying my presents and wearing reindeer horns round the office (I wait till at least the third week of October for that) – but we have been busy putting together a preview of all the autumn plots. And as any dedicated soap fan knows, the autumn plots are where all the seeds of the blockbuster Christmas storylines are sown – so if you want to work out what you might be watching while full of turkey and cheer on Christmas evening, then turn straight to p16 and get yourself reading! Elsewhere this week, we reach the grand climax of poor Max’s trial in EastEnders, while Coronation Street sees Roy on a rather awkward date. And over in Emmerdale, everyone…

There’s a bleak time in store for the Carters this week, as they face the one-year anniversary of wicked Dean’s horrific assault on Linda. With the milestone weighing on his mind, Mick resolves to fly out to Spain and surprise his wife, who’s enjoying a holiday with mum Elaine and daughter Nancy. But Mick gets his own shock when Linda arrives home early and tells him that she really needs to be with her family during this gruelling time. Will the disturbing memories draw the Carters together – or rip them apart? “Linda has made huge steps in getting over Dean’s brutal attack, and it’s clear her trip away has done her the world of good,” reckons our Walford insider. “No matter how hard she tries to move on, there’ll…

Ayesha’s partying lands her in big trouble at work this week, when she turns up late after a night on the town with Hayden. Mrs Tembe’s not at all impressed by the state of the hungover practice nurse, and dobs her in to Howard. Meanwhile, Ayesha is made to feel even worse by the fact that her party partner Hayden is full of beans, despite having stayed out as late as she did. So when he invites her for another night out, she can’t understand what his secret is. But might the reason behind Hayden’s unexplained peppiness be a little more eye-opening than Ayesha is expecting? Also this week… The results of Mrs Tembe’s Happiness Project are in, and sheepish Al feels like a fool.…

When Corrie bosses announced that Fiz’s four-year-old daughter Hope would contract cancer, we knew the story would be tough to watch. This particular form of the disease – known as neuroblastoma – accounts for eight per cent of all cancer in children, affecting almost 100 kids in the UK every year. So when star Alan Halsall – who plays Hope’s stepdad Tyrone – learned about her illness, he was understandably nervous about telling a story that would ring true for many… “When I got this storyline, I read the scripts and realised how tough it would be to portray – especially as I’ve never been through it myself,” admits the star, who has a two-year-old daughter, Sienna-Rae, with former Street star Lucy-Jo Hudson (who played Katy Harris). “I wondered how…

HER FAMILY MISFORTUNES WHAT A BROOD CAROL SPAWNED… After she was knocked up at 15 and eventually had four kids by four different dads, life was never going to be simple for Carol. Add to that eldest daughter Bianca’s own brood - which Carol was saddled with half the time - and poor Carol hasn’t had a day go by without someone lumbering her with their troubles… DATING DISASTERS! CAROL’S BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY TOHEARTACHE ALL OF HER LIFE… DAVID WICKS THE TRUE LOVE OF HER LIFE, DAVID RAN AWAY EVERY TIME IT 46  LOOKED AS IF THEY’D MADE IT. ALAN JACKSON HER HUBBY FOR MANY YEARS - MUCH TO SOME OF HER RACIST FAMILY’S OUTRAGE - ALAN EVENTUALLY CHEATED ON CAROL. DAN SULLIVAN THEY WERE ENGAGED - BEFORE…

Where does your unusual name come from? …asks Nina from Norwich Lots of people don’t believe it’s my real name – but it’s on my birth certificate! I was a baby without a name for a while – so when somebody suggested Danny, my mum said, ‘If it’s going to be that, it’ll be Danny-Boy’, and it just stuck. I think they wanted to name me after my dad, but Danny-Boy rather than Danny Junior. Either that or they loved the song! How did you feel when you heard Danny Dyer was going to be your on-screen dad? …asks Darren from Weston-super-Mare I trained in musical theatre, so I hadn’t thought about being in a soap – but I jumped at the chance to audition to play Danny Dyer’s son!…

EMMERDALE’S MEGAN Someone’s been keeping an eye on the latest trends! Gaynor looks fantastic in her 70s-inspired ensemble, and proves that the decade’s style can also be super-flattering… Is that a suede texture we spy on those flares, Gaynor? Groovy, baby! Why not try this daring velvet pair – they feel amazing. We simply can’t resist a wooden heel, and these peep-toe lovelies look great under a flared trouser. Hands down the most gorgeous paisley print we’ve ever seen! Who’d have thought blue and orange could make such a gorgeous combo? This is the perfect day-to-night bag, and just the right size for all the bits and bobs we love to lug around!…

SAFE RETURN I TV has ordered a second series of drama Safe House, starring Christopher Eccleston, Marsha Thomason and Paterson Joseph. The four-part run will feature a new story set in the Lake District. FRAUD SQUAD Mark Strepan and Ben Tavassoli have landed the lead roles in BBC1 drama New Blood from Anthony Horowitz. They’ll play employees of the Serious Fraud Office who battle the rich and powerful. PEAKE PERFORMANCE Maxine Peake is set to star in The Red Top!, a new one-off comedy from The Comic Strip for GOLD. She’ll play Rebekah, an innocent young woman who accidentally becomes the chief executive of News International.…

BULLSEYE! We thought we’d seen cold and calculating with Sienna, but nothing could prepare us for the sequel this week – her daughter Nico! As the teen calmly pushed her mum into a grave, threatening to put her there “for good”, actress Persephone Swales-Dawson (God, we wish that was our name!) had her perfomance down to a ‘T’ – for ‘terrifying’! Cheese and pickle sandwich. Basic. What sort of crackpot doctor signs off a ready-to-pop pregnant woman to take a 24-hour flight from New Zealand to London? Lauren was barely though the door when she dropped her sprog! We’ve heard of soap characters being sidelined, but poor Michelle seems destined to live out her Corrie days playing second fiddle to a Jack Russell. Kathy flicking the shreds of Sharon’s weave…

CHRISSIE SUGDEN WHY? “Robert has betrayed Chrissie,” explains Louise Marwood, who plays Chrissie. “He’s lied to her so much that she doesn’t even know who she is any more – Robert has completely wrecked her entire life.” EVIDENCE Pollard refuses to corroborate her whereabouts on the night of the shooting – key information that could put her in the clear. But is he right to withhold this? LAWRENCE WHITE WHY? “Robert has tormented his family ever since they moved to Emmerdale,” says John. “Lawrence regarded Robert as the son he never had, but Robert’s trampled over everyone for the sake of his perverted needs.” EVIDENCE Before Robert was shot, he and Lawrence furiously argued after Robert admitted paying Connor to set him up. Did it push Mr White over the…

Terrified Holly has an unwelcome visit from Trevor this week – and vents her frustration by smashing his windscreen! Still reeling from her recent kidnapping at his hands, Holly begins shouting Trevor’s name in her sleep, leaving Cindy with lots of unanswered questions. After facing the wrath of Holly’s worried mother, Trevor fears that Holly is close to blabbing – so he turns up at school and warns her to button it… “Holly’s in a right state and has no control any more,” sighs Amanda Clapham, who plays her. “Trevor’s threats just make her hate him even more. She’s keeping quiet, but obviously Cindy knows something is up, and Holly can’t stop her from asking questions. The situation is extremely frustrating – so she just snaps and smashes his windscreen.…

Just as the Carters are vowing to put their troubles behind them, they’re hit by another bombshell – when Elaine turns up at the pub and introduces them to her new fiancé! She’s smitten with younger man Jason, but Mick and Linda are stunned that she’s hooked up with someone who’s so many years her junior. Not only that, but she’s barely known him for a fortnight, and already the pair are planning on getting hitched! Will Linda voice her concerns that it’s all too much, too soon? Or will she let her mum embrace the joys of her new romance and join in the celebrations?…

AS FIZ AND TYRONE’S nightmare unfolds on screen, Alan and his leading lady Jennie McAlpine (Fiz) have been doing their homework to help them to understand what their characters are going through. Jennie – who has a 10-month-old baby, Arthur, with partner Chris Farr – recently visited a children’s cancer ward to speak to people affected by illnesses similar to young Hope’s… “Obviously these kids are going through the toughest time, but their families are just getting on with it,” shared the 31-year-old star, while appearing on ITV show This Morning. “If I can be half as good a mum as those parents are to their kids in that hospital, honestly I’ll be doing a good job – because they’re just incredible.”…

Ryan Thomas, aka the Street’s Jason, made a new friend on a recent trip to Dublin. However, it seems the actor - who was in town to see off the drivers on the first leg of the Cannonball Run sports car rally - wasn’t feeling very sheepish, as a jockey pulled out her crop and gave him a whipping! Ryan recovered enough to get the rally under way with brother Adam (Emmerdale’s Adam). Also in attendance - though you’d never believe it from the look of him - was Boyzone’s Shane Lynch, who sported a dentalware-dungaree combo for the occasion!…

Had he not been a killer, John Stape could have been the perfect husband, reckons star Graeme Hawley… It all began with an ill-advised affair with schoolgirl Rosie Webster – but soon the Street’s John Stape was an accidental serial killer, bumping off hapless victims left, right and centre! Along the way, he found love with oblivious Fiz – while somehow getting away with the multiple murders before his own death in a car accident. But Graeme Hawley, who played school teacher John for four years, reckons it might all have been very different… “Except for a couple of twists of fate, Fiz and John could have had the happiest marriage on Coronation Street!” chuckles Graeme. “Take three corpses and a couple of kidnappings away, and they might have been…

We’ve already raved about Pixi’s famous Glow Tonic – now try the serum! It delivers a more radiant and even complexion overnight. Formulated to combat the effects of pollution, fatigue and stress, this silky serum is brilliant for those with hectic lifestyles. Serum can be dangerous territory for blemish-prone skin, but this oil-free formula will calm and clear. Designed to care for delicate mature skin, this wonder product will smooth out lines and boost hydration.…

WE’VE BEEN ABSOLUTELY gripped by this tale of a marriage falling apart - an idea that’s been played out countless times on TV, but rarely done as well as this. Suranne Jones has been giving a painfully brilliant performance as GP Gemma Foster, who discovers that her husband has been conducting an affair that several of her friends knew about - and finds herself wondering whom she can trust. Bertie Carvel is also great as the cheating Simon, giving him a charm that makes him more of a complicated character than a straightforward villain.…

Get ready for something a little bit different on Lorraine this week. For the first time, she’ll be inviting viewers to join her in the studio and take part in the show. Each episode will have a particular theme, from ageing to giving thanks, and Lorraine will be inviting her guests to share their stories on the air. Inside TV caught up with the queen of breakfast TV to find out more… How do you feel about having an audience in the studio? It’s great! It’s the first time ever – we’ve taken the show out on the road, but we’ve never done it in the studio with a live audience. And they won’t just be sitting there – they’ll all be at tables, scattered around,…

Anna Maxwell Martin on playing the inaptly named Rev Merrily Watkins in Midwinter Of The Spirit “THEY’RESTRANGELY BRUTAL,NASTYLITTLE PIECESOFWORK BUT RATHER HANDSOME AND CLASSY.” Peter Capaldi on dealing with some vintage Daleks in this week’s Doctor Who “LOLSTILL WEARSTHE HIGH-WAISTED JEANS,BUTI THINK MY ARSE HAS GOT A LITTLE BIT LARGER.” This Is England ’90 star Vicky McClure on the subtle changes that come with time passing… “HOWDOWEGET ACROSSWHAT’S FUNNYABOUT SCIENCEANDHAVE ITMAKESENSE?WE FORGOT THE ‘MAKING SENSE’ BIT!” Ben Miller on how the team refined the concept of CITV’s Horrible Science “ILOVE HERNAME, BECAUSE SHE’S NOT MERRY AT ALL.”…

MAX IN THE DOCK! It’s been over 18 months since EastEnders’ Lucy was clobbered to death, and the police finally have an accused in the dock at Walford Crown Court. But although Max didn’t do the crime, it looks as if he’ll be doing the time… Abi Branning is such a bitch! I know her dad let her down in the past, but where does she get off being such a judgemental cow? I’m sure she doesn’t really think that Max killed Lucy, but she’s happy to completely screw him over! Paul, via email I think the only people left who don’t know that Bobby killed Lucy are to be found in the courtroom at Max’s trial. Ian, Jane, Sharon, Phil, Lauren – it’s the worst-kept…

ARIES 21 MARCH - 20 APRIL This week, a rather unexpected face will be appearing at your door. The visit may not be an entirely one, give your guest a chance. This meeting may have positive consequences! TAURUS 21 APRIL - 21 MAY By hook or by crook, you’re determined to get that job done - but this week you may want to consider whether your zeal might be misplaced. Does another issue need your attention? GEMINI 22 MAY - 21 JUNE All that glitters most definitely isn’t gold, but this week you’ll find yourself tempted by a very shiny bauble. However much you want it, ask yourself whether the price is just a little too high… CANCER 22 JUNE - 23 JULY The voice of your conscience will make…

After nine years of lying, cheating and general Branning debauchery, EastEnders actor Jake is looking forward to a well-earned rest. However, Max’s fans will be pleased to hear he’s not waving goodbye to Walford for good… “I think some viewers are disappointed, but I’ve always said that I’ll be coming back,” he assures Inside Soap. “When Max returns, I think I’d like to see him settle down. And if his ex-wife Tanya doesn’t come back, then he’ll need to get himself a new long-term partner!” It was Max’s relentless cheating that entered him into the Walford history books as one of the Square’s most shameless love rats. And Jake has nothing but fond memories of one of the most explosive moments EastEnders has ever seen. “The…

KYLIE & DAVID CORRIE The heart-stopping drama that takes place for David and Kylie in Coronation Street’s live episode will change the Platts forever. But will it result in one of them leaving Weatherfield for good? “My contract is up after the live, so we’ll see!” teases actor Jack P Shepherd, who plays David. “Kylie’s had three terrible, depressing Christmases,” adds star Paula Lane, who plays his screen wife Kylie. “And a fourth is on the horizon, believe me…” DEBBIE & ROSS EMMERDALE The Dales will again be left with a big Ross-shaped hole after bad boy Barton decides it’s time to leave the village. “Debbie gives Ross his marching orders, but it’s not what she really wants,” reveals our Dales source. “Is it a decision she’ll regret if Ross…

Kyle Braxton hovers on the brink of death this week, after he’s admitted to hospital suffering from a serious stab wound! Doctor Nate sets to work on him – and although it’s touch-and-go for a while, Kyle is eventually stabilised. But after the stubborn fella discharges himself from hospital, he collapses again at home – and this time there’s nobody around to save him… “Kyle doesn’t think he needs doctors – he believes he’s invincible!” reveals our Summer Bay source. “He returns home against Ricky and Phoebe’s advice, leaving them worried sick about his health. And it seems they have every reason to fear the worst.” It’s no wonder Kyle is so desperate to get out of hospital – he’s in serious trouble with the cops after they find out…

As David prepares to reopen his shop this week, his dad Pollard is determined to ruin what should be a happy time. Still stubbornly refusing to let his nearest and dearest help him through his grief, bitter Pollard continues to make all of their lives a misery. But after he breaks into his son’s shop and sets about smashing it up, it looks as if Pollard might be on his own from now on… “Pollard has truly tested everybody’s patience,” sighs our Dales source. “Nobody could blame him for being so distraught about losing his beloved Val, but the way he’s been treating those trying to help him has been pretty appalling. The progress of Chrissie’s trial – for causing the explosion which led to Val’s death – seems to…

FAIR CITY Ben struggles with his diagnosis this week, and Dermot isn’t sure whether taking him for treatment in the US is a good idea. But when Jo insists Ben must grab the opportunity, can Dermot be convinced? Elsewhere, Shane can’t accept that Bob is his dad, but Bob would like them to get to know each other… Also, Dolores, Wayne and Pete think Orla may have a drink problem. RIVER CITY Eileen is thrilled to be landlady of The Tall Ship again this week, and makes plans to put on a Shieldinch Festival! But her pushy approach makes folk suspect she’s just out to make money for herself… Meanwhile, Lenny holds Erin hostage! How far will he go to get the cash she stole from him? Also, new housemates…

LEYLA “I think David and Leyla could easily get back together,” muses Matthew. “Maybe not in the near future, as that would be a bit weird since her sister’s only just left. But they were such a good partnership before – and I’d love to work closely with Roxy [Shahidi, who plays Leyla] again.” MEGAN “I’ve never thought about Megan, to be honest. I’m not sure she’s right for David, although I don’t know – she’s quite bossy, and David’s definitely used to being bossed about! But I don’t reckon they would be a perfect match, so I might have to put Megan to one side for now.” PRIYA “David would possibly go back there, but I don’t know – because Priya’s not single at the moment! Plus, David actually…

It’s ironic that Tony Hutchinson has agreed to sponsor Hollyoaks’ first-ever Gay Pride festival, considering that he’s completely unaware that his own son is gay! This week, Harry is nearly outed in spectacular fashion when Tony catches him and Ste in a very compromising position! So how on earth are the boys going to talk their way out of this one? “Tony finds his son and his son’s best mate together in a toilet cubicle in a gay bar!” grins Kieron Richardson, who plays Ste. “Ste’s gay, so the first thing you would naturally think is, ‘Harry, what’s going on here?’. But the outcome of the scene is really quite clever.” Why Harry feels that he can’t confide in Tony about his sexuality is baffling – after all, Tony’s always…

Former Emmerdale actress Gemma Oaten (Rachel Breckle) got into the swing of things at the recent launch of new West End musical Kinky Boots, as she showed off a tasteful pair of her own for the cameras! Telling the tale of a failing shoe factory that tailors its output with the help of drag queen Lola, the musical was co-written by Cyndi Lauper, and one of the directors is Dominic Shaw – who is married to ex-Dales star Verity Rushworth (Donna Windsor). Hmm… we’d like to see Ross Barton in a pair of kinky boots!…

CHOOSE FROM Disney’s The Lion King, Wicked, War Horse, Matilda The Musical, Miss Saigon, Billy Elliot The Musical, Jersey Boys, Les Misérables, The Phantom Of The Opera, The Commitments, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Memphis The Musical, Charlie And The Chocolate Factory and many more shows! You can also pre-book all leading London attractions, sightseeing tours, evening meals and afternoon teas to create the perfect short break in London. Please call for details. BREAKS INCLUDE Theatre tickets Choice of central London hotel Breakfast Add additional nights or return rail from your local station To book, call 01904 717 355 and quote Inside Soap (lines open from 8am-10pm daily) or visit superbreak.com/insidesoap TERMS & CONDITIONS Price is per person based on The Commitments show on 4 October, Top Price…

I love Emmerdale – it’s the top soap at the moment, I think! I’ve been watching it ever since I can remember. My mum was a big soap watcher, so I was brought up watching them. I loved the helicopter disaster, and I think all the Dingles are great – I would definitely fit in being a Dingle! My dad was in the Army when I was growing up, so we only ever had one TV channel – we had the SSVC [Services Sound and Vision Corporation] for the Army, but every Saturday night we used to get Cilla Black in either Surprise Surprise or Blind Date, and I used to love those. I was a big Cilla fan – it was so sad when she died…

1 SATURDAY DVD RUTH & ALEX Hollywood heavyweights Morgan Freeman and Diane Keaton unite in this fresh take on the coming-of-age story. Having lived in Brooklyn since the 1970s, Ruth and Alex are feeling old – so they decide to sell their apartment and share a weekend full of adventure together… WIN! For the chance to win a copy, tell us who Alex Walkinshaw plays in Holby City: A) Oliver, B) Fletch, or C) Dominic. 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 LOVE YOU BETTER by Natalie K Martin Effie has married the charming Oliver Barton-Cole – but now she’s starting to wonder if he really is the man…

LOOKS FAMILIAR The Hollyoaks flashback episode was great, and I recognised the actress playing Simone’s colleague who was sleeping with Louis. Has she been in another soap? Tracy, Bognor Regis She has indeed! Actress Rachel Leskovac played Natasha Blakeman in Corrie between 2008 and 2010. Natasha was an unstable girlfriend of Nick Tilsley, who attempted suicide when he dumped her. C FOR YOURSELF? Why does Corrie’s Beth wear a necklace with the initial ‘C’ on it? Does it belong to the actress herself? I can’t believe it’s never been picked up by the Corrie crew! Claire, Ayrshire Beth is played by Lisa George, so there’s no ‘C’ there! The initial stands for ‘Craig’ – Beth dotes on that kind-hearted son of hers, and rightly so. MERCY’S…