Table of contents for December 19, 2015 in Inside Soap UK

The Grim Reaper looks set to claim another victim in Albert Square this fortnight, as killer Bobby kicks off a catalogue of dramatic events that could change Walford forever! All hell breaks loose after the Beale and Mitchell clans gather to celebrate Kathy’s first Christmas back in the Square. But no amount of tinsel and turkey can dress up the fact that the festive dinner is doomed for disaster – especially after Sharon’s son Dennis makes a bitter enemy of Ian and Jane’s destructive young lad… “Bobby’s bad behaviour is set to result in a major catastrophe,” reveals our EastEnders insider. “All that’s left to do is buckle up and prepare for one hell of a ride!” The drama unfolds as the Beale clan hope to give Kathy a family…

Poorly Hope is given an unforgettable festive treat this fortnight, when Tyrone pulls out all the stops to bring Lapland to Weatherfield! As Hope has fought cancer, Tyrone has been determined to make her Lapland fantasy a reality – meaning the chap’s spending habits have been spiralling out of control. And while Fiz is touched by his efforts, she’s been left in the dark about her partner’s debts. So once Santa’s sleigh has left the cobbles, will Fiz discover the devastating cost of their family Christmas? “It’s been such a difficult time for Fiz and she’s just trying to be really strong for everybody,” sighs Jennie McAlpine, who plays her. “Hope’s illness has put the family under enormous strain, but Fiz believes they’re past all of that. She’s totally unaware…

Kylie is on a mission to win back David this fortnight, as she storms into the Rovers on Christmas Day and greets him with a kiss! With David having moved out of the marital home recently, furious with Kylie for keeping his sister Sarah’s pregnancy a secret from him, it seems the trust between them has been completely shattered. So is there any hope that the frosty gulf between them might thaw before Santa visits? “David just wants him, Kylie and the kids to be on their own, without all this family drama,” explains Paula Lane, who plays Kylie. “Sarah’s baby is going to be a constant reminder of what happened with Callum. David can’t fathom why Kylie is supporting Sarah – he didn’t realise she had that in her.”…

Emily proves that you’re never too old to embark on an exciting new adventure this fortnight, as she waves goodbye to the cobbles and heads to Peru! After emailing her nephew Spider, Emily is enthralled by his tales of working in an orphanage in South America, and admits that it’s something she’s always fancied doing. And when Billy encourages her to follow her dreams, she decides to book a flight. Her friends are over the moon about her good news – all except Norris, who can’t help spoiling the occasion by pointing out how old Emily is! So, as Emily prepares for her trip, will Norris make amends with her before she leaves?…

Chas and her son Aaron receive an unexpected visitor this fortnight – in the form of Aaron’s estranged father, Gordon. Neither his ex-wife Chas nor Aaron have any notion that Gordon is about to walk back into their life, after he bumps into Diane at the hospital. But while Chas soon starts to warm to the idea of having her former husband around again, it’s a different story for Aaron, who still can’t forgive his dad for abandoning him… “Gordon and Diane meet while they are having chemotherapy,” explains Gary Mavers, who plays Gordon. “He’s feeling very vulnerable, having had the time to sit around dwelling on things he could have done better in the past – his relationship with Chas and their son, for one. But after talking things…

Laurel is shattered this fortnight, as her confession of love for Ashley prompts him to admit he has early onset dementia. The pair are emotional wrecks as their feelings come tumbling out – but when Ashley insists his devastating illness means they can never be together, Laurel is determined to be there for the man she loves… “When Ashley tells Laurel about the dementia, she can’t comprehend it – it’s a dreadful shock,” sighs Charlotte Bellamy, who plays Laurel. “Ashley seems perfectly normal to her. She knows he’s been a bit forgetful lately, but she can’t believe that he’s been dealing with all of this on his own.” As Laurel confides in her dad, Doug, about what Ashley has told her, Ashley is praying for Laurel to understand that he…

Reenie McQueen could end up spending the festive season behind bars this year – after she gets into a catfight with Porsche and ends up assaulting a police officer! Given her previous criminal record, Reenie knows she’ll be sent back to jail, and she doesn’t much fancy that! So with nothing left for them in the village, she and Porsche pack their bags and prepare to leave for good… “Reenie can’t stay out of trouble for more than five minutes,” scolds our Chester insider. “Just when her family is finally reunited following Pete’s sickening behaviour, she goes and ruins it by getting herself in trouble with the cops again. She’s just the worst mum ever!” To be fair, Reenie’s had a lot on her plate recently. Having discovered that her…

As the last moments of 2015 play out, Esther decides it’s time to reveal her true feelings to Grace – and stuns her with a kiss during the New Year’s Eve fireworks display! Esther has been desperate to tell Grace how much she loves her for weeks, but has been stuck on the sidelines while Grace has been entertaining her new man, Darren Osborne. But she finally sees a glimmer of hope when Grace and Darren’s fling comes to a sudden end. Esther is the one forced to listen to Grace bemoan her faltering love life, while watching her scoffing the icing meant for Tom’s birthday cake. So, as the year draws to a close, love-struck Esther decides to give Grace the surprise of her life when she leans in…

It’s rarely a merry Christmas on Albert Square, and this year is no exception! So we thought we’d give four of EastEnders’ finest a bit of a break and whisk them off for a festive frolic. And before they head home to Walford – and the inevitable dramas – we talk all things festive with stars Lorna Fitzgerald (Abi), Shona McGarty (Whitney), Harry Reid (Ben) and Jamie Borthwick (Jay)… What are you all doing for Christmas this year? Lorna I might go somewhere warm – because a warm Christmas is definitely better than a cold one! Harry That’s odd! Why would you want to go somewhere hot and have a BBQ on Christmas Day? I’ll be at home in the freezing cold wrapped up in my nice Christmas jumper. Shona…

After learning some home truths about boyfriend Ross, Debbie Dingle packs up and leaves the village this Christmas. But for Charley Webb, who plays her, it’s a much happier story, since Debbie’s departure coincides with the actress heading off on maternity leave. Charley will soon be giving birth to her second child with partner and Emmerdale co-star Matthew Wolfenden (David) – and she just can’t wait for her special Christmas delivery… “I knew I’d be working quite close to my due date – so I’m definitely ready to chill out now, and have some time preparing to give birth,” shares the 27-year-old, who is already mum to five-year-old Buster. “We had to get organised for Christmas quite early because of the baby being due, and it’s great to have some…

Transporting the characters of Sherlock Holmes and Dr John Watson to the present day turned Sherlock into a massive hit. But this one-off special is set to turn everything on its head, by relocating the duo we’ve grown to know and love back to 1895 to solve a very traditional murder. The duo must work out what’s going on when the wife of Thomas Ricoletti reappears, stalking the streets in her wedding dress with murderous intent – just a few hours after she seemingly killed herself……

There’s more fine family fare this Christmas, in the form of a new adaptation of JM Barrie’s classic children’s story Peter Pan . It boasts a starry cast, with Stanley Tucci as Captain Hook, Breaking Bad’s Laura Fraser playing Mrs Darling, and pop star Paloma Faith as Tinker Bell… “I already knew Stanley was doing it when they offered me the part, so it was an added element – yes and yes!” grins Laura. “He’s just got that swagger and confidence, and plays with being dark while being light and charismatic – a lovely balance of evil and cool! Paloma is so perfect for Tinker Bell, too – I’m very sorry I didn’t get to meet her on set.” The author famously donated…

The day that Mick and Linda have been dreaming about since they were teenagers finally arrives this fortnight, as the loved-up couple prepare to become Mr and Mrs Carter. However, in a cruel twist of fate, the bride and groom find themselves on a collision course with vengeful Dean – who’s hell-bent on destroying their new year nuptials! As the drama unfolds, will Mick and Linda’s first dance be their last? “It’s the dramatic conclusion we’ve been waiting for since Dean attacked Linda last year,” says our Walford insider. “It’s no secret that the villain is going to get his comeuppance – but not before he’s put Mick and Linda through hell first! And it could cost them everything before the day is out…” DECK THE HALLS! At the start…

It’s the hugely anticipated return of a very popular pair this fortnight, as Kat and Alfie come home to Walford. But curiously, they don’t arrive together… The season wouldn’t be complete without the sound of Kat’s stilettos clicking across the Square – and that’s exactly what Stacey hears as she sits on her front steps and spots her cousin clambering out of a black cab. But when Alfie turns up later with their children Tommy, Bert and Ernie, it’s clear that Kat left their home in Spain suddenly without the rest of her clan. Why the unexpected dash back to Walford? It makes sense that Kat would want to see Stacey and her gorgeous new arrival, but it’s odd that she’d make the trip without Alfie and the kids. So…

It’s a special moment for Tracy this fortnight, as her fella Robert presents her with an engagement ring! But what she doesn’t know is that Robert’s been to visit Tracy’s jailbird ex, Rob Donovan – who’s told him that she’s pledged her future to him instead! As Robert reels from the news, will he pop a ring on Tracy’s finger in the Rovers for all to see, or publicly humiliate her for betraying him? “Rob has the potential to ruin Tracy’s life, which has actually been going quite well for a change,” despairs actress Kate Ford, who plays the Street vixen. “If she loses Robert and gains Rob as a result, she could probably deal with that. But if she ends up losing both of them, it’ll be horrific for…

Singleton Anna hopes that Santa will bring her a new man this festive fortnight – as she sets her sights on neighbour Kevin! Anna’s been throwing herself into the dating scene recently, and heads to the Bistro to meet a man named Glen. However, when she arrives and sees that Kev’s also on a date there, it soon becomes clear that she’d rather be out with him than with her boring bloke! Anna is gutted to later see Kevin and his new lady friend on a second date, and assumes things are going well for them. But luckily for Anna, she and Kev are later thrown together on Christmas Day at Sally and Tim’s house – and as the mulled wine flows and the mistletoe comes out, the two of…

Carla turns to gambling again this fortnight after discovering a shocking family secret – and when she runs into Robert at the casino, they end up in bed together! The factory boss is reeling after finding out that Johnny is her dad, and the former gambling addict seeks solace in a game of roulette. Robert’s also at the casino, burdened by his own issues – and as the pair compare their disastrous lives, it’s no wonder pain quickly turns to passion… “Carla reverts to type and heads off to the casino, where she sets about forgetting her worries,” explains Alison King, who plays her. “Then Robert turns up to drown his sorrows over the situation with Tracy. Together they hit a winning streak, which they celebrate with champagne – and…

Tensions boil over at the Dingle homestead this fortnight, after Belle spies Zak and Joanie in a steamy clinch! The pair have been battling their growing feelings for each other for a while now. Although they’ve locked lips before, Zak has kept his distance from Joanie since wife Lisa’s return to the village – but when Belle mentions that Joanie is singing at a local club, he can’t resist an opportunity to see her again… “As much as Zak loves Lisa, he’s had to admit to himself that he’s fallen for Joanie,” explains Steve Halliwell, who plays him. “He’s a man who’s defended family values all his life, so this goes against everything he believes in. Zak’s head is saying one thing, but his emotions are saying another. He’s infatuated,…

Christmas might well end in tragedy for Leela this fortnight – when a terrifying explosion blows her new flat to bits! The blast occurs after sleeping Leela is awoken by the sound of knocking as her estranged husband Ziggy drops off a gift for young Peri. Panicked Leela smells gas – but can she escape the subsequent inferno? “She hasn’t got a clue what’s happening and is really scared,” reveals Kirsty-Leigh Porter, who plays Leela. “Obviously she works for the fire brigade and her first instinct is to get out – but it’s not that simple! Leela is very good at saving other people, but in this case she doesn’t know how to save herself…” At the start of the not-so-festive fortnight, Leela is doing everything she can to make…

Troubled Fran returns to Holby this fortnight – and takes her revenge by kidnapping Jac’s daughter, Emma! Following her recent suspension, frazzled Fran begs Hanssen to reinstate her. But when the CEO refuses, Fran decides to teach her nemesis Jac a lesson… The frantic mum races to the hospital roof, where she finds Fran cradling Emma. As the two women thrash out their differences, Jac’s world is turned upside down when Fran reveals a terrible secret from her past. As Jac is finally forced to confront her own demons to secure Emma’s safety, tragedy strikes when Fran hallucinates and falls over the edge of the building! Can Jac and the team save her life – or will Fran’s painful memories die alongside her? Also this festive fortnight... Hanssen…

There are so many things to enjoy about Christmas, but one of the simplest is that it’s just a great excuse for a right old rave! So Hollyoaks girls Nikki Sanderson (Maxine), Sophie Porley (Ellie), Sarah George (Celine) and Jennifer Brooke (Rachel) were delighted when we threw them their own Christmas girls’ night out – and soon the gossip was flowing… It looks as if you’ve all had fun Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree today – but what are your favourite festive songs of all time? Sarah My favourite is Wizzard’s I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day, but I also love One More Sleep by Leona Lewis. An oldie and a newie! Nikki All I Want For Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey…

It’s hard to buy a Christmas gift for the woman who has everything – but Weatherfield’s Carla gets an unwelcome present this fortnight, when she learns that Johnny Connor is her biological father! Johnny is forced to finally reveal the horrifying truth – that he had an affair with Carla’s mother, and always suspected he was her dad – after Carla’s wicked brother Rob uses the secret against him in an attempt to extort money. The revelation sends Carla into a tailspin – and actress Alison King, who plays her, tells us that she has huge sympathy for her alter ego… “Something like that makes you question everything you ever knew about your life,” reckons the star, as she joins us for a chat. “She suddenly has two siblings that…

The novels of Charles Dickens have been adapted for TV countless times before – but never quite like this! In an ambitious new 20-part series, all of the characters from Dickens’ stories inhabit the same shared world. So you might see A Christmas Carol’s Ebenezer Scrooge swapping stories with Oliver Twist’s Fagin, or Miss Havisham from Great Expectations meeting Bleak House’s Inspector Bucket. This opens up a whole new world of storylines for the characters, something actress Caroline Quentin is excited about… “I’m a Dickens fan,” shares the star as Inside TV joins her for a chat on the sprawling set of the series. “But like most people, I know certain stories very well…

After six series and 52 episodes, Downton Abbey closes its doors for good this Christmas as the Crawleys and their friends and staff work their way towards New Year’s Eve 1925. It’s going to be a wrench for viewers who’ve followed them all this way – and for the cast as well… “It will leave a hole, emotionally,” admits Phyllis Logan, aka Mrs Hughes. “For the past six years, it’s got to January and I’ve thought, ‘They’ll be calling us soon to go for costume and wig fittings’, or ‘I can’t do that job because we’ll be doing Downton’ – so it will seem strange.” While the sixth series wrapped up a lot of loose ends, there are a few lingering questions. How will the family…

Stacey cradles her newborn son this fortnight – after dramatically going into labour during Walford’s community Nativity play! But as we all know, this is no virgin birth, and Stacey’s delight at her new arrival may be short-lived as her secret looks set to be exposed… The drama unfolds as The drama unfolds as Stacey watches her daughter, Lily, perform in the play – but it’s the arrival of the little girl’s baby brother that proves to be the real show-stopper. “Stacey’s waters break earlier in the day but she’s sent home from hospital as it’s still too soon,” says Lacey Turner, who plays her. “She should be putting her feet up, but Stacey doesn’t want to miss Lily’s big moment. Things start moving along very quickly from there!” The…

Dot has a poignant moment this fortnight, as she bids farewell to her late husband, Jim. Poor Dot was heartbroken when her hubby passed away while she was serving time behind bars for son Nick’s murder. And given that she was accompanied to his funeral by two prison guards, the fragile old woman wasn’t able to devote all her time and energy to giving Jim the send-off he richly deserved. With that in mind, Dot decides to scatter Jim’s ashes in the Square gardens, where she’s joined by his granddaughter Sonia and their old friend, Patrick. Jim proposed to Dot on the London Eye at Christmas 2001 – so as Christmas Day dawns, it’s a time for reflection and remembering happy times with her man. RIP Jim – we miss…

It’s a grim scene at Pollard’s house this fortnight, as his determination to ignore all festive jollity sees him holed up behind closed doors with no one but himself for company. The prospect of spending Christmas without his dearly departed Val is too much for Pollard to bear – particularly with her engagement ring still missing. But while his son David does his best to track down the sentimental item, will the spirit of the season prompt a change of heart in his grieving father? “There will be no Christmas without Val as far as Eric is concerned,” says Chris Chittell, who plays him. “The sooner it’s over and done with, the better. For him it’s a waste of time, a waste of money – and as long as he…

Ross and Robert are no strangers to a dangerous game – but is luck about to run out for one of them this fortnight? Ross risks everything when he plots to rob a local warehouse with Aaron, with the pair’s need for Christmas cash cancelling out all sense. As their hapless heist takes a disastrous turn, the pair look set to pay a high price. But there’s double danger in store for Ross as the new year beckons, and ruthless Robert comes looking for him… Aaron is keeping watch outside the warehouse while Ross breaks in and grabs all he can – but when a staff member stops Aaron to question him after failing to recognise him, he’s forced to make a rash decision which could well prove disastrous. While…

Imposter Lisa is forced to reveal her true identity this fortnight – after she goes in for a kiss with her ‘brother’, Zack! Following weeks of fighting her feelings, she realises she’s fallen for the Loveday lad and decides to confess that she’s not his sister, in case he feels the same way. Left seething when Theresa arrives in a sexy Christmas outfit for Zack, Lisa warns him that Theresa is just using him to satisfy her sexual appetite, and suggests he find another girl! Her words fall on deaf ears – but Lisa eventually gets her own way when Theresa dumps Zack, causing him to crash his motor in a furious rage! As Lisa goes to the garage with Zack to fix the car, she’s given hope when he…

There’s an awkward reunion for Cal this fortnight, as he finally meets his birth mother! Poor Cal has been desperate to find out the truth since blood tests first cast doubt on his true parentage. With Charlie’s help, he tracks down his birth mother – but there’s a shock in store when it becomes clear that the woman is suffering from a serious illness. Cal’s relief at finding her gives way to anger that she hasn’t contacted him to reveal that she has a hereditary disease. But now he has the answers he’s looking for, will Cal come clean to Ethan? Also this festive fortnight… Iain writes a saucy text to Rita – but accidentally sends the exchange to Robyn!…

It’s Tim and Sally’s first Christmas Day as a married couple – but while saucy Sal is hoping it’ll be a festive season her hubby will never forget, fate has other plans! Her intention to spend a special day getting very cosy with Tim goes far from swimmingly, as the smitten pair are forced to play host to a gaggle of uninvited guests. But as we join Sally Dynevor (Sally) and Joe Duttine (Tim) for some old-fashioned seasonal fun on the set of our glamorous shoot, there’s a much jollier time in store… You’re both looking gorgeous in your festive outfits! Are you big fans of a Christmas tune? Sally I’m an 80s girl, so Last Christmas by Wham! is one of my favourites. I’m a bit of a Wham!…

The Doctor may be lacking a full-time companion at the moment now Clara’s gone, but he won’t be alone for Christmas when a distress call puts him back in touch with a familiar face. The Time Lord has been hiding out among a remote human colony, but springs into action to aid a crashed spaceship. There he finds River Song (Alex Kingston) – who promptly drags him off on a space chase. Look out for comedian Greg Davies making a guest appearance as King Hydroflax, who has sent his robot bodyguard out to capture River and all who run with her……

Dad’s Army was a huge hit during its original nine-year run, and is still so beloved by viewers that repeats air regularly on the BBC – but getting the show on screen originally was a struggle. In this one-off drama, we’ll learn the story of Dad’s Army’s troubled development, as writers Jimmy Perry (Paul Ritter) and David Croft (Richard Dormer) worked on the show and the producers struggled to assemble the best cast – with some serious setbacks coming close to stopping the comedy from ever making it to air. Look out for EastEnders star Shane Richie (Alfie Moon) playing actor Bill Pertwee……

Christmas is a time for families to get together, but what happens when you introduce a new face into that mix? That’s the question posed in this one-off comedy co-written by Russell Howard, who plays Dan Colman – a normal guy who’s taking his girlfriend Lisa (Fresh Meat’s Hannah Britland) home to the West Country to meet his family for the first time. That means she’ll have to contend with his fitness-obsessed dad (Neil Morrissey), his eccentric mum (Sophie Thompson) and his image-conscious sister (Russell’s real-life sister Kerry Howard). But does Lisa have any idea what she’s in for?…