Inside Soap UK 32 - 2017

“The soaps are just full of surprises!” Well, aren’t the soaps just full of surprises these days? The shocks keep coming. We’ve got EastEnders’ Max working with Fi over the spreadsheets and under the bedsheets (see the latest on that on p10 – poor Carmel). And I’m still reeling from the fact that Michelle and Robert’s stalker in Corrie has turned out to be that nice man Will (see our sneak preview pic on p13 – it’s definitely not over for Michelle!). Meanwhile, we’ve got Emmerdale keeping the outcome of Leyla and Pete’s very stylish wedding totally hush-hush, but we do have a few hints for you as to how the big day might end in our chat with Anthony Quinlan – aka ‘Pete the cheat’ – over on p38.…

“There are a million things now spinning around in Finn’s head” Emma is confronted by her furious son Finn this week – after he discovers an incriminating note written by his doomed dad James. Despite Emma’s best efforts to keep him away, the youngest Barton brother heads over to Wylie’s Farm to help clear out his parents’ belongings, and finds his agitated mother attempting to pocket evidence. Emma tries to lie her way out of it, but Finn’s suspicions begin to grow – and even more so when he finds the note… “Emma being at Wylie’s Farm and acting so on edge plants a tiny seed of doubt in Finn’s head,” shares Joe Gill, who plays him. “He wonders what she’s up to. After he finds the note, it’s going…

While Finn worries about what his mum is hiding, Ross also has Emma on his mind after overhearing a snippet of conversation between Emma and Laurel last week. Laurel has been convinced for weeks that Emma is hiding something about the day James died, so when she visits Ashley’s grave and spots Ross at his ex Donna’s grave, she decides to tentatively sound him out… “Laurel tries to make conversation, but Ross gives her short shrift,” reports our mole. “He’s really quite confrontational, but little does Laurel know it’s because he has his own doubts about Emma and what she’s done. The question is: will Ross open up and admit his concerns?”…

Gemma is in trouble this week, after a reunion with her dodgy mates means she’s arrested for a crime she insists she didn’t commit! When Rita discovers the Kabin has been robbed not long after a rowdy visit from Gemma’s former cohorts Zoe and Roxy, she assumes that her young lodger is behind it. Gemma is indignant as she’s driven away in a police car – but can she clear her name? “Gemma is alone and vulnerable when Roxy and Zoe turn up,” sighs Dolly-Rose Campbell, who plays Gemma. “They were all at school together, and the girls weren’t the greatest influence on her. They all end up at Rita’s, where Gemma is showing off a bit. She just wants to have a few drinks, and show them how good…

Prior to Gemma’s arrest, Gemma and Jenny fall out – and Rita looks out for the lass by suggesting that she could perhaps be Jenny’s bridesmaid… “Jenny really upsets Gemma by ridiculing her,” reveals Dolly-Rose. “She belittles Gemma for being single and not finding anyone to marry her. It makes her feel very lonely.” Dismayed that Gemma has been hurt, Rita persuades Jenny to make amends in a special way. And ahead of all the police drama, Gemma is thrilled when Jenny comes and asks her to be her bridesmaid! “The poshness of Jenny and Johnny’s wedding appeals to Gemma,” grins Dolly-Rose. “She really wants to be accepted into Rita’s family, and the fun of being a bridesmaid is something she’s never experienced.”…

“Is there a part of Max that feels bad about what he’s doing?” Max’s wicked seduction of Carmel moves ahead this week, as she introduces him to the family and invites him on holiday – not to mention declaring her love for him! The unscrupulous con man has successfully lured smitten Carmel into his bed, while sneaking a glance at her top-secret council work files. But with Carmel’s protective sons Kush and Shakil having doubts about their mum’s new fella, is Max’s risky scheme in danger of coming unstuck? “Wooing Carmel was pretty easy for a man with Max’s track record, but convincing her boys that his intentions are honourable isn’t going to be so straightforward,” insists our Walford spy. “Kush and Shakil have seen their mother hurt in the…