Inside Soap UK 29 - 2018

“Football didn’t come home – but the soaps have!” Okay, so football didn’t come home, but the soaps have… to their normal days and times, thank goodness! It’s been a bit of a nightmare for us soap fans over the last few weeks. You know what I mean – it’s the end of a hard Wednesday, you’ve done your chores, and you’re looking forward to sitting down at 7pm to see what Cain is up to in Emmerdale. You get your bum on the sofa, turn on the telly, and see that rolling green… but it’s not the Emmerdale village, it’s the footie pitch! Yes, I know there’s catch-up (with EastEnders finishing at almost 10pm on some nights, it was well past my bedtime, so I’ve become a dedicated next-morning…

“Anyone who gets in Kayla’s way is in danger…” MOLLIE This is the horrifying moment when poor Bethany ends up bound and gagged – after vengeful Kayla loses the plot and takes her hostage! The girls have been heading for an almighty showdown ever since viewers learned that Kayla is the daughter of Sergeant Neil Clifton – the police officer who raped Bethany as she was being groomed by evil Nathan Curtis. Sadly, Kayla has fallen for her father’s sick lies and believes that he is innocent – so after Bethany happens to turn up at her house looking for Craig, and realises who Kayla really is, it doesn’t take long for events to spiral out of control… “Bethany is absolutely terrified – she thinks she is going…

Since Inside Soap readers named her their Best Actress last year, Lucy Fallon has racked up numerous awards for her portrayal of Bethany. The 22-year-old has matured into one of Corrie’s most talented stars, and still can’t believe how far she’s come… Wow, Lucy! How does it feel to have made such a big impact on the Street? Still a bit weird, to be honest! I really wasn’t expecting it. I don’t think I’ve come back down to Earth yet. Do people still reach out about the grooming plot? Absolutely – I still receive messages from people who have been through something similar. The storyline has raised so much awareness. What did you think when you heard Bethany would be in more jeopardy? I love playing the gritty stuff, as…

“Tina can’t believe what she’s done – she’s terrified!” Tina leaves Stuart for dead this week, when a horrific confrontation breaks out between the pair! Their violent altercation occurs after brazen Stuart corners Tina in the Arches – where he refuses to admit to the despicable trauma he put her through as a youngster. But as Tina lashes out, and Stuart crumples to the floor, has she killed him? “Tina is totally stunned and can’t believe what she’s done – she’s terrified!” gasps our Walford sneak. “Stuart’s taunting has pushed her to the very edge, and the red mist descends as she furiously launches herself at him. When he collapses, she’s in utter panic to realise he’s not moving – and runs from the scene. But is he really dead?”…

As Tina is hauled away by police, the Carters are plunged into yet another crisis. But when the going gets tough, this clan gets tougher – so might Mick or Shirley be prepared to step up in Tina’s place? Shirley’s no stranger to serving time for one of her nearest and dearest. She took the rap when Mick was facing a prison sentence after Aunt Babe’s illicit boozy breakfasts in the Vic prompted a fine he couldn’t pay. Shirley endured three months behind bars – but was ready to face jail again when Tina accidentally hit Janet Mitchell with her car. So could it be Mick’s turn this time? He was once Stuart’s closest pal, after all. And while the truth behind Stuart’s stint in juvenile detention remains a mystery,…

“Matty has a confidence he didn’t have as Hannah…” Chemistry sizzles between Victoria and Matty this week, as they unite to avenge crooked bull breeder Lara. Ever since Matty made his unexpected return to the village, he and old mate Victoria have quickly renewed their close bond. But might they end up as more than just good friends when they work together to bring down fraudster Lara? “Matty is very happy to have his best friend back,” shares Ash Palmisciano, who plays him. “He has a new confidence about him that perhaps he didn’t have as Hannah. He’s different, and it’s about getting to know Victoria all over again. She’s been accepting of Matty’s gender change when his family haven’t been as understanding. So he’s really grateful to have Victoria…