Table of contents for 4 - 2020 in Inside Soap UK

Those soaps love any excuse for a big, dramatic shindig, don’t they? And we soap fans love it too, because when the soaps hit an anniversary, we basically get served up a special treat as big – if not bigger – than Christmas! “It’s quite the year for celebrations!” This week, we bring you our first sneak peek of EastEnders’ blockbuster 35th anniversary episodes, where that famous view of the Thames that’s opened every episode since 1985 becomes very significant! And it’s quite the year for celebations. We’ll see Corrie’s 10,000th episode next week, while in March those Neighbours celebrate 35 years of sunny shenanigans. Later in the year, Hollyoaks hits 25, but it’s just a baby compared with the grandmummy of them all, Coronation Street, which celebrates 60 glorious…

The rising tension between Leo and Kat gets completely out of hand this week, as Kat’s boyfriend Kush ends up pushing Leo over a balcony! As the week begins, shifty Leo is causing stress for the market stallholders, particularly Kat, who has agreed to swap stalls with Whitney in an attempt to shield her from her creepy ex. Meanwhile, poor Whit is still feeling threatened by Leo’s ongoing presence on the Square, after she discovered his true identity as paedophile Tony King’s son. However, Leo bites off a bit more than he can chew this week, when he hurls a torrent of abuse towards Kat, who promptly flies off the handle and rips Leo’s stall to shreds! “Leo’s already shown he’s willing to play extremely dirty, by giving a business…

LINDA Mick’s missus has wound up in some pretty scary situations already thanks to her excessive drinking. Could one too many tequilas on the boat result in her accidentally falling overboard? IAN Lucy Beale’s murder was the focus of Walford’s big 3-0, so could history repeat itself if her dad – and original character – Ian is the subject of a murder probe five years later? We’re not ruling it out! KAT She miraculously survived a death by drowning in EastEnders spin-off Redwater, but Kat could drown for real this time if she hasn’t been keeping up with her swimming lessons… MAX Max has been run over and buried alive, but is yet to be challenged in a water-based disaster – which will surely prove the ultimate test for how…

It’s no secret that Ali still loves ex Maria, so as she turns to him during her hour of need, will Maria realise that she still has feelings for him? “There is still unfinished business between Maria and Ali,” hinted actor Mikey North, who plays Gary, when Inside Soap spoke to him recently. “The thing for them is how their relationship ended – and now Maria has discovered the reason for the break-up with Ali was down to his addiction to painkillers, she can finally understand why it didn’t work out. “Maria realises that Ali’s judgement will have been clouded at the time – so we’ll have to see where that goes…”…

Gemma reveals that she’s suffering from body blues this week – and the latest move from Freshco manages to make matters even worse. Having safely delivered her four babies, Gemma’s body has been through a lot in recent months and she’s finding it hard to cope with the changes. But it’s while Gemma is having a heart-to-heart with Chesney over her insecurities that disaster strikes. A bus bearing the new Freshco ad drives past them – yet instead of being a proud moment for the couple and their babies, the image leaves a nasty taste in their mouths. Gemma and Ches’ heads have been placed on to the bodies of two ‘perfect’ parents, and seeing this on the bus sends them into a spin… “Gemma fumes when she sees it…

There’s double trouble for newlyweds Tiff and Keegan this week, as the young couple are dealt two devastating blows. Firstly, Keegan is crestfallen when he discovers his catering contract at Gray’s office has been terminated. Then worse news arrives when Tiff gets a call from the council, looking for Ted – who is in Oz, and has sneakily allowed the pair to sublet his flat while he’s away. Panicking, Tiff pretends to be Ted’s wife, which leaves her in a bit of a pickle when the council wants to pay a visit to the flat! Soon, she ropes in Patrick – and they pretend they are Ted and his much younger wife! Keegan also finds himself part of the big deception as they answer the council’s questions, with Tiffany doing…

FAIR CITY Orla wants to tell Junior he has a sister this week, but Sash disagrees. Later on, Orla feels even more betrayed when she finds Wayne in Sash’s house! Elsewhere, Fiona discovers Paul hasn’t signed the divorce papers… Plus, Ger hosts a dinner party. RIVER CITY Lou is pressured to do Rory’s dirty work this week, but her plan soon unravels and someone ends up hurt! Meanwhile, Caitlin is desperate to get Ruby back home, yet she wants to wait for Joe, unaware that he’s dead. Also, Scarlett struggles to be taken seriously… THE ARCHERS Jim is gobsmacked this week, when Fiona arrives home having cut short her holiday – leaving him suspicious of her reasons for returning. Elsewhere, there’s a shock for Kirsty that will affect her future…

MONSTER MANIPULATOR Geoff’s grip on Yasmeen in Corrie has been getting tighter and tighter ever since they got married – and now he has her friends fooled, too! This plot has certainly struck a chord with viewers… If there was an Inside Soap award for the most vile character in a soap, Geoff Metcalfe would win, hands down. He is truly despicable, and as he’s a magician, I wish he would perform the best trick of all and disappear! Nicola, Redditch It’s been really hard to watch the Geoff and Yasmeen story unfolding, as nobody should be subjected to that kind of abuse in their marriage. When Cathy figured out there was something odd going on, I hoped Yasmeen would confide in her – but now everyone thinks Yasmeen is…

Charity is definitely missing her daughter right now, following Debbie’s recent move to Scotland. But in real life, Emma and co-star Charlie Webb – who’s on maternity leave after she and husband Matthew Wolfdenden (David) welcomed their third son Ace in August – have been seeing plenty of each other of late. The pair spent New Year together, and Charlie posted pictures of their celebration on Instagram, debuting Emma’s glam new short hairdo at the same time! The ladies were also out on the town again last week, and it’s clear they’re just as close off screen as they are on. “Emma drives me mad and we argue like sisters,” revealed Charlie recently. “When I was pregnant with [second son] Bowie, I was working 12-hour days, but with Ace, I…

Since Corrie viewers finally learned nasty nanny Jade’s true identity – that she is the long-lost daughter of Fiz’s murderous ex-husband, John Stape – her mission to win custody of sister Hope has accelerated. As a consequence, star Lottie Henshall’s alter ego isn’t very popular with viewers, but that’s great news, says the thrilled actress… Hi, Lottie! What has the public reaction been like since the truth about Jade was revealed? Amazing – exactly what I hoped it’d be! I get a lot of, “Ooh – you’re the evil babysitter!” It’s all very good-natured, and no one is ever nasty. If people don’t like Jade, I am doing my job properly. Jade has really upped her game these past couple of weeks. What is driving her? Sheer desperation. She still…

1 Ricky Champ was born on 1 July 1980 in Southend-on-Sea, Essex. Ricky still lives there now and commutes to the studios in Elstree. “I’ll spend my drive getting into the zone,” he explains. “And then on the way home, I can do the reverse – and leave Stuart Highway on the highway!” 2 Prior to winning the part of Stuart, Ricky actually made an appearance in Albert Square back in 2009. Ricky’s character, Laurence Wilson, was a photographer, and ventured into the Vic where he caught the eye of Sam Mitchell… 3 Nearly 10 years later, Ricky joined EastEnders as Stuart Highway, the older brother of Callum, and Mick’s childhood friend. When Mick and Linda tried to cut him out of their lives, Stuart took revenge by framing Mick…

It’s Australia Day on 26 January, so what better way to compliment our favourite Aussie stars than by copying their super style? Go dotty over these polka-dot pieces……

I’m a massive Sky Atlantic fan, so I was totally gripped by Chernobyl. I was a teenager when the tragedy happened, and I remember it being reported on the news, but what I didn’t realise – and what really shocked me – was how close we were to an absolute disaster: it nearly wiped out the whole of Europe. I was so taken in by the bleakness of it. I haven’t seen much comedy recently, but I have been watching re-runs of Blackadder ! If you think about the fact that the first show aired in 1983, more than 30 years ago, it’s really interesting that that kind of comedy endures. It’s beautifully written, brilliantly acted and very funny. The TV I most like to relax to is Channel 4…

Man Like Mobeen last ended on a rather serious note, as Nate and Eight were attacked by local gangster Azaar – with the threat that Mobeen’s little sister Aqsa could be next. So as series three launches on BBC3 this week, Mobeen wants revenge. But he might not be going about it in the best way… “People stick with him through decisions he makes that will make them say, ‘Why did you do that?’!” reveals creator and star Guz Khan. “There are definitely points in this series where I’ve gone, ‘Man, you could’ve made a better choice’ – but it’s hard to pick the right option in these circumstances.” This series also sees Art Malik joining the cast as deranged crime boss Uncle Khan – and Guz tells Inside TV…

RUXANDRA POROJNICU (Alina Pop, Corrie ) IN We’ve already seen Alina briefly return to the Street, looking for her ex-boyfriend Seb. But she’ll soon be back for good! “I’m personally very excited to be able to tell Alina’s story further,” star Ruxandra told us when we caught up with her recently. “She was in love with Seb, and now he’s with Emma, so it’s exciting to see what’s going to happen – there may be a love triangle!” 10 February BREE PETERS (Gemma Parata, Home and Away ) IN soon The Parata to rock family up in is Summer Bay, and we can now confirm that actress Bree Peters will be playing Gemma, joining Kawakawa Fox-Reo (Nikau), Ethan Browne (Tane) and Rob…

BULLSEYE! We were up on our feet and cheering when Evelyn flew to the defence of Fiz – tearing an absolute strip off Jade with her “Listen here, you little runt!” speech. There’s nothing quite like an actress of Maureen Lipman’s quality going at full tilt. It’s funny to think that Evelyn couldn’t stick Fiz a year ago, but now they’ve all become this wonderful family unit. Long may Evelyn reign! Weatherfield’s Most Fertile Man sleeping on Maria’s Sofa of Sex? That’s one risky combo. Whoever sits on it next had better take extra precautions. Roll on summer, when we find out what’s hiding under Kheerat’s big coat. Other than £140-a-bottle aftershave. It was thoughtful of the writers to gift us a last glimpse of Graham’s smile before he goes.…

Following a stressful few months taking care of four newborn babies, exhausted parents Gemma and Chesney will fear the worst when they realise that their son Aled is struggling, with the pair then shocked to learn that the little boy is deaf… “This is a very important story to tell, and will resonate with many parents who have gone through their children being diagnosed with hearing problems – and the challenges that this throws up,” shares a Corrie spokesperson. The soap is working with Great Ormond Street Hospital, as well as Trafford Deaf Children’s Society and audiology services at Trafford General Hospital in Manchester. Corrie is keen to illustrate that while Aled’s diagnosis is challenging, there are many positive messages to take from the story, exploring help available to parents,…

“I’m watching Classic Corrie on ITV3, and really love the character of Tanya Pooley. She’s such a b***h! She should definitely come back to Weatherfield to stir things up. She’d be a great foe for Jenny!” …suggest reader Amelie “Emmerdale is now far too dark – it’s as if no one is ever happy. Please put Cain and Moira back together, and I think that when Debbie returns she should have Joe Tate with her.” …requests reader ‘J’ “Isn’t it about time we met Shane and Dipi’s son, Jai, in Neighbours? I know he’s been at a posh boarding school, but it would be funny if he got expelled for pulling pranks, like his Uncle Toadie used to at school! Shane and Dipi would struggle to keep him in line…”…

Stressed Charlie makes a heartbreaking choice this week, as he moves his sick wife Duffy into a care home. The nurse has been struggling to cope with looking after Duffy since she was diagnosed with vascular dementia, and her condition has visibly worsened over the past couple of months. So, at the end of his tether, Charlie realises that the only option is for Duffy to get professional care… “This is the last thing Charlie or Duffy wanted,” points out our Casualty insider. “Duffy took on some shifts in a care home a few months back, and she was appalled by the conditions there. She made it clear that she never wanted to end up somewhere like that.” Charlie has tried his best to look after his wife in their…

Smitten Ryder makes a move on newcomer Jade this week – but is she really that into him? Ryder’s been under Jade’s spell ever since he laid eyes on her, and even helped her to land a job at Salt. So after he finds out that she’s been out partying and didn’t invite him, the lad is crestfallen. However, as the pair work together behind the bar, Ryder takes the opportunity to demonstrate his affection! As he and Jade lock lips in the Salt store cupboard, could this be the start of something serious?…

Disaster strikes on the ward this week, as Cameron and Jason find themselves trapped in a lift with a patient who is in need of urgent medical attention – or he’ll die! As Cameron receives instructions from hospital CEO Max on how to perform an emergency thoracostomy on the patient, the junior doctor begins to fall apart. Cam must make an incision in the man’s chest and insert a pen to relieve pressure from his lungs – but as he struggles under the immense pressure, can Jason save the day?…

WHO’S CLIVE? I was watching Doctors the other day, and there was a patient called Clive – I recognised the actor from somewhere, and it’s really bugging me what else he’s been in! | Rachael Clive was played by James Bradshaw, who you may remember as DS Thorpe from Hollyoaks. He also played Dr Max DeBryn in Endeavour. AGE CONCERN This has been puzzling me for a while, but how old are all of Karen’s kids in EastEnders? I know Keanu is about 20 and Keegan is 18, but what about Chantelle and all the younger children? | Valorie Are you ready for this? Both Mitch and Karen are 41, and their eldest Chantelle is 25 – so her parents were only 16 when they had her. You’re correct that…

So far, we like what we’ve seen of Walford’s Panesar family. The three boys are edgy, but with good hearts – and Ash has the caring traits that we’d want in a friend. However, how will we feel about mum, Suki? With the newcomer described as an “overbearing matriarch” by Walford bosses, actress Balvinder Sopal has big shoes to fill if we think of the iron ladies who’ve ruled the Square in the past. However, that shouldn’t be too tricky for the star, who has been an avid viewer of EastEnders since day one – and knows her stuff… Welcome, Balvinder! Is it true that you were a huge fan of the Square before joining the cast? Thank you! And yes, when I was growing up, EastEnders used to be…

“Maria is the person who has guided Sacha spiritually” This week, a special commemorative episode of Holby City marks the 75th anniversary of the Holocaust, as Sacha’s Great Aunt Maria – a survivor of Auschwitz – falls seriously unwell. Actor Bob Barratt, who plays him, tells us that it was an honour to be at the heart of a such a powerful episode of the show… Hello, Bob! What did you think when you heard that a Holocaust memorial episode was planned for Holby City? I was over the moon. The BBC asked us to mark the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, and I always love anything to do with Sacha’s Jewish roots and his Aunt Maria. It’s always so special for me to play. Are you Jewish…

WIT AND WISDOM “When life gives you lemons, stick ’em in a G&T.” Rita “We’ve all had our nightmares. We’re all the walking wounded. It’s just that some of us get more wounded than others.” Rita “Take your life in little bits, rather than big chunks. Otherwise, it’ll only give you indigestion.” Rita THE KEY RELATIONSHIPS LEN FAIRCLOUGH Ex-singer Rita – ‘The Weatherfield Nightingale’ – gave up a life touring grotty clubs to marry Len. Their relationship was rocky to say the least, but Len was the love of Rita’s life. When he died in a car crash, Rita was devastated to learn he’d been cheating on her. THE KABIN Rita’s other great passion has been her shop, where she passed droll comment on local life, with eccentric assistants Mavis…

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NEW FACES Filming is now under way on the fourth series of ITV’s acclaimed cold-case drama Unforgotten. New members of the cast for the latest run include Liz White, Phaldut Sharma, Sheila Hancock and Susan Lynch. BIG IN JAPAN Paul Hollywood is set to explore the Japanese food scene in a new three-part series for Channel 4. Paul Hollywood Eats Japan (working title) will see the master baker challenging his belief that Japan is a land without bread… CAKE ESCAPE And speaking of Great British Bake Off types, Sandi Toksvig has stepped down as co-host of the show after three years, in order to focus on her upcoming TV projects, including Channel 4’s adult literacy series The Write Offs. The hunt is on for her successor……

CASUALTY Connie Beauchamp.......... Amanda Mealing Rosa Cadenas......................... Jacey Sallés Ciaran Coulson....................... Rick Warden Lisa ‘Duffy’ Duffin................ Cathy Shipton Charlie Fairhead.............. Derek Thompson Noel Garcia.......................... Tony Marshall Ethan Hardy.................... George Rainsford David Hide................................ Jason Durr Archie Hudson..................... Genesis Lynea Jan Jenning............................... Di Botcher Dylan Keogh........................... William Beck Marty Kirkby................ Shaheen Jafargholi Jade Lovall.......................... Gabriella Leon Lev Malinowski.......................... Uriel Emil Rash Masum........................... Neet Mohan Jacob Masters....................... Charles Venn Robyn Miller................ Amanda Henderson Will Noble................................. Jack Nolan Mason Reede.......................... Victor Oshin Ruby Spark................................ Maddy Hill CORONATION STREET Dev Alahan........................ Jimmi Harkishin Izzy Armstrong............... Cherylee Houston Adam Barlow...................... Sam Robertson Aggie Bailey......................... Lorna Laidlaw Eddison Bailey....... Trevor Michael Georges James Bailey..................... Nathan Graham Michael Bailey....................... Ryan Russell Amy Barlow.......................... Elle Mulvaney Ken Barlow......................... William Roache Peter Barlow....................... Chris Gascoyne Leanne Battersby................... Jane Danson Toyah…

ASAN’S NEW ROLE Ex-Emmerdale star Asan N’Jie (the first actor to play Ellis) has landed himself a job in a new BBC1 drama, Bloodlands. The star shared his news on Twitter, saying he’s “looking forward to the next project”. The series, starring Cold Feet’s James Nesbitt, is currently filming in Northern Ireland, and is written by Charles Brandon and produced by Line Of Duty creator Jed Mercurio. BIRTHDAY PARTY STARS The classic Harold Pinter play The Birthday Party begins a new tour in April, featuring some familiar soap faces. Michelle Collins (EastEnders’ Cindy Watts) and Tristan Gemmill (Corrie’s Robert Preston) lead the cast, as the tour begins in Cheltenham, before moving to Salford Quays, Oxford, Guildford, Edinburgh, Norwich, Cardiff, Richmond and Milton Keynes. SHAYNE SHEDS WEIGHT! Former Corrie star Shayne Ward…

CORONATION STREET Blackpool shock! A COACH TRIP ENDS IN DRAMA FOR SEVERAL COBBLES RESIDENTS… Coronation Street reaches its landmark 10,000th episode next week, and celebrates with a trip to the seaside! After Rita receives some sad news, she arranges a visit to Blackpool to carry out an important task – and before she knows it, a coachload of her loved ones are joining her! But it’s not all fun and games as the gang sets off – what scrapes will they get into? EMMERDALE Laurel’s bombshell Laurel receives some news about an old friend next week – and what she hears is set to have far-reaching consequences for her family. Can Laurel keep it together? HOLLYOAKS Can Mitchell move on? HOME AND AWAY Willow’s big news! NEIGHBOURS Will Dipi cheat…

How is Daniel handling this next chapter of his life? He’s not handling it at all! He is in denial, and is just trying to keep his head above water. All his attention is going to Bertie, he is not able to just sit and realise how much everything has changed, because he is focusing on his baby. What effect has Sinead’s death had on how Daniel fathers Bertie? Daniel feels as if he now has to be both Mum and Dad – which sounds like a simple thing to do, but he is completely without any clues as to what Sinead was offering that he is not offering. I don’t think he has any concept of what he will actually need to be for Bertie. He will have to…

EastEnders is to mark its 35th anniversary with a blockbuster plot set on the River Thames, culminating in the shock death of one of the soap’s characters! Bosses have announced that Mick and Linda’s boat party – which they won for scooping Best East End Pub Of The Year – will end in disaster after chaos erupts onboard. The drama will play out across a week’s worth of episodes that represent a 24-hour time period, with the story being told from a different character’s perspective each night… “We want to entertain the EastEnders audience on the iconic river, which has heralded the start of the show for 35 years,” explains the soap’s executive producer, Jon Sen, referring to its famous opening title sequence. “This unmissable week of episodes is destined…

She’ll be back! Sienna felt she had no choice but to get away from Hollyoaks, to keep her children safe from Warren. However, our source tells us this isn’t the last we’ve seen of actress Anna Passey – who plays her – and that Sienna will make a return! Getting lippy Corrie’s Julia Goulding (Shona) has refuted suggestions she’s had lip fillers, after some fans commented on Shona’s appearance in recent hospital scenes. “I had a giant cold sore!” she clarifies. Family values Neighbours is to explore Aaron and David’s desire to be parents. “As a same-sex couple, it won’t be easy, and will take them down unexpected paths,” teases the show’s boss Jason Herbison.…

“I used to have rabbits. Didn’t really know what I was doing, and then all of a sudden, I had a lot of rabbits.” It’s ironic that Nate, of all people, appears unfamiliar with the phrase ‘at it like rabbits’. “I have a good feeling about this. I smell another great big Sharma success on our hands.” Oh yes. Nothing says ‘the sweet smell of success’ quite like a burnt-down chocolate factory. “I wish a handsome man would buy me a rabbit.” We’re hoping she doesn’t mean the kind with batteries. “I thought this bloke was following me home from the chippy once. I poked him right in the eye with me falsies – you know, nails – and I kneed him square right in the Albert Halls. Little did…

“Even though Charity and Vanessa’s family is unconventional, it actually has a very normal, natural feel to it,” admits Emmerdale star Emma Atkins, as she chats to us about her character’s current domestic set-up. “It paints an authentic picture of a house of madness really – we all know that real family life is pretty much always chaotic! “There are some really lovely moments where Vanessa’s trying to steal a kiss,” she adds, “and the kids run down and go, ‘Urgh, gross!’ It’s just very light-hearted and funny, although Vanessa is definitely the more well-balanced one!” With four kids currently under their roof, Charity and Vanessa certainly have their work cut out for them. And this week their parental problems ramp up when, as the village reels from Graham’s murder,…

Bob and co-star Rosie Marcel (Jac) have a great friendship away from work – which is clear to see in an episode of Antiques Road Trip that the pair are due to appear in together imminently. “Oh, we absolutely howled,” chuckles Bob, recalling the filming of it. “We knew straight away that we wanted to do it. The best bits are of me and Rosie just gassing to each other in the car. The director had to yell ‘Cut!’ as we were chatting and laughing so much!”…