Home//Inside Soap UK/32-2024/In This Issue
Inside Soap UK|32-2024Welcome!Inside Soap Awards season is my favourite time of year; the office is a flurry of activity as we pull together our glitzy photoshoots with the nominees, and we’re buzzing with excitement as we watch the votes come flooding in, eager to see who will triumph in each category. It’s one big celebration of our fabulous soaps!“It’s one big celebration of our fab soaps!”This week it’s the turn of the lovely folk up at Hollyoaks to fly the flag for their show, which is often the underdog when it comes to landing the big awards wins. But the actors don’t let that dampen their enthusiasm. They know that Hollyoaks has been pushing the boundaries for almost 30 years, being braver and bolder than the others in their storytelling, unafraid to…1 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024Cindy and Junior’s sizzling passion!Rampant Cindy and Junior play with fire this week, as the secret lovers struggle to keep their hands off one another!The naughty pair have been at it like knives since embarking on their scorching affair, and risk being rumbled with every lingering look. So much so that Junior’s forced to throw Cindy’s son Peter off the scent – by offering him a new job…“Peter’s getting suspicious of Cindy as she keeps ‘getting migraines’ and sneaking off,” explains actor Micah Balfour, who plays Junior. “Junior thinks that if Peter isn’t at Beale’s Eels, he won’t be able to track Cindy’s movements as easily. He also thinks that if Peter is working for him, he can keep him busy and Peter won’t turn up in the places where he’s meeting Cindy."Junior can…3 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024Can Donny bring down Blue?Prepare for a shocking reveal in Hollyoaks this week, as viewers will finally learn the identity of the mysterious criminal who’s been terrorising the village!As the notorious Blue finally takes off their helmet to show their face for the first time, we’ll also learn that Donny is a former policeman with a personal grudge against the crook – and he’s hellbent on bringing them to justice! Hollyoaks star Louis Emerick fills us in on his character Donny’s heartbreaking backstory with Blue…Hi, Louis! How did you feel when you found out you’d be involved in Blue’s plot?I was totally made up. I’ve been having a look at some of the comments online, and a few people think that Donny could be Blue, so I was having a little giggle about that.…3 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024Love for LynIt’s for the second week that we must bring sad news of a much-loved soap icon having passed away. Neighbours legend Janet Andrewartha, who played Lyn Scully on the Aussie soap, has died aged 72, with Erinsborough chiefs promising to pay tribute to the actress on screen.“I had ambitions to bring Lyn back to the show at some point soon, so I’m very sad that we’re not going to be able to do that,” explains Ramsay Street boss Jason Herbison. “The character is Ramsay Street royalty. We’ll address it at some point – this is a huge loss to the world of Neighbours.”Stars including Stefan Dennis, who plays Lyn’s ex-husband Paul, is among those to have paid tribute.…1 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024DEATH SHOCK!As if poor Belle hasn’t been tortured enough, losing her dear father Zak could tip her over the edge. Emmerdale bosses have promised a fitting on-screen tribute to mark the passing of star Steve Halliwell, who sadly died in real life last year – and star James Hooton (aka Sam) confirms that production is underway…“This month we’re going to be filming the story that deals with Zak’s passing,” reveals the star. “It’s going to be a really respectful ending for an iconic Emmerdale character.”Even if Belle manages to stand up to Tom this week, will the vulnerability she feels following the death of her beloved dad allow Tom to worm his way back in?…1 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024Nick chooses Toyah over Leanne!Toyah prepares for life-saving surgery this week – pushing Nick into a big decision about their forbidden fling…Faced with the stark reality of Toyah’s cancer, Nick plans to tell Leanne it’s over between them because he’s in love with her sister! Can he go through with it?“Nick and Toyah are struggling to bury their feelings,” begins our Weatherfield insider. “As Toyah’s operation looms, it’s Nick she wants to turn to, and he desperately wants to be there for her. Leanne isn’t even suspicious about her fiancé and sibling’s closeness, as she is still firmly under Rowan’s spell…”The horrid head of the Altovalent Institute has told Leanne to focus on her own wellbeing rather than get bogged down in other people’s ‘negativity’, which means keeping her distance from her sister while…3 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024Kit’s state of panic!Kit shuns Paul’s request to reunite with Bernie this week, before he is faced with a terrifying medical emergency involving his older brother! Can he rescue him?"It’s an awful sight to see Paul as he struggles for breath”After Paul decides it’s the right time to try to reunite his broken family, he plays a message for Kit that pleads with him to forgive their mum, for everybody’s sake. Unfortunately, the stubborn cop refuses to entertain his brother’s emotional request. But Kit’s bitter bravado quickly turns to panic when he realises that Paul is helpless and gasping for breath…“Kit is shaken to the core!” exclaims our cobbles insider. “It’s an awful sight to see Paul as he struggles for breath, let alone after such a sensitive conversation. As a Detective Constable,…2 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024Anna loves Freddie!Freddie and Anna’s will-they-won’t-they romance is still the hot topic this week – as Gina announces that her sister is head over heels for him! What’s more, Freddie overhears everything…“Life would be so much simpler for Anna and Freddie if they faced up to their feelings rather than skirting around the truth,” notes our Square spy. “However, they’re both incredibly loyal people and would never go out of their way to hurt Bobby, despite knowing that they’d be great together.”After Big Mo planted a few seeds with Anna during a recent spot of birdwatching, this week it’s Gina setting the cat among the pigeons, warning her sister not to string Bobby along if he’s not the one for her. Anna insists that it’s Bobby she wants, but Gina’s not so…1 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024Request SPOTIt’s a Corrie holiday…Corrie’s Rita mentioned that the best holiday she went on was to Mallorca in 1974 with Audrey and some other Street icons. Did we ever see those scenes on screen?Keeley, BrightonWe did indeed – in fact, it caused quite a stir off screen! It was the first time the cast had ever jetted off overseas to film, the story being that Bet Lynch had won a trip to Spain, and decided to take her best gal pals along with her. However, the male stars of the show were furious that only the ladies got to go! “The silly beggars wouldn’t speak to us,” star Barbara Knox (Rita) revealed years later.GREEN ENVYEmmerdale’s Ruby has been wearing a fabulous new green dress on screen recently. Don’t suppose you know…1 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024“Junior loves the thrill of almost being caught!”We have to hand it to EastEnders bosses on the triumph that is Junior Knight. Just when the Square was missing its trademark ‘love rat in a suit’ – worn with such swagger in the past by the likes of Dirty Den, David Wicks and Max Branning – along came George’s son with not a scruple in sight. But how is Walford newcomer Micah Balfour coping with the tough job of playing soap’s new ladykiller? Someone has to do it, right?“I wasn’t expecting Junior to be involved in this much drama in his first few months, but I’m enjoying every minute of it so far!” grins Micah, who is no stranger to soapland thanks to his previous roles in Emmerdale and The Bill. “It’s been a joy to play, and…4 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024Charlie ClaphamFREDDIE ROSCOEBEST ACTORVoting for this year’s Inside Soap Awards is now in full swing, so it’s time for the cast of Hollyoaks to tell us why they deserve your votes this year!The village has been rocked by plots such as Carter’s creepy conversion therapy, JJ’s sick sexual abuse of his twin sister Frankie, and the heartbreak of Leela and Joel’s baby loss. But at least we’ve had the return of bad boy Freddie Roscoe to spice things up as he and Warren go head-to-head like it’s 2017!After seven years away, returning star Charlie Clapham has earned a Best Actor nomination for his antics as dangerous charmer Freddie…Congrats on the Best Actor nod! How does it feel?Overwhelming! I’ve only been back on screen a few months, so I was not expecting to be…3 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024Kirsty-Leigh PorterLEELA DEXTERBEST ACTRESS BEST STORYLINE BEST PARTNERSHIPLeela and Joel’s baby loss story has been a tough watch for viewers – but it’s been even more challenging for actress Kirsty-Leigh Porter, who lived through the experience in real life when she lost her daughter, Penny-Leigh, in 2018. Leela’s tear-jerking story has earned Kirsty-Leigh three nominations, and she tells us why these ones mean so much to her…Hi Kirsty-Leigh! How do you feel to be up for three awards?This year in particular it feels really special because of the baby loss story – being nominated for these awards means I have another platform to spread awareness. The whole point of this story was to reach out to people, and I’m just really grateful, to be honest.Did you have apprehensions about playing out this story?Of course. But I knew…2 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024BEAUTY BOX1 Garnier SkinActive Moisture Bomb Sheet MaskReady, set, plump! Reduce the look of fine lines and revive radiance in just 15 minutes with this pomegranate face mask.2 Dr Paw Paw Hydrating Sheet MaskPowered by hyaluronic acids teamed with soothing papaya extract, this mask will leave your skin feeling super-soft.3 Skin Techniques Pomegranate Infused Sheet MaskDehydrated and dull skin? Detoxify with this nourishing and brightening mask infused with pomegranate.4 Oh K! Blueberry Sheet MaskWith vitamins, coconut water and blueberry extracts for a delicious fragrance, this mask will brighten skin in just one use.STYLED BY RACHEL COPE, MAIN PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/MICHELLECOLLINS…1 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024Creature comforts"Life at the park is every bit as dramatic as a soap opera!” declares Kate Humble, as she takes us back to Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire, joined by her fellow presenters Megan McCubbin and Ben Fogle – with wildlife cameraman Hamza Yassin also in the thick of the action – to share the daily dramas of the stunning species in residence…Hi, all! How excited are you for another summer series at Longleat?Kate I think of Longleat as my second home now, sorry Lord and Lady Bath! It’s like going back to visit family. I love catching up with all the keepers and the news of the animals.Megan It’s wonderful to be welcomed back by the animal carers and catch up with all that crawls, slithers, hops, trots and gallops…2 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024Grrreat stuffMY TIGER FAMILY BBC2 9PMA family of tigers living in the North-Western jungles of India are the most famous in the world, having been filmed and studied consistently for years. This special film tells their fascinating story via incredible footage gathered across half a century by documentary-maker Valmik Thapar, who has devoted his life to keeping these beautiful creatures alive since moving from his Delhi home in his early 20s, despite having no prior experience of working with wild tigers. Since then, Valmik has recorded their births, lives and deaths – left horrified while the clan was almost wiped out by poachers. Today, thankfully, the community is thriving; their family legend a magical wonder to behold.FORENSICS: MURDER SCENE Channel 5 9PMStep right inside a crime scene with this groundbreaking new…2 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024Father dreadDADDY ISSUES BBC3 9PMHi, David! Your character Malcolm leads a rather slobbish life: how would you describe him?I think he’s a man child; he just doesn’t have the manual everybody else has to operate the world. He’s downtrodden, behind the curve; on a different planet. But I don’t think he has a mean bone in his body. He’s just pathologically shy and incapable of engaging with other people. I feel he’s really frightened of the world and what’s going on around him, and needs someone to hold his hand. So when his daughter Gemma [Sex Education’s Aimee Lou Wood] comes back into his life, it’s perfect for both of them – but also a car crash!Do Malcolm and Gemma learn from each other as the series goes on?I think what…3 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024Can lying Mandy save her big day?First with the week’s HOTTEST headlinesMandy’s fairytale wedding day is left hanging by a thread this week, after Paddy discovers his wife-to-be has been lying to him – and declares he can’t marry her!On the eve of their nuptials, Paddy’s stunned to find out that Mandy has turned to an unconventional method to make ends meet, and worst of all she’s gone behind his back to do it! But after Bear exposes Mandy’s saucy side-hustle, Paddy makes the decision to call it all off…“The thing Paddy is most bothered about is the lies,” explains Dominic Brunt, who plays the betrayed groom. “That’s what really upsets him, because of what his ex-wife Chas did to him. She was at it behind his back with Al for ages, and even planned to…4 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024Dee-Dee rumbles Joel’s wicked lie!Dee-Dee makes a shock discovery about Joel this week – and demands some answers from the shady solicitor!As Dee-Dee confronts him about a secret he’s been keeping, will Joel’s web of lies start to unravel?“Joel is spinning so many plates, if one of them falls they all fall,” reveals Calum Lill, who plays Joel. “The more things that stand in the way of his happy ever after with Dee-Dee, the worse things Joel’s prepared to do!”So far, Joel has done a disturbingly good job of putting everyone off the scent that he was the one who tried to kill Lauren. Meanwhile, Dee-Dee can’t wait for her and Joel to tie the knot, and remains clueless as to his true nature.“Joel still believes he and Dee-Dee can get married,” shares Calum.…2 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024PAUL'S FINAL GOODBYELaura-Jayne snoops behind the soap headlines…It’s no secret that terminally ill Paul will lose his fight later this year; Corrie having carefully plotted his battle with MND over a period of 18 months. Nevertheless, these new pictures of the cast filming on location for Paul’s funeral confirm that time is sadly almost up for Billy’s beloved…“Following the joy and sadness of Paul and Billy’s final day of freedom, it was only a matter of time before Paul succumbed to his illness,” confirms our Weatherfield insider. “However, no matter how prepared Paul’s loved ones think they are for the moment he slips away, the reality of saying goodbye is going to hit them hard.”You only need survey the devastation on the faces of Billy, Bernie and Gemma to realise that his…2 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024STOP PRESS!Green fingersEmmerdale has honoured its promise to plant 60 trees to give back to the local area after hitting its 10,000th episode. Stars including Mark Charnock (Marlon) and Chris Chittell (Pollard) joined in the fun.Sister act!Girls Aloud’s Kimberley Walsh – older sister to Dales star Amy (Tracy) – admits that she was once turned down for a part in the village soap! “It'd be funny to do a couple of episodes, but it’s Amy’s thing,” says the singer.Like father, like son!Hollyoaks is set to reintroduce Grace’s son Curtis, who will be played by a new actor – Corrie star Jack P Shepherd’s son, Reuben, 10! He'll make his Chester debut on 30 September.…1 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024THE END for Linda?Linda’s life is left hanging in the balance this week, and she’s stretchered out of the Vic by paramedics – while her terrified loved ones watch on!Reeling in the aftermath of receiving a string of blackmail letters, Linda goes on an all-night bender as she battles to block out the horrors of the past few months. But after Johnny storms out following a bitter row with his mum, he later returns home to find her in a perilous situation…“Johnny is terrified – his mum is in mortal danger, and she might not pull through!” cries our Walford insider. “Nobody wants to find their parent in such a state, even when they’re grown up. For a moment, it’s as if Johnny’s a scared child, petrified that his mum might die!”"Johnny is…2 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024Toadie’s emotional meltdown!Toadie’s inner turmoil finally comes to a head this week, as he lashes out at his wife Terese in a blind rage!It’s after Terese steps in to help save Sonya’s nursery – suggesting that Eirini Rising could maybe take it on as a community garden – that Toadie sees red. Feeling his connection to his late wife slipping away from him, Toadie lets rip, leaving Terese stunned by his visceral reaction…“Toadie is usually so calm and collected, so Terese is utterly shaken by the depth of his fury!” declares our Erinsborough spy. “She has no idea of the torment he’s been hiding in recent weeks; about how he’s been haunted by memories of his previous marriages, and is questioning whether he and Terese got hitched too soon. However, she’s about…2 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024Tracy’s back in town!Tracy returns to the cobbles this week, and is left stunned when she finds out that her dad has signed up Cassie as his carer!Arriving back in Weatherfield, Tracy makes it known she is shocked that Cassie now works for the family. But Ken senses there is more to Tracy’s return than she is letting on…“Tracy claims she’s back on the Street to see daughter Amy, but is that really the case?” ponders our Weatherfield spy. “We know very little about what she and new lover Tommy have been getting up to in Spain. Could it be their romance isn’t as rosy as Tracy has been making out?”Meanwhile, after Steve invites Cassie to an evening of classical music in the park, she turns up at his place dressed to the…1 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024Jacob’s clue…Jacob gets a lead in the search for his son this week – are he and Blake about to be reunited?The paramedic has spent the past few weeks on a desperate search for his boy, who’s been missing for months now. He’s been out all night, every night, desperately hoping to get a clue on where Blake could be. And while Jan supports Jacob’s mission, she’s also concerned that he’s been neglecting his duties to grandson Carter in the process.However, while Jacob’s colleague Sophia is helping out at a local outreach programme, she recognises one of the young men from Jacob’s ‘missing’ posters – and is quick to report back to Jan that she thinks she’s found Blake! How will Jacob react to the news? And will Sophia get into…1 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024Fall of the Walford empire!The BIG stories from a week of timeless drama…Eastenders’ gangster era comes to a close this week, but like those tough old geezers themselves, it’s not going down without a fight.The Square has always had a criminal element. Dirty Den’s original demise, for example, came when the backstreet landlord went from facilitating the odd dodgy deal to trying to play with the big boys. But from the late 90s, those big boys became lead characters, strutting around the Square in flash suits, clutching wads of twenties – it might as well have been a placard reading, ‘I’m the Don!’.Producers obviously thought this was good potential for soapy drama, but for us viewers brought up with the strong, nuanced women of Weatherfield, stories about vendettas between men with fragile egos and…2 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024Soap BOXUnhappily ever after…Jai and Laurel’s split has happened a bit too quickly, almost as though Emmerdale ran out of ideas for them as a couple so they made them hate each other! They made a great pairing, and after Laurel’s heartbreaking abortion storyline I thought they could handle anything.Sally, ColchesterBROTHERLY LOVEIt’s clear that Nick in Corrie is under pressure as he grapples with his feelings for sister-in-law Toyah, but at least he can always rely on his little brother David to give his honest opinion on the situation! David’s unfiltered take on his big bro’s affair has had me in stitches, but it has been really nice to revisit that close sibling bond. It’s Platt gold.Claire, RugbyOne can only imagine the kind of brutal advice David dishes out at the…3 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024“We had some crazy storylines when we were young!”"There can’t be many love stories in soap that have spanned 25 years,” reckons Emmerdale star Dominic Brunt, aka Paddy, as we sit down with him and co-star Lisa Riley (Mandy) to talk about their characters preparing to tie the knot for the second time this week. “This wedding is almost 25 years to the day since Paddy and Mandy’s first one, and there are echoes of that in the run-up to their big day.”The nuptials are thrown into chaos, though, after Paddy finds out his fiancée has turned to financial domination to make ends meet! Furious at Mandy’s lies, Paddy declares that the wedding is off – can his bride get him to forgive her? Dominic and Lisa tell us why they hope the wedding will still happen…Like you…4 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024“I wouldn’t like to get on Amy’s bad side!”"Personally, I love watching documentaries about cults and serial killers, so this storyline is right up my street!” enthuses Corrie star Elle Mulvaney, as we quiz her on her character’s involvement with the creepy Institute. “I love all those psychological thrillers, so I was really excited when I found out Amy would be involved in this plot. Also, Emrhys Cooper, who plays Rowan, is one of the loveliest people ever, so I couldn’t wait to work with him!”Sadly, the same can’t be said about manipulative Rowan, who’s putting pressure on Leanne to not only recruit Amy to the group, but also persuade her to invest her hefty inheritance in his shady business! But will Amy be charmed by Rowan, as Leanne has been? Elle tells us that her character is…3 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024Jessamy Stoddart"LIBERTY SAVAGEBEST COMIC PERFORMANCE"‘‘LIBERTY DOESN’T KNOW HOW FUNNY SHE IS!’’With so much drama and despair, there’s not often a lot to laugh about in Hollyoaks, but you can always rely on Liberty to raise a smile and remind you life isn’t all doom and gloom. For bringing the funny and being the caring centre of the dysfunctional Blake clan, Jessamy Stoddart deserves an award – luckily, she’s up for best comic performance…Hi, Jessamy! Why does Liberty keep everyone smiling?I think it’s her innocence and how deadpan she can be. She never tries to be funny, she makes you laugh when she’s not even trying! I see Liberty as that friend we all have who doesn’t understand why they’re so hilarious.Who are your comedy idols?I’m a big Friends fan and my favourite cast member…3 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024“WE LIKE OURHOME COMFORTS!”The celeb version of the BAFTA-winning Race Across The World returns, as four more famous faces (paired up with their nearest and dearest) leave their luxurious lifestyles behind for an epic 12,500km race. Starting in Belém, Brazil, and finishing in Frutillar, Chile, the teams are armed with only a map and a strict budget – no bank cards or smartphones. Competing are model and actress Kelly Brook and her husband Jeremy; Ted Lasso actor Kola Bokinni and his cousin Mary Ellen; DJ Scott Mills and his now-husband Sam, and presenter Jeff Brazier and his son Freddie. Here, the quartet share more…Hi, all! Why did you want to take part in the series?Jeff To share it with my son and make memories. At some point he’ll move out and I feel…4 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024Roman roadTHE HOTTEST NEW SHOW TO STREAM THIS WEEK...The hit series following American marketing exec Emily Cooper is back for a fourth season, in which she’s still working and living it up in the titular Paris – but this time we’ll see her also pop to Rome for a bit…Recap S3, s’il vous plaît…Season three’s cliffhanger saw French chef Gabriel’s feelings for Emily lead his fiancée Camille to call off their nuptials – and prompt Emily’s beau, British ex-banker Alfie, to break up with her. But just when you thought Emily and Gabriel might finally be forever, so came the bombshell that Camille may be pregnant with Gabriel’s baby…Awks! So what’s set to happen in season 4?Conflicted Emily (Lily Collins) has feelings for both Alfie (Lucien Laviscount) and Gabriel (Lucas Bravo)…2 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024Taylor madeELIZABETH TAYLOR: THE LOST TAPES Sky Documentaries 9PMThis fascinating film featuring stunning footage of a lost age brings new insight into the life of London-born Hollywood star Elizabeth Taylor. It was a life just as dramatic as many of the big-screen characters she portrayed throughout her glittering career – roles in movies including National Velvet, Cleopatra and Cat On A Hot Tin Roof – and after starting out as a child actress in the 1940s, two decades later, Liz was one of the world’s highest-paid movie stars, and officially ranked as one of the greatest female screen legends. Seventy hours of freshly discovered personal audio recordings, as well as a wealth of private archive, allow enthralling access to Ms Taylor’s dazzling domain.TALES OF THE TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES Paramount+Those legendary…2 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024Wicket to rideFREDDIE FLINTOFF: FIELD OF DREAMS ON TOUR BBC1 9PMIn 2022, former international cricketer – now TV regular – Freddie Flintoff transformed a cricket club and the lives of teenagers in his Preston hometown. Now, Freddie and (most of) the boys are back for a new, wonderfully entertaining four-parter, in which he takes the lads to compete in India. The docuseries doesn’t shy away from Freddie’s horrific accident – which occured just weeks before the trip to Kolkata – with a remarkably candid Freddie opening up on its effect on his mental health. A year later, he visits his cheeky but charming team to announce that the India trip is back on. And while it wasn’t without its challenges, Freddie tells us it was a career highlight…“I have great memories of…2 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024Frock star!Designing Mandy’s wedding dress was a tall order, especially as this isn’t the first time she and Paddy have planned to get hitched! But Lisa and Dom agree that the frock the Emmerdale costume team settled on is perfect…“Your jaw’s going to drop!” laughs Lisa. “We wanted it to be nothing like wedding number one, and nothing like the leopard-print dress for Mandy’s wedding to psycho Paul. Princess Mermaid Barbie is what everyone keeps saying – it’s iridescent.”“The dress kept dropping sequins,” chimes in Dominic. “Little Bella [James], who plays Eve, was in her element, finding a trail of them behind Lisa!”…1 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024“It’s going to get even darker!”How is Joel feeling since the birth of his and Lauren’s son?The baby has gone from being a problem he needs to fix to the realisation this is his child. He can’t help but feel love for him.Does he feel guilt?Absolutely, but Joel has this warped view of doing these terrible things because he has to. In his twisted brain, it’s the right thing to do.How far will Joel go to keep his secrets?I can’t say exactly, but it’s further than I thought he would. When I read the scripts, I was scared to play it, because it’s that dark! He’ll go to any lengths…Do you think Joel will be exposed soon?It’s exciting to get closer to the end of the story, but sad if it means not being here…1 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024Bi right BACK?EastEnders fave Patsy Palmer has fuelled speculation that she’s returning to the role of Bianca again later this year. The star, who has played Bi on and off since the 90s, has been spotted close to the soap’s set near Elstree recently, and has been snapped on social media partying with co-stars Diane Parish (Denise) and Jessie Wallace (Kat).“It would make sense if Patsy’s back, given what a blistering autumn Walford has in store,” reckons our Square insider.“Bianca’s dad David Wicks is due for a sensational return, while her sister Sonia is engaged to a killer!”…1 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024Belle stands her ground!Defiant Belle refuses to let Tom worm his way back in this week – standing up to her wicked husband in the face of some outrageous tricks to control her. However, as Tom’s frustration grows, will the consequences of Belle’s resilience prove to be catastrophic?“Following the nightmare of Wales and Tom’s brutal manipulation, Belle took some time away from the village to regroup and take her power back,” explains our Dales insider. “Meanwhile, Tom has been dreaming up new ways to win her round – and has spared no expense in trying to do so. But Belle’s not budging, the scales having finally fallen from her eyes where her awful husband is concerned.”Before Belle’s homecoming, Tom arranges a surprise he hopes will reignite her love for him – a retro…2 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024JOHNNY MAKES A MOVE!Devastated Johnny turns to Callum in the wake of this week’s terrible events – and tries to kiss him!At his lowest ebb, Johnny needs someone to comfort him, so when Callum offers a shoulder to cry on he’s only too happy to accept. However, inconsolable Johnny soon misinterprets Callum’s kindness for something more, and shocks him when he moves in for a smooch…Will Callum respond by kissing him back? Or will he stay loyal to hubby Ben, and make it clear to Johnny that he’s not in the market for romance?…1 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024Vinny takes the plunge!Vinny’s burgeoning romance with Gabby steps up a gear this week – as he reveals that he’s ready to take things to the bedroom!It’s a big moment for Vinny, and Gabby’s delighted. But as the pair seal the deal with a kiss, will their night of passion go to plan?“Getting intimate with Gabby is a massive step for Vinny,” our Dales insider reminds us. “Let’s not forget that his late wife Liv was asexual, so Vinny’s experience between the sheets is rather lacking in comparison to Gabby’s. However, the pair of them have been friends for a long time, and he trusts Gabby completely – so who better for Vinny’s first time to be with?”It’s not just his lack of experience that’s been holding Vinny back, though. He’s also struggled…1 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024Phil’s final demand!This is the moment that raging Phil Mitchell summons killer Reiss to the boxing den and demands his money back – or else!Dodgy accountant Reiss has been swerving Phil and Sharon since tying up their cash in a fake investment scheme, and using it to pay off his wife Debbie’s care home fees. But even after bumping off his comatose missus in a drastic move to improve his finances, Reiss still can’t pay Phil – and looks set to suffer a similar fate to Debbie if he doesn’t…“Phil’s ready to blow a gasket!” exclaims our Walford insider. “He never believed that Reiss could double his and Sharon’s money, and is fed up with being taken for a ride. It’s time to cough up!”The dramatic scenes unfold as Reiss struggles to…2 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024New love for Flick?Romance appears to be on the horizon for Felicity this week, after a handsome stranger rocks up at Salt and gives her his number!When Rory first walks into the Surf Club, he’s quick to flirt with Kirby – and later he wolf-whistles her, Eden and Flick from the balcony of Salt. Furious at his sexist behaviour, Flick marches up to the restaurant to confront Rory, though when he turns on the charm, she soon finds herself enjoying the attention…After Rory leaves his number on the bar for Flick, Eden urges her to give the guy a chance, but Flick isn’t sure.She’s adamant she’s not going to call him, despite the smile creeping across her face.Is Flick ready to explore a new romantic relationship following her split from husband Tane?…1 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024Leanne’s daddy issues!When current day Corrie sees Leanne ‘uploading’ all the negative energy she has accumulated during her life, we hope she’s got a good broadband deal, cos there’s a lot to unpack – as illustrated this week when we reach one of her lesser-remembered sins. Danny pops over to Janice’s to sort out some factory business and finds Leanne home alone.Soon, Leanne is making eyes at her boyfriend’s dad (and not because she recognises him as Bradley Walsh off the telly). Janice’s sudden return stops things going any further, and when Jamie tells his dad the next day how much he loves Leanne, Danny’s guilt kicks in – but neither he or Leanne have ever been great at resisting temptation…There’s another unadvised coupling in the offing as Steve falls for Tracy’s…1 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024THE big DEBATE!Reiss’ killer cover-up!EastEnders’ Reiss bumping off his comatose wife Debbie may have come from pure desperation, but how far will he go now to cover his tracks? Poor Sonia needs to watch her back…Reiss trying to justify his actions to Debbie’s corpse was despicable, with him making out that he’d smothered her with that pillow for her own good! But the moment he stole her wedding ring really took the biscuit. What an absolute rotter.Philippa, LondonMore shocking than the fact that Reiss is a killer is that Sonia now knows about him stealing Phil and Sharon’s money and is keeping quiet about it! How many red flags does a girl need? He even lied to Debbie’s parents about his relationship with Sonia. I’d have dumped him by now.Gerri, SouthamptonReiss reminds…1 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024FRIENDSHIP NEVER ENDS!Perhaps one of the most surprising relationships in the Dales recently has been Mandy’s burgeoning friendship with Rhona. And Lisa tells us that she’s loving the fact her character has a new BFF…“Rhona is so tiny, so it’s very funny!” laughs Lisa. “Mandy keeps getting Rhona drunk – Mandy can take her wine, but Rhona can’t!“Being friends with Mandy will do Rhona good,” continues the actress. “She’s had such a tough time recently, and she’s going to realise that going to Mandyland for a few days is really good fun! Mandy also has her friendship with Ella, which is great as Paula [Lane, who plays her] is just the best addition to the show. She’s great fun to work with.”…1 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024Young LOVE!“I love Amy and Aadi as a pairing!” grins Elle, when quizzed on her character’s burgeoning romance. “I think they would be so good as a couple, but at the moment it’s that ‘will they, won’t they?’ situation. The best way for me to describe it is it’s as though they’re about to set off, and then they change their minds.“I like the dynamic it creates between Amy and Asha too, because obviously it’s Asha’s brother Amy is interested in,” she adds. “Plus we’d all love to see more of Steve and Dev together if their kids start dating, wouldn’t we? I’m definitely rooting for that!”…1 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024Iz HeskethKITTY DRAPERBEST NEWCOMERCrawling out of a crashed car and stealing the identity of the dead driver is one way to make an entrance, and since Kitty Draper’s explosive introduction we’ve followed her fascinating, at times heartbreaking, story as she settled into the village. Iz Hesketh has brought to life charismatic Kitty so brilliantly she’s rightly earned a nomination as Best Newcomer – and she couldn’t be more excited…Hi, Iz! How does it feel to have made such an impact on Hollyoaks?Amazing! I stumbled into soap and it’s a different world to what I’ve done before, it’s so fast-paced. I’m dyslexic, so learning so many lines has been a huge challenge, but I’m so proud to be nominated as Best Newcomer.What do you admire about Kitty?She is so brazenly herself and bold. Kitty…3 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024Michelle CollinsEASTENDERS’ CINDY1 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024Line and DUTYFor two decades, the fascinating Who Do You Think You Are? has been solving the family mysteries of a host of beloved celebrities – Dame Judi Dench, Danny Dyer and Kate Winslet among them – the long-running series’ unexpected revelations delighting both celebs and audiences alike.As its 20th-anniversary run gets under way, Nottingham-born Line Of Duty and Trigger Point star Vicky McClure is the latest to be taken on an emotional journey back in time. She’s on a quest to discover more about Nonna Jean, her late grandmother on her dad Mick’s side – given up by her family as a child – and her great-grandfather, her mum Carol’s grandad Harry, who died as a Japanese Prisoner of War during WWII.“We’re a working-class, hardworking family,” shares Vicky – who still…2 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024Viennese whirlVIENNA BLOOD BBC2 9PMGuilty chaos ensues as this latest investigation for super-sleuthing duo, detective Oskar Rheinhardt (Juergen Maurer) and Doctor Max Liebermann (Matthew Beard), ramps up to its conclusion. Max’s parents Rachel and Mendel (Amelia Bullmore and Conleth Hill) and his sister Leah (Charlene McKenna) rush to his side, while a traumatised Oskar ploughs on, desperate to solve this now particularly personal and harrowing case…“Oskar is prepared to take higher risks – bigger risks than Max would,” Juergen declares of his conflicted alter ego. “I’m not a risky kind of guy. I like to have security and order in my private life. I’m a motorcycle rider, but that’s about as risky as it gets!”OLYMPICS: PARIS 2024 – CLOSING CEREMONY BBC1 7PMRelive Team GB’s top performances with Clare Balding, as 2024’s…2 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024Truth be toldKIDNAPPED: THE CHLOE AYLING STORY BBC3 9PMThis six-part dramatisation of British model Chloe Ayling’s abduction in 2017 – made with her blessing – is based on legal documents, extensive interviews and Chloe’s own book. In Italy for what she thought was a photoshoot, Chloe (The Spanish Princess’ Nadia Parkes) was kidnapped by two men, who demanded a ransom. After Chloe was found, the subsequent court case saw her abductors jailed – yet Chloe was accused of faking her kidnapping, and found herself at the centre of a media storm. Also stars Nigel Lindsay (The Salisbury Poisonings), Christine Tremarco (Emmerdale), Eleonora Romandini (The White Lotus) and telly legend, Adrian Edmondson.BAD MONKEY Apple TV+This 10-part crime caper follows Andrew Yancy (Vince Vaughn), booted off Miami PD and trying to solve a murder…2 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024Can we kick it?OUR LIVES: TWO SISTERS, ONE GOAL BBC1 7.30PMThis poignant film follows sisters Katy Yeandle and Emma Rees from the Brecon Beacons, as they arrange an all-star football match between England and Wales to raise funds for a charity supporting families of children suffering from neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer that took Katy’s son Joseph’s life, aged just three. They have to find a venue and famous faces to play – and neither knows anything about football… Katy and Emma, though, won’t take no for an answer, and hope to bag the likes of former players Jermain Defoe, Ashley Williams and Joe Ledley, as well as telly stars with a penchant for footie, such as Joe Swash and Roman Kemp. But will the siblings reach their goal?THE UNION NetflixMark Wahlberg…2 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024WHO’S WHO?CASUALTYRida Amaan ....................... Sarah SeggariFaith Cadogan .................... Kirsty MitchellIain Dean .................... Michael StevensonTeddy Gowan .......................... Milo ClarkeTariq Hussein .................. Manpreet BachuJan Jenning ..............................Di BotcherDylan Keogh......................... William BeckRash Masum .......................... Neet MohanJacob Masters ..................... Charles VennSiobhan McKenzie ................. Melanie HillCam Mickelthwaite ............. Barney WalshStevie Nash ........................ Elinor LawlessNgozi Okoye ......................... Adesuwa OniSophia Peters....................... Kellie ShirleyNicole Piper ................... Sammy T DobsonJodie Whyte ............................. Anna ChellCORONATION STREETSabrina Adetiba .................. Luana SantosAadi Alahan ........................Adam HussainAsha Alahan ....................... Tanisha GoreyDev Alahan ......................Jimmi HarkishinIzzy Armstrong ..............Cherylee HoustonDee-Dee Bailey..... Channique Sterling-BrownEd Bailey ...............Trevor Michael GeorgesMichael Bailey ...................... Ryan RussellRonnie Bailey ....................... Vinta MorganAdam Barlow ................ Samuel RobertsonAmy Barlow ......................... Elle MulvaneyKen Barlow ........................William RoacheLeanne Battersby .................. Jane DansonToyah Battersby .................. Georgia TaylorSam Blakeman ..................... Jude RiordanLauren Bolton ............................Cait FittonChesney Brown.........................Sam AstonJoseph Brown................. William FlanaganStu Carpenter........................... Bill FellowsCarla…6 min
Inside Soap UK|32-2024lnsideSoap Next week...NEIGHBOURSDANGER IN THE OUTBACK!LIVES ARE IN PERIL DURING A WEEK OF HIGH DRAMA…Neighbours heads to the outback next week, as a handful of Ramsay Street’s finest find themselves stranded in a remote location, where danger lurks! As Mackenzie investigates dodgy Heath, her concern for Holly’s well-being intensifies as she discovers the pair have gone away together. Meanwhile, worry grows for Toadie and Melanie when they both disappear without a trace! One thing we can reveal is that someone won’t return from the perilous trip…CORRIEDetective DanielDaniel’s spidey-senses begin to tingle next week, as he suspects a neighbour isn’t the person they’re claiming to be. But exactly which local resident does he have in his sights?DALES DIVAS!Our next dazzling shoot…EASTENDERSA fresh start?Teddy and his sons hope to secure their future on the…1 min
