Coronation Street's Trevor Michael Georges on Ed Bailey's response to Bistro manager Don's racist remarks
Edison Bailey (played by Trevor Michael Georges) is pushed too far by Don, the obnoxious new manager of the bistro on Coronation Street, whose racist slurs directed at both Ed and his son Michael light a tinder box under the usually affable builder. "The remarks evokes memories from decades of abuse all stored away in the back of Ed’s head where he has tried to hide them along with emotional pain," says Trevor Michael Georges. In tonight's Friday May 15th episode slippery owner Ray Crosby (Mark Frost) notifies Ed that he's delegated the finishing of the restaurant to his new manager who is less than happy with the work and needs everything fixing before next week's official opening. At first Don's digs are more performance related but it doesn't take long for him to show his true colours leaving Ed with a difficult choice to make. "Ed spent his formative years in a country rife with racism," explains Georges. "To flare up one racist back then would have set off every other racist in ear shot or a telephone call away. The arrival of one racist at the Bistro signifies to Ed that many others maybe nearby and that a quiet retreat is the best strategy." Michael (Ryan Russell) is confused when his dad shrugs it off at first but as things go from bad to worse Ed realises it's time to fight fire with fire and lets rip at Don. The soap has teamed up with Baroness Doreen Lawrence for the verbal abuse storyline which also explores the generational difference of opinion regarding the line between banter and what are clearly racist comments. "Ed has experienced racism many times but as times change so has his attitude," says Georges. "In the Sixties when racism was everywhere you just accepted that was your lot for life. As society moved forward, Ed has re-evaluated his past and seen the scars inside him for what they are. The more he comes to terms with those scars the more his emotions rise to the surface. And then Don delivers the straw that breaks the camel's back." It's not the only prejudice that The Bailey family is encountering on the street. A homophobic Weatherfield County fan has a go at James (Nathan Graham) outside The Rovers Return which almost comes to blows with Tim Metcalfe (Joe Duttine) who backs up the young footballer as he angrily responds. Again it gives Ed, whose relationship with his son has been damaged by his own prejudices, pause for thought. Both are powerful storylines which Georges feels are particularly relevant now. "People watch and take what they see to heart," says the actor. "A few weeks ago I went into my children's school to discuss issues one of my children was having regarding racist remarks made by one of their peers - more than forty years after I suffered the same at school. "Society doesn't change easily and recessions, wars, politics and terrorism can bring back the same ogres. You can seldom fix anything over night but you can keep trying to heal a recurring sickness and I think that's the process we're part of." Visit our dedicated Coronation Street page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide
When was Coronation Street's David Platt diagnosed with epilepsy?
Oliver Battersby's 'uncle' tries to help Nick and Leanne by sharing his health tips
It's 10 years since David Plat was first diagnosed with epilepsy after he accidentally ran over love rival Graeme Proctor (Craig Gazey) when Graeme started going out with Tina McIntyre (Michelle Keegan) in Coronation Street. At the time David had no memory of the incident. It was only when he collapsed again before he was due to appear in court that doctors realised the problem. In tonight's Friday May 15th episode David calls round to help his half-brother Nick Tilsey (Ben Miles) and Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) as the couple believe that Leanne and Steve McDonald's son Oliver's seizures may be due to him being epileptic. David suggests healthy eating, exercise and no alcohol which isn't the most relevant advice for a three-year-old. In fact his good intentions prove to be wide of the mark anyway as Oliver, who is played by young actors Emmanuel and Jeremiah Cheetham, is actually suffering with a Mitochondrial disorder, a life limiting illness for which there is currently no cure. After David leaves Leanne and Nick's flat Oliver has another seizure and is taken into intensive care where he continues to fit. The doctors try to reassure Nick, Leanne and Steve when he arrives that it is just a precaution to best monitor the child. In contrast David's epilepsy has been managed since his original diagnosis. He had a second seizure in front of stepson Max in 2015 when they were in the park feeding the ducks. David's condition was raised again as a concern when he took on Gary Windass (Mikey North) in a boxing match in 2018 after being raped by Josh Tucker. Concerning Oliver Battersby's ongoing storyline, Coronation Street’s research team has worked closely with The Lily Foundation, a charity that supports families and funds research into mitochondrial disease. Liz Curtis, CEO and co-founder of The Lily Foundation, said: “All of us at The Lily Foundation are excited to be working with Coronation Street on a storyline about a child with a mitochondrial disorder, and grateful to the show for highlighting an issue that affects hundreds of families in the UK." Visit our dedicated Coronation Street page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV Guide.
The truth is out about Emmerdale's Harriet and corrupt cop DI Malone
The chemistry has been there between DI Mark Malone (Mark Womack) and DS-turned-vicar Harriet Finch (Katherine Dow Blyton) from the moment the bent copper showed up in Emmerdale. And at last we have some answers after a showdown in the vestry that could yet see them burn in the fires of Hell if things go any further. In the Friday night May 15th episode Malone taunted Harriet about their shared romantic past and revealed that he had left his wife to try and get her back. As his former lover tried to repel him calling the police detective a "lying cheating dog" the pair were toe to toe as viewers were left with an agonising cliffhanger that spells very bad news for Harriet's other love interest, Will Taylor (Dean Andrews). The vicar was in the middle of lunchtime choir practice when Malone appeared in the church breaking his recent promise to leave her alone after Harriet threatened to call Hotten police on him. She did her best to send him packing but as Vinny Dingle (Bradley Johnson), Nicola King (Nicola Wheeler) and Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy) and the rest of the choir got to grips with Chesney Hawkes' 1991 number one hit The One and Only it was clear Malone was going nowhere. Once they were alone her former colleague picked apart Harriet's story about leaving the force because of an undercover drugs operation that went wrong leaving an informant of hers in hospital. Instead Malone claimed it was because she couldn't bear to work alongside him after their relationship had ended but Harriet was having none of it. "We were over years before," said the vicar. "I don't hold a torch for that long, mate, sorry. You went after anything with a pulse. I was an idiot. We were never serious. You are everything I despise in a copper." As Malone bore down on her Harriet's body language said otherwise. After previous hints from Dow Blyton and Mark Womack that there is more to this relationship than meets the eye it was a relief for fans to get the lowdown. So what does this mean for poor nervous wreck Will who has barricaded himself in at home and is scared of his own shadow? Right now the devil would appear to be playing the better tune. Visit our dedicated Emmerdale page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.
What happened to Emmerdale's Biff Fowler?
Unlucky in love but at least he had his motorbike...
Biker Brian Ian Francis 'Biff' Fowler was something of a catch in Emmerdale, a grafter with a good heart and his own set of wheels. Played by Stuart Wade, Biff first appeared in March 1994 and took up lodgings with village stalwarts Betty Eagleton (Paula Tilbrook) and Seth Armstrong (Stan Richards). In this week's ITV3 repeats from 1996 Biff tells Betty and Seth the good news that he and vet receptionist Linda Glover (Tonicha Jeronimo) are engaged. Although it's an announcement that goes down better with Betty than grouchy old Seth. The crusty old gamekeeper takes the lad for a man to man chat and warns him that marriage is Mother Nature's trap. "You don't see until it's too late," Seth counsels. "Leaves fall off tree and you're left with a twisted tree stump." Sadly Linda didn't live long enough for that to happen. After she and Biff wed on Boxing Day in 1996 she suffered a miscarriage and then died in a car crash the following year. A grieving Biff took up with Kelly Windsor (Adele Silva) who also lost her baby with Biff when Kim Tate (Claire King) shoved her down a staircase. It looked like Biff might find happiness again when he got engaged to three times married Kathy Glover (90s pop star Malandra Burrows) but he felt threatened by her close friendship with school teacher Graham Clark (Kevin Pallister) and jilted Kathy at the altar when Graham showed up at the church. Distraught, Biff left the village on his trusty motorbike only returning for Seth's funeral in 2005. He gifted Betty Keeper's Cottage which he had previously bought from her and Seth. Betty later sold it to Victoria Sugden (Isabel Hodgins) who currently lives there with her son Harry. Actors Stuart Wade and Tonicha Jeronimo fared better in real life. The pair were married in 2000 and have two children, Lorcan and Sydney. Wade has appeared in The Royal whilst Jeronimo, now remarried and acting as Tonicha Lawrence, joined the cast of Casualty in 2016 as Steph Sims, the mother of Carmel Sims played by her daughter Sydney Wade. Visit our dedicated Emmerdale for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.
Hollyoaks' Alfie Nightingale star on filming school explosion, leaving soap and coping in self isolation
Richard Linnell shares his DontFilterFeelings tips for coping with lockdown
In his time on Hollyoaks actor Richard Linnell and his character Alfie Nightingale were at the heart of the show's DontFilterFeelings mental health campaign after Alfie was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder as he tried to cope with the loss to cancer of his teen sweetheart Jade Albright (Kassius Nelson). This week as Hollyoaks Favourites airs more classic episodes from Alfie's time in the show Linnell shared his thoughts on his "life-changing" three years on the soap and his own struggles to get his head around isolation as a result of the coronavirus lockdown. "If I'm honest, I've not coped amazingly," says Richard. "I've found it really hard to keep motivated, and not let my mental health slip while being stuck at home. There are a few things that have helped me stay sane(ish). Cleaning your space has an incredible effect on your mood. Keeping a routine of exercise and meditation has really helped me actually get out of bed, and be able to at least do something with my day. "I’ve also started volunteering for a local food bank, delivering parcels to vulnerable people who are isolating. It’s been a brilliant way to give back to the community, and it means I can get out of the house every now and again and feel like I’ve accomplished something. It helps my mental health too. I’ve also started a BSL course online... and juggling. Lots of juggling.” In this Thursday's and Friday's May 14th and 15th E4 editions Alfie is one of the Sixth formers at Hollyoaks High, along with Lily (Lauren McQueen), Yasmine (Haiesha Mistry), Imran (Ijaz Rana) Peri (Ruby O'Donnell) and Tom (Ellis Hollins), who find themselves in the middle of a disaster movie when half the school blows up after a violent bust-up between a vengeful Mac Nightingale (David Easter) and his soon-to-be-very-dead ex-girlfriend Neeta Kaur (Amrit Maghera). "That was absolutely incredible," he says. "They built an entire fake front of the school for the stunt so we were actually half outside for the whole shoot. You had to keep your wits about you. Half the walls were ‘breakaway’ and made of polystyrene, but through all the smoke you couldn’t tell which was which. "Stunts are always a lot of fun as you get to, however briefly, live out all your action hero fantasies. There’s one section of the sequence where I get to throw a filing cabinet down the gaping hole in the floor and then turn around and say a witty quip. I’m gonna be honest, I have never felt cooler.” Richard still has no doubt what his all-time favourite Hollyoaks storyline is and it's not surprising considering he won two British Soap Awards in 2017 for it with co-star Kassius Nelson. Their moving portrayal of a young couple tragically torn apart by cancer is the show at its very finest. "It’s got to be Alfie and Jade," says Richard, "Their story is a truly touching one of how love transcends. It was so powerful, and touched so many people that it was a real honour to be a part of. Plus Kassius will kill me if I don’t say it.” Since leaving Hollyoaks, Linnell has been filming a new TV show, Pan Tau, "a reboot of a beloved kids TV show from Germany in the 70s" and volunteering as an animal rescuer for Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital in Buckinghamshire. He is also still in touch with his former soap family. "I try to keep in touch with the Nightingale clan, both living and dead (#RIPNathan&Rach), as much as possible with us all being spread up and down the country," he says. "When it comes to the kids, we’ve never really stopped. I’m still up in Liverpool every few months to see Ellis, Ruby and Lauren. The whole gang still talk all the time. Missing those guys a lot right now being stuck at home.” Visit our dedicated Hollyoaks page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.
In light of the good news that EastEnders is to begin production again at the end of June there is speculation that stablemate Holby City might not be too far behind. Both shows are made at BBC Elstree studios where production on the continuing dramas halted in March after the government-imposed coronavirus lockdown was enforced. Plans for EastEnders and Top Gear to re-start filming albeit with "strictly limited crews" and social distancing measures in place were announced by BBC Director of Content Charlotte Moore writing in the Telegraph. A BBC spokesperson said: "There is no news to share for Holby or Casualty yet. We are exploring ways to re-start filming on more dramas and other major BBC shows as soon as possible." Holby fans were left with a cliffhanger when series 22 of the hospital drama ended on Tuesday 14th April. It looked like killer Cameron (Nic Jackman) was going to be exposed when Xavier Duvall (Marcus Griffiths) confronted him over the suspicious circumstances of Evan's death. Then in a cruel twist of fate Zav was accidentally knocked down and killed by a cyclist on his way to the police. Whilst Zav's partner Donna mourned her loss Nicky (Belinda Owusu) wept as she prepared to use Xavier's organs for a heart transplant. However, Holby City has now confirmed it will be back on screens on 2nd June where it will continue to air weekly for the foreseeable future. During the lockdown Holby City has donated several working ventilators from its Elstree set to the temporary NHS Nightingale Hospital to help tackle the coronavirus pandemic. Holby City and fellow medical show Casualty previously announced they would be donating personal protective equipment to the health service. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.
What happened to Emmerdale's Tina Dingle?
And guess who she ended up marrying in Coronation Street?
One of the great forgotten family members of the Dingle clan, Tina (Jacqueline Pirie), has been showing what she was made of in ITV3's afternoon 90's Emmerdale re-runs. The only daughter of Zak's first wife Nellie (Sandra Gough) Tina could wrap men round her little finger but was a romantic at heart. A firm believer in the Dingle code she faked a pregnancy and pretended to fall in love with local lad Luke McAllister to humiliate him after he accidentally killed her brother Ben Dingle (Steve Fury) in a fight (Ben actually had a heart defect). But as she revealed to Terry Woods in the 1996 episode she feared she was destined for more heartbreak. "I'd love to fall in love with a bloke and live happily ever after," said Tina."Luke McAllister said that I'd never be able to fall in love. Never know if I was being lied to, conned, like I conned him." The Wednesday May 13th re-run did show her having a laugh with cousin Mandy (Lisa Riley) as they tried to make some money out of Eric Pollard (Christopher Chittell) and a rich American antiques buyer. Tina then made the mistake of getting involved with Kim Tate's ex husband Frank (Norman Bowler) and ending up in a love triangle with businessman Steve Marchant (Paul Opacic) who later also ended up married to Kim (Claire King). Deciding she was sick of being used Tina turned her back on all the chaos of Home Farm and headed for London on Christmas Eve 1996. For actress Jacqueline Pirie (now Chadwick), who so memorably played Tina, it was a journey that actually took her to Granada Studios in Manchester as she joined Coronation Street as gobby machinist Linda Sykes at Underworld. Like Tina, Linda had an eye for the older man and it wasn't long before she got her claws into Mike Baldwin (Johnny Briggs). Unfortunately neither Linda nor Tina could resist a good soap love triangle. Tina had an affair with Mike's son Mark Redman(Paul Fox). A drunken, spurned Mark revealed all to his furious dad in the couple's bridal suite just after Mike and Tina tied the knot. In the end though what did for Linda was Mike's ex-wife Alma (Amanda Barrie). When Alma was diagnosed with terminal cancer Mike went to care for her and when he also called a truce with his son Mark after Alma's death Linda saw the writing on the wall, nicked Mike's car and headed for Dublin. Visit our dedicated Emmerdale page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.
Emmerdale's Charity makes plans to adopt Vanessa's son Johnny - but it won't be easy
It's been a very long time coming with all sorts of untold grief along the way but finally warring couple Vanessa Woodfield (Michelle Hardwick) and Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins) came together properly again as a couple as Vanessa asked her bolshy other half to adopt her son Johnny. And this time there was no hesitation, Charity said yes. Phew. The pair could barely contain themselves as they returned from Vanessa's chemotherapy in the Wednesday May 13 episode to tell half-sister Tracy (Amy Walsh) the good news. Tracy was delighted which was a relief as she has also said things she wished she hadn't after Vanessa initially chose best mate Rhona Goskirk (Zoe Henry) to be Johnny's guardian in the event that she doesn't survive her bowel cancer. Viewers were made to sweat before the happy outcome. Earlier Charity was still in full combat mode calling Rhona a "screw-up" and cruelly mocking her for ending up married to rapist Pierce Harris (Jonathan Wrather). "I love Johnny," Charity protested. "He's my kid. That's how I see him and you want to rip him away from me." In the end it took a proper clearing of the air between Rhona and Charity with Chas as referee whilst Vanessa was at the hospital. Charity admitted she was jealous of Rhona who immediately set her straight by assuring her that everyone else is jealous of what Charity and Vanessa have together. She pointed out that it was Charity who Vanessa first asked to take care of Johnny whilst tactfully not reminding her that it was Charity's moment of hesitation that started this whole roundabout of recriminations in the first place. Elsewhere Arthur and Archie both admitted they had been telling lies when Laurel (Charlotte Bellamy) got PC Swirling (Andy Moore) involved but Harriet Finch's (Katherine Dow Blyton) attempts to get Will Taylor (Dean Andrews) to play it straight with her (and grow a spine) once again capsized in the face of his DI Malone paranoia. "You're falling apart and I'm sick of it," said the irate vicar. You and us both, Harriet. In times of trouble thank the Lord we can at least once more place some trust in Vanity. Visit our dedicated Emmerdale page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.
Coronation Street's David Platt risks his life provoking gangs - but it's not the first time he's gone off the rails
This is not the first time Gail's troubled middle son has pushed his life to the limit
When David Platt (Jack P Shepherd) gave a gang of local drug dealers' bonnet a good stomping with his Timberlands in Coronation Street this week RadioTimes.com was reminded of just how many times the most volatile and tortured Platt has deliberately tempted fate when the pain in his own life has appeared insurmountable. Right now he's hurting because his wife Shona Ramsey (Julia Goulding) who is recovering at a neurological rehabilitation centre in Leeds has demanded a divorce. That's just the latest in a catalogue of blows that life has dealt him: from attempted murder by his stepdad Richard Hillman to the murder of his wife Kylie and being raped by Josh Tucker. Canal crash suicide attempt, 2007 If there is one incident that first set David Platt on a destructive path in life it's the day that stepfather Richard Hillman (Brian Capron) drove a screaming David, Sarah and Gail into the canal to the tune of The Wannadies You and Me. The youngster was so scarred by this that when his family disowned him for accidentally leaving an ecstasy tablet out that Bethany swallowed he decided to take a leaf out of his stepdad's book and do it again. Smashing up the whole street, 2008 "It'll be hoodies," was Rita's verdict when she heard windows being smashed on the cobbles whilst she had her hair done. In fact it was one man wrecking ball David. Catatonic with rage after he discovered Gail encouraged his girlfriend Tina McIntyre (Michelle Keegan) to have an abortion, David first pushed his mother down the stairs then smashed pretty much every window and car windscreen in the street before assaulting Ken Barlow and one of the arresting police officers. Brain damage for brother Nick, 2013 David is not someone who deals well with betrayal. An overheard conversation at no.8 between Gail (Helen Worth) and his wife Kylie (Paula Lane) was how he discovered that she had slept with his half-brother Nick (Ben Miles) on Christmas night. David being David planned a lengthy and elaborate hate campaign which reached its climax when he unbuckled Nick's seat belt, grabbed the steering wheel and left them both in the path of an unforgiving lorry. Kamikaze revenge mission on killer Clayton, 2016 The murder of Kylie, the one true love of David's life, by Clayton Hibbs (Callum Harrison) drove him mad for revenge. David decided that the only way to dispose of his wife's killer was to douse a car in petrol and drive it into the side of the police van taking Clayton to court. When the car failed to start a deranged David crashed it on the street nearly killing his daughter Lily and Gary Windass (Mikey North). Rapist Josh goads David, 2018 "I think you'd rather go round two with me." When serial rapist Josh Tucker (Ryan Clayton) mocked David as he refereed a charity boxing match with old adversary Gary Windass, David saw red and almost killed Gary. Really he was beating himself up as he desperately tried to come to terms with what Josh had done to him. Visit our dedicated Coronation Street page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide
EastEnders’ Jack Branning to lose his job as Keegan makes a rash move?
Distrust of the police after stop and search tactics takes its toll
"I want everyone to see this and everyone to share it too. So if it disappears or gets corrupted it's still out there." So said Keegan (Zack Morris) in EastEnders as he ignored Jack Branning's advice and posted the new witness footage given to him confidentially by Tiffany's uncle. A sensible back-up plan or a paranoid play that could cost Jack his job and jeopardise Keegan's case? Jack (Scott Maslen) knows which he thinks it is as he tells the headstrong lad off for going against his wishes after he stressed to keep it between the three of them. Stuck in the middle Tiffany (Maisie Smith) tries to make Keegan see how he may have messed things up but not for the first time her husband points out that she's coming at it from a much more privileged position. As Jack also clashes next week with truth-teller Vinny over the video, Keegan feels he's vindicated by the online response he gets from his subscribers as it goes viral. He gloats to mum and dad Karen (Lorraine Stanley) and Mitch (Roger Griffiths) and feels empowered for the first time since his wrongful arrest. It's a tricky situation for all concerned. Keegan feels he is right to take matters into his own hands, Jack feels guilty that he didn't believe Keegan in the first place but is worried that the evidence has not been properly processed at work. And Tiff worries how to keep the peace between the man she loves and the relative who has been there for her when she most needed it. There are no easy answers ahead. Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.
Who is Emmerdale's Kirin Kotecha, Vanessa's baby father?
Last seen heading for South America after running over Tess Harris
Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins) is desperate to adopt partner Vanessa Woodfield's (Michelle Hardwick) son Johnny so she gets custody of him in the event of her death, but needs permission from the kid's fugitive father Kirin Kotecha (Adam Fielding). He's currently on the run, supposedly lying low in South America, but Charity and granddaughter Sarah Dingle (Katie Hill) reckon his ex-stepmum Priya Kotecha (Fiona Wade) knows more than she's letting on with regard to his whereabouts. Need a reminder of Kirin the character, and when he was he in Emmerdale? Course you do. Vivacious Vet 'Ness had a one-night stand with the then 17 year-old in 2014 before he arrived in Emmerdale village as the hot-headed son of dodgy businessman and convicted arsonist Rakesh Kotecha (Pasha Bocarie). They got together again after Kirin engineered a bogus trip to the vets and were then on/off as the 21 year age gap and Rakesh's disapproval of their relationship weighed heavily. When Vanessa became pregnant with Johnny the father could either have been Kirin or Adam Barton (Adam Thomas) who she slept with after Adam and Victoria (Isabel Hodgins) had a bust-up. Vanessa resolved to find out the truth by taking saliva from a bottle of beer of Adam's but when it revealed that Kirin was actually the dad Rakesh doctored the DNA results. In retrospect it's doubtful how reliable a parent Kirin would have made. When Vanessa had a cancer scare in 2015 Kirin shirked the responsibility of going to hospital with her for the scan pretending his dad's car had broken down. Vanessa acknowledged that Kirin was still a teenager so it was no surprise that he was behaving like one. When he later discovered what his dad had done with the test results Kirin did declare that Johnny meant everything to him. "My son is the best thing that ever happened to me," he shouted as he turned his back on his dad for good. Kirin moved back in with Vanessa but it wasn't long before the responsibilities of parenthood proved too much for him. When Carly Hope (Gemma Atkinson) caught him losing his rag with baby Johnny, Vanessa threw him out. Drunk and feeling sorry for himself Kirin was involved in a hit and run leaving Tess Harris for dead. The last he was heard of was in 2016 having set himself up in a business in South America. Who was Tess Harris? Tess Harris (Nicola Stephenson) was the wife of abuser Pierce Harris (Jonathan Wrather) and teaching assistant to Rhona's son Leo. Tess and Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt) began an affair in 2015 whilst he was with Rhona (Zoe Henry). Tess was on her way to tell Rhona about her and Paddy when she was run over by Kirin. With her dying breath Tess managed to tell Paddy that she loved him. A few days later Paddy confessed all which began the awful spiral of events that led to Pierce and Rhona getting together. Visit our dedicated Emmerdale page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.
Why does EastEnders' Phil Mitchell want to buy back The Queen Vic after turbulent history?
Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) is making himself very busy trying to get his hands on some extra readies as he prepares to buy The Queen Vic back off Mick (Danny Dyer) and Linda Carter (Kellie Bright). But whilst his son Ben is battling with hearing loss it's Phil who seems to be suffering from complete amnesia when it comes to the pub that he once burned to the ground in EastEnders. In the Tuesday 12th May episode Phil and Ben (Max Bowden) sat down to go over the details of the warehouse job first brought to his attention by Danny Hardcastle (Paul Usher). As a bonding exercise with Ben it has its merits and if there's a stash on cash on his manor why shouldn't Phil wet his whistle? But for recovering alcoholic and narcotics addict Phil is The Vic really the answer to his and Sharon's problems? Who can ever forget the epic meltdown in 2010 when Phil torched The Vic in front of his mum Peggy (Barbara Windsor) as he screamed at her: "The truth is you love this place more than you love me. Go on admit it. Ad. Mit. It!" Phil and Peggy did eventually make their peace over what he'd done. In fact she signed the pub back over to him deciding she wanted to put as much space as possible between her and the old boozer (that's The Vic, not Phil) as possible. He then rented it to Kat and Alfie before selling it to Mick and Linda. For Sharon (Letitia Dean) and Phil though there are other memories that are every bit as painful. That night in October 1994 in particular when betrayed brother Grant (Ross Kemp) wrecked Phil and Kathy's engagement party by playing the cassette of Sharon discussing her affair with Phil to Michelle Fowler (Susan Tully). That's right up there with Sharon and Keanu. Anyway maybe it will all come to nothing. Phil and Ben's proposed heist ran into trouble when they failed to get any information out of Callum (Tony Clay). Subtle as a brick Ben insisted he was only thinking out loud as he fished for any details about the big outfit involved with the warehouse job. Whilst Ben prepared for his operation Halfway stormed out disgusted. "Follow your dreams, you said," shouted Callum. "And now we know why." Just another day in the life of the Mitchells or a portent of nightmares to come? Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.
EastEnders' Peter Beale threatens to expose his one night stand with Lola
Lola Pearce (Danielle Harold) and Jay Brown (Jamie Borthwick) were technically on a break when Lola slept with Peter Beale (Dayle Hudson) but now the bitter Beale says he's ready to detonate the reunited sweethearts' relationship in EastEnders. In the Monday May 11th episode, a jealous Peter deliberately let slip that he knew more about Jay and Lola's relationship than he should when he caught them kissing at the car lot. "I'm just glad you two are back on track," said Peter slyly before adding, "Sorry that was really insensitive of me." A paranoid Jay picked up on the dig but Lola assured him that all Peter was referring to was the fact that she told Peter about her abortion. At the same time she couldn't help but apologise saying that there was no excuse for her actions. "It's not like you lied about anything," Jay added which only made Lola feel even worse about what had been simply a drunken one night stand. The pair do of course have history from Lola's early days on the Square. At one stage Peter Beale even moved in with Lola although Jay has always been a much better choice than selfish Pete. Later Lola tried to downplay their night and convince Peter not to say anything but he took great glee in turning the knife and watching his ex squirm. "I'm not planning on saying anything to him," Peter teased Lola. "But if he asks me...I told you I don't like liars." Peter Beale being sanctimonious is almost as bad as his dad but Lola may have to face this head on if she's to hold on to what she's got with Jay. Stay strong, girl. Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV Guide.
Have EastEnders' Kush and Shirley put Jean's life in danger?
Desperate measures result in disaster...
Shirley Carter (Linda Henry) is no one's idea of a Florence Nightingale so it's no surprise that her decision to join forces with Kush Kazemi (Davood Ghadami) to secretly administer Jean's medication ground up in a cuppa has disastrous results in EastEnders. As these first look pictures from the Tuesday 12th May episode reveal things go from bad to worse for Jean (Gillian Wright) as she unwittingly takes a larger dose of her medication to make up for the days she has missed and has a seizure. Until the start of the week it has just been Kush trying to manage Jean's deterioration as her behaviour has become more and more erratic. She is visited by the police in Monday May 11th's episode after she made 46 calls to the station to report Whitney Dean's (Shona McGarty) disappearance even after Whitney had already returned home. It's Shirley's turn to notice how bad things have got when Jean launches a furious verbal attack on Whitney whilst she is out having lunch with Gray. Back home, Kush reveals to Shirley what he's been doing and the pair of them grind up her missed medication but with no idea of the correct dosage. Elsewhere on the square Max Branning (Jake Wood) should also worry that his life might be in danger. After Max mocks Stuart and Rainie's cut-price wedding plans - they really do think that a hearse might look like a wedding limo if you stick a few ribbons on it - Rainie decides to take a leaf out of sister Tanya Cross' (Jo Joyner) book by burying Max alive (again) to get him to hand over his money. The last time Tanya tried that with Sean Slater (Rob Kazinsky) it didn't turn out well for anyone. Gangster Danny (Paul Usher) takes a beating from Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) for calling Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) "a joke" because of his hearing disability. With Ben's ear operation due on Tuesday Phil finally supports him in the only way he knows how - by offering his son in on some dodgy dealings that Phil has lined up. One person who is cruising for a bruising is Peter Beale (Dayle Hudson) who ungallantly tells Lola (Danielle Harold) that he will tell Jay (Jamie Borthwick) about their drunken one-night stand if Jay happens to ask him. Jay's suspicions are aroused when Peter mentions that he's pleased that the sweet hearts are back on track. Could he really be that vindictive? Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.
Coronation Street's Yasmeen Metcalfe denied bail in another cruel twist
All eyes were on the magistrate in the bail hearing for coercive abuse victim Yasmeen Metcalfe (Shelley King), charged with the attempted murder in Coronation Street of her tormentor husband Geoff (Ian Bartholomew). But despite the pleas of defence lawyer Imran Habeeb (Charlie De Melo) for leniency it was another devastating blow for Yas as bail was refused. The key factor in the magistrate's decision was Yasmeen's previous statement to the police on Friday 8th May when the confused and emotionally fragile grandmother showed concern for her manipulative partner. "I believe she may try to contact the complainant as she indicated that she wished to do so when interviewed by the police," said the magistrate after carefully considering both the prosecution's and defence's submissions. Granddaughter Alya Nazir (Sair Khan) watched in horror from the gallery after pinning all her hopes on Imran who looked to have presented a convincing case for the defence. Habeeb pointed out that Yasmeen has no history of previous offences. She did not flee the scene after stabbing Geoff with the broken wine bottle and surrendered herself voluntarily to the police. There were cheers from Geoff Metcalfe's son Tim (Joe Duttine) who believes his dad to be completely innocent of any abusive behaviour. Earlier in the Monday 11th May episode Tim and Alya almost came to blows in Roy's Rolls as she pointed out that his "pig of a father" had been tormenting her grandmother for months. As Yasmeen was taken back into custody until her trial there are fears for her mental health. Imran made reference to the medical report that she is still suffering from shock in the aftermath of the attack and her subsequent incarceration. The only crumb of comfort at this stage is that seeds of doubt were beginning to be shown back on the street in the likes of Tim's wife Sally Metcalfe (Sally Dynevor) and Eileen Grimshaw (Sue Cleaver). As Tim pointed out to Eileen that no one knows what goes on behind closed doors the ex-wife of serial killer Pat Phelan (Connor McIntyre) could only agree, "No, you certainly don't." Both Sally and Eileen have witnessed Yasmeen in a distressed state. Sally saw her weeping in the back garden and Eileen spotted Geoff giving her a vicious tongue lashing on the couple's door step. Could Yas have more allies than she realises? All hope is not lost yet. Visit our dedicated Coronation Street page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide
Who is Coronation Street's Ted Page, Gail's relative that hasn't been seen in a decade?
He still sent her a birthday card. Just saying, David...
Not many family members remembered Gail Rodwell's latest birthday - yes, we're looking at you David - but one person who never forgets is her father Ted Page even though he's not been seen in Coronation Street for 10 years. "Lovely gay Ted," as Audrey Roberts (Sue Nicholls), nee Potter, referred to the young soldier who gave her daughter Gail back in 1958 without him realising it. Played by Michael Byrne, Ted only discovered he had a child when Audrey got in touch with him in 2008. When Ted did finally arrive in Weatherfield after the death of his husband James he became a welcome on/off addition to the household at no.8. His grandson David, who was in Larchfield Young Offenders Institute at the time for assault, delighted in taking the Mickey out of Ted and his gran when they were first introduced. Ted and David (Jack P Shepherd) continued to have their ups and downs, particularly when his grandfather got caught in the crossfire of one of David's many vendettas with Gary Windass (Mikey North). When David tried to set Gary up to get caught robbing Audrey's home he didn't realise a vigilant Ted would be housesitting. Later Ted returned in 2010 to give Gail (Helen Worth) away to ill-fated husband no.4 Joe McIntyre (Vinny's dad in Emmerdale actor Reece Dinsdale). He was also the subject of extensive tittle tattle by legendary gossip Blanche Hunt (Maggie Jones) when Blanche decided that her son-in-law Ken Barlow (William Roache) was having a relationship with Ted after the pair arranged to go to an art exhibition together. "Just because things seem alright in the bedroom department you don't have to be Angela Lansbury to piece this together," Blanche told daughter Deirdre (Anne Kirkbride) after clocking Ken reading Armistead Maupin's Tale of the City. An indignant Ken defended his friendship with Ted calling him "an interesting man who has led his life to the full. A properly rounded human being." "Smitten," declared a triumphant Blanche. Ted, don't be a stranger. Visit our dedicated Coronation Street page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide
Has Emmerdale's Harriet actually defeated corrupt cop DI Malone?
The vicar lays her life on the line to save her family
Mess with Harriet Finch (Katherine Dow Blyton) at your peril. Corrupt cop DI Malone (Mark Womack) might have put the fear of god into weak Will Taylor (Dean Andrews) and even Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) but it seems the former fellow police officer-turned-vicar is one person he's not prepared to cross in Emmerdale. In the Monday May 11th episode, Harriet told Malone she would give up anything to put him away for good. When he accused her of bluffing and threatened to tell social services about Will's illegal activities to get daughter Dawn in trouble Harriet didn't waste a second in calling Hotten police right under his nose. "Fine have it your way, I'll do what you want," growled the DI. "I'll stay away from your family. You have my word." It's a surprise turnaround after what has been to date a fearless campaign of terror waged by Malone against the inhabitants of the village, particularly Will whose card he marked from their past dealings together. What it doesn't change is Harriet putting an end to her decidedly chequered relationship with Will. Harriet visited Dawn's dad in hospital still licking his wounds after the beating he got from Malone's disgruntled drug dealing work associates who left Will for dead. Half-heartedly Will tried to tell her that she should have left this mess for him to sort but as Harriet quickly pointed out: "You can't even sort your own laundry." They were not the only couple in the village having to deal with uncomfortable truths. In the aftermath of Arthur setting fire to the tent with his sister Dotty still inside Jai Sharma (Chris Bisson) told Laurel (Charlotte Bellamy) that it could be time for the police to get involved. "I'm scared of my own son," Laurel admitted. As she steeled herself to do the unthinkable and call the police on her child it looked like tough love and fearless females were the order of the day in the Dales. Visit our dedicated Emmerdale page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV Guide.
Is Emmerdale's Wendy about to join Bob Hope's catalogue of romantic disasters?
"You're a special woman..." says Bob Hope (Tony Audenshaw) to Wendy Posner (Susan Cookson) as he consoles her in Emmerdale after a robber on a motorbike steals her handbag which contained a treasured key ring given to her by her dead son. Bob is quick to stress that wasn't him "trying it on" but who is he kidding? The five-times married Woolpack employee has been chancing his arm since his first marriage to Jean Hope ended when he walked out on her and children Dawn and Jamie in the early Eighties. In the Wednesday 8th April episode, Wendy told Bob that she had not been with anyone in the years since she separated from the father of her sons Luke and Lee. "The boys' dad made my life hell and he broke my heart," said Wendy, whose youngest Lee raped Victoria Barton. "I'm happier on my own." Luke then arrived to comfort his mother and take her home but Bob Hope is not a man easily discouraged as his track record shows. To date he has had five wives - Jean Hope (Julie Higginson, Susan Penhaligon) in 1982, Barbara Hope (Julie Dawn Cole) in 1988, Vonda Flockhart (Lorelei King) in 1994, Viv Windsor (Deena Payne) who he married twice in 2001 and 2006 and Brenda Walker (Lesley Dunlop) in 2018. An emotional hand-fasting ceremony with Brenda after she had a brain tumour removed showed the best of Bob as he supported her through that and the murder of her daughter Gennie (who he also once slept with) at the hands of serial killer Cameron Murray (Dominic Power). But Bob's affair with Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy) destroyed that. A dad of seven - to Dawn, Jamie, Josh, Carly, Roxy and twins Cathy and Heath - Bob has been absent for most of his children's lives. Daughter Carly (Gemma Atkinson) called him on it when she spent two years in the village in 2015 but it was twin Cathy (Gabrielle Dowling) who really nailed her dad. When Bob told them in front of Brenda he had "done a very selfish thing" by having an affair with Laurel, his daughter calmly replied, "Again?" And as Brenda told him later, "You're going to die a very lonely man." So our advice, nurse Wendy? Give yourself a break and keep well away. Next week's Emmerdale spoilers: Belle gets fired, plus Billy faces big pressure Emmerdale cast: who is leaving, returning to and joining the cast? Visit our dedicated Emmerdale page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.
EastEnders' Phil makes emotional gesture in Mitchell turning point
One thing that Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) has always longed for in EastEnders is the respect of his hard-as-nails dad Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden). As the heartbroken father finally discovered that his son has been struggling with substantial hearing loss since the boat accident he wrote him an emotional note saying, "I'm proud of you". For much of Tuesday 7th April's episode Ben did his best to hide the effects of his injury from Phil knowing how intolerant he can be about any kind of imagined or perceived weakness. But after Sharon told him, Phil tested his son by offering to make him a cup of tea away from Ben's eye-line and then admitted he already knew what he was going through. Ben banged his head and fists on the table in frustration as he tried to explain to a fast-talking Phil that he didn't know what his dad was saying. "I'm sorry," said Phil before reaching for a pen and paper. As a teary Ben read what his dad had written the pair went in for a big hug and Ben promised that he wasn't going to let this beat him. It wasn't the only boat crash-related revelation of the night. As Dotty Cotton (Milly Zero) was thwarted by Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) discovering from Ben that there were no CCTV cameras in The Arches she found a new ally in Vinny (Shiv Jolata). Dotty told an indignant Vinny all about Ian's part in Denny Jr's watery demise and with Bobby Beale also spotting his dad and Dotty having a heated exchange about the incident the guilty restaurateur is a long way from getting off the hook. Justice will be done. EastEnders cast: Who is joining, leaving and returning to the soap? Next week's EastEnders spoilers: Mick and Linda's big news, plus Ian is threatened Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.
EastEnders' Whitney gets a harrowing blast from the past in Albert Square returnee
Michaela Turnbull's psychologically disturbed son Leo King (Tom Wells) battered her and locked her in his car boot the last time she visited Walford but that doesn’t stop the deluded mother from returning to EastEnders next week to cause Whitney more grief. The last person that Whit (Shona McGarty) expects to see ahead of her next court appearance is Michaela (Fiona Allen) and although they start by talking amicably it soon becomes clear in next week's Monday April 13th episode that she blames Whitney for what happened to Leo. She's got some brass neck has Michaela! On her previous trip to Albert Square she made it clear that she knew exactly what Leo's dead dad convicted sex offender Tony King was like and the effect that trying to conceal the truth about him was having on her son. "I tried to paint this rosy picture of your dad," she told Leo. "I was trying to protect you but it’s just confused you. He was a paedophile. We can have this conversation a million times but it will not change what he was. He abused a child.” And now Michaela looks to be adding to that abuse by hounding Whitney. Gray steps in to diffuse the situation and then warns her off when she follows Whitney to The Queen Vic. Badly shaken, Whit confides in Sonia that she thinks she's going back to prison again. The irony is that Michaela should be Whitney's saviour. As she told her son the last time she saw him: "I'm your mother. I know every thought in your head." It's high time she put the sisterhood first and ended both families' circles of abuse once and for all. Next week's EastEnders spoilers: Mick and Linda's big news, plus Ian is threatened EastEnders cast: Who is joining, leaving and returning to the soap? Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.
Emmerdale's Jamie Tate makes his choice in Belle and Andrea love triangle
The love triangle merry-go-round comes to a halt
Has indecisive vet Jamie Tate finally made a decision that he's actually going to stand by? Ever since it was revealed in Emmerdale that Jamie (Alexander Lincoln) and Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper) had got together on the night of Graham Foster's murder, Kim Tate's dithering son has been bouncing back and forth between Belle and his estranged wife Andrea (Anna Nightingale). That merry dance is due to come to an end the week of April 13th as he finally decides that the lure of love in the afternoon with his ex-wife and the fear of losing his daughter Millie in a custody battle is nothing compared to a snog with Belle in a muddy field. The power of a Dingle should not be underestimated. It's a brave - some would say foolhardy - decision but it is a relief that at last he appears to have actually made his mind up. In truth, there does seem no way back for him and Andrea but the chance that he may have to say goodbye to his daughter Mille is a massive gamble. In next week's episodes Jamie declares undying love for an astonished but delighted Belle. It's not so long that Belle told Jamie, "You and me are not friends anymore," after she discovered he had ended up back in Andrea's bed. But this time her promises he's going to leave Andrea for good. It won't be good news for his mother Kim who has repeatedly warned Belle off from shacking up with her precious son. Belle doesn't scare easily though and there are only so many times you can cross a Dingle without suffering the consequences. Let's hope this Tate is no longer for turning. Emmerdale cast: who is leaving, returning to and joining the cast? Next week's Emmerdale spoilers: Belle gets fired, plus Billy faces big pressure Visit our dedicated Emmerdale page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.
Hollyoaks cast Ripper Street star as evil county lines villain
The powerful county lines drug boss Victor, who even Jordan Price is scared of, has been unveiled as actor Benjamin O’Mahony and the Ripper Street star promises the vulnerable teenagers of Hollyoaks will soon discover just how far he’s prepared to go to ensure his product is distributed. “Victor is (arguably) a sociopath who is willing to do whatever it takes to get what he wants,” says O’Mahony. “He’s perfectly comfortable with manipulating and exploiting vulnerable children to build himself the empire he thinks he deserves.” So far teenagers Juliet Nightingale (Niamh Blackshaw) and Sid Sumner (Billy Price) have only had to deal with Jordan (Connor Calland) but as the storyline moves further up the chain of command there's a whole new level of danger for them and the other youngsters in the village to contend with. "It's going to be seen how the hierarchy works," says Connor Calland. "The audience will get to understand why Jordan is the way he is. You'll see that he's not the nastiest person in the village anymore." Ripper Street fans will know O’Mahony operating on the right side of the law alongside Jerome Flynn and Matthew Macfadyen as DS Frank Thatcher in the period crime drama but he admits the temptation of turning to the dark side as Victor sounded "too juicy to pass up." "Victor is a complex character with a dark past and those are the parts that are always the most satisfying to play," says O'Mahony. "I would argue that Victor sees himself as an efficient businessman working within a violent industry, but there is another side to him that is addicted to the power and loves to see the fear in people's eyes." Next week's Hollyoaks spoilers: Felix blackmails Walter and Darren finds a distraction Hollyoaks: who is leaving, joining and returning to the cast? Visit our dedicated Hollyoaks page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.
Emmerdale's Rhona gets sweet revenge on Kim Tate - but will she regret it?
Graham's will change taunts his ex-wife from beyond the grave
Revenge is a dish best served cold so dearly departed Graham Foster should be delighted with the just desserts he deliveroo-ed from six feet under to former wife, employer and arch enemy Kim Tate via a sneaky last minute will change in Emmerdale's Wednesday 1st April episode. Rhona Goskirk (Zoe Henry) was shocked when she discovered she had been made sole beneficiary of "a lot of money" but not too shocked to immediately put the money to good use by bailing out Moira Dingle (Natalie J Robb) just as Kim thought she'd got her claws into Butler's Farm. It was a particularly satisfying move by Rhona after Kim (Claire King) had been especially vile to her in The Woolpack as she played the grieving widow. "You're the reason he's dead," spat Kim, pointing out that it was Pierce Harris (Jonathan Wrather), Rhona's rapist ex-husband who killed him. Foster intended the money for Rhona and son Leo's future so buying the farm off Moira and going into partnership with her looks a better prospect than her intermittent locum work at the vets - just as long as Moira keeps off the bottle and doesn't pick any more fights with Cain. From a storyline point of view it feels like a healthy reset for both Moira and Rhona in terms of character opening up fresh challenges for them when the soap eventually resumes filming and creating stories that are not defined by any love interests in the village. Chances are that Kim won't take it lying down but there should be plenty of mileage in this new Game of Farms scenario forged in muck and mud. Elsewhere Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) encouraged too-easily-swayed Will Taylor (Dean Andrews) to pick a side in his battle with crooked cop DI Malone (Mark Womack). "And it better be mine." Time to grow that spine, Will. Will Brenda go to jail after being exposed by Mandy in Emmerdale? Emmerdale spoilers for next week: Al and Priya get passionate, plus Mandy wages war against Brenda Emmerdale cast: who is leaving, returning to and joining the cast? Visit our dedicated Emmerdale page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.
EastEnders' Phil and Sharon back together after becoming united in grief?
From burying Dennis Jr to burying the hatchet
Sharon Mitchell screaming, "I will rip your heart out!" as she lunges at Phil with a cake knife in The Queen Vic is not many people's idea of an olive branch, even in EastEnders, but in a tender scene later that evening which possibly proves that Hell has frozen over, the grieving parents finally found common ground and even comfort in each other as both took the blame for Dennis Jr's death. "He should have been safe with me," admitted Phil (Steve McFadden) after returning to Walford too late to bury his stepson. "Today I just wanted our little boy back. How did we get here, Sharon? How did all of this happen?" The answer was of course Sharon's disastrous amour fou with Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters) and the baby that followed (hi Kayden) which sent Phil ballistic when he finally discovered the truth. Clutching a framed photo of her dead son Sharon acknowledged her massive error of judgement. "I am so so sorry hurting you - Keanu, the baby," said Sharon (Letitia Dean) as Phil nursed a cup of tea. "Whatever I was missing, whatever I needed, I was still your wife... I started it. I started everything." Reaching out her hand to his Phil grabbed hold and promised Sharon that he was here for her. It was quite the night for heart-felt gestures and confessionals. After being caught by Shirley trying to cover up her alcohol lapse, Linda told Mick how she couldn't remember a time in her life when she hadn't been surrounded by booze culture. From the moment her dad, a publican, first gave her a sip of one of his pints and turned it into their little daddy/daughter game. Elsewhere a soap nation's collective hearts melted as first Ben let slip to Callum that he loved him and then his heart of gold trainee copper repeated those same three words back to Ben in sign language. And as Mick and Linda reached the big decision that a pub was no longer the place for them to be it was left to Mick to explain it all to Ollie with the help of a toy rabbit. "We just need to be brave," said Mick with the little lad snuggled up between them in bed. "Because a burrow's just a burrow. As long as Daddy's with you and Mummy's here. As long as we're all together it doesn't matter where we are. It will be our home." Whether Phil will feel as warm and fuzzy about his new accommodation as he handed himself in for questioning at Walford police station after being mocked by Ian Beale for always doing a runner remains to be seen. EastEnders confirms Ritchie Scott return - can she keep Phil out of jail? EastEnders cast: Who is joining, leaving and returning to the soap? EastEnders spoilers for next week: Shocks at Dennis';s funeral, plus Jags and Habiba get passionate Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.
Coronation Street's Charles and Ken's feud takes a drastic turn, says Michael Elwyn: 'They have a fencing match!'
He first confronted Elsie Tanner in the Sixties, now he's ready to do battle with Ken Barlow
A new Coronation Street villain has elegantly glided into view since Ken and Claudia moved to their gated retirement community in February 2020. Charles Moore, deliciously played by Michael Elwyn, is the self-ordained "glorious leader" of Stillwaters and the battle of wits between him and crusading Ken is stepping up. Ken is smarting over the £200 fine that Charles has imposed for an illegally smuggled-in Eccles soiling the precious hallway carpet and as he demands to see a copy of the residents' association rule book (Charles is the unchallenged chairman) battle lines are drawn. In the offing is a re-election battle with Norris and Claudia as Ken's hardy lieutenants. There is even the mouth-watering promise of a fencing duel between the two adversaries. Radio Times.com has been chatting exclusively to Elwyn who is marking a happy return to the cobbles after a remarkable 51 years absence... What was your storyline when you first appeared in Coronation Street? I had one episode in 1969 playing the manager of Miami Modes where Elsie Tanner (Pat Phoenix) worked. The episode was about her shoplifting (Elsie had actually been set up by workmate Dot Greenhalgh who later confessed). We had a normal week’s rehearsal and then went into the studio to record at the end of it. She was lovely Pat Phoenix. I only had scenes with her. How did the part of Charles come about? I knew the director Audrey Cooke because she directed me in This Life. We bumped into each other again socially last Autumn and she asked how things were going. The next thing I got a call from the agent in December asking would I like a meeting for this part in Coronation Street. Initially I was booked for four episodes and another eight and the storyline became clear. Are you enjoying sparring with William Roache and Malcolm Hebden? It was great. Bill’s a delightful man. The key thing about Corrie is you really are welcomed into that family. Everybody is so warm and friendly from the moment you walk into reception. I think Bill delights in people coming into the show. He’s been in this world for 60 years so it’s new energy for him. We had lovely chats. I had worked with Malcolm before on an episode of Heartbeat. The nice thing with Charles is that as Corrie villains go he’s not too dark and twisted is he? No, there’s a sense of fun, isn’t there? I’ve always said about Corrie, especially in the early days, that all the characters were just six inches off the ground. They had a comic brio even if the story was slightly dark. I think Charles’ story has that. There’s a scene coming up where Ken and Charles have a fencing match. Initially they weren’t going to show us fencing but Bill said, ‘Can’t we do a bit?’ He was up for it. He is very fit. I’m 77 but he’s 87. He’s remarkable. So we had a little fence. Charles has a line that’s something like, ‘I wouldn’t have you down as a fencer, Ken. Apart from the one you’re always sitting on.’ That’s a perfect Corrie line. You are also guesting this Saturday 4th April in Casualty playing Eric Mann who has a gardening accident whilst working for a friend Audrey played by Susan Jameson. That's a really sweet story. Audrey has employed Eric as a gardener but it’s not quite like that. His late wife was a great friend of Audrey’s. Since she died Eric and Audrey have got friendly. Eric is holding a special love for Audrey in his heart but then at the start of the episode she suddenly tells him that she doesn’t want him gardening for her anymore. He can’t believe it. I won’t reveal what happens after he accidentally cuts himself but in an episode where the other story is pretty dark involving sex and drugs and rock and roll our storyline is rather lovely. Have you been in any other soaps? My very first television job was Crossroads in the Autumn of 1964. At that time Crossroads was only shown in the ATV Midlands area and the Channel Islands. My character was an Irish television engineer called Ted Roach. I walk through the doors of the motel with a large telly looking for Mrs Richardson. So I was working with Noele Gordon, the Queen of Crossroads. Previously I only knew her as the main presenter of Lunchbox, a magazine midday morning show like This Morning, which we used to watch as a family at home. I was also in The Newcomers, a 1965 BBC soap (its cast included a young Wendy Richard) about a London family who move to the South Cambridge/North Essex area in which I played the local squire's rake of a son who gives Judy Geeson her first screen kiss. And in 2012 I played a psychiatrist Dr Curtis in EastEnders. What TV shows are providing you and your partner Alison Steadman with welcome distractions through lockdown? We’ve just started the french series Call My Agent on Netflix. Actor friends recommended it and so far we’re enjoying it. It’s about an actor’s agency. The two dramas I'm currently watching are Better Call Saul and Ozark. I worked with Bryan Cranston for six months in the production of Network at The National but I’d not watched Breaking Bad. I had an hour off in the middle so I watched one episode of Breaking Bad each night in my dressing room. On the last but one night I said to Bryan, ‘Do you know what I’ve been doing? I’ve been watching you.’ He enjoyed that. Now I'm totally hooked on Better Call Saul. Ozark has so much jeopardy. Jason Bateman is so good, I could watch Laura Linney till I die and Lisa Emery as Darlene is someone I didn’t know at all buts she leaps out of the screen. Coronation Street: who is leaving, returning to and joining the soap? Visit our dedicated Coronation Street page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.
Doctors 20th anniversary special promises "a real treat" for fans
Exploding buildings, dramatic births and the return of Diane Keen in a 24 Hours in A&E style docudrama
Daytime drama Doctors has always danced to its own tune, to the delight of its 1.6 million viewers, and the hour long episode to mark its 20th birthday is no exception. Taking its cue from real life TV shows like 24 Hours in A&E it follows a documentary crew recording a day in the life of The Mill Health Centre in Birmingham with core cast doing talking heads interviews to camera whilst dramatic events unfold onscreen. Back on the team for A Day at the Mill is Diane Keen as beloved former practice manager Julia Parsons who along with guest stars Georgia May Foote (Coronation Street's Katy Armstrong) and Matt Bardock (Casualty's Jeff Collier) is at the heart of the action alongside cast regulars with a few Easter egg treat appearances adding to the celebratory tone. At a press preview screening Diane Keen, who joined the show in 2003 and was last seen onscreen in 2012, admitted to being "absolutely proud" of the show and the ways in which it has developed over the past two decades. "It's worthy of any show that's on television at the moment," says Keen. "It really is. I am so proud of it and proud of the fact that from this tiny programme that may or may not have worked has grown exponentially. Watching this new episode was just awesome." "I think our core audience are going to love seeing all these characters on that sofa," adds Chris Walker who plays police sergeant Rob Hollins. "They’re going to find that a real treat." Executive Producer Mike Hobson who was also on the show for its 1000th, 2000th and 3000th episodes decided with regular show writer Toby Walton to pitch something different this time, deciding on the documentary approach. "We came up with this pitch that we really thought could involve all of our cast and be a real treat for the audience," says Hobson. "I think we managed that. We got everybody in." Despite its daytime slot Doctors has never been afraid to tackle issues like child trafficking, domestic abuse and PTSD. Chris Walker and Jan Pearson won a British Soap Award in 201o for Best Onscreen Partnership for their harrowing domestic scenes. which were even commended by the Royal Marines. "A Royal Marine contacted me and was incredibly complimentary saying he shows all the young recruits some of those episodes saying that this is what can happen to you," says Walker. "Things like that are wonderful. I cried. Lots of shows do that but we do it a lot." The anniversary nimbly switches between life and death decisions and every day lighter moments, a trademark of the show. "We tried to get some heavy drama in and some light relief as we do," says Mike Hobson. "A bit of light and shade. There’s a few serious issues in there. Doctors is not afraid of tackling issues. We've tackled absolutely everything." The show also added to its illustrious array of guest stars with Georgia May Foote and Matt Bardock following in the footsteps of Richard Briers, Jodie Comer, Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Eddie Redmayne. On average there are 800 plus guests a year supplementing the core cast of 12. "Phoebe Waller-Bridge played a restaurant manageress," says Mike Hobson. "Lots of people have been through the door and gone on to do things. Eddie Redmayne did a piece for the Evening Standard where he said the happiest day of his life was when he was phoned up by his agents who said he'd got the part in Doctors." "It's the Who's Who of British TV," adds Chris Walker. "For all those incredible people to say 'yes' explains why the show is so loved." Doctors 20th Anniversary episode A Day at the Mill is on BBC One at 1.45pm Thursday 26th March.
EastEnders's Sharon makes a shocking decision about baby Kayden
Denise's honest thoughts about giving up baby Raymond strike a chord
An emotional heart-to-heart between Sharon Mitchell and Denise Fox in EastEnders about doing the best for their babies prompted Sharon to make the surprise decision to hand over baby Kayden to his paternal grandmother Karen Taylor on the day that she also broke down on her dead son Denny's coffin. In Tuesday 17th March's episode Denise (Diane Parish) joined Sharon (Letitia Dean) on Arthur's bench in the square as the devastated mum tried to make sense of losing one son and now not being able to cope with the only one that's still alive. Denise, who had her son Raymond after a drunken one night stand with Sharon's husband Phil (oh cruel irony!), shared how tough it had been deciding to give her baby up for adoption. "I knew I couldn't do it all again when I fell pregnant with Raymond," Denise told Sharon. "If I said I didn't think about him I'd be lying... But I don't regret giving him up because I couldn't give him what he deserves, what he needs. I don't mean money. I mean what he needs emotionally - to give him the best start in life. And that is exactly what he's got." Baby Raymond was named by his foster parents after soul legend Ray Charles. Before that viewers saw Denise sharing her last precious moments with her baby and promising him a future that she felt she couldn't give him herself. "I'm Denise," she said, cradling Raymond in her arms. "I brought you into this world but I'm not going to be your mum. You see there's this couple and they've been waiting for you and they're going to look after you because I can't. I've already had two little girls and bringing them up took everything I had. It's only by the grace of God that they've turned out ok. I can't do that to you, raise you on a wing and a prayer. You deserve so much more. Letting you go is the hardest thing that I'll ever do." As Sharon left Kayden with a stunned Karen and Mitch echoing Denise's words to "give him the life I can't" - it remains to be seen whether she will go through with her actions. Throughout the episode the signs were that she was not coping. First Kathy (Gillian Taylforth) tried to reassure Sharon that she had just had a bad night and then when faced with the horror of eldest son Dennis' coffin she collapsed. The only hope is that some TLC from Karen for the baby might just given Sharon the breathing space she needs. EastEnders' Phil Mitchell returns with a plan for Sharon EastEnders confirms when Phil Mitchell returns - and what brings him back EastEnders cast: Who is joining, leaving and returning to the soap? Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers.
Who was Emmerdale's Nellie Dingle, the relative that's not been seen for 20 years?
Mandy mentioned a big blast from the past this evening
"Being a Dingle has always been about blood," Mandy Dingle said, addressing the bottom line in many of the Emmerdale family's biggest fall-outs over the years. She explained in Tuesday's March 17th episode why she kept Vinny's parentage a secret and in the process recalled Aunt Nellie a member of the clan who has not been seen onscreen for decades. Aunt Nellie was Zak's first wife. She was first played by Sandra Gough in 1995 (who had previously appeared in the soap between 1984 and 1991 as the more glamorous Doreen Shuttleworth, landlady of the the village's rarely referenced second pub, The Maltshovel). The mother of Nathan, Butch, Ben, Sam and Tina Dingle, Nellie was a fiery matriarch who only lasted a year in the village before she moved back to Ireland to look after her sick dad. The following year Zak (Steve Halliwell) met Lisa Clegg (Jane Cox) and he and Nellie were subsequently divorced. Nellie returned to the Dales in 2000, now played by Maggie Tagney, and tried to break up Zak and Lisa's marriage. She came preciously close to achieving that when son Butch Dingle was killed in a bus crash and Lisa was blamed for having serviced the bus. In the end a grief stricken Nellie went back to Ireland after Butch's funeral. Cousin Mandy's discussion with Sam about the importance of blood relatives in the Dingle clan had brought up all sorts of past grievances. Lisa was almost thrown out of the family for reporting Liv Flaherty, Aaron Dingle's sister, to the police when Liv accidentally spiked Lisa's drink. More recently Nate Robinson (Jurell Carter) caused chaos when he revealed himself to be Cain's long lost son. Nate was told by his mother Cara (Carryl Thomas) that Cain had turned his back on him when in fact it had been Faith Dingle (Sally Dexter) trying to protect Nate from his racist biological grandfather Shadrach Dingle. Referencing the troubles with Nate Mandy pointed out the fate that she assumed might be in store for Vinny. "You think they wouldn't have treated him like some kind of add-on?" said Mandy, reminding Sam of his dad Zak's own intolerance back in the day. The fact that hard liner Cain has even mellowed to Nate after he kept the Dingle code and didn't shop his dad to the police for accidentally shooting him suggests Vinny's official entry into the family may not be as fraught as some. The only hope is that Mandy hasn't got any more surprises up her sleeve now that the big secret is out. Emmerdale breaks boundaries with new allergy storyline - and it's about time, too 6 Emmerdale spoilers for next week: Andrea takes on Kim as Cain catches out Malone Visit our dedicated Emmerdale page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you're looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.
Emmerdale's Vinny confesses to the Dingles he's not family as he finally reveals his identity
Ever since Mandy Dingle returned to the village 14 months ago with her 'son' Vinny the pair have kept Emmerdale fans guessing as to the big secret of his true identity. In the end it was the lad himself who cracked in the wake of the family rift over Samson pawning his dead mum Alice's wedding ring to afford a school trip to France. Tuesday 17th March's episode saw Vinny (Bradley Johnson) tell a stunned Sam, Samson and Lydia the truth and admit he could never be a Dingle as hard as he might try. With the cat out of the bag it was left to Mandy (Lisa Riley) to explain how the child came into her life after she started dating a fella called Paul. Emmerdale cast: who is leaving, returning to and joining the cast? 6 Emmerdale spoilers for next week: Andrea takes on Kim as Cain catches out Malone "He was nine months old when I first clapped eyes on him," said Mandy. "He was screaming the street down in his soiled onesie. I looked into his pram and I just knew. I knew that someone had to look after him." Not one to hang about Mandy moved in with Paul a week after their first date. Life was good for the new ready-made family until Paul landed himself in trouble. As things spiralled out of control the feckless dad walked out on Mandy and his son two days after the infant started school. As Mandy had no legal rights to adopt the child she faced the choice of either putting Vinny into care or becoming his mother - "the mum he never had". The decision to do the latter has left her covering their tracks ever since. At one point Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt) even believed that Vinny might be his. It also raises intriguing questions that the soap will doubtless explore further down the line. Mandy explained that Vinny had a nan who died but there is still an uncle that he has barely seen knocking about somewhere out there waiting for a storyline and, more importantly, Vinny's biological mum is as far as we know still alive. For now though it's enough that the lie is no more and that Vinny's acceptance into the clan has begun. Or as Sam Dingle (James Hooton) put it, "Welcome t' family, Vinny Dingle." He'll be supping ale from a wellington boot down The Woolpack before you know it. Visit our dedicated Emmerdale page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you're looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.
EastEnders 35th aftermath: The unlucky Walford 13 who are still in danger...
They’ve dodged a watery grave but none of them are out of the woods
“The main thing that comes out of the death we see tonight is its consequences,” says Kate Oates, Head of BBC Continuing Drama, of the EastEnders 35th anniversary aftermath. “It’s where it goes. It’s the people who are left behind.” As Albert Square mourns the loss of terrible tyke (and social media hate-crime troll) Dennis ‘Denny’ Rickman Jr (Bleu Landau) the Walford blame game begins and there are many whose lives are now in deep trouble. Radio Times.com presents our list of folk who may be suffering for many months to come. Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) Angry dad Ian was well within his rights to storm onto the doomed party boat looking for vengeance after Denny trolled his son Bobby for his religious beliefs. That prompted a hate attack on Bobby, Iqra and Habib that left his son needing emergency surgery. Ian locked Denny in a cabin below decks which proved fatal when the Thames cruiser crashed. Ian did try to rescue Denny by bashing a hole in the door with a fire extinguisher and pulling Denny through it but it wasn’t enough to save him. So what will his closest pal Sharon think when she discovers Ian’s part in her sons death? Sharon Mitchell (Letitia Dean) Talking of Sharon, the grieving mother is currently heaping a great deal of the blame on herself. Firstly for falling for that oh so tempting six pack of Keanu Taylor’s and embarking on one of the most foolhardy and potentially lethal affairs that the Square has ever seen (as the wife of Phil Mitchell and step-mum of Keanu’s pregnant fiancé Louise). Secondly – and we do feel she’s being a little hard on herself here – for swearing on Denny’s life to Louise back in 2018 that she wasn’t sleeping with Keanu. She is of course also blaming Keanu. “If I hadn’t let you into my life I’d still have my son!” she shouted as she banished him forever. Callum Highway (Tony Clay) Someone who is almost completely blameless in all of this is poor Halfway. Minding his own business and preparing for his police exam Callum was taken hostage by Keanu. It was all Ben and Phil’s fault for hiring Martin Fowler to kill Keanu in revenge for cheating on Louise and getting Sharon pregnant. So whilst Ben failed to get together the necessary £100,000 to save his boyfriend poor Callum did his best to escape but instead fell from a great height in the deserted warehouse where Keanu was holding him hostage. A feeble twitch of a finger leaves his many loyal fans worried that there could still be another surprise death. Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty) Abused as a child by Tony King and then stalked by his twisted son Leo Whitney was well within her rights to defend herself with a kitchen knife when he came at her once again in her home. It was self-defence. It may be harder to prove that though since she phoned Mick Carter for help and he convinced her to leave Leo’s dead body on the kitchen floor and join him on the party boat to give her an alibi. Wracked with guilt Whit wouldn’t let go of that knife. She scared the hell out of Jack Branning before handing it and herself over to the police once back on dry land. With Whitney’s luck the future does not look good. Bobby Beale (Clay Milner Russell) Bobby’s conversion to Islam has been a force for good in the troubled teenager’s life (whatever Ian thinks). The Ahmed sisters Iqra and Habiba have given him the much-needed support that was missing at home which makes it all the more cruel that he should end up in hospital with potential brain injuries after defending them from a racist attack. With half-brother Peter back from New Zealand there’s a lot of making up to be done but how will this attack change him? And how will he feel about his tormentor’s death? Bex Fowler (Jasmine Armfield) Bex has been mentally fragile for some time but the lack of support at home from mum and dad Sonia and Martin and a 20 year-old’s desire to push boundaries and not be molly-coddled made Bex takes risks. Dotty Branning is a lousy choice of mate but it was Bex who badgered Dotty to give her the dealer’s number which resulted in her taking contaminated pills. After collapsing on the boat she’s now in hospital. Could this latest setback push her over the edge? And what physical damage has she done to her body? Dotty Cotton (Milly Zero) Kirsty Dorothy ‘Dotty’ Cotton has caused plenty of trouble since she showed up back in the Square but introducing Bex to drugs could well cost her dear. Sonia and Martin are sure to be on the warpath. When Bex was wavering on the coach whether to take the pills it was Dotty who encouraged her. The fact that she was the one who discovered Denny to be the internet troll might help her at some point but it’s likely there’s a lot more trouble ahead. Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters) Keanu was last seen saying an emotional goodbye to his mum at Walford East Station as he contemplated a new life without either of his children. To the Mitchells he could not be more persona non grata but will banning him from Walford ever be enough? Is there a little part of Phil and Ben that will always want to finish the job? And as he’s shown already will Keanu ever be smart enough to stay away when there’s the slightest chance of seeing his kids again? Also the police might like a word with him for his dodgy boat steering that caused the crash. Sleep with one eye open, lad. Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) That said it takes two to tango – or in this case capsize a boat – and the police will be just as interested in Phil’s part in the wheelhouse brawl that caused untold damage and loss of life. Added to that, Phil also knocked the poor Captain Cox out sparko. Will Phil blame himself for Denny’s death and hit the bottle again? And how do him and Sharon continue to live on the same square? The rueful look on his face once he was back on dry land hinted at plenty of unfinished business. Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick) Another Mitchell that will most definitely be in Phil’s thoughts and probably off his Christmas card list is Billy. It was one of the high points of the 35th’s week when Billy laid Phil out cold as he defended new love Karen Taylor. The pair then shared a few idyllic moments on the sofa as Billy basked in his unexpected glory. The smile was wiped from his face again when they looked behind the sofa and Phil was gone again. Karen may need to return the favour and save Billy once Phil stops rubbing his sore head. Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) Ben knew just how much trouble he’d caused as soon as his boyfriend was bundled into Keanu’s boot. Trying to make amends was all very well but it’s likely that Callum will blame Ben as much - if not more - than Keanu. That’s if Halfway’s even alive. So Ben could have blood on his hands both for that and his part in the boat fight with Keanu. His attempt to become a better man has massively come unstuck. And what will Sharon think of her step-son’s part in Denny’s death? Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy) Sonia’s most immediate concern is Bex’s recovery but putting that to one side how is she going to explain to the police about the dead body (Leo) that she failed to mention when they called round to warn her about the contaminated pills? Now that Whitney has told the police he’s lying on the kitchen floor there’s no way of covering this up? Is there jail time ahead for Sonia as well as Whitney? Mick Carter (Danny Dyer) And finally, it might not have been Mick’s cellar with a corpse in it but what was he thinking when she persuaded Whitney to scrap her self-defence plea and instead get her glad rags on and take his arm for a trip up the Thames on the boat of doom? His marriage may be looking healthier but another dose of prison life could finish that. EastEnders cast: Who is joining, leaving and returning to the soap? 13 most memorable EastEnders deaths ahead of the 35th anniversary boat tragedy Has Dot permanently left EastEnders? Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers.