Radio Times
type: channel
link: https://www.radiotimes.com
date: 2024-12-07T11:44:38.000Z
update period: hourly
update frequency: 1
update base: 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00
items: Coronation Street's Trevor Michael Georges on Ed Bailey's response to Bistro manager Don's racist remarks
items: When was Coronation Street's David Platt diagnosed with epilepsy?
items: The truth is out about Emmerdale's Harriet and corrupt cop DI Malone
items: What happened to Emmerdale's Biff Fowler?
items: Hollyoaks' Alfie Nightingale star on filming school explosion, leaving soap and coping in self isolation
items: When will Holby City return?
items: What happened to Emmerdale's Tina Dingle?
items: Emmerdale's Charity makes plans to adopt Vanessa's son Johnny - but it won't be easy
items: Coronation Street's David Platt risks his life provoking gangs - but it's not the first time he's gone off the rails
items: EastEnders’ Jack Branning to lose his job as Keegan makes a rash move?
items: Who is Emmerdale's Kirin Kotecha, Vanessa's baby father?
items: Why does EastEnders' Phil Mitchell want to buy back The Queen Vic after turbulent history?
items: EastEnders' Peter Beale threatens to expose his one night stand with Lola
items: Have EastEnders' Kush and Shirley put Jean's life in danger?
items: Coronation Street's Yasmeen Metcalfe denied bail in another cruel twist
items: Who is Coronation Street's Ted Page, Gail's relative that hasn't been seen in a decade?
items: Has Emmerdale's Harriet actually defeated corrupt cop DI Malone?
items: Is Emmerdale's Wendy about to join Bob Hope's catalogue of romantic disasters?
items: EastEnders' Phil makes emotional gesture in Mitchell turning point
items: EastEnders' Whitney gets a harrowing blast from the past in Albert Square returnee
items: Emmerdale's Jamie Tate makes his choice in Belle and Andrea love triangle
items: Hollyoaks cast Ripper Street star as evil county lines villain
items: Emmerdale's Rhona gets sweet revenge on Kim Tate - but will she regret it?
items: EastEnders' Phil and Sharon back together after becoming united in grief?
items: Coronation Street's Charles and Ken's feud takes a drastic turn, says Michael Elwyn: 'They have a fencing match!'
items: Doctors 20th anniversary special promises "a real treat" for fans
items: EastEnders's Sharon makes a shocking decision about baby Kayden
items: Who was Emmerdale's Nellie Dingle, the relative that's not been seen for 20 years?
items: Emmerdale's Vinny confesses to the Dingles he's not family as he finally reveals his identity
items: EastEnders 35th aftermath: The unlucky Walford 13 who are still in danger...

Coronation Street's Trevor Michael Georges on Ed Bailey's response to Bistro manager Don's racist remarks
type: item
date: 2020-05-15T19:00:11.000Z
creator: Paul Simper
subject: Coronation Street
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
description: It's a tipping point for the Baileys...
encoded: 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…

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When was Coronation Street's David Platt diagnosed with epilepsy?
type: item
date: 2020-05-15T19:00:02.000Z
creator: Paul Simper
subject: Coronation Street
subject: News
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
description: Oliver Battersby's 'uncle' tries to help Nick and Leanne by sharing his health tips
encoded: 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 grat…

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The truth is out about Emmerdale's Harriet and corrupt cop DI Malone
type: item
date: 2020-05-15T18:30:18.000Z
creator: Paul Simper
subject: Emmerdale
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
description: Secrets are revealed in the vestry
encoded: 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 th…

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What happened to Emmerdale's Biff Fowler?
type: item
date: 2020-05-15T10:32:02.000Z
creator: Paul Simper
subject: Emmerdale
subject: News
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
description: Unlucky in love but at least he had his motorbike...
encoded: 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 b…

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Hollyoaks' Alfie Nightingale star on filming school explosion, leaving soap and coping in self isolation
type: item
date: 2020-05-14T18:30:54.000Z
creator: Paul Simper
subject: Hollyoaks
subject: News
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
description: Richard Linnell shares his DontFilterFeelings tips for coping with lockdown
encoded: 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 shoo…

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When will Holby City return?
type: item
date: 2020-05-14T15:39:57.000Z
creator: Paul Simper
subject: News
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
description: Options are being explored...
encoded: 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.

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What happened to Emmerdale's Tina Dingle?
type: item
date: 2020-05-14T13:17:54.000Z
creator: Paul Simper
subject: Coronation Street
subject: Emmerdale
subject: News
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
description: And guess who she ended up marrying in Coronation Street?
encoded: 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 …

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Emmerdale's Charity makes plans to adopt Vanessa's son Johnny - but it won't be easy
type: item
date: 2020-05-13T18:30:56.000Z
creator: Paul Simper
subject: Emmerdale
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
description: At last some good news for Vanity fans
encoded: 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 vica…

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Coronation Street's David Platt risks his life provoking gangs - but it's not the first time he's gone off the rails
type: item
date: 2020-05-13T17:16:22.000Z
creator: Paul Simper
subject: Coronation Street
subject: News
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
description: This is not the first time Gail's troubled middle son has pushed his life to the limit
encoded: 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…

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EastEnders’ Jack Branning to lose his job as Keegan makes a rash move?
type: item
date: 2020-05-13T17:12:51.000Z
creator: Paul Simper
subject: EastEnders
subject: News
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
description: Distrust of the police after stop and search tactics takes its toll
encoded: "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.

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Who is Emmerdale's Kirin Kotecha, Vanessa's baby father?
type: item
date: 2020-05-13T12:45:38.000Z
creator: Paul Simper
subject: Emmerdale
subject: News
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
description: Last seen heading for South America after running over Tess Harris
encoded: 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…

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Why does EastEnders' Phil Mitchell want to buy back The Queen Vic after turbulent history?
type: item
date: 2020-05-12T19:00:28.000Z
creator: Paul Simper
subject: EastEnders
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
description: So many bad memories...
encoded: 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…

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EastEnders' Peter Beale threatens to expose his one night stand with Lola
type: item
date: 2020-05-11T19:45:39.000Z
creator: Paul Simper
subject: EastEnders
subject: News
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
description: Could this be the end for Lola and Jay?
encoded: 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.

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Have EastEnders' Kush and Shirley put Jean's life in danger?
type: item
date: 2020-05-11T19:30:51.000Z
creator: Paul Simper
subject: EastEnders
subject: News
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
description: Desperate measures result in disaster...
encoded: 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 brui…

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Coronation Street's Yasmeen Metcalfe denied bail in another cruel twist
type: item
date: 2020-05-11T19:00:39.000Z
creator: Paul Simper
subject: Coronation Street
subject: News
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
description: Imran didn't manage to get her home
encoded: 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…

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Who is Coronation Street's Ted Page, Gail's relative that hasn't been seen in a decade?
type: item
date: 2020-05-11T18:45:29.000Z
creator: Paul Simper
subject: Coronation Street
subject: News
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
description: He still sent her a birthday card. Just saying, David...
encoded: 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…

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Has Emmerdale's Harriet actually defeated corrupt cop DI Malone?
type: item
date: 2020-05-11T18:30:24.000Z
creator: Paul Simper
subject: Emmerdale
subject: News
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
description: The vicar lays her life on the line to save her family
encoded: 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 fo…

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Is Emmerdale's Wendy about to join Bob Hope's catalogue of romantic disasters?
type: item
date: 2020-04-08T18:30:53.000Z
creator: Paul Simper
subject: Emmerdale
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
description: Five wives and counting...
encoded: "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 Bren…

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EastEnders' Phil makes emotional gesture in Mitchell turning point
type: item
date: 2020-04-07T19:00:20.000Z
creator: Paul Simper
subject: EastEnders
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
description: It's been a long time coming
encoded: 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.

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EastEnders' Whitney gets a harrowing blast from the past in Albert Square returnee
type: item
date: 2020-04-07T16:20:22.000Z
creator: Paul Simper
subject: EastEnders
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
description: As if she hasn't suffered enough!
encoded: 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.

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height: 320

Emmerdale's Jamie Tate makes his choice in Belle and Andrea love triangle
type: item
date: 2020-04-07T16:13:35.000Z
creator: Paul Simper
subject: Emmerdale
subject: News
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
description: The love triangle merry-go-round comes to a halt
encoded: 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.

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height: 2048

Hollyoaks cast Ripper Street star as evil county lines villain
type: item
date: 2020-04-07T13:08:08.000Z
creator: Paul Simper
subject: Hollyoaks
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
description: Fear him!
encoded: 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.

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height: 1707

Emmerdale's Rhona gets sweet revenge on Kim Tate - but will she regret it?
type: item
date: 2020-04-01T18:30:57.000Z
creator: Paul Simper
subject: Emmerdale
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
description: Graham's will change taunts his ex-wife from beyond the grave
encoded: 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 ou…

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EastEnders' Phil and Sharon back together after becoming united in grief?
type: item
date: 2020-03-31T19:00:04.000Z
creator: Paul Simper
subject: EastEnders
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
description: From burying Dennis Jr to burying the hatchet
encoded: 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 Mi…

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Coronation Street's Charles and Ken's feud takes a drastic turn, says Michael Elwyn: 'They have a fencing match!'
type: item
date: 2020-03-31T15:16:47.000Z
creator: Paul Simper
subject: Coronation Street
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
description: He first confronted Elsie Tanner in the Sixties, now he's ready to do battle with Ken Barlow
encoded: 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 rece…

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Doctors 20th anniversary special promises "a real treat" for fans
type: item
date: 2020-03-26T09:28:59.000Z
creator: Paul Simper
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
description: Exploding buildings, dramatic births and the return of Diane Keen in a 24 Hours in A&E style docudrama
encoded: 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 w…

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EastEnders's Sharon makes a shocking decision about baby Kayden
type: item
date: 2020-03-17T20:30:31.000Z
creator: Paul Simper
subject: EastEnders
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
description: Denise's honest thoughts about giving up baby Raymond strike a chord
encoded: 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…

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Who was Emmerdale's Nellie Dingle, the relative that's not been seen for 20 years?
type: item
date: 2020-03-17T19:45:41.000Z
creator: Paul Simper
subject: Emmerdale
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
description: Mandy mentioned a big blast from the past this evening
encoded: "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 tre…

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Emmerdale's Vinny confesses to the Dingles he's not family as he finally reveals his identity
type: item
date: 2020-03-17T19:25:51.000Z
creator: Paul Simper
subject: Emmerdale
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
description: Mandy reveals his heartbreaking history
encoded: 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…

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EastEnders 35th aftermath: The unlucky Walford 13 who are still in danger...
type: item
date: 2020-02-21T21:05:47.000Z
creator: Paul Simper
subject: EastEnders
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
description: They’ve dodged a watery grave but none of them are out of the woods
encoded: “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 take…

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