Lena Dunham's Too Much is no Girls – and it suffers for it
Dunham's return for Netflix is a rose-tinted romcom that trades authenticity for Hallmark.
"No one above 40 should live in a communal space in Bushwick. It’s like a slutty salad bar," Lena Dunham’s Nora says in an episode of Netflix’s Too Much. A nod to the glorious days of her era-defining HBO series Girls (‘The Crackcident’, to be exact), this line also encapsulates the divide between the two shows. Too Much is no Girls, make no mistake. Dunham’s TV return wants you to know it has outgrown the sweaty warehouse parties of Bushwick, as it moves the action across the Atlantic for an upbeat romcom. The filmmaker takes a step back, letting Megan Stalter shine as protagonist Jessica, a New Yorker in need of a change after her ex Zev (Michael Zegen) finds a new girlfriend, influencer Wendy Jones (Emily Ratajkowski) – always rigorously referred to by first and last name. The relocation is inspired by Dunham’s own move across the pond after a breakup and her encounter with her now husband, musician Luis Felber. The couple co-created Too Much, with Felber ensuring all the Britishisms and cultural idiosyncrasies were on point to avoid the Emily in Paris effect. Too Much might nail the less charming aspects of Brit culture, but it remains a fantasy, only marginally more realistic than a comfort Hallmark movie. If any of those were set in an East London estate rather than a quaint Vermont village, that is. On her first day in the city, Jess is sucked into a whirlwind romance with troubled British indie musician Felix (Will Sharpe). The lead has her fair share of mental health issues and insecurities unveiled across the 10 episodes, each slipping a pun into the titles of beloved romantic movies. Read more: Too Much star didn't know about Happy Valley when shooting surprising homage scene Too Much creator Lena Dunham reveals reason why she chose to cast supermodels in Netflix romcom As Jess and Felix’s fast-forward love affair progresses, Too Much encompasses issues including loneliness, addiction, grief, historical abuse and a host of undiagnosed mental illnesses, though merely waltzes around them, like Lily Allen in the video of LDN. A sometimes bleak series that hardly elicited a laugh without forcing an uncomfortable introspection, Girls brilliantly blurred the lines of comedy and drama. It also had a more ambiguous approach to toxic relationships, which seems to be the focus of Too Much instead. Girls' on-again, off-again relationship between Hannah and Adam was acknowledged as unhealthy, though he never truly wised up to his abusive dynamics. As for Hannah and Jessa, that friendship could never be mended after the ultimate betrayal — she and Adam dated behind Hannah’s back, only for him to go back to his ex. The former friends had a hard time realising that flaky, noncommittal, irksome Adam was the weak link in their triangle, with Too Much going in the opposite direction. While it’s refreshing to see Jess and Wendy having some closure about Zev, the series’s insistence on hitting the same peppy, optimistic note risks losing the bite Girls had. The coffee-less chat between Jess and Wendy is a rare moment of honesty, providing a much more poignant finale than Jess’s romcom happy ending. However, there’s little truth to be found elsewhere, especially in Zev’s bare-all session with his therapist, a scene that plays like a shoehorned-in epiphany with no prior or further context. In a chilling admission that almost resembles a serial killer confession, Zev dishes out on his toxic relationship pattern, with his monologue feeling like a stifled segment of wishful thinking. Enjoyable nonetheless, Too Much is graced by a stacked cast — Rita Wilson, Richard E Grant, Naomi Watts, Andrew Scott and Adèle Exarchopoulos, to name a few — with great performances across the board. Stalter, who brought her social media persona to her over-the-top role in Hacks, gives a genuinely moving turn as Jess. The star is comfortable in the more comedic bits but holds her own in the dramatic arena too, helping shape the character beyond Dunham’s proxy. Yet, with Jess’s rose-tinted glasses on, Too Much screeches when it forces an idealistic denouement on its audience. The series still occasionally showcases Dunham’s distinctive style and flair for characters who are hard to root for, though the tone is much lighter than Girls’ razor-sharpness. The shift was deliberate on Dunham’s part, whose intention was to make a "unifying and loving and, at the end of the day, hopeful" show, as she revealed during a Tribeca panel. And she certainly delivered on the hopeful part, with Too Much being more interested in wrapping things with a bow than producing something authentic. It intentionally, happily settles for Richard Curtis's cosy vibe, miles away from Dunham’s brand of painfully relatable ‘yikes’ that viewers, particularly those who haven't graduated from the chaotic 20-something status, have come to expect. Defying expectations is essential to make groundbreaking art, but, sadly, it’s not what Too Much does. In its overcorrecting of the supposed shortcomings that made Girls so flawed and iconic, the writing disappointingly seems too busy selling an imperfect, clichéd fairytale, more similar to the romcom it wants to parody than it thinks. Embellishing reality was something Girls — a millennial, realer take on Sex and the City, if you will — hardly ever compromised on, pushing second-hand embarrassment and bittersweetness to new, forever memeable heights. Polarising as it was, it’s still one of best entries in the Messy Millennial TV canon alongside Broad City, a much more humorous, horny and awkward outlook on disorderly womanhood. There’s a lot of good in Dunham’s latest offering, with Too Much on track to make some end-of-year lists, but Girls fans will be left lukewarm at its polished facade and traditional resolution. If a lot of cringe and a little schadenfreude are what you’re after, you’ll find out that Too Much is, in fact, not enough. Too Much is available to stream on Netflix. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Add The Couple Next Door to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Comedy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Pride & Prejudice at 20: How the Elizabeth-centric version masters the balance of Austen and Hollywood
Joe Wright's stripped-down, riveting adaptation starring Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet is back in cinemas this weekend.
Sorry, Mr Darcy — in 2005’s Pride & Prejudice, the fuss is all about Keira Knightley’s Elizabeth Bennet, a feistier version of the character responsible for the film’s enduring appeal. Joe Wright’s debut feature may divert from Jane Austen’s novel in more ways than one, but it stands out as the most Elizabeth-centric adaptation of the author’s beloved classic. Now marking its 20th anniversary with a re-release in UK cinemas, the movie’s popularity remains unaltered two decades on — the enthusiastic response from viewers when the period drama was added to Netflix last month only confirmed that. Upon its release, however, the 2005 adaptation of Pride & Prejudice was criticised in academic milieux for its faithfulness, or lack thereof, to the source material. Deborah Moggach’s initial script was reworked not just to make the constraints posed by the film’s runtime work in its favour, but to enhance a remarkably timeless story with a more contemporary flair. Rather than taking place in the heyday of the Regency era, Wright updated the drama to the late 18th century. This was in line with Austen’s first version of the novel, originally known as First Impressions, written between October 1796 and August 1797 and set around those years. This shift resulted in the movie trading the polished Empire outfits for muddy hems, that were present in the novel nonetheless. "She looked positively medieval," Kelly Reilly’s deliciously vicious Caroline Bingley says with contempt of Elizabeth who, frankly my dear, doesn’t give a damn. Moggach resorted to cutting some characters and subplots so that Roman Osin’s camera could capture more of the dewy landscapes. Meanwhile, some key scenes were moved out of cream-coloured parlours and into the outdoors, maintaining the focus on Elizabeth throughout. Marking her first collaboration with Wright, the movie sees Knightley effortlessly embody Austen’s headstrong heroine, a stellar turn that would earn her an Oscar nomination. Off the back of her roles in big productions like Pirates of the Caribbean and Love Actually, her star power set the film up for commercial success while helping direct the spotlight away from the male hero. Through previous adaptations, Mr Darcy had entered pop culture as the epitome of aloofness and gallantry. The character had captured the fantasy of readers-turned-viewers in swoon-worthy performances from famous stars, from Laurence Olivier to Colin Firth, with some of these male actors being given a prominent position in the promotional material as well as top billing. In Wright’s version, the back and forth between Elizabeth and Darcy, involved in the OG enemies-to-lovers dance, is reassessed visually and narratively as a story told from a female perspective. Delivering a brilliantly subtle turn as Darcy, Macfadyen is unafraid to let Knightley take the lead. "They always call it Colin Firth or Olivier's Pride and Prejudice, but I want people to call this Keira Knightley's Pride and Prejudice. It's Lizzy's story," Wright said in an interview with Yahoo back in 2005. His approach is apparent from the early scenes of Pride & Prejudice, with the camera lingering on Elizabeth as she reads a book and takes a stroll in nature. A long take accompanies her to Longbourn — here a more rundown affair compared to the Bennet’s landed gentry, if modest, estate — introducing her four sisters and bantering parents, played by Brenda Blethyn and late legend Donald Sutherland. For comparison, the 1995 series opens on Bingley and Darcy riding their horses and discussing the beauty of Netherfield. Elizabeth is then presented as she’s watching the two gentlemen from afar, in an addendum that’s not in the novel. Language plays a crucial role in Wright’s adaptation. Much like the performances across the board, the dialogue feels natural and organic without giving in to overly contemporary lingo like Netflix's 2022 take on Persuasion does, missing the mark on Austen. The author has enjoyed renewed, cross-generational popularity thanks to Barbie’s Pride and Prejudice joke, which humorously references the 1995 series as a quick fix for mental health problems. While it's no therapy, Austen’s witty, pragmatic, and acute style makes for observational sketches of human relationships that stand the test of time and have spawned several adaptations. An upcoming Netflix six-part Pride and Prejudice series has just found its two lovers in Emma Corrin and Jack Lowden, with Olivia Colman set to play Mrs Bennet. Written by Dolly Alderton of Everything I Know About Love fame, the drama promises to be the streaming equivalent of the 1990s BBC series, bringing Austen to Gen Z audiences — a feat that recent adaptations haven’t quite managed to pull off. Tending to the modern spark in Austen’s stories and updating them to the point of no recognition is a fine line to tread, and Wright’s Pride & Prejudice does so masterfully. Far from sugarcoating a society in which she was also an outcast, Austen lucidly exposes the sexism of her time with a fascinating exploration of gender roles. Pride & Prejudice follows the same trajectory by giving agency to its women whilst affording some vulnerability to its men. In the 2005 movie, Colin Firth’s wet, white shirt from the 1995 version is sublimated into a nuanced gesture that made Wright’s version a romantic cult for the '00s and beyond. Macfadyen’s improvised hand flex after Darcy helps Lizzy onto a carriage has reached iconic status. It’s a detail that gives a first indication of the film’s erotic subtext, a wordless yearning in which chaste hand touches are a proxy for sexual closeness. View oEmbed on the source website Again, when the couple dances for the first time at Netherfield, Wright creates the illusion of an empty ballroom, a device he went on to reprise in 2012’s Anna Karenina, a theatricalised version starring Knightley as Tolstoy’s tragic protagonist. As Elizabeth and Darcy’s hands touch and eyes lock, their private choreography turns an otherwise trite ritual of polite society into a pivotal, intimate occasion. Finally, after Darcy’s second proposal, it’s Lizzy who initiates contact with her now-fiancé. By kissing his hands, she reclaims her power and gives her consent in their slow-burn romance. Meanwhile, best friends Darcy and Bingley take it upon themselves to flip the expectations of impenetrable masculinity. In a tender scene, Bingley needs help practising his proposal to Jane and Darcy is glad to cast his conceited ways aside and stand in for the eldest Bennet sister. Despite the inevitable edits to the novel, it’s the ending of Pride & Prejudice — the far superior UK finale, particularly — that confirms the film as a compelling adaptation that’s loyal to Austen. Much like Greta Gerwig’s Little Women, Wright’s Pride & Prejudice skips the wedding altogether, opting for a tale of two endings. In the US, the drama was released with a "completely, and perfectly, and incandescently" happy ending, giving viewers a sweet-bordering-saccharine peek into Elizabeth and Darcy’s marital bliss. This side of the pond, the finale was tweaked after unfavourable test screenings, ending on a lighthearted jab from Sutherland’s Mr Bennet, more akin to Austen’s matter-of-fact humour. All these exquisite visual details and comedic moments are woven into the very fabric of Austen’s story. Wright and Moggach crafted a film adaption which makes up for its liberties in the editing with great self-awareness and the ability to be in conversation with the present, even 20 years on. Pride & Prejudice is back in UK cinemas from Friday 25th April 2025. Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
How Severance season 2 avoids the trap of a problematic sci-fi trope where others have failed
Just don't call it a love triangle. Or square.
Warning: Spoilers for Severance season 2 episode 6 ahead. This article contains discussion of sexual assault and rape that some may find upsetting. Severance season 2 has introduced a violated consent storyline that answers some of the show’s philosophical questions - and has managed to avoid the trap of a problematic sci-fi trope where many others have failed. In the new chapter of the Apple TV+ series, the MDR gang traded Lumon’s severed floor for a snowy team-building outing. Possibly the best Severance episode so far, Woe’s Hollow, sees Mark S (Adam Scott) and Helly R (Britt Lower) make the most of whatever limited privacy the retreat has to offer and have sex in her tent. This intimate moment turns sinister when Irving B (John Turturro) exposes Helly’s real identity. It’s revealed that Helly’s Outie, Lumon’s CEO-in-waiting Helena Eagan, took her place right after the Overtime Contingency of season 1. In the latest episode, Attila, Helly rejoins her colleagues. Innie Mark informs her of what went down in Dieter Eagan National Forest, with Severance dealing with the aftermath of Helena’s rape by deception. The show handles the trope with the care it deserves. Instead of framing the incident as a betrayal on Mark’s part, Helly admits to being upset but recognises that Helena tricked them both. Rape under false pretences is a common trope in speculative fiction, but it’s hardly ever treated as a violation of consent. Time-loop romcoms often resort to a comedic montage of the (usually male) protagonists benefitting from the space-time glitch to gather intel on their love interests. The lead uses manipulation to force intimacy with a female character through repeated approaches. And it’s all played for laughs, when it’s not praised as adorable and goofy. Time-loop classic Groundhog Day is one of the most notable offenders in this respect. Bill Murray’s weatherman Phil uses the loop to acquire information on Nancy (Marita Geraghty), then pretends they went to school together to bag a date. After they have sex, it’s meant to be entertaining when Phil alludes to Nancy not remembering him the “next” day. In a way, it’s the quantum equivalent of being roofied. Phil acts similarly with producer Rita, portrayed by Andie MacDowell. He realises he cares for her and doesn’t just want a time-loop stand, but attempts to achieve his supposedly romantic goal by pressuring her and presenting himself as something he’s not. More recent time-hopping films like When We First Met and Palm Springs feature a version of this storyline. The circumstances may vary, yet obtaining sex from a seemingly consensual but ultimately unaware party remains a constant. While these time-loop stories are an ill-conceived attempt to mimic an insistent courtship, body swap has also been used to depict rape by deception within existing relationships. There are multiple instances of the trope in shows like Charmed and Supernatural, with Buffy the Vampire Slayer also including a body-swapping male rape in season 4. In Who Are You?, Faith (Eliza Dushku) hijacks Buffy’s (Sarah Michelle Gellar) body and seduces her boyfriend Riley (Marc Blucas). Disappointingly, his victim status isn’t really acknowledged. The conflict stems from a third party, Faith, disrupting the monogamous relationship between Buffy and Riley, rather than from a matter of consent. An equally problematic depiction of rape by deception occurs in season 4 of The Boys. Hughie (Jack Quaid) sleeps with a shapeshifter impersonating Annie (Erin Moriarty). Furious with him for not being able to tell them apart, the real Starlight accuses Hughie of only wanting to get laid, reinforcing negative misconceptions surrounding male sexual violence. The argument ends in a misjudged comedic resolution when Annie demands Hughie get tested for STIs and he rejoices at being back in her good books. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2024/07/the-boys-hughie-campbell-starlight-6d624ff.jpg" width="3000" height="2000" alt="Hughie Campbell and Annie January in The Boys stood opposite each other and talking. They are standing in a room with artwork on the wall behind them." title="Jack Quaid as Hughie Campbell and Erin Moriarty as Annie January aka Starlight in The Boys" /> Severance is yet to explore Mark’s innermost feelings about the retreat, though the show spells out where the responsibilities of the mind-swapping fraud lie. A descendant of Lumon founder Kier Eagan, Helena holds all the power and knowledge in this scenario. Helly, who never directs her anger at Mark, brands her Outie’s actions as “disgusting”. She voices her frustration about her lack of bodily autonomy, being controlled by Helena down to the most basic expression of free will – choosing what to wear in the morning. The Innie reclaims her agency and tells Mark she wants her own memories with him. The two sneak out to an abandoned room at Lumon and have sex in episode 6, with their encounter rooted in mutual consent and communication. With this storyline, season 2 of the twisty dystopian thriller outlines a response to the moral conundrums posed by the very existence of Outies and Innies. If we adhere to a consciousness-based theory of personal identity – perceptions, feelings and memories make us ‘The We We Are’, rather than our mortal bodies – then Outies and Innies can’t be the same individuals. And the treatment of the rape by deception subplot is a direct consequence of this belief, opening mind-boggling possibilities for the show. Starved for authentic connections, Helena is enthralled by a video of Helly and Mark kissing earlier in the season. She may be posing as Helly when she sleeps with Mark, but she sounds honest when she confesses being ashamed of her Outie, of herself. Things are complicated further in Attila as Helena strikes up a conversation with Outie Mark in the outside world. Having only just started his unauthorised reintegration, Mark has no clue about his Innie’s relationships. Helena is again concealing information from him, though Lower’s restrained acting highlights the Outie’s internal struggle between honouring her family’s messed-up legacy and the need to break free from her social and political persona. Fans have begun an award campaign for Britt Lower on social media, with her excellent dual performance as Helly and Helena underscoring the most disturbing connotations of this storyline. Previous examples of the trope prove that the discourse surrounding rape by deception in popular culture isn’t as vocal as it is for acts fitting the stereotypical narrative — and most legal definitions — of sexual assault as a crime that requires physical force and coercion being used. Severance escapes this equation by its own nature. War on the individual is waged on an eerily psychological terrain in the show, but this doesn’t mean it’s any less violent. After all, murky consent is at the foundational core of what Lumon does. The characters agree to be severed without having all the elements to make an informed decision and are left with the side effects. As we await to understand why Mark is crucial to Cold Harbor, whatever that is, Severance continues to brilliantly navigate the mishandling of consent and disassociation in the face of trauma. Bad things can happen, the show suggests, but it’s the renegotiation of these events that contributes to one’s self-determination, even in a hostile environment like the worst workplace imaginable. For support and advice on matters raised in this article, please visit www.rapecrisis.org.uk, call the 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line on 0808 500 2222 or chat to Rape Crisis online 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk. Severance season 2 airs weekly on Apple TV+. Season 1 is available now. Sign up for Apple TV+ here. Check out more of our Sci-Fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to see what's on tonight. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
What Shauna’s bisexual awakening in Yellowjackets means for the show
Yellowjackets has returned to our screens with an unexpected queer romance and a new threat.***Episode 1 and 2 spoilers ahead***
Contains spoilers from Yellowjackets season 3 episode 1-2. Season 3 of teen survival drama Yellowjackets follows on from the devastating events of the previous chapter, which saw the girls' cabin burned down in the past timeline while the adult protagonists were grappling with Natalie's (Juliette Lewis) accidental death after a hunting game gone wrong. Can any hunting game ever go right when it's about sacrificing someone to a supernatural entity? But this instalment, which premieres on Valentine's Day, of all days, begins on a much more upbeat note. The narrative has jumped forward in time to spring, when the all-female football team are thriving after building an idyllic settlement for themselves. As teen Natalie (Sophie Thatcher) is reluctantly adjusting to her Antler Queen duties, Shauna (Sophie Nélisse) couldn't be less impressed by the hierarchical structure that has emerged within the group. Further alienated and bereft, she forms a surprise alliance with Melissa (Jenna Burgess), bonding over their frustrations with the others – and sharing a passionate kiss at knifepoint in the second episode, Dislocation. It's hardly shocking that Shauna is attracted to women, though this side of her sexual identity had only been teased through her co-dependent relationship with her best friend Jackie (Ella Purnell). Graduating from her background role, Melissa is not just filling in for Jackie now that she’s no longer around. This mostly quiet Yellowjacket is drawn to Shauna's lone wolf demeanour and seems to revere her grief. And, most notably, she challenges Shauna when she informs her that she's not scared of her, like the other girls are. From there, the sexual tension between them grows to palpable levels that reaches a climax when Shauna spots Melissa spying on her as she's visiting her baby's freshly dug grave. Shauna, who's holding a hunting knife to Melissa's throat, is taken aback after her teammate kisses her in a defiant response. She reciprocates with urgency, resulting in an eager make-out session, yet she never drops the blade. Back in 2022, young Shauna star Sophie Nélisse confirmed her character was queer in an interview with Teen Vogue. Not much was said explicitly about her bisexuality after that, but its fans weren't concerned that the show could be queerbaiting because Yellowjackets may be one of the queerest mainstream series on TV right now. It openly addresses Taissa (Jasmin Savoy Brown/Tawny Cypress) and Van's (Liv Hewson/Lauren Ambrose) beautiful romance in both timelines, as well as Taissa's strained marriage to Simone (Rukiya Bernard) and Coach Ben's (Steven Kreuger) homosexuality. These storylines aside, the series is rich in homoerotic subtext, ranging from intensely physical games of tag to unspoken sparks flying between the girls stranded in the Canadian wilderness. The Yellowjackets are brought together not solely by the intimate nature of team sports like football, but also by the forced proximity in the wake of the plane crash. Disaster can be a powerful accelerator for desire, and it was but a matter of time before this extended sojourn in the woods would bring about a queer awakening for some of these horny teens. The absence of societal structures and conventions that may have held some of them back turns the wilderness into a safe space where they can be their authentic selves. Shauna was one of the most likely candidates for a queer coming-of-age. After all, her consuming attachment to Queen Bee and team captain Jackie was riddled with petty jealousies, physical touch and longing stares. In her journal entries, Shauna claimed her best friend made her feel invisible. For her part, Jackie argued that Shauna sleeping with her boyfriend — whom she marries years later —was but a way to feel more like her: not just seen, but popular and beloved. In her fury, Jackie was seemingly oblivious to how Shauna's betrayal was an ill-conceived attempt to feel closer to her, with the cannibalistic epilogue of their friendship bringing that assimilation to a hyper-literal, twisted level. But in season 3, Shauna's bisexuality becomes canon – and seeing the kiss episode go out to Bikini Kill’s WLW anthem Rebel Girl will dispel any doubts. Read more: Yellowjackets season 3 review – Back to its unpredictable and brutal best Yellowjackets star Christina Ricci teases "shocking" and "brutal" season 3 Chapter three is expected to dive into this facet of Shauna’s identity as she steps firmly out of Jackie's shadow with choices that are more than a mere reflection of her friend's actions, such as her dynamic with Melissa. And much like Jackie haunting Shauna well into her adult years, her wilderness fling with Melissa is set to impact the 2020s timeline as well. In the final moments of episode 2, the show's alternating editing implies that Melissa survived the wilderness and has come back to blackmail her ex-lover, who some believe will be played by Hilary Swank. While the Oscar-winning star's role hasn't been revealed yet, the trailer includes a sneak peek at Swank sporting a nosebleed and muttering in disbelief to an unseen attacker: "You really are insane." This sentence may well be directed at Shauna and could corroborate fans' speculations that she and Melissa are in for a reunion. It's undeniable that Shauna is devoted to her daughter Callie (Sarah Desjardins), who has more in common with her mother than she first realised, while her husband Jeff (Warren Kole) provides Shauna with a warm embrace of normalcy that's miles away from her experiences in the wilderness. But ultimately, her domestic life and responsibilities lack the excitement of life-and-death situations that Melissa could offer, or the singularly unique connection that they shared. If the two exes do come face to face though, it won't be a purely romantic rendezvous, if at all. Lynskey's character may have softened up since her days in the woods, but she's still someone who can murder her side guy in cold blood and proceed to dutifully dismember him. What would she do to an ex threatening to expose her? This season will have guts and secrets spilled in equal measure, as its tagline promises, and it sounds like Shauna and Melissa — or should we say, Shaulissa? — will be central to it. And honestly, we’re buzzing. Yellowjackets season 3 will stream on Paramount Plus from Friday 14th February 2025. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The best thing about Nicole Kidman's thriller Babygirl isn't the sex
Halina Reijn's erotic thriller picks apart workplace power dynamics and takes a jab at 'girlboss feminism'.
A Christmas movie oozing sugar, spice and everything naughty, BDSM fable Babygirl is a cross-generational study of consent and identity that ups the stakes of the erotic thriller genre. Amid a rather sexless trend in the current movie landscape, most films that claim the erotic label for themselves struggle to be nuanced and sexy at once. But pulling off this combination is a feat that Halina Reijn’s third directorial feature manages with almost surgical precision, even if its submissive sex scenes are far from being the movie’s most compelling element. The kinky affair between high-powered, aloof CEO Romy (Nicole Kidman) and her much younger intern Samuel (Harris Dickinson) is relatively tame. There isn’t anything here that other movies dabbling in BDSM haven’t addressed in greater detail and, like Secretary, to a more brilliantly humorous, alienating degree. Instead, Babygirl thrives in the unanswered questions it raises about agency and pleasure, and how people in different age demographics attach their meanings to them. Kidman shines as an accomplished woman suppressing her fantasies with her charming, devoted husband Jacob (Antonio Banderas). The theatre director is in the dark about his wife’s kink, none the wiser about her faking every orgasm and looking for that satisfaction elsewhere. Romy watches her every word when leading presentations at her automation company, but is afraid to communicate openly in her personal life. When she timidly gives a name to her urges with Jacob, she’s swiftly dismissed. Her ashamed demeanour shifts when Samuel reads through her, picking up on her unspoken desire to be dominated. Reijn acknowledges that societal expectations inform the way women think they’re allowed to enjoy sex. The freedom that comes with surrendering and the playful exploration of gender roles are territories to roam and find out what makes one tick, the film says. The fuss with Babygirl is rarely about the sexual act in itself, though. Rather, it lies in the uncomfortable places it leads viewers. The movie probes our sexual and romantic relationships within patriarchal societies. Even as successful, feminist women, it’s hard to shake the thrill of male validation, Babygirl argues with every smiling, approachable, soft-spoken answer Romy gives at work, or to an assertive Samuel. Investigating whether there can be any true pleasure in conforming to what’s traditionally considered male desire and how to break from those gendered constraints is Babygirl’s goal. Reijn is no stranger to messing with our idea of what’s hot. Her 2019 directorial debut Instinct, about a prison therapist obsessed with her serial rapist patient, put the provocative director on the map and drew Kidman to her. And while Babygirl is a more subdued, cosier fare, you may still feel a pang of uneasiness clouding the excitement of Romy lapping up a plate of milk on all fours. But branding the film demeaning would be missing its point entirely. The affair stems from an imbalance of power and descends into messiness, but it's never exploitative — not for Romy, anyway. Like most men in power before her, she can’t keep her side of the street clean, and is shocked when the status quo reverses as Samuel threatens to expose them. The morally ambiguous movie sees both protagonists try their hand at BDSM, discuss their responsibilities within the affair and muster the courage to be vulnerable with each other in some tender, awkward aftercare. Neither is sure how to proceed, though their age gap highlights a different understanding of consent and strength. Romy doesn’t know how to ask for what she wants and isn’t seemingly concerned about consent because, as a Gen X woman, she probably wasn’t ever told she should be. It’s Samuel who mentions consent as an essential part of their agreement, adding they should have some ground rules and a safe word, albeit only halfway through their relationship. Later on, Babygirl boils down the misconception that kinky play is a male fantasy to a generational misunderstanding. "It’s an outdated idea of sexuality," Samuel tells an older character who sees sex as mostly vanilla and considers sub-dom dynamics to be harmful to women. Not even Romy is immune to this view initially, pathologising her kink in a disappointing yet relatable attempt to be "normal". Her bond with Samuel and her conversations with her eldest, carefree daughter Isabel (Esther McGregor) bring about a refreshing change in Kidman’s uptight heroine. When delivering a pitch early on in the film, Romy makes it clear that she abides by a "never show your weakness" policy. She’s not accustomed to the idea of tapping into one’s emotional vulnerability as a potential advantage, and spends the movie unlearning some of her problematic ways in and out of the workplace. Babygirl doesn’t just split the power dynamics open, but criticises 'girlboss feminism' as well. The love child of patriarchy and capitalism, 'girlboss feminism' is a hyper-individualistic mindset. There are very few seats for women at the table, hence those that are available ought to be clutched at with everything a woman has and not ever given up. Babygirl challenges this 'alpha woman code' through the character of Esme (Sophie Wilde), Romy’s diligent assistant who’s not too in awe of her to fail to keep her in check. Once Esme catches wind of the affair, she tells Romy she doesn’t intend to be silenced with a promotion. That may have worked when Romy was young, Esme says, but it’s not the way things are dealt with today. The CEO, who had hypocritically put Esme off a romance with Samuel because of their different status within the company, is stunned. This interaction provides a generational lens through which to look at the workplace politics in Babygirl, also revealing a fault in Romy’s Wonder Woman autopilot. A woman at the top, she’s crumbled under the strain to maintain her social and professional personas spotless. Her male peers would hardly experience the same pressure, as is apparent in the CEO’s final conversation with slimy board member Sebastian (Victor Slezak), who makes her an unsolicited sexual offer. Sebastian’s proposition is degrading not just for the kink-shaming language he uses, but also because no hint of consent was ever given. His overly confident attitude proves how most men in power feel protected within the patriarchal, capitalist structures that made them, and will hold onto them until their dying breath. Romy, who’s found the sexual satisfaction she’s long sought by embracing her kink within her marriage, is repulsed. She coldly explains she can pay to get humiliated if she so wishes and shows him the door. The conclusive lines of Reijn’s tight, clinical script reestablish who’s always been boss, proving that Romy might’ve enjoyed the exhilaration of relinquishing control, but she’s never lost sight of her bodily autonomy and needs. She can be a Babygirl, just not anyone’s — and in this crucial difference lies the ultimate liberation. Babygirl is now showing in UK cinemas. Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Crossroads cast: Characters and actors as Nolly airs on ITV
Our guide to Noele Gordon and all the other Crossroads stalwarts.
Russell T Davies's Nolly is on ITVX but it's coming to ITV over Christmas, with The Crown's Helena Bonham Carter in the role of Crossroads icon Noele Gordon. The backbone of the soap set in a Birmingham motel, Gordon was best known for her portrayal of Meg Mortimer in the original ITV series. A resourceful woman, Meg used her late husband's insurance money to turn her house into a motel. While Gordon's character was unexpectedly axed from the series in 1981, plans to bring her back later on were halted following the actress's death in 1985. It's safe to say Crossroads wasn't the same after her departure, and that a 2001 revival messing up with the continuity of the show wasn't exactly well-received. If you're feeling nostalgic for Crossroads, here's our round-up of all the original stars kicking off with the beloved Noele, of course. Who was in the Crossroads cast? All of the following actors were regulars on Crossroads. The original series ran between 1964 and 1988. Noele Gordon as Meg Mortimer Jane Rossington as Jill Richardson Roger Tonge as Sandy Richardson Beryl Johnston as Kitty Jarvis Brian Kent as Dick Jarvis David Fennell as Brian Jarvis Ian Patterson as Andy Fraser Pamela Greenall as Ruth Bailey Joy Andrews as Tish Hope Malcolm Young as Philip Winter Anthony Morton as Carlos Rafael Gillian Betts as Josefina Rafael Sue Nicholls as Marilyn Gates (1964-68) Nadine Hanwell as Marilyn Gates (1968-72) Neville Hughes as Peter Hope Ann George as Amy Turtle David Davenport as Malcolm Ryder John Bentley as Hugh Mortimer Elisabeth Croft as Edith Tatum Susan Hanson as Diane Lawton Ronald Allen as David Hunter Janet Hargreaves as Rosemary Hunter Freddie Foote as Chris Hunter Stephen Hoye as Chris Hunter Sue Lloyd as Barbara Hunter William Avenell as Gerald Lovejoy David Lawton as Bernard Booth Angus Lennie as Shughie McFee Zeph Gladstone as Vera Downend Morris Parsons as Wilf Harvey Edward Clayton as Stan Harvey Terry Molloy as Stan Harvey Sonia Fox as Sheila Harvey Tony Adams as Adam Chance Kathy Staff as Doris Luke Paul Henry as Benny Hawkins Jeremy Nicholas as John Maddingham Read all you need to know about the characters below. Noele Gordon plays Meg Mortimer Who is Meg? Meg Mortimer (formerly Richardson and Ryder) was the resourceful, wealthy widow who set up the Crossroads Motel in King's Oak, on the outskirts of Birmingham. Initially, the soap focused on her rivalry with her sister Kitty, but the storyline was later dropped. Meg was married to Charles until his death, and the couple had two children, Jill and Sandy. Gordon's character was written out in 1981 when Meg sailed to a new life overseas aboard the QE2 after being thought dead in the motel fire. She briefly reappeared in 1983 during Jill and Adam's honeymoon in Venice. What else did Gordon work on? The actress featured in several theatrical productions, including Brigadoon and Call Me Madam, and had minor roles in film The Lisbon Story and 29 Acacia Avenue. Jane Rossington plays Jill Richardson Who is Jill? Jill was Meg and Charles's daughter and Sandy's sister. On Crossroads, the character gradually took on a more prominent role and also appeared in the 2001 revival. Jill had little luck in finding a trustworthy partner on the show. First married to bigamist John Crane, she later tied the knot with Stan Harvey and with Adam Chance. She also had an affair with her stepbrother Anthony and finally took off with John Maddingham in the 1988 finale. Where else have I seen Rossington? The actress voiced Monica Downs on BBC Radio 4's The Archers. Roger Tonge plays Sandy Richardson Who is Sandy? Alexander 'Sandy' Richardson was Meg and Charles's son and Jill's brother. Tonge became one of the first disabled actors on British TV after he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. His mobility issues were written into the show when his character Sandy was left paralysed after an accident. Where else have I seen Tonge? Tonge appeared in TV shows Z Cars, Nearest and Dearest, and Detective. He also starred in the film Catch Me Going Back. Beryl Johnston plays Kitty Jarvis Who is Kitty? Kitty was Meg's sister, Dick's wife and Brian's mother. Unlike her wealthy sister, Kitty and Dick's financial situation wasn't ideal and the couple struggled to make ends meet. The feuding sisters storyline was dropped and Kitty was written out of the show in 1969 after Johnston's death. Where else have I seen Johnston? Kitty in Crossroads was Johnston's most notable role. Brian Kent plays Dick Jarvis Who is Dick? Dick was Kitty's husband and Brian's father. Unemployed, the character struggled financially. A few years after Crossroads started, Dick and Kitty bought a tobacconist and newsagents shop in Heathbury. Where else have I seen Kent? The actor appeared in TV shows The Newcomers and Spy-Catcher. David Fennell plays Brian Jarvis Who is Brian? Brian was Kitty and Dick's son and Meg's nephew. Where else have I seen Fennell? The actor starred in The Vanishing Man and film Dad's Army. Ian Patterson plays Andy Fraser Who is Andy? Andy was Meg and Kitty's brother. Where else have I seen Patterson? Patterson appeared on TV series Hereward the Wake and The Witch's Daughter. Pamela Greenall plays Ruth Bailey Who is Ruth? Ruth was the motel's secretary who married Andy. Where else have I seen Greenhall? She starred in TV shows Special Branch and Angels. Joy Andrews plays Tish Hope Who is Tish? Tish was Meg's friend and a former actress. Where else have I seen Andrews? The actress appeared as Hyppolita in a TV adaptation of A Midsummer's Night Dream which aired in 1950. Malcolm Young plays Philip Winter Who is Philip? Philip was the Crossroads' handyman. Where else have I seen Young? Young introduced the 1965 educational TV series Ways with Words. Anthony Morton plays Carlos Rafael Who is Carlos? Hailing from Spain, Carlos was the temperamental motel chef. He was Josefina's husband. Where else have I seen Morton? Morton appeared in cult movie Performance, starring Mick Jagger and James Fox. Later in his career, the Crossroads star went Down Under to play Tony Farmer in Neighbours. Gillian Betts plays Josefina Rafael Who is Josefina? Josefina was Carlos's wife who worked as a waitress at the motel. Kind-hearted and quiet, she had a calming influence on Carlos. Where else have I seen Betts? She appeared in an episode of reality TV show This Is Your Life which aired in 1988. Sue Nicholls plays Marilyn Gates Who is Marilyn? Marilyn was the spunky waitress of the Crossroads motel. A good friend to Carlos, Josefina and Diane, she often got into troubles and complained about her love life. She married King's Oak vicar Peter Hope. Where else have I seen Nicholls? Soap fans will recognise Nicholls as Coronation Street long-running character Audrey Roberts. Nadine Hanwell plays Marilyn Hope Who is Marilyn? When Nicholls left the soap in 1968, the character was recast and Marilyn lost her Brummie accent and fair hair. This new, darker-haired Marilyn was still married to Peter but was at the centre of fewer shenanigans. Where else have I seen Hanwell? Hanwell starred in Call the Midwife and in The Beatrix Potter Trail. Neville Hughes plays Peter Hope Who is Neville? Neville was Tish's son and King's Oak's vicar. He married Marilyn. Where else have I seen Hughes? Hughes had roles in TV series The Avengers and General Hospital, among others. Ann George plays Amy Turtle Who is Amy? Fond of gossip and spirituality, Amy was a cleaning lady and a kitchen assistant at the motel. In a bizarre storyline, she was accused of being a Russian spy. Where else have I seen George? Amy in Crossroads was George's most prominent TV role. David Davenport plays Malcolm Ryder Who is Malcolm? Malcolm was Meg's unscrupulous second husband who tried to murder her. Where else have I seen Davenport? Davenport appeared in films Carry on Cleo, The Darwin Adventure and Richard the Lionheart. John Bentley plays Hugh Mortimer Who is Hugh? Hugh was Meg's third husband. A millionaire businessman with an interest in the Crossroads owner, Hugh ultimately married Jane Templeton. Meanwhile, Meg tied the knot with Malcolm. After Jane's death, Hugh and Meg rekindled their romance and finally had their own wedding. Where else have I seen Bentley? Bentley appeared in Calling Paul Temple and starred as detective Richard 'The Toff' Rollinson in crime movies Salute the Toff and Hammer the Toff. Elisabeth Croft plays Edith Tatum Who is Edith? Edith ran King's Oak post office, with her role being expanded following Kitty's exit. Where else have I seen Croft? Croft was part of the Royal Shakespeare Company and also starred in TV drama Armchair Thriller and BAFTA-winning short film The Dress. Susan Hanson plays Diane Lawton Who is Diane? Diane worked at the motel as a waitress and kitchen hand. She had a baby with American film star Frank Adam and later on married postman and motel barman Vince Parker. The character died of a brain haemorrhage following a car accident. Where else have I seen Hanson? Hanson appeared in Coronation Street as Penny Thornley. She also had a cameo in Nolly. Ronald Allen plays David Hunter Who is David? David was Meg's business partner in the motel and friend. Where else have I seen Allen? Allen starred as Ralph Cornish in Doctor Who between 1968 and 1970. He also starred in A Night to Remember and The Projected Man. Janet Hargreaves plays Rosemary Hunter Who is Rosemary? Rosemary was David's first wife. Where else have I seen Hargreaves? She had roles in TV series The Avengers and Danger Man. Freddy Foote plays Chris Hunter Who is Chris? Chris is David and Rosemary's son. Where else have I seen Foote? Foote appeared in episodes of Doctor Who and Paul Temple. Stephen Hoye plays Chris Hunter Who is Chris? Hoye played Chris on Crossroads after Foote left the series. Where else have I seen Hoye? Hoye had roles in films such as The Delivery, Star Wars: X-Wing vs TIE Fighter, Little Shop of Horrors, and Spies Like Us. Sue Lloyd plays Barbara Hunter Who is Barbara? Barbara is David's second wife. Where else have I seen Lloyd? Alongside her stint on Crossroads, she played Cordelia Winfield in TV series The Baron. William Avenell plays Gerald Lovejoy Who is Gerald? Gerald was one of the motel's opinionated chefs. Where else have I seen Avenell? An actor and director, Avenell stepped behind the camera for TV movie Yellow Sands and appeared in The Case of Private Hamp. David Lawton plays Bernard Booth Who is Bernard? Bernard, or Mr Booth, worked as a chef at the motel together with Mr Lovejoy and Shughie McFee. Where else have I seen Lawton? He starred in TV series The Midnight Men and When the Boat Comes In. Angus Lennie plays Shughie McFee Who is Shughie? Part of the Crossroads kitchen staff, Shughie was a cheeky chef from Scotland. Where else have I seen Lennie? The actor appeared in episodes of Doctor Who and film The Great Escape. Zeph Gladstone plays Vera Downend <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2023/03/Susan-Hanson-and-Zeph-Gladstone-d1136f9.jpg" width="1969" height="1311" alt="Actresses Susan Hanson (L) and Zeph Gladstone in character as Diane Parker and Vera Downend in television soap Crossroads" title="Actresses Susan Hanson (L) and Zeph Gladstone in character as Diane Parker and Vera Downend in television soap Crossroads" /> Who is Vera? Vera was King's Oak's hairdresser. Where else have I seen Gladstone? She starred in TV series Public Eye and The Avengers. Morris Parsons plays Wilf Harvey Who is Wilf? Wilf was Stan and Sheila's father. Where else have I seen Parsons? Parsons appeared in TV series Gazette and had a minor role in Coronation Street. Edward Clayton plays Stan Harvey Who is Stan? Stan was Wilf's son and Sheila's brother. He fell for Jill Richardson and the two tied the knot and welcomed daughter Sarah-Jane. Their marriage hit the rocks when Jill had an affair with her stepbrother during Stan's absence. They eventually divorced, with Stan getting Sarah-Jane's custody and marrying a German woman, finally relocating to Germany. Despite Jill confessing her feelings for him on the phone in 1980, there was no chance of reconciliation. Where else have I seen Clayton? He starred in episodes of Silent Witness, Doctors and Midsomer Murders. Terry Molloy plays Stan Harvey Who is Stan? Molloy took over the role of Stan when he briefly returned to the motel in 1987. Where else have I seen Molloy? He is best known for his work on radio drama The Archers and for playing Davros on Doctor Who. Sonia Fox plays Sheila Harvey Who is Sheila? Sheila was Wilf's daughter and Stan's sister. She worked as a hairdresser. Following her affair with married man Harry Wade, Sheila embarked on a romance with Roy Mollison and the two had a baby, delivered by Meg at the motel. Faced with the scandal of having got pregnant before tying the knot (it was the 1960s, after all), Sheila gave the baby to her sister-in-law Jill. Once she and Roy got married, Sheila got her baby back. Where else have I seen Fox? She starred in sci-fi TV series UFO as Carol Roper, a role she reprised in UFO: Distruggete Base Luna. Tony Adams plays Adam Chance Who is Adam? Adam was the accountant and later manager of the Crossroads. Where else have I seen Adams? Adams appeared in Doctor Who and General Hospital. He recently cameod in Nolly, too. Kathy Staff plays Doris Luke Who is Doris? Doris worked as a vegetable cook at the motel. Where else have I seen Staff? Staff played the role of Nora Batty in sitcom Last of the Summer Wine. Paul Henry plays Benny Hawkins Who is Benny? Benny was a local handyman. Where else have I seen Henry? The actor voiced Peter Stevens in The Archers. Jeremy Nicholas plays John Maddingham Who is John? John was the landlord of King's Oak's local pub who took a liking to Jill. Once her marriage to Adam was over, Jill and John drove off together into the sunset. In the 2001 revival, Jill returned as John's widow. Where else have I seen Nicholas? He starred in TV series The Pickwick Papers and Mog. Nolly aired on ITV in February and is available on ITVX. For more news, interviews and features, visit our Drama hub, or find something to watch now with our TV Guide and Streaming Guide. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Brookside cast: characters and actors in iconic Channel 4 soap
The Channel 4 soap debuted in 1982 and ran for 21 years.
From the creator of Hollyoaks, Brookside brought the lives of Liverpool residents to Channel 4 for 21 years. From its debut in 1982 to its last episode, which aired in November 2003, the soap challenged viewers with diverse, inclusive storylines, featuring openly gay character Gordon Collins in 1985 and broadcasting the first pre-watershed same-sex female kiss (between Beth Jordache and Margaret Clemence) in 1994. But fans of the show will also recall some of Brookside's wild plot points, ranging from an incestuous relationship to a dead body lying undetected under Number 10 for years before being discovered. Among the show's most bizarre, if eerily prescient, storylines, there was also an outbreak of a mysterious virus that claimed the lives of several characters, including George and Audrey Manners. Here's all you need to know about who was in the Brookside cast. Who was in the Brookside cast? The following actors appeared on Brookside between 1982 and 2003. Dean Sullivan as Jimmy Corkhill Ricky Tomlinson as Bobby Grant Michael Starke as Thomas Sweeney AKA Sinbad Louis Emerick as Mick Johnson Anna Friel as Beth Jordache Bryan Murray as Trevor Jordache Jennifer Ellison as Emily Shadwick Claire Sweeney as Lindsey Corkhill Sue Johnston as Sheila Grant Philip Lawrence Borg-Olivier as Tim 'Tinhead' O'Leary Sue Jenkins as Jackie Corkhill Sandra Maitland as Mandy Jordache Cheryl Maiker as Marcia Barrett Sunetra Sarker as Nisha Batra Ian Champion as Ross Beacham Amanda Burton as Heather Black Alan Rothwell as Nicholas Black Alexandra Wescourt as Shelley Bower Jennifer Calvert as Cheryl Boyanowsky Ken Sharrock s JC Bradley Hayley Smitten as Sharon Briges Cheryl Mackie as Megan Brindley David Miller as Stan Broadbent Gladys Ambrose as Julia Brogan Suzanne Packer as Josie Brooks Mark Birch as Ducksie Brown Joanne Black as Kristy Brown Glen Jones as Lisa Burnett Simon Chadwick as Dave Burns Kerry Peers as Helen Carey Asia Duleah as Janet Carver Ebony Grey as Cassie Charlton Sarah Lam as Caroline Choi David Yip as Michael Choi Kwong Lee Chong as Stephen Choi Nicola Stephenson as Margaret Clemence Billie Clements as Imelda Clough Richard Norton as Shane Cochrane Doreen Sloane as Annabelle Collins Nigel Crowley as Gordon Collins Mark Burgess as Gordon Collins Katrin Cartlidge as Lucy Collins Jim Wiggins as Paul Collins John McArdle as Billy Corkhill Paula Frances as Diana Corkhill Kate Fitzgerald as Doreen Corkhill Jason Hope as Rod Corkhill Justine Kerrigan as Tracy Corkhill Jack Mythen as William Corkhill John Burgess as David Crosbie Marcia Ashton as Jean Crosbie Mary Tamm as Penny Crosbie Georgina Smith as Annie Cross Betty Alberge as Edna Cross Bill Dean as Harry Cross Stuart Organ as Kevin Cross Marcus Hutton as Nathan Cuddington Reanne Henesy as Louise Daniels Danny McCall as Owen Daniels Barbara Hatwell as Anthea Dixon Sarah White as Bev Dixon Irene Marot as Deborah 'DD' Dixon Jack McMullen as Josh Dixon Paul Byatt as Mike Dixon Tiffany Chapman as Rachel Dixon Vince Earl as Ron Dixon Stifyn Parri as Christoper Duncan Ann-Marie Davies as Katrina Evans Victoria Bennett as Emily Farnham Molly Stewart as Emma Farnham Michael Garrett as Harry Farnham Alex Fletcher as Jacqui Farnham Gareth Ryan Jones as Matthew Farnham Steven Pinder as Max Farnham Gabrielle Glaister as Patricia Farnham Kieran Warham as Thomas Farnham Steven Pinner as Jonathan Gordon-Davies Paul Usher as Barry Grant Amy Lynch as Claire Grant Simon O'Brien as Damon Grant Shelagh O'Hara as Karen Grant Bhasker Patel as Nawaz Hamoud David Easter as Pat Hancock Ray Dunbobbin as Ralph Hardwicke Roberta Kerr as Sally Haynes James Mawdsley as Brian 'Bumper' Humphreys Brian Downey as Dr Geoff Ivers Leeon Sawyer as Leo Johnson Steven Cole as Leo Johnson Tina Malone as Mo McGee Gillian Kearney as Debbie McGrath Meg Johnson as Brigid McKenna Karen Drury as Susannah Morrisey Katy Lamont as Adele Murray Tony Scoggo as Matty Nolan Ann Haydn-Edwards as Theresa Nolan Vickie Gates as Leanne Powell Rachael Lindsay as Sammy Rogers Bernadette Foley as Margi Shadwick Suzanne Collins as Nikki Chadwick Doc O'Brien as George Williams Read all about Brookside's key players below. Dean Sullivan plays Jimmy Corkhill Who is Jimmy? Jimmy was the son of Margaret and the brother of Billy and Frankie. An ex-drug addict and thug, he became a family man, caring for his wife Jackie and children Lindsey, Jimmy and William. Where else have I seen Sullivan? Sullivan appeared on Doctors and Crime Stories. He died at the age of 68 in November 2023. Ricky Tomlinson plays Bobby Grant Who is Bobby? Bobby was the husband of Sheila Grant and the father of Damon, Karen and Claire Grant, and the adoptive father of Barry Grant. A domineering man, Bobby's marriage to Sheila started to crumble following her rape and the death of their son Damon. They eventually split in 1988. Where else have I seen Tomlinson? The actor starred in 2016 movie Grimsby with Sacha Baron Cohen and Mark Strong. In 2022, he starred in an episode of The Witchfinder. Michael Starke plays Thomas Sweeney AKA Sinbad Who is Sinbad? Introduced in 1984, the character was a window cleaner who also tried his hand at different, but equally illicit, activities. During his time on Brookside Close, Sinbad was falsely accused of sexual abuse. He was later acquitted and moved away from Brookside. Where else have I seen Starke? The actor is known for The 51st State and Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit. Louis Emerick plays Mick Johnson Who is Mick? Mick was the father of Leo and Gemma. He was previously married to Josie and Elaine Johnson. Originally a cab driver, Mick then ran his own fish and chip shop. Where else have I seen Emerick? Emerick appeared in film Layer Cake and TV series Zapped. Anna Friel plays Beth Jordache Who is Beth? Beth was Mandy and Trevor's daughter and Rachel's sister. The character was at the centre of a shocking storyline when it was revealed she had been sexually abused by her father, who was ultimately murdered by her mother Mandy. Beth had two relationships with women on Brookside. Her first love story was with Margaret Clemence, while later on she had a romance with university lecturer Chris. She and her mother stood trial when Trevor's body was discovered years later, with both landing in jail. There, Beth died of a heart condition. Where else have I seen Friel? Friel has starred in movies Limitless, Goal! and Timeline. In 2021, she appeared on TV series The Box. Bryan Murray plays Trevor Jordache Who is Trevor? Trevor was Mandy's abusive husband and Beth and Rachel's father. Not only was he violent towards Mandy, but he also sexually abused his daughter Beth, unbeknownst to his wife. Sick of his violent ways, Mandy murdered him, with Beth helping her conceal the body under the patio of Number 10. Mandy managed to rebuild her life and had a relationship with Sinbad but was caught once Trevor's body was discovered years later. Where else have I seen Murray? Murray starred in TV series The Tudors and Fair City. Jennifer Ellison plays Emily Shadwick Who is Emily? Emily was the daughter of Margi and Greg Shadwick. She was in an on-again, off-again relationship with Tim 'Tinhead' O'Leary and had a penchant for trouble. Where else have I seen Ellison? Ellison is known for The Phantom of the Opera, The Cottage and Hotel Babylon. Claire Sweeney plays Lindsey Corkhill Who is Lindsey? Lindsey was Jimmy and Jackie's daughter, and Jimmy and William's sister. Involved with the criminal Finnegan family, Lindsey's illegal activities became a cause for concern for her parents. She had a relationship with Shelley Bowers which turned into a triangle also involving Lindsey's mother, Jackie. Where else have I seen Sweeney? Sweeney appeared in TV series Clocking Off and Doctors. Sue Johnston plays Sheila Grant <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2018/07/15446490-high_res-age-before-beauty-372a65a.jpg" width="4284" height="2856" alt="WARNING: Embargoed for publication until 00:00:01 on 24/07/2018 - Programme Name: Age Before Beauty - TX: n/a - Episode: Age Before Beauty - GENERICS (No. n/a) - Picture Shows: ***EMBARGOED TILL 24TH JULY 2018*** Ivy-Rae (SUE JOHNSTON) - (C) Mainstreet Pictures - Photographer: Todd Antony" title="Age Before Beauty - GENERICS" /> Who is Sheila? Sheila was Bobby's wife and the mother of Damon, Karen, Claire and Barry. In a storyline aired in 1986, Sheila was raped and beaten up by an unknown assailant who was later revealed to be her taxi driver. Her unprocessed trauma and the death of their son Damon led to a crisis in Sheila and Bobby's marriage, with Bobby leaving his wife. Sheila then started a romance with Billy Corkhill and the two moved away from the Close in 1990. Where else have I seen Johnston? Johnston starred in episodes of Downton Abbey, Waking the Dead and film Imagine Me & You. Philip Lawrence Borg-Olivier plays Tim 'Tinhead' O'Leary Who is Tinhead? One of the local school's bullies, Tim 'Tinhead' O'Leary was in an on-again, off-again relationship with Emily Shadwick. The pair continuously engaged in minor crimes, with Tim taking he fall for Emily and going to prison after they stole Susannah's car and blackmailed and outed gay salesman Brian. Once Tinhead was released, he and Emily tied the knot. The couple lived with Mick for a while before being taken in by Jimmy Corkhill. Where else have I seen Borg-Olivier? The actor has also starred in Benidorm, Holby City and Doctors. Sue Jenkins plays Jackie Corkhill Who is Jackie? Jackie was the ex-wife of Jimmy Corkhill and the mother of William, Lindsey and Jimmy. Initially estranged from her ex Jimmy, the two briefly got back together while living under the same roof at the Close. She had an affair with their neighbour Ron Dixon and was involved in a love triangle with her daughter Lindsey and her girlfriend Shelley. Where else have I seen Jenkins? The actress appeared in an episode of Doctor Who in 2021, as well as having roles in both Coronation Street and Emmerdale. Sandra Maitland plays Mandy Jordache Who is Mandy? Mandy is the ex-wife of abuser Trevor Jordache and Beth and Rachel's mother. She is at the centre of one of Brookside's most prominent storylines with the murder of her violent husband, who also sexually abused Beth. Mandy killed him, with Beth helping her mum conceal the body. Despite her managing to get away with murder at first and starting a new life, embarking on a romance with Sinbad, the character was caught when Trevor's body was discovered. After standing trial with Beth, they were both arrested. Where else have I seen Maitland? Maitland starred in TV series Doctors, Casualty, Holby City and Misfits. If you’re looking for more to watch, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide or visit our Soaps hub. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
What happened to Karen McDonald on Coronation Street?
Suranne Jones had her big break playing Karen on the soap.
It's been a while since Suranne Jones was last seen on Coronation Street, but her character Karen McDonald sure made a lasting impression on fans. A machinist at Underworld, Karen was the protagonist of one of the most bizarre romantic storylines the cobbles have seen. Her wedding to Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) started out as a bet and saw the pair on-again, off-again together for three dramatic years, with the relationship being interrupted by a shocking revelation from Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford). Jones bowed out on Christmas Day 2004 after a four-year stint on the ITV soap, going to pursue other acting ventures, including in the likes of Christmas Carole and Maryland, but why did her character make such an impression? Read on to find out. Who was Karen McDonald on Coronation Street? Karen first appeared on Corrie in 2000 when she pulled a favour from her friend Linda Sykes (Jacqueline Chadwick) and was taken on as a machinist at Underworld. She had quite a strict upbringing, courtesy of her ultra-religious parents. She found solace in her friendship with Linda and, when her father beat her up, she decided to go and live with her. After her official introduction to the soap, Karen had several flings with some of the men of Weatherfield, including Vikram Desai (Emmerdale's Chris Bisson) and a one-night stand with Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne). After Karen started dating Steve, her colleague Janice Battersby (Vicky Entwistle) became responsible for initiating one of the strangest storylines on the soap. After telling Karen that none of her boyfriends took her seriously, she bet £10 that Karen wouldn't be able to get engaged. A hurt Karen convinced Steve to propose in front of a packed Rovers. When Janice upped the stakes betting two days' wages if they'd actually tie the knot, the two surprisingly went ahead and walked down the aisle. Starting out as a dare, the wedding actually took place and the pair realised they loved each other following their honeymoon in Florida. Karen saw herself and Steve as the Posh and Becks of the cobbles, and wanted their lifestyle to suit their supposed reputation by going to live in a new apartment complex and landing a coveted job at a furniture store. The pair hit the rocks after Karen returned at Underworld, where Joe Carter (Jonathan Wrather) used her managerial position to attempt to steal the factory from Mike Baldwin (Johnny Briggs). The two had an affair after Karen found out Steve had been cheating on her and caved to Joe's empty promises of a high life together. Once Mike discovered the scam, both Joe and Karen were driven out of Weatherfield. Karen went to stay with her aunt out of town, but Steve found her and repaid Mike of the money she had stolen from him. Following Steve's big gesture, he and Karen reunited. What happened to Karen McDonald? Karen was then focused on having the wedding of her dreams following the rushed ceremony they had at the Rovers years prior. After a romantic proposal from Steve, the couple threw themselves into wedding planning - but their happiness was short-lived when Tracy dropped a bombshell on them. She revealed that her daughter Amy was Steve's and proceeded to tell everyone at the wedding, leaving a brokenhearted Karen to pick up the pieces. The wedding went ahead when Steve insisted he didn't love Tracy. However, the two women embarked on a very public rivalry, with Karen determined to make Tracy pay for having ruined her big day. Karen was also eager to get pregnant, thinking that having a baby would somehow cement her union with Steve. When she did finally get pregnant, Karen was elated - but she sadly miscarried. This threw her over the edge, resulting in her kidnapping baby Amy to let Tracy believe she had killed her daughter. Karen's stunt led to a furious row at Underworld, in which Tracy was determined to kill her until Steve was shown that Amy was with Roy Cropper (David Neilson). Tired of Karen's lies and deceits, Steve told her he wanted nothing to do with her. His wife left the cobbles on a snowy Christmas Day in 2004 and filed for divorce on Valentine's Day the following year. Who played Karen McDonald? Karen was played by Suranne Jones. After leaving the soap, the actress bagged several other roles, receiving critical acclaim for her performance in 2009 miniseries Unforgiven, written by Sally Wainwright, who would become a frequent collaborator of hers. Between 2015 and 2017, she starred in the lead role on BBC One's Doctor Foster, for which she received a BAFTA TV Award for Best Actress in 2016. She then featured in Wainwright's 2019 queer period drama Gentleman Jack opposite Peaky Blinders' Sophie Rundle, as well as 2021 thriller Vigil. She recently appeared in ITV's Maryland alongside House of the Dragon's Eve Best. Read more: Coronation Street star Chris Gascoyne to leave Peter Barlow role Coronation Street newcomer Claire Sweeney on Cassie's 'vulnerable but troubled' persona Coronation Street's Sarah and Adam 'over' after pregnancy bombshell? Coronation Street airs weeknights on ITV. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
What happened to Gloria Pollard in Emmerdale?
Long before Emmerdale's Eric Pollard found love with his late wife Val, he tied the knot with Gloria Weaver. The future Mrs Pollard, Eric's (Christopher Chittell) third wife, was first introduced to the Dales as Malcolm Weaver's widow in May 2000. Initially presented as a firmly religious person, Gloria showed her true colours when she ruthlessly pursued a political career during her marriage with Eric. Who was Gloria Pollard in Emmerdale? Gloria came to the Yorkshire Dales in 2000. A widow, she joined Ashley Thomas's (John Middleton) congregation, being very vocal about not approving of his relationship with Bernice Blackstock (Samantha Giles) as the two weren't married. Following the death of her first husband, Gloria, who started working as the village vet's receptionist, was left in massive debt. She resorted to selling some of her antiques to make ends meet, getting close to Eric when she asked him to valuate some of her pieces. He bought Gloria a similar candlestick to what he'd seen at hers, ignoring the fact that it was one of a matching pair that she'd originally sold. The two become romantically involved after this incident, getting married in 2002. Gloria's true nature was exposed when she advised her husband to sleep with his fellow councillor Glynis Hardy (Christine Cox) to secure a nomination and become mayor, a stepping stone towards fulfilling his dream of climbing the political ranks. Their plan worked and Eric was elected mayor shortly afterwards. However, when his affair with Glynis was exposed, Gloria didn't stand by her husband and pretended not to be in the know to gain political favour. What happened to Gloria Pollard? Gloria stood for election and won her own seat, relocating to Westminster and embarking on an affair with her young, male researcher Hilary. When Hilary turned up in Emmerdale, Eric was shocked to discover his wife's assistant wasn't a woman. Steph Stokes (Lorraine Chase), who had previously uncovered Eric's one-night stand with Glynis, was on the Pollards' case again. She spotted Hilary and Gloria embracing, blackmailing the MP to keep her mouth shut. When Gloria gave Steph a taste of her own medicine, unearthing dirt on her past, Steph told Eric about the affair. Infuriated, he threw Gloria out. Her car and shoes were found later on, prompting him to think she was dead. But this wouldn't be soapland if someone didn't fake their own demise every other year (we're looking at you, Jamie Tate). Gloria was revealed to be very much alive, having relocated to a beautiful, sunny location for a fresh start. Will she ever return to the Dales? Read more: 6 Emmerdale spoilers next week: Jai shocked by a secret after surprise engagement Emmerdale alum Alexander Lincoln on potential return as Jamie Tate Emmerdale fans react as new episode revisits murdering Meena storyline Emmerdale airs on weekdays at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX. If you’re looking for more to watch, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide or visit our Soaps hub. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Who is Graham Foster in EastEnders? Freddie's father explained
He returns in new scenes as Freddie looks for him.
EastEnders has aired the return of a past character in Freddie Slater's paternity storyline. The teen, played by Bobby Brazier, has now tracked down his biological father Graham Foster, unaware of the dramatic truth relating to his conception and came face to face with Graham on Wednesday (2nd August 2023). Original actor Alex McSweeney has reprised his role, having first appeared as Graham back in 2003. During his on-off two-year stint on the BBC soap, Graham sexually assaulted Little Mo Slater (Kacey Ainsworth), resulting in her pregnancy. He later stood trial for rape but has since apparently built a new life, leading Freddie to believe that he's a nice, ordinary man. Now, 18 years on from Graham's last appearance in Walford, here's all you need to know about the character as he returns to haunt the Slaters... Who is Graham Foster in EastEnders? Graham was first introduced to EastEnders in November 2003 as a customer of the Queen Vic. He befriended Little Mo, with the two bonding over their shared love of crosswords. However, Graham had ulterior motives for his interest in Mo and, one night, he made his intentions clear by trying to kiss her when they were alone in the pub. Despite Mo's repeated rejections, Graham couldn't take 'no' for an answer and he raped her on the floor of The Queen Vic pub, resulting in the conception of Freddie. Little Mo's father, Charlie (Derek Martin), assaulted Graham upon learning about what he did to his daughter, getting his cab driver's licence suspended and facing three months in jail. Mo's rapist added insult to injury by asking for compensation, forcing Mo's sister Kat (Jessie Wallace) and her then-husband Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) to borrow £10,000 from her ex, the gangster Andy Hunter (Michael Higgs). However, justice would come for Graham too when he finally stood trial for sexual assault in November 2004. What happened to Graham Foster in EastEnders? View oEmbed on the source website Graham stood in court for having raped Mo, who gave her account of the incident, backed by her husband Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick). During the trial, Graham's mum Deirdre (Patricia Brake) informed Mo that Graham had two daughters, Ella and Rebecca, from a previous marriage that he wasn't in touch with. Under oath, Graham tried to appeal to the judge by lying about often visiting his daughters. However, he was blindsided when Mo's barrister revealed it had been over three years since he last saw them. Furious, Graham shouted at his mother from the dock, realising she must've told Mo about Ella and Rebecca. Graham was eventually sentenced to eight years in prison but appeared again in 2005 when he requested a visit from Billy. During their encounter, Graham goaded Mo's husband about not being Freddie's biological father, insisting the boy would grow up to look like him. Graham further enraged Billy by hinting at being excited about meeting Freddie once he'd get out of prison. Where is Graham Foster now? Graham Foster is now a car dealer working in Peckham, London, having been released from prison years prior. On Wednesday 2nd August 2023, Freddie met Graham under the pretence of buying a car from him. When Freddie explained who he really was, Graham was impressed that Freddie had checked up on him before "showing his hand". Graham referenced his two daughters, and when Freddie asked what had happened between him and Little Mo, Graham feigned confusion of his own, claiming that he and Freddie had "paid a high price", and speaking with contempt about Freddie's mum and sisters. He implied that Little Mo wasn't "as quiet as she made out", and invited Freddie to join him for a deeper chat. A devastated Freddie was later informed by his aunt Kat, as well as Billy and Alfie, that Graham had raped his mother, leading to his conception. On Thursday 3rd August 2023, a devastated Freddie struggled to come to terms with the truth of his conception and ran away from home, leaving his family and loved ones terrified for his wellbeing. Meanwhile, Freddie sat atop the roof of the Queen Vic pub and had a heart-to-heart with Gina Knight (Francesca Henry) who made him realise how strong and loving his mum Little Mo had been. Towards the end of the episode, Kat prepared to report Freddie as missing but he soon returned home and affirmed his loyalty to his mum. In the final scene, Freddie played a voicemail from Graham where he mentioned how he and his daughters were excited to meet with Freddie. An emotional Freddie then deleted the voicemail and then broke down in tears on his bed. Next week, Freddie heads off to visit his mum Little Mo, prompting Kat to remind him how much his mum loves him. Read More EastEnders 2023 summer preview: 5 spoilers from Chris Clenshaw EastEnders' Shona McGarty quits role as Whitney Dean after 15 years EastEnders star Lorraine Stanley to be written out of Karen Taylor role EastEnders must give tragic heroine Whitney the happy ever after she deserves EastEnders legend Angela Wynter explains Yolande Trueman return EastEnders' Max Bowden on Ben's surprise bond in bulimia story EastEnders' Molly Rainford on Anna Knight stealing to find 'Rose Knight' EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw promises “big” Christmas for the Beales EastEnders' Michelle Collins confirms flashbacks and Cindy Beale breakdown EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw reveals impact of Cindy return on Knights EastEnders' Adam Woodyatt hypes up Ian reunions with Phil and Sharon EastEnders' Michelle Collins teases Cindy’s scenes with love rival Elaine 15 EastEnders questions we still have after Cindy and Ian Beale's return EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and from 6am on BBC iPlayer. 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 and Streaming Guide. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
EastEnders' Max Bowden on Ben's surprise bond in bulimia story
"There are a lot of similarities between Ben and Kat."
This article includes discussions of eating disorders that some readers may find upsetting. EastEnders star Max Bowden confirmed his character Ben Mitchell will find an unexpected ally in Kat Slater amid his bulimia ordeal. The BBC soap is airing an issue-based storyline for Ben, who's secretly struggling with an eating disorder. First announced in April, Ben's ED story continues after he experienced extreme guilt for not being there to say goodbye to Lola Pearce-Brown (Danielle Harold) before her passing, as well as seeing her husband Jay's (Jamie Borthwick) growing bond with his daughter Lexi (Isabella Brown). These feelings become especially intense ahead of Jay's parental hearing, with Ben feeling more isolated than ever. In upcoming scenes, the character will open up to Kat (Jessie Wallace), finding some common ground with his stepmother-to-be within the trauma. "Kat's a very fiery character and there are a lot of similarities between her and Ben," the actor told RadioTimes.com and other press. "Aspects of trauma, aspects of fieriness, family problems, and I think this takes Ben by surprise. Ben finds strength within strength, and Kat is a very strong woman and she's also the closest link to his father." Read the Q&A in full below. We know Ben's had a really tough time recently, and is continuing to suffer in silence. Can you talk us through how he’s feeling at this point? I think there's a level of isolation to Ben's demeanour at the moment. He tends to be quite a lone wolf, quite an insular human being, and this is something that he does to try and take control of the situation - so I think, for him, right now it's a question of dealing with everything on the outside by attacking himself on the inside. Ben has mixed feelings towards Jay's parental hearing. Can you unpick these for us? It's an accumulation of feelings. In essence, it's the fact that Ben has never felt quite good enough. With Lola's passing, Ben has seen the relationship blossom between Jay and Lexi, and he's found it quite difficult because he wants to be that role model figure for Lexi. He wants to be that figure that can be the support and the guide and the light that she needs, and I think with everything else going on alongside that, Ben's self-loathing is at a real high at the moment. He's got guilt for not arriving home in time to say goodbye to Lola, the guilt of making himself sick through his bulimia, and he sees a lot of good qualities in Jay that he wishes he could replicate. This week, we see Honey reach out to Ben as she's started to realise that something is seriously wrong, but he doesn't take too kindly to her meddling. Can you talk us through how he reacts and why? Ben's default setting is to defend, so he'll always defend himself when he feels like he's on the back foot. Honey immediately picks up on Ben's struggles, having suffered an eating disorder herself, so she can start the see the signs. They have also gone through a period of bonding with the family coming together after Lola's death, but the internal damage that Ben holds on to forces him to push everyone away. We are starting to see little sparks of growth with him, but defence is his immediate reaction. Later in the week, Ben opens up to Kat as they both talk about their shared experiences. Does Ben feel like a weight has been lifted? It's a very unique situation because I don't think anyone ever saw Ben confiding so deeply in Kat and finding real common ground with his stepmother-to-be. Kat's a very fiery character and there are a lot of similarities between Ben and Kat. Aspects of trauma, aspects of fieriness, family problems, and I think this takes Ben by surprise. Ben finds strength within strength, and Kat is a very strong woman and she's also the closest link to his father. Ben can't talk to Phil because he just doesn't get things like this. Those scenes must be incredibly tough to film. How has working with the charities and your own research helped inform your performance? Research is the key to any performance, and it's so important to us that we get it right. The charity [Beat] are great, especially with informing scripts and making sure we're showing Ben's situation in a way that doesn't glorify eating disorders - because there is nothing glorified about Ben's situation right now. It's so pivotal and key that we get it right, and the charity have been amazing. Anyone affected by an eating disorder can find help and support by visiting Beat, or calling the charity's helpline on 0808 801 0677. Read More EastEnders 2023 summer preview: 5 spoilers from Chris Clenshaw EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw promises “big” Christmas for the Beales EastEnders' Michelle Collins confirms flashbacks and Cindy Beale breakdown EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw reveals impact of Cindy return on Knights EastEnders' Adam Woodyatt hypes up Ian reunions with Phil and Sharon EastEnders' Michelle Collins teases Cindy’s scenes with love rival Elaine 6 EastEnders spoilers next week: Kim faces court and Martin suspects Theo EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw on “different” Cindy and Ian reunion EastEnders' explosive Cindy Beale comeback is a campy soap triumph EastEnders' Ian Beale has heart attack and keeps huge secret from Cindy Will Jacqueline Jossa return full-time to EastEnders as Lauren Branning? 15 EastEnders questions we still have after Cindy and Ian Beale's return EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and from 6am on BBC iPlayer. 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 and Streaming Guide. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
EastEnders legend Angela Wynter explains Yolande Trueman return
She and Patrick have some unfinished business.
It's time to welcome back a familiar face to EastEnders with the hotly-anticipated return of Yolande Trueman. Soap star Angela Wynter is going back to Walford soon, with her character showing up at her ex-husband Patrick's (Rudolph Walker) doorstep after her relationship with Anton comes to an end. Patrick, however, won't be ready to welcome her back with open arms, though Yolande is adamant he's the love of her life. "I don't think she's ever not had feelings for Patrick," Wynter told press, including RadioTimes.com. "I think she's always loved him and thought she was going to greener pastures with Anton, but the greener pastures have failed her." While it may seem a bit of an uphill road at first, the soap star assured there's still chemistry between the two ex-spouses. Speaking about the reunion earlier this year, EastEnders producer Chris Crenshaw teased some 'unfinished business' between the former couple. "Although we haven’t seen Yolande for some years, her departure from the Square and the breakdown of her marriage to Walford's living legend, Patrick, left some unfinished business between the pair," he said in June. "We, therefore, thought it was important to explore a reunion between the two. We couldn’t be more thrilled to have her back!" Read the Q&A with Wynter in full below. Welcome back to Walford. How does it feel to be reprising the iconic role of Yolande? "It's really nice. I love the character. I'm really pleased to get the chance to play her again." This week we see Yolande make an unexpected visit to Patrick having been thrown out by boyfriend Anton. Do you think that's the only reason she's back or do you think it's because she still has feelings for Patrick? "I don't think she's ever not had feelings for Patrick. I think she's always loved him and thought she was going to greener pastures with Anton, but the greener pastures have failed her. She's realising that Patrick is the true love of her life, and he loved her honestly and truly. So in older age, Yolande wants to rekindle that with someone she can actually count on." Patrick is nervous at the prospect of Yolande staying, and she leaves. How does Yolande feel in that moment? "She's shocked because he's always been so unconditional with his love for her. He loves her without condition. However, she decided to choose Anton over him, and now she's come back, Yolande's been quite naive to think that Patrick is going to welcome her with open arms so she thinks has she missed a beat there. I think they've got such chemistry though." We know Denise and Yolande have a heart-to-heart. Does Yolande feel like she can confide in Denise? "Definitely. I think she believes she can. She knows that Denise wants the best for Patrick, and she knows that Yolande loves Patrick and that if she's come back for him, she's obviously come back for the better and that she's not just there to use Patrick as a stepping stone. She's not just using him as a place to live as Yolande's big enough and tough enough to look after herself. I also think everyone hopes that they can have a loved one – someone who is going to love them unconditionally in their later years. She’s wise enough to know that person’s Patrick is that person and he’s the one for her." What's it like working with the amazing Rudolph Walker again? "Heaven as usual. We have a lovely time filming, and I'm looking forward to exploring their relationship, especially as an older woman now. I'm looking forward to exploring seeing if they can grow old together, where the gentleness is , where the fragility is. It's nice to show an older, loving and sometimes sassy couple growing older together. I'm interested in the family dynamic and how Yolande will fit into the family and the larger community outside the family." Has anything changed since you came back? "There's so many new faces, but I have been welcomed back so wonderfully." Read More EastEnders 2023 summer preview: 5 spoilers from Chris Clenshaw 8 EastEnders spoilers for next week: Freddie Slater meets his evil father EastEnders’ Bobby Brazier predicts heartache in Freddie’s search for dad EastEnders’ Molly Rainford on Anna Knight stealing to find ‘Rose Knight’ EastEnders return confirmed for villain Graham Foster who raped Little Mo EastEnders' Gillian Taylforth teases Kathy and Rocky future after Jo's threats EastEnders is nowhere near the axe – it's having a renaissance EastEnders' subtle flash-forward clue may hint at Christmas murder victim EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and from 6am on BBC iPlayer. 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 and Streaming Guide. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
9 Hollyoaks spoilers: Felix lies to Mercedes in illegal fight club story
Norma is profiting off him for her underground boxing business.
Felix Westwood continues keeping secrets about his injuries in new episodes of Hollyoaks. The character, played by Richard Blackwood, is involved in an underground fight club. Local gangster Norma Crow (Glynis Barber) encourages him to fight to keep her illegal venture going, but it won't be long before Felix's fiery girlfriend Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe) finds out the truth. Elsewhere in the village, the feud between the McQueen and James Nightingale (Gregory Finnegan) is still on despite the solicitor's husband Ste Hay's (Kieron Richardson) concerns. Meanwhile, Warren Fox (Jamie Lomas) must make a big decision in Ella Richardson's (Erin Palmer) paternity storyline. Read on for the juiciest spoilers airing on Channel 4 between Monday 7th and Friday 11th August. 1. Felix hurts Mercedes spinning lies about his boxing injuries Felix wants out of Norma's underground fighting, but the gangster ploys him to take part in a big match with a whopping cash prize. Sharon Bailey (Jamelia) listens in from the door, worried about Felix's safety. He accepts Norma's proposal, but things turn ugly after the bell rings. Cornered by Mercedes, Felix has to come clean about his injuries. He tells her he's in a boxing ring to bring in more money to help her family, who's financially struggling at the moment. Hurt that her boyfriend has put the blame on her, she walks away. 2. Ste is displeased with James's feud against the McQueens James is determined to give the McQueens a hard time despite Ste's insistences he should let it go. The lawyer plans to kick the family out of their house during a surprise home inspection, but is taken aback when he realises they have been anonymously tipped off about his visit. He suspects his husband may be behind this, but will Ste admit to it? 3. Lucas and Dillon play Cupid Lucas (Oscar Curtis) and Dillon (Nathaniel Dass) are growing closer. As Jack Osborne (James McKenna) hosts the Earl of Dee survival workshop, the two teens have their eye on the prize: two VIP tickets for a festival. Lucas confides in Dillon that he handed in an old phone as a decoy so he could keep his real one, but Pearl Anderson (Dawn Hope) finds it and confiscates it. Then, the two friends decide to team up and come up with a different plan, involving playing Cupid for Jack and Pearl. They tell Pearl that the former policeman has been speaking admiringly about her, suggesting she asks him out. 4. Freya wants to get close to Hunter Hunter McQueen (Theo Graham) is giving a one-on-one art lesson to DS Zoe Anderson (Garcia Brown). When Freya Calder (Ellie Henry) passes by, she invites herself to join in. 5. Ella's sweet 16th birthday party ends in disaster Cindy Cunningham (Stephanie Waring) is discharged from the hospital and wants to throw Ella a sweet 16th birthday party. Dave Chen-Williams (Dominic Power) proposes to use The Loft and offers to speak to Shing Lin (Izzie Yip) to smooth things out between the two girls. Ethan Willams (Matthew Bailey) and Sienna Blake (Anna Passey) are in for a shock when they're informed that Norma and Warren Fox (Jamie Lomas) are their new business partners in Grace Black's (Tamara Wall) absence. They decide to cancel Ella's party, with the disappointed teen lashing out at Warren. Norma reinstates the party, but the situation escalates when Shing Lin takes to the microphone. 6. Shing Lin agrees to talk to Charlie After having another panic attack, Charlie Dean (Charlie Behan) tells Darren (Ashley Taylor Dawson) he's ready to consider taking medication. The teen's emotions blow up when his adoptive dad tells him he should seek counselling before being prescribed meds. Later on, Darren urges Shing Lin to give Charlie a chance to explain himself after what went down with Ella and she agrees to speak to him. 7. Goldie receives some shocking news Goldie McQueen (Chelsee Healey) is still devastated over the death of her beloved pup Bronzer, caused by an inattentive James. The nail technician wants to put up a statue of Bronzer in the village, but is left feeling down when she discovers she can't afford it. Asking Norma to pick up more shifts at the salon, Goldie is at a loss when she's told the landlady is selling the place. James admits he was the one who suggests Lord Rafe Harcourt (Chris Gordon) could buy it to set up his office. 8. Warren makes a tough choice Warren learns of Ella's theories about her biological father. Sienna tells him the reason why Ella's mum Mandy didn't tell him is because she didn't want to involve him in her child's life. However, Warren and Ella bond at the garage. After seeking some truths from Cindy, whose mind is elsewhere, Warren has to make a decision to know whether he's Ella's dad. 9. Ethan supports Sienna in Lord Rafe swindle Sienna is struggling to accept that Warren might have another child. While Ethan and Sienna spend the day together, they agree not to talk about Rafe or his sister Dilly (Emma Johnsey-Smith). When Sienna goes to the bathroom, Ethan looks at a notification on her phone, reading a message from the Earl of Dee. Wanting his girlfriend to know she has his support and trust, Ethan replies to Rafe on her phone. He arranges for her to meet the Earl, knowing she wouldn't do it after agreeing to spend the day together. Read more: Hollyoaks 2023 preview: 12 spoilers ahead as producer teases big plots Hollyoaks recasts Ste's son Lucas as new actor revealed Has Matthew-Jesus left Hollyoaks for good? Who are the longest-serving actors in soap? Hollyoaks is available to stream on All4 and airs every weeknight at 6:30pm on Channel 4 and 7pm on E4. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to see what's on tonight. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Emmerdale fans "gutted" at shock Rishi Sharma death
Emmerdale viewers were in for quite a shock in last night's (July 27th) episode after fan-favourite Rishi Sharma was killed off. Played by Bhasker Patel for the last 12 years, Rishi had had a disagreement with his son Jai (Chris Bisson) when the truth about his paternity came to light. In recent scenes, Rishi was forced to admit that Jai wasn't his biological son, but his brother's. The shock revelation led to an awkward moment with a disappointed Jai just as he and Laurel (Charlotte Bellamy) were about to walk down the aisle. Rishi was adamant he wouldn't attend the ceremony after he realised his son was disappointed in him for not telling him sooner. Nonetheless, Georgia (Trudie Goodwin) gave him a pep talk and he decided to go, after all. Sadly, he wouldn't make it - as the camera panned to show a lifeless Rishi at the bottom of the stairs. Strong reactions from upset Emmerdale fans were quick to arrive after the episode aired. View oEmbed on the source website "Damn it, all the good ones go," one viewer said. "Will miss Rishi. Thank you Bhasker, you've been amazing. ???????? The only positive is that Nikhil might come back for the funeral?" Another added: "Just caught up with tonight's Emmerdale. I'm genuinely gutted about Rishi, he was my absolute favourite character." View oEmbed on the source website As Jai is set to discover his dad's body in a new episode, an emotional Patel appeared on today's Lorraine to give some insights into his dramatic exit. "The producer rang me and said, 'I need to talk to you, and we're killing you off because we want a big story and it's going to be a big surprise,'" the actor explained. "[In] my 12 years at ITV, they let me do a lot of other work, so I felt a part of ITV, a part of Rishi, but at the same time... I was working in London as well. "So when the producer said, 'We're going to kill you off', I was like, 'Okay, that part of my life with this guy is over and I'm going to move on.'" Read more: 6 Emmerdale spoilers next week: Dan pleads guilty, Gabby tries it on with Billy Samantha Giles to leave Emmerdale role as Bernice Blackstock Emmerdale airs sudden emotional exit - and Arthur is heartbroken Emmerdale airs on weekdays at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX. If you’re looking for more to watch, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide or visit our Soaps hub. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Hollyoaks' Richard Blackwood teases 'dark' side of Felix will come out
"I am most proud of some of the scenes you are yet to see."
Soap star Richard Blackwood has weighed in on Felix Westwood's new, tormented Hollyoaks storyline, teasing there's more to come. Fans of the Channel 4 series know that Felix has been hiding that he's competing in the world of underground boxing — as his nasty face injuries show. Unable to cope with his emotions in a healthier way, he's resorted to the fight club in the wake of his son DeMarcus's (Tomi Ade) plans to leave the village behind. As Felix has been spinning a web of lies to keep his punch-throwing activity a secret from his partner Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe), Blackwood explained there are some tough aspects of this story that are yet to come to light. "We are more open now to the fact men suffer with mental health just as much as women and [to] having men speak about their emotions, but there was a time where this wasn't happening. Felix comes from that generation," the actor told Digital Spy at an Inside Soap Awards photoshoot. "Without telling you too much, it comes out in a different way and he is dealing with a mental illness," he then said about what's next. "You are going to get to see a real dark side, but not dark stereotypically. It is more to do with when a man breaks down and how he feels he needs to deal with it and punish himself. "It gets pretty dark. I am most proud of some of the scenes you are yet to see." Read more: Former EastEnders star Rita Simons 'set to join Hollyoaks' Hollyoaks 2023 preview: 12 spoilers ahead as producer teases big plots Hollyoaks recasts Ste's son Lucas as new actor revealed Has Matthew-Jesus left Hollyoaks for good? Who are the longest-serving actors in soap? Hollyoaks is available to stream on All4 and airs every weeknight at 6:30pm on Channel 4 and 7pm on E4. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to see what's on tonight. Take part in the Screen Test, a project from Radio Times and the Universities of Sussex and Brighton, to explore the role of television and audio in our lives. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
7 Hollyoaks spoilers: Donna-Marie blackmails Joel amidst relapse
Elsewhere, Prince is struggling to remember what happened with Rayne.
Hollyoaks continues airing the aftermath of Rayne Royce's bombshell revelation in new scenes. In earlier episodes, the influencer played by Jemma Donovan accused Prince McQueen (Malique Thompson-Dwyer) of having made a move on her. Her boyfriend Romeo Nightingale (Owen Warner) believes her, but Prince can't remember what really went down. Meanwhile, Donna-Marie Quinn (Lucy-Jo Hudson) is having a hard time following her relapse. Desperate to get some drugs, she threatens to reveal Joel Dexter's (Rory Douglas-Speed) secret. Elsewhere, the feud between the McQueens and James Nightingale (Gregory Finnegan) is still on, with Goldie (Chelsee Healey) and the rest of the family mourning Bronzer. Read on for more Hollyoaks spoilers for episodes airing between Monday, 31st July and Friday, 4th August. 1. Donna-Marie relapses Donna-Marie wakes up in a fog after having resorted to drugs. Leela Lomax (Kirsty-Leigh Porter) vows to help her friend in Juliet's (Niamh Blackshaw) memory, but Joel is skeptical, as he knows first-hand how addiction works. After learning Joel is hiding something from Leela, Donna-Marie thinks this could help her get drugs, but he insists he can't be blackmailed. She begs him to find her some drugs in exchange for keeping his secret. 2. Joel gives Leela an ultimatum as the Lomax house burns Joel spots a fire at the Lomax house, calling for help and saving Donna-Marie. She's hospitalised for smoke inhalation, leaving Romeo heartbroken and James indifferent. Joel gives Leela an ultimatum: it's him or Donna-Marie. Leela's decision comes back to haunt her when her friend vanishes, leaving her loved ones worried for her safety. 3. Maxine is insecure over her appearance Maxine Minniver (Nikki Sanderson) is struggling to come to terms with her appearance after Eric Foster (Angus Castle-Doughty) scarred her during a prison visit. Beau Ramsey (Jon-Paul Bell) attempts to reassure Maxine after a comment from Lucas Hay (Oscar Curtis) upsets her. However, she keeps struggling, shutting her sister Lizzie (Lily Best) out and later getting a cosmetic surgery appointment to minimise the appearance of her scar. Emboldened after seeing a doctor, the paralegal asks Beau on a date. He opens up to Scott Drinkwell (Ross Adams), who gives him a pep talk, encouraging him to tell Maxine how he really feels. 4. Prince can't remember what happened with Rayne Prince is devastated after being accused by Rayne. Romeo meets with him, telling he found Rayne self-harming like Lily, Prince's wife who died of sepsis in 2019. A hurt Prince pleads his innocence, but still can't remember what truly happened that night. Kicked out of the house, he collects his belongings and leaves. Despite backing Rayne, Nadira Valli (Ashling O'Shea) starts questioning Romeo about Prince. Is she having doubts about the influencer's account? 5. Hunter gets close to Freya Hunter McQueen (Theo Graham) is getting close to Freya Calder (Ellie Henry), agreeing to make a portrait of her mother Lexi (Natalie Anderson), who was killed by Silas Blissett (Jeff Rawle) in a showdown with his family. John Paul McQueen (James Sutton) and Sally St Claire (Annie Wallace) are worried over Hunter's involvement with Freya, who's still grieving the loss of her mum. Hunter asks DS Zoe Anderson (Garcia Brown) for help with his drawing, asking her to share stories on her late colleague Lexi. 6. Sharon makes Warren a bold proposition Sharon Bailey (Jamelia) has a heart-to-heart with Felix Westwood (Richard Blackwood) and her mum Pearl (Dawn Hope) about Warren Fox (Jamie Lomas). Pearl backs her up, saying she needs some fun away from the drama. The GP makes Warren a bold proposition and the two find their chemistry, with Felix pleased for his mate. 7. Felix is hiding something from Mercedes Felix is battling his own demons, with Warren worried he's hiding things from his girlfriend Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe). He makes excuses on date night after he has a fight, with Sharon also bailing on Warren to treat a beaten-up Felix. The doctor threatens to tell Warren if Felix doesn't get honest with him first. Read more: Hollyoaks 2023 preview: 12 spoilers ahead as producer teases big plots Hollyoaks recasts Ste's son Lucas as new actor revealed Has Matthew-Jesus left Hollyoaks for good? Who are the longest-serving actors in soap? Hollyoaks is available to stream on All4 and airs every weeknight at 6:30pm on Channel 4 and 7pm on E4. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to see what's on tonight. Take part in the Screen Test, a project from Radio Times and the Universities of Sussex and Brighton, to explore the role of television and audio in our lives. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
EastEnders' Molly Rainford on Anna Knight stealing to find 'Rose Knight'
She's determined to discover the truth about her mum.
Anna Knight will resort to extreme measures to find her mum Rose Knight in new scenes of EastEnders. Viewers know that Rose is an alias of the recently returned Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins), who's spent the last 25 years in witness protection and has only last year reunited with her ex-husband Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt). Unaware her mum was using a different identity, Anna (Molly Rainford) is determined to find out more about her. In upcoming episodes, she goes as far as stealing from the Queen Vic to pay for a private detective, leaving her dad George (Colin Salmon) and older sister Gina (Francesca Henry) devastated by her lies. According to Rainford, Anna is 'desperate' to find her mother and is conflicted about having had to steal and keep things from her loved ones. "I think Anna has a massive conflict between doing what's right for her versus what's right for her family," the soap star told press, including RadioTimes.com. Read the full chat with Rainford below. In recent weeks we've seen Anna's curiosity about her mum continuing to grow. Has she ever stopped hoping her mum would return? "I don't think Anna has ever stopped hoping her mum would come back. I think she, out of her and Gina, has always been the one to hold on to and champion her mum. She's always been the one to wonder the reason why she left as she believes their mum wouldn't have just left with no explanation. I think she's always been so curious and always hopeful." This week we see Anna take drastic measures in her search for her mum. Can you explain this in more detail? "Anna steals some cash from The Vic till because she's so desperate. She's been saving the money for a while and it got to a breaking point for Anna where she needed to find out. With the money she has, Anna hires a private investigator to help her find, or at least get some information or explanation, about her mum. I think she's very desperate at this point." Is it out of character for Anna to steal the money? "100% out of character! Anna isn't a dishonest person at all, and I think it just shows that desperation even more. It's definitely not something that she would do - and I think that's why her family don't believe it's her at first, because it is just so out of character. Deep down, she of course didn't want to do that, but it is the last resort for Anna." Can you explain why Anna feels she can't speak to her family about wanting to look for her mum? "I think Anna has a massive conflict between doing what's right for her versus what's right for her family. She knows she will open some old wounds by doing this and she doesn't want to hurt her dad by going against him. "Anna is very happy with her family situation at the moment, she loves Elaine, so wouldn't want to cause any harm in that relationship - but she's also at the age where she needs to know answers about her own identity. By doing this, though, she knows she'll have to go against what her family wants - but I think she has to be selfish in this moment." Gina gives Anna an ultimatum, it's her or her mum. Do you think that's fair of her? "I don't know whether I would say fair, but I understand why Gina said that and feels this way. Gina, for a long time, has stepped into that maternal role even though she's not that much older than Anna. She's always felt that burden of her mum leaving, more than Anna realises, so Gina's doing this because she wants to protect Anna. I think Anna appreciates that, but I don't think she feels it's fair as she wants to know more about her mum." We know you do finally meet a private investigator. What persuades Anna to bite the bullet and go? "Anna has a lot of conversations with Freddie and Bobby about finding people in their families and I think their curiosity to find their loved ones massively plays a part in Anna wanting to find her mum. "That idea of having nothing to lose, in the sense of if she doesn't find her then she's no worse off, but if she does, she'll get more information about herself and her identity. I think that's the thing that overrides it and persuades her to reach out to the investigator." We know Gina tells George. How does he react and how does she feel to have disappointed him? "Anna feels really gutted, as it's never what she intended. I don't think she even wanted to tell them, because if she didn't find anything, or even if she did, she didn't necessarily want them to go through it with her – she wanted to do it on her own to get the answers she needed, rather than having to bring everyone in. "However, it was almost inevitable that someone was going to find out and not be happy about it. I think it's hard for her to see her dad and Gina's disappointment in her, because they are her support system." Can you tease what's in store for Anna in the coming weeks? "A lot more curiosity, a lot more head versus heart conflict, and hopefully some discoveries!" Read More EastEnders 2023 summer preview: 5 spoilers from Chris Clenshaw 6 EastEnders spoilers: Keanu on the warpath and Stacey’s sinister stalker EastEnders star confirms Nish Panesar comeuppance amid Christmas theories EastEnders airs Christmas flash-forward clue with amber cufflinks twist EastEnders summer return for Angela Wynter as Yolande Trueman EastEnders' Michelle Collins confirms flashbacks and Cindy Beale breakdown EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw reveals impact of Cindy return on Knights EastEnders' Adam Woodyatt hypes up Ian reunions with Phil and Sharon EastEnders' Michelle Collins teases Cindy’s scenes with love rival Elaine 15 EastEnders questions we still have after Cindy and Ian Beale's return EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and from 6am on BBC iPlayer. 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 and Streaming Guide. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Coronation Street fans recognise newcomer Ryan Early from previous role
The actor has appeared on the cobbles before.
This isn't Coronation Street actor Ryan Early's first time on the cobbles, as the star had a smaller role years ago. Early, who also voiced Lee Bryce in BBC radio drama The Archers, recently joined the ITV soap in the role of Darren Vance. Darren is Dev Alahan's (Jimmi Harkishin) business partner. Married to Courtney (Stephanie Davis), the character will be in for a surprise when his wife's head gets turned by an unexpected character. Early's businessman has asked Dev's son Aadi (Adam Hussain) to run errands with his wife while the two work on their joint project. However, it seems that Aadi and Courtney will hit it off during their time together, with her having her eye set on the younger man. The two end up embarking in a secret romance behind Dev and Darren's backs. As for Early's previous character, Corrie fans will remember him from a dramatic storyline concerning villain Jim McDonald (Charles Lawson). Back in 2011, Jim robbed the Lancashire & Fyle Building Society, but the situation escalated into a hostage crisis when the baddie couldn't carry out his plan quickly enough. That's when Early's first character on Coronation Street had to be brought in. He played an unnamed hostage negotiator trying to reason with Jim. When his attempts to get through to Jim failed, the negotiator agreed to have Jim's ex-wife Liz (Beverley Callard) convince him to surrender. Early joined Corrie together with Davis earlier this month, and the two are guaranteed to be involved in quite the dramatic showdown if Courtney's affair with Aadi is exposed. Davis, meanwhile, has been previously seen on Hollyoaks, where he played Sinead O'Connor between 2010 and 2015. She reprised the role again from 2018 to 2019, exiting after her character decided to remain in Spain and call off her wedding with Sami Maalik (Rishi Nair). Read more: 6 Coronation Street spoilers next week: Paul's shocking request for Billy Coronation Street villain to return – and it's bad news for Abi Webster Coronation Street's Barbara Knox honoured in documentary for 90th birthday Coronation Street star Chris Gascoyne to leave Peter Barlow role Coronation Street airs weeknights on ITV. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
EastEnders' Gillian Taylforth teases Kathy and Rocky future after Jo's threats
"She thinks that they can get over this hurdle."
Soap star Gillian Taylforth has weighed in on Kathy and Rocky Cotton's latest wedding drama in EastEnders. The actress, who's been playing Kathy since 1985, has given fans of the BBC soap more insights as to whether the dramatic showdown with Rocky's (Brian Conley) not-so-ex-wife Jo (Vicki Michelle) will have a lasting impact on their relationship. "I think she thinks that they can get over this hurdle," Taylforth said of Kathy and Rocky's romance during a recent press event. In dramatic scenes, Jo shocked Kathy and her loved ones by revealing she was still legally Rocky's wife, having only pretended to grant him a divorce earlier this year. Her timing was impeccable, as she dropped the bombshell on their wedding day. Well aware that Rocky also faces jail time for bigamy, Jo seized the opportunity to have her way and blackmailed her ex, asking for a whopping sum of money. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2023/07/EastEnders-Kathy-Jo-brawl-2023-aa77238.jpg" width="620" height="413" alt="Molly Rainford as Anna Knight, Francesca Henry as Gina Knight, Gillian Taylforth as Kathy Cotton, Roger Griffiths as Mitch Baker, Clay Milner Russell as Bobby Beale, and Bobby Brazier as Freddie Slater in EastEnders." title="EastEnders Kathy Jo brawl 2023" /> "[Kathy] loves Rocky and she thinks everything's gonna be rosy in the garden, and once the blackmail's out the way that's gonna be it; it's all gonna stop and everything in the garden's gonna be lovely," Taylforth explained. "But unfortunately, this is a soap, this is EastEnders and who knows what will happen?" Her character rushed to Rocky's side, taking things into her own hands to get the £50,000 Jo asked for. Kathy informed her husband that she had taken out a loan and would sell her chippy Beale's Plaice to help with repayments. Kathy's son Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) helped put a stop to Jo's blackmail when she came back for more, but we know the villainess is due to return after she made a disturbing phone call. Speaking about what's next for the couple, Taylforth ruled out a cheating scandal involving Jo but hinted at Rocky's gambling addiction potentially flaring up again. "I mean, he's got a gambling habit, so whether that's gonna get on her nerves money-wise, what's gonna happen?" the actress said. "She's already got a load of money on a loan for this blackmail; she's having to sell things, sell the chippy, this, that and the other," she continued, pointing out that technically she's selling her son Ian's (Adam Woodyatt) chip shop. "It is funny that she sells all Ian's stuff and not her own," Taylforth laughed. "I love it! See, I'm keeping my café and The Prince Albert, his stuff's [going]." Read more: 6 EastEnders spoilers: Keanu on the warpath and Stacey's sinister stalker EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw on “different” Cindy and Ian reunion EastEnders' explosive Cindy Beale comeback is a campy soap triumph EastEnders' Ian Beale has heart attack and keeps huge secret from Cindy Will Jacqueline Jossa return full-time to EastEnders as Lauren Branning? 15 EastEnders questions we still have after Cindy and Ian Beale's return EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and from 6am on BBC iPlayer. 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 and Streaming Guide. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
8 Hollyoaks spoilers: Rayne's lies begin to unravel
Meanwhile, James starts a feud with the McQueens.
The McQueens are reeling from John Paul's homophobic attack in new scenes of Hollyoaks. While the former teacher played by James Sutton is debating whether to go to the police, his family found themselves with unexpected trouble on their hands. They embark on a feud with James Nightingale (Gregory Finnegan) when he refuses to help Mercedes (Jennifer Metcalfe), but how long will it take before things go too far? Meanwhile, Tom Cunningham (Ellis Hollins) and Yazz (Haiesha Mistry) need to discuss their priorities after realising they want different things when it comes to starting a family. And finally, Rayne Royce (Jemma Donovan) continues antagonising Peri Lomax (Ruby O'Donnell), who's determined to expose the influencer's lies. Read on for more Hollyoaks spoilers for episodes airing on Channel 4 between Monday July 24th and Friday July 28th. 1. John Paul opens up to Freya John Paul is unsure about going to the police in the wake of the horrific hate crime he's suffered. As his family insist he should report the attack, he seeks advice from Freya Calder (Ellie Henry). After having caused the minibus accident that left her paralysed and having got away with it, John Paul is worried it may seem hypocritical of him to go to the police. But Freya reminds him he didn't intend to cause the crash, unlike the men who attacked him who knew exactly how vile their actions were. 2. Lacey helps Mercedes Mercedes finds herself in a terrible position when she hears that her son Bobby (Jayden Fox) has been attacked at the children's home. She asks for James's legal support to make sure Bobby is moved to another house, but the lawyer refuses after what Mercedes's son did to his late colleague Verity Hutchinson (Eva O'Hara). Mercedes finds an ally in Lacey Lloyd (Annabelle Davis), who vows to help her as long as James doesn't find out. When her boss does inevitably discover where she is, he rushes to the McQueens to order her back to work in the office... And so the feud with Mercedes begins. 3. Tom and Yazz want different things The couple aren't on the same page about wanting children. With Yazz's birthday approaching, she's shocked to discover her husband had mentioned plans of adoption to Peri. Upset, Yazz bails on her own birthday celebrations, with Tom looking for her to have an honest chat. As Yazz is convinced to not want children, she suggests she and Tom spend some time apart to reflect on their future. After asking friends and family for advice, Tom says he can let go of the adoption talk, while Yazz is open to change her views to keep him by her side. 4. Peri exposes Rayne's lies Rayne continues lying about her social media, choosing not to disclose she's bought followers, but is caught redhanded when Prince (Malique Thompson-Dwyer) reads a notification on her phone. Meanwhile, Rayne also has blocked Peri's number on Romeo's (Owen Warner) phone, and the nurse wants to know what is going on with Juliet's (Niamh Blackshaw) brother. Peri suspects Rayne has lied about a male t-shirt found in her bedroom, saying it belonged to her late boyfriend Brent. The influencer defends herself, with Romeo promising his girlfriend she comes before anyone else. After some research, Peri drops a bombshell: the top in question was only made after Brent's death. How will Rayne get out of this one? 5. It's James vs the McQueens James has been struggling since Juliet's death, finding some solace in the video message his sister recorded for him. His husband Ste (Kieron Richardson) tries to reason with him following the row with the McQueens. However, Ste's advice accounts for very little when Dee Valley Law gets trashed. A furious James goes to confront the McQueens, who he thinks are the culprits, and offers them a chance to make amends. Nana (Diane Langton) refuses, providing an alibi for all of the girls. At the office, Maxine Minniver (Nikki Sanderson) and Lacey clean up the mess, but realise in horror that the memory stick has been destroyed, erasing Juliet's video message. A devastated James cries on Ste's shoulder, admitting his sister was making him a better person. Later on, Ste questions James's motive when he goes to meet Lord Rafe Harcourt (Chris Gordon) about extending his property portfolio. Seeing his husband on a self-destructive path, Ste speaks up after James throws Donna-Marie (Lucy-Jo Hudson) out of the flat for having relapsed. Will the lawyer listen? 6. Rayne accuses Prince Following a party, the 20-something gang find a distraught Rayne, who insists Prince has tried it on with her. Prince has no memory of what happened and is unable to defend himself. Angered, Romeo kicks him out. 7. Joel is keeping a secret from Leela Joel Dexter (Rory Douglas-Speed) makes it through to the next stage of the Fire Brigade, but continues lying about his diabetes diagnosis. An unaware Leela (Kirsty-Leigh Porter) reveals she's heading back into the service too, throwing her support behind Joel. She tells him she's brought his firefighter trial forward and throws him a picnic in the park with Ste to celebrate the future. 8. Maxine and Beau hit it off Scott Drinkwell (Ross Adams) plays Cupid with Maxine and Beau (Jon-Paul Bell). He brings the teacher to Maxine's self-defence course, making an excuse to leave them alone. Then, the two are thrown together for a hike for the Earl of Dee awards. Will sparks fly? Read more: Hollyoaks 2023 preview: 12 spoilers ahead as producer teases big plots Hollyoaks recasts Ste's son Lucas as new actor revealed Has Matthew-Jesus left Hollyoaks for good? Who are the longest-serving actors in soap? Hollyoaks is available to stream on All4 and airs every weeknight at 6:30pm on Channel 4 and 7pm on E4. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to see what's on tonight. Take part in the Screen Test, a project from Radio Times and the Universities of Sussex and Brighton, to explore the role of television and audio in our lives. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
EastEnders' Keanu makes risky move against Phil in new scenes
After making Sharon suspicious, Keanu had to take things into his own hands.
Keanu Taylor has got himself into some serious trouble in the latest EastEnders. The character played by Danny Walters has hatched a dangerous plan to find the money Lisa Fowler (Lucy Benjamin) had asked him for in recent scenes. Lisa has only just returned to Walford with her granddaughter, Keanu's daughter Peggy, hinting at him having to reach deep into his pockets to be involved in their family life. Unbeknownst to Keanu, Lisa's requests were but a cover to fund her gambling addiction. After realising he couldn't count on Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman) to help him cook the books of Sharon Watts's (Letitia Dean) gym, Keanu had to take things into his own hands. He went to see Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams) at Peggy's, pretending to be looking to work some shifts for some extra cash. He actually just waited for her to open the safe and promptly memorised the code, letting viewers know he was up to no good. His risky move is guaranteed to fuel his ongoing feud with Peggy's owner Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), who wouldn't think twice before getting his revenge. But desperate times call for desperate measures, and a torn Keanu was able to bring Lisa the cash she'd demanded in the final scenes. As she opened the envelope, Lisa looked tempted. Is she going to spend the stolen notes on her gambling? Read more: EastEnders 2023 summer preview: 5 spoilers from Chris Clenshaw EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw promises “big” Christmas for the Beales EastEnders' Michelle Collins confirms flashbacks and Cindy Beale breakdown EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw reveals impact of Cindy return on Knights EastEnders' Adam Woodyatt hypes up Ian reunions with Phil and Sharon EastEnders' Michelle Collins teases Cindy’s scenes with love rival Elaine 6 EastEnders spoilers next week: Kim faces court and Martin suspects Theo EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and from 6am on BBC iPlayer. 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 and Streaming Guide. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Coronation Street villain to return – and it's bad news for Abi Webster
She's not in a rush to welcome back her drug dealer pal.
Coronation Street's Abi Webster may be in for a shock when someone from her past makes a comeback to the cobbles. RadioTimes.com understands actor Anthony Crank will return to Weatherfield as Dean Turnbull in the autumn for a few scenes. Corrie fans know all too well that Dean is bad news, and only being in town for a short stint won't prevent him from wreaking havoc on the street. Dean was last seen on the soap in an almost deadly showdown with Abi (Sally Carman-Duttine). Last year, Abi relapsed when Kevin (Michael Le Vell) threw her out after finding out she'd slept with Imran Habeeb (Charlie de Melo). She and Dean spent time together, during which he planned to make the most of their reunion by stealing a sports car from Abi's garage. Learning her pal's real intentions, Abi, who was experiencing stomach pains, jumped in the passenger seat in an effort to stop him. In the car, she realised she was pregnant and was in early labour, as her contractions became more and more intense. A panicky Dean abandoned Abi in a deserted spot after calling 999, with her being helped by a passing driver, and she delivered a three-month premature baby Alfie. But Abi's ordeal continued days later when she tried to retrieve the stolen car. The mechanic tricked Dean into admitting he had stolen the ride, calling the police. The exchange escalated into a scuffle which left Abi with no choice but to use the car to escape a smoke-filled garage. We can see why Abi, who has reconciled with Kevin in the meantime, may not be eager to reunite with Dean. Though she may not be the only one the drug dealer has his eye on in Weatherfield... Meanwhile, Crank is also set to make his Hollyoaks debut as new character Kenneth, involved in a storyline with John Paul McQueen (James Sutton). Read more: Coronation Street casts The Archers and Hollyoaks favourites as fiery new duo Coronation Street's Barbara Knox honoured in documentary for 90th birthday Coronation Street airs weeknights on ITV. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
8 Hollyoaks spoilers: Charlie breaks two hearts at prom
The teens are ready to have the best night ever at prom in new scenes of Hollyoaks, but heartbreak catches up with them. As Hollyoaks High managed to go ahead with the big event, Charlie Dean (Charlie Behan) continues being indecisive about whether he wants to rekindle things with Ella Richardson (Erin Palmer) or stay with Shin Lin Leong (Izzie Yip). When he finally makes up his mind, he ends up breaking two hearts in the process. Same night, different drama for DeMarcus Westwood (Tomi Ade) and Vicky Grant (Anya Lawrence), who attend prom together despite being broken up. Meanwhile, the adults of the village don't seem to be doing a lot better. Rayne Royce (Jemma Donovan) makes things more awkward between her boyfriend Romeo Nightingale (Owen Warner) and Peri Lomax (Ruby O'Donnell), revealing a mean side. Read on for more Hollyoaks spoilers for episodes airing between Monday 10th July and Friday 14th July. 1. Charlie's indecision hurts Shing Lin and Ella Charlie is still in two minds about having slept with Ella while he's with Shing Lin. Before prom, Brooke Hathaway (Tylan Grant) encourages him to make his intentions clear. During the big night, Charlie goes talk to Ella, admitting he shouldn't have had sex with her and insisting he wants things to work out with Shing Lin. But his girlfriend overhears the conversation between the two exes and Charlie realises he's hurt both of the girls. 2. Ella turns to alcohol to cope Devastated after her chat with Charlie, Ella resorts to alcohol and stumbles to the garage where Warren Fox (Jamie Lomas) is locking up. Concerned for the teen, who still believes he might be her biological father, the local gangster tries to help. 3. Rayne's jealousy gets the better of her The situation between Rayne and Romeo is still tense, as the influencer is jealous over her boyfriend's bond with Peri. Rayne confronts the nurse in new scenes, going as far as deleting a message Peri sent Romeo and blocking her number, unbeknownst to him. 4. Vicky and DeMarcus go to prom together When Vicky and DeMarcus attend prom together despite having broken up, Scott Drinkwell (Ross Adams) is worried his foster daughter will only end up hurt as her ex is potentially moving to the US. At school, Vicky is embarrassed when she makes a move on DeMarcus, who dodges her. After the former couple are voted queen and king of Hollyoaks High, Vicky is tired of pretending everything is okay between them and tells their classmates they can't accept the crowns. 5. Dillon and Charlie steal a car As the intense emotion of the night takes toll on Charlie, Dillon Ray (Nathaniel Dass) tries to distract him by stealing some car keys from the staff room. The two pals get into the stolen car, but Darren Osborne (Ashley Taylor Dawson) sees them. 6. Leah spills the beans with Cindy Leah Barnes (Elá-May Demircan) goes against Ella's wishes and tells Cindy Cunningham (Stephanie Waring) about Charlie's actions and how Ella believes Warren may be her father. When Ella doesn't show up at the sixth form taster day, Leah is worried. Mason Chen-Williams (Frank Kauer) helps bring the two teens together, but Ella is still upset at Leah for having betrayed her and pushes her away. 7. Felix lies about his bruises Felix (Richard Blackwood) is struggling to accept DeMarcus is moving away, but makes sure his son knows how proud he is of him. While Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe) offers to help, Felix hasn't had time to process his emotions and things take a turn for the worse. When she discovers he has bruises all over his face, he lies and tells he and Warren had a brawl. Furious, Mercedes makes sure Sharon Bailey (Jamelia) is informed about Warren's violent ways. On her way to a date with the mechanic, the GP arrives early and starts shouting at him. 8. Ste realises Sienna is up to something Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson) suspects his best friend Sienna Blake (Anna Passey) is hiding something. When he turns up at her flat, he's surprised to find Ethan Williams (Matthew Bailey) there given the two claim they've broken up. Unaware Sienna and Ethan have faked their split for her to get her hands on Lord Rafe Harcourt's (Chris Gordon) inheritance money, Ste senses something may be off and pressures his friend to know the truth. Read more: Hollyoaks 2023 preview: 12 spoilers ahead as producer teases big plots Hollyoaks recasts Ste's son Lucas as new actor revealed Has Matthew-Jesus left Hollyoaks for good? Who are the longest-serving actors in soap? Hollyoaks is available to stream on All4 and airs every weeknight at 6:30pm on Channel 4 and 7pm on E4. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to see what's on tonight. Take part in the Screen Test, a project from Radio Times and the Universities of Sussex and Brighton, to explore the role of television and audio in our lives. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Hollyoaks character returns after Silas's dark storyline
Hollyoaks will see the return of a former character in a storyline in connection with the McQueens' traumatic past. The Channel 4 soap welcomes back Freya Calder, the teen played by Ellie Henry. In upcoming scenes, she will reunite with her Hollyoaks High pals more than a year after the accident that left her paralysed. In upcoming scenes, Freya attends a summer art class at the McQueens' with Vicky Grant (Anya Lawrence) and Leah Barnes (Elá-May Melek Demircan). While Vicky and Leah makes excuses to leave after the class doesn't live up to their expectations, Freya stays. At the end of the class, Freya shows Hunter McQueen (Theo Graham) a picture she's painted of an alien-like creature, admitting it is how she feels. Impressed by her talent, Hunter takes the painting home. There, he talks with Nana (Diane Langton) and John Paul (James Sutton) about Freya, realising she's the girl who was injured in the minibus accident. Last year, John Paul was the designated driver for a school camping trip. On the way to the camping site, he lost control of the wheel, distracted by Mason Chen-Williams's (Frank Kauer) being sick. The former teacher flipped the minivan, leaving Freya with life-altering injuries. But there's something more sinister connecting the McQueens to Freya. Hunter remembers that the teen lost her mum, police detective Lexi Calder (Natalie Anderson), at the hands of serial killer Silas Blissett (Jeff Rawle) as she tried to protect the McQueens from him. Moved, John Paul encourages Hunter to continue with his classes, hoping the art course may help Freya process what she's going through. Will Freya and the McQueens get close? Read more: Hollyoaks 2023 preview: 12 spoilers ahead as producer teases big plots Hollyoaks recasts Ste's son Lucas as new actor revealed Has Matthew-Jesus left Hollyoaks for good? Who are the longest-serving actors in soap? Hollyoaks is available to stream on All4 and airs every weeknight at 6:30pm on Channel 4 and 7pm on E4. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to see what's on tonight. Take part in the Screen Test, a project from Radio Times and the Universities of Sussex and Brighton, to explore the role of television and audio in our lives. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Emmerdale's Jeff Hordley on Cain and Caleb's future
Additional reporting by Lewis Knight. They may not have got off on the best start, but there's still hope half-brothers Cain Dingle and Caleb Miligan could team up on Emmerdale. At least that's what soap star Jeff Hordley seems to think. The veteran Emmerdale actor, known for playing the scheming Cain since 2000, spoke exclusively with RadioTimes.com at the TRIC Awards on 27th June. Speaking about the turbulent relationship between Cain and Caleb (William Ash), Hordley admitted things aren't looking rosy at the moment. "It’s not great," he said, though he left the door open for some sort of reconciliation in upcoming episodes. "I honestly believe things will get better," he continued, adding: "I'm hoping to see Cain and Caleb work together as a team at some point." Caleb has had a lot on his plate recently, as he's only just recovered from the attack he suffered at the hands of his own son Nicky (Lewis Cope). The former nanny admitted that he had pushed his dad off the ravine in recent scenes, clearing other suspects including Cain, Mack Boyd (Lawrence Robb), Leyla Harding (Roxy Shahidi) and Will Taylor (Dean Andrews). While things between him and Cain remain frosty at the moment, Caleb is still determined to mend his relationship with his brother... if he allows it. We don't know at present whether the two half-brothers will ever bury the hatchet, though Hordley's words seem to suggest fans will get to see these two not fighting for once. As Caleb's out of the woods following his fall and may remain in the village, a reconciliation with Cain isn't to be ruled out entirely. Read more: 6 Emmerdale spoilers next week: Jai shocked by a secret after surprise engagement Emmerdale alum Alexander Lincoln on potential return as Jamie Tate Emmerdale fans react as new episode revisits murdering Meena storyline Emmerdale airs on weekdays at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX. If you’re looking for more to watch, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide or visit our Soaps hub. Take part in the Screen Test, a project from Radio Times and the Universities of Sussex and Brighton, to explore the role of television and audio in our lives. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Emmerdale's Jeff Hordley thinks Moira and Cain can settle
As unbelievable as it sounds, Cain and Moira Dingle are still going strong on Emmerdale, with actor Jeff Hordley suggesting they're in for the long haul. The soap star spoke exclusively with RadioTimes.com at last night's (June 27) TRIC Awards, hinting at his character and Moira, played by Natalie J Robb, teaming up in the face of all obstacles. "You can still throw storylines at them, it just doesn't have to involve an affair," Hordley said, alluding to the two of them having to face some more difficulties that won't necessarily jeopardise their marriage. "It'd be nice to see them still being stable but having adversities thrown at them in other areas," he added. The pair have had their fair share of heartache in previous years, after all. First married in 2014, Cain and Moira became estranged in 2016 following her affair with Pete Barton (Anthony Quinlan) and Cain's subsequent extreme measures to have his revenge on him. The two exes reunited in 2018 after Cain's passionate declaration of love, but things turned rough again when Moira had an affair with Nate Robinson (Jurell Carter), unaware he was her husband's secret son. They managed to put all infidelities behind them, with their relationship growing stronger as a result. As affairs seem to be a thing of the past for these two, they have their hands fulls elsewhere. While Cain has only just been cleared of suspicions of having pushed his half-brother Caleb Miligan (William Ash) from a ravine, Moira was recently involved in a car crash with Nicola King (Nicola Wheeler), in which Nicola's daughter Angel (Rebecca Bakes) got injured. Read more: 6 Emmerdale spoilers next week: Jai shocked by a secret after surprise engagement Emmerdale alum Alexander Lincoln on potential return as Jamie Tate Emmerdale fans react as new episode revisits murdering Meena storyline Emmerdale airs on weekdays at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX. If you’re looking for more to watch, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide or visit our Soaps hub. Take part in the Screen Test, a project from Radio Times and the Universities of Sussex and Brighton, to explore the role of television and audio in our lives. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
EastEnders fans think Vinny is really the victim at Christmas - here's why
Vinny is in some viewers' bad books after he tampered with Eve's car.
Move over, Nish Panesar: EastEnders fans have found a new possible victim for the big Christmas whodunnit. The BBC One soap is lining up one of their bigger storylines to date with the death of a mysterious male resident of the square just in time for the festive season. As six women of Walford — Suki Panesar (Balvinder Sopal), Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean), Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth), Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), Denise Fox (Diane Parish) and Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) — are set to find the body at the Queen Vic and are likely involved in some capacity, some think the corpse belongs to another man in the Panesar family. Nish's son Vinny, played by Shiv Jalota, has shown a dark side upon discovering his mum Suki's relationship with Eve Unwin (Heather Peace). After learning of their secret romance, Vinny didn't think twice before endangering Eve's life by cutting the brakes in on Finlay's (Ashley Byam) car, who he knew Eve would be driving. Fans seem to think Vinny may not get to see the new year as his behaviour turns concerning and more and more similar of that of his controlling father. "My guess is Vinny will be the one who will be murdered at Christmas," one fan recently suggested, sharing their theory on Twitter. "I reckon it's Vinny who'll be a goner at Christmas. He wears cufflinks and suits often," another said, referring to the piece of jewellery viewers spotted on the dead body in the flash-forward scene. "The evil Vinny is now top of my wish list to be the Christmas body," a third fan wrote. While Vinny is certainly a strong contender to be the whodunnit victim, it seems other options are still a go. All of the Walford Six have their very own troubles with some terrible men on the square (we're looking at you, Ravi Gulati), meaning fans can theorise away as they await the next piece in the puzzle. Read More EastEnders 2023 summer preview: 5 spoilers from Chris Clenshaw EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw promises “big” Christmas for the Beales EastEnders' Michelle Collins confirms flashbacks and Cindy Beale breakdown EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw reveals impact of Cindy return on Knights EastEnders' Adam Woodyatt hypes up Ian reunions with Phil and Sharon EastEnders' Michelle Collins teases Cindy’s scenes with love rival Elaine 6 EastEnders spoilers next week: Kim faces court and Martin suspects Theo EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw on “different” Cindy and Ian reunion EastEnders' explosive Cindy Beale comeback is a campy soap triumph EastEnders' Ian Beale has heart attack and keeps huge secret from Cindy Will Jacqueline Jossa return full-time to EastEnders as Lauren Branning? 15 EastEnders questions we still have after Cindy and Ian Beale's return EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and from 6am on BBC iPlayer. 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 and Streaming Guide. Take part in the Screen Test, a project from Radio Times and the Universities of Sussex and Brighton, to explore the role of television and audio in our lives. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Emmerdale casts new member of the Sharma family
The Sharma family are in for a surprise when an unexpected visitor rocks up to the village ahead of Jai's wedding in Emmerdale. Played by Brahmdeo Shannon Ramana, cousin Suni could prove crucial to smoothing things out between his uncle Rishi (Bhasker Patel) and Jai (Chris Bisson), who's still not speaking to his dad after he kept his adoption a secret. Outside of his family affairs, Suni will also cross paths with Nicky Miligan (Lewis Cope), who's recently found himself single and might use the distraction. "Suni arrives just in time for the wedding of his cousin Jai to Laurel but it's Nicky who soon is making the most of his arrival," Emmerdale executive producer Jane Hudson said in a statement. "We are delighted to have Brahm join the Emmerdale family. He certainly hits the ground running as we throw him right into the heart of a big Sharma story." As for Ramana, the actor said he's delighted to join the Emmerdale gang, while also giving fans more insights into his "confident" character. "Having watched the show with my mum and dad growing up it feels surreal," he said. "I'm so grateful to everyone here for making me feel so welcome. Confident, magnetic and very fashion-conscious, Suni looks forward to injecting some flair to the Emmerdale village. He's not afraid to be his true self and go after what (and who) he wants," he continued. The actor also highlighted the importance of having a character like Suni on a long-running series, discussing the 'privilege' to bring real-life stories onto the screen. "I think what Emmerdale does brilliantly is making sure there's accurate representation of real people and telling their authentic stories," he said. "Bringing a wonderful character like Suni to life on a continuing drama is incredibly important to me as it gives exposure to a demographic which is sadly still under-represented so I truly hope to do him justice, and thank Emmerdale and its fans for the privilege." Read more: Emmerdale fans react as new episode revisits murdering Meena storyline Emmerdale alum Alexander Lincoln on potential return as Jamie Tate Emmerdale airs on weekdays at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX. If you’re looking for more to watch, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide or visit our Soapshub. Take part in the Screen Test, a project from Radio Times and the Universities of Sussex and Brighton, to explore the role of television and audio in our lives. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
7 Hollyoaks spoilers: the village says goodbye to Juliet in sad scenes
She left video messages for her loved ones.
Hollyoaks is getting ready to give Juliet Nightingale a proper sendoff in upcoming scenes. The character played by Niamh Blackshaw died months after being diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. Juliet's partner Peri Lomax (Ruby O'Donnell) and her family have been trying to plan the funeral according to her wishes, but her brother James (Gregory Finnegan) insists on a traditional service. Meanwhile, Rayne Royce's (Jemma Donovan) jealousy over Romeo (Owen Warner) and Peri getting closer takes a toll on her. Read on for more Hollyoaks spoilers for episodes airing between Monday, July 3rd and Friday, July 7th. 1. Lacey warns Rayne Rayne is still reeling from seeing Romeo and Peri together bonding over the loss of Juliet. When she finds them asleep on the sofa after a night of making funeral arrangements, she's less than impressed and makes sure everyone is well aware. Her best friend Lacey Lloyd (Annabelle Davis) warns her that her continuous social media posts about Juliet containing pictures of herself may come across as tasteless. The influencer admits that she's been struggling seeing Peri devastated about losing the love of her life as it's triggering memories of Brent, her ex-boyfriend who took his own life. 2. Romeo misses Juliet's funeral Romeo goes to see his dad James, who informs him of his ideas for Juliet's funeral. While Romeo and Peri want to respect Juliet's plan, James opts for a more traditional ceremony - with everyone wearing black. Peri is upset at James ignoring his sister's wishes. Seeing the lawyer determined to have his way, the nurse makes the decision not to attend her girlfriend's funeral. Romeo goes after her, sharing some wise words and convincing her to go to the service with him. On the day, however, Romeo is nowhere to be seen. 3. Charlie is confused Charlie Dean (Charlie Behan) and Ella Richardson (Erin Palmer) talk about having slept together, both agreeing it was a mistake. As she's stressed over finding a dress for prom, she's surprised to receive the perfect gown delivered to her doorstep. Thinking Charlie must be behind the present, Ella thanks him and leads him upstairs. Unsure about where he stands with Shing Lin Leong (Izzie Yip), Charlie snaps when she hugs him in front of Ella. Later on, Dave (Dominic Power) and Darren (Ashley Taylor Dawson) team up to have the kids make up, but will Shing Lin and Charlie be annoyed over their meddling? 4. Peri supports her mum's relationship Leela (Kirsty-Leigh Porter) has been careful not to let Peri know about her new relationship with Joel (Rory Douglas-Speed) just yet. Worried about her daughter's mental health after losing Juliet, the former firefighter asks her boyfriend to keep their romance a secret. Things don't go according to plan when Peri walks in on them kissing. She tells her mum that Juliet would've wanted them to live their lives and gives her and Joel her blessing. 5. Donna-Marie relapses Donna-Marie Quinn (Lucy-Jo Hudson) is struggling to cope with her daughter's loss. After Peri reveals that Juliet has recorded video messages for her loved ones before dying, Donna-Marie has a hard time watching hers. She goes to see Romeo, hoping they could see it together. But realising he has so much on his plate, she decides not to burden him and leaves. In dramatic scenes airing later in the week, Donna-Marie has a relapse, with Leela, Joel and Romeo finding her having overdosed at the gym and rushing her to the hospital. 6. DeMarcus receives a surprise call Felix Westwood (Richard Blackwood) is glad to spend more time with his son DeMarcus (Tomi Ade). The teen receives an important call: he gets offered a place at a summer camp in America. Will he cross the pond? 7. The teens prepare for prom It's almost prom night at Hollyoaks High and the teens are excited to pick their outfits. But their enthusiasms are halted when they learn the event has been cancelled. Seeing her friends devastated, Shing Lin has an idea. She enlists the help of former headteacher Sally St Claire (Annie Wallace) who, after pulling some strings, manages to get prom go ahead. Pushed by her pals, Ella asks Warren Fox (Jamie Lomas) if he can buy them alcohol for the night. He agrees and tells them to meet him at the garage. Despite their break up, DeMarcus asks Vicky Grant (Anya Lawrence) to go as his date. Read more: Hollyoaks 2023 preview: 12 spoilers ahead as producer teases big plots Hollyoaks recasts Ste's son Lucas as new actor revealed Has Matthew-Jesus left Hollyoaks for good? Who are the longest-serving actors in soap? Hollyoaks is available to stream on All4 and airs every weeknight at 6:30pm on Channel 4 and 7pm on E4. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to see what's on tonight. Take part in the Screen Test, a project from Radio Times and the Universities of Sussex and Brighton, to explore the role of television and audio in our lives. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Who plays Peter Beale in EastEnders? Every actor in role
Introduced in 1993, Peter Beale was on EastEnders for nearly three decades before leaving Walford in his rearview mirror last year. The son of Ian (Adam Woodyatt) and Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins), Peter is the twin brother of Lucy (last played by Hetti Bywater) and half-brother of Steven (Aaron Sidwell), Cindy Jr. (Mimi Keene), Bobby (Clay Milner Russell), and now, as of today, Gina (Francesca Henry) and Anna Knight (Molly Rainford). During his time on Albert Square, Peter had a conflicted relationship with his family and a series of romances: from Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa), who he shares son Louie with, to Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty) and Lola Pearce (Danielle Harold) — and even an affair with Suki Panesar (Balvinder Sopal). The character was played by seven different actors across 29 years; let's take a look at what they've been up to since their Walford days and in the aftermath of Cindy Beale's sensational return. Read More EastEnders' Adam Woodyatt breaks silence on Ian Beale return alongside Cindy EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw promises Cindy Beale resurrection "answers" EastEnders' Michelle Collins talks "surreal" return as Cindy Beale after 25 years EastEnders' Adam Woodyatt breaks silence on Ian Beale return alongside Cindy EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw on “different” Cindy and Ian reunion EastEnders' explosive Cindy Beale comeback is a campy soap triumph EastEnders' Michelle Collins talks Cindy Beale witness protection story EastEnders' Ian Beale has heart attack and keeps huge secret from Cindy When are Cindy and Ian Beale returning to EastEnders full-time? 15 EastEnders questions we still have after Cindy and Ian Beale's return Who plays Peter Beale in EastEnders? Every actor in role 1. Francis Brittin-Snell (1993–1996) Last episode: 17th October 1996 Brittin-Snell was the first actor to play baby Peter Beale, from his birth in December 1993 to 1996, when the character was recast. His twin sister, Eva Brittin-Snell, played Lucy Beale as a baby. 2. Alex Stevens (1997–1998) View oEmbed on the source website Last episode: October 1998 Stevens took over from Brittin-Snell in 1997, continuing to portray Ian and Cindy's son in 1998. He doesn't have any other acting credits. Stevens portrayed the character during Cindy's dramatic escape from the Square in 1997. 3. Joseph Shade (1998–2004) Last episode: September 2004 Shade played Peter until September 2004, with his most notable moment in the soap being caught up in the Square's fairground disaster. He doesn't have any more notable acting credits to his name. In October 2017, he was sentenced to a suspended jail term of 18 months after admitting to a series of sexual offences against girls aged 14-17 when he would have been 19-21 (via Evening Standard). 4. James Martin (2004–2006) Last episode: prior to October 2006 The actor took over from Shade from the autumn of 2004 to 2006. During Martin's tenure, Peter's chief storyline was grappling with his father Ian moving on with new love Jane Collins, later Jane Beale. 5. Thomas Law (2006–2010, 2023-) Last episode: 24th December 2010 (before returning on 22nd June 2023) Instagram: @thomaslaw44 Twitter: @thomaslaw92 Law played Peter Beale between 2006 and 2010. During Law's first stint, Peter began his on-off romantic connection with Lauren Branning whilst also having romantic sparks with both Whitney Dean and Zsa Zsa Carter. Peter was often the sensible sibling dealing with the antics of his scheming twin sister Lucy and his twisted elder half-brother Steven Beale. The character left Walford for Devon in 2010 to join his sisters who were living with his aunt Gina Williams after Ian cheated on his wife Jane with Glenda Mitchell and did not stand up for him in false claims that he had pushed Glenda down the stairs. Prior to his stint on EastEnders, the actor appeared in five episodes of the medical drama Casualty. Since 2021, he's been playing DC Eddie Martin in the ITV crime drama The Bay. 6. Ben Hardy (2013–2015) Last episode: February 2015 Instagram: @benhardy Ben Hardy portrayed Peter for two years, during which the soap focused on his romances with Lola Pearce and Lauren Branning, plus his reactions to the murder of his twin sister Lucy Beale. In 2015, the character left the square for the first time with his pregnant girlfriend Lauren and they relocated to New Zealand together, having discovered that young Bobby Beale had killed Lucy. View oEmbed on the source website Since leaving EastEnders, Hardy has appeared in film and TV series. In 2016, he made his big screen debut in X-Men: Apocalypse, while he also played Queen drummer Roger Taylor in 2018's Bohemian Rhapsody. He will next be seen in the rom-com The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight. On TV, he appeared in the 2021 thriller series The Girl Before opposite Gugu Mbatha-Raw, David Oyelowo and EastEnders' Jessica Plummer. 7. Dayle Hudson (2020–2022) Last episode: 14 July 2022 Instagram: @dayle_hds Actor Dayle Hudson took on the role of Peter when he returned to Walford in 2020. During Hudson's tenure, Peter's storylines included sexual liaisons with Lola Pearce, Dr Ash Kaur, Suki Panear, and Dana Monroe, his fractious relationship with half-brother Bobby Beale, and taking on his father's businesses. The character left the square in the summer of 2022, with his exit marking a dramatic breaking point in the relationship with his family, particularly his grandmother Kathy, his uncle Ben, and Bobby. Who plays Peter Beale now? Peter Beale is currently played by actor Thomas Law. The character made a dramatic return to EastEnders on Thursday 22nd June 2023. Law reprised his role for the first time since 2010, having been the fifth actor to play the role and now the eighth in the part. Read more: EastEnders cast: Who is joining, leaving and returning to the soap? EastEnders’ Heather Peace on whether Eve could kill Nish: ‘Anyone does anything if pushed’ EastEnders’ Heather Peace hints that Eve and Suki’s big break-up isn’t the end EastEnders boss wants to keep Linda Carter as "heart of the Square" EastEnders' Danny Walters worried for Keanu in Christmas flash-forward EastEnders' Jamie Borthwick promises Lola "gets the send off she deserves" EastEnders' George Knight proposes to Elaine and reveals mystery son EastEnders' Colin Salmon on personal reason he took George Knight role EastEnders' Kellie Bright fears "everlasting" Linda and Sharon feud EastEnders star Kellie Bright: "The show needed a Harriet Thorpe" EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw explains the “Knight in Shining Armour” Sam Mitchell to return to EastEnders ‘before the autumn’ after surprise exit EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and from 6am on BBC iPlayer. 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 and Streaming Guide. Take part in the Screen Test, a project from Radio Times and the Universities of Sussex and Brighton, to explore the role of television and audio in our lives. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.