Soaps Julie Lordan with all the news from soapland
We round up the latest news and gossip from the world of soap – the stories, the stars, the twists and turns
When EastEnders’ new executive producer Kate Oates took over in October, she brought with her a reputation for change. During her time in charge of Coronation Street, Oates introduced controversial thriller-style storylines to the soap, but as yet there’s no sign of the expected shake-up on Albert Square. It could be that EastEnders has enough drama going on and changes will be more piecemeal. Apparently, Oates has reassured the longstanding cast that they are safe for now, while promising to bring in some new characters and bring back some old favourites who have left.
Of course, that already includes Alfie Moon, whose relationship with Kat is a perennial source of drama. Steve McFadden, who plays Phil Mitchell, was away for a while, but now he’s back in action. Jake Wood, who plays Max Branning, will be taking a short break from the soap next year to take his boxing podcast on a live tour. But rumours that he is leaving for good are untrue and Jake will be returning to the Square after his break.
A former EastEnders player, Jack Ryder ( Jamie Mitchell), is set to join Holby City, where he will play a consultant surgeon, Evan Crowhurst, joining the Channel 4 soap early next year. In the past, a surefire ratings winner for Coronation Street was to introduce a baddie, often of the murderous kind, so in the current fiercely competitive soap environment, it pays to watch out for characters with criminal intent. Although Corrie has been criticised for the level of violence in recent crime plots, such as Pat Phelan’s, that may have dismayed core viewers, ratings are paramount.
Rumour has it that the doctor, Ali Neeson, (played by James Burrows) who is Michelle’s son, could turn nasty. He has already killed but who knows whether that possibly justifiable act could turn a decent and likeable chap into someone more sinister?
And maybe Liz McDonald is about to have some good luck in love, as the Coronation Street producers have decided to bring back actor Louis Emerick, formerly of Brookside, to again play her love interest, Mike Thornberry. Another popular character due to return next year, but possibly not on a permanent basis, is Nicola Thorp, playing the role of Nicola Rubinstein. Viewers will remember that Nicola is Pat Phelan’s daughter and also the mother of Gary Windass’s baby, so there is plenty of potential for drama. Look out for a familiar face from EastEnders, Janet Dibley, who will turn up in Coronation Street in the Christmas episodes this year. She’s been cast in the part of headteacher in the school where Brian Packham works. Could Brian’s love, Cathy, have a rival coming into view? Meanwhile,
Sair Khan, who plays Alya Nazir in Coronation Street will be off our screens for a while as she is taking part in
I’m a Celebrity, but Sair hints that in the New Year, her character will have a meatier story than she has had for a while. Of the original Nazir family, comprising her dad, brother and grandparents, Alya and her grandmother are the only two left standing.
On a recent trip to the set of Coronation Street, the RTÉ Guide learned that Nigel Havers, who plays
Lewis Archer, Audrey’s great love, may be leaving the soap. Look out for our interview with Audrey Roberts (Sue Nicholls) in the Christmas issue, along with Sally Ann Matthews (Jenny Connor/Bradley) who explains why she hasn’t been able to move on from her husband’s affair with Liz; Joe Dunnine (Tim Metcalfe) will also tell us why Tim seems a bit dim when it comes to Gina’s flirting; and Chris Gascoyne (Peter Barlow) reveals how his character is relishing being fancy free, but he still thinks Peter and Carla will get together.
Also to come in our Christmas issue, the cast of Fair City share their thoughts on what makes Christmas special for them – and for their characters.
A bit of a surprise in Emmerdale, with Mandy Dingle popping back for a guest stint in 2019. She’s been away for more than 17 years and Lisa Riley will once again play the role. Producer, Kate Brooks, released a teaser about the character’s reason for being back, revealing that Mandy has a secret that will turn more than one life upside down. Claire King, who played the role of Kim Tate in Emmerdale, is due to return as a regular when her character gets out of prison next year. But she won’t come quietly. Kim has had plenty of time to think of the best ways to cause some chaos, and sources from Emmerdale have promised an explosive 2019 for Kim. Of course, viewers will recognise Claire from her time as Erica in Coronation Street.
Another soap star currently in I’m A Celebrity is Malique Thompson Dwyer, who plays Prince McQueen in Hollyoaks. Off screen, Malique and his co-star, Theo Graham, won the Best On-Screen Partnership prize at the British Soap Awards 2018 for their portrayal of twins Prince and Hunter. Theo is no longer in the soap, but the publicity will do Malique no harm.
Also in Hollyoaks, Niamh Blackshaw has just landed the part of Juliet, sister of Romeo, (where did they get that idea from?). You might recognise her from Coronation Street, where she played Lara Cutler, one of the victims of Nathan Curtis’s grooming gang in 2017.
Fans of Home & Away will have to wait until January to get their fix of fun and drama from the popular Aussie soap, as the show takes its regular midwinter (or is that midsummer?) break.
Also a regular midwinter event, various Fair City actors will be popping up on a panto stage near you. George McMahon, aka Mondo O’Connell, will be starring in a touring production of Sleeping Beauty in Wexford (December 27-30) and Killarney (January 3-5). Appearing with him is another familiar face from Fair City, Aoibheann McCaul (Caoimhe Dillon).
Our cover star this week, Sorcha Furlong, who plays Orla Molloy, will be in the Civic Theatre in Tallaght in Jack and the Beanstalk from December 12 to January 6 (see interview page 10).
Then there’s Ryan Andrews, (Sean Cassidy), appearing in Polly and The Magic Lamp at the Olympia Theatre, December 21 to January 6.