Soaps – Metro https://metro.co.uk Metro.co.uk: News, Sport, Showbiz, Celebrities from Metro Tue, 01 Apr 2025 14:45:37 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/cropped-m-icon-black-9693.png?w=32 Soaps – Metro https://metro.co.uk 32 32 146859608 Vanessa exposes major secret in blistering public rant in Emmerdale https://metro.co.uk/2025/04/01/vanessa-exposes-major-secret-blistering-public-rant-emmerdale-22810365/ https://metro.co.uk/2025/04/01/vanessa-exposes-major-secret-blistering-public-rant-emmerdale-22810365/#respond Tue, 01 Apr 2025 21:00:00 +0000 https://metro.co.uk/?p=22810365
Vanessa confronts Tracy in front of Pollard and Charity in the pub in Emmerdale
Vanessa Woodfield spirals (Picture: ITV)

Emmerdale’s Vanessa Woodfield (Michelle Hardwick) is barely holding it together, both because of the loss of girlfriend Suzy Merton (Martelle Edinborough) and the unimaginable pain at discovering Suzy was planning to end their relationship.

She’s not been the most switched on or supportive to those around her, having become consumed with learning Mary (Louise Jameson) was the one who’d caught Suzy’s eye. Being so self-absorbed, she has been missing just how bad things have become for sister Tracy (Amy Walsh).

Tracy is on the breadline, having not received a penny from Nate (Jurell Carter) – probably because it’s difficult to pay child maintenance from the bottom of a lake (if indeed that is where Nate is!).

Without child maintenance, Tracy has barely been able to keep her head above water, and Vanessa – swallowed by her world of grief – has only added to Tracy’s financial worries by constantly demanding money and being completely unsympathetic.

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To keep herself afloat, Tracy has turned to a life of crime – stealing money out of the shop’s till. No one was aware of her criminal activity except Leyla (Roxy Shahidi) who died before she could tell anyone.

But Eric wants to rake over the accounts to prepare the business for sale and will thus reveal Tracy’s secret. As expected, he discovers the missing money, and Tracy is feeling guilty watching him berate himself for his carelessness while he praises her for her support.

In the throes of a wave of guilt, Tracy confesses to Vanessa. Initially, Vanessa is apologetic – she had been oblivious to her sister’s struggles and feels bad about that.

Tracy looks troubled in Emmerdale
Tracy has been stealing from Eric for weeks (Picture: ITV)

She hands Tracy the cash to make things right, who then pops it back in the till and tries to convince Eric that he merely misplaced it.

A grateful Eric takes Tracy out for a thank you lunch, but Tracy is caught off guard by a drunk Vanessa who is also in the pub. Vanessa loses her drunken cool and rips into Tracy for stealing the money. Just like that, the secret is out, and Pollard is devastated.

Hard up Tracy finds herself sacked, all thanks to Vanessa’s outburst. With nothing keeping her in the village and in need of a new job, will Tracy quit the village?

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Beloved Coronation Street couple plan to have a child in unexpected move https://metro.co.uk/2025/04/01/beloved-coronation-street-couple-plan-a-child-unexpected-move-22812863/ https://metro.co.uk/2025/04/01/beloved-coronation-street-couple-plan-a-child-unexpected-move-22812863/#respond Tue, 01 Apr 2025 20:00:00 +0000 https://metro.co.uk/?p=22812863
Sally and Tim sit in the garden in Corrie
A new adventure? (Picture: ITV)

Despite being happily married to the most popular woman in Weatherfield, Tim Metcalfe (Joe Duttine) is in search of something new in upcoming Coronation Street episodes.

Don’t worry, he has no intention of betraying Sally (Sally Dynevor). In fact, he wants them to conquer a challenge together.

A few months ago, the couple were on hand to try and support Mason Radcliffe (Luca Toolan) shortly before he died.

The teenager was sleeping in Tim and Sally’s shed and was eventually allowed to kip on their sofa. They proved to be a great influence on Mason, who was trying to turn his life around at the time.

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Sadly, his hopes of staying on that path of redemption got ripped away when he was stabbed to death.

It’s perhaps spending time with Mason that has influenced Tim’s idea as in upcoming episodes, he talks to Sally about fostering.

They decide they don’t want to look after a young child like Hope (Isabella Flanagan), but have no idea she’s overhearing their conversation.

Sally and Tim are hit with a water balloon in Corrie
Hope gets her revenge (Picture: ITV)

Later on, in the garden, as Tim and Sal continue talking about becoming foster parents, Hope and Ruby (Billie Naylor) send a water balloon over the fence, hitting them both!

In the week, despite Sally making her reservations about the fostering idea, Tim heads online and secretly books himself in for an information session.

Going down this path without Sally knowing definitely isn’t the best idea – but will she eventually agree with Tim’s plan?

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Ross on a mission in EastEnders after mystery call and Sharon showdown https://metro.co.uk/2025/04/01/ross-a-mission-eastenders-mystery-call-sharon-showdown-22789545/ https://metro.co.uk/2025/04/01/ross-a-mission-eastenders-mystery-call-sharon-showdown-22789545/#respond Tue, 01 Apr 2025 20:00:00 +0000 https://metro.co.uk/?p=22789545
Ross talks to Vicki on Arthur's bench in EastEnders
Ross Marshall has a gameplan in EastEnders (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Ross Marshall (Alex Walkinshaw) takes a mysterious phone call in EastEnders next week, as he makes a plan to Walford permanently.

The newcomer makes quite an impression when he arrives with girlfriend Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) this week, with a number of residents wondering why she had separated from her long term partner Spencer Moon (Christopher Parker).

Following some questioning from Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) and Alfie Moon (Shane Richie), she is forced to come clean.

On the surface it seems that Ross – with son Joel (Max Murray) – have arrived to support Vicki at her uncle Martin Fowler’s (James Bye) funeral.

However, before long, their ulterior motive is realised.

Ross urges Vicki to ask her sister Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) for some cash, but she feels guilty asking such a favour given she hasn’t seen her for the last two decades.

She also notes that Sharon has dealt badly with her grief for Martin, and has had a turbulent time with ex-husband Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) during his mental health battle.

With nowhere left to turn, she asks cousin Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) instead.

Ross and Vicki have a tense conversation in the market in EastEnders
He and Vicki are on the hunt for a cash source (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

When Sharon discovers her monetary plight, she confronts Vicki for the truth, but she manages to dismiss her concerns.

On the eve of Martin’s funeral, tensions begin to rise between the women, but Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) gives her friend some food for thought.

Will Sharon agree to help her out?

In upcoming scenes, the two are distraught ahead of the service and try to find a way to get through the traumatic day.

Ross can see that Vicki is in a bad way, and suggests that he and Joel come along to support her.

Ross talks to Sharon ahead of Martin's funeral in EastEnders
He’s adamant to attend Martin’s funeral (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Sharon reckons that it could be idea – he’d be coming face to face with Alfie again, and given his anger towards him, things could escalate again.

Realising that he should probably put things right, he apologises for upsetting Alfie, but makes it clear that he hasn’t forgotten what has happened.

Later, he takes a mysterious call with an unknown person, and decides to make it his mission to convinced Vicki that they should stick around in Albert Square for a while longer.

Ross comforts Vicki in EastEnders
Ross wants to make Walford his permanent home (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

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She isn’t sure it’s the right decision, and has already booked flights back to Australia.

Realising that it isn’t going to be an easy to win her over, he enlists Ian to persuade her, spelling out that Mark Jnr should be the one who supports her grieving mother Michelle, and not Vicki.

At the end of the week, Michelle calls Vicki – and it becomes clear that Ross’ plan has work.

What is he planning, and why is he so desperate not to return home?

If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you.

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EastEnders legend confesses to a shocking crime as resident reels https://metro.co.uk/2025/04/01/eastenders-legend-confesses-a-shocking-crime-resident-reels-22824295/ https://metro.co.uk/2025/04/01/eastenders-legend-confesses-a-shocking-crime-resident-reels-22824295/#respond Tue, 01 Apr 2025 18:55:00 +0000 https://metro.co.uk/?p=22824295
Gillian Taylforth as Kathy Beale in EastEnders, standing in Albert Square looking worried.
A guilt-ridden Kathy Beale confessed to her crime (Picture: BBC)

EastEndersKathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) was forced to confess her shocking secret on Tuesday, after her crime threatened to split up Peter Beale (Thomas Law) and Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa). 

As fans of the BBC soap will know, back in February it was revealed that Kathy was the one who attacked Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) and left her for dead on Christmas night after her affair with Junior Knight (Micah Balfour) was exposed. 

While Cindy and Kathy’s son Ian (Adam Woodyatt) have been privy to the truth, the rest of the Beale and Knight families have remained in the dark about who the culprit was. 

Cindy is currently taking time out from Walford after inadvertently causing the Queen Vic explosion that killed Martin Fowler (James Bye). 

Up Next

Earlier this week, Peter tried to track his mother down, causing him to miss a scan his pregnant girlfriend Lauren had at the hospital. 

As we returned to Walford on Tuesday, Peter decided to make it up to her by proposing – but in a shock turn, she declined. 

Lauren later explained that she is haunted by the possibility that she was the one who attacked Cindy, as she still does not remember her movements of the night in question. 

Peter Beale proposes to Lauren Branning in EastEnders
Lauren Branning rejected Peter Beale’s proposal (Picture: BBC)

Fans will remember that shortly after Lauren exposed Cindy’s affair with Junior on Christmas night, she then downed a batch of painkillers Cindy supplied her with, causing her to lose her memory. 

As a guilt-ridden Kathy eavesdropped on Lauren and Peter’s conversation, she soon realised their relationship would not withstand if she did not speak up. 

Peter Beale and Lauren Branning have a difficult chat in EastEnders
Lauren was stunned to learn the truth from Kathy (Picture: BBC)

She then confessed all to Lauren, who was gobsmacked to learn of the bombshell Kathy had been sat on. 

But what will Lauren do with the important information she has just learned? And will she be able to repair her relationship with Peter?

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One or stream first from 6am on iPlayer. 

If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you.

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Hope for major Emmerdale couple as ice between them finally thaws https://metro.co.uk/2025/04/01/hope-major-emmerdale-couple-ice-finally-thaws-22822477/ https://metro.co.uk/2025/04/01/hope-major-emmerdale-couple-ice-finally-thaws-22822477/#respond Tue, 01 Apr 2025 18:55:00 +0000 https://metro.co.uk/?p=22822477
Dawn talks to Billy at Home Farm in Emmerdale
Billy Fletcher wants to fix things with his wife (Picture: ITV)

Kim Tate (Claire King) had hope in her heart in tonight’s Emmerdale as she watched Dawn Taylor (Olivia Bromley) and Billy Fletcher (Jay Kontzle) spend time together.

A few days ago, Dawn met Joe Tate (Ned Porteous) at Dale View where they spoke about their feelings. The two characters have been having an affair for weeks, but agreed that they’d just be seeing each other for sex and nothing else.

To make matters even more complicated, Joe and Dawn admitted they had fallen in love with each other. They then sat on the sofa and spoke about their future together, and how they’d go about telling everyone they’re an item.

Just as Dawn got excited, things were ripped away from her. Kim informed Dawn that Joe had left Home Farm for Chicago, and she couldn’t understand why. In reality, Joe had departed the village ready for his kidney transplant operation.

Up Next

Because Joe hadn’t told Dawn, she was left in a state of limbo.

In tonight’s episode, Billy told Dawn that he’d be taking Clemmie and Lucas to The Hide after their dentist appointments, and wants her to attend as well.

Billy knows that things are tricky in his marriage right now, but believes one of the main causes of that is him messaging another woman on an app.

Dawn told Billy that she’d attend if she doesn’t have any work jobs to sort.

Joe and Dawn in a tense moment in Emmerdale
Dawn’s mind is elsewhere (Picture: ITV)

Overhearing the conversation was Kim, who wasted no time in telling Dawn that she should spend time with her husband.

How Kim sees Joe and how Dawn sees him are two completely different things. Kim knows Joe very well and knows exactly how he behaves and treats people, but Dawn thinks that she might be the person to change him for the better.

Dawn admitted to Kim that she really isn’t sure if she wants to be married to Billy anymore.

Metro Soaps Reporter Calli Kitson says...

My heart hurts for poor Billy in Emmerdale. Dawn is making him feel awful for looking at images of another woman online, fully aware she’s being a massive hypocrite after having an affair with Joe.

Dawn has fallen for Joe, she’s made this abundantly clear – but she’s acting on the lust she has for him which, as Kim says, will soon fizzle out.

Joe changing his entire DNA and becoming someone happy to raise three children that aren’t even his own isn’t going to happen, but Dawn has been lured in by his charm and the excitement of someone new and therefore, believes they might have a chance.

The two characters certainly have a connection but long term, things couldn’t ever work.

And if Dawn takes a risk and dumps Billy for him, she is going to learn this the hard way.

Kim did her best to listen to Dawn and suggested having family time with Billy, Clemmie and Lucas anyway. She did just this, and even Billy was surprised when she turned up.

As Kim took the children to pick some snacks, she glanced over and saw Billy and Dawn laughing together. It was a sweet moment, and it proved the spark between them has not fizzled out.

But is Dawn willing to persist and work through the problems?

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Who is Spencer Moon in EastEnders and what happened between him and Vicki? https://metro.co.uk/2025/04/01/spencer-moon-eastenders-happened-vicki-22824237/ https://metro.co.uk/2025/04/01/spencer-moon-eastenders-happened-vicki-22824237/#respond Tue, 01 Apr 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://metro.co.uk/?p=22824237
Christopher Parker EastEnders Spencer Moon
Spencer Moon has been mentioned in tonight’s EastEnders (Picture: BBC)

This article contains spoilers for tonight’s episode of EastEnders, which airs on BBC One at 7.30pm or can be streamed now on iPlayer.

Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) has made a grand return to Albert Square – but without her long-term partner Spencer Moon (Christopher Parker).

The character has arrived back to her old haunt after 21 years away, with it quickly becoming apparent that a lot has changed in her life during that time.

Arriving to represent her mum grieving Michelle (Susan Tully/Jenna Russell) at Martin Fowler’s (James Bye) funeral, she had a lot of catching up to do with the locals.

Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) was delighted to see her sister after so long, but immediately questioned where Spencer was.

Vicki admitted that she had moved on with new fella Ross Marshall (Alex Walkinshaw) as a result of Spencer’s infidelity, but she wasn’t being exactly truthful.

Vicki Fowler with Ross and Joel in front of the Albert Square sign in EastEnders
Vicki Fowler has returned with a new face – and a new man on her arm (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) had heard on the grapevine that Vicki was back in Walford, and immediately struggled to accept the fact that his brother would cheat on her.

After a swift phone call, the truth was outed. She was the one who had cheated on him, with his best pal Ross!

But who is Spencer Moon, and where is actor Christopher Parker now?

Who is Spencer Moon in EastEnders?

Spencer Moon is the youngest brother of Alfie, and first appeared on 29th November 2002.

Alfie, Nana and Spencer Moon in EastEnders
Spencer moved to The Square in 2002 (Picture: BBC)

He came to live in the area with their grandmother Nana Moon (Hilda Braid) when Alfie took over the lease on The Queen Vic pub.

Both of his parents had been killed when he was young, and he was subsequently raised by Nana.

For a while he chased after Kelly Taylor (Brooke Kinsella), though the relationship was doomed when Alfie offered her some cash for a date night and she assumed Spencer was trying to buy her body.

He often brought trouble to Alfie’s door – one one occasion he sold stolen goods for Mickey Miller (Joe Swash), that led to Alfie being beaten up by gangsters.

Spencer and Sam in Angie's Den in EastEnders
He often landed himself in hot water (Picture: BBC)

Spencer was forced to move to Australia in 2004 when he was caught trying to retrieve drugs that had been stashed by cousin Danny Moon (Jake Maskall) in Pauline Fowler’s (Wendy Richard) house.

What happened between Spencer and Vicki in EastEnders?

Childhood sweethearts Vicki and Spencer first met when she (then played by Scarlett Alice Johnson) arrived from the Florida to live with her grandmother Pauline in 2003.

The stalwart was less than impressed to see that the two were spending so much time together, and ordered him out of the house when he was invited for coffee (or cawfee, as young Vicki pronounced it!)

Vicki Fowler and Spencer Moon in front of the Albert Square sign in EastEnders.
Vicki and Spencer were childhood sweethearts (Picture: BBC Picture Archives)

Following a one night stand, Vicki fell pregnant but didn’t want to keep the child.

Sharon – who believed she was infertile – offered her younger sister a whopping £10k so that she could raise it as her own, but she decided to have an abortion.

Spencer was left devastated, as he believed he was ready to be a father. His resentment didn’t last long, as they soon reconciled when their vehicle broke down on the Scottish moors.

Whilst they never fully made amends, it was revealed many years later that they had reconnected in Australia and were planning to open a bar together.

Den forces Alfie and Spencer out of The Vic in EastEnders
When Vicki’s dad Den bought The Vic, he forced Alfie and Spencer out (Picture: BBC)

Where is actor Christopher Parker now?

Former actor Christopher, 41, first appeared in an uncredited part in soap opera London’s Burning.

He was also a stunt double in 2002’s Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

Christopher made it through to the final of the first ever series of Strictly Come Dancing over two decades ago, and also was a regular presenter on CBBC with Fearne Cotton.

Other presenting roles included CD:UK, MTV News, Radio Disney and as entertainment reporter on ITV’s This Morning.

Former EastEnders actor Christopher Parker (Spencer Moon)
Christopher now works for a top London law firm (Picture: Ignition Law)

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He also appeared in the second series of BBC drama Hotel Babylon, and presented Soap Star Bingo on the then new Gala Bingo TV Channel in 2009.

His last TV appearance was on a celebrity version of Total Wipeout, filmed in Argentina in 2010.

Christopher retired from acting and took on a law degree, and now works as a senior consultant at London-based law firm Ignition Law.

His work website profile notes that he specialises in ‘negotiating and concluding contracts on behalf of high profile television presenters and mainstream broadcasters’ as well as drafting social media marketing agreements for influencers.

It also says that he represent individuals in other sectors of the media industry.

If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you.

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Waterloo Road casts iconic comedian for surprising new role https://metro.co.uk/2025/04/01/waterloo-road-casts-iconic-comedian-surprising-new-role-22829406/ https://metro.co.uk/2025/04/01/waterloo-road-casts-iconic-comedian-surprising-new-role-22829406/#respond Tue, 01 Apr 2025 14:09:51 +0000 https://metro.co.uk/?p=22829406
Jon Richardson in Waterloo Road
Jon Richardson is joining the cast of Waterloo Road (Picture: BBC/Wall to Wall/Warner Brothers TV Production Services Ltd)

Comedian Jon Richardson is turning his hand to teaching in the next series of Waterloo Road.

The star, 42, is best known for his appearances on Channel 4 panel show 8 Out of 10 Cats and its Countdown themed spin-off, and also portrays a fictional version of himself in mockumentary Meet the Richardsons.

Now, after a cheeky tease on Instagram, it has been confirmed that he’s joining the hit BBC school-based drama.

He took to social media yesterday to reveal that he was taking ‘a little break’ from his stand-up routines.

‘Hello everyone, it’s Jon Richardson here. I just thought I’d give you a little update’ he said.

‘I don’t really do social media updates because, I’ll tell you why, I don’t think anybody cares.

‘I have a little bit of news. I’ve obviously been taking a little bit of a break from stand-up and it’s really made me want to carry on taking a break from stand-up.’

He continued, alongside a picture of his childhood writing: ‘I’ve been thinking a lot about a diary entry that I found from 1997, I’m fourteen years old and it says: “Although I’d love to be a stand-up comedian, I’ll probably end up being a teacher”,

Up Next

“I’ve been thinking a lot about that. I’ve loved being a comedian, it was absolutely the right choice, but I have decided it would be nice to try the other option – so that’s exactly what I’m going to do.

‘I’ve been doing some training. I’ve taken a teaching position. I will update you as and when I can, but that’s all from me from now. Just wanted to let you know where I’ve been. Bye for now.’

With over 12.3k likes and almost 800 comments, it seems that everyone is fooled. Either that, or they’re in on the joke.

Fellow comedian Aisling Bea commented: ‘OH MY GOD THE LUCKY CLASSROOM THAT GETS YOU JON BOY!’

Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont in Meet the Richardsons
Jon starred as a fictional version of himself in Meet the Richardsons, alongside his wife Lucy Beaumont – who he has since separated from (Picture: UKTV)

The Weakest Link host Romesh Ranganathan added: ‘You’re going to be brilliant mate.’

Shappi Khorsandi, who has starred alongside him on Cats, wrote: ‘I am so happy for you. You were always, as the kids say, a real one.’

There was one notable other comment, though, and it came from Jason Manford – who was headteacher Steve Savage in Waterloo Road last year.

‘Hmmm this isn’t going to end well’, he said.

As someone very familiar with Greater Manchester’s most notorious educational establishment, perhaps Jon should take heed of his words!

8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown: - Presenter Jimmy Carr with Jon Richardson and Sean Lock
He’s a regular team captain on 8 Out of 10 Cats does Countdown, hosted by Jimmy Carr (Picture: Channel 4)

Exact details of his role are yet to be revealed, but we do know that he’ll be under the leadership of fierce Dame Stella Drake (Lindsey Coulson).

Jon will be joined by Jason Merrells, who is reprising his Jack Rimmer part in a regular capacity following his guest appearances during the current series, which concludes tonight.

Speaking of his casting, Jon said: ‘I would say that joining Waterloo Road is a dream come true, but in truth most of my dreams about school revolve around not having done my homework or put on my uniform.

Jack Rimmer and Stella Drake have a conversation in Waterloo Road
Jack Rimmer and Stella Drake will both return next series (Picture: BBC/Wall to Wall/Warner Brothers TV Production Services Ltd/Dan Ollerhead)

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‘I wanted to be a teacher growing up so hopefully this role will put all those ambitions to bed, and I can stop telling my friends and family that I will be testing them on what I’ve been saying or telling audiences on tour that it’s their own time they’re wasting.’

Executive producer Cameron Roach added: ‘Waterloo Road always strives to strike the right balance between big emotion and comedy, and we feel we’ve struck gold in casting Jon Richardson as a new media studies teacher at Waterloo Road.

‘Not only does Jon have brilliant comic timing, his dramatic performance will surprise and delight his fans in equal measure. Next term promises laughter, tears and whole lot of mayhem.’

Series 16 of Waterloo Road airs on BBC One and iPlayer later in the year, with Series 1-15 available to stream now.

If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you.

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TV star defends soap’s most bonkers storyline involving a killer gorilla https://metro.co.uk/2025/04/01/tv-star-defends-soaps-bonkers-ever-storyline-involving-a-killer-gorilla-22827678/ https://metro.co.uk/2025/04/01/tv-star-defends-soaps-bonkers-ever-storyline-involving-a-killer-gorilla-22827678/#respond Tue, 01 Apr 2025 09:40:08 +0000 https://metro.co.uk/?p=22827678
Prince Albert the gorilla holds Delia in Ryan's Hope
Randall Edwards has spoken out about that iconic gorilla story (Picture: ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty Images)

Former US soap actress Randall Edwards has defended a storyline from ABC soap opera Ryan’s Hope – that saw her character thrown off a tower by a gorilla.

No, this is not an April Fool.

Ryan’s Hope was on American screens for almost thirteen years between 1975 and 1989, and followed a large Irish-American family living in Manhattan, New York.

Randall, who now works as a psychologist, was the third actress to portray Delia Coleridge and was in the show for three years.

The character had a number of high-profile storylines, including pushing her first husband down a flight of stairs, faking a miscarriage and blindness, plus losing her business to a mob boss.

However, in March 1980, one of Soapland’s most bizarre storylines ever played out, when Delia found herself in a bit of a predicament with a primate she had befriended.

Delia in Ryan's Hope
Randall was the third actress to play Delia (Picture: ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty Images)

Capitalising on the success of the King Kong remake four years earlier, we saw gloomy Delia head to the zoo and form a connection with Prince Albert the gorilla.

The story showed humans and animals have a genuine bond, but there was significant backlash from viewers – particularly from those who couldn’t look past the fact the ape was actually actor Donald Van Horn in a costume.

Delia was in a state of distress and had become estranged from husband Roger (Ron Hale). As she dragged herself through an empty building, she encountered Prince Albert, who was on the lookout for a sexual partner.

To Roger’s horror, he and the police watched on from the street as Delia was thrown to the ground from a tower – though luckily she survived.

Now, over four decades on from that truly wild story, Randall has broken her silence and praised the plot to author Tom Lisanti, who has penned a book on the history of Ryan’s Hope.

‘I had some of my most personally emotional moments performing some of those scenes in the Prince Albert story – even with the guy in the gorilla suit,’ she said.

‘To me, it was a yearning for acceptance and love, which was Delia’s prime motivation for everything that she did.

‘Donald Van Horn, the man in the gorilla suit, was amazing.

Prince Albert the gorilla jumping in Ryan's Hope
Donald Van Horn played Prince Albert the primate (Picture: ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty Images)

‘The most remarkable thing was the fact that Donald really did act, both with his body movements in the suit mimicking a gorilla and especially with his eyes, the only part of him that showed.

‘He conveyed a lot with those eyes.’

Whilst such storylines aren’t commonplace in the UK, soap operas around the world are known for their outlandish moments.

Last year, Aussie phenomenon Neighbours aired a death by crocodile, with another character almost drowning in a corn silo shortly prior.

Delia looks pained in Ryan's Hope
Randall has said the scenes were her ‘most personally emotional moments’ (Picture: ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty Images)

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In Germany, Unter Uns celebrated its 30th anniversary by bringing back popular character Margot Weigel – despite actress Christiane Maybach being dead since 2006.

Using AI technology, another actress, Angela H. Fischer, had her likeness and voice changed to mimic Christiane.

US soaps often delve into the supernatural, with The Bold and the Beautiful reviving Sheila Carter (Kimberlin Brown) last year by revealing it was actually her doppelgänger – who had undergone plastic surgery to look identical – that had been murdered.

Days of Our Lives’ Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall) has been possessed twice in 25 years, with her eyes turning green and, on one occasion, transforming into a jaguar.

I need a lie-down.

If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you.

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Here’s why you recognise the TV star playing EastEnders journalist Charlotte https://metro.co.uk/2025/04/01/recognise-tv-star-playing-eastenders-journalist-charlotte-22827926/ https://metro.co.uk/2025/04/01/recognise-tv-star-playing-eastenders-journalist-charlotte-22827926/#respond Tue, 01 Apr 2025 09:38:55 +0000 https://metro.co.uk/?p=22827926
Leonie Elliott as journalist Charlotte on the phone outside the club in Eastenders
Leonie Elliott as journalist Charlotte in EastEnders (Picture: BBC)

If you’re a Call The Midwife fan, you might just have recognised a familiar face that has popped up in EastEnders this week. 

Recent scenes saw a mysterious woman befriending Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) and Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy) in Beale’s Eels, as they bonded over a negative review she’d left owner Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) online. 

However, after suggesting a drink at the nearby Harry’s Barn with Bianca, it soon became clear she had a hidden agenda. 

In Tuesday’s episode of the BBC soap, which is already streaming on iPlayer, the woman is revealed to be a journalist and podcaster. 

Up Next

She is hoping to persuade Bianca to appear on her show and give the inside scoop on her recent hostage ordeal at the hands of twisted killer Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman). 

Charlotte is played by actress Leonie Elliott, who is perhaps best known for her role in Call The Midwife. 

She played beloved nurse Lucille Anderson in the hit BBC drama from 2018 to 2023. 

Leonie Elliot as Lucille Anderson in Call The Midwife
Leonie played Lucille Anderson in Call The Midwife for six years (Picture: BBC/Neal Street Productions)

Lucille was last seen on Call The Midwife before returning home to Jamaica to recuperate following a miscarriage and later accepted a job on a maternity ward there. 

Following her exit from the show, Leonie said in a statement: ‘Thank you all for embracing Lucille and rocking with me on this journey, it is with a heart full of love and appreciation that I embark on pastures new.

‘Having spent six years on a truly wonderful show, with a fantastic team, I have fallen deeper and deeper in love with Lucille.’

Jennifer Kirby as Valerie, Helen George as Trixie and Leonie Elliott as Lucille in Call the Midwife.
Leonie left the show in 2023 (Picture: BBC/Neal Street Productions)

She continued: ‘I feel honoured to have represented the pioneering Windrush generation and their incredible impact on British society.’

Fans had an update on the character earlier this year when Lucille’s husband Cyril Robinson revealed she’d asked him for a divorce.

As well as her role in Call The Midwife, Leonie has had guest parts in Holby City, Casualty, The Bill and Black Mirror, and also appeared in 2018 BBC drama Killed By My Debt.

It remains to be seen how the rest of Leonie’s EastEnders role pans out – but after Bianca agrees to be interviewed on Charlotte’s podcast, is it a decision she will live to regret?

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One or stream first from 6am on iPlayer.

If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you.

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Coronation Street fans brand decision to kill off Debbie the ‘worst ever’ and beg bosses to reverse https://metro.co.uk/2025/04/01/coronation-street-fans-brand-decision-kill-off-debbie-worst-ever-beg-bosses-reverse-22827521/ https://metro.co.uk/2025/04/01/coronation-street-fans-brand-decision-kill-off-debbie-worst-ever-beg-bosses-reverse-22827521/#respond Tue, 01 Apr 2025 08:55:42 +0000 https://metro.co.uk/?p=22827521&preview=true&preview_id=22827521
Debbie Webster is given news from her doctor in Coronation Street
Coronation Street fans are fuming over news that Debbie Webster is set to be killed off (Picture: ITV)

Coronation Street fans are once again up in arms over the decision to kill off show legend Debbie Webster (Sue Devaney).

Last year, Metro exclusively revealed that the iconic character is set to be at the centre of a heartbreaking storyline that will see her diagnosed with dementia, and ultimately lead to her exit.

News of the storyline left fans frustrated, so much so that they launched a petition, begging bosses to change their minds and keep Debbie. At the time of writing, the petition has amassed 2, 266 signatures.

In recent scenes, Debbie has been showing signs of the illness, after forgetting certain things she has seen or been told.

Metro readers have been expressing their devastation around the storyline with Eileen saying: ‘She needs to stay, she brightens things up.’

‘Debbie is one of the best characters on the street disgusting what they are doing’, Ailsa wrote, while Rita agreed, adding: ‘She is brilliant what a horrible story line for her why don’t you leave her in the show she is great.’

‘Big mistake one of the best,’ Dawn said, while Paul penned: ‘I can’t believe they are killing her off.’

Up Next

The first signs of the storyline were apparent on-screen last month when Debbie was left frustrated when the power went out at the Chariot Square Hotel and was forced to call in electrician Mick Michaelis (Joe Layton) for help.

Mick later revealed that it had been a planned power outage, which Debbie had received an email about. Throughout the episode, Debbie put employee Rafael through his paces in comedic scenes, with the ITV soap sharing an Instagram post in support of his plight.

But instead of empathising with overworked Rafael, the comment section was awash with devastated fans hoping for a different outcome to the story.

‘Debbie / Sue is comedy gold, you’re making a huge mistake writing her out,’ one fan wrote after the hilarious scenes.

‘Debbie always makes me smile. Such a shame she’s leaving. Brilliant character,’ another agreed.

‘Please don’t get rid of her. She’s one of the best characters you have,’ a third begged, with 101 other fans liking the comment.

Debbie Webster stands alone in the kitchen in Coronation Street
Debbie is a true fan-favourite (Picture: ITV)

‘I love every scene with Debbie in it, the brilliant Sue Devaney captures her so well but…I also can’t bear to watch knowing her outcome,’ another lamented.

On March 31, Coronation Street officially confirmed Debbie’s story, revealing that they are working with Dementia UK, and will follow Debbie’s journey as she comes to terms with the diagnosis and what it will mean for her and the family.

The confirmation prompted fans once again to voice their opinions on the decision to give this storyline to Debbie.

Metro reader Yasmin wrote on X that they were ‘truly gutted’.

Metro's Soaps Editor Duncan Lindsay says...

It was the exclusive that I never wanted to land in my lap – the revelation that Coronation Street is going to kill off the myth, the legend that is Debbie Webster.

My heart sank as I discovered the news, and I wrote it up with a heavy heart given that Sue Devaney and her alter-ego are by far my Corrie favourites.

There are few characters quite like Debbie and even the prospect of finally seeing her at the heart of a meaty storyline can’t take away the sting of losing someone who is easily one of the only classic-style Corrie characters left.

I, along with many others, have long been banging the drum that Sue and Debbie deserve to be at the forefront of the show – it has been my wish to have her and Ronnie Bailey take over the Rovers and be right at the hub of all of the action.

Debbie epitomises the northern charm that Corrie is known for – she exudes warmth and wit and delivers her acerbic and cutting dialogue with finesse.

Sue plays comedy like a pro and, since her 2019 return, she has become more and more grounded as a character, integrating into her family circles and the wider community.

In a show that currently has the police station practically as its main set, the more fun and realistic characters not shrouded by crime, misery and tragedy are necessary to remind us that, yes, that identity that Corrie has long been famous for is still there.

Debbie’s pretty much THE classic Corrie character we have who can still move with the times and feel relevant.

For a storyline that is obviously going to hit home hard, deliver impeccable drama and win awards, the sacrifice still seems a bit too huge long-term.

Read more

‘huge mistake to get of Debbie, iconic character fab actress, oh sue. love her, love our Debbie.’ User Kim was in agreement, writing: ‘It’s a bad mistake … huge ?!’

Pauline added: ‘Love Debbie and her one liners, she will be missed. Sorry Corrie wrong Lady to leave.’ Matthew said: ‘While we all get on our knees pleading with them to reverse this ridiculous decision!’

Jamie branded the decision ‘short sighted’ and the ‘worst ever’ adding that Debbie ‘represents the DNA’ of Coronation Street.

Statistics and facts about young-onset dementia

Dementia UK logo
The charity offers support for those living with, or caring for people with dementia (Picture: Dementia UK)

According to Dementia UK:

  • An estimated 7.5%, 70,800 of the estimated 944,000 people living with dementia in the UK have young onset dementia.
  • Someone develops dementia every three minutes in the UK.
  • One in two of us will be affected by dementia in our lifetime, whether that be through caring for a loved one with the condition, developing it ourselves, or both.
  • 53% of people in the UK know someone who has dementia.

Young-onset dementia support groups and help can be found on the Dementia UK website.

‘It’s one of many major storylines new producer Kate Brooks has in the bag, and there will not be a dry eye in the house,’ a source previously told us of Debbie’s exit.

‘There is no doubt in the Corrie family that she will give the performance of a lifetime and make Debbie’s exit one to remember for years.’

Sue Devaney, who plays Debbie, has since addressed the fan reaction to news of her alter-ego’s dementia diagnosis: ‘It’s really lovely that Debbie is loved’, she said.

‘And I didn’t realise what people thought of Debbie, they love Debbie and that’s brilliant. But Debbie’s not going anywhere yet. 

‘Debbie has been diagnosed and this is her journey. The whole of the story is to see her journey, isn’t it? To see this journey and tell it.’

If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you.

Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage.

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Coronation Street fans confused by major ‘plot hole’ in child death story https://metro.co.uk/2025/04/01/coronation-street-fans-confused-major-plot-hole-child-death-story-22827129/ https://metro.co.uk/2025/04/01/coronation-street-fans-confused-major-plot-hole-child-death-story-22827129/#respond Tue, 01 Apr 2025 08:40:57 +0000 https://metro.co.uk/?p=22827129
Jenny and Daisy in the Rovers in Coronation Street
Fans are confused by a recent argument between Jenny Connor and Daisy Midgeley (Picture: ITV)

Coronation Street fans have been left confused after spotting a major ‘plot hole’ in the ITV soap.

Last week, a terrifying incident drove an even bigger wedge into Daisy Midgeley (Charlotte Jordan) and Jenny Connor’s (Sally Ann Matthews) already fragile relationship.

When left looking after Bertie Osbourne, Jenny was distracted by a phone call and was horrified to find that the young boy had wandered off while her back was turned.

He was soon found by Cassie Plummer (Claire Sweeney) and Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) in the Metcalfe’s hot tub, having fallen in after trying to retrieve his lost ball.

The situation was devastatingly reminiscent of an incident from Jenny and Daisy’s past when Jenny’s son Tom drowned in a paddling pool.

After Bertie had been given the all-clear at the hospital, Daisy confronted Jenny, and conversation soon turned to Tom’s loss.

Up Next

In her fury at being accused of being unfit to be a parent, Jenny placed the blame for Tom’s death on Daisy, claiming that she’d asked her to keep an eye on him while she went inside for two minutes to retrieve her purse.

This left fans confused, as previous mentions of this backstory had always implied that Jenny was alone with Tom when he drowned.

Taking to Reddit, one viewer said: ‘The way Tom’s death was described up until now made it out like Jenny was the only one there.

‘Now I know Daisy didn’t exist in 2015, but this changes quite a lot?’

Another fan recalled a storyline from after Jenny’s return to Coronation Street in 2015 when she kidnapped Jack Webster (now played by Kyran Bowes) while struggling with her grief over Tom’s death.

Daisy Midgeley sits next to Bertie Osbourne as Jenny Connor, Steve McDonald and Cassie Plummer watch on in Coronation Street
Bertie Osbourne’s incident was reminiscent of the one that led to Tom’s death (Picture: ITV)

‘When it was mentioned then, the police said (to Kevin & Sophie) that he died because Jenny left him completely unattended,’ the fan pointed out.

‘It was all related to her and now suddenly she’s blaming it all on Daisy? It makes no sense.’

Another viewer pointed out that it didn’t make sense from Daisy’s perspective either, insisting that she would have felt some level of guilt over the situation if she had been present.

‘Even on Daisy’s side it doesn’t make sense if she had been in the garden then wouldn’t she have blamed her self or conclude Jenny blamed her especially given they didn’t speak for years after.’

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Who is the major TV star playing Vicki Fowler’s partner Ross in EastEnders? https://metro.co.uk/2025/04/01/major-tv-star-plays-vicki-fowlers-partner-ross-eastenders-22827601/ https://metro.co.uk/2025/04/01/major-tv-star-plays-vicki-fowlers-partner-ross-eastenders-22827601/#respond Tue, 01 Apr 2025 08:37:48 +0000 https://metro.co.uk/?p=22827601
Ross speaks to Felix in EastEnders
Ross Marshall arrived this week (Picture: BBC)

Two new characters have arrived in Walford in EastEnders, and one of them is played by a very familiar face.

Alex Walkinshaw is no stranger to soapland, but it’s been a little while since he’s been on our screens.

He’s now playing Ross Marshall, father of Joel (Max Murray) and partner to Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig). The three characters are in Albert Square ahead of Martin Fowler’s (James Bye) funeral, following his death in February.

It didn’t take us very long to learn Vicki and Ross are hiding a secret surrounding money, sparking another reason for their arrival.

Here, we take a look at Ross star Alex Walkinshaw’s history in the world of soap, and where you’ve seen him before.

Who is Alex Walkinshaw and who did he play in The Bill?

Alex is a 50-year-old actor from Barking. He bagged his first credit in the industry way back in 1990, when he played ‘Older Boy’ in a TV film called Death in Venice.

Editorial use only. No book publishing Mandatory Credit: Photo by Fremantle Media/REX/Shutterstock (1206956kt) Alex Walkinshaw plays Sgt Dale Smith (Smiffy) 'The Bill' TV Programme. - 2009
Alex played Smithy from 1992-2010 (Picture: Fremantle Media/REX/Shutterstock)

Alex became best known for playing Sgt. Dale Smith in popular drama The Bill. Also called Smithy, the character was on our screens from 1992-2010.

Smithy was involved in a great deal of drama at Sun Hill, including being held hostage, getting jailed for three months, and being stabbed.

Who did Alex play in Holby City and Casualty?

Alex is also known for playing the character of Adrian Fletcher in Casualty and Holby City.

Fletch speaks to Jac in Holby City
Fans also know Alex as Fletch from Holby City (Picture: BBC)

The nurse, often referred to as Fletch was a single father and was regularly involved in storylines that saw him attempt to juggle working in the NHS and being a dad.

Fans also grew to love Fletch’s friendship with Jac Naylor (Rosie Marcel). The two characters explored their chemistry at one point, but Jac broke Fletch’s heart (and ours) when she said they couldn’t ever be together.

Holby City ended in 2022, with the final episode strongly focusing on Jac, who died after her brain tumour diagnosis.

What else has Alex been in?

Away from The Bill and Holby City, fans will also recognise Alex as Jez Diamond, from BBC One school-based drama Waterloo Road.

Shortly after Holby City ended, he featured in an episode of Midsomer Murders.

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The rising stars of Waterloo Road reveal all on their future in the show https://metro.co.uk/2025/04/01/rising-stars-waterloo-road-reveal-future-show-22796610/ https://metro.co.uk/2025/04/01/rising-stars-waterloo-road-reveal-future-show-22796610/#respond Tue, 01 Apr 2025 08:00:00 +0000 https://metro.co.uk/?p=22796610
Luca, Dwayne, Tonya, Lois and Libby in front of the lockers in Waterloo Road
The rising stars of Waterloo Road tease what’s ahead for them and their characters (Picture : BBC/Wall To Wall/Rope Ladder Fiction/Helen Williams)

Waterloo Road has been the starting point for countless stars over the years, from Jodie Comer to Jenna Coleman – and the future is certainly looking bright for its current cohort.

The show has tackled some hard-hitting stories during its time on air, bringing important issues to the attention of its young audience.

The handling of these stories lies in the young but capable hands of its actors, who work hard to give a realistic portrayal of topical issues from eating disorders to teen pregnancy.

But what is it like to be a young cast member in a continuing drama?

We sat down with some of Waterloo Road’s current students to discuss their experience being on set, landing their roles and their hopes for the future of their characters and beyond.

Danny Murphy – Luca Smith

Waterloo Rd Cast Portraits 2024
Danny Murphy says it’s ‘important’ to show what life is like for deaf students in school (Picture: Helen Williams)

The role of Luca Smith feels ‘important’ to young actor Danny Murphy, as, like Danny himself, Luca is deaf.

The role has proved challenging at points for the actor, though he is keen to provide realistic representation for the deaf community, while showing that there is more to Luca’s character than just being deaf.

What has been your favourite story to play on the show so far?

Definitely my first episode because it highlights Luca’s struggles in mainstream school in a very realistic way. It’s something many deaf people go through, so it meant a lot to bring that to the screen. That episode was written by Charlie Swinbourne, a deaf writer, and I was so impressed by how authentic it felt.

But there’s a big twist coming in Luca’s story that I didn’t expect—it’s going to be an emotional rollercoaster, and I can’t wait for everyone to see it!

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced playing Luca?

The hardest part has been revisiting my own experiences in mainstream school. Some of Luca’s struggles hit close to home, which made it emotionally challenging at times. But that also made it feel even more real and meaningful to portray.

If you could have any storyline, what would it be?

I’d love to explore more of Luca’s struggles, but at the same time, I don’t want Luca’s story to just revolve around being deaf—he’s a layered character with a rebellious side, and I think it would be fun to show how he sometimes takes advantage of situations.

That said, his upcoming storyline is something no one will see coming, and I’m beyond excited for everyone to watch it!

Hattie Dynevor – Libby Guthrie

Waterloo Road S13,Generics,Libby Guthrie (HATTIE DYNEVOR),Wall To Wall/Rope Ladder Fiction,Helen Williams
Hattie Dynevor has found the feedback on her storyline ‘rewarding’ (Picture : BBC/Wall To Wall/Rope Ladder Fiction/Helen Williams)

Libby Guthrie made quite an impact after her first appearance in series 13 as teacher Neil Guthrie’s (Neil Fitzmaurice) daughter and has quickly become a fan-favourite.

Her most recent storyline, a harrowing coercive control plot, has been quite the challenge for Hattie Dynevor, who hails from a family of successful actors, including Waterloo Road alumni Phoebe Dynevor – Hattie’s sister.

What was the biggest challenge you faced playing the coercive control storyline?

It was a very intense storyline but also a very important storyline. Going in to work all day and shouting, going to those dark places every day for such long periods of time was really hard, and then it was so hard to unwind from at the end of the day.

Did you always know you wanted to be an actor?

I think so. I loved acting at school and I think that really solidified that I’d do it. I grew up around it and I’m from a family full of it and it was all of our passions, really.

Were your family pleased to see you following in their footsteps?

I think so. I think they always knew from me being a young age that I would.

What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned during your time on Waterloo Road?

When I heard that me and Matt Khan would be doing the [coercive control] storyline I thought, ‘I know everything about that.’ Then I went into the research and found out there was so much I didn’t know. It’s a topic that has so many layers and is so different for everyone.

Miya Ocego – Lois Taylor-Brown

Waterloo Rd Cast Portraits 2024
It ‘means the world’ to Miya Ocego to bring trans representation to mainstream TV (Picture: Helen Williams)

Miya Ocego was at the centre of an emotional episode in series 15 which saw character Lois Taylor-Brown lose her grandmother to dementia.

Miya revealed how thrilled she is to be able to represent the trans community on screen, and how she hopes to see more of Lois’ troublemaking side in future.

What appealed to you most about playing Lois?

I was aware that she was a trans character from the get-go, they said they wanted to address Lois’ gender identity. I jumped at that because I think it’s great to bring representation, especially with a programme like Waterloo Road.

How did you find doing the scene where Lois speaks about her grandmother in front of the school?

That was when I was most vulnerable because although I’m portraying this character I also saw a lot of myself in her as well. That was once me at some point, I was Lois’s age transitioning through school. It kind of healed an inner child within me, bringing that kind of scene on screen.

What would be your dream storyline?

It would be amazing to show Lois’s cheeky side more because I feel she’s been very well-behaved. You see elements of attitude in her and she gets away with it but it would be definitely fun to explore that side more and maybe get into trouble with Stace Neville and Aleena Qureshi.

'We’re simply trying to exist, just like everybody else'

Lois’ episode, focused on the loss of her grandmother, dealt with the themes of love, family and loss and actress Miya refuses to let negative backlash and comments on her character detract from the importance of trans representation in Waterloo Road and across TV as a whole.

‘I think as trans people it kind of comes as a norm, which is sad to say, but I was expecting some sort of negative response to the story – but that just makes these stories even more important and shows how resilient and strong the trans community is to be able to be faced with that dehumanising response and just stand up there and be yourself.’

Explaining that she had ‘amazing’ people around her during her own transition, Miya is clearly passionate towards the opportunity to give a voice to the community so, when claims that ‘Waterloo Road has gone woke’ came about after her episode dropped on iPlayer, it only served to make her more determined.

‘It definitely does light a fire inside you,’ she said. ‘It pushes us more as people, we strive to be better than those individuals who are tearing us down.

‘Waterloo Road has always been “woke”. The storylines from season one were even more “woke” than what we’re seeing today. At the end of the day we are human, we are people just like everybody else.

‘I’ve had so many amazing, supportive messages and that just makes all the negative ones so worth it. I’ve forgotten about them because for every 100 negative comments I’ve received, to just get one positive one, it’s the reason I do what I do.

‘This is for any young trans people watching, just to see an element of them in the character and bring a sense of validation to them. I never had that growing up, so to be that someone for a trans individual means everything to me.’

She added: ‘It is exhausting to be trans in today’s society. We as trans people are forced to defend our existence and our dignity in a world that should simply let us live safely and authentically, because that’s all we’re trying to do at the end of the day.

‘We are subject to so much abuse for no reason at all. We make up less than one percent of the world’s population and we have to fight for our right to exist. I want to say that I stand with the trans community and will continue to fight for our rights until the day I die.’

Summer Bird – Tonya Walters

Waterloo Rd Cast Portraits 2024
Summer Bird was only 14 when she first started filming Waterloo Road (Picture: Helen Williams)

Having appeared in Waterloo Road since the show was rebooted for series 11, Summer Bird has practically grown up on the set.

The past few series have seen character Tonya Walters struggle to get a diagnosis of endometriosis, a storyline that Summer feels ‘really privileged’ to portray.

What has been the biggest challenge with the endometriosis storyline?

I kind of had impostor syndrome. I wanted it to look realistic, and I wanted young girls and older women to be able to relate to the storyline. But sometimes when I’m doing a scene I put myself under a lot of pressure.

The hardest thing was worrying if I was going to do the storyline enough justice.

What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned since being in Waterloo Road?

Trust your instincts. You’re the person that knows the character best. Sometimes in a scene the script will be written and I’ll think Tonya wouldn’t really say that, and I’ll ask the director if I can change it. They’ll be very flexible.

If you could have any storyline for Tonya, what would it be?

Tonya has never caught a break. There’s always something happening. I just want a storyline where Tonya is happy with herself, she’s content with herself, doesn’t need a boyfriend. Just one scene, just a clip of Tonya being happy. I think that would make my day.

Thapelo Ray – Dwayne Jackson

Thapelo Ray was supported by his co-stars to nail the Manchester accent (Picture: Helen Williams)

Dwayne Jackson also first appeared in series 11, with actor Thapelo Ray taking on an emotional storyline that saw his character reunite with his birth mother after living in foster care.

Proud to have tackled such an important issue, Thapelo is keen to take on more powerful storylines.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced playing your character?

I think my biggest challenge has probably been speaking in an accent that isn’t my own. I’m not originally from Manchester and that is the heart and soul of the character and the show. So making sure that I could do that was super important to me.

What has been your favourite story to play on the show so far?

I did a storyline about running away from my foster family and later reuniting with my biological mother after living in care for years. I had to film some really devastating scenes.

As a care experienced person, it was really important to me that this was shown on television. It was really beautiful and cathartic for me to get to play this storyline about being in care as a teenager and all the rage, confusion or angst that comes with it as someone who has been through similar things.

I also received lots of messages from other kids in care saying that storyline really resonated with them, so being able to do that for others is all I can really ask for.

Waterloo Road producer Lindsay Williams says...

Producer Lindsay Williams is ‘proud to be part of the journey’ of the young actors coming through the show, and has praised them for the work they’ve done.

‘Waterloo Road has always been known for its incredibly talented young performers and we are constantly amazed by our current cast.

‘Whether it’s Summer Bird showing the pain and frustration of living with endometriosis, Danny Murphy capturing the loneliness of a deaf pupil in mainstream education or Miya Ocego portraying a beautiful story of identity and loss, we are so proud of the brilliant work they do.’

What’s the biggest thing you’ve learnt during your time on the show?

I could go on about all the professional technical things I learnt or etiquette on set but being apart of a show like this has made me see how important TV can be for people. It is a labour of love of accessible TV for British families to get real insights into the inner workings of the modern school system.

It feels like there is always an emphasis on why we are telling the stories that we are telling and how we can truthfully shine a light on real experiences under the circumstances at Waterloo Road.

If you could have any storyline what would it be?

I would love to see my character have a mental health storyline. Noah Valentine did some really sad but beautiful work on highlighting eating disorders with Preston Walters’ storyline.

I think now more than ever men’s mental health should have more media awareness. Especially for young boys, it’s super necessary to see that it can be very natural to become aware of and manage certain mental health conditions. Showing certain emotions in men is often seen as taboo or wrong so doing a storyline that might explore that would be really great.

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Two Coronation Street characters to exit in explosive ‘trail of destruction’ https://metro.co.uk/2025/04/01/two-coronation-street-characters-exit-explosive-trail-destruction-22827128/ https://metro.co.uk/2025/04/01/two-coronation-street-characters-exit-explosive-trail-destruction-22827128/#respond Tue, 01 Apr 2025 07:56:54 +0000 https://metro.co.uk/?p=22827128
Mick and Lou Michaelis in their yard in Coronation Street
Farewell, Mick and Lou Michaelis! (Picture: ITV)

A Coronation Street spokesperson has confirmed that newcomer Farrel Hegarty will leave alongside co-star Joe Layton later this year.

The duo arrived in the ITV soap in February as Lou and Mick Michaelis and were tipped to be the Battersby family of the 21st century.

However, just weeks after their high-profile arrival on Mawdsley Street, both actors are set to leave.

Branded the ‘neighbours from hell’ by show boss Kate Brooks, the couple have ruffled feathers throughout Weatherfield, sparking complaints from the likes of Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) and George Shuttleworth (Tony Maudsley).

During his first scenes, it was revealed that Mick was the van driver who had been tormenting Chesney Winter-Brown (Sam Aston), whilst Lou struck up a friendship with his wife Gemma (Dolly-Rose Campbell).

Mick then clashed with Daisy Midgeley (Charlotte Jordan) in the wake of her miscarriage and has embarked on a feud with Debbie Webster (Sue Devaney) and her partner Ronnie Bailey (Vinta Morgan).

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He is, of course, unaware that she is suffering symptoms of young-onset dementia.

Following reports in The Sun, Coronation Street’s publicity team told Metro: ‘This is not a shock exit or an early exit. Mick and Lou were brought into the show to cause chaos on the cobbles in the build-up to a major storyline in the summer and they are already making their presence felt.

‘Joe and Farrell were contracted for a specific length of time, some characters come in for a long time and some like Mick and Lou are brought to pass through and leave a trail of destruction behind them.

‘Both actors are still filming with the show and will be on screen until the summer.’

It was first reported last month that Joe will bow out, this is despite the introduction of young offender Brody (Ryan Mulvey), who fans are convinced is the Michaelis’ son.

Lou stood with her arms folded and Mick with his hands in his pocket in the gate to the Rovers beer garden in Corrie
The two have caused quite a stir since their arrival (Picture: ITV)

Paparazzi pictures also seemed to show young actors portraying the characters in flashback scenes with Kit Green (Jacob Roberts), with a connection between them confirmed by Kate Brooks.

‘They are coming to stir up a lot of trouble, and open up the floodgates and unpack the past of one of our big characters, which is Kit’ she said in December.

This wasn’t her first role on the cobbles, as she played a reporter back in 2019.

Joe is no stranger to soaps, as alongside a string of other roles – including one in a Marvel film – he was also a guest star on Casualty last year.

If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you.

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Beth Cordingly’s divine clapback to troll who targeted Emmerdale co-star https://metro.co.uk/2025/04/01/beth-cordinglys-divine-clapback-troll-targeted-emmerdale-co-star-22827132/ https://metro.co.uk/2025/04/01/beth-cordinglys-divine-clapback-troll-targeted-emmerdale-co-star-22827132/#respond Tue, 01 Apr 2025 07:53:09 +0000 https://metro.co.uk/?p=22827132

Emmerdale’s Beth Cordingly has hit back at a troll, who shared a harsh comment on newcomer Bradley Riches’ Instagram.

Former Heartstopper star Bradley has been cast in the ITV soap as Lewis. Not much is known about the character right now, but he has already started filming.

‘I’m beyond excited to be joining Emmerdale!’ Bradley said when his casting was announced.

‘It’s a real bucket list moment for me, especially since it was my grandad’s favourite soap, I just know he’d be over the moon.

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‘Everyone has been so lovely and welcoming, and the village is even more amazing in real life. I absolutely love my character (though I can’t spill too much just yet!), and I’m just so grateful for this opportunity.

‘I can’t wait for everyone to see what’s in store…’

Just recently, Bradley took to Instagram to share a number of pictures behind the scenes at Emmerdale.

Among the comments, a user of Instagram felt the need to share a particularly horrible message to Bradley about his acting career and how he’s ‘acting as if you are a big deal’.

A screenshot of a comment from Beth Cordingly on Instagram
The star was on hand to support Bradley (Picture: Instagram/Beth Cordingly)

Fortunately though, co-star and all-round legend Beth Cordingly was on hand to respond.

She wrote: ‘I don’t think he’s acting like that at all. I think he’s being very humble and grateful and gorgeous about it all. And who cares if you’ve never heard of him? He doesn’t. And nor do we.

Beth added: ‘We love him. That’s why we are following his page. So if you’d like to be unkind, please can you do it somewhere else, not on his page. (On my page is fine. I’m old and used to it. And I’ll just block you anyway).’

Love her.

Bradley has sadly already been in a position where he’s had to respond to more trolls, who have sent him homophobic and ableist messages.

Heartstopper star Bradley Riches smiles in the village opposite the Emmerdale logo
Bradley is playing a character called Lewis (Picture: ITV)

On social media, he said: ‘But let’s talk real for a second. Some of the comments and messages I’ve received are vile. Too many people are quick to judge me regarding my sexuality or being autistic, without thinking about the impact of their words.

‘Before you speak, ask yourself: Do I really need to say this? Kindness costs nothing, but mean comments and hiding behind your screens says aLOT about you.

‘But lucky for you I won’t be behind a screen… I will be on YOUR SCREEN! If you’re mad stay mad! See you soon x.’

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EastEnders legend confirms exit – and her final scenes are very soon https://metro.co.uk/2025/04/01/eastenders-legend-confirms-exit-final-scenes-soon-22827238/ https://metro.co.uk/2025/04/01/eastenders-legend-confirms-exit-final-scenes-soon-22827238/#respond Tue, 01 Apr 2025 07:49:48 +0000 https://metro.co.uk/?p=22827238
Ruby Allen sits on some stairs in EastEnders
Louisa Lytton has confirmed her exit as Ruby Allen (Picture: BBC)

EastEnders star Louisa Lytton has confirmed she has filmed her final scenes as Ruby Allen

The actress reprised her role as the controversial character last year, sending shockwaves through the Square when it was revealed she had secretly given birth to a child by ex-husband Martin Fowler (James Bye) during her three years away from Walford.

Since her return in November, Ruby had reunited with Martin, but he perished in the aftermath of the Queen Vic explosion in February. 

With Martin’s funeral set to air next week, Ruby still remains in the dark that Martin confessed his feelings for ex-wife Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) in his dying moments, and the two women are set for a huge showdown next week.

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However, the curtain will soon come down on Ruby’s latest stint in Albert Square, with Louisa confirming: ‘I left EastEnders a couple of weeks ago.

‘I was only back for six months, to tie in with the 40th [anniversary] and Martin’s exit.

‘It’s always good to come and go – I never see it as a big thing when I leave because I can be back again. It’s all been left open,’ she added (via The Sun). 

Ruby Allen sits in a deck chair in a shed as Stacey Slater stands outside talking to her in EastEnders
Ruby and Stacey Slater are set for a big showdown (Picture: BBC)

Louisa originally played the teenage daughter of Walford gangster Johnny Allen (Billy Murray) between 2005 and 2006. 

She then made a surprise return after more than a decade in 2018, sticking around on the Square for three years. 

She was carted off to prison in 2021 after Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) framed her after discovering someone had been growing a cannabis farm in the Slaters’ garage. 

It was revenge for Ruby having Jean’s daughter Stacey falsely imprisoned, claiming she attacked her during a showdown that led to Ruby miscarrying her unborn baby. 

Ruby Allen and Vicki Fowler look tearful in EastEnders
Walford will say goodbye to Martin Fowler next week (Picture: BBC)

After leaving EastEnders again in the coming weeks, Louisa’s next role will see her appear in a touring production of A Girl on the Train.

She will be playing the lead role of Rachel Watson between 15 April and 31 May.

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One or stream first from 6am on iPlayer. 

If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you.

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Emmerdale legend reels as he finds ‘lifeless’ body in ITVX release https://metro.co.uk/2025/04/01/emmerdale-legend-reels-finds-lifeless-body-itvx-release-unexpected-scenes-follow-22821925/ https://metro.co.uk/2025/04/01/emmerdale-legend-reels-finds-lifeless-body-itvx-release-unexpected-scenes-follow-22821925/#respond Tue, 01 Apr 2025 06:30:00 +0000 https://metro.co.uk/?p=22821925
Marlon tries to lift April after finding her lifeless on the floor in Emmerdale
Marlon Dingle made an upsetting discovery (Picture: ITV)

The following article contains spoilers from an episode of Emmerdale that hasn’t aired on ITV1 yet, but can be viewed on ITVX.

Marlon Dingle (Mark Charnock) was utterly horrified in tonight’s Emmerdale as he found daughter April Windsor (Amelia Flanagan) lying on the floor with a vial of ketamine beside her.

The beloved character has faced an uphill battle with April ever since she returned from a life on the streets. Marlon lives in fear that April will disappear again and has taken to sleeping with the house keys in his pocket, and constantly treading on eggshells around her.

Because of the overwhelming panic, Marlon has also allowed April to get away with a lot.

Up Next

We saw this last week, when Marlon and Rhona Goskirk (Zoe Henry) interrupted an afternoon with Arthur Thomas (Alfie Clarke) and his mates.

April had got bored and ended up flirting with a lad she was hanging out with. When Marlon and Rhona arrived to check on her, she was walking downstairs with the boy after sleeping with him.

Rhona railed at April, but Marlon told her to stop, convinced that if they shouted and made her feel worse, she’d run away again.

Tonight’s episode opened with another reminder that April is no longer a little girl, and capable of some pretty low moves. She had snuck into the vets and stolen a vial of ketamine, and later used it on a revenge plan for her dad.

April looks suspicious while in the vets in Emmerdale
April attempted a revenge plan (Picture: ITV)

Yesterday, April learnt that Marlon had framed her friend Dylan (Fred Kettle) and planted drugs in his pocket. Today, she developed an idea to make it look as though she had overdosed.

When Marlon entered the house, April was on the floor. With the drugs beside her, he made the assumption she had taken them and was dead.

Marlon called for help as he realised April was breathing. Just as Rhona and Vanessa Woodfield (Michelle Hardwick) prepared to ring the emergency services, April sat up and confirmed she was absolutely fine.

The move shocked Marlon, Rhona and Vanessa but once again, it wasn’t enough for April to change her ways.

It took Rhona snapping at both Marlon and April for the tables to finally turn. She reminded the father and daughter that other people live in the same house as them, and the constant bickering needs to stop.

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Perhaps hearing it from another person was what made April sit up. She apologised and so did Marlon, seemingly back on the same page.

Just as the episode drew to a close though, Marlon made a move in secret that implied his fear surrounding April leaving has not dissipated yet.

Is it really wise to do this and keep April in the dark about something yet again?

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EastEnders confirms real reason for Vicki Fowler’s return in early iPlayer twist https://metro.co.uk/2025/04/01/eastenders-confirms-real-reason-vicki-fowlers-return-early-iplayer-twist-22824203/ https://metro.co.uk/2025/04/01/eastenders-confirms-real-reason-vicki-fowlers-return-early-iplayer-twist-22824203/#respond Tue, 01 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0000 https://metro.co.uk/?p=22824203
Vicki Fowler and Sharon Watts talking in the kitchen in EastEnders.
Vicki Fowler has an ulterior motive for her return (Picture: BBC)

This article contains spoilers for Tuesday’s episode of EastEnders, which is already streaming on BBC iPlayer. 

EastEnders has revealed Vicki Fowler’s (Alice Haig) real reason for returning to Walford after 20 years. 

The character was last seen in 2004 when she departed for Australia with Spencer Moon (Christopher Parker)

However, she made a surprise comeback on Monday ahead of her uncle Martin Fowler’s (James Bye) funeral, with Alice Haig taking over the role from previous actress Scarlett Alice Johnson

However, there was immediate intrigue about Vicki’s family set-up as she was reunited with half-sister Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) on Tuesday. 

Up Next

Questions were soon asked about Spencer’s whereabouts as she introduced her new partner Ross (Alex Walkinshaw) and his son Joel (Max Murray).

After initially lying and claiming Spencer had cheated on her, she was eventually forced to reveal that it was actually her who had destroyed their relationship by having an affair with his friend Ross. 

This revelation was much to the ire of Sharon and Spencer’s brother Alfie Moon (Shane Richie), who both had no idea Vicki and Spencer had even broken up. 

Sharon greets Vicky as Ross watches on in EastEnders
Vicky cheated on Spencer with his friend called Ross (Picture: BBC)

Vicki soon sought to try and build bridges, but when she was left alone with Ross, it wound up that the couple have an ulterior motive for being back in the UK. 

A tense conversation revealed they are in debt, with Ross pushing Vicki to ask Sharon for cash. 

But what is the cause of their money woes, and is there more to the story?

Vicki Fowler with Ross and Joel in front of the Albert Square sign in EastEnders
Vicki and Ross have also been joined by his son Joel (Picture: BBC)

Meanwhile, Martin is set to be laid to rest in emotional scenes next week. 

His ex-wife Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner), who he secretly reunited with on his death bed, is back in town after spending some time away with her brother Sean Slater (Rob Kazinsky) – but she is still struggling to process the death of her one true love. 

She will once again find herself at odds with Martin’s partner Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton), who still has no idea that Martin and Stacey had made plans to remarry before his death. 

With tensions between the two women at boiling point and Vicki also hiding a massive secret, will Martin’s farewell go off without a hitch?

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One or stream first from 6am on iPlayer. 

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Carla drops a gutting bombshell in Coronation Street as Jenny is left begging https://metro.co.uk/2025/03/31/carla-drops-a-gutting-bombshell-coronation-street-jenny-left-begging-22823252/ https://metro.co.uk/2025/03/31/carla-drops-a-gutting-bombshell-coronation-street-jenny-left-begging-22823252/#respond Mon, 31 Mar 2025 22:59:00 +0000 https://metro.co.uk/?p=22823252
Jenny talks to Carla in the Rovers backroom in Coronation Street
Carla Connor has some news for Jenny next week (Picture: ITV)

Carla Connor (Alison King) breaks some devastating news to Jenny Connor (Sally Ann Matthews) in Coronation Street next week.

Viewers of the ITV soap have seen the landlady struggle for the past year, after finding herself in significant debt with Carla.

Following the death of serial killer Stephen Reid (Todd Boyce), Jenny and step-daughter Daisy Midgeley (Charlotte Jordan) uncovered £250,000 cash that he had stolen from Underworld.

Rather than confessing to Carla, they kept it for themselves and bought back the pub from chain company LS Waterford.

As with most soap stories, the secret didn’t stay quiet for long and she soon found out.

To make matters worse, she recently had to fork out for private health care in order to undergo another kidney transplant, and borrowed the money from her girlfriend Lisa Swain’s (Vicky Myers) daughter Betsy (Sydney Martin).

Jenny Connor looks devastated in Coronation Street
Jenny is mortified (Picture: ITV)

Though Jenny has tried every possible way to raise the cash, in upcoming scenes it appears that she will finally have to cut her losses and sell the pub.

This comes after departing star Colson Smith made a huge blunder and uploaded a picture of the ‘For Sale’ sign to Instagram.

Next week, Carla arrives at the Rovers and informs Jenny that the time has come for her to pay Lisa back, in the wake of the drama with her brother Rob Donovan (Marc Baylis).

Having escaped from prison, he held Carla and Tracy McDonald (Kate Ford) hostage in the latter’s family home, with the resulting altercation leading to Betsy being shot.

Jenny and Daisy speak to Christina in the pub in Corrie
She’s thrilled to receive another gift from ‘Dom’ (Picture: ITV)

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Feeling that she’s brought enough turmoil onto the Swain clan, Carla realises that she’ll have to sell the boozer for the money.

Jenny is gobsmacked but is soon perked up when she receives a delivery.

The package contains a bottle of Champagne from her new fella Dom – but she’s still unaware that he’s completely fabricated, with his dating profile set up by Daisy and mum Christina (Amy Robbins) to catfish her.

As Jenny relishes in the gift, Christina watches on from afar and grins.

How will she cope with more turmoil and upheaval?

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Emmerdale star promises ‘exciting and juicy’ outcome to Nate dead body mystery https://metro.co.uk/2025/03/31/emmerdale-star-promises-exciting-and-juicy-outcome-to-nate-dead-body-mystery-22811982/ https://metro.co.uk/2025/03/31/emmerdale-star-promises-exciting-and-juicy-outcome-to-nate-dead-body-mystery-22811982/#respond Mon, 31 Mar 2025 22:59:00 +0000 https://metro.co.uk/?p=22811982
Nate Robinson alongside the grim reaper in front of the Emmerdale village.
Nate disappeared towards the end of last year (Picture: ITV)

Tracy Shankley (Amy Walsh) in Emmerdale currently believes ex-partner Nate Robinson (Jurell Carter) is ghosting her after moving to Shetland.

In reality, we know that he is more than likely the body Amy Wyatt (Natalie Ann Jamieson) saw when she fell into the frozen lake back in February.

Soon enough, Tracy and the rest of the Emmerdale residents will discover what really happened to Nate, and Amy Walsh can’t wait for the audience to see what’s ahead:

‘I think it’s going to be so exciting! I’ve just started the beginning of that story when she finds out. It’s brilliant. I love that the audience knows but she doesn’t and they’re just waiting for this pay-off and for her to find out who’s done it.

‘It’s been a long time coming. All this feeling she’s had that he’s treated her badly, and finally poor Nate gets his justice. It’s such a journey for Tracy to take. I’m really excited.’

Up Next

She added: ‘I’ve just had some new scripts through and it’s really juicy stuff for me. I’ve not had anything that big for a while. It’s partly daunting because you’re going to be working a lot more, which I love, but juggling that with home life is a challenge.

‘But I just love it when it’s like that at work, when you can get in the throes of it. It’s fun.

‘It’s my favourite part of the job when you’ve got a big story like that and you know that the audience are waiting for the pay-off.’

Also in February, we discovered that Tracy has started stealing money from the shop till. It’s out of desperation – she’s a single mum, everything is expensive, and the only income Tracy has is the few days she works in the local store.

‘It’s literally the cost of living crisis personified’, Amy said.

Tracy clasping her hands together behind the counter of the shop in Emmerdale
Tracy has been stealing to pay her bills (Picture: ITV)

‘Everything has gone up and her husband has vanished. She’s getting no money to help, and he was the main breadwinner in the relationship before. She only worked in the shop a few days a week, so you can see why she would be struggling financially.

‘There’s then the knock-on effect of Suzy not being here anymore, having passed away, that her and Vanessa are now sharing everything between two instead of three. It’s just the way of the world we’re living in at the moment, everything is so expensive.’

‘There’s a side of Tracy that doesn’t want to let Frankie down and wants to keep face, so her priorities of what she has spent money on haven’t been the best choices, like making sure Frankie’s got brand new shoes because she doesn’t want her to be different because her dad’s disappeared.

‘It’s a lot of poor choices. But also, it’s not her fault. She’s not getting any money from the father of her child.’

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Amy goes on to explain that until Tracy learns about Nate’s fate, she will continue to feel ‘victimised’.

‘She feels like this isn’t fair and she doesn’t deserve what he’s done to her, it’s not really her fault that she’s having to make these immoral, disloyal and horrible decisions because he’s done it to her.

‘It would be different if she knew what had happened to him, but because she feels like it’s his fault, but because she feels like it’s his fault, she can probably justify her actions a bit more because she’s a victim in all this too.’

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Deadly collapse for Emmerdale youngster as their life is on the line https://metro.co.uk/2025/03/31/deadly-collapse-emmerdale-youngster-life-line-22810599/ https://metro.co.uk/2025/03/31/deadly-collapse-emmerdale-youngster-life-line-22810599/#respond Mon, 31 Mar 2025 22:59:00 +0000 https://metro.co.uk/?p=22810599
Vic realises Jacob is having an allergic reaction in Emmerdale
Jacob Gallagher has an allergic reaction (Picture: ITV)

There’s a frightening moment ahead in Emmerdale when a village youngster is left fighting for their life over a cup of coffee.

Could mysterious John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth) have something to do with it? He’s out to prove himself to a suspicious Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson) and the timing is impeccable.

Much like when he needed to prove himself to Chas Dingle (Lucy Pargeter), then miraculously found her unconscious on the floor and in need of saving.

John is under the spotlight with viewers for potentially murdering Nate Robinson (Jurell Carter) and for possibly being Chas’ spiker. He also disposed of Anthony Fox’s (Nicholas Day) body with the utmost ease through skills no one knew he had.

Up Next

So, it’s not above the realms of possibility that he would orchestrate a near-death experience to help make himself look good.

It’s Jacob Gallagher (Joe-Warren Plant) who is suddenly facing death, which is particularly unkind given that he is still grieving the loss of his mum.

After making a few mistakes at work, John is being watched by Liam, who is fuming when he learns John misdiagnoses Kerry Wyatt (Laura Norton) as it brings the surgery into disrepute.

As a knee-jerk reaction, Liam tells John he will be reviewing all his work.

Kerry and John in the surgery in Emmerdale
John makes a mistake while at work (Picture: ITV)

John confides in Victoria Sugden (Isabel Hodgins) about how unsettled the thought of it is making him. He’s made quite a few mistakes as a medic, it transpires. The two bond as Vic admits to making tonnes of her own mistakes and encourages him to forgive himself.

What John needs is a moment to reassert his medical skills. Jacob takes a sip of the wrong coffee and immediately experiences a huge reaction – his body starts to shut down as it enters anaphylactic shock and worse still – he’s lost his AAI pen.

He quickly loses consciousness, but John sees the commotion and runs to Jacob’s lifeless body. He checks Jacob’s vitals as Vic panics. Can John save the day?

Did he orchestrate this moment to prove himself? Could he have slipped something in Jacob’s coffee to make himself the hero?

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Martin Fowler’s funeral in EastEnders leads to bitter showdowns as emotions explode https://metro.co.uk/2025/03/31/martins-funeral-eastenders-leads-bitter-showdowns-emotions-explode-22796138/ https://metro.co.uk/2025/03/31/martins-funeral-eastenders-leads-bitter-showdowns-emotions-explode-22796138/#respond Mon, 31 Mar 2025 22:59:00 +0000 https://metro.co.uk/?p=22796138
Picture of Martin Fowler seen on top of his coffin in EastEnders
Walford says goodbye to Martin Fowler (Picture: BBC)

It’s set to be a week of high emotions and bitter showdowns in EastEnders as the residents of Walford prepare to say goodbye to Martin Fowler (James Bye) next week. 

Forthcoming scenes will see the beloved fruit and veg trader laid to rest after he perished in the aftermath of the Queen Vic explosion in February. 

Martin’s struggling ex-wife Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) has been absent from the Square in recent weeks, having reunited secretly with Martin in his final moments and made plans to remarry. 

On Monday, Stacey is in a bad way as she returns home, which is the catalyst for more rows and tension with her daughter Lily Slater (Lillia Turner) and Martin’s partner Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton). 

Up Next

The week begins with an unravelling Stacey rolling home drunk, much to the fury of Lily, who has been trying to support her grieving younger siblings.

‘She feels terrible but all she wants to do is escape how she’s feeling so she’s drinking to forget, explains Lacey Turner, who plays Stacey. ‘Poor Lily ends up stepping up to look after her brothers and sister, which makes her really angry with Stacey.’

Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy) steps up to try to help Stacey sober up but is dismayed when Stacey tells her that she can’t face the funeral.

Stacey Slater stands alone in an empty market in EastEnders
Stacey Slater is back – but decides she can’t go to Martin’s funeral (Picture: BBC)

After Martin’s loved ones gather to say their final goodbyes during the emotionally charged service, Ruby’s anger and resentment towards Stacey builds.

At the wake, emotions bubble over and later an explosive showdown between the two women at the allotment. 

During the row, some revelations could destroy any hope of peace between them. 

Ruby Allen stands in the Slater kitchen talking to Stacey and Lily who are sat at the table in EastEnders
Tensions reach boiling point between Stacey and Ruby (Picture: BBC)

Meanwhile, Lily hits the bottle with encouragement from Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James). When Stacey then finds her drunk, she tries to make amends with her daughter, but her efforts are in vain. 

Later, Stacey is horrified to discover Martin’s stall has been set on fire and launches a hunt to find out who is responsible for the cruel act.

While Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) warns her to leave it to the police, she’s soon convinced she has all the evidence she needs to confront the person she suspects is the culprit.

Lily and Stacey Slater stand in front of Martin Fowler's stall, which is adorned with flowers in EastEnders
Lily is struggling to forgive her mum for her disappearance (Picture: BBC)

As tensions reach boiling point, Ruby makes the huge decision to leave Walford, believing the situation between her and Stacey becomes intolerable. 

‘It’s such an awkward situation,’ Lacey says. ‘Stacey has tried to keep the truth from Ruby, so she doesn’t get hurt, but it’s hard not to feel resentful of her. 

‘Any little thing can lead to an argument.’

Ruby Allen sits in a deck chair in a shed as Stacey Slater stands outside talking to her in EastEnders
Stacey is feeling ‘resentful’ of Ruby (Picture: BBC)

Stacey’s mum Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) advises her to stop fighting and start healing, but when Stacey goes to find Ruby to talk, Zack Hudson (James Farrar) reveals that she’s already left…

Will the two women miss their chance to finally find some closure between them?

EastEnders airs these scenes from Monday 7 April at 7.30pm on BBC One or stream first from 6am on iPlayer.

If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you.

Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage.

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Gun horror confirmed for Emmerdale’s Gabby Thomas and Kim Tate https://metro.co.uk/2025/03/31/gun-horror-confirmed-gabby-kim-emmerdale-22791454/ https://metro.co.uk/2025/03/31/gun-horror-confirmed-gabby-kim-emmerdale-22791454/#respond Mon, 31 Mar 2025 22:59:00 +0000 https://metro.co.uk/?p=22791454
Vinny and Gabby speak to Kim at Home Farm in Emmerdale
Gabby Thomas makes a huge decision (Picture: ITV)

Gabby Thomas (Rosie Bentham) is about to make a huge decision regarding her future at Home Farm in Emmerdale, once son Thomas is found near a gun.

Life for Gabby has surprisingly been going quite well recently. Ever since she started seeing Vinny Dingle (Bradley Johnson), the two characters have been focused on building a really strong connection.

Despite the fact they live two very different lives, it kind of works!

In upcoming episodes, Kim Tate (Claire King) finds herself getting distracted by a work call and fails to realise she’s left her gun by Thomas. Just as she leaves, Thomas eyes the weapon up.

Up Next

Returning a short while later, Gabby is furious to find her son playing around the gun box and fumes at Kim, accusing her of undermining her parenting.

To Kim’s surprise, Gabby then announces plans for her, Vinny and Thomas to move into Wishing Well with the Dingles.

However, Gabby is quickly left wondering if she’s made a mistake, as she starts to clash with Sam Dingle (James Hooton).

Vinny and Gabby at Home Farm in Emmerdale
Vinny and Gabby’s relationship is going well (Picture: ITV)

Sam is feeling the same tension between him and Gabby and decides to do something about it.

He finds Kim and plants a seed of doubt about Gabby potentially moving to Leeds and it leaves her worried.

Kim heads to see Gabby and tells her that she can move into Dale View so Thomas is still able to live in the village. Excited to begin their new life, Gabby and Vinny get to work on moving in.

Meanwhile, having seen through Sam’s manipulation, Kim is impressed by his tenacity…

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Fire horror for Stacey in EastEnders with devastating loss confirmed https://metro.co.uk/2025/03/31/fire-horror-stacey-eastenders-devastating-loss-confirmed-22788297/ https://metro.co.uk/2025/03/31/fire-horror-stacey-eastenders-devastating-loss-confirmed-22788297/#respond Mon, 31 Mar 2025 22:59:00 +0000 https://metro.co.uk/?p=22788297
Stacey Slater stands alone in an empty market in EastEnders
Stacey Slater is a broken woman (Credits: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

EastEndersStacey Slater (Lacey Turner) is dealt a devastating blow in the wake of Martin Fowler’s (James Bye) funeral next week, when his fruit and veg stall is set alight.

The beloved resident died as a result of crush syndrome in the aftermath of the Queen Vic explosion in February, and the community has been torn apart as a result.

Battling her emotions – and the fact Martin confessed his love for her in the moments prior to his death – Stacey has since left the area to stay with brother Sean

Martin’s partner Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton), who has no idea of the conversation, has begrudged her for fleeing at a time when she is needed most.

She’s been left to tackle the funeral preparations alone, fighting off suggestions from Stacey’s mum Jean Slater (Gillian Wright).

In upcoming scenes, the day has arrived to lay Martin to rest, and his nearest and dearest are preparing themselves for a rollercoaster of emotions.

Lily Slater looks moody as Stacey chases after her in EastEnders
Lily is furious with her mum (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) and Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) are distraught ahead of the service, with the latter’s boyfriend Ross Marshall (Alex Walkinshaw) deciding to accompany her – despite Sharon’s advice, given the frosty reception he got from Alfie Moon (Shane Richie).

At the Slater residence, youngster Lily (Lillia Turner) is attempting to support her younger siblings, when Stacey arrives home… and she’s drunk.

Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy) turns up and attempts to sober her up, offering a shoulder to cry on. She’s taken aback when Stacey reveals that she can’t face attending the funeral.

Lily tries to put the hurt she feels towards her mother for the sake of the day’s events, as the mourners celebrate his life.

At the wake, Ruby’s resentment towards Stacey reaches breaking point, and an argument soon ensues when the women come face to face at the allotment.

Revelations are exposed, and any chance of a reconciliation between them is blown to smithereens.

Stacey cries at Martin's funeral in EastEnders
Tensions rise following the funeral (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Elsewhere, Lily is struggling more than ever and turns to her friend Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James) for support.

With some encouragement from her pal, Lily hits the bottle, and Stacey is horrified to stumble across her drunken daughter. When they return home, Stacey’s olive branch goes unappreciated, and it becomes clear that the road to recovery for the pair will take longer than expected.

After a turbulent day, matters just get worse and worse.

Flames begin to climb from Martin’s market stall, as Stacey watches on in horror.

His loved ones gather to see what is left of the cart, as Stacey swears to Lily that she will find out who is responsible and won’t let them get away with it.

Stacey Slater stares at Martin's stall in EastEnders
To Stacey’s horror, the stall goes up in flames (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

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Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) assures her that his team are across the situation and asks her to leave it to them to deal with, but she becomes convinced that she has enough evidence to point the finger.

Who will Stacey blame?

As the week goes on, Ruby decides that the time has come for her to leave Albert Square. There is no turning back after her altercation with Stacey, and she needs a fresh start.

Jean pleads with her daughter to make amends, but when she finally caves, she learns that Ruby has already left.

Will Stacey ever find closure over Martin’s death?

If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you.

Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage.

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Hollyoaks horror as Grace silences Frankie and Dillon after party ends in disaster https://metro.co.uk/2025/03/31/hollyoaks-horror-grace-silences-frankie-dillon-party-ends-disaster-22824984/ https://metro.co.uk/2025/03/31/hollyoaks-horror-grace-silences-frankie-dillon-party-ends-disaster-22824984/#respond Mon, 31 Mar 2025 22:58:00 +0000 https://metro.co.uk/?p=22824984
Hollyoaks Dillon and Frankie look afraid as Grace looms
Grace Black takes action to silence Dillon Ray and Frankie Osborne after things go horribly wrong (Picture: Lime Pictures)

Grace Black (Tamara Wall) desperately tries to cover her tracks in Hollyoaks next week after a party which Frankie Osborne (Isabelle Smith) and Dillon Ray (Nathaniel Dass) attend ends in disaster.

Dillon and Frankie, as viewers know, are being groomed by Grace and Rex Gallagher (Jonny Labey), who are running a child exploitation operation in the village with DI Banks.

Rex set his sights on Dillon earlier this year while Grace targeted niece Frankie, deeming her ‘perfect’ in bone-chilling scenes after what she’d been through last year.

The storyline in question took its darkest turn yet last month, with Grace manipulating the teens into having sex with party-goers, claiming it was Frankie’s opportunity to take back control.

Despite the prospect of losing son Curtis this week, Grace isn’t slowing down with her operation. If anything, she ups the ante as she plans a party of her own – without DI Banks’ knowledge.

Rex, meanwhile, grows doubtful that Robbie Roscoe (Charlie Wernham) – who they took hostage last month – is the mole, giving him one last chance to come clean as he threatens Lexi’s life.

Up Next

When Robbie makes it clear that he knows nothing, Rex tasks Dodger Savage (Danny Mac) with getting rid of him.

Despite previously pushing to get involved in dodgy deals, Rex has displayed doubts in recent weeks, determined to get out of the criminal underworld in favour of a life with Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson).

But upcoming scenes will see him manipulate Frankie and Dillon once more, inviting them to Grace’s upcoming party at The Loft, claiming that he will protect them.

Grace looms as Dillon and Frankie look terrified in Hollyoaks
Grace has groomed Frankie and Dillon (Picture: Lime Pictures)

Dillon and Frankie have doubts about the whole thing but, feeling like they’ve got no choice, they head to the nightclub.

What exactly happens while they’re there remains to be seen but the whole thing ends in a disaster, with Grace determined to cover up the atrocity by buying Frankie and Dillon’s silence.

Will her efforts work?

Dillon, meanwhile, receives a visit from Donny Clark (Louis Emerick), who turns up with a kind gesture in a bid to show the teen the love that his family has for him.

Will this leave Dillon with food for thought?

Hollyoaks streams Mondays to Wednesdays from 6am on Channel 4’s streaming platform, or catch episodes on TV at 7pm on E4.

If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you.

Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage.

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Hollyoaks confirms flashback twists as Tommy and Joel connection is revealed https://metro.co.uk/2025/03/31/hollyoaks-confirms-flashback-twists-tommy-joel-connection-revealed-22822157/ https://metro.co.uk/2025/03/31/hollyoaks-confirms-flashback-twists-tommy-joel-connection-revealed-22822157/#respond Mon, 31 Mar 2025 22:58:00 +0000 https://metro.co.uk/?p=22822157
Hollyoaks picture shows Mercedes, Tommy, Warren Fox, Joel and Arlo
Hollyoaks delivers all the twists in an exciting flashback episode as we journey back in time (Picture: Lime Pictures)

Hollyoaks serves up answers to some pretty big questions next week, including the truth about Tommy Odenkirk’s (Brandon Fellows) obsession with Joel Dexter (Rory Douglas-Speed), as we travel back in time.

The long-running Channel 4 soap is journeying back to fill in some of the blanks of the ‘missing’ year, showcasing what really went on in the village during the elusive gap in time.

One of the big mysteries set to be solved is that of Tommy’s big secret – and more specifically the reason why he’s so obsessed with Joel.

The alleged therapist, as viewers know, has something of a shrine dedicated to the former priest in a locked cupboard at his flat.

Next Monday (April 7), fans will get their answers – as will Joel, who is taken by Tommy to the hospital in a bid to trigger his memory. Upon arrival, Tommy introduces Joel to his brother Billy, who is in a coma.

Joel reels over what Tommy is telling him and the revelation prompts our trip back in time as the ‘missing’ year is revisited in a special flashback episode.

Up Next

At the time of throwback scenes, Joel and Leela Dexter’s (Kirsty-Leigh Porter) marriage is hanging by a thread.

Leela’s behaviour changed following Theresa McQueen’s (Jorgie Porter) party in the woods while Joel’s grief proves overwhelming – and he heads out to buy some drugs.

Upon doing so, however, he comes face-to-face with dad Warren Fox (Jamie Lomas).

Waren speaks to Joel in a car in Hollyoaks
Warren Fox is back – and he reconnects with son Joel in a flashback sequence (Picture: Lime Pictures)

Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe), meanwhile, has been experiencing bowel changes and, after finding blood in her poo, she schedules a colonoscopy and opens up to Leela about her fears.

The former landladyof The Dog accidentally knocks over Leela’s handbag, with a positive pregnancy test falling out. Leela reveals that she was sexually assaulted while drunk, with Mercedes urging her to tell Joel the truth.

Leela speaks to Mercedes in Hollyoaks
A devastated Leela Dexter confides in Mercedes McQueen (Picture: Lime Pictures)

Speaking of Joel, he’s at a nightclub nearby – where he spots Tommy being bullied by his brother Billy, which prompts him to intervene.

The question is: just what transpires? And will it have ramifications for Joel?

Elsewhere during the flashback scenes, Freddie Roscoe (Charlie Clapham) races to the hospital after learning that Lexi was injured after being left alone with Curtis.

Joel, Tommy and Billy in Hollyoaks
Joel intervenes when Tommy is being bullied by his brother Billy (Picture: Lime Pictures)

Dodge Savage (Danny Mac) – who is also seen rekindling his romance with Maxine Minniver (Nikki Sanderson) – watches Freddie and Grace Black (Tamara Wall) from afar.

Later, Freddie is left reeling when he encounters Warren, who enlists the help of Arlo Fielding (Dan Hough) to deliver a letter to Mercedes.

Freddie and Warren come face-to-face in Hollyoaks
Freddie Roscoe sees Warren in the village (Picture: Lime Pictures)

The flashback episode certainly proves very eventful and it will provide some long-awaited context – but the stories simply don’t stop there, with subsequent scenes taking us back to present day, where the drama is aplenty.

Joel is burdened with some distressing new information, Grace plans her own party behind DI Banks’ back and Rex Gallagher (Jonny Labey) continues to manipulate Dillon Ray (Nathaniel Dass) and Frankie Osborne (Isabelle Smith).

Hollyoaks streams Mondays to Wednesdays from 6am on Channel 4’s streaming platform, or catch episodes on TV at 7pm on E4.

If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you.

Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage.

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Coronation Street boss reveals why ‘vibrant’ Debbie Webster is going to die https://metro.co.uk/2025/03/31/coronation-street-boss-reveals-vibrant-debbie-webster-going-die-22825696/ https://metro.co.uk/2025/03/31/coronation-street-boss-reveals-vibrant-debbie-webster-going-die-22825696/#respond Mon, 31 Mar 2025 20:00:00 +0000 https://metro.co.uk/?p=22825696
Debbie Webster in Coronation Street
Vibrant, popular, warm and hilarious – what a miss Debbie will be (Picture: ITV)

It’s one of Coronation Street’s most controversial decisions in a long time and now the show’s boss Kate Brooks has broken her silence on why Debbie Webster, played by the fabulous Sue Devaney, is being killed off in a young onset dementia storyline.

Metro exclusively revealed the plotline last year, triggering an uproar among fans and a petition that has accumulated thousands of signatures.

Since then, we have started to see signs of Debbie’s symptoms, including confusion and forgetfulness.

Now, Corrie has officially confirmed the storyline, making it clear that we still have the character for a long time to come, with the arc – as previously confirmed by Metro – seeing us into 2026.

Working with Dementia UK, over the coming months and years the soap will follow Debbie’s journey as she comes to terms with the diagnosis and what it will mean for her and the family.

Up Next

It’s a choice that has incurred quite the backlash, but Kate – previously the chief of Emmerdale – has explained why Debbie will be central to the story.

‘With one in two people being affected by dementia, we felt this was such an important story to tell for the simple reason that it resonates with so many people.

‘Having a character as vibrant as Debbie Webster, and an actor of Sue Devaney’s incredible talent and calibre, at the heart of this storyline, was key to unlocking the many emotions that come with navigating this diagnosis.’

Debbie Webster is given news from her doctor in Coronation Street
Debbie is given shattering news (Picture: ITV)

Why give it to Debbie, you still may ask? Sue herself also weighed in.

‘It is an honour and privilege to be given this sort of storyline. A lot of people are saying, why give it to Debbie? She’s so vibrant and she’s so full of life.

‘But I think that is where a good story lies because it’s somebody that has everything and also words are important to Debbie. She has a quick wit and everything is so important, money and success.

‘She’s been dealt this hand of this illness and it is going to be interesting to follow her journey.’

Kate added: ‘We’re working closely with Dementia UK to ensure this story is told as truthfully and sensitively as possible – whilst never losing sight of the person behind the diagnosis. 

Debbie Webster stands alone in the kitchen in Coronation Street
News of the storyline has upset fans (Picture: ITV)

‘This is a story about family, about community, but ultimately this is a story about love, and how love can provide light, even through the darkest of times.’

Certainly, this provides some much needed context and insight, but whether it is enough to appease fans is another matter.

The petition continues to rack up numbers, and carries the plea to producers to end the story while they ‘still can’.

It reads: ‘The departure of a character like Debbie Webster, especially under these circumstances, is not just a creative choice—it’s a statement about the direction of the show.

‘We want Coronation Street to be the cornerstone of TV schedules, a place where we can come home to each episode for many years to come. We are urging those behind-the-scenes to have a rethink, for the good of the soap opera that we all love, and all wish to see thrive once again.’

Statistics and facts about young-onset dementia

Dementia UK logo
The charity offers support for those living with, or caring for people with dementia (Picture: Dementia UK)

According to Dementia UK:

  • An estimated 7.5%, 70,800 of the estimated 944,000 people living with dementia in the UK have young onset dementia.
  • Someone develops dementia every three minutes in the UK.
  • One in two of us will be affected by dementia in our lifetime, whether that be through caring for a loved one with the condition, developing it ourselves, or both.
  • 53% of people in the UK know someone who has dementia.

Young-onset dementia support groups and help can be found on the Dementia UK website.

‘It’s really lovely that Debbie is loved,’ Sue continued. ‘And I didn’t realise what people thought of Debbie, they love Debbie and that’s brilliant. But Debbie’s not going anywhere yet.

‘Debbie has been diagnosed and this is her journey. The whole of the story is to see her journey, isn’t it? To see this journey and tell it. We’re all frightened of getting older, aren’t we?

‘We’re all frightened of the inevitable that’s going to happen which is going to be death and nobody knows how we’re going to die. Viewers read things like, oh yeah, they’re killing Debbie off. Well, actually, it’s amazing that they’re giving Debbie this brilliant story.’

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Coronation Street legend breaks silence on Debbie Webster backlash as she denies ‘fury’ https://metro.co.uk/2025/03/31/coronation-street-legend-breaks-silence-debbie-webster-backlash-denies-fury-22805436/ https://metro.co.uk/2025/03/31/coronation-street-legend-breaks-silence-debbie-webster-backlash-denies-fury-22805436/#respond Mon, 31 Mar 2025 20:00:00 +0000 https://metro.co.uk/?p=22805436
Debbie Webster stands alone in the kitchen in Coronation Street
Debbie Webster will be diagnosed with young onset dementia (Picture: ITV)

Coronation Street star Sue Devaney has broken her silence on the news her character Debbie Webster will be written out of the soap after being diagnosed with young onset dementia. 

Last November, Metro was first to break news of the plot, with a source telling us it would be a ‘devastating’ watch for fans. 

The announcement was met with a huge backlash from fans of the ITV soap, with some even setting up an official petition to save the beloved character.

The months since have seen an increasing number of clues pointing to Debbie’s fate as she’s experienced moments of forgetfulness – and next week, she goes for tests that will eventually see her officially diagnosed with young onset dementia. 

Up Next

Speaking for the first time about the storyline, Sue said she felt ‘a mixture of things’ when Corrie’s producer Kate Brooks called her into the office to tell her. 

‘She said we’ve got this brilliant story, and we want to give Debbie dementia. And obviously, down the line, you don’t survive dementia. So I knew that the story would eventually come to an end and my character would come to an end,’ Sue explains. 

‘There was a mixture of a lot of things. This was my first job when I was 16 and I left after a year and now it will be coming to an end again. But I also realised this was a really important story to tell and is a really fantastic opportunity to act.’

Coronation Street's Debbie Webster looking shocked and concerned as she sits in a doctor's office.
Debbie is shocked when she is referred for more tests (Picture: ITV)

Sue also refutes some reports that she was ‘furious’ about the story, calling them ‘completely untrue’. 

‘The only reason I was concerned about the storyline was because I wanted to be sure I could do it justice,’ she insists. ‘It is an honour and privilege to be given this sort of storyline.’

Sue first appeared as then 15-year-old Debbie 40 years ago and stayed for a year before making an unexpected comeback in 2019.

The actress says she has been surprised by the public’s reaction to news of Debbie’s latest storyline, explaining: ‘It’s really lovely that Debbie is loved. And I didn’t realise what people thought of Debbie, they love Debbie and that’s brilliant. But Debbie’s not going anywhere yet.

‘Debbie has been diagnosed and this is her journey. The whole of the story is to see her journey, isn’t it? To see this journey and tell it. 

‘Viewers read things like, oh yeah, they’re killing Debbie off. Well, actually, it’s amazing that they’re giving Debbie this brilliant story.’

Statistics and facts about young-onset dementia

Dementia UK logo
The charity offers support for those living with, or caring for people with dementia (Picture: Dementia UK)

According to Dementia UK:

  • An estimated 7.5%, 70,800 of the estimated 944,000 people living with dementia in the UK have young onset dementia.
  • Someone develops dementia every three minutes in the UK.
  • One in two of us will be affected by dementia in our lifetime, whether that be through caring for a loved one with the condition, developing it ourselves, or both.
  • 53% of people in the UK know someone who has dementia.

Young-onset dementia support groups and help can be found on the Dementia UK website.

Next week, fans will see her go to the doctors about her symptoms, believing they are due to the menopause.

After discussing a series of recent incidents, shown as flashback scenes, including a black out and fall, the doctor advises her that he wants her to have further tests as he is concerned she is showing symptoms of early onset vascular dementia.

Debbie then makes the heartbreaking decision to keep her anguish from her family, with Sue explaining: ‘I think Debbie is in denial and wants to pretend everything is alright until it’s not. 

‘She’s a protector of her family, even though she doesn’t have children. She doesn’t want to worry them. It’s like her world is being exploded. 

‘Also, people will treat you differently. She wants people to see her as the Debbie they know, the one who is in control and running a business. She doesn’t want them to see her as someone else,’ says Sue.

Debbie Webster talks to Jack in the street on Coronation Street
The storyline will end in Debbie being written out of the soap (Picture: ITV)

Coronation Street is working closely with Dementia UK on the plot, which will continue to follow Debbie’s journey as she comes to terms with the diagnosis and what it will mean for her and the family.

Speaking about the importance of depicting young onset dementia – a term describing any form of dementia that develops before the age of 65 – on screen, Sue continues: ‘A lot of people are saying, why give it to Debbie? She’s so vibrant and she’s so full of life. But I think that is where a good story lies because it’s somebody that has everything and also words are important to Debbie.

‘She has a quick wit and everything is so important, money and success. She’s been dealt this hand of this illness and it is going to be interesting to follow her journey.’

Debbie Webster speaking to Kevin Webster over the dining table in Coronation Street.
Debbie has recently been supporting her brother Kevin Webster through cancer treatment (Picture: ITV)

Coronation Street producer Kate Brooks also says: ‘With one in two people being affected by dementia, we felt this was such an important story to tell for the simple reason that it resonates with so many people. Having a character as vibrant as Debbie Webster, and an actor of Sue Devaney’s incredible talent and calibre, at the heart of this storyline, was key to unlocking the many emotions that come with navigating this diagnosis. 

‘We’re working closely with Dementia UK to ensure this story is told as truthfully and sensitively as possible – whilst never losing sight of the person behind the diagnosis.’

She adds: ‘This is a story about family, about community, but ultimately this is a story about love, and how love can provide light, even through the darkest of times.’

Coronation Street airs these scenes from Monday 7 April at 8pm on ITV1 or stream first from 7am on ITVX. 

If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you.

Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage.

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EastEnders legend fears he will be cancelled after shocking remarks https://metro.co.uk/2025/03/31/eastenders-legend-fears-will-cancelled-shocking-remarks-22812432/ https://metro.co.uk/2025/03/31/eastenders-legend-fears-will-cancelled-shocking-remarks-22812432/#respond Mon, 31 Mar 2025 18:55:00 +0000 https://metro.co.uk/?p=22812432
Ian speaks to Cindy in EastEnders
Ian Beale made some shocking remarks to Sonia Fowler and Bianca Jackson (Picture: BBC)

EastEndersIan Beale (Adam Woodyatt) feared being cancelled after making grotesque remarks to recently traumatised Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy) and Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer). 

The sisters both had an ordeal at the hands of twisted killer Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman), who smothered his comatose wife Debbie to death and let Sonia take the fall for it, before then holding Bianca hostage after she found out the truth. 

On Monday’s episode, Sonia and Bianca headed to Beale’s Eels to enjoy a lunchtime promotion on offer for Mother’s Day, where mums could eat free. 

And never one to turn down a good deal, Bianca made the most of the offer – but they were left shocked at owner Ian’s comments towards them. 

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First off, he made a vile remark about Sonia breastfeeding her newborn daughter Julia in the restaurant, much to her ire. 

He then made a quip about Bianca dreaming up how she could use her hostage ordeal to solicit freebies out of business people like him, leaving her disgusted. 

Ian’s comments were overheard by a fellow diner, who stuck up for Sonia and Bianca. 

Bianca comforts Sonia in EastEnders
Sonia and Bianca have been through a lot in recent months (Picture: BBC)

She then revealed that she had left a negative online review about Beale’s Eels, which also noted how Ian had his own mum Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) and pregnant daughter-in-law Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) working there on Mother’s Day. 

Upon finding the review online, Ian was left fearing he would be ‘cancelled’ for his behaviour, but was given some food for thought from grandson Louie. 

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Meanwhile, the woman approached Bianca and Sonia in the street outside, where they shared their disgust at Ian’s comments. 

Bianca then agreed to grab a drink with her nearby – but it soon became apparent the woman had a hidden agenda, secretly taking a call to tell an accomplice they were ‘in’. 

Spoilers have already revealed the woman is a journalist who will be seen trying to get the inside scoop on Reiss.

Will Bianca spill the beans?

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One or stream first from 6am on iPlayer. 

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Major Emmerdale couple facing split as character reckons she’s ‘found something better’ https://metro.co.uk/2025/03/31/major-emmerdale-couple-facing-split-character-reckons-found-something-better-22808969/ https://metro.co.uk/2025/03/31/major-emmerdale-couple-facing-split-character-reckons-found-something-better-22808969/#respond Mon, 31 Mar 2025 18:55:00 +0000 https://metro.co.uk/?p=22808969
Dawn talks to Billy at Home Farm in Emmerdale
Dawn Taylor and Billy Fletcher’s marriage is facing a huge challenge (Picture: ITV)

Dawn Taylor (Olivia Bromley) has got herself into a right mess in Emmerdale.

The character began an affair with Joe Tate (Ned Porteous) shortly after her dad’s death at Christmas.

At first, sleeping with Joe provided her with a distraction from the grief she was experiencing, and general stress that comes with being a mum to three children.

However, when Dawn started developing genuine feelings for Joe, the situation started to change.

During a conversation with Joe about their night in a hotel, Dawn spoke about the facilities there, and how they could take part in a couples massage.

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Seemingly pretending they’re an item made Joe push Dawn away, which left her annoyed.

A few days later though, Dawn met Joe at Dale View, where they spoke about their feelings. As much as they both tried to deny it, Joe and Dawn were falling in love with each other.

The two characters then discussed becoming a proper couple, but Dawn knew Joe’s plan to move to another country simply wouldn’t be possible with her children.

Joe stands with a suitcase in his bedroom in Emmerdale
Joe Tate has left the village for now (Picture: ITV)

Just as Dawn got excited about something new, it was ripped away from her. She was informed by Kim (Claire King) that Joe had left for Chicago, and wouldn’t be coming back.

In tonight’s episode, while Joe did leave the Dales, he didn’t go to America. He had just completed his illegal kidney transplant with Doctor Crowley (James Hillier), and their deal was to leave once it had been sorted.

Not having any contact from Joe has made Dawn feel terrible. We saw her snap at Billy (Jay Kontzle), and then appeared reluctant to attend marriage counselling when he put forward the idea.

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During a chat with Kim, Dawn admitted that she can’t help but feel as though she’s found something better in Joe.

While Kim listened to Dawn, she believed that what she was feeling would eventually pass, and her relationship with Billy would get back on track.

Dawn seemed unsure. Is she really prepared to end her marriage with Billy, hoping that Joe might return for her?

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