Blog
“ Soap Scoop ”
Digital Spy soaps editor Daniel Kilkelly rounds up the very latest news, gossip and pictures from Britain's biggest soaps.
> Pic Of The Day - the day's best storyline pic from one of the Big Four soaps
> Soaps Poll - topical weekly soaps polls for you to have your say
> Soaps Ratings Roundups - daily overnight ratings reports for the soaps
> Soap Movers Table - track all the joiners, returnees and departees in soapland
> Soaps Poll - topical weekly soaps polls for you to have your say
> Soaps Ratings Roundups - daily overnight ratings reports for the soaps
> Soap Movers Table - track all the joiners, returnees and departees in soapland
Follow us:
Has Christmas come early this year?
Published Sunday, Nov 4 2007, 10:24 GMT | By Kris Green | 7 comments
Thanks Belinda! And a special thanks must go to my esteemed DS colleagues James Welsh and Nick Levine for capturing these Soap Scoop idents.
From old faces returning to EastEnders left, right and centre, to a Hollyoaks cast member walking away from the show in just under 365 days - whatever your take on this week's news, Christmas has probably arrived early for you in one way or another.
I think my favourite news of the week has to be that Patsy Palmer and Sid Owen are returning to EastEnders next year to reprise their roles of Bianca and Ricky.
Pasty's awesome and don't get me wrong, Sid is, too. But when you look back, they tried to resurrect Ricky in 2002. It lasted two years before he left again.
The only saving grace about this attempt is that the show actually has an Executive Producer who knows what they're doing. And I'm sure you'll all agree that this was reflected in 'Enders collecting the award for 'Best Serial Drama' at this year's National Television Awards. Congratulations, guys!
Click here to watch DS's video coverage from the night.
There are also another couple of characters returning for Frank Butcher's funeral, following Mike Reid's passing away in real life. I really don't see how they can bring back a character like Janine Butcher - played by Charlie Brooks - without opening a huge can of worms. I wouldn't mind seeing her back on a permanent basis, to be honest.
In other Walford news, there's a death at Christmas. [Highlight the text to the right to read on if you're partial to a spoiler...] Kevin Wicks (Phil Daniels) will be killed off over the festive period. Eagle-eyed webcam watchers will have noticed the 'censored filming' banner on the official site's webcam last week. Well, that's why! They were filming his final scenes.
Meanwhile, It was a sad day on Monday when it was announced that Coronation Street veteran Liz Dawn's character Vera Duckworth is to be killed off in the New Year. I think we all knew it was coming.
You can't send a character as iconic as Vera to Blackpool and have done with it. Vera needed a big send off, much like Pauline Fowler did - although it's debatable whether her end was good or not...
I've no doubt Corrie will handle the storyline with all the sensitivity and emotion it deserves. If it's anything like Alma's death in 2001, I'm sure there'll be a few tears up and down the country.
In happier news, Coronation Street unveiled their latest addition to the Cobbles this week in the form of ex-Hollyoaks and Mile High actress Lucy Evans.
Lucy has taken on the role of Violet's sexy sister, Lauren. I managed to grab a quick chat with the lady herself, so keep checking back for the full interview in a couple of weeks' time.
In Hollyoaks, Evissa's having a makeover and James Sutton's just started filming his first scenes with John Paul's 'surprising' new love interest; and Malachy Fisher - Kris's brother - is returning for another short stint pretty soon. He's involved in a funny storyline with Jake Dean (Kevin Sacre) and a 'Rant Club' in the SU Bar. Funny scripts ahoy...
In Emmerdale, rumours suggesting that Kathleen Beedles is leaving at the end of the year have been quashed. It's coming up to the three-year point for Kath - the average life-span of an Executive Producer of a soap - but there are no immediate plans for her to vacate her office.
And finally, keep an eye out on DS over the next seven days for a very interesting soapy announcement...
What do you think about this week's soap headlines? Looking forward to seeing Patsy and Sid back on your screens? What about Lauren Wilson - look like a good addition to the Street? What about the NTA results? Let me know what you think by using the 'Your Views' link below!
And don't forget you can send me your questions by clicking the link at the top of the page!
Image copyright Mark Campbell / Rex Features
More: Soaps
Your Views
7 Comments
Your Responses
Miss AP Miller, Devon, on November 5th, 2007
I never could stand Ricky and Bianca so I'm not looking forward to seeing them back in EastEnders. Bianca was such a bitch and Ricky always looked as though he was two sandwiches short of a picnic. I remember Ricky had returned to the Square back in the summer of 2002 and left again after a few weeks so I think it's a stupid idea that they have been brought back into the show. Let's hope that they won't be in it for too long.
I never could stand Ricky and Bianca so I'm not looking forward to seeing them back in EastEnders. Bianca was such a bitch and Ricky always looked as though he was two sandwiches short of a picnic. I remember Ricky had returned to the Square back in the summer of 2002 and left again after a few weeks so I think it's a stupid idea that they have been brought back into the show. Let's hope that they won't be in it for too long.
Caz, Felixstowe, on November 4th, 2007
I was so chuffed to hear that biance and rickaaayyyyy are gonna be back I cannot wait for that... a little sad that Kevin's gonna be killed off ... cant wait to see the service for Frank Butcher... that's gonna be a tearjerker... not too bothered about JPS new love interest. It's all about the 'Enders at the moment... Good on them for winning best drama!
I was so chuffed to hear that biance and rickaaayyyyy are gonna be back I cannot wait for that... a little sad that Kevin's gonna be killed off ... cant wait to see the service for Frank Butcher... that's gonna be a tearjerker... not too bothered about JPS new love interest. It's all about the 'Enders at the moment... Good on them for winning best drama!
Jamie, Cornwall, on November 4th, 2007
I am so happy EE is back on track and it's all thanks to Diederick Santer. He's brought in some brilliant new additions, including Ronnie, Roxy, Jack and the Masood clan, and he's also turned a once boring storyline (Stax) into episodes I simply cannot miss.
Christmas promises to be excellent. EE is the only soap that matters right now.
I am so happy EE is back on track and it's all thanks to Diederick Santer. He's brought in some brilliant new additions, including Ronnie, Roxy, Jack and the Masood clan, and he's also turned a once boring storyline (Stax) into episodes I simply cannot miss.
Christmas promises to be excellent. EE is the only soap that matters right now.
Will, Dublin, on November 4th, 2007
Thanks Kris for another fab soap blog. 2008 is already sounding like a big year for EastEnders. After the disasters that were Louise Berridge and Kath Hutchison, and the hit and misses of Kate Harwood, finally an Executive Producer who seems to know what he's doing.
The new characters this year have all been excellent, and have created a platform for some great stories. The return of the Butcher kids, mostly Janine will be must see, especially when she comes face to face with Pat. As a big soap fan, it always is sad to see a character so iconic leave.
Vera Duckworth is one such character. She has been in Corrie since I began watching as a little kid. I think Corrie will give her a great send off. One of Kate Harwood's big downfalls at 'Enders was she made a mess of Pauline's exit.
It could have been soo much better.
And another "affair" for John Paul...I just hope it's not really an affair rather than someone we didn't expect to be a lover of the man love :)
Thanks Kris for another fab soap blog. 2008 is already sounding like a big year for EastEnders. After the disasters that were Louise Berridge and Kath Hutchison, and the hit and misses of Kate Harwood, finally an Executive Producer who seems to know what he's doing.
The new characters this year have all been excellent, and have created a platform for some great stories. The return of the Butcher kids, mostly Janine will be must see, especially when she comes face to face with Pat. As a big soap fan, it always is sad to see a character so iconic leave.
Vera Duckworth is one such character. She has been in Corrie since I began watching as a little kid. I think Corrie will give her a great send off. One of Kate Harwood's big downfalls at 'Enders was she made a mess of Pauline's exit.
It could have been soo much better.
And another "affair" for John Paul...I just hope it's not really an affair rather than someone we didn't expect to be a lover of the man love :)
Josh, Bucks, on November 4th, 2007
I'm ecstatic that Bianca and Rickaaaaay are returning to EastEnders! They’ll bring with them fresh storylines with a nod to the past in the fact that Bianca has reportedly turned out just like Carol, and will also bring an array of new characters – Bianca’s other children, Ricky’s wife, and most probably a new actor playing Liam. I wonder if Ricky has had any more children?
On the subject of Butcher children, it’s great news that Sophie Lawrence and Charlie Brooks are returning, but I hope EastEnders bosses haven’t forgotten Frank’s two other children, Clare and Danny – maybe we’ll get to see Clare’s husband and kids and Danny and his mum Gemma for the first time!
Although it’ll be emotional, as it will reflect real life events, I just know we can look forward to excellent performances all round, especially from Barbara Windsor and Pam St. Clement.
I’m glad they’re killing Kevin off, that means Mr. Shouty Man can never return, and we don’t have to endure Kevin and Denise: The Divorce.
I’m also happier now I know Vera is being killed off – I don’t think it would have worked having her as a recurring character, it would be, in a way, demeaning to the character...
I’m not that fussed about Violet’s sister – it just looks like they’re bringing in some eye candy to replace Tina O’Brien... and how is Lauren going to stick around with Jenny Platt leaving?
Jake and Malachy sounds dire, and I hope John Paul’s new love interest isn’t Niall Rafferty – they’ve just done this with Beth and Rhys (great storyline, really awkward to watch though!)
A couple of questions for Kris: Neil mentioned in Tube Talk that Jack Edwards and Caroline Bishop are returning to EastEnders to see Honey and Billy’s new baby – any news on that?
Also, any news on whether we’ll see the other Butchers I mentioned above, and Jacques, Diane’s son?
One last thing: Belinda Owusu is hot when she’s not playing Libby!
Thanks for another great blog, Kris!
I'm ecstatic that Bianca and Rickaaaaay are returning to EastEnders! They’ll bring with them fresh storylines with a nod to the past in the fact that Bianca has reportedly turned out just like Carol, and will also bring an array of new characters – Bianca’s other children, Ricky’s wife, and most probably a new actor playing Liam. I wonder if Ricky has had any more children?
On the subject of Butcher children, it’s great news that Sophie Lawrence and Charlie Brooks are returning, but I hope EastEnders bosses haven’t forgotten Frank’s two other children, Clare and Danny – maybe we’ll get to see Clare’s husband and kids and Danny and his mum Gemma for the first time!
Although it’ll be emotional, as it will reflect real life events, I just know we can look forward to excellent performances all round, especially from Barbara Windsor and Pam St. Clement.
I’m glad they’re killing Kevin off, that means Mr. Shouty Man can never return, and we don’t have to endure Kevin and Denise: The Divorce.
I’m also happier now I know Vera is being killed off – I don’t think it would have worked having her as a recurring character, it would be, in a way, demeaning to the character...
I’m not that fussed about Violet’s sister – it just looks like they’re bringing in some eye candy to replace Tina O’Brien... and how is Lauren going to stick around with Jenny Platt leaving?
Jake and Malachy sounds dire, and I hope John Paul’s new love interest isn’t Niall Rafferty – they’ve just done this with Beth and Rhys (great storyline, really awkward to watch though!)
A couple of questions for Kris: Neil mentioned in Tube Talk that Jack Edwards and Caroline Bishop are returning to EastEnders to see Honey and Billy’s new baby – any news on that?
Also, any news on whether we’ll see the other Butchers I mentioned above, and Jacques, Diane’s son?
One last thing: Belinda Owusu is hot when she’s not playing Libby!
Thanks for another great blog, Kris!
Alison, Harrogate, on November 4th, 2007
Sorry Kris but I'm not interested in JP's new love interest. Hollyoaks just isn't the same without Craig. JPC was the heart of Hollyoaks for me.
Sorry Kris but I'm not interested in JP's new love interest. Hollyoaks just isn't the same without Craig. JPC was the heart of Hollyoaks for me.
Soap Scoop
All About Soap nominations - full listSee the full list of nominations for the All About Soap Awards.
Soaps Interviews
Neighbours star teases Rhys's futureBen Barber chats to us about his latest Neighbours plot and more.
Soap Ratings
Helen Flanagan's Corrie exit draws 9.3mThe young actress brings in more than 9.2m for both episodes in the double bill.
Reality Bites
Does Simon Cowell have new SuBo?: VideoWatch a clip of Jonathan Antoine, who is tipped for success on BGT.
Lucy Evans looks like Jo Stiles...