Nikki Sanderson and Anthony Quinlan have revealed the name of their newborn son and the sentimental meaning behind itCredit: InstagramThe couple welcomed their first child, a baby boy, back in AprilCredit: Instagram
At the time, they revealed the news with a monochrome snap and simply dubbed him their ‘little man’.
But now, Hollyoaks actress Nikki and fellow soap star Anthony have revealed their baby boy is named Anthony James Quinlan.
Anthony Jr not only shares the same name as his dad, but Nikki told OK! Magazine that his middle name, James, is an ode to her brother.
They announced the pregnancy news back in December with a festive Instagram postCredit: Instagram/niknaksandersonThe couple, who got together in 2022, are yet to share pictures of their son onlineCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
With two Anthonys at home, things are bound to get confusing, as new dad Anthony says the family are already working ways around it.
He told the publication: “Different members of our family and friends have all started calling him different things.
“A couple of people call him AJ, some Tony. I used to get called Toe, so he’s little Toe as well. I love the fact that he’s got my name.”
Sharing a video on Instagram, the caption read: “Merry Christmas from the 3 of us. Baby Quinlan due Spring 2026.”
In the clip, the couple were seen decorating their Christmas tree together, adding baubles, before opening a box and unveiling the most important decoration of all.
The tree ornament included a photo of the baby scan and read: “Baby Quinlan: Arriving 2026.”
Perrie Edwards has explained why Leigh-Anne Pinnock has likely been cast as a traitor after her former Little Mix bandmate was announced as part of the lineup for the hit BBC show
Perrie Edwards thinks Leigh-Anne Pinnock might have been cast as a traitor(Image: REX/Shutterstock)
Perrie Edwards has explained why Leigh-Anne Pinnock has likely been cast as a traitor on the next series of Celebrity Traitors. The Little Mix star, 32, was asked for her opinion after her bandmate Leigh-Anne, 34, was announced as part of the lineup for the upcoming edition of Claudia Winkleman‘s hit BBC series.
Earlier this year, comedian Alan Carr schemed his way to victory after being cast as a traitor and now that Leigh-Anne, along with a host of other huge names like Love Island host Maya Jama and Coronation Street legend Julie Hesmondhalgh have been chosen to enter the famous castle as either a Faithful or a Traitor, Perrie has weighed in
Speaking on the Hanging Out with Ant & Dec podcast, she implied she’d be a good traitor because of her affinity for mischief: “Oh she is so annoying, I already know she is going to annoy me. You don’t understand how infuriating it is, she would lie about silly things so she would do pranks and we’d be like, ‘Leigh-Anne’s that’s…’ and she’d be like ‘it’s a prank’ and I’m like ‘that’s not a prank you’ve just lied, it’s just annoying’. And so I don’t know if I’ve got it in me to watch her do that for a full series.”
Despite her enthusiasm and ability to come up with a theory for her bandmate, Perrie admitted that this will be the first time she has ever seen the hit game show.
She said: “I’ve never seen it, never! I can’t get into it but now I am going to have to because Leigh-Anne’s on it and so I need to watch it now!”
Initially, the star avoided using words and simply shared two emojis after the announcement was made that she was set to take part. She posted a looking eyes emoji as well as an emoji covering its faces with its hands to signal she isn’t sure what she’s signed herself up for in the new season.
Leigh-Anne will line up with some huge names in the industry, including Michael Sheen and Jerry Hall. The 21-star list also includes Richard E Grant and Miranda Hart.
Also taking part is BBC presenter Amol Rajan, The Last of Us actress Bella Ramsey and comedian James Acaster – not to be mixed up with You’re Beautiful singer James Blunt, who has also signed up. Comedy stars Joanne McNally and Joe Lycett, and social media content creator King Henry were also announced.
Industry actress Myha’la and BBC maths guru Professor Hannah Fry. Rob Beckett with be bringing laughs alongside TV sidekick Romesh Ranganathan, flanked by former EastEnder Ross Kemp and My Mad Fat Diary star Sharon Rooney.
Game of Thrones actor Sebastian Croft completes the line-up as former Strictly Come Dancing presenter Claudia gets ready to choose her Traitors.
While they will all take part exactly like the usual Traitors series, rather than take any winnings themselves, the celebrity players will be donating anything they get from the potential £100,000 jackpot to their chosen charities
Coronation Street scenes that aired on Friday night’s episode have suggested that Jodie Ramsey may not be the person behind the anonymous trolling about Daniel Osbourne
22:18, 29 May 2026Updated 22:19, 29 May 2026
Jodie was running a trolling account called Truthteller but it disappeared and then another popped up
Coronation Street has seemingly confirmed that Jodie Ramsey is not behind the anonymous trolling that is ruining Daniel Osbourne’s life on the ITV soap.
The teacher has been played by Rob Mallard for over a decade and his latest drama has seen him trying to come to terms with the fact his ex-girlfriend Megan turned out to be a paedophile who had been abusing teenager Will Driscoll.
To make matters worse, an anonymous social media known only as Truthteller has been spreading malicious lies online about him, claiming that he is as bad as Megan. What he doesn’t know is that Shona Platt’s long-list sister Jodie , who broke into his flat and now looks set to become his girlfriend, was the one behind it all. But there was another twist in store as, with the abusive messages having suddenly stopped and the account wiped, Daniel, Jodie and the family went for a meal at the Bistro.
But almost as soon as they sat down, a new account, creatively named Truthteller2, popped up. Exasperated, Jodie said: “What?! How has that happened? and then said: “It must be someone else. Why would the Truthteller become their own sequel?” but Tracy suggested: “Well, maybe to hide their own identity…”
The latest nasty message was claiming Daniel should have Bertie taken off him, and it had come through just moments before, so he suggested it could be someone who was sitting in the restaurant with them all at that very moment. With Jodie having ruled herself out of being beind the new account, this means that, by Daniel’s way of thinking, it could’ve been Tracy, or Adam Barlow, Alya Nazir or Leanne Battersby.
Viewers of the ITV soap will also know that Sam Blakeman, who was the first to suspect Megan’s relationship with Will, has been experiencing hallucinations as he deals with the trauma caused by his threatening teacher. But following the scenes that aired on Friday night, fans think that it could be someone else entirely.
Taking to X, one fan said: “Jodie is definitely going to pay someone else to play Truthteller to ensure the heat is off her?” whilst another said: “Well, it can’t be our Jodie trolling Daniel. She’s sitting next to him.”
But others are still convinced that Jodie is still the one pulling the strings. One fan said: “Jodie using the name truth teller is pretty funny since I don’t think she’d tell the truth about anything unless there was something in it for her & living under Daniel’s roof doesn’t stop her,”
Taking to Reddit, another said: “I assume that Jodie is a psychopath. I actually knew (past tense) a woman with psychopathic traits who tore up 2 family/friend groups, and caused permanent damage to some friendships. She was outed in the end, but not before the damage was done. I assume this is where they’re going with Jodie.”
Another said: “I am genuinely just impatiently waiting for Jodie to be exposed. It’s driving me nuts. Can’t wait for the “the IP address is coming from INSIDE your house!?” moment.
They have to go down psychopath route surely because most of her behaviour is totally nonsensical but always manipulative and self interested. She seems to want to keep Daniel weak so he needs her? Idk. Can’t wait for David to have his “told you so” moment too.”
Coronation Streetairs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and is available to stream from 7am on ITVX.
Coronation Street fans think they have figured out why Idris Nazir is keen on a romance with Leanne Battersby, and it could be linked to a past villain on the ITV soap
13:00, 29 May 2026Updated 13:01, 29 May 2026
Fans of Coronation Street think newcomer Idris Nazir is targeting Leanne Battersby(Image: ITV)
Fans of Coronation Street think newcomer Idris Nazir is targeting Leanne Battersby in a new twist.
Leanne met Idris this week, while it soon emerged they had actually met years earlier. Idris is related to Leanne’s late ex Kal Nazir, but that hasn’t stopped the pair pursuing a romance.
Corrie had revealed Idris would be Leanne’s new love interest before he debuted, and then this week we saw them kiss. Amid Idris’ cousin Alya Nazir being unimpressed by their blossoming romance, some fans think Idris has a motive.
Viewers are theorising that Idris is targeting Leanne on behalf of someone else, and perhaps he knows a past Corrie villain. A new theory has predicted that Idris is “in cahoots with” Harvey Gaskell, who was sent to prison after Leanne helped the police put him behind bars.
Harvey escaped and tried to kill Leanne, actually murdering Sam Blakeman’s mother Natasha in a case of mistaken identity. Harvey then went back to prison.
But fans are wondering if there is more to Idris’ sudden arrival and his interest in Leanne. With it heavily teased he is involved in some dodgy dealings, a theory being shared online is that Idris could be working for Harvey, and targeting Leanne for him.
Taking to social media, one viewer posted: “I know that Idris is a wrongun but, does anyone else think that he might be in cahoots with Harvey and that’s why he’s coming onto Leanne?” A fan replied: “Never thought of that!!!”
Another said: “Oooooh never thought of that it’s not gonna be good news whatever.” A further post read: “Good theory and Leanne said she knew him from somewhere – could have been one of Harvey’s henchmen.”
A further fan confessed: “I really hope not! Couldn’t stand Harvey, hated when they kept bringing him back!” A final fan said: “I’ve just seen someone saying on Facebook they think Idris could be connected to Harvey and that’s why he’s wanting to be with Leanne.
“Might be a bit of a stretch but it could explain why after about 3 hours they’re pursuing a romance, so fast when they barely know each other, AND he’s related to her late partner, all a bit weird.”
Beverley Callard has suffered a “down day” amid her cancer battle but the Coronation Street star and her husband have made the best of the situation by inviting friends over for drinks
22:55, 28 May 2026Updated 22:57, 28 May 2026
Beverley Callard has suffered a ‘down day’ amid her cancer battle (Image: ITV/Shutterstock)
Beverley Callard has suffered a “down day” amid her cancer battle. The actress, 69, announced in February that she had been diagnosed with the early stages of breast cancer and attended her first oncology appointment on Thursday.
Earlier this week, Beverley, who recently relocated to Ireland with her husband Jon McEwan so she could star in the RTE soap opera Fair City, had previously explained that there had been a bit of a delay with her treatment because it had “taken a while” for her medical records to arrive from England.
The Coronation Street legend, who played Rovers Return landlady Liz McDonald on the ITV soap for 30 years, told fans that she is hopefully set to begin her treatment within the coming days.
But, in a turn of events, it was Jon who provided the star’s latest update and spoke to the camera himself, as Beverley chatted with friends in the background.
He said: “We’ve been to the hospital, got some news, trying to start radio therapy as soon as they can. But we’ve come home, we’ve got some friends here. It’s been a down day, but I’ve made Sangria, we’re cooking a barbecue and Beverley is like…[pans camera around].”
It was then that the former I’m A Celebrity…South Africa star waved to the camera and yelled: “Cheers!” as her friends joined in.
When her husband asked how much Sangria they had had, Beverley exclaimed: “It’s the fifth jug, there could be more!” Jon concluded the message as he said: “Sometimes, you’ve just gotta let go.”
Beverley herself captioned the post: “Sometimes all you need is @jonmmac60, good friends and 5 jugs of sangria! It feels like it’s been a long week, but this was a pretty good ending to a day of mixed feelings! F*** cancer!”
In a quick Instagram Story, Beverley was dancing with her friends as she declared: “Me and my best friends say ‘F*** cancer! I’m drunk!”
As always, the former Two Pints star was inundated with support from fans in the comments section. One said: “Enjoy your night I’ve been with you through your journey you’ve been so inspiring hope radiotherapy goes well you’ll be amazing breathing in therapy xx” whilst another said: “Blessings to you Beverly We love you.”
A third said: “Keep smiling and keep fighting,” and a fourth added: “You all deserve a few sangria’! cheers to better times.”
Just hours beforehand, Beverley had told fans following her first oncology appointment: “They’re trying to get me my first appointment for radiotherapy tomorrow but it could be next week, so it’s imminent.
“Everything was really great, they treated me so well and I’ve had loads of other ladies, and ladies’ husbands, coming up, who are all going through the same thing and we were all chatting.”
Beverley first revealed news of her diagnosis in February during an appearance on RTE’s Late Late Show, and explained that she received the diagnosis just minutes before she was due on set for her new soap role.
She said: “I’ve had some tests just before I left the UK, and literally, 15, 20 minutes before I was in my dressing room at Fair City, getting ready to go on, and I was quite nervous and thinking, ‘I hope everybody thinks I’m all right’, whatever.
“And my consultant rang me and said, ‘you’ve got to come back to the UK’ I said, ‘Well, I can’t possibly, I’ve just taken a new job’. I said ‘I’m away for a month’, and I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
“But I’m fine, I’m absolutely fine. My head was a bit mashed for the first few days. It’s very early stages, and I’m along with thousands of other women as well.”
If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at Breast Cancer Support.
Coronation Street actress Tracy Shaw, who played Maxine Peacock in the ITV soap, has been battling breast cancer and has now shared an update after completing her first day of chemotherapy
She showed herself having her hair cut off(Image: tracy.k.shaw/Instagram)
Coronation Street star Tracy Shaw, who portrayed Maxine Peacock in the ITV soap opera, has shared a health update after she revealed she has been fighting breast cancer.
Following the completion of her first chemotherapy session she explained to fans that she would be shaving her head and donating her hair to charity. Posting a video on Instagram, she disclosed to her followers that she had spent more than eight hours at her initial appointment.
The actress said: “First day of chemo done. I’m feeling alright but that has a great amount to do with the steroids which are helping my body fight the chemo that has gone in. So I went in today to start at 9am and I left at 5:30pm, very hot day and there was a bit of delay.”
She continued: “Basically with my chemo injection, one of which hadn’t arrived, it’s got nothing to do with robots or anything to do with the hospital team, it was the medics delivery, so yeah that was the delay. But I’m feeling really positive but everything I keep eating tastes horrible.
“Everything tastes of metal, just like you told me, and every now and again I feel like the Incredible Hulk, I want to start moving furniture around, the dogs keeping away from me because they sense that.”
This follows her recent decision to cut her hair to donate to The Little Princess Trust, and she has since ventured out to shop for a replacement wig. She posted footage online of herself modelling the various wigs and displaying them while being assisted by a Macmillan nurse who also offered guidance to individuals experiencing a similar situation, reports the Express.
Earlier this month Tracy revealed the emotional difficulties she’s been encountering, informing her followers: “Each morning I wake up and know that I have to go into hospital and receive more news, which has been going on for a long time, that unknown… I just think, ‘I can’t go through with this anymore,’ but I’ve not even started my journey.”
She’s received an outpouring of support online from her followers as she’s posted updates on every stage of her journey, with many of Tracy’s recent posts emphasising how waking up is a “gift” each day.
HELEN Flanagan has been enjoying a holiday in Newquay with her kids as she put the bitter rows with her ex Scott behind her after moving out of her ex’s home.
Helen Flanagan has been enjoying a holiday in Newquay with her kids as she puts the bitter rows with her ex Scott behind herCredit: Shutterstock EditorialHelen parted ways from her long-term fiancé in 2022 after 13 years togetherCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Helen was spotted with her kids in Newquay after having dinner at the Harbour Side Fish & Grill Restaurant overlooking the harbour.
The former Coronation Street star looked as stunning as ever in a pair of black shorts, low cut vest and sliders as she enjoyed the sunshine with her young children.
Helen is mum to daughters Delilah, seven, and Matilda, ten, as well as five-year-old son Charlie, who she shares with ex-partner Scott Sinclair.
The former Coronation Street star looked as stunning as ever in a pair of black shorts, low cut vest and sliders as she enjoyed the family holidayCredit: Shutterstock EditorialHelen is mum to daughters Delilah, seven, and Matilda, ten, as well as five-year-old son CharlieCredit: Shutterstock EditorialHelen was spotted with her Mum and her kids in Newquay after having dinner at the Harbour Side Fish & Grill Restaurant overlooking the harbourCredit: Shutterstock EditorialHelen recently revealed that her mother still does all her washing – and even organises her kids’ schedules tooCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Helen shares three children with her ex Scott SinclairCredit: Instagram/Helen FlanaganIt appears that Scott and Helen’s relationship has completely broken downCredit: instagram/@scotty__sinclair
“But Helen doesn’t want to move and is digging her heels in.
“She loves the place, the kids are settled at the local school and her mum and dad live around the corner.”
“Scott wants to buy Helen a four-bedroom home. He’s even offered to put it in her name but wants to stop the maintenance payments.
“The relationship has completely broken down. They no longer communicate — everything goes through her parents.”
Junade Khan has joined Coronation Street as new character Idris Nazir and here’s everything you need to know about the actor including his eight years driving buses to his famous family
Coronation Street newcomer Idris Nazir is set to catch the eye of Leanne Battersby(Image: ITV)
Coronation Street newcomer Idris Nazir is poised to cause disruption.
Alya Nazir’s (Sair Khan) cousin has landed in Weatherfield and is set to catch the eye of Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) as he establishes himself over the coming weeks.
Nevertheless, this isn’t Junade’s inaugural appearance on the cobbles. He portrayed the romantic interest of Rosie Webster (Helen Flanagan) 18 years ago. His character was named Saj and was shown approaching the Street’s resident in a nightclub during the peak of her John Stape abduction storyline.
As Idris gets comfortable, here’s an insight into the life of actor Junade including his notable family and his surprising job before securing his Corrie role.
Idris who wastes no time establishing his presence as he turns up unexpectedly in his expensive car, catching cousin Alya off guard, impressing Brody Michaelis (Ryan Mulvey), antagonising Daniel Osbourne (Rob Mallard), and pursuing one of Weatherfield’s unattached women.
Hinting at what audiences can anticipate from Idris, Junade revealed: “He’s multi-layered and incredibly ambitious. As a child, he suffered a lot of hardship and neglect, so he’s had to overcome those obstacles entirely on his own.
“He’s a lone wolf – the black sheep of the family who has made a name for himself. He’s addicted to success and the finer things in life, but there’s a real vulnerability there, too. It’s the first time I’ve played a character where I can show that side, which is a great gift for an actor.”
Junade is perhaps best recognised for his role as Ash Roy in Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks from 2008 until 2009, featuring in over 80 episodes. He has also had roles in Game of Thrones, Better, The Last House and Emmerdale.
In a candid chat with ITV, the actor disclosed: “I’ve been driving buses for eight years while doing little acting jobs here and there, so to be able to give that up, it was unbelievable. I even had a Coronation Street magnet on my fridge for years.
“I’d bought it after a failed audition for the role of Imran years ago. I was working in a call centre then and was so desperate for a way out. I remember looking at the magnet after my audition. It feels like a total full-circle moment as if it was all meant to be.”
Junade isn’t the sole well-known member of his household. His wife Gem Khan is a presenter, singer and owner of PopGems Academy. The couple’s daughter, Alara-Star Khan, is an actress with credits spanning both UK and US film and television.
She has starred alongside Hollywood icon Angelina Jolie in a film called Anxious People, featured in Ridley Scott’s The Dog Stars, and portrayed Poppy across all four episodes of The Serial Killer’s Wife for Paramount+ and Channel 5.
Their son Pacino Khan has likewise secured roles in a Marvel production and Waffle the Wonder Dog. Gem manages the children’s Instagram accounts and regularly keeps fans updated with the latest casting news.
Coronation Street airs weeknights on ITV1 at 8.30pm and available to stream from 7am on ITVX
The Vicar of Dibley star Dawn French was taken aback when a fan yelled at her in the street enthusiastically but had mistaken her for her fellow sitcom legend Dame Joanna Lumley
23:01, 25 May 2026Updated 23:09, 25 May 2026
Dawn French was taken aback aback when a fan thought she was Joanna Lumley(Image: dawnrfrench/Instagram)
Dawn French was taken aback aback when a fan mistook her for Dame Joanna Lumley. The comedienne, 68, is best known playing the title role of Geraldine Granger in The Vicar of Dibley, while former model Joanna, 80, starred as boozy fashion magazine editor Patsy Stone in Absolutely Fabulous alongside Dawn’s sketch comedy partner Jennifer Saunders.
“Oh, thank you very much!’ [And they said] ‘No, you are Absolutely Fabulous, Joanna Lumley. That’s you!’ Yeah that’s me all right!” Captioning the post, she wrote: “ABSOLOOOOTLY FABLUSS!!!”
Fans were quick to react to the post, with one simply writing: “Joanna Lumley,” and leaving behind a string of crying-laughing emojis. Referring to a moment from the second series of The Vicar of Dibley, in which Geraldine is mistaken for a celebrity, another fan wrote: “Its like someone thinking you’re Alison Moyet all over again!”
Another joked: “You’ve finally made it [face palm emoji]” and a fourth said: “Recognition get it where you can! and another said: “Poor fella probably thinks Joanna Lumley was a lady vicar.”
Author and singer Jann Arden wrote: “joanna lumley!! just the best. I once had someone come up to me in the grocery store, they were awfully excited and then proceeded to tell me that I looked like Jann Arden’s mother. So there’s that.”
Dawn is actually part of the history of Absolutely Fabulous, which followed the capers of hapless PR guru Edina Monsoon and her best friend Patsy.
The sitcom, which ran sporadically over the course of 20 years, was initially based on a sketch that appeared as part of French & Saunders titled Modern Mother and Daughter, where Dawn played the part of Edina’s straight-laced daughter Saffy, and the part was eventually taken on by Julia Sawalha when the project was greenlit as a full series.
Dawn later made a cameo appearance as a television presenter in the first series, and reprised the role for Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie in 2016, alongside a host of other guest stars like Rylan Clark, Kate Moss and Dame Joan Collins.
Joanna’s early career consisted of appearances in Coronation Street and The New Avengers but she has also gone on to become known for narrating a host of travel documentaries, and has found renewed sitcom success with a starring role in Amandaland.
Meanwhile, as well as French & Saunders and The Vicar of Dibley and more recent TV roles with Can You Keep A Secret? , Dawn has carved out another career as an author, having recently released her fifth novel Enough.
It follows a woman named Etta who at 68 invites all of her family to go to the beach as the sun is rising, where she tells them that by sunset, she won’t be there anymore.
“She’s made a decision to excuse her kids from the difficult, prickly last part of life,” Dawn said as she appeared on The One Show. “And she has made this decision thinking that it’s extremely selfless to do that.”
The star told the BBC show’s hosts Angellica Bell and Clara Amfo that she felt that the fact her own father had died by suicide gave her some “permission” to write the story. Dawn also shared that her own age – 68 – was also a factor when she penned the book.
She said: “I feel a little bit of permission to write this theme because I am a child of suicide myself. My dad took his life when I was 19. And I have lived with the various stages of grief about that for my whole life.”
Coronation Street spoilers for next week tease an exit for one character while a surprising resident is arrested amid the Theo murder investigation, new spoilers reveal
There’s some big moments ahead for our favourite Coronation Street characters next week(Image: ITV)
There’s some big moments ahead for our favourite Coronation Street characters next week, new spoilers have revealed.
There’s characters spiralling as recent events become too much, resulting in violence. Secrets are uncovered too, and there’s some interesting developments in the Theo Silverton murder investigation.
After a bad day at work, including his students taunting him and yet more online trolling, teacher Daniel turns to booze once more. When he’s refused alcohol at the pub he storms out, only to come face-to-face with Megan.
As he lets rip at her for ruining his life, is Megan in danger? Daniel soon realises Jodie has been the one trolling him, but when she insists she isn’t behind the latest messages, he kicks her out.
Daniel soon leaves his son Bertie in danger when he gets drunk and falls asleep on the sofa. Bertie decides to cook his own dinner, but soon there’s smoke pouring from the kitchen.
When Daniel wakes up he realises Bertie is missing. When Adam confronts Daniel over his behaviour, Ken gets caught in the crossfire. Todd learns from Lisa that Danielle has been interviewed over Theo’s murder.
At the prison visitor room, a distressed Summer considers pleading guilty to manslaughter as she’s out of options. Later, when Todd asks for his phone back from the police, he’s floored by Lisa’s response.
When it’s found at a pawn shop, Lisa orders it to be sent to forensics. It leads to Brody being arrested after his fingerprints are found all over the phone. Gary is also quizzed about the phone, while Todd finds out Summer has been admitted to hospital.
Carl is suspicious of Tyrone, and vows to figure out what he’s hiding. Idris continues to flirt with Leanne, but Alya warns her she’s playing with fire.
Adam takes Idris on as a client, while Leanne is concerned about the jobs Idris is tasking Brody with. Lisa moans to Carla about her new boss, who is happy to let Summer take the blame for Theo’s murder.
Jodie continues to make David squirm with her lies, but soon he’s accusing her of theft. Maria is taken aback when Gary leaps to Sarah’s defence, while Hope tells Sam she’s going out with Will.
So it looks set to be another big week in Weatherfield for all our favourite residents. As ever, expect twists and turns when the episodes air, with things still kept under wraps and more ahead for the show’s big plots.
Few résumés encompass everything from The Benny Hill Show to Grantchester. Even fewer actresses have the range and longevity of Paula Wilcox, who has appeared in more than 60 shows
Paula Wilcox, who has appeared in more than 60 TV shows(Image: Brett Cove/SOPA Images/Shutterstock)
Paula Wilcox set hearts racing as flirtatious Chrissy Plummer, alongside Sally Thomsett as Jo and Richard O’Sullivan as Robin Tripp, in the 1970s sitcom Man About the House, which shot her to fame.
And, now 76, Paula, who joined the National Youth Theatre, aged 17, will be back on screen on June 5 in a four part psychological drama, The Fortune, on Channel 5. But, despite it ending 50 years ago, after three years and six series, she still gets recognised from Man About the House – a risque comedy about a man sharing a flat with two attractive women.
She says: “Now, all these years later, I’d love to do a proper sitcom again.” At the time, however, she found the fanmania difficult to cope with.
Just 23 when she was cast as Chrissy, she says: “I’ve never been very good at handling all that stuff. Richard was wonderful at it. He could be so nice to people. He’d been a child star and so he’d learned how to be very polite to fans. I just never did. You don’t know what to do, you’re scared and then you say, ‘just leave me alone!’ It doesn’t endear you to people. You’d find yourself being a bit rude, rather than just being nice and natural.”
Professionally, Paula got sick of talking about Man About the House. She says: “There was I, playing Juliet or in a Stoppard play. You take yourself a bit seriously and all people wanted to talk about was Man About the House. I was in my 30s and getting on with stuff and I used to get really annoyed and change the subject.”
Paula is now the only member of the cast still working. Richard O’Sullivan, 81, who played Robin, has lived in a retirement home for entertainers since suffering a stroke in 2003 and Sally Thomsett, 70, who played Jo, has retired. Brian Murphy and Yootha Joyce, who played neighbours George and Mildred Roper, are now dead, as is Doug Fisher, who played Robin’s best friend Larry.
Paula says: “I’m in touch with Brian Murphy’s widow, Linda. I still see Richard from time to time and we miss Yootha, Brian and Dougie. We were very close mates.”
Surprisingly, despite playing best friends on screen, the one former cast mate she rarely sees is Sally Thomsett. She says: “I saw her a few years ago, when we all went to see Richard. I’m hardly in touch with her now. Sally has moved and she’s very naughty, because she doesn’t necessarily let you know what her phone number is. So, if she reads this – get in touch!”
When Man About the House ended in 1976, Paula became a screen and stage staple. Alongside an illustrious theatre career, her TV work included the comedies Boomers, Mount Pleasant and Upstart Crow. She also played Laurel Thomas’s mother Hilary Potts in Emmerdale and more recently spent three years in Coronation Street as Elaine Jones, the mum of taxi boss Tim Metcalfe and ex-wife of abusive hospital radio DJ Geoff Metcalfe.
She says: “If there’s a terrific storyline I’d love to go back. I loved working with Joe [Duttine] and Sally [Dynevor]. They were so good, so much fun and so clever. There’s no reason why Eliane couldn’t come back. She’s still Tim’s mother after all. He can’t get rid of her.”
Paula attributes her 57-year career to “being up for things,” explaining: “I like being challenged; I always have a go. I’ve done some weird and wacky things, so I think people have been aware of me in different genres and spaces. I’ve done one-woman plays; I’m not just on telly or in the West End.”
The Fortune, which has four episodes, tells the story of happily married mum Amanda Blakefield, whose life is turned upside down when she inherits a large amount of money from a man she’s never met or even heard of. While his shocked family is determined to get to the truth, the surprise inheritance turns sour, leading Amanda into a mystery that leaves her questioning everything she thought she knew.
The stellar cast includes Poldark star Eleanor Tomlinson as Amanda, alongside Stephen Tompkinson, Denis Lawson, Rebecca Front and former EastEnders actress Nina Wadia. Paula plays Amanda’s mother Linda, the one person who has the keys to the past.
She says: “She’s an important part of the story, because she knows what happened. She has dementia and is in a care home. She kind of knows everything, but she doesn’t know that she knows. It’s to do with something that went on in her past. She can remember highlights, but, because of the dementia, she goes off into talking about something else, completely unconnected.”
But Paula had doubts about taking on the role. She says: “It’s something that I was a bit wary of. My mum had dementia and it’s absolutely awful. I’ve been asked to play someone with dementia before and I felt it was a bit too close to it. But actually, this part is very different, because she’s a very different woman with a very different story and also, it’s about 15 years ago now, so it’s time to move on.”
Paula, who lives in London with her husband of 35 years, business consultant Nelson Riddle, grew up in Manchester. She began her TV career in 1969, aged 20, playing teenage delinquent Janice Langton in Coronation Street. She recalls: “She was the sister of Ray Langton. I was supposed to be 15 and I’d escaped from Borstal. I came in, laid the law down, nicked some money and then disappeared again.”
Three years later, in 1972, she appeared in an episode of The Benny Hill Show – known for its saucy slapstick humour and sketches featuring scantily clad young women. In its heyday, it attracted audiences of more than 21 million, but Paula quickly realised it wasn’t for her.
She laughs: “I remember thinking: ‘gosh, what am I doing? It just wasn’t my scene really. I think I played his [Benny’s] neighbour in one of the sketches. I remember at one point he asked me to bend over the sofa and I said, ‘ooh, no, I don’t do things like that!’ I think he was trying to sauce it up a bit and I was having none of it. When you’re young you can be quite straightforward like that.”
While declining ratings meant The Benny Hill Show was cancelled in 1989, Paula’s career went from strength to strength. Even now, she has plenty left on her bucket list. She says: “I’ve never worked with the RSC or at the National Theatre, so those are two things that I’d still really like to do. I still get as much pleasure from acting as I ever did and since I’ve passed the age of 50, the parts have got more and more interesting and more fun. You’re not just being cast because you’re cute and because of the way you look. You’re given more challenging things and if you can rise to the challenge, then you get offered them again and that’s very gratifying.”
Coronation Street spoilers for next week’s episodes have teased lots of drama, discoveries and a new arrival on the ITV soap, with new romance, and some shocking news
Coronation Street spoilers for next week’s episodes have teased lots of drama(Image: ITV)
There’s some big moments ahead next week on Coronation Street, spoilers have revealed.
Will’s shocked as Sam confronts him, before Will overhears a heartbreaking admission from Ben. Will climbs high up on the shop yard scaffolding, swigging vodka as Megan watches on, but can Maggie talk him down?
George and Christina attempt to bury the hatchet with Todd, while Tracy speculates Danielle is guilty of Theo’s murder. When Todd refuses to attend Theo’s funeral, Danielle accuses him of being the killer, only for Ryan to drop an admission about Danielle.
Ryan tells Lisa what he knows, and Danielle is taken in for questioning. Leanne gives Dylan and Betsy a trial shift at Speed Daal but explains there’s only one vacancy.
Idris arrives, and deals with a situation at the restaurant, while Adam takes an instant dislike to him. Soon, it’s revealed Idris is hiding something. Idris invites Leanne for a drink, but Alya is unhappy to find out they’ve kissed.
Daniel tells Ken that Bertie’s being bullied, as he’s determined to identify his troll. As the police get involved, Jodie tells Daniel it seems the troll has stopped posting, but Daniel is soon ambushed.
Sarah is struggling without Kit and Todd takes a call only to receive some shocking news. Jodie loses her job at the café, and Hope gets closer to Will.
It comes as fans speculated Summer Spellman is not the killer of Theo Silverton. As Monday’s episode heavily hinted she was to blame, she became the prime suspect.
Many fans do not think she did kill him though, and that someone else carried out the crime. While some added that she could be covering for this person, it’s yet to be revealed just how involved Summer is.
Fans think it was Sam Blakeman who killed Theo by accident though. With him experiencing hallucinations and possible psychosis, fans think he might have killed Theo thinking he was Will. A fan posted online: “I’m saying Sam.”
Another viewer posted: “I think Sam killed Theo during one of his mental health breakdowns.” A third fan added: “I think Sam pushes Theo (thinking he was Will), and Summer is covering for him.”
Sharing a similar theory, another fan posted: “Was that scene of Sam hallucinating with the view of the scaffolding an hint to him being the killer of Theo thinking he was Will?” A fan then wrote: “I really think Sam killed Theo.” The suggestion kept on being shared online, as one said: “I think Sam pushed Theo off the scaffolding while he was in a deluded state of mind maybe thinking it was Will.”
Helen Flanagan thrilled fans as she posed in this plunging white dressCredit: InstagramThe sexy star seductively ate a strawberry in her summer-inspired photoshootCredit: Instagram
After the big move, Helen is now keen to start a fresh chapter in her life.
To celebrate this new start, the sexy star thrilled fans by sharing an Instagram video of herself posing in a plunging white dress.
Posting the summer-inspired clip online, Helen was seen frolicking on a picnic blanket on the grass.
The actress pulled various poses to show off all her best angles.
A friend of Helen’s said at the time: “Scott pays for the house and all the bills and he’s decided a six-bedroom place is way too big for Helen on her own with the kids.
“But Helen doesn’t want to move and is digging her heels in.
“She loves the place, the kids are settled at the local school and her mum and dad live around the corner.
“Scott wants to buy Helen a four-bedroom home. He’s even offered to put it in her name but wants to stop the maintenance payments.
Coronation Street boss Kate Brooks has revealed when viewers will find out the identity of Theo Silverton’s killer after the scaffolder was killed off in the soap’s latest whodunnit
Theo Silverton was killed off earlier this month
Coronation Street boss Kate Brooks has revealed when viewers will find out the identity of Theo Silverton’s killer.
The scaffolder, who was played by former Tracy Beaker star James Cartwright, was killed off at the end of the soap’s much-hyped Murder Week after almost a year of abusing partner Todd Grimshaw, and along with Todd himself, George Shuttleworth, Gary Windass, Summer Spellman, Christina Boyd and Danielle Silverton were named as official suspects.
It all came about following a flashforward, which aired earlier this year, and five potential victims were named in the incredibly dramatic storyline. In the end, it was Theo who was revealed as the victim after viewers had to sit through the same day played out over and over again, all played out from various points of view.
Now Kate, who took over as producer of the ITV soap in November 2024 and previously held the top job on Emmerdale, has told viewers that they will have to wait just a bit longer to find out who was responsible for the murder.
She said: “It’s later in the summer. We reveal to the audience who it is during late June, July. There’s lots of people you definitely think it could be. It’s a massive story, there’s so many different twists, and there’s so many different offshoots to the story as well. You think you’re watching one thing, and then it diverts into a completely new kind of story territory. It’ll definitely keep people guessing. “
In the coming weeks the investigation shifts, and pulled in for questioning are Summer, Christina and Danielle. As lies are exposed, and arrests are made, it’s yet to be revealed if any of the six are actually the murderer.
They all have motives, and upcoming scenes will reveal why they are a suspect. Todd was being abused by Theo, and the night Theo died he was trying to hunt Todd down – so did he find him?
For Summer, the last time we saw Theo alive was when he trapped her in the flat alone. So did Summer kill Theo? Gary has also been seen acting weirdly – even though wife Maria Connor has givne him an alibi.
We know Gary had threatened him and the pair had clashed, and he’s also killed before. Did Gary take revenge? George also stood up to Theo, and on the night of the murder he was alone at home.
Finally there’s Theo’s ex-wife Danielle. She was also acting suspiciously on Monday and upcoming scenes tease her marriage faced it’s troubles. So might she have killed her violent ex?
Coronation Street actress Nicola Thorp has revealed that she has been in tens of thousands of debt for 17 years after struggling to pay off her drama school fees
Nicola Thorp reveals that she amassed a £30,000 debt due to drama school fees(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
It’s perhaps every drama student’s dream to become an acclaimed actor in film or TV. But former Coronation Street star Nicola Thorp has revealed the downside to following her passion to work in the arts, as she racked up a £30,000 debt accrued from drama school fees.
The 36 year old ITV former soap star, who landed the role of Nicola Rubinstein, on the iconic TV show back in 2017, admitted to being in debt for 17 years. While on This Morning the actress claimed that students were missing their lectures as they were too tired from working to support their schooling.
Nicola studied at the Arts Educational School in London between 2007 and 2010. When asked by host Ben Shepherd about her school fees, she replied: “Yes I did. I had to pay. I am still in about £30,000 of debt now.” She added: “Even 17 years later.” Left in shock by her answer, Ben said: “And that’s the reality for a lot of these students. They don’t have a choice.”
Nicola played Nicola on the ITV soap for two years and left in 2019. Leaving the acting world behind, she has now become a journalist and presenter.
With regular spots on This Morning over the past six years, she has also co-hosted TalkTV’s Talk Today for four years, ending in 2024.
She has also delved into the world of reality TV as she appeared on Celebrity Hunted alongside her husband Nikesh Patel in 2023. The couple became parents to a baby girl the following year.
Speaking of her daughter she took to social media and wrote: “We are delighted to say that we recently welcomed our beautiful baby daughter into the world.” She added: “Everything they say about birth being a rollercoaster of emotions is true. We’re shattered and smitten and everything in between.”
Benidorm star Crissy Rock has warned that political correctness has possibly “gone too far” for the beloved sitcom to make a comeback but has a new project that she says is perfect for fans of the show
Benidorm star Crissy Rock, who played Janey Yorke, says political correctness has gone ‘too far’(Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Crissy Rock has warned that political correctness might put a stop to a reboot of Benidorm. The actress, 67, starred as Janey Yorke in the first four series of the sunny sitcom, which ran from 2007 until 2018.
She told The Mirror: “There’s always whispers [about a reboot], this, that and the other. I’m sure there would be a place for it because it’s so in demand, but with all this political correctness you can’t say this and you can’t say that now.
“You can’t even smoke! I was watching something the other day and a thing came up saying ‘May contain smoking!’ What’s wrong? The world’s gone mad!”
The former I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! contestant, who starred on Benidorm alongside other TV favourites like Siobhan Finneran, Johnny Vegas and Sheridan Smith amongst a host of others, tries to stay away from politics when she performs her stand-up routines, but still thinks that it has all “gone too far” with what can and can’t be said these days.
She added: “In my own show, I don’t do politics. My act has been practically the same for years but I just think [political correctness] has all gone too far the other way. In pantomime, you can’t have the Prince kiss Snow White anymore but you can have a dog come on and lick her face, I mean, it’s gone too far! Someone said I couldn’t say ‘Alright, love’ anymore. It’s just gone stupid!”
Despite her willingness to make a comeback should the chance ever appear, Crissy doesn’t have all good memories from working on the set in the Spanish city.
She said: “It was lovely, and then the reality kicked in that you were stuck in a building with no air conditioning, really roasting with the lights and, half the time you couldn’t hardly breathe. Then you have to start turning the lights off and put the air conditioning on because it was really, really hot, especially when they’re doing all the indoor scenes in the club.”
But for now, Crissy, who shot to fame when she took on the leading role of the 1994 film Ladybird, Ladybird, is happy to be back on stage with a new production of Desperate Scousewives. She stars as Lily, who along with Susan and Vanessa, must navigate things when Trisha, a single mum from Manchester, arrives on their tight-knit backstreet in Liverpool.
All set during a hen do, where the bride is preparing to get married to man in prison she has never actually met, Crissy thinks it will be the perfect night out for fans of the ITV sitcom.
She explained: “Desperate Scousewives is a bit like Benidorm, because the reason Benidorm was so successful is people would watch it and go, ‘Doesn’t that remind you of that drunk around the corner, oh what about her? I know someone just like her!’
“So everyone recognised themselves as someone. And with Desperate Scousewives, everyone who goes will say, ‘I remember that,’ and ‘I recognise her!'”
Desperate Scousewives is written by Lynne Fitzgerald, who also stars as Susan in the production, and embraces the kind of Northern humour that has become synonymous with programmes like Coronation Street, The Royle Family and Shameless.
Liverpool-born Crissy was challenged by someone who wondered how that kind of humour would go down across the nation but she remained full of confidence that it is a universally funny piece of work.
She said: “I met someone who wasn’t from up north who said ‘How do you think this is going to travel?’ and I said ‘Perfectly!’ because we are the street anywhere in the country.
“There’s three or four women exactly like that in every other street in the county. It’s not about your voice or where you’re from, it’s… individuals, their lives, So it could be any street in any part of England.
“I play bit of a matriarch. Nosey, absolutely nosey. And she wants to know everyone’s business but she doesn’t want anyone to know her business and then when she meets anyone new she puts this telephone voice on, trying to talk posh.
“The others will be telling her to shut up and she’ll go ‘Oh, take no notice of those little b*****s!’ It’s been such good fun [in rehearsals], we can’t look at each other without laughing!”
Desperate Scousewives is on tour across the UK. For tickets and more information, go to www.scousewivesonstage.com
Abi made her debut on the long-running ITV soap back in 2017 – and it’s fair to say she has quickly become a firm favourite with fans. The character has also played a part in several big storylinesduring her stint on the soap.
From her drug addiction, the tragic death of her son Seb (Harry Visinoni), and, more recently, her affair with Carl Webster (Jonathan Howard) behind her husband Kevin’s (Michael Le Vell) back, her time in Weatherfield has not been short of drama.
Away from the cobbles though, on Saturday (May 9) Abi actress Sally celebrated her birthday – and fans couldn’t believe her real age.
On a Coronation StreetFacebook fan page, one person paid a sweet tribute to Sally and said: “Sally Carman is 51 today. Happy Birthday Sally.” And rushing to the comments section, fans were left gobsmacked by her age.
One person wrote: “51?! She looks in her 40s!” Another added: “She doesn’t look a day over 30.” A third chimed in: “I’d have guessed she was in her 40s.” Someone else wrote: “She doesn’t look that age! Gorgeous lady.”
Last year, Sally revealed the secrets behind her remarkably youthful looks. In an interview with The Sun, Sally confessed: “Oh, it’s no secret – I have fillers, I have Botox, facials…. I do all of it.”
Sally continued: “I’m really open about it. I don’t think there’s anything worse than someone promoting a cream saying: ‘Buy this mega-bucks cream and your face will be as smooth as mine.’ I’m like: ‘Yeah, whatever.’ So there’s no cream – well, there is, but there are other things on top.”
Meanwhile earlier this year, Sally confirmed that fans will be seeing her playing Abi until at least 2027 as she signed another year-long contract. Speaking exclusively to Radio Times at the TV Choice Awards, she confirmed: “Just signed for another year, which is great. My goodness, I love it. It’s my favourite job I’ve ever done.”
The soap star also shared that she would be honoured to follow in the footsteps and have the same screen longevity as Corrie royalty Sally Dynevor, who recently marked the milestone of playing Sally Metcalfe for 40 years. “If they’ll have me, yeah!” Sally joked.
In addition to her success on Coronation Street, Sally has also found love on the show. She met her co-star Joe Duttine, who plays Tim Metcalfe, on set in 2017, and the couple got engaged in 2020 before tying the knot two years later.
Discussing their unique engagement tale on Kate Thornton’s podcast, White Wine Question Time, Sally shared: “It was while we were in lockdown and we were staying in the Dales with his sister, who has a lot of space, with, his kids” she said.
She added: “We were walking around this big field on this walk and he went: ‘Kids, have a look in between the dry stone walling because you know, they used to put coins and precious things to hide them in the walls.”
Sally continued: “So I’m having a look and there’s this box. And I opened it. I’m like: ‘No way.’ And then there was another box inside. And I turned around and he was on one knee.”
Coronation Street airs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX
Coronation street fans think they have worked out who killed Theo Silverton after telling scenes aired on Friday night’s episode of the world’s long-running TV soap
Could Theo have been killed by his ex-wife?
Coronation street fans think they have worked out who killed Theo Silverton. The scaffolder, who was played by former Tracy Beaker star James Cartwright, was found dead at the end of the ITV soap’s much-hyped murder week.
When Theo was introduced, he was married to Danielle Silverton (Natalie Anderson) but he began an affair with Todd Grimshaw and, once he had split from his wife, they began an official relationship but it quickly turned sour.
For almost a year, Theo terrorised Todd with bizarre forms of abuse, both mental and physical, and caused the death of his best friend Billy (Daniel Brocklebank) in the crossover with Emmerdale.
Still coming to terms with the loss of Theo, on Friday’s episode of the world’s longest-running TV soap, Todd was surprised to see Danielle turn up at his flat amid the murder investigations, where she revealed more about her past with Theo. He said: “The police have already interviewed me. I had nothing to do with Theo’s death.”
But Danielle wasn’t convinced, and she shot back: “If he hadn’t met you, he’d still be alive. My kids would still have a dad! Maybe you got cold feet, thought it was easier if he was dead.”
It was then that Danielle started to say more about what she had been through. She said: “Since he’s been gone, I’ve been thinking back over our relationship. What kind of man he was. It’s what made me wonder if you’d snapped. Killed him.
“He was a good dad… especially when the kids were little. I knew he had a short fuse. God, sometimes we’d go at it like hammer and tongs.” When Todd claimed he “gave Theo power,” Danielle pushed back as she said: “No. Theo took power. He had all the power in our relationship, too. He just… didn’t abuse it.
“Though, actually, he did make all the decisions about everything. Where we lived, how we lived, how we parented. Every time we argued, I gave in. Because, secretly, I was afraid of him. I mean, he never hurt me or the kids, and I didn’t want to believe he was a bad man. But I knew how controlling he was.”
Danielle is an official suspect along with Todd, his father figure George Shuttleworth, his daughter Summer Spellman, and Theo’s former colleague Gary Windass, as revealed by bosses of the soap earlier this week. But fans think that they might have sussed it after Danielle’s sudden appearance.
One fan wrote on X: “Oh wow, I wasn’t expecting Danielle to say that. Was it Danielle?” whilst another said: “Go on, admit it Danielle.” A third suspected that the way in which Danielle had instantly accused Todd meant that she was the guilty one.
They wrote: “That scene where she turned up to the flat was very interesting because she instantly interrogated Todd, almost like she was deflecting or bluffing. That’s what made me think she killed him.”
Coronation Streetairs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and is available to stream from 7am onITVX.