soap

Zoe Markos, who appeared on Neighbours as an extra before landing a speaking role, has revealed what it’s really like working on the soap opera and let slip some backstage secrets

An actress who previously on a huge soap opera has opened up on what it’s really like on set.

Neighbours first aired in 1985 and initially ended in 2022, however, the show was later revived by Amazon before its final cancellation in 2025.

Over its long history, the Australian serial drama launched the careers of global stars like Margot Robbie, Kylie Minogue, Russell Crowe, and Liam Hemsworth but what is it actually like to be on the set of Erinsborough?

Zoe Markos first joined Neighbours in 2012 as an extra before eventually landing a speaking role in 2025 as Louisa Palamountain and she’s now shared some behind-the-scenes secrets that viewers might not know.

Speaking to JoeFortune, Zoe explained: “The studio is literally Erinsborough, built to feel like a real town. Walking around, you genuinely feel like you’re in an actual town because of how well it’s been designed. The sets are much smaller than they look on TV.

“For example, when you’re pretending to make juice or cook something, none of the utensils actually work but it doesn’t matter because the illusion is perfect.

“What really blows me away is how much history is packed into those sets. Especially when I was involved on the production side, I got to see props, furniture, and chairs dating back to the 1980s, all carefully preserved.

“They even have old VHS tapes of episodes that haven’t been digitised yet. It’s incredible. I think most people don’t realise just how much history was made in that studio and on that show. It’s truly remarkable.”

Zoe went on to share some bizarre rules she had to follow on set, revealing: “You can’t actually talk, so you have to mime.

“For example, if you’re opposite someone or asked to have a conversation on set, you just can’t speak. It’s probably common on all shows, but in party scenes, for instance, they don’t play the music, so you have to dance without it. It can feel a bit awkward.

“Another thing is that you really have to be very quiet and not make any noise, which is kind of funny when you think about it. Those would probably be some of the little secrets about being on set that people don’t usually notice.”

Moving on to clothing, Zoe added: “As an extra, it depends on your role. If you are part of the main background, like a work guard or a specific set role, they usually provide your costume. If you are just a regular member of the community in a scene, they might give you clothes or accessories.

“If not, they will send a brief to your manager or directly to you if you do not have one, explaining what you can and cannot wear.

“Generally, they avoid patterns like polka dots or anything too busy. They prefer plain clothing with no logos, and you definitely cannot wear anything that could be copyrighted.”

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Naledi Raptou has joined Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks as Kathleen-Angel McQueen replacing actress Kiara Mellor

A Hollyoaks teenager is set to played by a new actress.

Naledi Raptou has joined the cast of the Channel 4 soap and has been already filming with Jorgie Porter and Danny Mac as she takes on the role of Kathleen-Angel McQueen, the daughter of Theresa McQueen and the late Calvin Valentine.

In the coming weeks, Theresa (Jorgie Porter) will find herself navigating the realities of raising a rapidly maturing teenager when her sixteen-year-old daughter Kathleen-Angel has unprotected sex with her Ant Hutchinson (Brook Debio).

Naledi’s first episode on Hollyoaks will air on Tuesday (March 17). Actress Kiara Mellor had previously played the role since 2021. Theresa also shares a daughter, Myra-Pocahontas, with now boyfriend Dodger Savage (Danny Mac).

Talking about joining Hollyoaks, Naledi said “I’m really grateful for the opportunity to join the cast of Hollyoaks, it’s a great place to work and a very nurturing environment to grow.

“It’s been a pleasure to play Kathleen-Angel as she develops into a young adult. We’re learning new things about her and I’m excited to be able to present a different side of her.”

Naledi has previously appeared in an episode of ITV’s Significant Other as Chloe in 2023.

Hollyoaks spoilers for next week reveal the Hutchinson teens decide to bunk off school for the day in upcoming scenes.

Kathleen-Angel decides to join them but she’s caught sneaking out by Dodger who ends up covering for her.

At the park, Kathleen-Angel tries to find out if Ant still likes classmate Trina (Sadie Williams) but berates him in the process and he leaves.

Back at the flat, Ant is playing computer games when Kathleen-Angel arrives. Tension rises between the teens when they both call out each other’s behaviour. Ant tells Kathleen-Angel to leave if he’s such an awful person but she refuses.

Uncle Dom Reilly (John Pickard), who is looking after the kids while Tony and Diane Hutchinson are in London seeking a second opinion following her cancer diagnosis, later learns the teens have bunked off school.

He finds Ant at home who claims he is unwell and admits Ro and Dee Dee are at the park. As Dom leaves, Kathleen-Angel emerges from the bedroom and it’s revealed the pair discover they have slept together.

The following day, In need of the morning after pill, Kathleen-Angel goes to text Dee Dee Hutchinson (Chloe Atkinson) for help but startled when Ant comes up behind her and she accidentally sends it Dodger.

Not wanting her mum to find out, Kathleen-Angel returns home and tries to delete the text from Dodger’s phone but he catches her and reveals he’s already read the text.

The teen pleads with him not to tell her mum and Dodger says he won’t because she must. Coming into the room, Theresa catches the end of the conversation.

Theresa is devastated to learn that her daughter has slept with someone and Kathleen-Angel pleads with her mum not to make a scene as she really likes Ant.

The mum is horrified to learn who her daughter slept with given his past behaviour but Dodger encourages Theresa to listen to her daughter.

Hollyoaks airs Monday to Wednesday on E4 at 7pm and first look episodes can be streamed Channel 4 from 7am

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Sam Aston has played Chesney Brown on Coronation Street for several years and the star has two actor siblings who have also set foot on the cobbles

Sam Aston is a Coronation Street legend playing Chesney Brown and it turns out talent runs in his family.

Actor Sam shot to fame when he was just 10 years old playing Chesney on the ITV soap.

He made his debut in 2003, rocking up to the cobbles as the son of Cilla Battersby-Brown (Wendi Peters) and the half-brother of Fiz Stape (Jennie McAlpine).

Like many child stars, the actor grew up on the show and has had a series of intense storylines including being held hostage, constantly getting dumped and becoming a father of five.

Sam has gone down a treat with Corrie fans over the years. So much so, that he bagged an award of Best Newcomer at the National Television Awards in 2004.

He also picked up Best Dramatic Performance for a Young Actor at the British Soap Awards the following year.

And it turns out soap stardom runs in his family, as his brother Joseph is also a soap star.

Joseph was the second actor to play Tommy Duckworth, the grandson of iconic characters Jack and Vera Duckworth, back in 2000. Also, Sam’s other brother Thomas is an actor and has appeared in episodes of Casualty and The Bill.

What’s more, Sam’s sister Emily, also appeared on Coronation Street back in the nineties. She played Becky Palmer on the ITV soap, between 1996 and 1997 in 51 episodes. Since then, she’s gone on to star in the likes of BBC soap Doctors, This Is England ‘88 and Hollyoaks.

Reacting to Sam’s sister’s stint on Corrie, fans have been left floored. On a Corrie Facebook fan page, one person said: “Wow!! The girl that played Becky (daughter of one of Des’ girlfriends) is actually Chesneys (Sam Aston) real sister!!.”

Someone else said: “Spit of each other aint they.” A third agreed and wrote: “Now you said you can see it wow.” Another person chimed in and proclaimed: “U can tell!!!” A fifth penned: “Shes so like him.”

**For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new ** Everything Gossip ** website**

In 2023, Sam opened up on how his soap star siblings have helped him on the soap, in particular with his character being a dad-of-five. Speaking to The Mirror and other press, he said: “Because I grew up in a big family anyway, l’ve always been used to the chaos.”

He added: “I’ve got five sisters, three brothers. So I’m used to a lot of people being around in the house and children and all sorts. So it’s not as crazy as it sounds. I don’t think it’s as crazy as what it could be when you initially think there’s four babies on set.

“I think it’s harder if anything when there’s newborns and we were brand new to it. Because I’ve got two kids myself, maybe I am a bit more calm in that situation.”

Coronation Street airs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX

Soap spoilers for next week tease big drama and revelations across Emmerdale, Coronation Street, EastEnders, Hollyoaks and Home and Away, with some sad news and new twists

It’s another big week fro the soaps with twists, discoveries, hints at what’s ahead and some sad news.

On Emmerdale, one character finally shares the heartbreaking news about their secret cancer diagnosis. We also see characters tempted with an affair teased, while there’s also fresh hope after recent turmoil.

As for Coronation Street, villain Megan Walsh might be rumbled as another character faces trouble. There’s also romance drama and Theo Silverton’s abusive behaviour continues.

On EastEnders fans will see a showdown between Mark Fowler Jr and Ravi Gulati after a truth is revealed. There’s also an attack, while on Hollyoaks there’s a heartbreaking diagnosis for one fan favourite. Home and Away also features the possible end of a marriage.

READ MORE: EastEnders fans ‘rumble’ identity of flashforward gunman who’s after Max BranningREAD MORE: Coronation Street fans issue same complaint after Bernie Winter’s wrongful arrest

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EastEnders

Mark’s under pressure to get rid of the informant, Ravi, leading to them clashing. Priya ends up dropping Ravi in it, confirming to Mark that his suspicions are correct. Soon, a reckless Ravi speeds out of Walford with Mark in tow. Priya panics for Ravi’s safety, while a fight ensues at Walford Common.

Later, Priya discovers Ravi’s self-harming scars as she fears for his mental health. She tells Jack how Ravi has compromised his position as an informant, while later, Ravi breaks down in her arms.

Events see Vicki concerned for her safety, leading to a clash with her brother Mark. Ross tries to reason with him, but Mark insists he must hand over the informant, while Vicki soon asks Phil for help.

Lauren fears for her future when she learns the car lot is up for sale. After she’s rejected for a bank loan, she asks her dad Max to invest but he refuses. Oscar and Cindy jibe at Lauren but Max does a U-turn, and agrees to invest.

It’s not long until Lauren realises she and her dad have very different ideas. As Peter supports Lauren, she tries to prove herself to Max. When Mark shows interest in a car, Lauren is soon disappointed when he reveals he hasn’t got the funds for it.

When Lauren’s alone, a thug attacks her and steals the car, with Mark rushing to her aid. Phil continues to avoid visiting Nigel at the care home, leaving Lexi, Julie and Callum to go instead.

Emmerdale

As Cain struggles knowing the farm could be lost, he can barely cope as Moira thanks him for keeping everything going. Sarah forces him to tell Moira the truth before things get any worse, as Joe threatens their future.

As Sarah continues to hide Cain’s cancer diagnosis from loved ones, he’s left panicked when he finds blood in his urine. As it’s time to reveal what’s going on, Cain visits Moira in prison and tells her he has cancer, leaving her heartbroken.

Soon it’s time to tell the family and after sharing his news, Cain prepares to tell sons Kyle and Isaac. A chat with Rhona sees Graham admit he knew about Cain’s diagnosis, leading to a charged moment. When Lydia tells Kim she spotted the pair together, Kim claims it doesn’t bother her.

Soon, Graham gives Rhona an ultimatum, and as he prepares to speak his truth, Rhona has a decision to make. Meanwhile, Joe is deflated when his master plan fails to impress Kim, while Kim decides to visit Moira.

Elsewhere, Mack, Matty and Ross feel like things might have turned a corner for the farm after Vanessa confirms the TB results for the herd are promising. Also next week, Laurel confides in Nicola, Arthur rejects a job with Jai while someone is suspicious over Kerry and Jai’s closeness. Finally, Paddy awaits news on whether Bear will be discharged from the mental health unit.

Coronation Street

It’s Theo’s birthday, but he’s clearly underwhelmed by Todd’s gifts. When he invites Maria and Gary to join him and Todd at The Bistro, Todd’s late, and Theo gives him daggers. When Todd is unable to afford the bill, Theo confronts him for ruining his birthday before he loses it with him.

As Todd tidies up after the fight, avoids work while Gary spots Theo sleeping in his van. When Gary goes to the flat to get some of Theo’s things, he spots the mess and tries to get Theo to sort things out with Todd. Later, Theo agrees to talk as Todd struggles to cope.

Adam gives Jodie a lecture, leaving her seething, while soon Tracy is having a word about David the dog. When Adam suggests a holiday with Alya she’s delighted but a text message leaves her thrown.

The next day, Adam is determined to catch out Jodie, who is left fearful when she realises her act has been shared on the Weatherfield Community page. Ollie and Amy enjoy a date, until Lauren accidentally soaks Amy with some drinks.

Amy’s buzzing about her possible romance though, with another date planned only for Maggie to encourage Lauren to try and win Ollie back. When Ollie can’t keep his eyes off of Lauren, will Amy be left heartbroken? Ollie realises Maggie is behind it, but Lauren confesses her reunion hopes.

Sam is sick, leaving Leanne concerned. She confides in Megan who plays it down, while she’s soon caught flirting on her phone. Later, Megan continues to make digs at Sam, while Leanne makes a comment to Daniel about his flirty phone chat with Megan, unaware she was speaking with Will.

Soon her interest is piqued, while Sam vows he’s not afraid of Megan anymore. Steve’s avoiding Cassie after her proposal plans. When the day of his dad Jim’s funeral arrives, he invites Ben for support.

As he attends without his mum Liz or brother Andy, he’s grateful for Ben joining him, while Maggie is keen for Ben to avoid the wake as he has a hospital appointment the next morning. George is upset as he continues to receive funeral cancellations, and things get worse when Maggie tells him he’s not welcome at the pub.

Hollyoaks

Diane hides her devastating advanced stage ovarian cancer diagnosis from her family, as an unaware Tony returns home with his brother Dom in tow. Diane soon leaves Nancy and Leela speechless with the news, and soon Tony finds out the truth.

He’s determined to get a second opinion, while Nancy tells Darren what’s happening as Diane’s children remain in the dark. Dillon confides in Lucas about Donny, and Lucas reveals he’s managed to get a phone into the prison.

But during a phone call, Dillon is panicked when he hears a fight taking place and Lucas goes silent. Later, Frankie and Vicky share their concerns about Dillon’s rekindled romance. Mercedes tries to track down ‘Jake’, while Froggy has some advice for Rex.

Home and Away

Cash is feeling the pressure about Remi’s secret, while Remi wakes up after a seizure. Dana tries to help Sonny, leaving him overwhelmed and soon he snaps.

Kerrie is upset with how much time her grandson Archie is spending with Tane instead of her, so she tries to find dirt on him. Kerrie’s soon distracted by an emotional Dana, who opens up to her mum but they soon clash, with Harper soon telling Kerrie to leave.

Meanwhile Sonny faces the reality of learning to use a wheelchair, leading to some advice from John. Elsewhere, Levi is thinking about a career change, and Lacey and David prepare for Jo to be discharged from hospital. Finally, Leah announces that she’s going to leave the Bay for a while, but Justin, keen to fix their marriage, urges her to stay.

Home and Away is available to stream from 6am weekdays, with double bill episodes airing from 6pm on 5Star. Hollyoaks is available to stream on Channel 4’s streaming service now, while it also airs Mondays to Wednesdays on E4 at 7PM.

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.

Coronation Street airs weeknights at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITV X. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .