Coronation Street fans are convinced an affair and a baby twist is on the way for Kit Green and Bethany Platt after Kit was dumped by his partner Sarah Platt on the ITV soap
20:53, 05 Aug 2026Updated 20:54, 05 Aug 2026
Coronation Street spoilers reveal ANOTHER murder as Tim and Sally left reeling
Fans of Coronation Street think the signs are all there that Bethany Platt and Kit Green will have an affair.
Not only that but a baby twist could also be on the way. After Lucy Fallon, who plays Bethany, told the Mirror earlier this year about a plot on the way that fans would hate, viewers now think they’ve worked it out.
Recent scenes saw Bethany’s mother Sarah Platt dump her partner Kit, after her arrest. She’s currently in prison over Theo Silverton’s murder, and Kit wants to help get her out.
His hatred of Gary Windass, who helped Sarah initially cover up the crime, has led to him looking for evidence to implicate him. On Wednesday we saw Bethany roped in to Kit’s plans, with her also wanting to get her mum out of prison.
With Kit and Bethany teaming up and actress Lucy’s hints about what’s ahead, some fans can’t shake the feeling that an affair is on the way. They have wondered if Kit and Bethany will grow closer and end up sleeping together.
Some fans even wondered if it will lead to a baby twist for Bethany. Taking to social media one fan guessed: “Seeing as Bethany has a big storyline coming up, will it be having an affair with Kit after they bond taking care of Harry?”
Another fan posted: “If Sarah gets out, perhaps both Sarah and Bethany pregnant by Kit.” A third fan added: “Is the Bethany/Kit affair a FOR SURE thing or just a rumour?”
A fourth theory commented: “I also think maybe Kit and Bethany will work to get Sarah out of prison and maybe end up sleeping together.” A further post read: “Oh the tension between Kit & Bethany?! I am SORRY it is happening!”
One fan said: “I wouldn’t be surprised if something happens between Bethany and Kit.” As a fan then questioned if “another affair” was being planned, a viewer replied: “I thought to myself exactly this yesterday.”
It comes after what Lucy told the Mirror about the future for Bethany, in April. She said: “She does [have a big storyline coming up]. I can’t tell you what it is, but it’s not going to be great. I don’t think people are going to be happy about it.
“This one is low-key her fault. Everyone is going to be like, ‘She is a d**k.’ Which is fine.” But Lucy isn’t bothered about taking on controversial storylines on one condition. Lucy says as long as the plot “is good” she’s happy to get her teeth stuck into it.
Emmerdale spoilers for next week on the ITV soap reveal Dr Todd returns, leading to a showdown with Charity Dingle, while Billy’s fate is revealed after the attack
Emmerdale: Spoiler confirms Charity and Todd showdown
On Emmerdale next week, spoilers reveal Charity confronts her abuser, Dr. Todd, at Jacob’s Fold and orders her to leave. However, Dr Todd refuses and attempts to goad Charity who instead demands a confession.
Dr Todd threatens to tell Sarah the truth about Leyla, and as things escalate, Charity brands Todd a rapist, which is overheard by someone. Billy and Dawn plan their escape, as Billy continues to claim Joe attacked him – ahead of Dawn’s reported exit.
Caleb is frustrated when Billy clears Joe’s name with the police until Billy explains it’s to make Joe complacent because he and Dawn plan to flee. Dawn tells Billy that Joe’s stag do is the perfect time to escape.
Kev offers to teach Lewis to ride a bike, but it soon becomes clear he doesn’t know how to ride a bike either. As Kev falls off the bike, Lewis joins his dad on the floor and they bond. Lewis soon drops an announcement.
Later, Ruby catches up with Kev and asks him to rob the delivery for Jimmy’s new haulage contract, but he refuses. Dylan admits to April that he’s struggling, but he’s grateful when Bear offers him advice about counselling.
Cassie Plummer left Coronation Street on Monday night but her exit has left behind a trail of mystery and now spoilers have revealed what happens next on the ITV soap
Cassie left Coronation Street on Monday night’s episode
Coronation Street spoilers have revealed what happens next following the sudden exit of Cassie Plummer. The former drug addict, played by Claire Sweeney, was introduced when the bosses of the long-running soap decided to completely rewrite history and install her as Tyrone Dobbs’s long-lost biological mum in 2023.
But in scenes that aired on Monday night, Cassie left Weatherfield – seemingly for good – as she chose to get in the car with Ross Wilkes when he offered her a lift to the train station. Introduced last month as the long-lost biological dad of Tyrone, Cassie knew he was trouble as soon as he turned up, but it was only when put under pressure that she revealed that he had paid her for sex when she was underage.
Ross has already made his mark as the latest villain to turn up in the Manchester backstreet, and viewers know that after striking up a relationship with Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford), he spiked her drink and put her in hospital but has let everyone think that Cassie was the one who did it. Cassie announced on Monday that she had got a job cleaning a cruise ship, and was heading to the train station.
Ross offered her a lift, and she accepted. But whilst in the car, Cassie threatened to go to the police about what Ross had done to her all those years ago. She then began to feel unsafe and tried to get out, but he locked the door and told her they were going “on a little drive.” That was the last time Cassie was seen, and Tyrone later announced to Ross that Cassie had left Weatherfield.
Earlier in the day, Fiz had presented Cassie with a photograph of Tyrone and the kids and an envelope full of cash, but at the very end of the episode, Ross took the photo from his pocket and created a mystery about just where Cassie had ended up.
Now, in scenes set to air this coming week, Ross tells Fiz and Tyrone he wants to move nearby, but Fiz quickly closes down the conversation.
Steve asks Ross where he dropped Cassie off, but Ross feigns ignorance until Steve reveals how he saw Cassie get into his car, forcing him to change his story claiming he took her to Piccadilly Station. Also, in scenes yet to air, Ross tells Hope to help herself to a tenner from his wallet but Hope finds something else which leaves Fiz suspicious.
Viewers have instantly become worried that Cassie did not make it to her new job at all, and are concerned that she might even be dead.
One fan wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Oh s*** is Cassie dead???” and another said: “Cassie getting in the car with Ross, they’re gonna leave us hanging for months over what he’s done to her, I bet!”
A third wrote: “I well like Cassie I’ll be sad if she never comes back,” and, on Reddit, another fan said: ” Feel like he’s deffo killed her. But think they’ve done it this way so that they can bring her back again if they wanted to. “
In real life, actress Claire Sweeney, who found fame when she starred on Brookside, chose to leave so she could take on the role of Miss Hannigan in the current UK tour of the musical Annie, and replaced former Strictly Come Dancing star La Voix in the show in early July.
Claire has previously starred in other musicals like 9 to 5, Tell Me On A Sunday and Chicago. But she recently recently explained that she loved her time at Corrie but always wanted to take on the part of the villainous orphanage proprietress, who has previously been played on stage by the likes of her soap co-star Jodie Prenger, as well as Hi-de-Hi icon Su Pollard, the late Paul O’Grady and British acting legend Sheila Hancock.
She told The Mirror: “You’re part of a family at Coronation Street, you feel safe and protected and leaving is like stepping out into the big, wide world again. It feels like I’ve broken up with a boyfriend I’m still in love with. I’ve loved Corrie and leaving bears no reflection on the job, the people and the work.
“It was just that my phone pinged and it was the producer of Annie saying ‘right, do you want to do Miss Hannigan.’ I’d been hounding him for years for this part and I just thought – ‘if I don’t do it now, it might never come again.’ But I think it’s the hardest job I’ve ever had to leave and my exit is very sad; I had a little weep over my leaving scenes. I got quite emotional.”
Emmerdale is reportedly losing some familiar faces and gaining both old and new characters on the ITV soap, but are Dawn Taylor, Vinny Dingle and Jimmy King leaving?
Emmerdale fans are wondering who is really leaving the ITV soap (Image: ITV)
Emmerdale fans are wondering who is really leaving the ITV soap and who’s staying put.
In recent months, a handful of names have been reported as cast members leaving the show. As it stands, both cast and the show have yet to comment on the claims.
There are some confirmed returns to the village however, and some teased ones too. We’ve had loads of new faces, temporary and permanent, in recent months too, so could there be more on the way? This is all we know so far about upcoming cast changes and news, including FOUR exits and two returns…
Who’s leaving Emmerdale?
Dawn Taylor
It’s been claimed Dawn Taylor is leaving the show after eight years. Actress Olivia Bromley was said to be written out of the show, while the soap has not confirmed this.
She’s centre stage on the show at the moment, with possible feelings for her ex Billy Fletcher ahead of her wedding to Joe Tate. Dawn is pregnant with Joe’s baby, and now fans think she might flee Joe and the village like she had planned to months earlier.
Jimmy King
A shocking exit rumour is that Jimmy King will leave the show after more than 20 years. It was reported recently that actor Nick Miles has been axed from the show after two decades.
Fans have been left furious by the reports, that have not been backed up by the show. It’s claimed Jimmy will be killed off in devastating scenes later this year, while onscreen at the moment it’s teased he might split from his wife Nicola King.
Vinny Dingle
Another unexpected exit announcement claimed Vinny Dingle is leaving the show after seven years. Actor Bradley Johnson is another cast member said to be axed from the show, while this has not been confirmed.
Vinny only recently embarked on a romance with Lewis Barton, amid a huge storyline months earlier that saw Vinny struggling with his sexuality. So the news that Vinny could be leaving left fans baffled.
Noah Dingle
Fans were also stunned when it was reported that Noah Dingle will leave the show after 22 years. Actor Jack Downham has played him since 2009.
It’s claimed writers have axed Charity Dingle’s son from the show, and onscreen Noah has told some family members he plans to work abroad. Again this is not an exit confirmed by the show or its cast, but it’s thought Noah will leave soon.
Who’s returning to Emmerdale?
A Tate?
Just weeks ago, soap boss Laura Shaw teased a Tate was heading to the show. She didn’t specify whether it was a brand new character entirely, or a past Tate character.
There’s still no news on this, while Mirror will be dropping some new hints very, very soon so stay tuned. For now, fans have been speculating whether it’s a new character like Serena Sugden, or if we might see Jamie Tate return to the show, amid Serena targeting Kim Tate.
Sadie King
The big return coming up is Sadie King, who will return to the village very soon first the first time in 20 years. Actress Patsy Kensit is reprising the role, and the Mirror caught up with her recently – so keep an eye out for that interview!
Sadie left in dramatic fashion in 2006, so what has brought her back after all these years? There’s trouble, secrets and plenty of drama on the way!
Victoria Sugden
Victoria Sugden is heading back to the show at some point, after she fled earlier this year. Actress Isabel Hodgins is currently on maternity leave after welcoming her first child this year.
Isabel was recently spotted on the set, sparking return claims. That said, Isabel previously stated she would like to return around September time, but she’s not completely sure when she will be ready – but she definitely is going back at some point.
Are there any new characters joining?
There’s been no news about some new characters joining soon. That said, there’s not always an announcement, while there was for the likes of Kev Townsend and Serena Sugden.
Recently, Kev’s pal Steve, played by actor Jason Done, joined temporarily. Then there was Kev’s old flame Kylie too, and some other guest roles along the way.
So, there’s new faces all the time and we can expect more. Whether there’s an actual new character joining remains to be seen. If the Tate arrival is a new Tate, then that will be a new character!
EXCLUSIVE: Sadie King’s return to Emmerdale is almost here, and now actress Patsy Kensit has told the Mirror her ‘terror’ over her ITV soap comeback after 20 years
00:00, 03 Aug 2026Updated 00:01, 03 Aug 2026
There’s not long to wait until Sadie King returns to Emmerdale(Image: ITV)
There’s not long to wait until Sadie King returns to Emmerdale, after 20 years away.
But while fans are excited, actress Patsy Kensit, 58, confessed she was utterly terrified reprising her iconic role. “I was shaking like a leaf,” she told the Mirror. “It’s been a long time. I’ve done so much work in between, but this… I phoned up Mark Charnock actually, who plays Marlon Dingle.
“I told him, ‘I’m really scared,’ and he said it would be weird if I wasn’t, and that it’s only because I care. But I’m in the swing of things now, and I’m definitely settling in.”
Emmerdale are keeping quiet, for now, on what triggers Sadie’s shocking return, and when the scenes will air. What we can reveal is that she brings trouble to the village in classic Sadie fashion, and there’s some big secrets waiting to be discovered too.
She shared: “We will find out what’s happened to her and it’s interesting. It’s not just a one-note portrayal. Things have happened to her over the last 20 years, and we get older, but I can’t say too much.”
Patsy revealed her role isn’t a full-time return to the Dales. She’s only there for six months, with her set to wrap up filming in December. There’s plenty of drama on the way though before she leaves again, with village residents left reeling over her out-of-the-blue return.
It’s hardly surprising, after her devious antics during her two-year stint on the show between 2004 and 2006. From teaming up with Cain Dingle to con her own family, to her involvement in the deadly show home collapse that left three characters dead, she’s earned her status as one of the soap’s most ruthless characters ever.
But the big question is, has Sadie King changed? “Well, obviously it’s been 20 years,” Patsy told us. “We would hope she’s evolved slightly.
“It was quite easy to slip back into Sadie’s shoes, and it’s really interesting the way that it’s been written. She sort of comes in and causes trouble. People will be unsure if she’s a different person now.”
Patsy was thrilled to be asked back by bosses, first confiding the news in her two sons, James, 32, whose father is Simple Minds frontman Jim Kerr, and Lennon, 26, who she shares with ex-husband, Oasis star, Liam Gallagher.
Patsy beamed: “They were really happy. They thought it would be a really great thing for me to do, and they have been really supportive.”
While Sadie isn’t expected to get a warm welcome when she steps back into the village, the same cannot be said for Patsy who was welcomed back with open arms.
“It’s been exceptionally nice,” she told us. “It’s a wonderful place to work. The pastoral care here is incredible, the cast, crew, everyone, every department. They really, really put their arms around me and looked after me.”
Patsy loves playing Sadie, so she jumped at the chance to be her again. But she admitted Sadie isn’t someone she’d be keen to know in the real world.
“Oh gosh, no, she’s awful,” laughed Patsy. “But, no, I do love her. You can’t play a character, really, that you hate.
“I think you’ve got to find something in there. Her sheer capability… I’m pathologically polite, and she will say and do things that I would never do in a million years, and get away with, so I can kind of live vicariously through her at times.”
EXCLUSIVE Emmerdale’s Joe Tate actor Ned Porteous has told The Mirror all about whether his character is capable of trying to kill someone after Billy Fletcher’s attack
19:59, 31 Jul 2026Updated 20:01, 31 Jul 2026
Who attacked Billy in Emmerdale might have been revealed(Image: ITV)
Who attacked Billy in Emmerdale might have been revealed, or at least someone may have been ruled out.
Amid theories from viewers about who was to blame, Billy’s fate remains unknown. He’s in a coma, fighting for his life after being brutally attacked and left with a serious head injury.
Billy sustained a bleed on the brain, after Kerry Wyatt found her colleague lifeless on the floor of the depot where they work. He was lying with his head in a pool of blood, with his loved ones warned he’s in a bad way.
Kerry and boss Caleb Miligan were quick to point out to the police that Joe Tate may have attacked Billy. After all he had threatened Billy to Caleb, after Caleb told Joe about Billy and Dawn’s apparent kiss.
Of course it’s not the first time Joe has caused someone to be injured or killed, while it’s not like him to get his hands dirty. But has he taken a brutal revenge on Billy, or is he being framed?
Fans have mixed ideas on the truth, and now speaking exclusively to the Mirror, Joe actor Ned Porteous has had his say. He addressed whether Joe is capable of hurting Billy in this way, while he also teased whether his character is the real attacker.
With some fans saying it’s too obvious to be Joe, Ned discussed this and pointed out Joe did have it in him to commit the crime. That said, something he told us could hint that Joe is not to blame.
Asked if Joe could be at fault, he replied: “I think Joe has it in him to do a whole bunch of things. Yeah. I think the beauty of this character, and the fun I’ve been having with the character, is the duality between his capabilities for great good and great evil.
“I think as a thematic tool, Joe, and characters like Joe, are extremely useful for the screenwriters, because we can see that he is a good dude, but he has no practice at it. He’s volatile, he has a complete lack of control of his emotions.
“So, if you were to get to him, he’ll get you back sevenfold.” We then questioned whether if Joe was innocent, will he struggle to prove that innocence given Joe’s dark ways in the past.
He told us: “Absolutely. I think everything that Joe does in this village is guilty until proven innocent, because why on earth wouldn’t it be? We’ve only ever seen Joe do bad things to people, apart from the one or two people that he’s let close to himself and his heart that know that he’s not completely evil.”
So does this comment about not being completely evil and being “guilty until proven innocent” suggest Joe isn’t the one to blame? After all, some fans are suspecting Joe’s nemesis Caleb Miligan may have attacked Billy, not Joe.
Cassie Plummer could be about to face a “really dark” exit from Coronation Street after worrying scenes aired on Friday night’s episode of the long-running soap
20:41, 31 Jul 2026Updated 20:41, 31 Jul 2026
Coronation Street’s Cassie could be about to face a ‘really dark’ exit from the cobbles (Image: ITV/Coronation Street)
Cassie Plummer could be about to face a “really dark” exit from Coronation Street. The former drug addict, played by Claire Sweeney, was introduced when bosses of the long-running soap decided to completely rewrite history and install her as the long-lost biological mum of Tyrone Dobbs, and initially came to blows with Tracy Barlow when she set about poisoning Ken for financial gain.
With all that seemingly swept under the carpet, now Tracy has sparked a romance with Ross, who is Tyrone’s long-lost biological dad. Cassie was underage when Tyrone was conceived, and it emerged earlier this week that Ross had paid her for the sex they had all those years ago.
When it looked as though Ross was sticking around having got a job at the local prison, Cassie tried to get him out of their lives once and for all by crushing painkillers up into his flask that he was about to take to his new place of employment, hoping that he would fail the drugs test and then clear off out of Weatherfield. It backfired when Ross figured out what Cassie had done so, in a cruel twist, he poisoned Tracy with the drink and now she is in hospital. But because Cassie has got form, Tracy has now got completely the wrong end of the stick.
Sitting up in her hospital bed on Friday night’s episode of the ITV soap, she raged: “If I have been spiked, I know who I’m pointing my finger at. How else have I got this much codeine in my system if it’s not from the local poisoner, who also happens to hate my guts?”
Steve told his ex-wife to calm down, but she shot back: “Well, I’m trying to do that, Steve, but it’s quite difficult when your girlfriend tried to kill me. She’s jealous of me because I’ve got Ross and she’s stuck with a useless lump like you!”
The taxi driver, who has been played by Simon Gregson since 1989, was convinced that Tracy (Kate Ford) was wrong, but then decided to do some investigating, and found the painkillers in Cassie’s cardigan pocket.
When he confronted her, she explained: “It wasn’t meant for Tracy. It was meant for Ross. And it was just a couple of tablets so he’d fail his pee test at his prison job and he wouldn’t be hanging around here any more.” Tyrone then knocked at the door, having been informed of the situation by Steve, and Cassie tried once again to explain but they were having none of it.
Steve said: ” I don’t get it. First of all Ken, now Tracy. I mean, are you not gonna be happy till you’ve killed the lot of us?” Tyrone then yelled that it was “a lot more” than the couple of tablets Cassie claimed she had tried to spike Ross with as Cassie cried: ” I put it in his travel cup, which I got out of his bag, so how did Tracy end up with it, eh?
“Ty, I know it was a stupid idea, but I was desperate. You’ve no idea what he’s like!” Ross then turned up at the house, having been playing the dutiful long-lost granddad and took Ruby and Hope for a game of football. Cassie warned them that he was taking them all for a fool but no one would listen and Tyrone told her to get out of the house.
Tracy headed across the road to number one, where Steve answered the door and told her as he struggled to hold back the tears: ” Believe me. If you only knew how much I wanted this to work after all the disappointment I’ve had over the last few years.”
Cassie tried to plead with Steve, but he decided to split up with her there and then. He shut the door in Cassie’s face, and she burst into tears as she wept: “But Steve, I love you!”
Reacting to the emotional scenes, one viewer wrote on X: “Tyrone shut the f**k up you mug, Cassie is better than Ross. Honestly hope Tyrone finds out the hard way his dad is a creep,” whilst another said: “Cassie shouldn’t have done it, I get why she did though. The reality was, Ross knew and deliberately spiked Tracey to frame her, just another form of manipulation.”
A third wrote: “I don’t know how Cassie is gonna get out of this one,” and a fourth simply said: “Oh, Cassie!” and added a face-palm emoji. Another wrote: “Cassie thinks she is smart, however, Ross seems to always be one step ahead. This storyline is going to get really dark #Corrie.”
In real life, actress Claire Sweeney, who found fame when she starred on Brookside, chose to leave so she could take on the role of Miss Hannigan in the current UK tour of the musical Annie, and replaced former Strictly Come Dancing star La Voix in the show in early July.
Claire has starred previously starred in other musicals like 9 to 5, Tell Me On A Sunday and Chicago. But she recently recently explained that she loved her time at Corrie but always wanted to take on the part of the villainous orphanage proprietress, who has previously been played on stage by the likes of her soap co-star Jodie Prenger, as well as Hi-de-Hi icon Su Pollard, the late Paul O’Grady and British acting legend Sheila Hancock.
She told The Mirror: “You’re part of a family at Coronation Street, you feel safe and protected and leaving is like stepping out into the big, wide world again. It feels like I’ve broken up with a boyfriend I’m still in love with. I’ve loved Corrie and leaving bears no reflection on the job, the people and the work.
“It was just that my phone pinged and it was the producer of Annie saying ‘right, do you want to do Miss Hannigan.’ I’d been hounding him for years for this part and I just thought – ‘if I don’t do it now, it might never come again.’ But I think it’s the hardest job I’ve ever had to leave and my exit is very sad; I had a little weep over my leaving scenes. I got quite emotional.”
Emmerdale is preparing for a huge summer surrounding some of the soap’s biggest female characters including Charity, Sadie, Dawn, Sarah, Gabby and Serena
08:30, 31 Jul 2026Updated 08:30, 31 Jul 2026
Emmerdale is all about strong women this summer
Emmerdale’s strong female characters will take centre stage this summer in a string of big storylines.
The ITV soap has promised a huge summer for some of the biggest characters, with explosive secrets being revealed, new alliances forming and devastating consequences.
For fan favourite Charity (Emma Atkins), there is much drama ahead as her lies catch up with her. With Charity desperate to protect her family, she falls deeper in the lies that the baby she carried belongs to her and Ross Barton.
With everything she holds dear at risk, a confession comes – and the secret she reveals threatens to shake the entire village to the core, with devastating scenes set to air for the wider Dingle family.
Sarah, played by Katie Hill, will struggle to cope when she gets pushed to the edge by devastating news. Her world could come crumbling down if she learns the truth about where her and Jacob’s daughter Leyla’s true parentage lies.
It is bad news for Dawn – played by Olivia Bromley – who finds herself caught in the crossfire of a terrifying feud. She seems happy with Joe Tate and her new family, but things take a turn for the worse.
As her wedding day approaches, she’s trapped and needs to make a huge choice. A present life as it is now, or the hope of finally having the future she wants for her and her family.
New arrival Serena (Casey Al-Shaqsy) has caused quite the star since she showed up as the newest member of the Sugden family. She faces more drama this summer, and needs to decide how much she will face to lose to protect her biggest secret.
Gabby – played by Rosie Bentham – has always been the centre of some big storylines in the Dales, but this summer, she is struggling to keep things under control. Her health will be devastatingly impacted by her struggles and her life is at risk.
She is faced with the biggest moral decision of her life when a terrible incident takes place. Will she destroy the lives of the people she cares about with her terrifying decision?
There’s also a huge return for Patsy Kensit’s character Sadie, who has quite the agenda when she waltzes back into the Dales. Armed with a big surprise, she has a secret to tell, and the village will be left reeling.
Emmerdale Producer, Laura Shaw, teased: “From explosive secrets that shatter lives to dangerous new allegiances that threaten to tear the village apart, this season promises to be one of our most intense yet. The village is set for a dramatic transformation, and we can’t wait for our audience to see the peril these characters face.”
Ted Lasso star Annette Badland played villain Babe Smith in EastEnders for three years, and her portrayal was so convincing that the BBC received serious death threats on her behalf
Annette Badland in EastEnders as Aunt Babe(Image: BBC)
BBC bosses issued a rare “red alert” safety warning to former EastEnders actress Annette Badland after a crazed fan sent death threats that were deemed credible by security experts.
The individual behind the chilling threats was never definitively identified, Annette said. Speaking on Sally Lindsay’s podcast, Annette explained on Sally Lindsay’s podcast: “Because I was leaving, they racked up my villainy and I actually got thrown out of, literally, thrown out of the pub by Danny and cursed them.
“But I had death threats. I got the call from the BBC security saying, ‘We’re getting death threats. There are red alert code words in this, so we have to take it seriously’.”
She was warned that she should only leave her house if it was absolutely necessary, and that if she did go out, she shouldn’t tell anyone where she was going.
Annette says she was effectively under house arrest throughout the six-week investigation: “They eventually traced it to just outside Liverpool. It was in a school, but they didn’t think it was a child. But because it was a public computer they didn’t feel they could get much further.”
Despite that harrowing conclusion to her EastEnders tenure, Annette says she cherished her time on the BBC soap. She holds particularly warm memories of Danny Dyer, whom she describes as “bright, kind-hearted…and daft.”
She recalled Danny’s extraordinary generosity, revealing he taught her to “say the C-word,” which proved tremendously useful when she moved on to Ted Lasso and was handed a script riddled with crude language. She joked: “I said to myself, ‘I’ve worked with Danny Dyer, I can do this’.”
Ironically, however, that “very funny” scene ended up on the cutting-room floor and has never been seen by the public.
It was an unscripted moment, early in her EastEnders stint, that made the show’s writers recognise that in Babe Smith, they had the foundations of a truly iconic villain: “I had a scene with Tim [Timothy West, who played Stan Carter on the show] and he was watching the television.
“I’d been in love with him when I was young and he’d married my sister and I didn’t like that – that was the cause of all my pain and anguish.
“It wasn’t scripted,” Annette added, “but I picked up the remote control and turned the television off. I told him what I thought, put the telly back on, and left. And I think they thought, ‘Ooh, she can be nasty’.”
What followed was three years packed with drama, reaching its peak when Babe was locked inside a freezer and left for dead by an unknown attacker, who was ultimately unmasked as Lorna Fitzgerald’s Abi Branning.
In a dramatic farewell, Babe was caught red-handed stealing from the Queen Vic’s safe, but it was her savage outburst at Linda [Kellie Bright] – branding her a “stuck-up cow” – that saw Mick Carter finally remove her from the pub, and banish her from Walford for good.
Coronation Street fans will see Cassie Plummer take extreme action to expose Ross Wilkes on Monday, while there’s good news for the Platts and Sam confides in Idris
20:31, 26 Jul 2026Updated 20:31, 26 Jul 2026
Coronation Street fans will see Cassie Plummer take extreme action to expose Ross Wilkes(Image: ITV)
After Sunday night’s drama-filled episode of Coronation Street, three spoilers for the next episode tease what happens next.
While the episode drops on ITVX on Monday morning, it’s not airing until 8:30pm on ITV1 that sam evening. But if you want a glimpse of what’s happening int he latest visit to Weatherfield, look no further.
Three key things happen tonight in the fallout to Sunday’s episode, where Cassie Plummer grew tired of people worshiping newcomer Ross Wilkes. We also saw Shona Platt fume at her sister Jodie Ramsay over her lies, kicking her out.
Then there was Sam settling in after returning home from hospital. The drama continues on Monday evening, with some good news for Shona and her husband David Platt.
Shona and David finally bring their baby daughter Harper home, after months in hospital. Before Harper was born, doctors warned Shona and David that there was a mass on the baby’s neck.
Amid discussions over whether to have surgery, Shona went into labour after a car crash during the Corriedale crossover. Harper was very poorly for a while, and has been gradually getting better in hospital over the past few months.
Monday will see Harper brought home, with her family ready to welcome her. But Sam is left upset when he’s not given the chance to hold his baby cousin, with David reluctant.
Jodie also makes a return, with a bombshell for Shona – but will all be forgiven? Speaking of Sam, he’s still getting back on track after he was recently hospitalised, after suffering with his mental health.
He had a breakdown, and after experiencing psychosis he’s been having treatment. On Monday, we see him opening up to Leanne Battersby’s new man Idris Nazir.
Idris shares his own experience with anxiety and how he overcame it as a teen. Sam appreciates the chat with Idris, feeling much better after sharing his worries with him.
The third big spoiler for Monday is Cassie’s plot against Ross. Cassie will drop a bombshell later in the week about Ross, the father of her son Tyrone.
Before that, we know she’s tried to set him up by exposing his past. Monday could be the moment this happens, after the mystery message she got on her phone on Sunday.
Monday’s spoilers reveal that Cassie takes a call from one of Ross’s exes, a woman named Alison. Ross overhears and recognises her name.
Cassie summons Steve, Tyrone, Tracy and Ross to the Rovers and introduces them to Alison Shave, Ross’s ex-girlfriend and reveals how Ross stole money from her and threatened her. How will Ross react, and is he finally exposed?
Emmerdale viewers were quick to react when Gabby Thomas collapsed on Sunday night’s episode, signalling the start of yet another issue-based plot on the ITV soap
Gabby Thomas collapsed on Sunday night’s episode of Emmerdale
Gabby Thomas collapsed on Sunday night’s episode of Emmerdale, prompting the start of another issue-based storyline on the ITV soap.
The waitress, who has been played by Rosie Bentham since 2016, has become obsessed with the quality of food and been seen to be anti-medicine in recent weeks.
On the latest episode of the Yorkshire-based serial, Gabby was listening to social media videos claiming that certain healthy foods were the opposite, a horrified Dawn found her collapsed on the floor. A visit to the doctor ruled out a pregnancy, and she also explained to Manpreet just how little she was eating.
Later on, she told Dawn had stopped taking the pill, claiming that most medicines were ” packed full of chemicals” that she believes are harmful to the human body, so Dawn raised the alarm with her partner Billy. When Gabby found this out, she raged at Dawn: “How dare you! Billy’s told me you were practically wetting yourself to tell him that I’m not on the pill any more.
“You just can’t handle the fact that you’re not the centre of his world any more,” but Dawn ignored the insult and told Gabby that she was just very worried about her. Still furious, Gabby took it upon herself to visit Dawn’s fiance Joe and claim that his partner “still has a thing” for Billy.
She told him: “She’s having secret meetings with Billy behind my back.Trying to stir the pot, get in between us. And I have to say to myself, why on earth would she want to do that? So I really think you should probably ask yourself the same question.”
All of this is part of a brand new issue-based storyline exploring the topic of orthorexia, an eating disorder which embeds itself when an individual which becomes fixated on the quality of the food they consume rather than the quantity.
Reacting to the new episode, fans flooded social media and appeared to be divided on the latest storyline. One fan wrote on Reddit: “Orthorexia is a serious illness and while I do support them raising awareness about it, they’re again not doing an issue-based plot justice.
“They’re again making the central character in the storyline (in this case Gabby) come off as too unlikable and unsympathetic just like Cain in the prostate cancer storyline. I can guarantee you viewers came out of today’s episode siding with Dawn and not feeling bad for Gabby. I certainly did.”
Another said: “Gabby has ‘Orthorexia’….nope Id never heard of it either,” and a third said: “I’m loving this feud again build up between gabby and dawn.”
A fourth wrote: “I take issue with issue based stories that make characters deeply unlikeable. I ended up being Team Dawn today.
“I think Thomas will be the one who ends up seriously sick either not taking medicine for a sickness or the food will give him deficiencies. I can’t stand Gabby in this, she is being written to be deeply unlikeable when the story should be more effective.”
If you’re worried about your health or the health of somebody else, you can contact SEED eating disorder support service on 01482 718130 or on their website, here.
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
Coronation Street’s Jodie Ramsey has finally confessed to Shona that she attacked Sarah Platt on the night of Theo’s murder and now fans think this could finally spell the end for the controversial character
21:40, 26 Jul 2026Updated 21:40, 26 Jul 2026
Fans think Jodie Ramsey could be about to leave Coronation Street
Jodie Ramsey confessed to her sister Shona that she attacked Sarah Platt on Sunday night’s episode of Coronation Street. Earlier this year, her long-lost sister, who had never been mentioned before, turned up in the programme’s crossover with Emmerdale, arriving tied up in the back of a van.
Ever since her arrival, Jodie (Olivia Frances Brown), who was first seen tied up in the back of a van, has been shrouded in mystery, although it is quite clear that there is something sinister about her. In the four months since she made her debut, Jodie has been stealing various items that belong to neighbours – the most recent of which was a gun – and also tried to pass herself off as Shona at the hospital.
Viewers have known for months that Jodie attacked Sarah on that fateful night in April, just moments after the factory supervisor, who has been played by Tina O’Brien since 1999, killed the abusive Theo Silverton by hitting him over the head with a pole.
Whilst David, Shona’s husband, was visiting his sister in prison, she told him that she believed Jodie had hit her over the head to stop her seeing what was in her box.
Back at number eight, Shona had dragged a confession out of Jodie and raged at her: “I’m starting to doubt whether or not you were even kidnapped. OK, all right, so you hit her.
“Then what? Well, I mean, you know, you see her lying on the ground, you realise you’ve just attacked David’s sister. Did you check her pulse? Did you do mouth-to-mouth?”
Jodie begged for forgiveness, and then twisted things around as she said: “You know, when you think about it… ..by not saying owt, well, I was actually protecting Sarah,” to which Shona laughed in disbelief. At her wits’ end, Shona told Jodie to get out of the house, telling her she didn’t care where she ended up.
Later on, Shona was clearly worried when her sister hadn’t turned back up and was constantly ringing her. As David’s daughter Lily looked around the house to try to find her confiscated gaming console, she stumbled upon Jodie’s trinket box and discovered the gun that her mysterious long-lost step aunty had stolen and stashed away some weeks ago.
Reacting to the explosive scenes, fans predicted this could finally spell the end of Jodie now that Shona is edging ever closer to realising something is clearly not right.
One fan wrote on X: “Really hope Jodie gets put away soon…not sure why she’s there, and what happened to her dad?”
Another said: “Hoping it’s the end of Jodie soon,” but a third remained unconvinced this was all leading to Jodie’s exit as theyd ranted: “Soap is unbelievable so Shona has found out Jodie has attacked Sarah and you watch in a few weeks they will be friends again and living together.
“Imagine that happening in real life would be completely different. Before people say it’s not real #Corrie was meant to portray life!”
Holby City Hospital will see an explosive “high-stales major incident” that will have viewers on the edges of their seat as Casualty gear up for the 40th anniversary episode
Casualty is celebrating its 40th anniversary
Casualty has dropped a first look at its explosive 40th anniversary episodes, with Holby City Hospital thrown into chaos after a devastating blast.
The BBC released a teaser trailer ahead of the landmark special, which will air in September, giving fans a glimpse of the high-stakes drama facing the emergency department.
The anniversary story will be told across a two-part special centred on fan favourites including Dr Dylan Keogh and Flynn Byron.
The trailer opens with a huge explosion as emergency medicine consultant Flynn Byron, played by Olly Rix, looks on in shock. As the scenes unfold, a haunting chorus of children singing Happy Birthday Dear Dad plays over the footage while members of the emergency department, including clinical lead Dr Dylan Keogh (William Beck), gather outside the hospital.
Viewers also get a glimpse of familiar faces including paramedic Jan Jenning (Di Botcher) and consultant Stevie Nash (Elinor Lawless).
A map of Holby quickly fills with emergency incident alerts before the hospital is plunged into turmoil. The trailer shows a fight breaking out inside the hospital, while a visibly emotional Dr Keogh is seen in tears.
Elsewhere, ambulances line up outside with blue lights flashing as patients are rushed through the hospital on stretchers. A firefighter is also seen making their way through a room filled with exposed wires as sparks fly around them.
The preview keeps many details under wraps, ending with what appears to be armed police officers approaching Holby City Hospital.
According to the BBC, the anniversary episodes centre on a “high-stakes major incident that throws Holby into chaos”, leaving lives hanging in the balance as the emergency department team are pushed to their limits.
The special will also feature a major rescue operation, while Dr Keogh faces a personal tragedy during what the BBC describes as the team’s “darkest hour”. Stevie Nash and Flynn Byron will also find themselves fighting for survival in a race against time.
The episodes celebrate 40 years of the world’s longest-running medical drama while marking what the BBC has described as an “exciting new chapter” for the series.
First airing in 1986, the BAFTA-winning drama later spawned spin-off series Holby City. Since 2011, Casualty has been filmed at BBC Roath Lock Studios in Cardiff and is expected to move to a new fictional hospital in Wales next year.
The Casualty 40th anniversary episodes air on September 5 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
EXCLUSIVE Hollyoaks star Jamie Lomas, who has played villain Warren Fox for two decades, explains why he’s in no rush to get married
07:12, 25 Jul 2026Updated 07:12, 25 Jul 2026
Hollyoaks star Jamie Lomas has played villain Warren Fox for two decades(Image: PA)
It’s been 20 years since Jamie Lomas debuted as Hollyoaks bad boy Warren Fox.
But the 51 year old has no plans to leave the villain behind anytime soon, telling us, “I just love it. I’ll take one day at a time, really. It’s exciting times on the show and we’ve got some great stories coming.I’m excited to see where it goes. Hopefully they don’t kill me off again! They can’t get rid of me.”
Jamie’s character was killed off back in 2009. In true soap fashion, Warren returned from the dead a year later having faked his death. He has since left the show a handful of times, with Warren often forced to go on the run from the law after committing some very dark crimes, including murder, kidnapping and drug dealing.
But the actor says he’s keen to stick around this time, after welcoming his daughter Bella with his fiancée Jess Bell in 2024. “Bella is two now,” Jamie says. “I got offered a couple of gigs going on tour last year, and I turned them down because I don’t want to be away from home.
“I think you realise as you get older, that time with your kids is precious. They’re only small for so long. Getting a chance to do it again at my age now, you realise how quickly time goes, and you just want to cherish those moments as much as possible. She’s so funny, Bella, and I’m really enjoying it.”
Jamie is also a dad to daughter Polly, 15, who he shares with ex-wife Kym Marsh, and son Billy, 20, from a previous relationship. Jamie says daughter Bella adores Polly, and that Polly is a great big sister. “Bella is great,” he says. “She’s beautiful, and very special.
“Polly helps with her, and Bella adores Polly. Bella comes home from nursery and shouts up the stairs for Polly. She’s so cute. She’s the best in the morning. She woke up the other morning, and she’s into Toy Story at the moment.
“She goes, ‘Woody, Buzz,’ and then opens her eyes and says, ‘Dadda?’, she was having a little dream.” Jamie has been engaged to his partner Jess since 2023. While the couple do plan on getting married at some point, Jamie reveals they are holding off on the big day so that Bella can be a part of it.
“We said that we are going to wait until she’s old enough,” he says. “We definitely will get married but we want Bella to be a little bit older to enjoy it.” Family time is just one of the ways Jamie switches off after hours of playing villain Warren.
With Warren’s kill count recently rising to 10, he says his fitness helps him to unwind after his heavy storylines. I play golf. I like to go around the golf course for five hours, although my missus is not too happy about that.
“I don’t think about anything when I’m on the golf course. It’s very relaxing. I love boxing as well. I go boxing twice a week, that’s my release. I go to the gym too, that’s how I spend my spare time. That and spending time with my kids, my family and my partner.
“It’s quite difficult to switch off sometimes, but I try to switch off as soon as I leave the set.” There isn’t much Warren hasn’t done on the show. From burying bodies, to being sent to prison and even needing a liver transplant, he’s been very busy for the past two decades.
Jamie does hope bosses will line yet more evil storylines for his villainous character. “I would love for him to go on a real rampage and start doing armed robberies,” he says. “Maybe he can get addicted to drugs or something, although he’s so anti-drugs because of what happened to his sister Katy. The writers do such a good job.” After taking some time out in 2024 following the birth of his daughter Bella, Warren jumped at the chance to return for the soap’s 30th anniversary last year. On what brings him back every time, Jamie explains, “It’s always nice to put his mask back on.
“It’s like coming back and starting again really. You’re starting with a blank canvas, and it was such an explosive ending the last time. There was a lot of unfinished business for him, so it was nice to come back and see what was in store.”
After so long on the show, Jamie says the cast have become family to him. He tells us, “I can’t believe it’s 20 years. I’d left for five years and went and did EastEnders, and numerous other things as well, but it’s just perfect.
“We’re like a family, but we actually are. My really close friends are Nick Pickard, Ashley Taylor Dawson and Jimmy McKenna. I’ve worked with them for years, and we’ll go and have a game of golf. We used to go out partying, but now we play golf.
“I can remember starting Hollyoaks like it was yesterday. We had such a good time, back in the day. I get to work with Jennifer Metcalfe a lot now, who plays Warren’s partner Mercedes McQueen. I’ve known her since the day I started her, and we both started around about the same time, so we often talk about stories from back in the day, and then have a laugh about it, and how times have changed.”
Hollyoaks is available to stream on Channel 4’s streaming service now, while it also airs Mondays to Wednesdays on E4 at 7PM. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok, Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads.
Coronation Street’s Sarah Platt confessed to police that she killed Theo Silverton – but has claimed that it was in self-defence and viewers have spotted a “problem” ahead of a potential twist
20:52, 24 Jul 2026Updated 20:52, 24 Jul 2026
Sarah Platt told DS Lisa Swain that she killed Theo on Friday night’s episode (Image: ITV)
Coronation Street’s Sarah Platt confessed to police that she killed Theo Silverton – but has claimed that it was in self-defence. The legendary soap character, who has been played by Tina O’Brien since 1999, beat the scaffolder over the head and sent him tumbling from the builder’s yard roof earlier this year.
It all came just moments after Theo whole load of derogatory remarks towards her but the pair were already enemies because she knew that he had subjected her best friend Todd Grimshaw to horrific abuse during their relationship.
In the weeks after Sarah confessed to Kit, he has been doing everything he can to try to get her off the hook and pin the blame on Gary, but she is currently in prison and has been charged with murder.
On Friday night’s episode of the world’s longest-running TV soap, Sarah was interviewed by DS Lisa Swain, who usually locks innocent people up, and she didn’t quite believe her story.
Sarah told her: “I barely remember calling Gary. He answered the phone. And I realised how crazy I was being. OK, fine, I did – I wanted to tell him what I’d done. And then the second… that I heard his voice. I realised that I couldn’t let him get involved and ask for his help!” Sarah then tried to explain the phone call, to no avail, and Lisa was very interested to know what she did with the murder weapon – which Gary disposed of – and the factory supervisor simply claimed she couldn’t remember.
Over in the Rovers, Lisa and Kit sat having a casual chat about the murder investigation and she told him that Sarah clearly didn’t think much of him if she called her ex-boyfriend rather than him. Whilst on the phone in her cell, Sarah told Kit that she couldn’t possibly bring Gary into it – much to her partner’s frustration.
It was then that Sarah attempted to split up with Kit on the phone, for his sake, but he was having none of it. She said to him: “Just look after Harry and Bethany for me,” but when Kit mentioned Jodie, Sarah was quick to warn him that she is a “dangerous” woman and he needs to keep away from her.
The scenes certainly sparked a reaction amongst fans, with some theorising that Sarah didn’t actually kill Theo after all.
One fan wrote on X: “Sarah’s finally told someone about Jodie being the person who hit her on the head that night. So, now Kit knows, I’m wondering if he will frame Jodie as Theo’s real killer? But, Sarah having the nerve to call Jodie dangerous, while on remand for murder, is peak irony”
Another said: “I think Sarah didn’t kill Theo. I think he was battered whey he lay unconscious… possibly by his son? I also feel the story of the life insurance is going somewhere.”
In response, a third said: “It would mean overturning the autopsy report, which stated Theo was dead before he fell. Corrie have hade a problem there, if they wanted a second killer. Otherwise, I would also go with Millie or Miles. And, I would like Todd to get the life insurance back. He’s earned it!”
Emmerdale has aired two very similar scenes this year which both confirm similar twists, so what if it was intentional, and we’ve just uncovered a Graham and Serena link?
17:31, 24 Jul 2026Updated 17:32, 24 Jul 2026
Emmerdale’s Graham Foster was confirmed to be targeting Kim Tate(Image: ITV)
It’s Emmerdale theory time, and I may have just rumbled an explosive twist yet to be confirmed on the ITV soap.
It might be pretty far-fetched, but there could be something in it. Firstly, it’s Emmerdale, anything can happen, but secondly, there’s been two scenes recently that almost mirror each other.
The dialogue is different, but what is alluded to and how they both unfold is very similar. So much so, I’m wondering if I’ve answered two big questions by linking the scenes.
Now, cast your minds back to a few months ago, when Graham Foster was confirmed to be targeting Kim Tate. He drugged her, and a phone call with a mystery person, still not identified, confirmed he was working with or for someone to target Kim.
Graham had revealed the drugs had not killed Kim and so their plan had not worked. He’s since confessed all to Kim and seemingly dropped the plan, but we still do not know who he was talking to about it on the phone.
This week on the ITV soap, it was Serena Sugden acting shifty at Home Farm. She broke in and stole a USB from Kim, which she had checked before she returned it.
Since then, she’s been trying to find any reason she can to be at Home Farm. She too had a cryptic phone call, confirming she was working for or with someone.
Again, like Graham, she is seemingly targeting Kim, trying to find something. So far, she’s told the person on the phone that they’ve got nothing yet, so what are they looking for and why is Kim yet again being targeted?
So this all got me thinking, and I wondered if the person in cahoots with Graham is none other than… Serena. What if he got too close last time, and so has enlisted the help of Serena to sneak into Home Farm to make it less obvious it’s him, and also while he sorts other issues out.
What if Serena was talking to Graham this week. One thing doesn’t make sense about this theory. Graham lives at Home Farm so if the was after something, surely he could just get it himself.
But what if it’s all to throw us as viewers off the scent, or perhaps he has no idea where the mystery thing they are trying to find is? Then I thought maybe it isn’t Graham and Serena who have teamed up.
But what if the plots are still linked? What if Graham and Serena have, knowingly or unknowingly, teamed up with the very same person? The fact they were both in cahoots with someone who is out to get Kim, it seems, surely cannot be a coincidence.
So what if the person gave up on Graham’s help and has now switched to Serena. So is the caller for both characters the same person? Could it be someone in the village or a past character?
Theories have included Jamie Tate, Sadie King, or another character. After all, Emmerdale boss Laura Shaw did confirm a Tate would be heading to the show very soon – while she did not specify if it was a new Tate or a returning Tate.
Today, Friday 24 July, sees the second episode of The Hairdresser Mysteries air where a synopsis teases: “When a celebrity weather reporter is found dead, Lily investigates if his zero-star reviews of all the local businesses have driven one of their own to murder.”
Sally Phillips plays main character, Lily Petal, who is forced to turn from hairdresser to amateur detective when crimes keep happening on her doorstep in the sleepy village.
She is helped in her investigations by brilliant analytical hair salon assistant Clary Coombs, played by Charlotte Jordan, and eager PC Adam Watson, played by Ben Castle-Gibb.
On Friday’s episode, viewers were introduced to Gloria Crudd, who is another newcomer to the village hoping to make a fresh start with her ice cream parlour but soon finds her old life catching up with her.
On the show, Wendi looks worlds away from Cilla as her character Gloria has a pastel pink copper coloured curly beehive hairdo adorned with jewellery pieces.
However, Wendi isn’t the only Coronation Street star in the new series as she is joined by fellow Weatherfield favourite Charlotte Jordan who is playing Clary Coombs – Lily’s ‘bright and analytical assistant and the Watson to her Shear-lock Holmes’.
Charlotte, 32, is best known for playing Daisy Midgeley on the cobbles from 2020 to 2025, where her character was involved in several huge storylines including the hard-hitting acid attack plot.
Viewers have already shared their praise for the new series as one person said on Twitter, now X: “Watching the first episode of #TheHairdresserMysteries and I absolutely love it! So many talented actors I recognise, such a cosy atmosphere too. And it’s filmed in the beautiful West Midlands! More plans!”
To which another account put: “Loved today’s #TheHairdresserMysteries premiere, great stuff from @CharlieJordanxo Sally Phillips, @elisabethdw @sarker guy Henry and Ben castle- Gibb, can’t wait to see what’s coming up.”
The Hairdresser Mysteries airs on Fridays at 2pm and all episodes are available to watch now on BBC iPlayer.
As EastEnders’ king-hearted teen Barney Mitchell lands himself in hot water, let’s take a look inside the life of actor Lewis Bridgeman.
Barney arrived in Walford back in June 2024(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
EastEnders has aired shock scenes for the teenagers of Walford this week, and Barney Mitchell could be hiding a very dark secret.
Actor Lewis Bridgeman arrived on the BBC One soap in the summer of 2024, alongside his dad, Teddy (Roland Manookian), and Harry (Elijah Holloway), and drama quickly followed.
It was soon revealed that self-confessed bookworm Barney is the product of an affair between his mum, Nicola (Laura Doddington), and Zack Hudson (James Farrar), leaving both Barney and Teddy devastated by the truth about his paternity.
Sweetheart Barney appears to be an innocent extension of the Mitchell family with a passion for friendship and education, but the schoolboy is now taking center stage, as he may be hiding a sinister side following a violent incident involving Joel Marshall (Max Murray).
In recent episodes of the BBC soap, Joel returned to Walford following a six-month prison sentence for violently attacking his step-mum, Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig), who was determined not to live under the same roof as the tearaway teen.
He soon realised he was not welcome in the Square and planned to leave without saying goodbye to his dad, Ross Marshall (Alex Walkinshaw). However, before Joel left the Square, he was attacked by Walford’s teenagers who tied him to a fence and soaked him in beer while making fun of him.
Lily Slater (Lillia Turner), Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James), Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd), Nugget Gulati (Juhaim Rasul Choudhury), Ricky Branning (Frankie Day), Denzel Danes (Jaden Ladega), and Barney Mitchell (Lewis Bridgeman) later went back to free Joel after Will Mitchell (Freddie Phillips) ordered to let him go.
But when they returned, Joel was found unconscious on the floor with a serious head injury. On Thursday (July 23), the group was sickened by the sight of his body, and the police soon arrived at the scene.
DC Craig Ingram (Matthew James-Bailey) assured the teenagers were not under arrest as their parents gathered at the station, though they were all witnesses to the assault.
The group later gathered in The Arches to get their story straight as Joel received treatment in the hospital, but Barney looked visibly sheepish.
Harry Mitchell (Elijah Holloway) arrived and told them to leave, saying that the garage owner, Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), would be furious if he knew they’d used his premises as a meeting point. It then transpired that Barney had taken his spare key.
With everyone gone, Barney asked his brother if he’d found anything. Harry pulled a carrier bag from his coat that contained a hammer and said he needed to know everything. Did Barney attack Joel?
Who plays Barney in EastEnders?
Barney Mitchell is played by actor Lewis Bridgeman. The 19-year-old actor was born in Maldon, Essex, and attended Plume School with aspirations to become a drama teacher or an actor from a young age.
In 2021, Lewis joined the National Youth Theatre, which allowed the soap star to participate in workshops and stage productions and opened up opportunities for professional acting contracts.
The young actor has since appeared in various theatre productions, including The Wind in the Willows and Goodnight, Mister Tom.
Lewis’ talents do not stop at acting, as the soap star is also very intelligent. At the age of 12, he took Mensa International’s acceptance test and passed, indicating an IQ above 132 and placing him in the top 2% of the world’s population.
Lewis has been diagnosed with autism and dyspraxia, and his mother, Jayne Bridgeman, was worried he would struggle at school.
“Lewis has wanted to become an actor since the age of six,” proud mum Jayne told Maldon Standard in 2021.
“He adores everything to do with theatre and film. I’m very proud, I love the theatre, and we geek out together on Star Wars and Marvel things.”
Lewis went on to achieve four grade 9s and studied drama at A-Level whilst attending Chelmsford Drama Centre at weekends.
He landed the role of Barney Mitchell in EastEnders in 2024, with his first scene airing the same summer.
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer
Coronation Street fans have wondered why Gail Platt has not been mentioned whilst her daughter Sarah has been charged with murder and issued a plea for her to return
20:53, 22 Jul 2026Updated 20:54, 22 Jul 2026
Fans have wondered why Gail Platt does not appear to have been informed that her daughter is going to prison for murder (Image: ITV)
Coronation Street fans have wondered if Gail Platt could be about to make a comeback to the ITV soap. The legendary character was played by Helen Worth for 50 years and, during that time, she was known for several ill-fated marriages and raising her children Nick, Sarah (Tina O’Brien) and David.
The former GP receptionist and café waitress, who was also known for her long-running feud with fellow legend Eileen Grimshaw (Sue Cleaver) finally found the one in Jesse Chadwick and they departed for a quiet life in the France after tying the knot on Christmas Day 2024.
There has been no shortage of drama for the remaining members of the Platt family since her departure and, most recently, Gail’s middle child Sarah has been charged with the murder of Theo Silverton, after hitting the abusive scaffolder over the head with a pipe.
On Wednesday’s episode of the world’s longest-running TV soap, Maria Connor was once again trying to get details out of her husband Gary Windass (Mikey North) about that fateful night, aware that he had something to do with it. Viewers will remember that Sarah roped Gary into the whole thing because she felt unable to alert her current partner, DC Kit Green, because of what it might mean for his career.
He said: “She needed an alibi, so I sent a text from Theo’s phone. Does it really matter now, babe? And then I got rid of the murder weapon.” At this point, Maria well and truly lost it and exclaimed: “She has made you an accessory to murder! You came to her rescue? Well it didn’t work, did it? She’s been arrested!”
Whilst enjoying dinner at the bistro with his family, Gary was spotted by his nemesis Kit, who is determined to do whatever it can to get Sarah off the hook – even though he knows that she is guilty. Storming out of the restaurant, Kit raged at Gary: “She’s in a cell while you’re playing happy families. Fact is, you’re free. You don’t have to do a long prison stretch. You get to see your kid grow up. What is it with you? Did you just feel flattered?” Just as Kit began to issue a threat, Maria waltzed out of the bistro herself and Kit warned him: “One day, your luck is gonna run out.”
But one thing that was bothering fans throughout it all is that Sarah’s mother seems yet to be informed of her latest ordeal. Viewers flooded social media wondering why Gail, who last appeared via a video call last Christmas, doesn’t seem to have been contacted. One fan said: “Has anyone told Gail about Sarah? Trying to imagine next time she phones, if David answers. “Oh hi, Gail. Everything ok here. Oh yeah, Sarah’s in prison for murder, but y’know…”
One fan wrote on Reddit: “Now that Sarah has been charged with murder , I can’t help but wonder why no one has mentioned Gail? It’s one thing not informing her of run-of-the-mill dramas but she deserves to know that her daughter is about to go to prison
“This is where things fall down, once someone leaves that single backstreet, they are never spoken of again. Even if Helen Worth did a quick return via a video call, or, at the very least, Sarah or David was seen on the phone to her. It just kind of makes no sense otherwise. Maybe she’d just say “Not my problem now, au revoir!” and hang up.”
In response, another said: “I assume that what we see are only snippets of their life on the show and the characters we don’t see are living their lives between dramatic plot lines in the background. Therefore, I assume that Sarah talks to Gail, Kevin talks to Rosie and Sophie, Rita talks to Jenny, etc, we just don’t see it or hear about it.” Fans were also quick to issue a demand for an appearance from Sarah’s grandmother Audrey, who has not been on screen since November last year but has not been written out. Taking to X, one fan said: “Has Gail or Audrey been informed about Sarah? Hopefully there’s a mention of them soon.”
Another said: “Surely now Sarah’s incarnated (sic) warrants either a visit from Gail or brings Audrey home. The family need them.” Prior to joining the soap in July 1974, Helen had acted in Z-Cars, and appeared in the movie musical Oliver! before making an appearance in Doctor Who.
Helen’s only other role after joining Coronation Street came in 1981 when she voiced the part of cat Molly Silknose in Peter-No-Tail, and she appeared as Gail in a charity crossover with EastEnders for Children in Need in 2010.
Gail had been married six times, with one of her husbands being tragically stabbed to death and another was a serial killer. Other storylines include Sarah’s teenage pregnancy, and the death of her fourth husband Joe McIntyre, who died during a failed life insurance scheme.
Opening up on her time on the show and reason for leaving, Helen made a rare public appearance at the Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester earlier this year. She said: “It was only a bit towards the end when I got a bit tired. But the first, how many years? 49 years, were a dream.”
“My final husband, John Thomson, was absolutely gorgeous to me, because by then I was rattling a bit. It was around about 4,000 episodes and I was rattling a little bit. I had good and bad days… but then you forget the bad days and you just remember the good days.”
As the first Muslim family to live in Albert Square since the Karims in the late 80s, and the first Asian family since the Ferreiras in 2003, the Masoods brought a fresh perspective to the long-running BBC soap, and they quickly rose in popularity.
In 2016, after nearly a decade, Himesh decided to leave his role on EastEnders to pursue new opportunities in his acting career. It seems to have been a very wise decision, as he is now a movie star with his latest role in the blockbuster movie The Odyssey.
Who is Himesh Patel in The Odyssey?
Sir Christopher Nolan’s new movie, an adaptation of Homer’s Ancient Greek epic, stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, the Greek King of Ithaca, on his perilous 10-year journey home after the Trojan War.
The highly anticipated film, released on Friday, July 17, is the first-ever feature film shot entirely with IMAX cameras.
It has brought in a huge $264.1million (£196m) worldwide in its first weekend, surpassing the $249million (£185million) opening of The Dark Knight Rises (2012), which went on to be Nolan’s highest-grossing film, exceeding $1billion.
In the film, Patel plays Eurylochus, Odysseus’ trusted second-in-command. He’s not only fiercely loyal, but he also calls out Odysseus and serves as his conscience as they try to make their dangerous trek home to Ithaca.
The Odyssey features a star-studded A-list cast alongside Himesh and Matt Damon, including Zendaya, Tom Holland, and Robert Pattinson.
“Everything I’ve done in the last seven to eight years has been beyond my wildest dreams, but this movie was such a singular experience,” Himash told the Radio Times.
“There is only one guy who makes movies like this. I don’t know where my career is going but even if I have the privilege of working with Chris [Nolan] again, it won’t be this story, it won’t be this sort of thing.”
Since his EastEnders exit, Himesh has taken on significant roles in several notable films, including Danny Boyle’s Beatles-inspired film Yesterday (2019) and Christopher Nolan’s time-manipulating film Tenet.
In addition, he played the part of Jennifer Lawrence’s character’s romantic partner in the Netflix disaster film Don’t Look Up.
What are viewers saying about The Odyssey?
The Odyssey has already received rave reviews, and taking to Rotten Tomatoes, one viewer dubbed the movie “phenomenal”, while another added: “This is a cinematic masterpiece. Guaranteed Oscars sweep this year!”
A third chimed in: “Film. Of. The. Year. Possibly the decade”, while another added: “A cinematic masterpiece”, while another added: “Got to be one of the best adaptations of all time.”
“The Odyssey is an absolute masterpiece and my favorite movie of the year so far. Christopher Nolan delivers a visually breathtaking epic that had me glued to the screen from beginning to end,” added another.
The Odyssey is available to watch in various cinemas across the UK
Clive Masters has officially arrived in Walford, and while he gets to know Linda Carter, let’s take a look at the actor’s family life off-screen
14:31, 22 Jul 2026Updated 14:31, 22 Jul 2026
Clive Masters has arrived in Walford (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
EastEnders newcomer Jason Durr has a famous wife who television and gardening fans will know.
During Wednesday’s (July 22) episode of the BBC soap, Jason officially arrived in Walford as Clive Masters, a local Councilor and potential love interest of Linda Carter (Kellie Bright).
As the local community centre is at risk of closing down and being redeveloped, Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) put Linda in touch with Clive, who might be able to help with their fight to save the venue.
During their first meeting, it was clear that there was romantic chemistry between Linda and Clive as they opened up about their former partners, and they were set to grow closer in forthcoming episodes.
Will the pair take a chance on a little romance? The former Queen Vic landlady is yet to find love following the presumed death of her beloved husband Mick, played by Danny Dyer, who disappeared at sea on Christmas Day 2022.
Speaking about joining the cast of the BBC soap, Jason, 58, said: “Few shows command their place in the national conversation quite like EastEnders, so I’m delighted to be joining the cast as Clive Masters. Working with the wonderful Kellie Bright has been an absolute joy and pleasure from day one.”
He added: “All the cast, crew and production staff have been incredibly generous, welcoming and good humoured. I’m excited for audiences to meet Clive and see what’s in store.”
Who is Jason Durr married to?
Former Heartbeat star Jason has been married to TV presenter Kate since 2004, after they met while in Majorca, Spain. Kate, a former actor and model, is a garden designer and has even won a Royal Horticultural Society gold medal for her expertise.
In 1984, Kate enjoyed a brief stint in the children’s drama Grange Hill and starred in the television series Perfect World and Sam’s Game, both of which aired in 2001.
She has had success presenting, hosting Dream Ticket, Night Fever, and An Audience with Lennox Lewis, and is best known for her Guinness World Records presenting work.
The couple lives together in Wiltshire, and Kate often shares pictures on her Instagram of her stunning garden and many gorgeous outdoor designs.
Jason and Kate have three children together, two daughters and a son, and they usually keep their family out of the spotlight.
On Wednesday afternoon (July 22), Jason appeared on This Morning to talk about his latest acting role on EastEnders and paid a sweet tribute to his “lovely” wife.
Speaking to ITV daytime hosts Dermot O’Leary and Alison Hammond about learning his scripts, he said: “You’ve got to be absolutely pinpoint perfect with your dialogue, and it’s just a joy to be working with other regulars, who get it.”
Jason added, “Keep reading it. It’s one of those things, repetition, parrot fashion, you know, that kind of thing. The kids help me, my lovely wife helps me.”
Before marrying Kate, Jason was married to an Australian named Jeanine between 1995 and 2000. She was a singer-songwriter, and the pair were together for five years before splitting.
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer
Coronation Street’s Betsy Swain has taken centre stage this week as the ITV soap tackles the silent dangers of non-fatal strangulation in a powerful stroke awareness storyline
Coronation Street’s Betsy Swain has taken centre stage this week as the ITV soap tackles the silent dangers of non-fatal strangulation(Image: ITV)
Coronation Street’s Betsy Swain is currently part of a hard-hitting storyline.
The hit ITV soap is tackling the silent dangers of non-fatal strangulation in a powerful stroke awareness storyline. Only recently, Ryan Connor discovered an unconscious Betsy, where she was rushed to hospital.
Doctors confirmed that she had suffered a stroke caused by a blood clot which was the result of neck artery damage from a temporary loss of circulation.
Once stabilised having suffered a second stroke, an embarrassed and vulnerable Betsy eventually managed to reveal that her boyfriend Dylan Wilson strangled her during consensual sex, despite both believing the pressure applied was minimal.
In the coming months, viewers will witness Betsy’s challenging recovery journeys as she transitions from hospital to home, navigating significant life changes. With Betsy taking centre stage, soap watchers are keen to learn more about actress Sydney Martin’s life from her real age to her normal job before Corrie fame…
Real age
Sydney shot to fame when she joined the ITV soap as Betsy, daughter of fan favourite DS Lisa Swain, played by Vicky Myers.
In the soap, Betsy’s age is 18 with the character having been born in September 2007, meaning she will turn 19 later this year. However, in real life, actress Sydney is in fact 24.
Back in October, Sydney celebrated her birthday, sharing a post on her Instagram revealing she was 24. Reacting to Sydney’s real age, soap fans were left floored at the time.
On a Coronation StreetFacebook fan page, one person said: “Happy 24th birthday to Sydney Martin who plays Betsy Swain!“
Someone else declared: “Never knew she was 24!” A third chimed in and quipped: “I need a moment! She’s 24 What?!” Echoing their thoughts, another person penned: “Def looks younger doesn’t she.”
Normal job before Corrie fame
Before landing her Coronation Street role, Sydney was working at supermarket Tesco and immediately handed her notice in after getting the life-changing call.
Previously talking to The Sun, Sydney recalled how she was watching the film Pitch Perfect 3 with flatmates in Manchester when she got the call to say she had won the role of Betsy.
The actress told the publication: “I just ran to the corner of the flat to answer the phone. I said, ‘It’s going to be a no, so keep watching the film’, and then my agent said, ‘Go hand in your notice’.
“I was doing six days at Tesco, so it’s quite the career change. My flatmate picked me up and we just cried. We didn’t finish Pitch Perfect. I could not have asked for a better first opportunity.
“My parents are my biggest fans. They are over the moon. I had my first picture in a magazine recently and they bought ten copies.”
Sydney admitted that she had previously auditioned for two smaller roles before landing Betsy and it was a two-month process before getting the job.
Coronation Street continues on weekdays at 8:30pm on ITV and ITVX.
