Former EastEnders star Shaheen Jafargholi, who played Shakil Kazemi on the BBC soap, shocked fans when he took to social media and posed topless to show off his ripped appearance
Shaheen Jafargholi played the part of Shakil Kazemi on EastEnders (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes)
Former EastEnders star Shaheen Jafargholi has shocked fans with his appearance – almost a decade after he left the BBC soap. The actor, 29, played Shakil Kazemi from 2016 until 2018, with his alter-ego leaving Walford in explosive scenes which saw him stabbed to death as part of a hard-hitting knife storyline.
The former soap star recently took to Instagram to share a series of snaps of himself topless whilst attending a music festival, and, in one photo he posed confidently as he looked to his left and showed off his toned physique.
In another snap, the TV star was seen rolling on the grass as he cuddled his dog. He did not caption the post, but fans were taken aback by his appearance.
One wrote: “Well then [fire emoji],” and another said: “Phoaar!” A third wrote: “You’re looking very nice and slim in this Photo,” and a fourth said: “gorgeous!!”
Following his time on EastEnders, he enjoyed a five-year stint as Marty Kirkby on Casualty and later this year, he will be seen in Sky legal drama War.
When Shaheen left EastEnders, he said: “It’s going to be weird – I’ve been there for two years now and made so many incredible friends and family.
“Like anything all good things come to an end, it’s the nature of these kind of shows, characters come and go I feel so blessed to be able to leave with such an incredible storyline that means so much.”
Shaheen initially found fame when he competed on Britain’s Got Talent in 2009 alongside Susan Boyle and Diversity, and has so far released two albums. Shortly after impressing Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan on the ITV1 talent show, and reaching the final, he was selected to perform at Michael Jackson’s funeral.
He sang Who’s Lovin’ You again and, according to the late US talk show host Larry King, the founder of Motown Records, Berry Gordy, said “If I were still in the business, I would sign him tomorrow.”
Shaheen previously recalled: “When I was walking I wasn’t thinking about anything other than the way to get there. So I just walked out and did it. When I opened my mouth to sing, I was fine.
“When I sing I go into a totally different world. I feel invincible. I feel nobody can touch me and I can do whatever I want to do. It wasn’t until I’d finished that I realised what I’d just done.”
Coronation Street newcomer Lucy, played by actress Anya Dewin, has been lashing out after her dad Richie murdered her mum Rachel, but fans are predicting a twist
Coronation Street spoilers reveal ANOTHER murder as Tim and Sally left reeling
Coronation Street‘s Lucy is sparking concern with her scary behaviour after a traumatic plot played out.
Lucy’s dad Richie has been arrested for the murder of his wife, Lucy’s mother, Rachel. Tim Metcalfe found Rachel dead at the house, with Richie having blood on his shirt.
Tim has taken Lucy in, and Lucy isn’t allowed to see her dad. Richie claims he killed Rachel in self-defence, with Lucy backing this.
Lucy told Sally and Tim about Rachel apparently tormenting her dad for a while, hitting him too. She claimed Richie acted in self-defence after Rachel tried to hurt him again.
Lucy has been lashing out in the fallout, while we have also seen her traumatised and experiencing nightmares and sleepwalking. While some fans think Lucy is traumatised after potentially witnessing Richie killing her mum, others have an even darker theory.
Some fans think the reason for her behaviour is because she killed Rachel, and that her dad is taking the blame. A fan said: “Anyone else already thinking Lucy did it and Richie is just covering for her?
“That’s quite a temper she has there.” Another fan agreed: “How do we know she didn’t kill her mum? Quite a temper she’s got there.”
A third fan wrote: “Did Lucy kill her mum and the dad is covering by taking the blame.” A fourth said: “My guess is Lucy killed her mum and her Dad is taking the blame.”
Another added: “I’m thinking Lucy killed her mum to stop her hurting her dad, but he’s taking the blame for it.” A final post read: “After last nights #Corrie i am convinced that Lucy killed her mum.”
Others pointed out that the trauma would make her lash out. A fan said: “Richie killed Rachel and Lucy may have seen it. A big fight must have happened when he immediately got back.
“Lucy is having sleep terrors and also sleeping walking due to the trauma. It was proper heartbreaking to hear her cry like that, and t comforting her.
“So Lucy claims that her mum attacked her dad first with a knife, and Richie had to hit her with the doorstop in defence.” Another fan said: “Did Lucy see her abusive mum push her dad over the edge?”
It comes as Corrie fans were left convinced one cast member had leaked a massive spoiler on social media this week. Not only that, but some were convinced it gave away the ending of a major storyline currently airing on the show.
As the future of one character remains up in the air after a murder twist, fans questioned if a social media post ruled out at an exit. Lucy Fallon, who plays Bethany Platt on the soap, posted something on her Instagram this week.
It was a lovely snap of her and her co-star Tina O’Brien, who plays her onscreen mother Sarah Platt. In recent scenes, Sarah confessed to accidentally killing villain Theo Silverton.
She was arrested and charged, and she now faces a court case, with her currently in prison. So when Lucy posted the picture of her and Tina on the set of the ITV soap, fans immediately speculated what it might mean.
Some fans decided it had to mean Sarah was out of prison in a matter of weeks. But this photo is not likely to be a spoiler, and it doesn’t actually mean Sarah’s fate is revealed at all.
Coronation Street’s Sarah Platt needs to watch out, as new prison pal Kacey has a secret agenda behind her protecting her – with spoilers giving away her real plan
Coronation Street Kacey’s real plan for Sarah exposed
Coronation Street‘s Kacey is not to be trusted, as she’s about to target Sarah Platt.
On Friday she was being all nice to a terrified Sarah, who is in prison for murdering Theo Silverton. Kacey took Sarah under her wing, vowing to protect her after an attack.
When Bethany Platt went to visit her mum, Sarah sang Kacey’s praises. It was clear Bethany wasn’t sold, but Sarah claimed Kacey had saved her, and was looking out for her.
But fans didn’t buy it, just like Bethany. They were quick to suggest the prisoner could not be trusted and it turns out they are correct.
According to spoilers for next week’s episodes, Kacey’s real intentions come to light. Sarah will be left terrified when the threats start, and there’s violence too.
Kacey enters Sarah’s cell in tears and informs her that her son has been arrested for armed robbery. Kacey begs Sarah to speak to her ex Kit Green, who is a detective.
Having just dumped Kit, she refuses. Kacey shares her hopes that Kit can help her son, but Sarah says she cannot get involved and won’t be speaking to Kit.
But things take a turn when a furious Kacey threatens her. Sarah still refuses to speak to Kit, even after her pal Todd Grimshaw finds out about the threat and tells her to do what Kacey says.
Kit is soon contacted, but he tells a desperate Sarah that if he were to help Kacey, he could lose his job. Kit also reminds her that she dumped him to stop him from ruining said career.
With Kit avoiding the plea, Kacey later turns violent with Sarah. She also warns Sarah that if anything happens to her son, it’ll be on her.
Fans had called it with Kacey from the moment they met her, with one writing on social media: “I want to trust that Kacey, but I don’t.” Another sad: “Bethany seems worried as well about Kacey helping her mum out.
“It’s definitely giving Kacey thinks she possibly can get Sarah as her property.” A third said: “Kacey already knowing that Kit is a cop, and wanting to help Sarah out if she has any trouble from that. That is a tad suspicious in my opinion.”
It comes as Corrie fans were left convinced one cast member had leaked a massive spoiler on social media this week. Not only that, but some were convinced it gave away the ending of a major storyline currently airing on the show.
Lucy Fallon, who plays Bethany on the soap, posted a snap of her and her co-star Tina O’Brien, who plays her onscreen mother, on Instagram.
Some fans decided it had to mean Sarah was out of prison in a matter of weeks. But this photo is not likely to be a spoiler, and it doesn’t actually mean Sarah’s fate is revealed at all.
Some viewers pointed out that the prison set is close to where they were, so there’s every chance Sarah is in prison. Then there’s the fact that some of the cast and crew were on set on Wednesday, when the selfie was posted online, enjoying the solar eclipse together. So it doesn’t even mean the pair were filming, they could have just been hanging out.
One former resident of Weatherfield could be about to make a shock return to Weatherfield, more than a decade after she departed the ITV soap, and fans have “worked out” how
16:48, 12 Aug 2026Updated 17:13, 12 Aug 2026
Amber Kalirai has not been seen on Coronation Street since 2012(Image: ITV)
One former resident of Weatherfield could be about to make a shock return to Coronation Street – almost 15 years on from her departure. Fans are convinced Amber Kalirai is making a comeback.
In the latest scenes on the ITV soap, Alya Nazir (Sair Khan) has decided to sell her share of the Speed Daal restaurant, leaving her colleague Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) a little surprised to say the least. Leanne’s new boyfriend Idris, who turned up as Alya’s long-lost cousin before hastily announcing he was in fact her long-lost uncle, seems determined to get his hands on it.
But now, fans have claimed that they would like to see Amber Kalirai, the daughter of shopkeeper Dev Alahan (Jimmi Harkishin), make a comeback and snap up the business for herself.
One fan wrote on X:”Totally random Amber Devs daughter should be the new speed daal owner,” and the idea quickly spread across social media.
Taking to Facebook, one fan said: “Wouldn’t it be interesting if the new co owner of speed daal was Devs daughter Amber,” and another said: “Be good to see her back, she is never mentioned.”
A third wrote: “Great little actress. I would love to see her back in Corrie!” and a fourth said: “Loved her-underrated character-stood up to Dev.” A fifth simply demanded: “Bring Amber back!”
Amber was played by actress Nikki Patel, 36, who made her debut on Coronation Street in 2005 and stayed with the programme for four years.
In the summer of 2011, Amber made a comeback and stayed for just under a year, bowing out in March 2012. During her final few months on the cobbles, Amber made friends with Rosie Webster (Helen Flanagan) and Sophie Webster (Brooke Vincent), who fell for her in what was a case of unrequited love.
In the end, though, unable to mend her already-tricky relationship with stepmother Sunita Alahan (Shobna Gulati), she got a job in London and has not been seen since.
When Sunita was killed off after being trapped in the fire at the Rovers Return in 2013, Amber was informed but was unable to attend the funeral as she was travelling with her new boyfriend.
Away from Coronation Street, Nikki has appeared in Waterloo Road, Holy City and Call The Midwife but has also performed in numerous plays, and, earlier this year, announced that she had written a new BBC sitcom titled The Patels, which, if commissioned, will focus on two Gurajti women who must put their difference aside for the sake of their sons.
Speaking to Female Pilot Club, she explained: “There are some heavy issues that they’re talking about but they do it in such an accessible, beautiful way, with a normalised family, which could be difficult. And that’s kind of presented in a dramatic setting.
“I just want to be part of a conversation with that community, potentially help people, [because] there are families going through this right now now where the kids are afraid to be and show who they really are.
“And I think it’s so sad and it’s crazy to me … so I kind of want to be part of a change. Maybe that’s really big wishful thinking. But like I said, comedy is a way to try and do that.”
Emmerdale spoilers have dropped the biggest hint yet about how Dawn Taylor leaves the ITV soap after eight years, with actress Olivia Bromley said to be axed from the show
11:16, 12 Aug 2026Updated 11:16, 12 Aug 2026
Emmerdale’s Billy and Dawn’s escape bid thwarted
How Dawn is leaving Emmerdale may have been exposed in new spoilers.
If this is her exit storyline, she might not be leaving alone. At least one character could exit the soap with her, with another three characters also tipped to depart the village.
It was reported earlier this year that Dawn was leaving the show after eight years, with actress Olivia Bromley axed. The soap and actress Olivia have not commented on whether the exit is happening, but reports suggest she will leave soon.
Now, new spoilers have confirmed an exit plan that would see Dawn leave the village for good. With pregnant Dawn believing her fiancé Joe Tate attacked and nearly killed her ex Billy Fletcher, she makes a huge decision.
Despite a wedding on the way for her and Joe, Dawn decides she can’t be with him if he’s attacked Billy. Of course she has no idea that Joe is innocent, and did not attack Billy, having been set up.
That said, she and Billy decide to leave together with the kids, Lucas, Clemmie and Evan. They plot to escape with the help of Billy’s boss, and Joe’s nemesis, Caleb Miligan.
With the offer of passports and money to start their new live away from Joe and the village, Dawn and Billy are adamant they need to go. So this spoiler appears to confirm an exit for them – but does it happen?
There’s no news on an exit for Billy or any of the children just yet. So is this something that the soap are trying to keep under wraps, and can we expect five exits if this plan goes ahead?
It certainly teases Dawn’s exit, as she’s literally deciding to leave the village for good. If Caleb sticks to his word and helps them, amid her wedding to Joe, it could see her exit the show with Billy, and the kids, and therefore pave the way for actress Olivia’s departure.
Of course there’s every chance the plan might not go ahead or might be rumbled. A recent promo teased the wedding episodes, with Dawn, Billy and Joe featuring in an eerie clip.
Dawn is sat at a mirror, with the reflection showing Joe and Billy either side of her. One by one both men, and then Dawn, disappear with a chilling noise heard each time.
When the promo video ends, Dawn appears to be crying with the mirror fractured. Not only that, but fans noticed Dawn wearing a black veil, leaving them wondering if a death will air.
Lillia Turner, who plays Lily Slater on EastEnders, has forged a remarkable bond with her on-screen mother Lacey Turner – and the pair share more than just a surname
EastEnders teen Lily Slater is played by Lillia Turner(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)
EastEnders star Lillia Turner joined the soap as Lily Slater back in 2020.
The teenager, who plays feisty Lily on the BBC One soap, has built a warm and genuine relationship with Lacey, who plays Stacey Slater and the bond between them is clear both on and off set.
Lillia was born on 16 March 2009, making her 17 years old, while her on-screen character Lily is currently 16. She took over the role in 2020, having been chosen to breathe new life into the character previously played by Aine Garvey from 2014 to 2019.
Away from the bright lights of Walford, Lillia lives the life of a typical teenager. In May 2025 she temporarily stepped away from EastEnders to focus on her GCSE examinations, demonstrating that despite her impressive acting career, her education remains a firm priority.
She returned to screens in August 2025, picking up where she left off and continuing to impress both fans and fellow cast members alike.
One of the most charming glimpses into Lillia’s life away from the soap came when she teamed up with co-star Thomas Law, who plays Peter Beale, for an impromptu singing session.
The pair took advantage of a break on set to record a rendition of Best Part by Daniel Caesar, with Law posting a snippet of the performance on Instagram, writing: “[Lillia] and I stealing the echos from the staircase for our teaser version of this beautiful song.”
The clip quickly drew warm reactions from their EastEnders colleagues. Bobby Brazier, who plays Freddie Slater, wrote: “Omg so happy to see, yes lilia,” while Denise Fox star Diane Parish called them “Cutie pies.” Lauren Branning actress Jacqueline Jossa added: “Lillia amazing beautiful girl x.”
The performance offered a peek at a hidden talent that has clearly delighted her castmates, with Lillia’s singing voice earning particular praise in the comments.
Despite not being related in real life, fans frequently mistake Lillia and Lacey for genuine family members thanks to their striking facial similarities, matching surnames and undeniable on-screen chemistry.
Lacey has been vocal in her admiration for her young co-star, heaping praise on Lillia in an interview with Digital Spy.
“Lillia is such a great little actress. There’s something about her that is so warm and so natural, and her instincts are just bang-on,” Lacey said. “She’s been so desperate for a storyline of her own for so many years, so to see her have one is lovely.
“To watch her absolutely nail it has just been brilliant. I’ve tried to stay out of it as much as I can because Lillia actually doesn’t need any help, tips or guidance because she’s just great. She’s got something that is so natural that I don’t want to take that away from her.”
It is high praise indeed from one of EastEnders’ most beloved and long-standing stars, and a testament to just how much of an impression the young actress has made since joining the cast.
Since her arrival on EastEnders six years ago, Lillia has tackled some of the soap’s most challenging storylines, most notably when Lily discovered she was pregnant at just 12 years old.
The powerful performance earned Lillia the Best Young Performer award at the 2023 British Soap Awards, cementing her status as one of the most talented young actresses on British television.
More recently, Lily has found herself at the heart of a gripping new storyline surrounding the attack on Joel Marshall, with the character confessing she had been withholding key information about what she witnessed that night.
With her GCSEs behind her, a soap award already on the mantelpiece, and a castful of admirers cheering her on, Lillia’s future both on and off screen looks extraordinarily bright.
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
Coronation Street spoilers for next week reveal death news and Richie targets Tim – The Mirror
Need to know
Coronation Street spoilers for next week’s episodes tease some sad news, new revenge drama and some big discoveries, and maybe one storyline isn’t what it seems
23:58, 10 Aug 2026Updated 00:00, 11 Aug 2026
Coronation Street Kacey’s real plan for Sarah exposed
Everything you need to know about next week’s Coronation Street as new spoilers tease danger, revenge and bombshells
Kacey enters prison inmate Sarah’s cell in tears and reveals that her son has been arrested for armed robbery, before begging Sarah to speak to her ex, detective Kit.
Sarah declines to ask Kit for his help, so Kacey threatens her. Then when Kit refuses to help a desperate Sarah, Kacey turns violent.
Shona and Sally try to get Lily and Lucy to make up after their fight. Lucy lashes out as Tim refuses to let her visit her dad in prison.
When Tim visits Richie, Richie asks him to back his self-defence story over his wife Rachel’s murder. When Tim refuses, Richie blames him for what happened and lashes out.
Adam advises Alya to decline Idris’s offer for the restaurant.
Idris holds a poker night at the restaurant in secret. Leanne finds out and tells Idris he’s no longer welcome at the restaurant, while dodgy businesswoman Fiona is shocked to find out Ollie, who beat her at the poker night, is a chef at the venue.
George rejects Christina over her spending, after she recently revealed her spending addiction
Celeste arrives and reveals she’s planning her funeral, as she only has six weeks to live.
When Glenda eyes up newcomer Fraser, Todd finds out from Celeste that Fraser is gay, and he forms a plan against Glenda after their constant clashing
Nina is offered a job in Whitby, teasing the character’s exit storyline which airs this summer
Emmerdale star Christopher Coghill, who plays villain Kev Barton, was once struck over the head with a handbag by a fan who was horrified at his on-screen behaviour
Emmerdale’s Kev actor Chris Coghill has opened up about his bizarre fan encounters(Image: ITV)
Soap star Christopher Coghill has discussed what happened during a bizarre fan encounter in Selfridges.
The actor, who portrays Kev Barton in ITV soap Emmerdale, describes his character as “a sympathetic psychopath, if you will”, adding he remains unfazed about being typecast as a villain following his stint playing paedophile Tony King in EastEnders in 2008.
He said: “You’ve got to give people a bit of credit. When I started in EastEnders, there were people who were like, ‘You know, there are people out there who really can’t tell the difference between what they see on telly and real life, and because of the character you’re playing, you’re going to get a lot of shit, and you might need police protection’.
“And then you go out, and people go, ‘Oh, you’re brilliant in EastEnders’, and that was kind of it. I did get hit over the head with a handbag in Selfridges, but apart from that..”
His Emmerdale colleague William Ash, who takes on the role of Caleb Miligan, said he’s encountered similar reactions, adding: “People are genuinely generally really nice. You don’t get any grief, really. I did have one woman at the at the petrol station going ‘oh, you’re right horrible to Moira’.”
The duo, who previously shared the screen in the 2003 drama Burn It and portrayed brothers in both the 2006 one-off comedy Magnolia and a 2016 episode of Moving On, find themselves embroiled in an Emmerdale storyline centred on an assault on Billy Fletcher (Jay Kontzle) at the depot.
Kev is responsible for the attack and Caleb possesses CCTV footage of the incident, but has been concealing it so he can pin the blame on his bitter rival, Joe Tate (Ned Porteous).
Coghill said of the footage: “I hold my hands up, it does look bad – I am bent over him with a crowbar and he’s in a pool of blood.”
Yet it might not prove to be the leverage that Caleb believes it to be.
Ash said: “I think [Caleb and wife Ruby, played by Beth Cordingly] just don’t know how to handle him, like most people in the village. It’s like he’s such a loose cannon. You just don’t know what you’re going to get from him.”
Coghill is equally insistent that he wants no further singing scenes for his character, following his on-screen serenade to estranged husband Robert (Ryan Hawley) with If You’re Not The One by Daniel Bedingfield, and his subsequent attempt to convey his emotions to long-lost son Lewis (Bradley Riches) through a rendition of Boyzone’s Father And Son.
Coghill said: “Do you know what, [producer] Laura Shaw did say to me the other week, do you want to do All I Want For Christmas Is You? And I said, if you keep me till Christmas 2029, I’ll do it then. That’s how my contract negotiations are going. But no, it’s excruciating. Horrible.
“If I could sing, I wouldn’t be an actor. If I could sing, I would have been in a band in the 1990s.”
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and STV, and is available to stream from 7am on ITVX, STV Player and YouTube.
Coronation Street fans have predicted that a shock reunion is on the cards for Sarah and Gary after they became wrapped up in the murder of Theo Silverton earlier this year
20:47, 10 Aug 2026Updated 20:48, 10 Aug 2026
Sarah and Gary could be about to reunite on Coronation Street after getting caught up together in a murder
Sarah Platt broke up with Kit Green on Monday night’s episode of Coronation Street – and fans think they know exactly why.
Currently in prison having been charged with murder, Kit is doing everything he can to try make sure Sarah gets away with her crimes, and he recently pressured Gary into confessing that he had a hand in it. To make matters worse, Gary’s wife Maria (Samia Longchambon) initially lied to the police to give Gary a false alibi before she even knew of his involvement, and even she was hauled in for questioning on the latest episode of the ITV soap.
Whilst at the station, incompetent copper DS Lisa Swain, who usually puts innocent people in prison, started to plant a seed in Maria’s head. She said: “He must really care about her, though. To risk everything for her like that. You wouldn’t just do that for anybody, would you?
“Only someone who means a lot to you… or you were in love with. I mean, does that not bother you? Not only that, but by getting you to give him a false alibi, it seems like he’s quite happy to risk you getting arrested for perverting the course of justice.
Maria was let go due to lack of evidence, but was furious when she got back home to Gary, as she raged: “Even Lisa said that for you to have done what you did, covering up for her, you must still have feelings for her.”
Meanwhile, Sarah instructed Kit to come to the prison rather than speak to him in person. Almost on the verge of tears, she told him: “I love you. I love you so much. I do. But I can’t watch you jeopardise everything that you’ve worked for, and I can’t watch you do this to yourself. He’s hardly what I’d call a keeper, your Gary, now, is he?”
“You never used to be jealous. Ever. And now you don’t trust me. I can see it in your eyes when you look at me and anything I ever say, or whatever I tell you, you’re never gonna believe a word I say.
“I’m not having a go, because I get it. I know it’s my fault. I can’t do this anymore. I can’t watch you throw your career away because of me. You know as well as I do if I get sent down for us, you’re not gonna be able to stay on in the police force.
“A copper with a convicted murderer for a partner – that’s not gonna work! No, it’s over. Okay? You need to forget about me and move on.” Kit looked on in disbelief but viewers were quick to suggest that, despite Sarah’s protests, she does in fact still love Gary and this will lead to them getting back together.
Reacting to the emotional scenes, one fan wrote on X: “After all this, sarah and gary have to end up together, right? I mean, Gary’s risked his livelihood for sarah and she keeps trying to protect him.”
Another said: “Gary & Sarah have been protecting each other over & over for real crimes while hurting their actual partners. All I’m seeing is Gary & Sarah endgame“
A third wrote: “I would’ve understood if Sarah had been convicted but all the things she’s mentioning are only relevant if she gets sent down. She’s giving up on Kit so easily while gladly going to prison for longer just so Gary doesn’t have to for committing a crime to protect her.”
EXCLUSIVE Emmerdale boss Laura Shaw told the Mirror about the fallout to Sarah Sugden killing Dr Todd on the ITV soap, teasing Sarah could soon find out another big secret
20:27, 09 Aug 2026Updated 20:27, 09 Aug 2026
Emmerdale Mack Boyd star Lawrence Robb confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing
There could be another big shock for Sarah Sugden on the way on Emmerdale, in the fallout to her killing Dr Todd.
Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, soap boss Laura Shaw teased another huge secret would rock Sarah at some point. While fans are already in the know about a big twist that will no doubt derail her life, Sarah is yet to discover something rather huge.
On Sunday night we saw Sarah accidentally kill Todd, after a showdown with Charity Dingle. Charity had confronted her rapist, wanting a confession after the police closed the case.
Sarah walked in to the house and heard the accusation, realising Todd had raped Charity. It was just before Todd was about to expose Charity’s baby to Sarah that disaster struck.
Sarah pushed Todd, causing her to slip and fall. As she fell, Todd slammed her head on the table and died almost instantly, with Sarah and Charity watching on in horror.
Of course this was shocking, but for Sarah it’s not over it seems. Laura told us that another big shock was still to come for the character, as both Sarah and Charity deal with the aftermath of Todd’s demise.
She explained: “They are locked in a secret and that’s going to be long-lasting and going forward, that’s going to affect their relationship. Obviously, there’s still the baby secret to come out at some point.”
As we pointed out that the baby reveal was inevitably going to be exposed at some point, Laura agreed. She said: “It’s going to, it’s got to happen at some point.
“And how that will affect the story with regards to the murder and Todd, you’ll have to wait and see.” So, Sarah WILL find out about baby Leyla, meaning another huge shock is set to rattle her after she’s just turned killer.
We will see the turmoil threaten to rip Charity and her granddaughter Sarah apart, so will Charity’s betrayal regarding Leyla end their bond for good? It seems, according to Laura, this killer twist will impact the pair for a while yet.
As for the immediate fallout, the soap is keeping coy about what happens next. Very vague spoilers have revealed that in the fallout to Sunday’s death twist, Monday will see Sarah’s life turned upside down.
Charity will be desperate to cling onto her secret, meaning the baby lie. Whether Sarah could be exiting the soap after her killer actions remains to be seen for now!
EastEnders actress Kellie Bright has quit the BBC soap after 13 years, saying ‘now is the right time for me to say goodbye’ and teasing an ‘exciting’ exit storyline
EastEnders‘ Kellie Bright has quit the BBC soap. The actress, who played Linda Carter for 13 years, has said that she made the “tough decision” to leave over a year ago.
Posting the news to Instagram, EastEnders bosses wrote: “After 13 years, Kellie Bright is saying goodbye to EastEnders and her iconic role of Linda Carter.
“Kellie Bright burst onto our screens in 2013 as the loveable matriarch of the Carter family, and landlady of The Queen Vic, and has been at the heart of some of the show’s most explosive and iconic storylines since her character’s inception.
“From Linda’s journey with alcoholism, her integral role in The Six flashforward which saw her character responsible for Keanu’s Christmas Day murder, and Linda’s famed relationship with husband Mick Carter, Kellie has firmly cemented Linda as an EastEnders icon who is loved by the viewers and EastEnders company alike for her dedication to family, friendships and pink flamingos.”
They teased that her exit would be dramatic, saying: “Kellie and Linda’s exit is still a while away on screen, but with a rich history like Linda Carter’s, it would be impossible for her to leave quietly…”
Kellie, 50, first joined the show in 2013, as the new landlady of the Queen Vic when her husband Mick Carter (Danny Dyer) took over from the Mitchell family.
When she is set to leave the soap hasn’t been revealed yet, but she will be around until at least 1 January 2027, as Linda already appeared in the flashforward to that date earlier this year.
Sharing her decision to leave, Kellie said: “EastEnders has been my home for thirteen years and I have absolutely loved being part of the show, but I have decided that it is now the right time for me to say goodbye. I made the tough decision over a year ago, and after discussing this with Kate Oates and Ben Wadey, they asked me to stay on to be part of an exciting storyline they had planned, and I happily agreed to extend my stay. I will miss my friends and colleagues hugely, but I am looking forward to my next chapter and spending more time with my wonderful boys.”
Executive producer Ben Wadey added: ““Kellie has been at the beating heart of EastEnders for the past 13 years, and her characterisation of the fiercely lovable, protective, and brilliant Linda Carter has made her a favourite amongst the viewers and cemented her as a classic EastEnders icon.
Kellie has been involved in some of the show’s most explosive and iconic storylines, and everyone at EastEnders will miss Kellie and Linda dearly. When Kellie told us of her decision last year to leave, we already had big plans for Linda, so we were delighted that Kellie agreed to stay on to see them through. We’ve still got a long way to go before we say goodbye.”
The Sun quoted a source who said that Kellie felt it was time to look at opportunities elsewhere. The source also said that the “door is being left open” for Linda to return one day. As such, it is unlikely that she will be killed off – unlike Michelle Ryan’s Zoe Slater.
Zoe is thought to be set to die in a upcoming storyline after Michelle decided to quit earlier this year. A spokesperson said to the Mirror at the time: “We can confirm Zoe Slater will be departing EastEnders later this year. We wish Michelle Ryan all the best for the future. However, we never comment on future storylines as we don’t want to spoil it for the viewers.”
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.
