Soap operas

Emmerdale viewers are convinced another character will turn out to be the biological father of Ross Barton’s brother Lewis Barton, after actor Bradley Riches teased the truth

Viewers of Emmerdale think they have worked out the real father of newcomer Lewis Barton, after a hint by actor Bradley Riches.

The character debuted recently as the secret son of late villain Emma Barton, making him the brother of Ross Barton. Ross had no idea he existed, and faced difficult questions when they met for the first time.

With Bradley Riches’ character wanting to know all about Emma and what she was like, Ross was torn over whether to spill the truth about her killer actions and her fate. During their chats it was confirmed that Lewis and Ross did not share the same father.

It wasn’t known who Lewis’ biological fas was with him given up for adoption after he was born. With Lewis seemingly in the dark about his father, fans immediately suspected the identity of the mystery man.

Viewers predicted he would at some point show up in the village, or at least be identified. Bradley did nothing to cool the speculation either, with him posting the eyes emoji in response to a fan asking about Lewis’ dad on Instagram.

It was clear he was either hiding something or that he was hinting more was to come. With that fans began speculating the father was a character already on the show, past or present.

READ MORE: Emmerdale’s John Sugden actor Oliver Farnworth says fans ‘cross street’ to avoid him

Some fans questioned whether it was a Dingle who fathered Lewis, despite him being born before Emma even went to the village. It didn’t stop fans speculating though, suggesting “it’s always a Dingle”.

One fan questioned: “Is it Sam Dingle?” as another said: “Eli Dingle.” A third fan posted: “Bound to be a Dingle,” as a further suggestion said: “A Dingle not Cain though.”

Other fans were more convinced a different character no longer on the show, with a link to Emma, could be revealed as the father of Lewis. It would be a blow to Moira Dingle, Ross’ aunt and Emma’s killer, amid her fearing her secret will be exposed.

Viewers think her late husband John Barton, the brother of Emma’s murdered husband James Barton, could be Lewis’ dad. Given James and Moira had an affair, fans wondered if Emma and John had their own fling out of revenge.

Some fans wondered if Emma fell pregnant with John’s child, and the betrayal is what led to Lewis being adopted. Taking to social media, one viewer guessed: “John Barton,” as another said: “Maybe Emma had an affair with John Barton like Moira did with James.”

A third fan commented: “Moira’s husband,” as another agreed: “John, Moira’s first husband.” The theory was shared by others too, as another comment read: “Moira’s first husband,” as another said: “I wondered that, Moira cheered with James so why not Emma with John as a revenge thing. This could by why she had Lewis adopted.”

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

Matthew Wolfenden has spoken for the first time about being suspended from his role on ITV’s Emmerdale after appearing to mimic a Chinese accent on the set

Emmerdale actor Matthew Wolfenden has revealed why he was suspended from the ITV soap opera and how it saw him suffer a nervous breakdown. The actor who plays local businessman David Metcalfe vanished from screens in 2021 alongside his co-star, Isabel Hodgins, who plays Victoria Sugden, leaving fans baffled.

At the time, it was reported that the pair had been embroiled in a heated row while filming scenes for Super Soap Week in the same year. Reports claimed that the pair came to blows while filming a scene which involved a waterfall, which aired on October 19, 2021. However, it later emerged that the soap had launched an investigation following claims of a race row.

But until now, Matthew, 45, has remained tight-lipped about his exit from the soap and has confirmed it came after they were accused of mimicking a Chinese accent around the workplace. “We were falsely accused of doing an accent on set,” he said.

Matthew went on to explain: “Whenever the word race is used, they have to take it seriously.” He explained that a young cast member had mistakenly thought they’d heard the pair putting on a Chinese accent and later complained to a producer about the incident.

He stated that the younger cast member told a producer they were “not very happy” about what they had heard on the set of the Yorkshire-based soap opera. “So, because of this, we did have to get suspended because as soon as that’s an issue, they have to go down the correct routes while they investigate what happens,” Matthew said.

Speaking on Lewis Nicholls Life Stories, he went on to say: “Unfortunately when you get suspended from a continuing drama, you have to get written out of storylines and that is not an easy process because the storylines are written six weeks in advance, you film six weeks in advance and then it’s on screen.

“So even if you’re off for two weeks that could be three months of not being on screen.” He said that he and Isabel had worked together a lot in the lead up to the suspension due to their characters being in a relationship and the pair loved watching comedies.

“So we were sat one day talking about what comedies we loved to watch and we were doing scenes, mimicking the scenes, doing the lines from the scenes,” he said. He went on to add: “And I said to her, ‘Have you ever seen the League of Gentlemen?’

“And there’s a scene in the League of Gentlemen where Reece Shearsmith dresses up as a lady called Pam Doove and it’s called the Orange Juice Scene if anyone wants to Google it and see what I mean. And he’s playing an actress who comes into an audition room and is very eloquent – it’s an old acting joke – and then the director says, ‘Go out of the room and come back in and say ‘Has anyone got a bottle of orange juice?’ for an audition. [She returns and does it in a different accent]. “

He stated that the younger star had overheard the conversation and assumed that Matthew was mimicking the Chinese accent, which led to him being suspended over the alleged “race row”. Matthew claims that bosses behind the soap urged him not to speak out publicly about the reason behind his suspension.

He told the podcast he “didn’t have a leg to stand on” as the Emmerdale press team had instructed him to “stay quiet.” Despite this, Matthew stated he was desperate to tell the truth and found it “difficult” not to speak out over an accusation of something he hadn’t done.

He later explained he became unwell due to the mounting stress and suffered a nervous breakdown. “I ended up in The Priory for a month,” he said. Matthew feared he’d lose his job and ended up hitting a “big spiral down” following the rumours. Despite his suspension, Matthew returned to the programme, but fortunately for him, the cast member who made the claim left while he was absent.

Matthew’s character eventually left Emmerdale in 2023 after two decades on the soap. It was initially suggested that David could be killed off after Matthew expressed an interest in taking on other roles. However, David didn’t die and he instead left to be with his ex Priya and their daughter Amba after learning that his son Jacob had fallen for his former partner Victoria. He couldn’t cope with the new romance and decided he had no choice but to make his departure from the Dales, leaving both Jacob and Pollard devastated.

If you are struggling with mental health, you can speak to a trained advisor from Mind mental health charity on 0300 123 3393 or email [email protected]

The Mirror approached Emmerdale for comment.

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Emmerdale spoilers have teased one character goes missing next week despite them planning to be at the wedding of Aaron Dingle and John Sugden, with a new mystery

There’s a new mystery on Emmerdale next week it seems, with spoilers suggesting a character goes AWOL in the build-up to a wedding.

While an explanation is hinted at, fans will no doubt fearing the worst amid recent trouble with killer John Sugden. It’s his wedding to Aaron Dingle next week, and a key guest appears to be missing.

So has something bad happened to Mackenzie Boyd amid their run-in with enemy John? Perhaps not, as he’s involved in a separate storyline – but it is a bit weird that Mackenzie would go missing on Aaron’s big day just as things got heated with John.

According to the spoilers, as Aaron and John prepare to say their vows Mack has mysteriously vanished and no one knows where he is. Whether he shows up remains to be seen.

That said, he finds himself caught up in Ross Barton’s drama with his new brother Lewis Barton next week. After the pair try to steal Lewis’ cannabis plants from his secret farm in the attic of his home, Lewis catches them and Mack becomes trapped.

READ MORE: Emmerdale spoilers: Cancer diagnosis, wedding ‘nightmare’ and killer ‘exposed’

Prior to this, Ross gets Lewis’ keys and manages to get Mack to help him, with them soon finding the farm in the attic. But when Lewis gets an alert on his phone that suggests an intruder is in the attic he opens up a camera app and makes a discovery.

He realises it’s Mack and calls out Ross who he’s with, wanting an explanation from both of them – seemingly trapping Mack in the process amid the wedding. Lewis agrees to let Mack go on one condition, he wants to know the truth about his his mother Emma Barton died.

Whether something else happens to Mack after this and it causes him to go AWOL remains to be seen. There’s also every chance he’s vanished because he’s simply trapped at the home of Lewis.

It comes as John risks being exposed next week when more than one secret threatens to come to light.

Next week it’s confirmed that his ex Aidan has woken from his coma, and soon John is fearful Aidan will expose his lies and the truth about their past.

Then there’s the fact the lake is being dredged due to the slurry leak, caused by John to frame Mack last week. Viewers know that John dumped Nate Robinson’s body in this very lake after killing him in September – so is this the moment the body is found?

With that and Aidan being awake and Aaron having pre-wedding jitters, not to mention John plotting an escape, will the big day go ahead? Will they even make it to the vows? Of course the last thing John will need on top of all of this is for Mack to target him once more – so might John be pushed over the edge?

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

Emmerdale is lining up some key moments and some big twists and turns next week on the ITV soap, with new spoilers teasing discoveries and secrets under threat

There’s some big moments ahead on Emmerdale including a wedding, a killer discovery and a sad cancer diagnosis.

One killer’s nightmare faces coming true, as a special set of episodes, with a change to the usual format, sees him face his nightmares. Elsewhere another killer could also be exposed as a newcomer demands answers.

It’s teased one character goes missing after another discovery, while fans can also expect two men at war and some surprises. We’ll start with the big wedding, as killer John Sugden risks being exposed.

He’s left in a panic when he realises that the week of his wedding to Aaron Dingle could go very wrong, as the lake is being dredged and his ex Aidan Moore has woken from his coma. It seems there’s more to be told about what led to Aidan being in a coma for years, with it believed he would never regain consciousness.

But next week it’s confirmed that he’s awake, and soon John is fearful Aidan will expose his lies and the truth about their past. Then there’s the fact the lake is being dredged due to the slurry leak, caused by John.

He framed Mackenzie Boyd for this but his actions could be about to haunt him. Viewers know John killed Nate Robinson last September and no one in the village knows.

READ MORE: Does Craig Tinker die in Coronation Street? Fans ‘feel ill’ over brutal attack

That could be about to change though, as with the lake needing clearing and Nate’s body being in said lake surely it’s only a matter of time before the murder is finally exposed. With that and Aidan and Aaron having jitters, will the big day go ahead? Will they even make it to the vows?

Viewers will be treated to multiple outcomes before seeing what actually happens, with each episode next week forming the same day. We will see John’s fears come to life before finding out whether or not the pair get married.

John even tries to do a runner at one point, caught out by Aaron. Aaron also follows him to the hospital after seeing him head there with Cathleen in his wedding suit – with one moment seeing the wedding called off.

John pleads his case, while one character, Mack, appears to be missing. The ceremony begins, but will it go ahead without any further drama?

Speaking of Mack, he finds himself caught up in Ross Barton’s drama with new brother Lewis. After the pair try to steal Lewis’ cannabis plants from his secret farm in the attic of his home, Lewis catches them out thanks to a camera app and wants answers.

Ross gets Lewis’ keys and manages to convince Mack to help him, with them soon finding the farm in the attic. But when Lewis gets an alert on his phone that suggests an intruder is in the attic he prepares to confront him.

He realises it’s Mack and calls out Ross, wanting an explanation from both of them. But Lewis agrees to let Mack go on one condition, he wants to know the truth about his his mother Emma Barton died.

It seems Ross could finally tell him how Moira Dingle was the true killer, as she’s been fearing would happen. But if Ross does expose her, how will she react and will Lewis let her get away with it?

Elsewhere next week there’s worrying scenes as Sarah Sugden is diagnosed with the early stages of cervical cancer. As she heads to the hospital for her biopsy results alone after recent tests, she’s left struggling to take in the diagnosis.

She’s undeterred over her plans to have a baby through IVF though and learns this still could be possible. Sarah bumps into ex Jacob Gallagher and she tries to put on a brave face, only to break down and confess her diagnosis.

He comforts her but when he realises Sarah found out due to her IVF plans, he’s pretty blunt and shares his clear disapproval of her having a child given her life-limiting health condition, fanconi anaemia. He explains the impact of losing a mum especially when you are younger, before calling her selfish – but how will Sarah react?

Finally next week, and things continue to boil over for enemies Billy Fletcher and Joe Tate. As Billy continues to accuse ex Dawn Taylor of having feelings for Joe after their affair, she has enough with the constant battles – leading to a plan from Joe.

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

The 40-year-old actor is returning to the ITV soap as Jason Grimshaw after nine years away, while Carole Anne Ford has also made her Doctor Who after 32 years – but they are not the only stars who reprised their roles after a long time away

Ryan Thomas will be back on our screens in Corrie tonight as he returns to play Jason Grimshaw for the first time in nine years tonight. But that’s nothing compared to the time some other stars have spent away from iconic roles – before getting back into character once more.

On Saturday, Carole Ann Ford returned to Doctor Who 32 years after she was last seen on screen as the Time Lord’s granddaughter, Susan Foreman.

Ryan, 40, said he thought he’d never return to the soap but that “it felt right” for co-star and close friend Sue Cleaver’s emotional exit. Sue will bow out as Jason’s mother Eileen Grimshaw after more than 20 years in the role in upcoming episodes.

Meanwhile Carole, AKA Susan Foreman, was the Doctor’s very first companion, boarding the TARDIS alongside Hartnell’s First Doctor, before departing the show in 1964. She claims was “fan power” that brought her back, saying: “I think fans have been saying, ‘Where is she? What’s happening other than her? Are we going to see her again?’

On how the Doctor Who set compares to the rather more quaint version back in the 1960s, she adds, “This is like a universe of its own. It’s stunning. I feel very honoured to be here.”

But they’re not the only stars of TV and films who reprised their roles after a very long time away. Here are some of the others…

David Tennant (The Doctor in Doctor Who) – 13 YEARS

Tennant’s run as the 10th Doctor from 2005 to 2010 is the stuff of sci-fi legend. With his skinny suits, wild hair, and “Allons-y!” catchphrase, he quickly became a fan favourite – so much so, that his departure in a tear-streaked Christmas special left the nation heartbroken.

Fast forward to 2023, and Tennant – by then a huge star of stage and screen – stunned audiences by returning – not just for a cameo, but as the 14th Doctor, alongside Catherine Tate. It was a fan-pleasing twist for the 60th anniversary, mixing nostalgia with fresh Time Lord chaos.

READ MORE: Coronation Street fans will see ‘different’ Jason Grimshaw with shock romance teased

Tony Adams (Adam Chance in Crossroads) – 21 YEARS

Tony Adams was a fan favourite in Crossroads as smooth-talking businessman Adam Chance, first appearing in the original run of the motel-set soap back in 1978. Known for his charm, affairs, and ever-changing fortunes, he stayed with the series until its 1981 cancellation, leaving behind a legacy of big collars and bigger drama.

In a move that delighted loyal viewers, Adams returned to Crossroads in 2002 when ITV revived the show after more than two decades off air. Picking up where he left off, Adam Chance was once again stirring the pot in King’s Oak, but was later killed off in a fire. Tony, now aged 84, went on to star in the West End stage version of Chitty Chatty Bang Bang as Grandpa Potts.

Paul Bradley (Nigel Bates in EastEnders) – 26 YEARS

Back in the ‘90s, Paul Bradley’s Nigel Bates was the lovable oddball of Albert Square—soft-spoken, cardigan-clad, and endlessly unlucky in love. A single dad with a heart of gold, Nigel brought warmth and awkward charm to even the grittiest EastEnders storylines. When he left Walford in 1998 to start a new life with girlfriend Julie, fans were sad but glad to see the gentle soul get a happy ending.

Paul went on to firmly establish another much-loved character, playing heart surgeon Elliot Hope in Holly City from 2005 to 2015. Then, in 2024, and after 26 years away, Nigel made an emotional return for Dot Cotton’s funeral, thrilling fans with his brief return.

David Hasselhoff (Michael Knight in Knight Rider) – 22 YEARS

In the 1980s, David Hasselhoff was the epitome of cool as Michael Knight – the leather-jacketed crime fighter with a talking car. Knight Rider became a cult classic and turned The Hoff into a global icon.

After the series ended in 1986, his career soared: he patrolled the beaches as Mitch Buchanan in Baywatch, starred in films like Dodgeball and The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie, and even became a chart-topping pop star in Germany.

Hasselhoff returned to the driver’s seat in 1991 for Knight Rider 2000, a futuristic TV movie sequel. Then, in 2008, he delighted fans once more with a cameo in NBC’s short-lived Knight Rider reboot, which pulled in over 10 million viewers. He also lent his voice to KITT again for a video game.

David Jason (Granville in Open All Hours) – 29 YEARS

David Jason was the shy, long-suffering shop assistant Granville in Open All Hours, working under the tight-fisted Arkwright, played by Ronnie Barker. The show became a British sitcom classic during its original run from 1973 to 1985, with Jason’s quiet charm and comic timing helping it win generations of fans.

Nearly 30 years later, Jason returned to the corner shop in Still Open All Hours, this time as the owner – older, grumpier, and very much following in his uncle’s penny-pinching footsteps. The reboot aired in 2014 and ran for six series.

Sir Patrick Stewart (Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek) – 26 YEARS

Sir Patrick played Jean-Luc Picard, the commanding officer of the Federation starship USS Enterprise, in 178 episodes of the sci-fi television series between 1987 and 1994, and in four feature films. He went on to star in countless movies, TV dramas and stage shows, including Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men franchise.

But in 2020 the veteran actor boldly went back to where he had been before, reprising the role of Picard in Star Trek: Picard. Delighting fans with the news, he said: “When we wrapped that final movie in the spring of 2002, I truly felt my time with Star Trek had run its natural course.

“It is an unexpected but delightful surprise to find myself excited and invigorated to be returning to Jean-Luc Picard and to explore new dimensions with him.”

Bonnie Langford (Mel Bush in Doctor Who) – 36 YEARS

Bonnie Langford first joined Doctor Who in 1986 as Mel Bush, the bright and bubbly companion to the 6th and 7th Doctors. Known for her upbeat energy and iconic scream, she left the TARDIS in 1987, going on to forge a hugely successful stage and TV career, including a memorable stint in EastEnders and acclaimed turns in the West End.

Three decades later, Bonnie surprised fans by stepping back into Mel’s shoes for The Power of the Doctor in 2022, later explaining she was sent a script “out of the blue” by Russell T Davies with an offer to return. And this year she made a second comeback, and is currently playing Mel again alongside Ncuti Gatwa’s 15th Doctor in the new series.

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This Coronation Street star turned a few heads after he was spotted at this year’s film festival – not least the hordes of Corrie fans who have yearned for his return to the cobbles

Coronation Street fans were left stunned as one of the soap’s beloved actors swapped the Weatherfield cobbles for the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Ryan Prescott, who is best known for playing Ryan Connor, was recently spotted on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival.

Despite not revealing why he was attending the star-studded event, fans confessed they’ve “missed” seeing the 36-year-old on their TV screens recently, but agreed he looked fantastic mingling with the celebs. Ryan, who has also had stints in Emmerdale and Doctors, looked incredibly smart in a black suit and bow tie, posing with friends and soaking up the atmosphere of the annual festival, which runs until May 24.

Sharing snaps on Instagram, he simply captioned them: “CANNES FILM FESTIVAL 2025.” Fans were quick to compliment the actor’s appearance after the photos were posted.

One fan commented: “Miss you when you’re not in Corrie but pleased you are having an amazing time,” while another added: “Looks like you are having a great time! You also clean up nice!”

A third chimed in: “Chuffed for you,” while a fourth fan remarked: “Looking dapper my brother.”

How Ryan managed to secure a spot at the exclusive event remains a mystery. As one would expect, the Cannes Film Festival is typically reserved for film industry professionals and accredited participants.

The festival is now an exclusive affair with restricted access, necessitating a badge for entry, keeping most of the festivities out of reach for the average Joe. This year’s event launched with much fanfare on May 13 and will run this Saturday, drawing in A-listers such as Nicole Kidman and Amal Clooney.

Meanwhile, Ryan’s entrance to Coronation Street came in 2018 when he became the much-loved Ryan Connor, stepping into Sol Heras’s shoes as the third actor to take up the role.

Despite his character’s on-screen drama, Ryan’s off-screen life is seemingly tranquil. The Merseyside-born actor made waves when he appeared in Emmerdale as Flynn Buchanan – Aaron Dingle’s romantic pursuit – before gracing the streets of Weatherfield.

Scoring the part was Ryan’s career milestone, leaving him initially gobsmacked by the limelight, even leading to fans hounding him for autographs post his stint in the ITV soap which lasted for 12 episodes.

Before hitting it big on the cobbles, Ryan secured parts in well-known shows such as Holby City, The Syndicate, Doctors and Casualty. But success didn’t come easy, as he encountered obstacles along the path to fame.

Confirming his Corrie gig opened the floodgates of online vitriol, with Ryan recounting to The Mirror: “I’ve had a few… you always get the occasional Facebook message. There’s always haters out there. Nothing too crazy but people give their opinion.

“Someone will say something like ‘I much preferred the other Ryan’, or something like that. I never reply. That’s where people go wrong.”

Aside from his TV appearances, the actor is quite the globe-trotter, frequently sharing snaps on Instagram from his globetrotting adventures. His passport boasts stamps from Thailand, Amsterdam, Monaco, and a significant part of the United States – yet he always finds his way back to his roots in the north of England.

EXCLUSIVE: Coronation Street actress Farrel Hegarty has opened up about her storyline on the ITV soap opera and admits she hopes it enables women to speak up

Poised to emigrate to Australia before she landed her Corrie role as neighbour-from-hell Lou Michaelis, actress Farrel Hegarty is already being likened to hellraising battleaxe Janice Battersby. Flattered by the comparison, there is no such thing as being too gobby, according to Yorkshire-born Farrel.

She tells The Mirror: “Lou is gobby, loud, irrational and it’s lovely to be compared to such a big character, like Janice Battersby. You always dream of landing a part like Lou. So to get it later in life, is overwhelming and I cried. I was so happy.”

At 37, Farrel will not be considered to be “later in life” by many of us, but age is an issue in the acting profession. “Working as a jobbing actress can be hard,” explains Farrel. “There were 50 people in my year at drama school 15 years ago and when we recently counted how many were still acting, it was only seven.”

When the Corrie audition came, she was about to leave her home in London to move Down Under and live with her girlfriend of 18 months. She says: “I was about to move to Australia to move in with my partner and the audition came up. Either way, my life was about to go in a different direction, as I knew I’d either be going to Australia or joining Coronation Street.

“I knew if I got the role, then it was my time. Having a long-distance relationship is definitely not for the faint-hearted but my partner was never going to be angry that I was going to be in Corrie. She knows how much it meant to me and how tough it has been.”

The moment Lou, her husband Mick Michaelis (Joe Layton) and their son Brody (Ryan Mulvey) arrived on the cobbles, they began wreaking havoc.

For Chesney and Gemma, they have become nightmare neighbours, while thug Mick has bullied Leo, battered his stepdad Gary and is tormenting bent copper Kit with threats to reveal his bad boy past, when they were both delinquent teenagers.

And Farrel is at pains to point out that, while she loves playing her, she is nothing like Lou in real life. She says: “Lou loves an insult. She’s called people a cow, bimbo and witch and sometimes I find myself going ‘take a minute, Lou’ when I read the scripts.

“I am obviously nothing like her and the only thing we do have in common, other than being close to family, is we have the same face!” So far, despite Mick’s thuggery, there has been no indication of any aggression towards Lou.

But in tonight’s episode, it will be revealed that he has been abusing her physically and mentally. Bombshell revelations in Friday’s episode lifted the lid on Lou and Kit’s affair years earlier, which cast doubt on whether the policeman or Mick was Brody’s dad.

And when Brody is caught shoplifting, enraged Mick makes his feelings clear with viewers seeing Lou taken to A&E with a head wound by Tim Metcalfe (Joe Duttine) . There is no doubt who caused it, yet Lou is besotted with Mick. “She is so infatuated and in love with Mick that she is willing to overlook things,” explains Farrel.

“She loves him so much that when he is being scary, she soon forgets it when he tells her an hour later how sorry he is and how much he loves her. The fear disappears.”

Farrel says the hard-hitting storyline is an important one: “We want women in horrendous situations like this to realise they aren’t alone and to also show it’s not always (happening to) the person you might expect.

“Yes Lou is loud and gobby and you wouldn’t expect this to happen to her, but there is a vulnerable side to her too. Mick is all she has ever known and her love for him will always outdo everything.”

Farrel won’t divulge whether Lou will leave Mick, but she says her relationship with Brody becomes strained, now he has found Kit may be his real dad.

“Lou sees the best in Brody, but he’s turning into Mick,” she reveals. “But, to be fair, Brody has had a hard life and to discover his life may have been a lie is bound to test a relationship.” Farrel says Joe is a joy to work with: “He is the opposite of Mick, such a lovely human and the most caring man. ”

Knowing the destruction unleashed on Weatherfield by the Michaelises would be short-lived, as their Coronation Street contracts were finite, Lou plans to make the most of every second.

Due to depart in the summer, she says: “I’ve loved it all and even now, a few months in, it’s surreal walking on the cobbles. So much has happened in such a short time, and we’ve caused chaos. I’ve never had so many arguments!

“To get this role is a dream come true, but I always knew I would one day be leaving. Joe and I came in together and will leave together. How we do it, I can’t say, but it’s brilliant being part of the show. Watching the other actors is like a masterclass in acting. When I do film my final scenes, I’ll probably cry.”

After leaving East 15 acting school in Essex 15 years ago, Farrel has had small roles in Brassic and Johnny Vegas’ Murder They Hope, as well as creating comedy content on TikTok and appearing in Corrie in 2019, as a reporter looking into Robert Preston’s shooting.

Between roles, she has sometimes taken temporary office jobs. “It’s hard going to auditions, but when you get a part like Lou, it’s an incredible feeling.”

Her dream now is to land a role in a sitcom. “I enjoy doing silly skits,” says Farrel, who plans to go to Australia first. “I will need a holiday by then. It will be great to see my partner too.”

If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline 24/7 on 0808 2000247.

Coronation Street airs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8pm on ITV1. Also on ITVX.

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Coronation Street has released a clip of the aftermath of a deadly assault on PC Craig Tinker who is covered in blood and barely alive, cradled by distressed neighbour Maria Connor

There’s heartbreaking scenes ahead on Coronation Street as Craig Tinker exits the ITV soap, and a horrifying new clip reveals just how gruesome the episodes will be.

A first look clip shows the moment an ambulance races to the scene to save the injured police officer, whose life is hanging in the balance. Craig is left blood-soaked and beaten, left to die after a violent assault.

He’s found by his distressed neighbour and family friend Maria Connor who desperately calls for help, while cradling the dying character in her arms. She urges him to stay awake in the heartbreaking clip, with blood seen pouring from his head, face and his ear.

Craig is incoherent and barely moving, while he attempts to tell paramedic Asha Alahan what happened to him. Suddenly he begins to lose consciousness, unable to keep his eyes open as he deteriorates.

Asha shouts out to her colleague to get oxygen for her injured friend, as she begs him to stay awake not wanting to lose him. Soon Maria is comforted by Sarah Platt, and the two women are left in tears over the horrific site of Craig’s injures, with it clear he’s in a bad way.

READ MORE: Coronation Street Craig Tinker’s death ‘revealed’ in first look at ‘horrific’ final scenes

Spoilers have revealed that Craig is rushed to hospital, with it confirmed he is left in intensive care with swelling on his brain. Just as Craig wakes up and tries to communicate what happened there’s horror, as he takes a turn for the worse.

Doctors rush in as he deteriorates, while Craig’s attack sends shockwaves across the whole street. Craig’s fate is being kept under wraps, while it has been confirmed the character is leaving the show.

Next week his final episodes will air, with actor Colson Smith bowing out of the role. It had been reported weeks ago that Craig would be killed off in heartbreaking scenes, while nothing has been confirmed by the show.

With it revealed that this is Craig’s final storyline and his “final fight”, will tragedy see the police officer lose his life? In a trailer released by the soap, his colleague DS Lisa Swain is heard emotionally saying: “If we knew today was our last day on earth, what would we do differently?” She chillingly adds: “There isn’t always more time.”

Colson shared his excitement over the episodes, saying: “I can’t wait for people to see Craig’s final scenes. It is exactly the exit I wanted for him and we are all really proud of what we filmed in those final weeks.

“It was actually great fun. I was walking around covered in fake blood for days and I was chuffed that I got to work with so many brilliant people in this final storyline.”

The actor had revealed earlier this year he was leaving the show after being axed. He posted online: “Autumn last year I was told that Craig Tinker’s time on the Cobbles is to come to an end in 2025. I’ve LOVED every single second of my 14 year stay as a resident on the greatest street in the world.”

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

Emmerdale newcomer Bradley Riches, who plays Lewis Barton, appeared on Friday’s episode of Lorraine

Emmerdale’s newcomer Bradley Riches became tearful during Friday’s Lorraine when fill-in presenter Christine Lampard addressed a touching detail.

The 23-year-old Heartstopper actor, who has just entered the ITV soap as Ross Barton’s long-lost half-brother Lewis Barton, received a heartwarming acknowledgement from guest host Christine, 46.

She highlighted: “This [joining Emmerdale] is particularly special because it was your late grandad Peter’s favourite soap.”

As an image of his grandad Peter momentarily graced the screen, Christine remarked: “This was the one, he used to talk about it all the time and here you are starring in something that was so special to him.”

Visibly moved, Bradley struggled to maintain composure, confessing: “I don’t want to get emotional!” which prompted Christine’s warm response: “No, no, I understand. It’s such a lovely lovely thing, it means so much to all of you then.”

In reply, Bradley shared: “I feel like it was one of those things he passed away obviously when I was in Big Brother and it was like a whole year of, I feel like I didn’t get a full goodbye, so when this came up I was like: ‘Maybe this is him saying you’re doing great.'”, reports Leicestershire Live.

Christine responded with words of encouragement: “This is it and I’ve got your back. I’m supporting every single thing that you’re doing.”

Moving on, Christine also noted: “You took your mum and dad on set too. How did that go?”

Bradley confessed: “It was one of those things that was like I thought I would really enjoy it while I was filming but I was doing the rehearsal and I just looked around the corner.

“My mum and dad were like this, I was like get away, they obviously saw the set and it was great for them as well to be there.”

This week’s drama in Emmerdale saw Moira Dingle stumble upon a letter addressed to ‘The Family of Emma Barton. ‘ She later handed it to Ross, who discovered he had an unknown brother named Lewis.

When Ross met Lewis, he found himself tiptoeing around their family history, careful not to spill the dark secrets surrounding their mother Emma.

The meet-up turned tense as both brothers struggled to discuss their past without causing distress. Ultimately, Ross chose to leave, upsetting Lewis in the process.

Ross later told Moira they mutually agreed to forego any attempt at rekindling family ties… but could there be more to Lewis’ story?

Emmerdale continues every weeknight at 7:30pm on ITV and ITV X with hour-long specials on Thursday.

Coronation Street and Emmerdale fans are in for a treat as ITV have announced a special crossover episode between the two popular soaps – with some iconic characters expected to return

Odds have plunged on Denise Welch returning to Coronation Street – after a 25-year absence.

The Loose Women star is now 13/8 to walk the cobbles, a fall which comes just as ITV has announced a special crossover episode of its two soaps Coronation Street and Emmerdale. Chatter among fans on social media includes hopes favourite characters will return – but ITV has kept tight-lipped about who will star in the episode.

It is understood, though, one character – potentially past or present – from each drama will meet face to face. Although Carla Connor from Corrie and Charity Dingle from Emmerdale are currently the favourites (11/8) to meet face to face, odds suggest Denise’s character Natalie Barnes may be in the running.

But Carla’s potential meeting with Kim Tate (Claire King) is placed at (2/1). Could there be a business deal brewing between Yorkshire and Manchester?

READ MORE: Tourist, 22, died in Thailand after holiday boat trip turned to tragedy

It seems that the Cobbles might witness the return of Loose Women star Denise Welch (13/8) for this crossover event. Denise played Natalie in Corrie between 1997 and 2000, and made an appearance in Emmerdale as a juror named Heidi late last year.

James Leyfield, Entertainment expert at Gambling.com, suggests another popular pairing could see Corrie’s Kirk Sutherland (Andy Whyment) and Dales legend Sam Dingle (James Hooton) team up, with odds of 6/4 for them to meet, reports the Daily Record.

Denise also played Alison Slater in EastEnders back in 2016. She’s also well-known for her role as Steph Haydock in the BBC school drama Waterloo Road, a role she is set to reprise this year in a reboot.

ITV chiefs have yet to reveal how fans will vote for which two characters, one from each soap, they would like to see interact in the crossover episode. One of the most anticipated pairings between Corrie and Emmerdale is Corrie’s Carla Connor, portrayed by Alison King, and Emmerdale’s Charity Dingle, played by Emma Atkins.

It would be a delightful nod to soap history if Ken Barlow, played by Bill Roache, were to share a scene with Emmerdale stalwart Eric Pollard, portrayed by Chris Chittell There are odds of 5/2 for the duo to join forces, but it’s nearly as probable for Corrie and Emmerdale’s villains to share a scene. Gary Windass, played by Mikey North, and Cain Dingle, portrayed by Jeff Hordley, have odds of 3/1 to meet.

Steve and Jai have odds of 6/1 to encounter each other in the crossover episode, and a similar scenario could occur between Corrie’s Nick Tilsley, played by Ben Price, and Dales matriarch Kim Tate. Claire and Ben had an on-screen romance on the cobbles when their characters Erica Holroyd and Nick got together. The odds are 8/1 that they’ll reunite from separate soaps in the special episode.

Natalie Anderson’s new Corrie character Danielle Silverton has odds of 10/1 to meet up with Emmerdale’s Jacob Gallagher, played by Joe Warren-Plant, after Natalie previously played Joe’s mother Alicia Gallagher in the Dales.

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

EastEnders spoilers for next week confirm Stacey Slater’s loved ones are deeply concerned after worrying scenes on the BBC soap, while there’s also an emotional storyline for baby Jimmy

There’s some huge moments with emotional scenes on EastEnders next week according to the new spoilers.

Viewers will see concern grow for Stacey Slater, amid the news that actress Lacey Turner is taking a break from the BBC soap later this year. There’s also concern for Lauren Branning as she grows convinced something isn’t right with her baby son Jimmy.

But when she rushes him to the hospital, her and her family are rocked by a diagnosis. Also next week there’s news from former character Whitney Dean as Zack Hudson takes action after threats from Nicola Mitchell.

It’s a big week in Walford, with some highly emotional twists and turns. One of the big storylines of the week is baby Jimmy’s diagnosis, with the soap confirming he will be diagnosed as severely sight impaired.

When Lauren grows concerned for her newborn baby son, her panicked behaviour leaves partner Peter Beale and their family worried she might be struggling. When her son Louie makes a comment about seeing her taking some pills, it sparks concern that she’s relapsed after her painkiller addiction.

READ MORE: Coronation Street Craig Tinker’s death ‘revealed’ in first look at ‘horrific’ final scenes

Prior to this, Lauren is struggling with her baby boy and is convinced something isn’t right with Jimmy. She’s urged to investigate, but her health visitor is soon telling Peter that Lauren may be experiencing symptoms of post-natal depression.

As tensions rise, there’s a worrying moment when Lauren notices something concerning when looking at Jimmy’s eyes. Struggling to get an appointment with the doctor she heads to the hospital and demands to be seen.

Lauren’s midwife calls Peter who joins them at the hospital, and soon Lauren’s fears are taken seriously. When a consultant checks the newborn over, she tells a shocked Lauren and Peter that their son is severely sight impaired.

The soap is working with advice from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) on the storyline, with the scenes set to show how the diagnosis will impact Jimmy and his family as a whole. Elsewhere there’s concern for grieving Stacey, as she refuses to leave her bedroom.

Stacey has been in a bad way ever since her ex Martin Fowler died in the Queen Vic explosion back in February, just after he asked her to remarry him. Her daughter Lily Slater tries to cover up what’s going on despite things taking their toll, but soon Stacey’s loved ones find out.

As Kat Slater heads to the house she is left worried by what she uncovers. She tries to take control of the situation and calls a family meeting, with Kat, Alfie, Suki and Eve planning to help with childcare, as they question whether Stacey needs professional help.

As Stacey continues to hide away in her bedroom, Lily breaks down. Soon, Stacey, who is taking a break from the show, takes her first trip out of the house in weeks, but she worries Kat with her plans for a family meal.

When Stacey’s phone is misplaced and she realises it’s in the laundry bag which is now on its way to the laundrette, she panics as she explains it contains voicemails, photos and texts from Martin and they’ll be lost forever if the phone is damaged.

She rushes off to find it before it’s too late, and in her absence her son Arthur shocks Alfie with a secret. Meanwhile as Stacey reaches the laundrette her behaviour concerns Kat and Lily who fear she’s experiencing a bipolar episode.

Soon, an incident between Stacey and Lily leaves their relationship at breaking point. Also next week, it seems Nicola Mitchell will go to any lengths necessary to stop Zack from telling Barney that he’s his biological father.

Nicola will target Whitney it seems, as Whitney tells ex Zack that she’s found a safe place for her and the girls to live, somewhere Nicola won’t find them. Zack is encouraged to go and visit them, but he soon sparks concern when he plots to take Barney with him.

Finally, Nigel Bates is urged to reconnect with his estranged daughter Clare to build bridges by Yolande Trueman. But she soon gets on the wrong side of him. Also Harvey Monroe is sacked by Kat after he moves on with Kathy Beale.

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

Coronation Street’s Craig Tinker, played by actor Colson Smith, is soon leaving the ITV soap and now first-look images and a trailer may have confirmed reports he gets killed off

There could be a heartbreaking Coronation Street death on the way next week, as Craig Tinker bows out of the ITV soap after a “vicious attack”.

Actor Colson Smith was confirmed to be leaving the role after more than a decade earlier this year, having learned last autumn he was being written out. Recent reports claimed Craig would be killed off in a tragic storyline, and now new spoilers, images and a trailer have teased this could be the case.

Viewers will no doubt be hoping Craig survives and leaves Weatherfield alive, but it’s now been confirmed the fan favourite will be left seriously injured and fighting for his life. As Kit Green’s storyline with villain Mick Michaelis heats up it seems poor Craig may get caught in the crossfire, and others too.

Spoilers have teased more than one person linked to Craig could be in danger, as Mick sets out to take revenge on Kit over their past. New images show a bloodied Craig left lifeless on the Cobbles, as residents including Maria Connor and Sarah Platt rush to his aid.

READ MORE: EastEnders boss teases major return as BBC soap wins big at BAFTA Awards

Paramedic Asha Alahan is treating him at the scene, before she joins him in the hospital. In all of the images a beaten Craig is unconscious, and those around him look very concerned.

With it revealed that this is Craig’s final storyline and his “final fight”, will tragedy see the police officer lose his life? In a trailer released by the soap, his colleague DS Lisa Swain is heard emotionally saying: “If we knew today was our last day on earth, what would we do differently?” She chillingly adds: “There isn’t always more time.”

Details about what happens and whether Craig makes it are being kept under wraps, with episodes airing from Monday May 19, through to the Wednesday and Friday of that week. It’s believed it will be Colson’s final week on the show, with him teasing his excitement over his final storyline.

What can be revealed is that a “horrific” attack leaves Craig’s life hanging in the balance, and he’s rushed to hospital after being found by his neighbours. The entire week of episodes will specially focus on Craig’s story, as well as his colleague Kit’s own story following on from the flashback episode that details his and Mick’s past.

Kit finds this past coming back to haunt him, with it said his friends and family are “in grave danger”. So is Craig one of those at risk at the hands of Mick?

Craig is soon to start his placement shadowing Kit in CID, but soon a series of “climactic events” unfold on the famous cobbles leading to a horrifying and shocking incident. Whatever it is leads to Craig fighting to survive, and fighting “for every breath”.

Speaking about the scenes ahead, actor Colson said he was “proud” of the big week and said it was all “great fun”. But Will Craig pull through?

Colson said: “I can’t wait for people to see Craig’s final scenes. It is exactly the exit I wanted for him and we are all really proud of what we filmed in those final weeks. It was actually great fun. I was walking around covered in fake blood for days and I was chuffed that I got to work with so many brilliant people in this final storyline.”

The actor had revealed earlier this year he was leaving the show after being axed. He posted online: “Autumn last year I was told that Craig Tinker’s time on the Cobbles is to come to an end in 2025. I’ve LOVED every single second of my 14 year stay as a resident on the greatest street in the world.”

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