Soap Scoop | Inside Soap & Digital Spy

In this bonus episode of Soap Scoop, we’re joined by the brilliant Gemma Bissix as she reprises her role as Clare Bates in EastEnders ahead of Nigel’s move to the care home.

Gemma opens up about:

*Returning to EastEnders after 26 years

*Filming Clare’s emotional reunion with Nigel amid his dementia storyline

*How becoming a mum changed the way she plays Clare

*Switching between Clare Bates and Hollyoaks’ legendary villain Clare Devine

*Working again with Paul Bradley and the powerful care home scenes

*Whether this really is the end for Clare Bates

*And the possibility of future soap comebacks…

We also talk about the emotional impact of Nigel’s decline, and what it means for Clare to finally confront her past. If you’re an EastEnders fan — or you’ve followed Gemma’s incredible soap career — this is an episode you don’t want to miss.



⏱️ YouTube Chapter List

00:00 – Welcome back Gemma Bissix

00:30 – Did she know Clare Bates was returning?

01:20 – Reuniting Clare and Nigel after 26 years

02:17 – How this Clare is different from 2008

03:55 – Filming the hospital scenes with Nigel

05:28 – Drawing on real-life dementia experiences

06:00 – Switching from Clare Devine to Clare Bates

08:03 – Clare breaks Nigel out of hospital

10:19 – The heartbreaking care home scenes

12:07 – Is this really the end for Clare and Nigel?

15:12 – EastEnders continuity & Chelsea reunion

18:00 – Could Clare return permanently?

19:49 – Reuniting with Paul Bradley

22:18 – Soap longevity & growing up on EastEnders

24:12 – Clare Devine’s possible return to Hollyoaks

26:00 – Final thoughts & supporting EastEnders

Inside Soap is Britain’s only soap magazine, bringing readers every story, every secret, every week from shows such as such as Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale, Hollyoaks, Casualty and Neighbours. Grab a copy of the mag on Tuesdays, and head to www.digitalspy.com/soaps.

In this bonus episode of Soap Scoop, we’re joined by the brilliant Gemma Bissix as she reprises her role as Clare Bates in EastEnders ahead of Nigel’s move to the care home.

Gemma opens up about:

*Returning to EastEnders after 26 years

*Filming Clare’s emotional reunion with Nigel amid his dementia storyline

*How becoming a mum changed the way she plays Clare

*Switching between Clare Bates and Hollyoaks’ legendary villain Clare Devine

*Working again with Paul Bradley and the powerful care home scenes

*Whether this really is the end for Clare Bates

*And the possibility of future soap comebacks…

We also talk about the emotional impact of Nigel’s decline, and what it means for Clare to finally confront her past. If you’re an EastEnders fan — or you’ve followed Gemma’s incredible soap career — this is an episode you don’t want to miss.



⏱️ Chapter List

00:00 – Welcome back Gemma Bissix

00:30 – Did she know Clare Bates was returning?

01:20 – Reuniting Clare and Nigel after 26 years

02:17 – How this Clare is different from 2008

03:55 – Filming the hospital scenes with Nigel

05:28 – Drawing on real-life dementia experiences

06:00 – Switching from Clare Devine to Clare Bates

08:03 – Clare breaks Nigel out of hospital

10:19 – The heartbreaking care home scenes

12:07 – Is this really the end for Clare and Nigel?

15:12 – EastEnders continuity & Chelsea reunion

18:00 – Could Clare return permanently?

19:49 – Reuniting with Paul Bradley

22:18 – Soap longevity & growing up on EastEnders

24:12 – Clare Devine’s possible return to Hollyoaks

26:00 – Final thoughts & supporting EastEnders

Inside Soap is Britain’s only soap magazine, bringing readers every story, every secret, every week from shows such as such as Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale, Hollyoaks, Casualty and Neighbours. Grab a copy of the mag on Tuesdays, and head to www.digitalspy.com/soaps.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Soap Scoop, the Inside Soap podcast, we’re diving into HUGE Coronation Street twists, explosive Emmerdale drama and EastEnders flash-forward theories you won’t want to miss.

In Corrie, a surprise baby lands on Carla and Lisa’s doorstep — but is Sarah stirring the pot? We also unpack the bombshell rumour that Rover’s landlord Ben could be Steve McDonald’s secret brother… and what that means for the Barlows, Jim McDonald, and the future of the Rovers Return.

Over in Weatherfield, Leanne Battersby may be about to expose predator Megan — and we are HERE for full Battersby mode. Could she be connected to Megan’s shocking flash-forward injury?

In Emmerdale, Graham shocks Rona with a bold proposal, while Cain finally confesses the truth about his cancer diagnosis to Moira in prison. Can the Dingles survive another devastating test?

And in EastEnders, are Lauren and Mark heading for an affair — or is it a red herring? We break down the latest flash-forward clues, Penny’s pregnancy drama, and why the Brannings feel like the first family of Albert Square again.

Subscribe for weekly soap spoilers, theories and exclusive interviews. Comment your theories below — who do YOU think is at the centre of the flash-forward drama?

#CoronationStreet #EastEnders #Emmerdale #SoapSpoilers #SoapScoop #InsideSoap



⏱ CHAPTER LIST

00:00 Welcome to Soap Scoop

01:00 Corrie baby twist: Carla & Lisa’s doorstep shock

03:00 Steve McDonald’s secret brother? Jim McDonald theory explained

06:20 Should Steve and Tracy reunite?

10:50 Leanne vs Megan – Battersby unleashed

13:35 Flash-forward theories & suspect speculation

17:30 Emmerdale: Graham wants Rhona back!

23:40 Cain confesses his cancer diagnosis to Moira

25:50 EastEnders: Lauren & Mark affair clues

28:40 The Brannings’ big pregnancy reveal

32:20 Beale heist chaos & classic family drama



Inside Soap is Britain’s only soap magazine, bringing readers every story, every secret, every week from shows such as such as Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale, Hollyoaks, Casualty and Neighbours. Grab a copy of the mag on Tuesdays, and head to www.digitalspy.com/soaps.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Carla and Lisa’s world is turned upside down in Coronation Street as a surprise baby is left on their doorstep – but is this Swarla’s happy ever after, or the start of a custody nightmare?
In this week’s episode of Soap Scoop, we dive into the biggest soap storylines making headlines:

·       The shock baby twist for Carla and Lisa – will Baby Connie stay?

·       Paddy’s desperate plan to save Bear from prison in Emmerdale

·       Kerry and Jay’s secret workplace fling

·       Charity’s baby bombshell and Ross drama

·       Claire Bates returns to EastEnders!

·       Grant Mitchell’s comeback – and what it means for Phil, Linda andthe Square

We debate why villains like Celia and Ray arebeing missed, and whether Max and Linda could actually be endgame. Plus, could Stacey return to interrupt Max’s wedding? There’s nostalgia, heartbreak, love triangles, secret affairs and big returns – everything you need to stay up to date with Coronation Street, Emmerdale and EastEnders.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe and turn on notifications for your weekly Soap Scoop!

00:00 – Intro: Swarla shock & big soap drama
00:34 – Corrie: Baby Connie arrives on Carla & Lisa’s doorstep
01:20 – Is this perfect for Swarla… or a mistake?
03:14 – Carla as a mum: emotional potential
05:28 – Will Rob & Mandy return for custody drama?
07:16 – Flash-forward murder mystery reactions
09:45 – Who deserves to die? The savage comments
Emmerdale
11:20 – Are we missing Celia & Ray already?
13:08 – Bear charged with manslaughter
14:47 – Has the storyline dragged too long?
16:30 – Jay & Kerry’s workplace fling
18:42 – Cain & Graham’s uneasy alliance
20:33 – Can Graham be trusted?
EastEnders
22:09 – Nigel’s blast from the past
23:35 – Grant Mitchell returns to Walford
25:00 – Will Grant stir up Sharon drama?
26:45 – Oscar love triangle rumours
28:15 – Is Jasmine too dangerous for Oscar?
29:30 – Who is Max’s mystery bride?
31:00 – Final thoughts & viewer questions

Inside Soap is Britain’s only soap magazine, bringing readers every story, every secret, every week from shows such as such as Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale, Hollyoaks, Casualty and Neighbours. Grab a copy of the mag on Tuesdays, and head to www.digitalspy.com/soaps.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special bonus episode of Soap Scoop, we’re joined by a true soap legend — Sally Ann Matthews, former Coronation Street landlady and beloved Rovers Return icon, Jenny Bradley.

Sally Ann joins us to talk about:
 * Her exciting new role in the UK tour of Here & Now – The Steps Musical
*Being personally recommended for the show by Steps’ Claire Richards
*Life on stage vs life in the Rovers
*What it really felt like running the Rovers Return
*Working alongside Barbara Knox and the magic of the Corrie make-up room

*Why she hasn’t watched Corrie since Jenny’s exit
*Whether Jenny could ever return — or even cross over to EastEnders

Sally reflects on 40 years since her first Corrie appearance, the joy of playing Jenny, and why leaving the show felt like the right time. Plus, she shares behind-the-scenes insight into the emotional and practical realities of life on Britain’s biggest soap. If you’re a Coronation Street fan — or simply love hearing from soap royalty — this one’s for you.

00:00 – Introduction: Soap legend Sally Ann Matthews joins us
00:28 – Touring with Here & Now – The Steps Musical
01:20 – Being recommended by Claire Richards
02:30 – What the Steps musical is really about
04:05 – Audience reactions & mega-mix finale
05:54 – First time doing a musical
07:24 – Working with Corrie co-stars on tour
08:48 – 40 years since Jenny’s first appearance
10:34 – What it was really like running the Rovers
12:09 – Why Jenny’s exit felt right
13:58 – The pressure of being Corrie landlady
15:28 – Why Sally hasn’t watched Corrie since leaving
16:56 – Missing the make-up room & cast camaraderie
18:11 – Would Jenny ever return?
19:24 – Could Jenny move to EastEnders?!
20:48 – Sally’s ideal future for Jenny

Inside Soap is Britain’s only soap magazine, bringing readers every story, every secret, every week from shows such as such as Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale, Hollyoaks, Casualty and Neighbours. Grab a copy of the mag on Tuesdays, and head to www.digitalspy.com/soaps.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Soap Scoop, Chloe and Johnny dive into explosive drama across EastEnders, Emmerdale and Coronation Street — fromun expected pregnancies and dark new alliances to secretive newcomers causing chaos on the cobbles.

EastEnders: Penny Branning is unexpectedly pregnant — and Jack wastes no time putting his foot in it! We unpack Penny and Vinny’s surprising romance, family tensions within the Brannings and Panesars, and what this baby might mean for the mysterious 2027 flash-forward.

Emmerdale: “Dark Arthur” rises as Laurel is hospitalised after a shocking confrontation. Is this the start of a major parent-child abuse storyline? Plus, Cain and Graham form an unlikely alliance as the Tate vs Sugden rivalry heats up — but can either man really trust the other?

Coronation Street: The Swarla wedding flash-forward looms large, and the murder mystery deepens. Meanwhile, Jodie and Mal continue to creep us out — is Alice even real? What’s Mal hiding? And could Jodie be Corrie’s next
super-villain?

It’s another packed week in Soapland. Join us for all the theories — and share yours in the comments!

⏱️ Chapter List

00:00 – Intro: Corrie murder fallout & what’s coming up

00:34 – Flash-forward chaos & Swarla wedding danger

01:55 – EastEnders: Penny’s shock pregnancy revealed

02:42 – Jack’s insensitive reaction & Branning tension

05:50 – Penny & Vinny: unexpected but promising couple

08:21 – Meet the Panesars: family fallout incoming

09:35 – Why the Brannings are thriving again

11:50 – Flash-forward baby clue discussed

12:26 – Emmerdale: “Dark Arthur” takes a turn

13:54 – Laurel hospitalised – what happens next?

15:22 – Emmerdale’s legacy storytelling & Alfie Clarke’s big moment

17:35 – Is Laurel isolating herself? Who can she turn to?

19:24 – Cain vs the Tates: farm drama reignited

22:46 – Cain & Graham’s uneasy alliance

24:58 – Can Graham really be trusted?

26:38 – Coronation Street: Jodie & Mal – who are they really?

27:34 – Is Jodie even Shona’s sister?

28:17 – Audrey as potential truth-teller

29:46 – The mysterious box of secrets

30:22 – Could Jodie target David next?

32:10 – Is Alice real? Mal’s backstory questioned

33:50 – Bernie in danger?

35:07 – Final theories & viewer questions

Inside Soap is Britain’s only soap magazine, bringing readers every story, every secret, every week from shows such as such as Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale, Hollyoaks, Casualty and Neighbours. Grab a copy of the mag on Tuesdays, and head to www.digitalspy.com/soaps.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices