INFORMING BRITAIN by @AndyGibsonTV - Serials News

"GOODBYE FOR NOW, NOT GOODBYE FOREVER" - cHARLOTTE JORDAN SPEAKS AS ITV CONFIRM DAISY'S EXIT STORYLINE | CORONATION STREET SPOILERS AT INFORMING BRITAIN

20/4/2025

Coronation Street fans are bracing for an emotional farewell as Daisy Midgeley (Charlotte Jordan) prepares to leave the cobbles in a dramatic storyline set to unfold next month. A newly released trailer offers a tantalising first glimpse at her poignant departure.

Following a turbulent period marked by a secret pregnancy, catfishing scandal, and complicated romantic entanglements, Daisy has made the life-altering decision to start afresh on the other side of the world. Her exit is set to leave a significant void in Weatherfield and heartbreak among those closest to her.

Emotional scenes are expected as Jenny Connor (Sally Ann Matthews) desperately implores Daisy to rethink her decision, hoping to dissuade her from leaving. Meanwhile, a touching final conversation with Daniel Osbourne (Rob Mallard) could prove pivotal, leaving viewers on edge as they wonder whether his heartfelt plea might be enough to change Daisy's mind.

On Daisy's departure, Charlotte Jordan said:

"I think it's very bittersweet for Daisy to be leaving. Weatherfield has been her home for a while now and, early on, was giving her all the things she wanted – family, community, stability, people to love more than she perhaps loves herself – but it’s also been the source of so much trauma for her."

Charlotte, concludes:

"As for me, I’m feeling really grateful for my years on the show and the people I've gotten to work with. Producer Kate has been so supportive about me wanting to go back out into the audition circuit and very generous with Daisy's exit story, as she really wanted to do the character justice. Coronation Street is a very special building, and I have loved it. And it's just goodbye for now, not goodbye forever."

CHAOS COMES TO THE COBBLES IN THE SHAPE OF THREE NEW MALE CAST MEMBERS JOINING THE SOAP| CORONATION STREET SPOILERS AT INFORMING BRITAIN

9/3/2025

Three new guys are going to cause a commotion on the cobbles as they charm their way into Weatherfield.

Carl Webster, James Bailey and new arrival Theo Silverton have plenty of family ties and more than enough history to bring fresh drama and conflict to some of our most well loved residents.

But aside from the smiles, what really lies beneath the charming exterior of these three men and what secrets do they carry?

Jason Callendar as James Bailey.

James Bailey will be the first to land on your screens on Monday 17 March 2025. He's been living in the United States with partner Danny and when he comes back to pay his family a visit and check on sister Dee-Dee he quickly slots back into family life with his easy going, cheeky charm. But away from Weatherfield what has the former footballer's life looked like and what is he searching for next?

The role of James (previously played by Nathan Graham) has been taken up by Jason Callender (Silent Witness, Outlander, Mallory Towers) who reveals he's "super excited to be sliding into the Bailey family".

Jason, said:

"James is determined, whatever he puts his mind to he absolutely goes for it. He's a little brother so expect little brother pranks but more than anything he loves his family and he really wants to be a dad. James is bringing a lot of warmth, a little bit of love, charisma and a little bit of charm".

Jonathan Howard as Carl Webster.

Not new to Coronation Street's history, but new to the cobbles, Carl Webster will be played by Jonathan Howard (Thor - The Dark Side, Downton Abbey and Godzilla King of The Monsters).

Speaking on the casting, Jonathan said:

"Carl is Kevin and Debbie Webster's little brother, they have different mums so he's a bit younger than they are. He comes into Weatherfield to ostensibly be with his brother because he's found out he's got cancer but then we'll discover Carl's got some money issues back in Germany where he's been living".

Viewers of the Greater Manchester-based soap will see Carl on 11 April 2025 when he's involved in a heated scrap with Abi over a car park space before either realise she is in fact his brother's wife. As sparks fly and temperatures rise between them, can Carl charm his way out of this one and will Kevin and Debbie be pleased to have their little brother hanging around, whatever his motives are?

Jonathan, adds:

"I don’t think Carl is going to be too bad but I don’t think he's going to be good either, I think his heart is in the right place but he might be holding on to some resentment towards his brother because he's left him to be on his own his whole life".

Jonathan, concludes:

"He’s maybe a little bit selfish, especially between his trousers sometimes".

James Cartwright as Theo Silverton.

Theo Silverton is a new arrival to Coronation street, working close by as a scaffolder he first gets on the wrong side of both Julie and then George before Todd helps him to patch things up with the locals. There's an instant attraction from Todd but with Theo playing his cards close to his chest, has Todd finally found his Mr. Right?

James Cartwright (The Archers, Downton Abbey Movie and Johnny Shakespeare) will be taking on the role.

James, said:

"I think Theo is a good guy, he comes in with the best of intentions, as most people do, but he may upset some people with his behaviour".

James delves into Theo's background, and explains:

"I had a line the other day where I said 'I think I left my trousers in the bedroom' so make of that what you will".

Coronation Street gave themselves the exclusive interview and that can be seen here.

These scenes will air over the next couple months.

Coronation Street can be seen weekdays on ITV1 / STV / ITVX / STV Player.

EMMERDALE's BELLE FINALLY REPORTS TOM TO THE POLICE FOR DOMESTIC ABUSE | INFORMING BRITAIN

1/10/2024

In tonight's Emmerdale, Belle King (Eden Taylor Draper) finally reported to the police that she is a victim of Domestic Abuse.

Earlier in the episode that aired on ITV 1 / STV, Belle visited her ex husband Tom King (James Chase) in a local medical facility where he believed they had struck a deal between them not to say it was her who attacked him in return she would stay quiet about her situation.

However Belle was later seen at a police station where she handed over the axe that she struck him with last week saying "I've attacked my husband, in self defence, he wanted to kill me. I'm a victim of domestic abuse."

Will Belle finally start to get justice now she's finally made this report to the authorities?

Emmerdale continues on ITV 1 / STV / ITVX / STV Player.

"I'M LOVING WORKING WITH VICKY, SHE'S AN ABSOLUTE TROOPER" - ALISON KING GIVES A SNEAK PEEK AT WHAT'S TO COME IN CORONATION STREET | INFORMING BRITAIN

28/9/2024

It has just been announced that two fan favourites in Coronation Street are going to be sharing bit of a romance next week on ITV1 & STV.

Viewers of the Serial Drama based in Greater Manchester will see Carla Connor (Alison King) and DS Lisa Swain (Vicky Myers) get closer leaving both confused about what's next.

Coronation Street veteran Alison King sat down with ITV and spoke about everything to help fans be kept in-the-know on what's to come.

2024 has not been kind to Carla Connor in the least with Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne) leaving Weatherfield on Boxing Day and Roy Cropper (David Neilson) almost imprisoned for the murder of Lauren Bolton (Cait Fitton).

Delving into Carla Connor's emotional state Alison, said:

"I think she's been doing pretty well all things considering, she's kind of spinning plates I guess but at some point that's going to come crashing down. As the day starts we see her with a letter and that really rocks her, she's dealing with a lot and that's when she makes rash decisions. She's putting her trust into different people, she's got Ryan and Bobby but there's no one really there for her who's a real grown up and I think this is where this bond with Lisa has stemmed from."

If you were hoping for a reunion with Carla and Peter then some disappointing content is coming your way next week when Carla receives some troubling mail.

Alison, elaborates:

"It transpires that the letter was her divorce from Peter coming through. She goes into a kind of morose, maudlin mode. It's just the end of a really, really bad day and tough as she is she's feeling very sorry for herself".

But things takes an unsuspecting turn when DS Lisa Swain arrives.

Alison, teases:

"I think Carla's still in shock and she’s very much in the moment. There is a real friendship growing between them and the fact that she's come around to check on her really means something to Carla. I think because she's taken Betsy on, there's kind of kindred spirit forming. We've seen Lisa have a bad day and Carla being a shoulder to lean on. She's got a lot of understanding about how difficult Betsy is, she's just come out of a relationship herself so she understands some of the loss Lisa is feeling after Becky. It's been a long time since Carla has had a female friend, somebody who's actually leaning on her but is also a powerhouse in her own right. Now Lisa is there for her, she's leaning on Lisa for the first time and it's becoming quite a confusing friendship. Lisa keeps appearing, she's always there because of that link through Betsy, and there's a bond growing between them that Carla can’t quite define".

Alison expresses her joy in working with Vicky Myers.

Alison, said:

I'm loving working with Vicky, she's an absolute trooper and she's very talented. I'm enjoying seeing their friendship coming through, with this friendship we're seeing a more vulnerable side in them both, rather than just two very strong women. It's nice to see Carla opening up to another woman, rather than it all being intermingled with men. She's suddenly got somebody around that really gets her. She has that closeness and banter with Ryan at home but with Lisa she can show that vulnerability that she so often hides. Lisa's so serious but she quite likes it and she doesn't really know why, because in that sense they're polar opposite".

Does Alison think Carla is taken by surprise at her closeness with Lisa?

Alison, confirms:

"I think every step of this friendship is taking her by surprise. The closeness between them for Carla comes from concern yet at times she can’t really put her finger on what this is".

There will be more from Alison King on this soon.

Coronation Street continues on ITV 1 / STV / ITVX / STV Player.

ITV CONFIRM TWO FAN FAVOURITES ARE TO SHARE A ROMANCE IN CORONATION STREET | INFORMING BRITAIN

28/9/2024

Sparks fly between Carla Connor (Alison King) and DS Lisa Swain (Vicky Myers) this week as a tender moment leaves Carla feeling confused.

For weeks now viewers have seen the two women growing closer as they've lent on each other for a much needed mutual friendship.

With both women letting their usual strong guard down and exploring their vulnerabilities, Lisa as a parent and widow, Carla as a divorcee and business woman, an indeterminable bond has been formed.

But when a seemingly gentle touch feels electric, Carla wonders what she's just experienced and if Lisa felt the same?

Coronation Street continues next week on ITV 1 / STV / ITVX / STV Player.

CORONATION STREET SPOILERS: WILL TOYAH 'NICK' HER SISTER'S MAN? | INFORMING BRITAIN

10/6/2024

Corr-Blimey!

Life has just got a whole lot more complicated for Toyah Habeeb (Georgia Taylor) after finding herself in the arms of her sister's husband-to-be Nick Tilsey (Ben Price).

In tonight’s visit to Weatherfield viewers saw both Toyah and Nick struggling to convince Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) to step away from her growing association with Rowan (Emrhys Cooper) and the Institute.

With their relationship in freefall, Leanne then walked out of the flat and it was Toyah who was there to comfort Nick, in more ways than one!

After a shock passionate clinch, will Nick and Leanne regret letting their emotions get the better of them or will the pair embark on a forbidden affair?

In Coronation Street's exclusive picture you can feel their internal struggle as both Nick and Toyah battle to put head over heart.

Will tonight’s kiss change everything?

Georgia Taylor, said:

"It's really confusing for Toyah, Nick is to all intents and purposes her brother in law and they haven’t always got on, so it's not like she's been harbouring some secret attraction. So this has hit her out of the blue, they've both been there for each other these last few weeks when life has been really tough and those feelings are starting to get a little bit blurred."

Georgia, concludes:

"Toyah loves her sister but every time she feels guilty for leaning on Nick, Leanne does something to push her away again. It's difficult when you're angry at someone, but you also feel guilty for something you've done to them. It's very conflicting for Toyah."

Coronation Street continues on ITV1 / STV / ITVX / STV Player.

ITV CONFIRM SPECIAL BEHIND CLOSED DOORS EPISODE TO BE AIRED | INFORMING BRITAIN

29/4/2024

This week ITV1 & STV will air a special episode of Emmerdale, on Tuesday 7 May 2024, showing two different perspectives of the same day.

The audience will experience a dinner party but in two halves.

One from the perspective of Rhona Dingle (Zoe Henry) & Marlon Dingle (Mark Charnock) - from the dinner table.

One from the perspective of Belle King (Eden Taylor-Draper) & Tom King (James Chase) - from the kitchen.

What you see in public is not necessarily what you see behind closed doors.

PRE DINNER PARTY: Belle sneaks to a doctor appointment to organise her contraceptive prescription. Anxious as she explains to Manpreet Sharma (Rebecca Sarker) she doesn’t want it sent to her home like her other medication and they find a solution. Meanwhile, at work Tom is patronised by Vanessa Woodfield (Michelle Hardwick) when he messes up diagnosing an elderly dog with cancer without conducting the necessary diagnostic tests. When Vanessa and Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt) arrive in the nick of time she swiftly orchestrates the correct blood tests and it is just an abscess. As the furious customer heads out, Tom starts playing victim, laying it on thick how Vanessa makes him feel unwelcome at the practice. He suddenly turns the tables by inviting the vet staff and their partners to a dinner party tomorrow night at his & Belle's house. Tom returns home furious after his terrible day and tells Belle about the dinner, tomorrow, and firmly puts the success of it down to her.

THE INVITATION: Feuding Marlon and Rhona finally agree to meet for lunch. Things are awkward. Especially when Rhona tells Marlon she has accepted Tom's invite to dinner the following night. Marlon is frustrated to have not been consulted. He agrees to attend, but they are further apart than ever.

THE DINNER PARTY TABLE: As guests arrive for the dinner party, tensions simmer between Rhona and Marlon. The lovey-dovey Mandy Dingle (Lisa Riley) and Paddy only heighten the awkwardness. Tom's toast about marital solidarity exposes the cracks in Rhona and Marlon's relationship further. Meanwhile Vanessa, Suzy Merton (Martelle Edinborough), Paddy and Mandy attempt to enjoy the evening. Belle excuses herself, saying the onions made her cry, as her relationship with the controlling Tom is strained. The row between Rhona and Marlon erupts as they lay bare their issues publicly. Rhona tries leaving, but defiant Marlon rejects it, forcing Rhona to seemingly end their marriage in front of everyone.

THE VIEW FROM THE KITCHEN: Belle puts the finishing touches to the Dale Head dinner, but critical Tom asks her to change into a more appropriate outfit, and she compliantly heads upstairs. In the kitchen, alone, Tom makes a discovery, but before he can confront her, the guests start to arrive. Later, when Belle goes upstairs, Tom joins her in the bathroom in a threatening manner. Tom, soon, doesn't let Belle out of his sight in the kitchen. When Rhona finally puts her foot down to leave following the argument, the other guests apologetically follow suit. Belle is desperate for people to stay, but they all make their excuses. And as guests depart, we see the terrifying reality of Belle's life with the menacing Tom.

Mark Charnock, who portrays Marlon Dingle, spoke to an ITV representative about this unique episode.

He gives an insight as to what ITV/STV viewers can expect.

Mark, said:

"It's a one off in terms of structure and it's a very different sort of episode where you kind of go back and forth in time during the dinner party. What it’s really cleverly done is it's got what’s happening on stage which is the dinner party and what's happening off stage which is in the kitchen between Tom and Belle. So we see two charming hosts hosting these different couples and then when the hosts go back into the kitchen we see the darkness of what's going on between them. Meanwhile on stage you've got these happy couples; Mandy and Paddy and Vanessa and Suzy. And then there’s Rhona and Marlon who appear to be completely falling apart in front of everybody."

Mark went on to give his thoughts on being a part of this episode.

Mark, explains:

"It's always exciting to be part of something that's a one off. This isn't a regular episode, it's self contained. It's almost like a half hour single drama because it’s so unique."

Zoe Henry, who portrays Rhona Dingle, confirms that the episode is going to be in two halves when asked how it's going to be executed.

Zoe, said:

"It is essentially an episode of two halves… the first one is the surface stuff, what you can plainly see going on, particularly dominated by Marlon & Rhona's now dysfunctional relationship and how real and ugly and that currently is. The second half is a repeat of the same action, but this time it's the under the surface stuff. The hidden agendas, the secrets, the unspoken."

Zoe gives a little hint as to how things erupt between Rhona & Marlon.

Zoe, explains:

"You've heard the saying ‘Sober man's mind, drunken man's tongue’? That's basically it. They both drink too much, get on each other's nerves and it all comes out! Warts and all!"

Eden Taylor-Draper, who portrays Belle King, gives her explaination in how this behind closed doors episode is going to be done and is looking forward to seeing the finished product.

Eden, said:

"In the first scene you see all of the groups arriving and you think everything's great? It kind of continues that way and you see snippets of them as a group and then at different points throughout the episode you see the reality of what’s happening behind closed doors. The perspective of those at the dinner party are completely different to what's happening in reality. It's very much like everyone's putting on a show in front of their friends, and then the audience becomes a fly on the wall and you see the reality of everyone's individual scenarios. It's so interesting because we've not really done this before so it was cool to film. I'm looking forward to seeing how it comes together and how it looks when it’s packaged together."

Eden was asked if she is happy to be involved in such a standout episode.

Eden, said:

"I've never done an episode like this and I've never really been part of a special episode in that way with a focus on my storyline. So I’m grateful for the opportunity. I also think this episode is such a representation of Belle and Tom."

You can stream Emmerdale, now, on ITVX and STV Player.

CORONATION STREET RELEASE IMAGES OF TERRIFYING MOMENT HARVEY GETS HIS REVENGE ON ADAM - DOES ADAM DIE? | INFORMING BRITAIN

2/3/2024

This is the terrifying moment when evil Harvey Gaskell (Will Mellor) enacts his revenge on Adam Barlow (Sam Robertson) in tomorrow night's chilling episode of Coronation Street.

Having reneged on his part of his deal with the devil, to get Harvey out of prison in return for Harvey getting rid of Damon Hay (Ciaran Griffiths), the man who stole his wife, it's now Adam who is in the firing line.

Having heard that Adam handed vital CCTV footage to Weatherfield Police which ruins his chances of an appeal, Harvey decides to hit both Adam & Damon where it hurts. Harvey sends one of his accomplices to Weatherfield to target Sarah Barlow (Tina O’Brien) and Bethany Platt (Lucy Fallon), who wastes no time in making his presence felt.

But as a car comes flying round the corner, hurtling towards Sarah and Bethany, Adam jumps out in front of the vehicle, pushing Bethany out of the way and -taking the full brunt of the hit and run himself.

Has Adam played the ultimate price for double-crossing Harvey?

Find out, tomorrow, at 20:00 on ITV1 / STV / ITVX / STV Player.

ITV CONFIRM DARK NEW TWIST FOR BELLE IN EMMERDALE | INFORMING BRITAIN

22/2/2024

Emmerdale is set to depict Belle and Tom King’s controlling and abusive marital relationship.

The newly married couple, played by Eden Taylor Draper and James Chase, have just returned from their honeymoon, but the signs are already apparent that their relationship is not a bed of roses.

The night of her wedding we saw Belle question whether she had made the right choice and she is now starting to lose her way in what a normal relationship actually looks like. Her husband, Tom, is exhibiting clear signs of Coercive Control and there are indications this could develop into physical abuse as well as mental abuse.

Sadly and typically Belle is likely to keep this aspect of their relationship a secret from her nearest and dearest.

Producer Laura Shaw, explains:

"Soaps are in the extraordinary position of being able to highlight what happens behind the public face of an abusive relationship, over a longer period of time. The audience knows these characters so well, sometimes as well as they might know their own friends and family and they care deeply about them. As harrowing as it can be to watch this type of storyline play out, it's imperative that we use our platform to shine a light on Domestic Abuse, and help give a voice to people who have so often been silenced."

The programme has been working with outside partners to research this topic and our research has shown us that since the COVID-19 pandemic the instances of Tech Abuse have risen, I.E. a partner using monitoring devices such as trackers, hidden cameras to control and track their victims. So before long the character of Tom will start using different methods of technology to assert his control and surveillance over Belle.

Eden Taylor Draper, who plays Belle King, says:

"When we first heard from the producers the way the Tom and Belle relationship story was going to go, we were fully aware of the responsibility that would bring. But it is an important story to tell. Soaps offer the viewer a glimpse of life behind closed doors and reveal what people present to the world isn't always a truth. The sad reality is that behaviour like this in a relationship is all too prevalent. I hope we do this story justice. And if people are in a situation like this they should definitely get help."

Throughout the research process, the programme has worked with a Domestic Abuse charity, New Beginnings Peer Support, and their CEO Lindsay Olive highlights why this is an important story for Emmerdale to be telling.

Lindsay Olive, said:

"As an after-crisis service we see the longevity of the trauma resulting from Domestic Abuse and firmly believe preventative measures are key. We therefore, very much welcome Emmerdale covering this storyline to highlight the realities of Domestic Abuse, red flags within a relationship and the challenges of leaving. Domestic abuse remains a hidden pandemic and the more information in the public domain to increase awareness, the higher the chance of perpetrator behaviour being recognised and victims gaining the support they require."

Emma Pickering, Head of Technology-Facilitated Abuse and Economic Empowerment at Refuge, said:

"Refuge is pleased to have had the opportunity to work with the writers and producers of Emmerdale, to develop the storyline between Tom and Belle and show viewers the sad realities of Domestic Abuse. The show will be exploring the multi-faceted and complex nature of Domestic Abuse, with various manifestations of abuse, including Coercive Control, Emotional Abuse, Physical Abuse, and Technology-Facilitated Abuse, all set to be displayed by Tom over the coming weeks. The show will also highlight how abuse escalates over time, as well as some of the common tactics used by perpetrators such as isolation from family and friends, love bombing, and manipulation. Domestic Abuse is sadly all too common, with 1 in 4 women experiencing some form of abuse in their lifetime. It is important shows like Emmerdale explore these types of storylines, and work with experts such as ourselves when developing these on-screen portrayals so viewers can be informed about Domestic Abuse and how it presents and learn to recognise signs of abuse in the real world. If you recognise any of the behaviours displayed by Tom, you may be experiencing Domestic Abuse. If this is the case, you are not alone."

Emmerdale continues weeknights at 19:30 on ITV1 / STV / ITVX / STV Player.

CORONATION STREET CONFIRM AFFAIR FOR TRACY MCDONALD AS FAVOURITE REPRISES ROLE | INFORMING BRITAIN

21/1/2024

It looks like Tracy McDonald (Kate Ford) has scored a winner as Weatherfield footballing legend, come painter/decorator, Tommy Orpington (Matt Milburn) gets to work at The Barlow residence.

This week Coronation Street viewers will see Tracy employ newly retired footballer Tommy to spruce up her interiors, after being underwhelmed by husband Steve's efforts in the bedroom.

With lazy Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) failing to get the decorating done, Tommy takes up the job, but it quickly becomes clear his mind isn’t just on the work as the sexual chemistry between Tracy and Tommy leaves her hot under the collar.

As Tommy admits he fancies Tracy and leans in for a kiss, it looks like there's no Red Card for Tommy as Tracy takes their attraction to extra time.

As the two Weatherfieldians embark on a steamy affair, has Steve scored a huge own goal by letting his icon home in on his Mrs?!

Matt Milburn speaks about reprising his role as former Weatherfield County football player Tommy Orpington.

Matt, said:

"I was absolutely thrilled and over the moon, because it's something I've wanted for years. I've played Tommy intermittently since 2016 so to be told that I was going to be coming back and given something far more substantial, I was delighted. Tommy is the perfect character for me to play because I love football and he’s a famous northern footballer. It's great to be back!"

Matt delves further into the attraction between Tommy & Tracy, and said:

"I think he likes her sparky nature, her quick retorts and her banter is very sharp. He likes being kept on his toes. She's not an easy target in many ways. I just think that they seem to have this chemistry between them that none of them see coming."

Coronation Street continues on ITV1 / STV / ITVX / STV Player.