INFORMING BRITAIN by @AndyGibsonTV - Serials News

ITV CONFIRM NEW STORYLINE AS GARY WINDASS MYSTERY DEEPENS | CORONATION STREET SPOILERS AT INFORMING BRITAIN

26/6/2025

A startling revelation is set to unfold on Coronation Street, as it emerges that Gary Windass, presumed to have absconded, is in fact lying in a coma, battling for his life at Weatherfield General Hospital.

The enigma commenced when Gary departed Weatherfield, ostensibly to reside with his mother amid Lou's manipulative blackmail.

However, his failure to return for Liam's birthday prompted growing alarm from Maria, who initiated a fervent search for his whereabouts.

In tomorrow's instalment, viewers will witness Gary unconscious in a bed inside a local medical facility, with his friends and family yet to be informed of this grave turn of events.

Maria’s anxiety intensifies as she reports Gary missing to Kit, only to learn of an unidentified patient in a coma.

Despite Kit's initial reassurance that the patient is not Gary, it becomes apparent that the perpetrator responsible for his condition has taken extraordinary measures to conceal their actions, including altering Gary's identity and fraudulently posing as his next of kin.

With Gary's condition remaining critical, the investigation into the circumstances of his hospitalisation persists.

Forthcoming episodes will explore the events leading to this incident in greater depth, unravelling secrets and exposing the identities of those implicated.

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

MICHELLE RYAN MAKES SHOCK REPRISAL AS ZOE SLATER AFTER 20 YEARS ABSENCE | EASTENDERS SPOILERS AT INFORMING BRITAIN

16/6/2025

In tonight's gripping episode of EastEnders on Monday 16 June 2025, Zoe Slater (portrayed by Michelle Ryan) made a dramatic comeback, with more turmoil expected as she prepares to return to Walford - full-time - later this year.

Absent from Albert Square for two decades, Zoe remains a legendary figure in EastEnders history, forever etched in fans' memories for her role in iconic plots, including the unforgettable "You ain’t my mother" storyline, still quoted today.

In 2001, it was revealed that Zoe, the youngest of the Slater sisters, was actually the daughter of Walford's beloved Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace), sparking a 24-year saga of bitterness between the mother and daughter.

Zoe is tied to one of the programme's more darker storylines involving family inbreeding, as her mum and dad are niece and uncle.

Zoe's time in Walford was marked by a series of doomed romances, none more destructive than her affair with Dennis Rickman (Nigel Harman).

This led to her entanglement in the murder of Den Watts, alongside Chrissie Watts (Tracy-Ann Oberman) and Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf), following her secret pregnancy with Den.

In 2005, Zoe left Walford after confessing her part in Den's murder and briefly reconciling with Kat, however, their fragile bond crumbled during her years away, leaving them estranged once more.

With two decades of unresolved resentment, fractured family ties, and siblings she’s yet to meet, Zoe's return promises to be a turbulent journey.

The path back to Walford will be fraught with challenges, setting the stage for an unmissable chapter in EastEnders.

Ben Wadey (Executive Producer - EastEnders)

Ben Wadey, who took the reins of BBC's juggernaut Serial Drama from Chris Clenshaw earlier this year and this evening's episode marked his first as Executive Producer.

Ben Wadey, said:

"Before I even stepped into the role, Zoe Slater was on my wish-list of returnees as although we haven't seen her on screen for twenty years, her character has transcended time due to her popular storylines. I was absolutely delighted when Michelle agreed to return, and I'm thrilled to welcome her back to Walford. Whilst I can't say too much at this stage, Zoe's return is just one of the many exciting storylines we have planned."

© 2025: BBC / EastEnders / Elstree Studios

Michelle Ryan, said:

"It all happened at the right time. I'd already been thinking about a return because I'd met up with Kacey Ainsworth (Little Mo) and Kim Medcalf (Sam Mitchell) and we were reminiscing our fond memories of the show, and I'd also joined Social Media and saw that there was still a lot of love for the character. It just so happened that at the same time, EastEnders had announced a new Exec who was keen to explore the potential of a return as he was such a massive fan of Zoe and the Slaters, so both of our worlds aligned at the right time, and I'm so excited to be back. When Ben pitched me the storylines, and when I read the scripts, I knew it was the right decision."

Michelle, concludes:

"It feels like coming home. After doing my first few scenes, it was like I'd never been away. I can’t say too much as there is a lot of drama to come, but Zoe is a mess. She's not the girl that left Walford twenty years ago, and she's been really struggling on her own. She has her defences up, but this week you will see that she needs help, but whether she is willing to accept it is another story".

EastEnders continues on BBC One / BBC One HD / BBC iPlayer.

ITV CONFIRMS ACCLAIMED ACTOR JOE ABSOLOM JOINS EMMERDALE AS MYSTERIOUS RAY IN HUGE SHAKEUP | EMMERDALE SPOILERS AT INFORMING BRITAIN

31/5/2025

Emmerdale fans are in for a thrilling Summer as acclaimed actor Joe Absolom joins the cast, set to debut as Ray, an enigmatic figure who has ties to Mackenzie Boyd (Lawrence Robb).

Absolom, known for his captivating performances, will bring a new layer of intrigue to the ITV/STV Serial Drama when his character arrives on the farm this Summer.

Ray initially presents himself as a farm machinery salesman, but his true nature as a drug dealer quickly unravels, shaking up the village.

Beneath his calm and collected demeanor lies a menacing streak, promising tension and drama for the residents of Emmerdale.

Absolom's casting is already generating buzz within Emmerdale insiders.

Laura Shaw (Series Producer - Emmerdale), says:

"We are thrilled to welcome Joe Absolom to the cast. It's fantastic to have such a high calibre and immensely talented actor join our wonderful team to play the role of Ray. Charming, charismatic and effortlessly likeable, Ray is an extremely complex character who very quickly shows his dark and villainous side to some of our most loved villagers, leaving them in no doubt as to what he’s capable of. Joe has a wealth of television, theatre and film credits, including Doc Martin, The Bay and most recently playing the role of Braden Moore in Code Of Silence".

Joe Absolom, says:

"Well what an honour to join such a talented team at Emmerdale! It's an iconic show and I'm grateful to be part of it. I can't wait to see what's in stock for Ray!"

Stay tuned to Emmerdale to catch Joe Absolom's debut and the unfolding chaos this Summer!

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

"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.