SERIAL DRAMA SPOILERS AT INFORMING BRITAIN - INFORMING BRITAIN by @AndyGibsonTV

CORONATION STREET: CORONATION STREET CONFIRMS VARIOUS STORYLINES HEATING UP THIS NOVEMBER | CORONATION STREET SPOILERS AT INFORMING BRITAIN

10/11/2025

As November continues, several storylines in Coronation Street are unfolding for the residents of Weatherfield.

Todd Grimshaw (Gareth Pierce) is showing signs of deterioration due to his relationship with Theo Silverton (James Cartwright).

He has been distancing himself from those close to him, while privately enduring a cycle of mental and physical abuse from his partner.

News regarding their baby has introduced strain into the marriage of David Platt (Jack P. Shepherd) and Shona Platt (Julia Goulding).

The Platt Family must now navigate this uncertainty together.

In other developments, Abi Webster (Sally Carman-Duttine) is managing the aftermath of her separation from Kevin Webster (Michael Le Vell).

It remains to be seen whether her new relationship with Carl Webster (Jonathan Howard) will meet her expectations or bring further complications.

Meanwhile, Becky McDonald (Katherine Kelly) is working to reconnect with her family, which has placed pressure on Carla Connor (Alison King).

The question arises whether DS Lisa Swain (Vicky Myers) will discern the reality behind Becky's apparent return from the dead, or if Carla risks significant losses.

EMMERDALE: MODERN SLAVERY IS FOCUS IN NEW HORROR STORYLINE ARC FOR BEAR WOLF | EMMERDALE SPOILERS AT INFORMING BRITAIN

7/11/2025

The long-running ITV / STV Serial Drama, Emmerdale, is poised to address the pressing issue of Modern Slavery in a special standalone episode scheduled for broadcast on Monday 10 November 2025, as confirmed with Informing Britain by an ITV insider.

The instalment will explore the insidious nature of Modern Slavery, developed in close collaboration with The Salvation Army.

The charity has provided guidance to the programme's producers, writers, and researchers from the outset, ensuring an authentic depiction of the harrowing experience faced by an elderly white man who becomes ensnared in exploitation.

Kathy Betteridge, Director of Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery for The Salvation Army, commented:

"Forced labour is one of the most hidden, but widespread forms of Modern Slavery in the UK today. We're thankful to Emmerdale for using this storyline to expose the brutal truth - people are being exploited in plain sight, from farms and factories to cafés, car washes, homes and hotels. Victims are often isolated, threatened, and made to feel they have no way out. But there is a way out with the right, compassionate support; recovery is possible. Storylines like this, delivered with attention to detail and authenticity, help the public recognise what Modern Slavery really looks like and how vital it is to act when something doesn't feel right."

In the episode, Paddy Dingle (portrayed by Dominic Brunt) grows increasingly concerned when he realises his father, Bear Wolf (played by Joshua Richards), has not arrived in Ireland as expected.

Having had no contact for months following a period of familial tension, Paddy sets out to locate him and mend their relationship.

The narrative uncovers Bear Wolf's dire predicament, underscoring the vulnerability of those on society's margins.

Although Bear Wolf remains geographically close to his former life in Emmerdale Village, his circumstances render reconnection seemingly impossible.

Through a series of flashbacks, viewers will see how Bear Wolf, a once-strong family man and fighter/wrestler, was initially drawn in by ostensibly benevolent individuals offering work in exchange for board and lodgings.

This quickly escalates into extreme manipulation, leaving him injured, frail, and wholly dependent on his captors, isolated from any hope of escape.

Joshua Richards, who embodies Bear Wolf, shared his reflections on the project:

"It may surprise many people, but slavery is alive and well, indeed prospering in the modern world. Not only in obscure countries and cultures that we know little about, and not just the exploitation of migrants by criminal gangs of which some of us are aware. It is happening under our very own noses. The disadvantaged, dispossessed, those with Mental Health issues or disabilities, the old, lonely and vulnerable people that our society neglects are the perfect prey for grooming by unscrupulous criminal agencies. I'm very excited and honoured to be taking part in this to hopefully educate and highlight this abominable trade of human bondage."

Emmerdale Series Producer Laura Shaw, added:

"With our farming and rural backdrop we have an ideal setting, but it's not all fluffy sheep and rolling landscapes. The countryside, just like an urban setting, can harbour the dark undercurrents of society. When Ray and Celia first came to Emmerdale it was clear that both characters were not to be trusted. We have seen their manipulation of April and Dylan, but this special standalone episode featuring Bear ensnared in Modern Slavery highlights the cruelty and control that these slave masters can exhibit. Bear is truly trapped in his situation and over a series of scenes you begin to understand a little more how this happened."

Laura Shaw, continues:

"I don’t think the audience will ever like the character of Ray, but hopefully there will be glimmers within this episode that make you realise he too is perhaps trapped in a world not of his making. We have been extremely grateful for the support we have received from The Salvation Army for Bear's story, but also the interlinked County Lines drug story that we have been telling with April and Dylan. The Salvation Army has given Emmerdale invaluable help with the portrayal of these shocking, yet prevalent situations in our society."

Modern Slavery constitutes a grave and escalating crime impacting thousands across the United Kingdom.

It occurs when individuals are deprived of their freedom and exploited for personal or commercial gain, encompassing Forced Labour, Human Trafficking, Sexual Exploitation, or coerced criminality.

Victims are frequently deceived, intimidated, or physically compelled into such scenarios, often too fearful to seek assistance.

Forced Labour, one of the most prevalent forms, involves individuals being compelled to work under duress, deception, or threat, typically with minimal or no remuneration, substandard living conditions, confiscated documents, and warnings of harm or arrest should they attempt to flee.

Such exploitation pervades everyday environments, including farms, factories, car washes, construction sites, nail bars, restaurants, and private residences.

According to official figures, Labour Exploitation represented approximately 41 per cent of adult referrals to the United Kingdom Government's National Referral Mechanism (NRM) in 2023, the system designed to identify and aid victims.

Migrant Help and the Trafficking Awareness Raising Alliance (TARA) provide the Scottish Government's funded Support Services for adult victims of Human Trafficking and exploitation in Scotland, offering crisis accommodation and specialised support to survivors.

Over the past four years, the organisations have assisted nearly 3,340 individuals.

Of the 622 new entrants to the service in the 2023/2024 financial year, approximately 60 per cent (373) had endured Forced Labour.

The Salvation Army administers the Government's Modern Slavery Victim Care Contract in England and Wales, offering secure accommodation and specialised support to adult survivors.

Over the past 14 years, the organisation - and authorised partners - have assisted nearly 27,000 individuals.

Of the 2,409 entrants to the service last year, 65 per cent (1,557) had endured Forced Labour.

EMMERDALE: ITV/STV UNVEILS GRIPPING NEW MYSTERY - WHERE HAS BEAR WOLF GONE? | EMMERDALE SPOILERS AT INFORMING BRITAIN

3/11/2025

ITV / STV have, today, launched a captivating new on-air promotional trailer for the long-running Soap Opera Emmerdale, centring on the enigmatic disappearance of Bear Wolf.

Bear Wolf, portrayed by Joshua Richards and the father of Paddy Kirk (played by Dominic Brunt), was last sighted departing in a hire car more than three months ago.

This week, Paddy comes to the startling realisation that his father is not safely ensconced in Ireland as previously believed, but has instead gone missing.

Concerns over Bear's mental well-being heighten Paddy's anxiety for his safety, compounded by remorse over their acrimonious parting.

As Paddy and his wife Mandy Dingle (Lisa Riley) embark on a quest to uncover Bear's whereabouts, the trailer offers tantalising clues about his true location. Viewers are promised that the riddle will be resolved in forthcoming episodes of Emmerdale.

Emmerdale continues to air from Monday to Friday at 19:30 on ITV1 / STV / ITV1 HD / STV HD.

ITV CONFIRM THREE SPECIAL STANDALONE EPISODES HIGHLIGHTING KEY EMMERDALE STORYLINES THIS AUTUMN | EMMERDALE SPOILERS AT INFORMING BRITAIN

14/10/2025

ITV and STV's long-running soap opera Emmerdale is set to captivate audiences with three special standalone episodes airing in early to mid-November, delving into compelling and emotional narratives involving central characters.

These episodes will address themes of family strife, incarceration, and mysterious disappearances, while shedding light on broader social issues such as Child Exploitation and Modern Slavery.

In one episode, the storyline centers on teenager April Dingle, portrayed by Amelia Flanagan, who finds herself ensnared by ruthless drug dealers.

The narrative explores the strained relationship between April and her father, Marlon Dingle, played by Mark Charnock, as he desperately attempts to reach out to his daughter amid her deepening involvement in dangerous activities.

This plotline draws attention to the real-world issue of County Lines exploitation, a form of Modern Slavery where Criminal Networks groom and coerce vulnerable young people into Drug Trafficking.

Another episode will offer a reflective examination of Robert Sugden's recent imprisonment.

Played by Ryan Hawley, the character was sentenced to six years behind bars.

Viewers will gain insight into the events surrounding his incarceration and the profound impact it has had on his life, questioning whether the experience has irrevocably altered him.

The third episode focuses on the disappearance of Bear, portrayed by Joshua Richards, the estranged father of Paddy Kirk, played by Dominic Brunt.

After tensions arose from living together, Bear departed for Ireland three months ago.

However, it emerges that he never arrived at his intended destination, prompting questions about his whereabouts during the "hundred missing days".

The storyline reveals Bear's entrapment in a situation emblematic of challenges faced by an overlooked generation, highlighting themes of isolation and vulnerability.

These episodes come amid growing awareness of County Lines and Modern Slavery in the United Kingdom.

County Lines involves organised criminal groups transporting illegal drugs from urban to rural areas via dedicated phone lines, exploiting children and adults through grooming, coercion, threats, and violence, including sexual abuse, to handle drugs and money.

Victims, often lured with promises of money, status, or belonging, may end up isolated, missing education, and in perilous environments. A common tactic is "cuckooing", where gangs takeover vulnerable individuals' homes for criminal operations, using psychological manipulation to maintain control.

According to estimates, around 1,000 active County Lines networks operate across Scotland, Wales, and England primarily dealing in crack cocaine and heroin, affecting diverse communities.

Warning signs include behavioural changes such as acquiring new possessions, frequent unexplained absences, unexplained injuries, or associations with older individuals.

EASTENDERS SPOILERS: ROSS REELS FROM SHOCKING DEVELOPMENTS | SOAP SPOILERS AT INFORMING BRITAIN

12/10/2025

Ross Marshall (Alex Walkinshaw) is left stunned by recent occurrences in Albert Square.

He battles the fallout from what Joel Marshall (Max Murray) has done.

These scenes air week beginning Monday 13 October 2025 on BBC One / BBC One HD / BBC iPlayer.

EASTENDERS SPOILERS: TEDDY AND GINA GRAPPLE WITH THE GROWING WORRIES OF WALFORD | SOAP SPOILERS AT INFORMING BRITAIN

12/10/2025

Teddy Mitchell (Elijah Holloway) and Gina Knight (Francesca Henry) become increasingly anxious amid unfolding events.

Gina attempts to divert her attention from the mounting concerns.

These scenes air week beginning Monday 13 October 2025 on BBC One / BBC One HD / BBC iPlayer.

EMMERDALE: ITV AND STV AIR SHOCKING COUNTY LINES TWIST WITH COURTROOM DRAMA | EMMERDALE SPOILERS AT INFORMING BRITAIN

2/10/2025

In a gripping pair of episodes of Emmerdale on ITV1, STV, ITVX, and STV Player, viewers were plunged into a dark exploration of truth and deception, with a hard-hitting County Lines storyline taking centre stage.

The episodes, aired on 2 October 2025, unveiled Celia (Jaye Griffiths) as the ruthless mastermind behind a drugs gang, shocking audiences with her brutal transformation.

In a chilling scene, Celia violently slapped teenager April Windsor (Amelia Flanagan) and issued a stark warning about the consequences of betraying the gang.

The revelation that Celia, not drug dealer Ray Walters (Joe Absolom), holds absolute control left Ray cowering, exposing her dominance.

Jaye Griffiths, commented:

"The audience now sees the familial link between Celia and Ray, and the full context of their operation. It's clear these kids are trapped, and there’s more drama to come."

The storyline, developed with expertise from The Salvation Army, highlights the harrowing reality of County Lines, a form of modern slavery where vulnerable children like Dylan Penders (Fred Kettle) and April are coerced into Drug Trafficking.

Exploited through grooming, threats, and violence, they face a bleak future, with Celia's operation using tactics like cuckooing (taking over vulnerable people's homes for criminal activity).

With an estimated 1,000 County Lines networks active across the United Kingdom, Emmerdale underscores the devastating impact on communities, showing signs of exploitation such as unexplained absences or changes in behaviour.

Elsewhere, honesty proved costly for Vinny Dingle (Bradley Johnson), who bravely testified against his attacker in court, securing a conviction.

However, his candid admission of sexual confusion, witnessed by his shocked wife Gabby Dingle (Rosie Bentham), left their marriage in jeopardy.

Meanwhile, Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) continued to deceive ex-husbands Kev Townsend (Chris Coghill) and Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller), risking exposure as he juggles his lies.

Emmerdale’s powerful storytelling sheds light on critical social issues while delivering emotional drama, leaving viewers anxious for the characters’ fates.

Emmerdale continues on ITV1 / STV / ITV1 HD / STV HD / ITVX / STV Player.

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.