Internet Shopping, Fun and Games

Hello and welcome Friday's edition of A Slice Of Soap. So who's in the news? Well, she's blonde, she's bubbly, she's Letitia Dean. The former Grange Hill extra (she had a tiny part in the show - blink and you would've missed her kind of thing) may have found fame as Sharon Watts in EastEnders, but she's gaining a new army of devotees thanks to her latest project. The actress is among the cast of High School Musical, which opened at the Apollo in Hammersmith earlier this week. Not only is the role of drama teacher Ms Darbus giving her acting muscles a workout - the physical side of the show has seen the star shed the pounds, too. If you saw her on Strictly Come Dancing, you'll know that although a bit top-heavy (and she's the first to admit it), she's got absolutely fantastic legs. I remember her saying so to Adrian Chiles on The One Show. Letitia Dean spoke to The Sun and told the paper: "All the rehearsals for the show were quite intense and there were physical warm ups which I got involved in," she said. "And the adrenalin knocks it off you I think. But I finished the live Strictly tour and then I was only off a few weeks before I started rehearsals for this. It's all high energy, which certainly helps." Anyway, here's a taster of the Disney TV show that inspired the stage musical. The real question is, will Letitia return to Albert Square? I'm willing to bet that she will at some point in the future. Letitia seems to be one of the few actors able to come and go in Albert Square as she pleases....    * Sam and others who have asked, sorry about all the delays getting the new Friday Fun Feature replacing 'Gus Watch' off the ground. Last week Clive Hornby died and it wasn't the right time. This week, something else has cropped up. I think my best bet is to go for the first week in August when things have calmed down....hopefully. Official Sites Coronation Street Emmerdale EastEnders Hollyoaks

Hello and welcome to Wednesday's edition of A Slice Of Soap. Hot on the heels of Mickey and Keith Miller, EastEnders' Yolande Trueman is also facing the axe. Angela Wynter, the actress that plays her, is reportedly disappointed by the decision to write her out of the show. She says producers told her that after five years in Walford, they had simply run out of storylines for her. I am so not surprised. The truth is that Yolande is just the latest in a long line of really badly-written EastEnders characters. The only reason she's lasted so long is because Rudolph Walker is so good as Patrick Trueman - and Yolande's married to him. So they just let her drift along with not very much to do or, if they gave her anything to do, it was rubbish (remember when Charlie Slater's humbugs got attached to Yolande's bum? Yawn). Yolande could drain the life from a party after it's had the life drained from it. I can understand why the writers couldn't be bothered to write for her anymore because Yolande fits into the same category as the Millers...deadwood. That's all she is and it's time for her to go. I'm so glad that we won't have to listen to her grating accent much longer. Yolande first arrived in the Square in 2003, following a holiday romance with Patrick Trueman - the couple subsequently wed. Arguably her most memorably storyline came when she discovered her husband had been cheating on her with Pat Evans (shudder), although she subsequently forgave him. When I read that Angela believes her character has become a 'part of the fabric of EastEnders', and has struck a chord with viewers because she is believable, I had to laugh. Yolande will barely be remembered in a year's time - 'member I told you. On a related note, James Sutton is calling it a day on Hollyoaks. The actor, who plays John Paul McQueen, is moving on to other projects. His last scenes will air in September. He'll definitely be missed. So who's next for the soap revolving door? Watch this space... Official Sites Coronation Street Emmerdale EastEnders Hollyoaks

Hello and welcome to A Slice Of Soap. It's time to look forward to all the juiciness that's coming up in soap-land... Typical EastEnders. They bring back 'Mad May' and then do stupidness with her. Not that what they did with her before was believable or rational. Now it's all about to get very Fatal Attraction (not that it wasn't before) but instead of Michael 'saggy bottom' Douglas, it's a baby that's provided the trigger into madness. She's there for one reason and one reason only - to cause an 'explosive' end for one of the Millers...but which one's gonna get it? Anyway to the action and Jack begins to become suspicious of what has happened between Max and Tanya. Jase has some bad news for Dawn, and things take a turn for the worst as she gets an unexpected visitor for Summer's birthday. Abi is missing, and so is Jane. May attacks Dawn and her lifestyle, saying she isn't worthy of Summer. Meanwhile, Christian comes to the Beale's to apologise. The Square is rocked when there is an explosion; the Miller's house goes up in flames – but who's inside? Keith gets off his sofa and puts his life at risk. Also on EastEnders this week: The Best of British celebrations are in full swing Lucy and Olly continue to get caught in the act Zainab is distraught as old memories are aroused The clock is ticking....can you hear it? We all know that it's only a matter of time before Michelle finds out about Steve's sordid night with Becky. Oh dear. For the moment, she's getting tired of hearing about his attempt to apologise to Harry. Becky is uneasy around Michelle. Mel is stunned when Lloyd confesses that he's Finlay's dad. She demands he tell Jerry but how the convalescent react to this bombshell? There's more yawn-inducing rubbish with Carla and Tony and the sale of the factory - who cares! It's Carla and Liam's duvet action that's more interesting. Vernon is suspicious about Liz. Ted surprises David by giving him a new reference which is infinitely more glowing than the one Audrey had given him. A stunned Audrey has no idea what Ted has done. Elsewhere Vernon is unhappy that Liz wasn't more jealous about a runner at the recording studio who was flirting with him... It's the day of the Webster's and Peacock's house swap but as they settle into their new homes, disaster strikes. Also on Coronation Street this week: Ken has been invited to a university reunion The factory girls are pleased to have Liam back Tina finds a job for David  Hollywoodoaks fans will be pleased to see some familiar faces returning in the coming weeks. Mandy Richardson (played by actress Sarah Dunn) and OB (actor Darren Jeffries) are back for the on-off marriage of Steph and Max. OB tries to convince best-mate Max to quit England and move to New York with him and Summer. Can't wait! Until then, here's what's going on now...Frankie is still devastated at Jake's confession to murder. Newt blames Warren for Frankie's misery and is determined to have his revenge. Mercedes challenges Darren to bed Hannah in return for a night in her own company. Fletch asks Sasha to leave Hollyoaks and come to London with him. Hannah confronts Darren over his scam with Mercedes. Lauren can't understand why Newt won't stand up to Eli. Newt orders Eli to return some stolen money but Eli disappears. Hannah is shocked when she sees the state of a downtrodden Fletch. Tom is concerned that Max and Steph will never get back together. Newt is desperate to put an end to Eli's reign of terror once and for all. Also on Hollyoaks this week: Louise is visibly shaken by a smoke bomb going off Danny wakes up with Mercedes in his bed Newt catches Eli stealing the takings from The Dog To say Emmerdale's Mel Doland has had an emotional few months is something of an understatement. She's had to come terms with the fact her child, who was swapped at birth, died while in the care of Ashley and Laurel. Meanwhile, those of us that watch both Emmerdale and Corrie have had to come to terms with the fact that both soaps have made hard work of their baby swap stories. I never want to watch another one ever again. This week, Jasmine watches teary-eyed as Miles leaves for France alone. David is quietly impressed with Nicola. Viv is furious with her legal aid solicitor. David publicly dumps Sharon and Ross stuns Donna with a confession. Pollard's in a tight spot; will he finally reveal the truth about his tax problems to his wife? Rodney is concerned for his granddaughter when he hears Gabby hasn't been sleeping. Val vetoes a business deal and Pollard is left a broken man. Will the newlyweds survive the first crisis of their marriage? Gennie offers to test her mettle as a Dingle when Eli needs volunteers to sell some cheap liquor. Donna is thrilled with Marlon's success on television and equally cheered when things return to normal with Ross. As Ross and Paddy head out for a night on the pull, will his feelings for Donna get in the way? Also on Emmerdale this week: A catfight breaks out between Nicola and Sharon Jasmine returns to work with Val quizzing her about Miles Marlon's television debut is ruined Official Sites Coronation Street Emmerdale EastEnders Hollyoaks

Ever get the feeling that The Bill is just a retirement home for ex-soap stars? Well, guess what? Former EastEnder Shaun Williamson is apparently set to guest star on the show too. It seems the actor will play gang leader Dave Monks, who comes under scrutiny during an international drugs smuggling investigation. The actor told The Sun: "I had forgotten about the long days and how hard the actors and crew work on a continuing drama. But everyone has been fantastic to work with." Shaun Williamson, who won legions of devotees as inept Albert Square car dealer Barry Evans, went on: "I am really chuffed with the character and storyline I have been given. Playing a villain is something I want to do more of!" He will reportedly appear on the show in August. He joins a list of ex soap stars that includes ex-EastEnders actors Todd Carty, Roberta Taylor and Russell Floyd, Family Affairs' Beth Cordingley, Pal Aron, formerly of Casualty and Coronation Street's Ciaran Griffiths and Jane Danson. He may have starred in EastEnders between 1994 and 2003, but I loved him as 'Barry From EastEnders' in Ricky Gervais' hit sitcom Extras. Where will he go after The Bill though...Hollywoodoaks? Official Sites Coronation Street Emmerdale EastEnders Hollyoaks

Hello and welcome to A Slice Of Soap. It's Monday and that means it's time to look forward to what the writers are treating us to this week. Let's get to it. EastEnders w/e June 13 How good is it to have Diane Parish back as Denise Wicks? I really like her as an actress and I think that Denise is a totally convincing character too. The poor thing has returned to find her family in a sorry state. What's she going to do about it? An excited Dawn organises an engagement party – but who will baby-sit? Charlie meets a new woman and Lucy introduces her new love interest too. Jase and Dawn plan to let Jenny baby-sit for them - will they realise who she is in time? To everyone's surprise, Ian allows Olly to move in with them. Chelsea and Denise attempt to settle their differences and Chelsea tries to make amends for her previous bad behaviour. Squeal Beale is terrified Olly and Lucy will take things to the next level and Jase finds May in a bit of a predicament. The singles night at the Vic is a disaster. May makes an emotional visit to her long lost child. Bradley's job prospects finally seem to be improving. Lucy manages to manipulate Christian into letting her use his flat - but is she as innocent as she claims to be? Also on EastEnders this week: Chelsea’s stash is discovered Maggie gets her claws into a reluctant Bradley Friday 13th proves unlucky for some Lots of news regarding Hollywoodoaks. Guy Burnet, last seen on the telly kissing the latest batch of wannabe models in Britain's Next Top Model, will reprise his role as Craig Dean for a new E4 late night version of Hollyoaks, currently entitled Late Night Hollyoaks (very imaginative name - not!). The powers that be hope the new hour-long format will give them greater scope to explore the characters. The special episodes will be begin filming in September and transmit in November. So to this week and Amy is frightened to tell Ste the truth about the pregnancy. Rhys feels like an outsider in his own home. Niall is furious that Steph has chosen Max over him, but Max's sister Cindy plans to scupper any reconciliation between them. Zoe prepares to take a pregnancy test. Rhys is angry when Neville employs Gilly to manage his new property. Tina collapses in agony, leaving Dominic and Jacqui worried. Frankie  is appalled that Nancy is working at The Loft after everything she did to Jake. Ravi turns down a repeat of his passionate encounter with Mercedes. And Newt  is worried when Eli  comes up with a plan to get revenge on Warren and Louise. Also on Hollyoaks this week: The Ashworths do a good deed but it blows up in their faces Fletch ends up homeless and hungry Jacqui kicks Tony out Coronation Street w/e June 13  No Monday Corrie thanks to the footy. What a disgrace! I could understand if any of the home nations were involved - but we're not! Anyway, Steve does a lot of thinking in his prison cell and, believe it or not, the boring feud with the boring bookie continues when he visits Dan in hospital. Steve has a row with Michelle and while comforting an equally lovelorn Becky - they end up kissing. Oh no! Gail considers going to visit Sarah in Milan. It's the morning after and Steve is stranded at Roy's. Becky is also feeling guilty and confides in Lloyd. Carla is on edge knowing that Liam is coming home with Maria. Lloyd continues to hand over money to Teresa (is it me or is she Cilla Battersby-Brown, Mark II?) for Finlay. He suggests playing a more active role in Finlay's life but Teresa threatens him with the CSA. Tina is worried about David's meeting with her dad; she tries to tell him how to act but David isn't too impressed with being told what to do. Eventually he agrees to play it her way. A relieved Tina introduces the two men in her life – will they hit it off? Tom Kerrigan arrives to help Carla with her computer problems and wheelchair bound Tony is less than impressed with how well they get on. Elsewhere Sally is annoyed when Claire books Roger to help modernise the house. Also on Coronation Street this week: The neighbours rally round after Sinbad/Jerry A desperate Steve tries to hide the truth from Michelle Gail's dad promises to keep an eye on Tina and David Emmerdale w/e June 13  The 5000th episode of the rural soap was pleasantly daft, silly, dramatic and funny, wasn't it? The worst thing about it was the appearance of celebrity chef Antony Worrall Thompson. I've never been a big fan of his (I prefer Gordon Ramsay) so it's a pity he didn't end up permanently stuck in the mud somewhere. Anyway, here's what's going on this week. If you're not a fan of the babyswap story, be warned that it gets a lot of airtime (yawn). Diane organises a birthday party for Sarah, but is unable to convince Debbie to attend. Ashley and Doug are worried that Laurel's ignoring the baby. Greg tells Mel that he's found a buyer for the house; is she ready to leave Arthur and the village behind? Nicola is annoyed when Sharon and David turn up at the Woolpack together. Scarlett packs to spend six weeks in Canada with Carrie. Over at Butlers, Andy acknowledges that he was a little hard on Sam, but insists that they can't afford to keep anyone on. Elsewhere, struggling to find somewhere to keep Beau, Nicola's forced to leave him at home, against Rodney's express wishes. Ashley decides on a family outing; Laurel is pleased to see Gabby so happy, but can't bring herself to get close to Arthur. Also on Emmerdale this week: Jake starts his trial in the pub kitchen Is Ashley fighting a losing battle with Laurel? Andy demands that Jo sack Sam Official Sites Coronation Street Emmerdale EastEnders Hollyoaks  

Hello and welcome to A Slice Of Soap. I've heard some strange news in my time, but this will take some beating. Rocker Meat Loaf has apparently revealed that he'd love to star in EastEnders. The Bat Out Of Hell rocker is a huge fan of the BBC soap. No stranger to acting, he won critical acclaim for his role in the 1999 hit film Fight Club. He believes he would have fun in Albert Square, according to The Sun. He's quoted as saying: "I love EastEnders. It would be good if I turned up as this guy who dated Dot. Phil gets jealous then we get into this massive brawl and I kick his a**e and take over the Queen Vic." OK, I'll give credit where it's due, at least he knows some of the characters. However, we all what happened the last time an American appeared on the show - remember Michelle Fowler's daughter Vicki? She stood out like a hoodie in in Buckingham Palace. No more Americans speaking in EastEnders please! It's fun to imagine other famous people in soaps: could George Michael turn up as one of Christian's conquests? Maybe he gets lost on his way to Hampstead Heath and ends up in Albert Square instead. What about Jodie Marsh? Maybe she could pull a pint in between pulling Street 'studs' Jack Duckworth and Norris Cole. Ashley Cole could upset all the Emmerdale regulars by building an enormous tasteless mock Tudor-style mansion in the Village in the shape of a pound note (cos he's all about the cash innit) and Posh Spice could turn up in Hollyoaks as herself, only for everyone to think she's a look-alike! Official Sites Coronation Street Emmerdale EastEnders Hollyoaks  

Hello and welcome to A Slice Of Soap. It's time to take a look at the action in the soaps. With so much of the action revolving around Sean 'Shout!' Slater, I'm wondering what EastEnders will do without him when he eventually leaves. Who will take his place? Rumours suggest a hunk of some kind is the preferred choice. Will Vinnie have a long-lost son? He may as well as he's not really fit for much else, is he? Love is in the air as Darren plans a romantic evening for him and Libby, but someone scuppers his plans. Sean goes to desperate lengths to make Roxy see how much he has changed, but will she agree to his proposals? Chelsea is furious with Patrick for his interference. Sean is making an effort, trying to convince his family and Roxy that he'd be a good father, but meanwhile, what are Ronnie and Roxy planning? Jack and Tanya grow closer. At the club, Ronnie confides in Jack that she and Roxy are planning to leave (if only it was forever!). At the Trueman's house, Yolande tries to talk to Chelsea, but she won't open up. Jack has to make a decision between two ladies – Tanya or Ronnie? Sean catches Roxy trying to leave the Square. Chelsea gets caught with drugs in her bag. Tanya goes around to see Jack, and apologises for comparing him to Max. Jack tells Tanya that he thinks she still loves Max. She insists he's wrong and they kiss passionately. Also on EastEnders this week: Chelsea seems to be sinking further into the gutter Dot warns Jack that Tanya is vulnerable  Bianca's troubles with Whitney continue at Pat's house Hollyoaks w/e May 30  Hollywoodoaks, as I've jokingly dubbed it (cos it's the soap with all the beautiful people), has had a fantastic year so far. It was triumphant at the British Soap Awards and its audience is increasing. Producer Bryan Kirkwood is keen to keep the momentum going and he's promising some cracking storylines. Get ready for even more of what Hollyoaks does best. To the action and it's the day of Jake's court case. Louise insists that Warren shouldn't pay Darren the £100,000 he owes him. John Paul tells Myra that Elliot is his boyfriend. Jack loses his temper when he realises that Darren's gambled the money away. Louise wants to flaunt her freedom by having celebratory drinks in The Dog.  Fletch's birthday lunch is overshadowed by a surprise visit from Rhys. Louise is furious that Rafi has moved into the spare room. Neville, Josh and Gilly decide to leave home after a family argument about Rhys. Sasha and Fletch share a wrap of heroin. Jack and Darren worry about their secret when Frankie insists on going to the police. Sasha and Fletch are desperate for another fix but don't have any money, so Sasha tries to con some out of her dad. Zoe's father arrives earlier than expected and thinks Mike's son is Zoe's boyfriend; and when Mike takes everyone out to lunch Michaela reveals all about the Barnes family's troubled past. Tina admits to Dominic that she's scared about the birth and giving up her child. Also on Hollyoaks this week: Eli takes revenge on Niall Zoe worries about telling her dad the truth Michaela uses underhand methods to get what she wants Coronation Street w/e May 30  It's the week when youth violence finally catches up with Corrie; it'll be interesting to see if they handle it better than EastEnders did with their laughable E20 gang (now coming to a panto near you). Sally is miffed when she sees Claire showing two prospective buyers round. A teenage gang strike fear into the heart of the street. A group of hoodies led by Chesney's schoolmate Kenzie target Roy Cropper and then Norris. The robbery has far reaching repercussions for the residents of the street. Tina is pleased when her dad Joe (1980s TV star Reece Dinsdale) arrives to see her. Fiz realises that Chesney is in love. Kenzie and his gang return, but this time Darryl and Sinbad/Jerry   give chase. Unsurprisingly, the latter collapses. Has he paid the ultimate price for his heroics? The Morton kids struggle with the business while their dad's away. The neighbours rally round, but Kayleigh thinks more help is needed and decides to call her mum. Becky and Jason discuss their duvet activities, unaware that every word is overheard by Sean who takes great delight in telling Eileen and Marcus. Chesney gets to kiss Kayleigh...and then his bottle goes. Becky looks forward to her date with Jason but he turns up with Bill. It isn't quite the night out she was expecting. After a rocky start Leanne and Michelle get along like a house on fire. Also on Coronation Street this week: Sally and Claire's (boring) feud continues 'Boring bookie' Dan and Steve turn into rivals Ken manages to delay the bathroom fitting even longer Pity poor Emmerdale. Just as the old soap is coming up to its 5000th episode, all is not well. Ratings are on dropping like flies and fans are apparently furious with new producer Anita Turner for getting rid of some staunch favourites. Since she took over, the following have been axed: Christopher Villers (he played Grayson Sinclair), Richard Grieve (Jonny Foster), Georgia Slowe (Perdy Sinclair) and Aydan Callaghan (Miles De Souza). Time to steady the ship. This week, Viv is devastated that her own husband doubts her; she asks Bob to leave. But will Louise's false alibi reunite them? Jimmy confronts Lexi. Falling into the trap, Carl heads over to Home Farm for Matthew's presentation and sees that all his ideas have been ripped off. Will Carl rise to the bait and lay into Matthew right there and then? Lexi feels terrible when she hears Jimmy's intentions to not only leave the business, but to move out of Home Farm too. Meanwhile, at the Woolpack, Diane and Paul put two and two together and realise that Val will essentially be charging guests at her own wedding. Belle gets her errant father to admit to being sacked, and suggests he tell Lisa. Paul hands Pollard a list of duties for his best man, but Pollard retorts that he can't be bothered finding anyone. He finally asks David. Will David do it? Also on Emmerdale this week: Eli accidentally reverses the van into a delivery for Matthew Carl storms over to confront Matthew Diane confronts Pollard Official Sites Coronation Street Emmerdale EastEnders Hollyoaks