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Hello and welcome to Friday's edition of A Slice Of Soap. I'm starting with very sad news; Clive Hornby, who played Jack Sugden in Emmerdale, died on Thursday night at the age of 63. He was the longest-serving cast member in Emmerdale's history. Clive Hornby had not been in the ITV soap for around three months due to ill health. He first appeared in Emmerdale on February 19, 1980 and was still in the soap 28 years later. He was initially offered a three-month contract as farmer Jack Sugden. The character was seen returning to the village after previously being played by Andrew Burt. Devoted family man and farmer Jack Sugden married three times and had five children. Emmerdale series producer Anita Turner said: "This is a devastating loss and we are all deeply saddened. Clive will be greatly missed by everyone who has worked with him on Emmerdale during the past 28 years. He was a hugely popular and well-respected member of cast and a terrific actor. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time." The death of a soap star is always sad because it feels so personal. We spend years watching these actors create a persona that feels like an extended member of the family. Some of Jack Sugden's most memorable moments in Emmerdale include:

• First arrived - 19 February 1980. Jack was a fixture in the village for more than 30 years and went from being the black sheep of the family to the person who keeps the Sugdens functioning. Jack's the eldest son of Annie and Jacob and is the father of Jackie (deceased), Robert, Victoria and the adoptive father of Andy.
• Love life - Jack started out as a ladies' man. His childhood sweetheart had been Pat Harkin whom he married in October 1982 but their marriage hit a rocky patch and he had an affair with Hotten Market manager Karen Moore at the end of 1984. Pat uncovered the secret and issued an ultimatum and the pair stayed together to have a son, Robert, in 1986. Tragedy struck later that year when Pat was killed in a car crash. Jack was on his own for the next three years, but had brief affairs with Marian Wilks and school teacher Barbara. He met Sarah Connolly in 1988. They wed after the birth of their child Victoria in 1994. Jack still couldn’t keep his trousers on and had a short affair in 1998 with his brother's stepdaughter Rachel. Jack is married to pub landlady Diane.
• Most Memorable moment - When Jack was accidentally shot by Andy.

Please leave any tributes to Clive Hornby, who played Jack Sugden, here by selecing 'add a comment'. In the light of this sad news, I will launch the new Friday fun feature next week. Official Sites Coronation Street Emmerdale EastEnders Hollyoaks That's it for now. Join me on Monday for a full preview of all the week's action in the soaps. Got a comment about your favourite soap, this blog or anything else? Share it with me.

Hello and welcome to A Slice Of Soap. News that may come as a bit of a surprise is that Emmerdale star Roxanne Pallett is to quit the rural soap later this year. The actress, who plays battered wife Jo Sugden, is understood to be leaving in about six months. Emmerdale bosses said they could not confirm the move but series producer Anita Turner said: "Roxanne has given a fantastic performance and it will be an eventful six months for Jo." Roxanne joined Emmerdale in 2005 as fiery biker Jo Stiles - back then she was all sexy bombshell type. She was definitely brought into Emmerdale to stir things up. As if living up to that image, she got into a love triangle with Andy and Katie Sugden (catfight!). Jo and Andy eventually got married while he was serving a prison sentence for a fire that killed his stepmother Sarah Sugden. Her current storyline involves her being the victim of domestic violence at the hands of her troubled husband. Apparently, she's been wanting to leave for some time now, but was persuaded by Emmerdale producers to stay. Well now she's finally going and she'll get a huge exit. Roxanne Pallett becomes the latest soap star to leave looking for opportunities on the West End stage and beyond. Will she make it elsewhere? Or will we see her turn up in The Bill? Official Sites Coronation Street Emmerdale EastEnders Hollyoaks  

Hello and welcome to A Slice Of Soap. Reality TV show bosses are always trying to bag the biggest names for their shows and half the time, they end up with some ex soap stars too. However, they can forget about knocking at the door of Emmerdale star Alex Carter. The actor, who plays Jamie Hope in ITV1's rural drama, has admitted he has no plans to follow in the footsteps of Letitia Dean, Sid Owen or Dean Gaffney and take part in a reality TV show. Speaking to Teletext, the actor said flatly: "I wouldn't do Dancing On Ice or Strictly Come Dancing - I'd rather put my limbs through a blender." However, he admitted that he could be persuaded if his career takes a downturn, saying: "Well if I was out of work, I'd probably jump at the opportunity!" Alex, that's the whole point of reality shows! Who goes on them if they're at the top of their game? If you're wondering where you've seen him before, he also used to star in Hollyoaks, playing Lee Hunter. All these people who say 'never'. Don't they know the golden rule is never say never? I bet Alex Carter ends up on some reality show now; he's jinxed himself! Official Sites Coronation Street Emmerdale EastEnders Hollyoaks

Hello and welcome to A Slice Of Soap. It's time to find out what's going on in soapland this week and we start with Emmerdale... It's been one of the most popular TV shows for the past 35 years and its 5,000th episode will be marked with a complete story and an appearance by celebrity chef Antony Worrall-Thompson. So to the action and with a target of 1000 tablecloths to sew, Lisa struggles. In the Woolpack, Val and Lisa have a slanging match. A more demure Sharon returns to the village, but Val hides from her. Jake enjoys spending time with Jasmine, but Miles is jealous of their closeness. Eli takes Val hostage in the barn, insisting there's money to be made from her capture, since she's getting married. Pollard is distraught to hear of Val's kidnapping and breaks down. Will either make it to the Church on time? Marlon comes face-to-face with celebrity chef Antony Worrall-Thompson. Ashley is disheartened when Laurel refuses to attend the parental hearing.  Andy is furious after the E. coli scandal hampers his efforts at the cattle market and he insists that Jo sells the goats. The hearing begins and the judge acknowledges the difficult nature of the case, but the verdict is announced. Val agrees to loan money to David, not knowing that the cash is in fact to cover Pollard's debts. Pearl returns from her cruise and her friends are eager to learn what happened with Joe. An unusually guarded Pearl shows off her photographs without making mention of her male admirer. Also on Emmerdale this week: Marlon cooks a romantic meal for Donna in the Woolpack Mel and Greg say their goodbyes Lily demands the gory details about Pearl's cruise Look out for an appearance by football star Jermaine Pennant! He has paid £2,500 to appear in an episode with girlfriend Jennifer Metcalfe who plays Mercedes McQueen. A soap star and a footballer - how original. To the action and it's a nervous time for Michaela, Josh, Fletch, Sasha and Amy as they prepare for their first exam. Sasha is struggling to cope with her heroin withdrawal. Myra is attacked, but unaware of the identity of her assailant. Suffering badly from withdrawal, Sasha is forced to sleep with Nige for a hit. Justin feels guilty when Nancy talks about the upcoming custody case and Max is missing Steph. Amy comforts Josh and doesn't realise that a jealous Ste has seen them together. Dominic decides to take on the role of O.B., and be a good friend to Max by setting him up on a date. Amy isn't fooled by a contrite Ste. He begs her for forgiveness but she leaves him with Leah. Max tries his best to back out of his date. Steph finds herself agreeing to a night out in The Loft with Niall. She convinces Nancy to tag along, unaware that Niall was planning a cosy date for two. Sasha is desperate to win back Fletch but he's too disgusted to speak to her. Steph lets it slip that Justin is backing Frankie's appeal for custody. Also on Hollyoaks this week: Rhys attempts to re-build his friendship with Gilly An enthusiastic Myra tries to help Dom in his hour of need Amy is confused over her feelings for Ste Charlie Brooks has been talking about why she's returned to her full-time role as Frank Butcher's scheming, greedy daughter Janine Evans. Basically, it's for her daughter - the salary will definitely come in handy. It's good to have her back. So in Albert   Square this week, Chelsea is relying more and more on drugs - it's bound to end badly because it can't end any other way in a soap. Keith and his family have had some good fortune for once, but how long will it last? A bemused Bradley gets more than one romantic proposal, but is it from who he really wants? Keith attempts to make amends for the lost lottery ticket amid fears that it's gone forever. Bradley is confused by the female attention he has attracted. Jack and Tanya get hot and heavy but will they get rumbled? Chelsea's life nosedives as she is caught feeding her habit. Keith dumps himself on the Masood household. Bradley attempts to impress Clare on a date. Jack and Tanya's relationship progresses and Ricky and Bianca have to cajole Liam into taking a test. The family learn of Chelsea's habit; how will they react? Dawn becomes suspicious of Jase's behaviour – is he cheating on her? Zainab wants to get rid of lazy Keith - blimey, who doesn't?Liam finally takes the test but it's Ricky who ends up disheartened. Chelsea disappears – only to turn up in R+R, enjoying the 'high' life… Also on EastEnders this week: Bianca's lack of money leads Tiffany to take drastic action Chelsea confronts a girl who has stolen from Stacey’s stall Chelsea's estranged father Lucas is looking for her Coronation Street w/e June 6 There's a suggestion of a "Luke I am your father" storyline in Corrie and it involves cabbie Lloyd and Teresa Morton's son Finlay. It turns out that Lloyd and Teresa had a bit of duvet action a few years ago; is Finlay the result? When Becky starts speaking about babies to Jason, he realises it's not what he wants. How will he break the news to a besotted Becky? Vernon arrives back from the cruise. Steve is sceptical but Lloyd is convinced that he's Finlay's dad. Sinbad/Jerry's operation is a success.  Blanche causes a row between Steve and Dan. Sinbad/Jerry tells the kids that when he is out of hospital he is going to change a few things. Teresa continues to fleece Lloyd. Clurrrrrrrrr gets Michelle and Steve interested in buying the house. Becky has sensed something's not right with Jason and in a bid to keep him keen, splashes out on some new sexy underwear. Gail and Tina meet a delighted David as he leaves the detention centre. He ignores Norris and Blanche's comments as they arrive back in the street. David ask Audrey about getting Tina a job at the salon, but is disappointed by her response. Gail fumes about her decision and mother and daughter argue. Tony arrives back and surprises Carla. Ashley forces Clurrrrrrr to apologise to Sally. Also on Coronation Street this week: Chesney can't believe he's managed to win Kayleigh's affections  The yawn-inducing rivalry between Dan and Steve intensifies Gail prepares for Ted's visit and David's return Official Sites Coronation Street Emmerdale EastEnders Hollyoaks

Tonight see’s the sad death of little baby Daniel, Laurel and Ashleys newborn son. Although this is only a soap, and the child has not really passed away, this episode will affect thousands of parents across the United Kingdom.

As a non parent, you cannot really feel the grief, that families go through, when a child passes away from cot death. I must admit that, even though this is just a soap, the thought of another children dyeing from this disease brings a tear to my eyes, usually the soaps are my way of escapism from work and I look forward to when I can take a break.

As I avoid all soap gossip so that it does not spoil future episodes this has been a bit of a shock episode, especially when you originally was thinking that the episode was only going to be half an hour long, and a happy episode.

To all of the parents who have lost a child from cot death, our heart goes out to you.

As soon as the episode is over, then we shall add the website if you need help and guidance over this issue.

Website : www.fsid.org.uk

Telephone : 020 7233 2090