EastEnders spoilers – Kim Medcalf returning to soap as Sam Mitchell; plus Coronation Street & Emmerdale news

James Farrar shares rare snap of baby

The 35-year-old, who plays Zack Hudson on the BBC soap, was out in Soho, London, with his little one.

James normally keeps his Instagram to work, events and modelling shots.

But he posted a story with the tot who was born in November.

She arrived more than two weeks overdue - making James and Ali first-time parents.

The couple, who have been together for 12 years, had spent the days leading up to their child’s birth practising yoga in a bid to bring on labour.

The excited actor first revealed he was set to be dad in July of this year as he posed with Ali and her bump for a sweet mirror selfie.

Maisie Smith and Kai Widdrington caught getting cosy on tour

They were pictured in the same week that Kai, 26, and Nadiya Bychkova, 32, were caught kissing in a hotel - seemingly confirming rumours they were in a romance.

But EastEnders actress, Maisie, 20, has formed her own bond with the pro dancer, as these pics of them outside their hotel show.

She was paired with Kai on the tour after his partner on last year's series, AJ Odudu, injured her foot. 

Maisie danced on the show in 2020 with Gorka Márquez and was linked to fellow competitor Hrvy, 23. But their romance quickly fizzled out.

Danniella Westbrook reveals career change

The former soap actress - who played Sam in BBC One's EastEnders - was cast aside as Kim Medcalf was cast as her old character in a reprise of the role.

Danniella, 48, lashed out over the weekend and threatened legal action against the broadcaster following the casting announcement.

Defending her right to play the lap-dancer, the actress wrote on Twitter that her "legal team would be in touch" with the BBC over the row.

"Wishing Kym the best of luck at EastEnders, yet again this poor woman has to recreate a Samantha Mitchell as close to my last two recent comebacks on the Square," Danniella penned.

"Go smash it darling. Oh but not to @bbceastenders, my legal team will be in touch," she continued, before revealing her latest career venture.

"Bet you all can't wait for my new book now can you," Danniella said as she confirmed that she was busy writing her autobiography on Saturday night.

"Oh it's going go way back to the things I've never told."

The new book will be the third penned by Danniella - who previously wrote The Other Side Of Nowhere and Faith, Hope and Clarity.

Kim Tate takes an interest in The Woolpack auction (Continued...)

On the day of the auction, she initially refuses to go, not wanting to see Kim snatch the Woolpack away from her.

However, Charity later hits a nerve which convinces Chas to make her way to the Auction House.

This delights her husband Paddy (Dominic Brunt) who interprets this as a sign that Chas is not going down without a fight.

Kim goes to the auction, dressed to the nines.

During a phone conversation, she appears with a smug look on her face, clearly satisfied with an important purchase.

Later on, the co-owner of the Hop has a big announcement which affects all villagers.

But could she really buy the Woolpack?

Kim Tate takes an interest in The Woolpack auction

Kim is on the hunt for a new investment in the ITV soap.

But when she picks up an auction catalogue and starts flicking through it, Will Taylor (Dean Andrews) works out that she is likely setting her sights on the Woolpack.

Upon learning that the businesswoman is likely to make her move, Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins), she knows she has to break the news to Chas.

Chas hits the roof when she learns that Kim's interest is piqued by the Woolpack.

She later admits that losing the Woolpack would break her heart.

Kim has had several feuds with the Dingle clan over the years and Chas is now desperate to keep her from buying the pub.

Callum Highway breaks down over brother Stuart’s disappearance (Continued...)

Ben was left traumatised by a recent homophobic attack during which he helplessly saw Callum being beaten in front of him.

However, Callum's patience is running low as he snaps at Ben.

Yet there's another reason for Ben to shy away from Callum.

Little do Callum and Rainie know that Ben is behind Stuart's escape.

When Stuart turned to him, Ben encouraged him to leave Albert Square and his troubles behind.

Ben has yet to admit this to Rainie and Callum.

And he could be set to finally come clean about his responsibility in Stuart's disappearance in upcoming scenes of the soap.

Callum Highway breaks down over brother Stuart’s disappearance

The character played by Tony Clay crumbles after his disappearance in an upcoming instalment of EastEnders.

In scenes due to air on BBC One, Rainie is the first one to panic as she continues her search for her other half.

However, Callum soon gets overwhelmed.

While at restaurant Walford East, Callum crumbles in front of Ben (Max Bowden), utterly distraught by Stuart's disappearance.

But Callum's distress turns into exasperation as his husband hesitates to comfort him, after getting back into the closet due to the fear of being attacked over his homosexuality.

BBC set to create rival ‘woke’ soap

BBC Three controller Fiona Campbell revealed her ambition as the service returns from online only to regular channels from tomorrow.

But a third of people already believe the BBC is too woke.

Fiona said the soap might be set far from London and recruit cast and writers from social media.

She said: “What would it look like? It could be somewhere very specific in modern Britain — Derry or Belfast, Aberdeen or Newcastle.

“I want to showcase a locality in all its glory. I’d like to provide a platform for the cast of the future.

“You can see how many stars came out of early EastEnders.”

Fiona also said the soap would reflect the channel’s focus on “how tough it is to be in your teens and early 20s today”.

And she believes young people — increasingly viewed as wanting only to watch streaming services — still seek “shared experience” TV.

Corries Kate Ford opens up about health battle

CORONATION Street star Kate Ford admits health battle as she struggles through filming.

The actress, 45, suffers from endometriosis - a condition that causes cells like those in the womb to appear elsewhere in the body.

The singer explained her health crisis in a candid Instagram message, writing: "Today I braved multiple terrifying surgeries.

"The most important of which being the surgery that would hopefully treat my endometriosis.

"For those of you who have followed this battle of mine or who may suffer with it yourself, you know the extremes to which it can be mentally exhausting and physically painful.

"OK HONESTLY I'm in total agony right now..."

EastEnders’ Sam Mitchell returning to soap

EASTENDERS’ Sam Mitchell is returning to Albert Square — with Kim Medcalf again taking on the role rather than Danniella Westbrook.

But as the actress fought drug addiction she was replaced by Kim in 2002.

Kim, 48, played Sam until 2005. Danniella, 48, reprised the role in 2009 and then again in 2016, when Sam joined her family for Peggy’s funeral.

Yesterday, EastEnders confirmed Kim has been re-cast as Sam, who abandoned son Ricky when she quit Walford.

And sources said BBC soap bosses — who have been in talks with Kim since last autumn — are planning a series of explosive storylines.

One said: “Sam’s return has been on the cards for some time. They felt she was a natural fit for this version of Sam. It’s nothing against Danniella, she created an icon as the character.

“But as often happens in soaps, the bosses wanted to recast and take Sam in a different direction. Kim is due to begin filming in two weeks and everyone is very excited.”

Corrie spoiler: Audrey confronted over secret drinking

In upcoming episodes of the ITV soap, the character portrayed by Sue Nicholls is to be reprimanded for her drinking habits.

As she heads off home from the shops after buying Sam’s new school books Shona (Julia Goulding) can’t help but comment on the clanking of bottles coming from her shopping bag.

Later on, Gail (Helen Worth) arrives home to find her mother with a glass of wine and when Sarah (Tina O’Brien) suggests that she has been drinking all throughout the evening, Audrey takes offence.

This leads to Audrey complaining to Gail and Shona that nobody seems to trust her with anything anymore.

All set on lifting her spirits, Shona comes up with a plan.

Read more about the plan here.

EastEnders spoiler: Zack makes a shocking discovery

There's a surprise return in the works for EastEnders viewers.

Although the latter know Tina Carter was murdered by Gray Atkins, her sister Shirley is still on the lookout for her.

And after musing that Tina could attend a local Walford party organised by Callum, she receives Zack Hudson's (James Farrar) help.

Both spend the night searching for Tina but, of course, come home empty-handed.

But Zack doesn't return home without revelations of his own.

In a shocking twist, Zack tells Sharon that he ran into Jada.

Jada has been off the radar for months, alongside her daughter Alyssa.

Zack vows to Sharon that he is determined to bring the pair back.

EastEnders spoiler: Phil signs off

Willing to sacrifice his own freedom in order to protect his loved ones, Phil makes a decision which will undoubtedly make some jaws drop.

Phil meets with his ex-wife Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) and passes on deeds for her to take care of Mitchell's Autos, informally known as The Arches.

When Sharon asks why he chose her to take over his beloved business instead of his son Ben, Phil explains that the character played by Max Bowden isn't in a good way.

Emmerdale spoiler: The Woolpack gets a new owner

Disowned and ostracised, Cain (Jeff Hordley) does all that he can to get his hands on the Woolpack after Al Chapman's scheme fails.

While at the Auction House, he repeatedly shoots his hand up to bid.

But when an online bidder manages to outbid him, Moira is relieved.

The pub is eventually sold to a mystery online bidder and Marlon and Chas are desperate to know who the new owner of the Woolpack is.

Faith is unable to get the name from the auctioneer but is soon informed that the buyer is interested in meeting Marlon and Chas.

But who did the Dingles lose the Woolpack to?

Corrie spoiler: Craig makes a choice after Faye's confession

An eager police constable in the cobbles, Craig (Colson Smith) goes over his future ambitions.

The character makes a decision after learning the truth about Ted's passing.

But his mother Beth (portrayed by Lisa George) remains unaware of his choice until she spots Faye at the Underworld factory.

Beth overhears the young woman enquiring about a job on behalf of her son and is surprised to find out Craig left the force.

Upon learning that he resigned from his position, Beth rushes over to Craig and comforts him.

She soon demands to know what pushed him to quit so abruptly.

What will Craig say?

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Hollyoaks’ Gina Patrick actress Dannielle Brent unrecognisable

The troubled tomboy and eco warrier, who arrived in Hollyoaks village with her family way back in 1997, hit the headlines when she started up a lesbian relationship with Emily Taylor, having kept her sexuality a secret for years.

During her stint on the Channel 4 soap, Gina was rocked when she discovered her and Sol were not mum Jill Patrick's biological children, which sent her brother off the rails.

She left Chester in 2001, moving to China to work in an orphanage.

After Hollyoaks, Dannielle, 42, landed the role of psychopathic Natalie Buxton in ITV's prison drama Bad Girls.

Since then she went on to appear in The Bill, Casualty and Doctors, as well as films Top Dog and Cockneys vs Zombies.

Seven huge Emmerdale spoilers for next week

Get the lowdown on the next week's drama in Emmerdale.

• Rhona gets a shock request
• The Woolpack gets a new owner
• Kim makes a big purchase
• Dawn's ex makes a comeback
• Manpreet gets blamed for Meena's crimes
• Cain rages at Belle and Ellis
• Ellis receives a surprise phone call

Read more about the spoilers here.

Corrie spoiler: Kelly is devastated by Maria's outburst

Living as a guest in Victoria Court, Kelly (Millie Gibson) soon feels like she is overstaying her welcome at Maria's (Samia Longchambon).

When she finds Liam (Charlie Wrenshall) struggle with his French homework, Kelly decides to help him.

She picks up his football and teaches him to count in French.

Kelly's plan fails as both accidentally knock over a bottle of water, soaking Maria's portfolio.

When Maria returns home, her son Liam takes the blame.

Later on, Kelly overhears Maria moan to Gary Windass (Mikey North) about the ruined portfolio.

Maria mentions that she's at the end of her tether.

Kelly believes Maria's frustration is directed at her, unaware that the latter is actually talking about her political rival, Sally Metcalfe.

EastEnders spoiler: Gray is exposed by witness from the past

The truth is catching up with Toby-Alexander Smith's character.

As baby Jordan recovers from a tracheotomy, the lawyer is recognised by nurse Lennon (Dystin Johnson).

The nurse remembers Gray after his frequent trips to A&E with his first wife Chantelle.

Nurse Lennon soon drops some harsh truths about Gray to Chelsea, sickened after learning about Chantelle's death.

She then offers her help should Chelsea ever need it.

But will Chelsea (Zaraah Abrahams) listen to her?

Kim Medcalf on returning to EastEnders

Kim said: “When the BBC approached me last year to reprise the role of Sam I was thrilled.

“She’s a brilliant character and I can’t wait to get back in the Square and work with the amazing cast.”

BBC head of continuing drama Kate Oates: “I have long wanted to bring Sam back into the family fold. Her return is guaranteed to be explosive.”

All the latest Emmerdale spoilers & more

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We’ve got you covered for all the latest Hollyoaks gossip, news and latest faces joining the soap

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Why Sarah Jayne Dunn left Hollyoaks

After refusing to quit OnlyFans despite the threat of losing her six figure salaried job on the Channel 4 soap, Sarah left the show in a dispute.

She clashed with bosses over her decision to join the controversial 18+ network, where she claimed she was “taking back control” after previously posing for lads mags earlier in her career.

Admitting some fans would “find it shocking,” she explained: “I’m simply moving my sexier, racier images to another platform.

“This is a decision I’ve thought long and hard about, not one I’ve taken lightly or on a whim, it’s about taking back control, about empowerment and confidence and having full power over my choices.

“I love doing photo shoots, always have always will, it’s how I got into the acting industry, at the tender age of 12 I decided I wanted to be a model and enrolled on a modelling course, joined an agency and had my first professional shoot and I was hooked. I got my first TV audition and the rest is history.

“I’ve been lucky enough to travel to some pretty amazing places for photoshoots since being 17, that being said I’ve never felt in control, of the content or of the finances.”

EastEnders viewers demand serial killer Gray Atkins storyline ends 

EASTENDERS fans are demanding an end to Gray Atkins’ storyline after another twist put Chelsea Fox in harm’s way.

But since murdering his wife Chantelle, Tina Carter and Kush Kazemi – the plot has returned to domestic abuse with Gray marrying Chelsea Fox.

However, fans are tired of the storyline and want it to end now.

One wrote: “How much longer is the Gray story going on for? #EastEnders.”

A second said: “This Gray storyline is still carrying on. Feels like it’s never going to end, the longer it goes on. #EastEnders.”

Another added: “This Gray storyline is even putting me off Chelsea, Whitney and Kheerat now. Make it stop. #EastEnders.”