Soap arrivals and departures - April 2013

Soap arrival
Neighbours – Melissa Bell
Who’s she playing? Lucy Robinson.
When’s she starting? Later this year.
Should we be excited? Hmmm. Melissa was the third actress to play the young Lucy. Remember her being friendly with Helen? It’ll be nice to see her back – but be warned it may make you feel OLD.

Soap arrival
EastEnders - Charlie Brooks
Who’s she playing? Janine Butcher, of course.
When’s she starting? Later this month.
Should we be excited? Of course! She’s back! Every time we saw her on 'I’m A Celebrity' or whatever else Charlie was up to made us long for the day Janine would be back on screen making everyone’s lives a misery.

Soap arrival
EastEnders – Gary Lucy
Who’s he playing? Danny Pennant.
When’s he starting? May.
Should we be excited? A bit. It’s slightly curious. He was good as the scarlet man who came between Syed and Christian – but we’re not really sure how a high-powered money man fits into the Square now.

Soap departure
EastEnders - Steve John Shepherd (Michael Moon)
When’s he off? Later in the summer.
Why’s he leaving? He’s had enough, apparently. “I feel now is the time to move on," the actor explained. "I have relished every minute of exploring his character - the good and the bad.”
How’s he off? 'EastEnders' producer Lorraine Newman: "The audience will enjoy the dramatic end. With the return of Janine (Charlie Brooks), expect plenty of fireworks." So hopefully Janine will kill him. Or stab herself again.
Should we be disappointed? Never a really great fit for the soap but nonetheless, his zany scheming has been entertaining.

Soap departure
Hollyoaks - Bianca Hendrickse-Spendlove (Texas Longford)
When’s she off? Later this year.
Why’s she off? Contractual reasons.
How’s she off? This is the big news: She’s murdered on her wedding day in a big whodunit (which Hollyoaks always do very well – just have a look at Silas).
Should we be disappointed? Yes! Texas is one of the ‘Oaks’s greatest characters.