Some mayhem brewing behind the scenes of England’s most popular soap opera is the premise behind The Soap of Fatal Death by Simon Hart (story by Simon Hart and Si Hunt). A story set around a soap opera (and no it’s not “Coronation Street”) is a first for Doctor Who: The Legacy. Sound intriguing yet? The authors, along with editor Andie Frankham, expound about the newest offering of the season. Since soap operas are notorious for their sometimes outlandish and very convoluted plots, precisely what kind of mayhem is stirring in The Soap of Fatal Death? As Simon Hart enthusiastically describes it; ‘Basically Soap is a story about the sinister goings on behind the scenes on the UK's top soap opera "Clear Waters" (which has been lovingly mentioned a lot this year already, thanks to the other writers!) which just happens to be Ruby's favourite TV programme. Something is going to happen during the New Year's Eve episode, the Executive producer hasn't been seen for days, the actors are behaving oddly and there's a big TV Awards ceremony to be attended. Hopefully its a little satirical of soaps and behind the scenes on Doctor Who...’ Si Hunt offers a few more clues about Soap when he says; ‘Unless it's been radically altered by the chief scribe and all-powerful editor, then it's a unique Doctor Who story, a tale within a tale which hasn't been done before. And it's a lot darker than Echoes of the Protii. Expect some gory deaths. Beyond that, wait and see!’ Andie’s opinion is that he ‘really like(s) it. Full of humour, and some really cool characters. The only thing I am a little dubious about is the dénouement, but then endings are hardly ever my fave thing. Maybe because I enjoyed it so much that I didn't want it to end.’ He continues; ‘It's a little off the wall in places (what John Nathan-Turner would term an "odd ball" story), yet it is one of the most traditional Doctor Who stories ever seen in The Legacy.’ If this is set around a soap opera, expect some unique and unusual characters. According to Si Hunt; ‘I love all the characters because they are drawn from very real fictions! I think Aunty Rosie is my favourite because I always love the old hags in soaps. She's a cross between Anne Haddy and Cornelia Francis!’ Simon Hart’s feelings are equally excited too. He enjoyed writing the cliffhangers, and about the characters says; ‘I loved writing for Ruby a great deal. She's the sort of companion we should all love, great fun, happy and well rounded. This is to some extent her story as it’s set within her favourite soap and it was lovely having her meet her other heroes and finding out they aren't always what they seem. Vinza was fun too. I worked hard on his character for various reasons, some of which haven't come to fruition unfortunately. I hope his double acts with Ruby and the Doctor come across well. Oh and June River was awesome. A real old harridan and a true star, darling! I hope she's liked!’ Andie agrees wholeheartedly about her. ‘June River is a fab character. Really jumps out at you. And, although she is my creation, I think Ruby is amazing in this story (which says a lot about the hook that Simon has on her). The scenes between Ruby and June make me smile. Especially their first encounter.’ This is the second story for Simon Hart and Si Hunt, but this novella was written differently from Echoes of the Protii. As Si Hunt explains; ‘This was a totally different collaboration to before. Previously we plotted and wrote everything together, but this time our labours were separate and divided. Basically the original idea was Simon's, he then tossed it to me and I drew up the plot and the characters. Then that got shunted back to Simon who filled in the colour and wrote the actual story. It wound up a more serious story than the first one, but only partly because there was less opportunity for us to personally spar off each other. I think both our reactions this time were to do something a bit more ironically humorous, more sinister and more dramatic.’ For his part Simon Hart declares; ‘I can't really underestimate Si's superb contribution to "Soap" as he did all the hard work. I had a basic and sketchy idea, and he took that away along with the work I did on the characters and built up a wonderfully engaging plot for me (I'm not much good at the plotting side). I took that as the outline for the adventure and did all the actual writing and editing of the story. Si looked over each episode after it was finished and offered useful comments on them, which led to a few changes along the way. I think that teamwork worked really well and I hope we get the chance to work like this again. Of course it meant we didn't giggle so much together like we did on Protii, but I hope we've come up with something less self indulgent as a result.’ Then he adds, ‘I'd also like to mention my partner, Steven, as he also read through each episode as it was written and offered a lot of helpful advice and alterations. He was as always a great inspiration to me!’ Andie suggested the two work together again and remembers it this way; ‘During the very early stages I had a long phone call with Simon about the story, and his concerns. The plot being the main one. Simon's strength does not lie in the plotting, so after some consideration I suggested he bring Si onboard, since Si's strength lies in the plotting. With Echoes of the Protii I saw where each of them were strong. It was my idea to get Simon to do another story, obviously, but I wanted him to do one on his own to show me what he could do. Cause I knew he could do better than Echoes. Make it darker and not so silly. A task I think he performed quite well. I also asked him to include Vinza (or Nelson as he was called back then), since Vinza was going to become the next companion. Alas that is not to be now, due to all kind of complications. But the idea was Simon's... not entirely sure who came up with what, though. I did come up with the title, that much I do recall. Simon liked it straight away!’ So, something sinister definitely is afoot around the set of “Clear Waters” in The Soap of Fatal Death. If you want to find out what it is, tune in to Doctor Who: The Legacy on Saturday December 13th for the first exciting episode. Teaser Ruby’s mind was racing. She was going to have to brazen this out somehow. She looked down and remembered she was dressed for Bobby’s party and she hit on an idea. ‘Ah, Miss River, I’m glad I found you at last. I’m a… ermm… casting agent from err… Gallifreya Enterprises’ she lied, picking the first name that came into her head. ‘We’re a production company looking to offer you a role in our forthcoming film, The Glory Days. We want you for the lead, Miss River.’ ‘Oh,’ June replied, lowering her cigarette holder. ‘That puts a totally different complexion on things. Sit down, my darling! Would you like some champers? There’s a bottle in the fridge.’ She motioned for Ruby to sit down on the chaise lounge. ‘Thanks,’ Ruby beamed at her. ‘It’s wonderful to find an actress of the old school. I mean what have these youngsters got? Not an ounce of your talent, Miss River! We want a more mature…’ June shot her a filthy look. ‘I mean,’ Ruby continued quickly, ‘an actress with as many years of experience on the big screen as you! Our company thinks you’ve been wasted for too many years in this soap, when you should be playing bigger and better roles, more suited to an actress of your calibre!’ Ruby smiled her most charming smile, hoping desperately that this ruse had worked.