Stephen Patterson

Ravi Gulati and Priya Nandra-Hart reunite and become engaged after Priya accepts his proposal. Their apparent happy ending is threatened by Priya’s ongoing affair with Max Branning and her pregnancy, whose paternity could belong to either Ravi or Max. Ravi does not yet know Max is the other man, and reports that Ravi will leave EastEnders suggest the relationship may end in heartbreak.

Priya Nandra-Hart discovers she is pregnant after ending her affair with Max Branning and while considering Ravi Gulati’s proposal. The pregnancy raises speculation that Max is the father and that Priya could be the pregnant woman seen beside Max in the New Year’s Day 2027 flashforward, when he is due to marry Cindy Beale.

Teddy Mitchell is serving a life sentence for the death of Okie in EastEnders, but he did not commit the killing. Okie had held Harry captive and was accidentally fatally stabbed during a confrontation with him. Teddy took responsibility to protect his son and was sentenced to life in prison in December. The article also explains Teddy’s return to the show, his portrayal by Roland Manookian, and his departure from regular storylines.

EastEnders has confirmed that Charlie Suff, who plays Johnny Carter, will leave the soap after three years in the role. His departure follows Kellie Bright’s exit as Linda Carter and means that no members of the Carter family will remain in Walford. Johnny has been involved in major storylines including the cover-up of Keanu Taylor’s murder, Linda’s relapse and his relationship with Callum Highway. The departure ends the character’s third stint in the Square and closes a significant chapter for the Carter family, which became central to the programme after its expansion in 2013.

Teddy Mitchell makes an unexpected return to EastEnders from prison when he calls Nicola on the anniversary of her father's death. After George Knight answers and speaks to Nicola, she reveals that her abusive father died after she caught him attacking her mother, Rose, and ordered him to leave. Rose blamed Nicola and tried to turn her sisters against her, leaving their relationship severely damaged. Teddy had previously accepted a life sentence for Okie's murder to protect his son Harry, who accidentally stabbed him.

Rob Kazinsky is returning to EastEnders as Sean Slater later in 2026, marking the character's first extended stay in Walford in 17 years. Sean will return to support his Slater family and become involved in new Square drama, though the storyline details remain undisclosed. Kazinsky said he wanted to revisit the role for the character, the fans and himself, while executive producer Ben Wadey welcomed his return.

EastEnders introduces the Hawkins family, connected to Nicola Mitchell, with sisters Gemma and Jodie arriving in Walford and their estranged mother Rose following them. Gemma is played by Patricia Potter, known for Holby City and Doctors; Rose is played by Marian McLoughlin, who has appeared in Doctors, Hollyoaks and previously as DCI Chapman in EastEnders; and Jodie is played by Anna Constable, who has stage and short-film credits. The actors discuss their excitement and, in Constable's case, the significance of portraying a disabled character in the show.

Ravi Gulati, played by Aaron Thiara, is reportedly leaving EastEnders after four years. The article speculates that Ravi could be the masked gunman who holds Max Branning’s children, Oscar and Lauren, hostage in the New Year’s Day 2027 flash-forward, potentially as revenge for Max’s affair with Priya Nandra-Hart. Thiara is expected to continue filming until the end of 2026, suggesting Ravi’s exit may be connected to the hostage storyline.

EastEnders has revealed that Nicola Mitchell’s extended Hawkins family will arrive in Walford earlier than viewers expected, appearing in the August 17 episode. Gemma arrives dramatically after a car crashes outside Elaine’s hotel and tells Nicola she has a problem requiring help, while Jodie joins the chaotic introduction. The surprise has prompted shocked reactions from fans, and executive producer Ben Wadey says the family’s loyalty, complicated history and estrangement from Nicola will create unresolved tensions.

Aaron Thiara is reportedly set to leave EastEnders at the end of 2026 after four years playing Ravi Gulati. Ravi has been central to major storylines involving the Panesar family, his mental-health struggles, relationships with Denise and Priya, and his role in the deaths of Nish and Ranveer. Thiara is expected to remain on set until the end of the year while the show develops Ravi’s remaining storylines, including his proposal to Priya and attempts to uncover her affair. EastEnders has not yet confirmed the departure.

Gray Atkins is left fighting for his life after a struggle with Ian Beale in prison, following Gray’s attempt to manipulate Ian and arrange the kidnapping of his son Jordan. Ian grabs a blade during the confrontation, accidentally stabs Gray and is arrested, fearing the incident could extend his sentence. Chelsea Fox later visits Gray in hospital and confronts him, while the storyline leaves Gray’s survival and Ian’s release date uncertain.

Amy Mitchell confesses to detective Craig Ingram that she attacked Joel Marshall with a hammer after a group of teenagers restrained him to teach him a lesson. Lily Slater, Denzel Danes and Avani Nandra-Hart had already been ruled out as the attackers. Craig must now decide whether to report Amy’s confession, while his earlier decision to withhold video footage of the teenagers could also place his conduct under scrutiny.

Gray Atkins confronts Ian Beale in prison with a blade after discovering that his plan involving Chelsea Fox, Sheila and Jordan has failed. Gray had manipulated Ian into arranging a meeting with Chelsea, hoping to keep her trapped long enough for Sheila to abduct Jordan and take him abroad. Denise and Kim locate Sheila at the airport, while Chelsea escapes and reunites with her son. Ian then realizes that the blade Gray previously gave him is missing, leaving him facing an immediate threat.

Lily Slater admits that she untied Joel Marshall after local teenagers restrained him in a park, but says she did not attack him. She also tells DC Craig Ingram that she saw Denzel Danes sneaking away shortly before Joel was found seriously injured, making Denzel a leading suspect in the investigation. Joel later confronts Lily, leaving uncertainty over whether he will believe her account.

Kellie Bright's decision to leave EastEnders has prompted speculation that Danny Dyer could return as Mick Carter for Linda Carter's final storyline. Mick was presumed lost at sea in 2022 while trying to save Linda, but Dyer has repeatedly joked about returning, including comments about rescuing Linda and appearing in the Queen Vic covered in seaweed. The article argues that the lack of a body, Dyer's apparent enthusiasm and the possible return of Janine Butcher could enable a reunion, while acknowledging that no return has been officially confirmed.

Emmerdale’s summer storylines will focus on six prominent women, with Charity Dingle’s affair with Ross Barton and the secret biological parentage of baby Leyla threatening to upend Sarah Sugden’s life. Gabby Thomas will face a serious accident and a consequential choice, while Dawn Taylor and newcomer Serena Sugden confront major personal dilemmas. The storylines will culminate in the return of Sadie King, whose unexplained arrival after two decades is tied to a major secret within the King family.

Joel Marshall confronts the teenagers suspected of attacking him after they previously tied him up, doused him with beer and filmed the incident. Detective Craig Ingram investigates a secret meeting among the suspects, while Jean Slater worries about Lily’s involvement and brings her to speak with police. Lily reveals what she saw, prompting another truth to emerge and creating conflict among the teens. Amy subsequently makes a further revelation, leaving the identity of Joel’s attacker unresolved.

Lily Slater tells investigating detective DC Craig Ingram what she witnessed concerning Joel Marshall’s attack, after a secret meeting among the teenagers involved attracts police attention. The teens had lured Joel to a supposed party, tied him up and recorded the humiliation before he was later struck with a hammer and left for dead. Lily’s disclosure prompts further revelations, increasing tensions among the group, while Amy Mitchell separately confides in Craig about her own knowledge. Joel later confronts all the teenagers, and their parents and guardians attempt to separate them and manage the fallout.

Chelsea discovers that Sheila secretly took her son Jordan to prison to meet his father, Gray Atkins, despite promising to keep Gray away from him. After Kathy reveals the visit, Chelsea confronts Sheila and bans her from seeing Jordan. Sheila nevertheless remains committed to Gray’s plan to take Jordan away from Chelsea and has obtained the child’s passport, leaving Chelsea facing an urgent effort to stop them.

Mark Fowler Jr leaves Walford after Lauren Branning asks him to go to preserve her relationship with Peter Beale. He says goodbye to his sister Vicki and departs in a cab, but the exit is temporary: Mark is expected to return in the New Year's Day flashforward storyline, potentially because of his feelings for Lauren.

Jean Slater accidentally discovers Max Branning and Priya Nandra-Hart having an affair in the flat Max shares with his fiancée, Cindy Beale. Priya had previously considered exposing the relationship but stopped the affair when Ravi Galati returned; she and Max later resumed it. After catching Priya leaving the bedroom, Jean escapes without revealing what she knows, leaving open whether she will tell Cindy and expose the affair.

Lauren Branning is banished from her home by Peter Beale after admitting that she and Mark Fowler Jr have been buying and reselling dubious cars. Despite the damage to her marriage, Lauren acknowledges her strong feelings for Mark and meets him to ask him to prove how much she means to him. Mark is shocked by the major request she makes, leaving the outcome of their relationship uncertain.

Joel Marshall reveals that he brought the hammer to the park for protection before he was attacked, while Barney Mitchell has handed the weapon to police. With Barney, Avani Nandra-Hart and Nugget apparently ruled out as suspects, the identity of the person who used the hammer remains unresolved. Ross Marshall is also confronted with evidence that Joel had previously been tied up and humiliated by other teenagers.

Hollyoaks will explore the grooming of Dee Dee Hutchinson by Abigail Matthews, a school counsellor who first met Dee Dee during rehabilitation and later moved into her village. After Cleo McQueen ends their renewed romance, Abigail suffers breakdowns, while Dee Dee remains unaware of Abigail’s predatory intentions. Abigail is expected to intensify their friendship when the school term begins. Hollyoaks is working with The Derwent Initiative and the NSPCC to portray safeguarding, grooming and abuse of power accurately and raise awareness of warning signs.

Cleo McQueen and Dodger Savage continue their secret affair in Hollyoaks despite Dodger dating Cleo’s relative Theresa. After spending a night talking, they realise their connection may involve more than sexual chemistry. Cleo also briefly hooks up with Abigail before ending that relationship, leaving Abigail distressed. Cleo later prepares to reveal a major truth to Dodger, potentially changing their romance and threatening Theresa’s relationship with him.

Coronation Street is filming courtroom scenes for Sarah Platt’s murder trial after she confessed to killing Theo Silverton, an abusive character, with a metal bar during a confrontation. Sarah then involved Gary Windass in covering up the crime, while Kit Green is working to document Gary’s role in hopes of reducing Sarah’s sentence. Cast members including Tina O’Brien, Alison King, Jack P. Shepherd, Lucy Fallon and Julia Goulding were seen arriving to film the trial, whose outcome remains uncertain.

EastEnders has seemingly ruled out Barney Mitchell, Avani Nandra-Hart and Nugget as suspects in the attack on Joel Marshall. Barney explains that he found Joel unconscious beside a hammer and disposed of the weapon to protect Avani, while Avani denies involvement. Barney also tells Zack Hudson that he saw Nugget burying something, but the pair find only weed in the allotment, leaving the identity of Joel’s attacker unresolved.

Emmerdale’s summer storylines will centre on six women, escalating secrets, renewed feuds and life-changing decisions. Charity Dingle’s affair with Ross Barton and Leyla’s concealed parentage threaten to shatter Sarah Sugden’s world, while Gabby Thomas faces a health crisis and accident, Dawn Taylor confronts a major dilemma before her wedding, and Serena Sugden struggles to protect her secrets. The biggest development is the return of schemer Sadie King after two decades, bringing an undisclosed revelation that leaves the village stunned.

Ross Marshall becomes determined to uncover the truth after learning that other parents may know more about the attack on Joel than they have admitted. DC Craig Ingram updates Ross and Vicki while continuing to investigate the assault, and Barney’s claim that Nugget behaved suspiciously raises further questions. Joel returns home from hospital and makes an unexpected request, while Amy’s attempt to obtain information from Craig fails and Jack seeks the detective’s help to protect Amy and Ricky.

The identity of Joel Marshall’s attacker remains unresolved in EastEnders. Avani Nandra-Hart receives a cryptic message from Denzel Danes suggesting they should tell others something, raising the possibility that the pair sought revenge. Barney Mitchell remains another major suspect after asking Harry to help hide a hammer. The teenagers had previously restrained and humiliated Joel, while Jean shared their video with Jack, who tried to keep it from police. DC Craig Ingram continues the investigation, and the article suggests the new clues may either expose the attackers or serve as a red herring.

Ian Beale is sentenced to eight months in prison after driving over the limit and hitting Jordan Fox. While imprisoned, he attracts the attention of serial killer Gray Atkins, who is trying to use his grandmother Sheila to get closer to Jordan. Ian is then targeted by fellow inmates and faces a potentially greater threat when he encounters Gray, raising the possibility that Gray may exploit him to reach Chelsea or blame him for Jordan's injuries.

Dodger Savage returns home after being injured on duty, prompting a family gathering organized by Myra McQueen. Cleo McQueen, who has been having an affair with Dodger despite his relationship with Theresa, struggles to hide her feelings. Dodger later visits Cleo at work after reflecting on their situation, and the pair secretly meet again later in the week, leaving the future of their affair uncertain.

Following Rex Gallagher’s shooting death, suspicions fall on Ste Hay and James Nightingale after James returns from the presumed dead and rekindles his relationship with Ste. Leela Dexter questions whether the pair were involved in Rex’s murder, while Leah Barnes supports their romance. Ste and James plan to leave together, but first visit James’s grave and prepare to bury the past.

Ian Beale is sentenced to eight months in prison after reversing his car into Jordan Fox while over the drink-drive limit. Chelsea Fox planned to give a court statement explaining that she had confronted Jordan before the incident, but she failed to appear. Although Ian faces imprisonment, an earlier EastEnders flashforward showing him free on New Year's Day 2027 suggests that further twists may reduce or overturn the consequences.

Colonel Jack Bard dies after being shot by soldier Penny Sanders, whom he had abused and intimidated. Flynn Byron helps rescue Bard but later refuses to perform chest compressions after Bard loses consciousness, believing he will not survive. Stevie Nash condemns Flynn’s decision, leaving their professional relationship fractured. Bard’s death also marks actor Mark Womack’s exit from Casualty.

Teens who targeted Joel Marshall during a revenge prank later found him unconscious with a head injury, prompting a police investigation. Suspicion intensifies when Barney Mitchell secretly asks his brother Harry for help disposing of a hammer, suggesting he may have attacked Joel. Avani Nandra-Hart rejects accusations from her family, and the group of teens debate who called police as tensions rise.

Jenson Cole is revealed to be alive after Warren Fox shot Gemma Johnston’s associate Billy, believing him to be Jenson. Gemma staged the apparent death to prove that Warren was using Jenson to help Sebastian Blake, whose bone marrow transplant was at stake. The twist confirms fans’ suspicions and leaves Warren unaware of the deception while Gemma and Jenson plan their next move.

Joel Marshall is found unconscious after a group of teens retaliate against him during an orchestrated humiliation at a party. The teens initially tie him to a fence and soak him with beer, but when some of them return out of guilt, they discover he has been attacked by someone else. His condition and the identity of the attacker remain unknown, raising questions about whether he will survive and who is responsible.

Jamie Lomas says he is excited for Anna Passey to return to Hollyoaks as Sienna Blake, potentially reigniting the volatile relationship between Sienna and Warren Fox. Warren turned against Sienna after discovering that she blamed their daughter Sophie for Clare Devine’s apparent murder, and he threatened to kill her before police arrested her. Lomas expects conflict over Sienna’s desire to regain custody of her children, which Warren will strongly oppose, while praising Passey and their chemistry in scenes together.

A dramatic Hollyoaks episode reveals the death of Jenson Cole, who is shot by his brother Warren Fox after a series of events involving kidnapping, a failed attempt to reach the hospital for a bone marrow transplant, and shifting donor circumstances. Prince McQueen, secretly working against Warren, offers to commit the murder but cannot follow through, leading Warren to carry it out himself. The storyline raises questions about whether the truth behind Jenson’s death will be uncovered.

Lauren Branning and Mark Fowler Jr navigate growing romantic tension after sharing passionate kisses during a risky job involving fake number plates. A fallout from Mark testing Lauren’s loyalty complicates their partnership, but their chemistry intensifies when she helps him avoid police trouble. Upcoming episodes show Lauren conflicted over whether to pursue an affair with Mark despite being with Peter, echoing hints from a flashforward to 2027.

Rex Gallagher is declared dead after Darren Osborne discovers his body in a garage following a mysterious shooting. The incident devastates Rex’s husband Ste Hay, who had recently reconciled with him. Donny Clark leads the investigation while suspicion arises around various villagers, including Cindy Cunningham, who openly expresses disdain for Rex. The storyline raises questions about the identity of the shooter and whether justice will follow.

Dylan survives a feared fatal car crash after driving while distressed, prompting concern from colleagues and his son Matty. Despite earlier relapse worries, a breathalyser confirms he is sober. A mistaken identity incident heightens tension before Dylan is found with only minor injuries. Matty struggles emotionally during a critical case, but he and Dylan reconcile, with Dylan committing to overcoming his addiction as their relationship begins to improve.

Flynn Byron suffers a setback in his efforts to expose Colonel Jack Bard for abusing soldiers when Bard convinces investigators he has been unfairly targeted. A confrontation between the two leads to violence as Bard taunts Flynn about a former friend who died by suicide after mistreatment. Despite Bard’s suspension being overturned, Flynn remains determined to ensure accountability as the storyline builds toward further danger in the upcoming episode.

Nicole Barber-Lane teases a dramatic summer for Hollyoaks, highlighting a spectacular wedding, an unfolding affair involving Dodger and Cleo, and a village missing-person storyline. She notes Myra’s likely reaction to the escalating drama and reflects on James Sutton’s departure from the show. Return of major characters and multiple ongoing McQueen family plots contribute to an eventful season.

Jason Durr joins EastEnders as Clive Masters, a councilman who becomes involved in efforts to save Walford’s community centre and forms a growing bond with Linda Carter. His arrival follows Linda’s turbulent recent years, prompting speculation that he may bring stability, while viewers and characters such as Max Branning are expected to react strongly. Fans have responded positively to Durr’s casting, praising his previous roles in Casualty and Heartbeat.

Actor Matthew James Bailey joins EastEnders as DC Craig Ingram, a new character brought in to support Jack Branning during Denise Fox’s cancer storyline. His arrival will connect to a developing Branning family plot set for the summer. Bailey, known for his role as Ethan Williams on Hollyoaks, has already begun filming, with EastEnders’ producer praising his addition to the cast.

Stevie becomes alarmed for Dylan after learning he has relapsed, prompting tension with Dylan’s son Matty, who witnessed his father drinking. Dylan struggles through his shift while pushing Matty away, leaving him isolated ahead of his keynote speech. After Matty reveals the relapse, Stevie attempts to find Dylan, who is later seen driving with alcohol nearby, raising fears of further danger.

An unexpected return by Ravi Gulati leaves Priya Nandra-Hart shaken as he confronts her after learning she has been seeing someone else, vowing revenge on the unidentified man. The storyline revisits Ravi’s previous mental health crisis, his time in a treatment facility and his complicated relationship with Priya, who insists their romance is over despite lingering feelings. The development threatens Priya’s affair with Max Branning, setting up further conflict in Albert Square.

Prince McQueen’s secret confession reveals he intends to murder Warren Fox, whom he blames for his twin brother Hunter’s 2024 drug‑related death. Leah Barnes hosts a confession‑based dinner gathering as part of a research project but secretly accesses the recordings, uncovering Prince’s plan. The development sets up a major confrontation as Warren’s past enemies resurface and the storyline escalates toward a potentially deadly outcome.

Ronni Ancona reflects on playing EastEnders antagonist Bea Pollard as the character meets her downfall after kidnapping Honey Mitchell and attempting to frame Billy Mitchell. She explains Bea’s delusional mindset and rejects the idea of the character finding redemption in upcoming scenes, noting Bea is offered but refuses a chance to admit her wrongdoing. Ancona describes filming the intense conclusion, hints Bea could potentially return in the future, and discusses upcoming film projects, a podcast, and work with her production company.

Bea Pollard is captured after a violent confrontation following her kidnapping of Honey Mitchell and attempt to kill Billy. Honey escapes and alerts her friends, leading them to rescue her in Kent. Bea later holds Billy hostage at the B&B, but Honey intervenes before police arrest Bea as Walford residents look on.

ITV’s Coronation Street and Emmerdale and BBC’s EastEnders face significant schedule changes throughout the week due to ongoing World Cup coverage and Wimbledon broadcasts. Both ITV soaps shift between hour-long and cancelled episodes, while EastEnders temporarily moves to BBC Two on multiple nights. Plot developments include health crises, family tensions and unfolding character storylines across the three soaps, with all episodes available early on ITVX and BBC iPlayer.