What's going to happen in the soaps?

Here's our look at the storylines soap fans will see this week.

EastEnders (BBC1)

No one seems to be feeling very festive in Walford at the moment, least of all Phil, who announces that as this might be his last Christmas, he’d rather spend it alone than in the bosom of his loving family. Sharon tells the rest of the Mitchells they need to respect his wishes, but then the clan receives some news that could change everything... Meanwhile, Roxy is also in a maudlin mood, prompting Donna to make a surprising suggestion, and a police public protection officer objects to Jay living under the same roof as Louise. So it’s left to Billy to generate the Mitchells’ seasonal cheer - and even the discovery that he’s been burgled doesn’t get him down. At least seeing his optimism in the face of disaster reminds Linda that things could be a lot worse for the Carters. Elsewhere, Bex tries to find out where she stands with Shakil, Dot discovers the laundrette is closing on Christmas Eve, and Lee doesn’t feel much like celebrating on Jack’s stag do, but Martin comes up with an unusual way of livening up the evening.

Emmerdale (ITV)

Hide the carving knives - Emma wants to have a big Barton family Christmas. Moira does her best to go along with the plans, until Emma accidentally breaks a bauble that Holly made, at which point the grieving mum’s reserves of seasonal goodwill finally run out. But as we all know, Emma doesn’t react too well to not getting her own way, and she comes up with a revenge scheme... Laurel finally admits that she can’t cope alone and gets a carer in to look after Ashley, but even that may not be enough to keep her husband safe. Liv tries to stick up for a bullied Gabby, but feels aggrieved when Aaron (understandably) assumes she’s the one causing trouble. However, it’s her brother’s turn to feel misunderstood and vengeful after Rebecca makes an insensitive crack about him using his dad’s money to buy the Mill. Leyla and Tracy struggle to live together, Victoria gives everyone far too much information about her baby-making schedule, and as Paddy’s divorce papers arrive, he wonders if it’s time to make yet another move on Chas.

Hollyoaks (Channel 4)

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Nick goes to confront Tegan about some missing drugs - and she doesn’t really have a leg to stand on, as he catches her in the act of deleting CCTV footage from the medicine storeroom. Will he keep quiet, especially after he realises Kim has also been caught on camera? Some of Nick’s own secrets threaten to come out this week as a worried Ellie tells Dirk about his relationship with Holly. When that fails to split the couple up, Ellie hits the bottle and ends up being rushed to hospital - where Nick is on duty... Cindy is delighted when Alfie comes to see her, although her joy proves short-lived when he lets slip that he can still see Jade, leaving her afraid that the teen might be bipolar. Tracey encourages Adam to confide in Maxine, but Grace seems to think some things are better off being hushed up. Neeta sets out to prove herself to Mac by getting the teaching assistant’s job at Hollyoaks High, and OB makes it his mission to do a little digging on Eva.

Coronation Street (ITV)

Weddings rarely run smoothly in Weatherfield, and sure enough, Cathy and Roy’s big day turns out to be more of a damp squib than a celebration - and that’s not because of the Manchester climate. She discovers his reservations about marrying her, and confronts him at the altar. Anna learns that Peter wants her out of the flat so that he can move back in, prompting Kevin to offer her and Fay a place to stay round at his. She admits she’s so ashamed of her scars that she can’t bear to show him her body. To make matters worse, Phelan accuses her of sending poison pen letters, so Kev, ever the knight in shining armour, tries to scare the dodgy builder off. But when Phelan is found close to death after being attacked, Kevin is the prime suspect - however, Andy knows more than he’s letting on about the incident. Elsewhere, Mary researches ghosts from the past and Robert feels increasingly drawn to Michelle.

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