Pick of the Plots: Next week’s soap highlights

A look at the forthcoming storylines in EastEnders, Coronation Street, Hollyoaks and Emmerdale next week…

Next week John is tormented by nightmares of being arrested for Nate’s murder as he and Victoria prepare for his wedding to Aaron. Moira anxiously watches workers dredging the lake. When Cain reveals the dredging has begun, a panicked John starts packing to flee.

Aaron catches him mid-escape but is reassured it’s just pre-wedding jitters. The moment Aaron leaves, John continues packing and drives away from the village. Whilst hiding near the lake, John receives a loving text from Aaron and, upon seeing the workers down tools and learning the dredging has been cancelled, confirms he’ll proceed with the wedding. However, his plans are thrown into chaos when Cathleen, Aidan’s mother, arrives with news her son has awakened from his coma and is asking for John.

Later in the week Sarah heads alone to get her biopsy results. At the Hospital, Sarah’s fears are confirmed when the consultant reveals she has the early stages of cervical cancer. Troubled Sarah struggles to take in all the consultant’s information but is relieved to find out she may still be able to get pregnant. Sarah’s head’s swimming as she leaves the consultant’s office. Seeing her whilst on a shift, Jacob worries for his friend as Sarah tries to put on a brave face. When he offers her support, she can’t help but crumble and confess that she’s just been diagnosed with cancer.

Emmerdale, Monday to Friday on ITV1 and STV. Also available on ITVX and the STV Player.

Next week Brody tenses as he listens to a message from his Dad. Kit returns home to find Brody smashing up his flat, revealing he’s spoken to his Dad who assures him he’s innocent and it’s a police stitch-up. Kit calmly spells out to Brody that the evidence suggests otherwise and Mick is a violent man. In his prison cell, Mick lies on the floor, having suffered a beating.

Maria tells Lou she’s fired. Having stormed out, Lou tells Gary that she’s sorry Mick gave him a beating, but she’s had plenty herself over the years. Gary can’t help but feel sorry for her and buys her a drink. How will Maria react?

Lou visits Mick and is shocked at his injuries. Mick reveals that Kit organised the attack and spelt out that if he doesn’t plead guilty the next beating will be worse. Lou returns from the hearing and tells Brody that his Dad pleaded not guilty. Brody’s delighted and Lou hasn’t the heart to tell him there will be a price to pay.

Coronation Street, Monday, Wednesday and Friday on ITV1 and STV. Also available on ITVX and the STV Player.

Next week with Jean and Mo away, Lily and Freddie are trying to run the Slater house alone as Stacey refuses to leave her bedroom. The strain is taking its toll on Lily, who lies to Kat and Eve to cover up the truth. However, after Freddie realises Lily is skipping school to do chores, he tells Kat the truth and asks her to help them. At the Slater house, Kat is worried by what she discovers.

Stacey leaves the house for the first time in weeks. However, Kat is concerned when Stacey invites them for a big family meal, fearing she’s trying to do too much too soon. Stacey tries to force merriment at home but soon realises that her coat and mobile phone have accidentally fallen into the laundry bag and Freddie has taken it to be washed. Stacey explains that the mobile contains voicemails, photos and texts from Martin and they’ll be lost forever if the phone is damaged.

Also, at the hospital, after looking at Jimmy’s eyes, consultant Miss Ayub tells Lauren and Peter that he is severely sight impaired. Lauren and Peter are left reeling as they try to process Jimmy’s diagnosis.

EastEnders, BBC One, Monday to Thursday. Also available on the iPlayer

Next week begins with Darren and Nancy realising their daughter is in danger, the pair try to shake some answers out of Rex. A text reveals the location they need, but they trust the wrong police officer and accidentally set the gears into motion for an operation clear out… DI Banks makes plans to escape with his wife and Victoria this afternoon, destroying all evidence and disposing of workers beforehand.

Later in the week Ste and Leela are waiting for news on Lucas’ operation when they are confronted by a concerned Nancy, hoping Ste might have answers on what Rex has been up to. And as the week concludes as Rex breaks down to Grace telling her what she is doing is wrong and that she is continuing a cycle of abuse he then finally tells Ste the truth that he was part of the gang and begs for forgiveness.

Hollyoaks available to stream from 7am on Channel 4 streaming or watch live on E4 at 7pm