Pick of the Plots: Monday 23rd June

A new week begins as POTP takes a look at the storylines from the UK and Australian soaps….

Walford’s got more tension than a pressure cooker tonight – and it’s about to blow the lid off!

First up, poor Phil is seriously rattled when Nigel starts wandering the Square barefoot, like some lost soul from a spiritual retreat that never happened. But this isn’t a detox – it’s a meltdown, and things reach boiling point (literally) when Phil comes home to find the kitchen looking like a scene from Kitchen Nightmares. The drama sizzles when the two end up grappling over a pan of boiling water, and let’s just say, it’s not just the food that gets burned.

Later, Kat spots Phil nursing a suspicious injury and knows something’s bubbling under the surface. During a rare heart-to-heart, she realises the hard man of Walford is cracking under the pressure. Is Phil finally in over his head?

Meanwhile at The Vic, birthday drama brews faster than a teapot on full blast when Yolande suggests hosting Patrick’s 85th bash. Elaine jumps in to agree – but then promptly leaves Linda flapping solo behind the bar yet again. When George swoops in to save the day, Elaine sees red and lashes out, slamming the door on any hope of a family truce. One step forward, two flaming rows back…

Over in teenland, Nicola and Teddy are left stunned when they discover Barney flunked his chemistry exam – all thanks to mounting stress. Could the family pressure cooker be about to explode?

Elsewhere, Denzel bags babysitting duty for Patrick’s big bash and sweet-talks Yolande into letting him invite some mates round. Jean’s chuffed when Tommy makes the cut, but someone isn’t happy – Joel’s got his eyes on Amy and is fishing for an invite. Sadly for him, Denzel’s not having it and puts him firmly in the no-fly zone.

And while all this kicks off, Kat’s quietly reeling from Alfie’s disappearing act – she tries to open up to Jean, but Jean’s still got her claws in and won’t forgive Kat for going into business with Kathy and Harvey. Ice queen alert!

EastEnders, BBC One, tonight at 7.30pm or watch on BBC iPlayer now

LSD, Lads and Lock-Up Chaos! Midsummer Mayhem as Aadi’s Party Goes Off the Deep End… Well, who knew Weatherfield’s idea of a midsummer night’s dream involved LSD-laced juice, a factory left wide open, and more angst than a teenage poetry slam?

At Bernie’s suggestion (because what could possibly go wrong when Bernie suggests something?), Aadi decides to prove he’s not as boring as his haircut and throws a party. Naturally, this spirals into utter chaos faster than you can say “don’t drink the punch.”

Meanwhile, in a moment of sheer genius, Carla hands over the factory keys to Betsy – yes, Betsy – because nothing says “responsible adult” like trusting a teenager with valuable industrial property. Predictably, Betsy forgets to lock up and instead skips off with Brody, Dylan, and Lauren to get her groove on at Aadi’s bash. Priorities!

But Brody’s not just bringing good vibes — he’s packing a bottle of LSD, announcing his get-rich-quick plan to a thoroughly unimpressed Dylan. Because nothing screams “great house party” like psychedelics and peer pressure.

Meanwhile, romance tries to bloom between Aadi and Amy, but one awkward misunderstanding later and Aadi’s left feeling like the sad guy in a rom-com montage. Ever the party police, Aadi catches Brody dealing LSD and boots him out — but not before Brody throws a tantrum and exits like he’s just been eliminated from Love Island. Not to be outdone, Aadi decides to play bartender and divvies up the remaining LSD into three cups. Because that’s definitely what Gandhi would’ve done.

Summer and Nina gleefully gulp theirs down (as you do at a wholesome gathering), while Aadi gets distracted upstairs by something mysterious and returns to find that someone’s accidentally tripped the light fantastic.

Soon, Nina and Summer, completely off their heads, stumble into the darkened café like it’s a haunted house experience gone wrong. Sirens blare, the walls breathe (probably), and the girls cling to each other like it’s the end of days. What has happened? Spoiler: nothing good.

And if you thought the DNA drama might offer some stability… think again… Kit reveals to Bernie that he’s had the test results back and — drumroll, please — he is Brody’s dad. Somewhere, Jeremy Kyle is weeping into his coffee. But will Kit spill the beans, or keep the paternity plot twist to himself for maximum soapy suspense? One thing’s for sure – this party won’t be forgotten. Mainly because half of Weatherfield is still trying to figure out which dimension they ended up in.

Coronation Street, ITV1 and STV, tonight at 8pm or watch on ITVX now

Dingle Drama Explodes as Tracy Draws a Line – and Cain’s Fury Boils Over… There’s tension brewing in the village this week as Tracy drops a bombshell and firmly bars the entire Dingle clan from attending a key event. And let’s just say, Cain does not take the news well…

Things go from bad to worse when Jacob, thinking Cain’s already in the loop, casually mentions Sarah’s IVF plans. Cue Cain exploding like a kettle left on the hob too long – furious that Jacob knows more about his granddaughter’s life than he does.

And just when you think he might calm down, Sarah walks in mid-rant, catching Cain mid-threat to Jacob. Not exactly Grandad of the Year behaviour! With emotions running high and Sarah standing her ground, it’s a full-blown family standoff as Cain realises he may have just pushed her even further away.

Meanwhile, Robert’s had enough of the secrets and lies and finally confronts John – and it’s not just words being exchanged. After clocking Vic’s black eye, John’s more determined than ever to get Robert out of the village, and he’s not afraid to play dirty to do it.

With feuding families, furious fallout, and firm ultimatums flying left, right and centre – it’s just another quiet week in the Dales, right? Stay tuned – the drama’s only just getting started…

Emmerdale, ITV1 and STV, tonight at 7.30pm or watch on ITVX now

Prince has doubts over throwing a ‘screw you cancer’ party for Mercedes, but walking in on the surprise and hearing it was originally Freddie’s idea, Mercedes tells her family they should continue organising it.

Jez is concerned to hear Dodger has planned to meet with Tori’s former social worker. His plan to join him is halted when John Paul invites him and the rest of the Blakes to Mercedes remission party. A text message leaves Mercedes acting suspiciously.

Things are awkward as Diane and Marie battle for Tony’s affections…

Dodger is still investigating what happened to Dennis and after tracking down Tori’s social worker he meets him in the park. The social worker is on edge and admits Dennis made a confession before his death, he was being harassed by a member of the Blake family.

The party is in full swing at Casa McQueen with a heartfelt speech from Myra but things come to a pause Things turn sour when Tony, Diane and Marie throw cruel words at one another in s showdown. Tony is left red faced. Dodger tells Jez he thinks Dilly could be the person Dennis was concerned about. The spotlight moves off him.

John Paul is upset Jez didn’t attend the party. Donny arrives on police duty and privately informs Mercedes and Myra that Bobby has escaped the secure home, suspectedly in a social worker’s car…

A blackmail letter slid under the door of the Blakes wipes the smile from Jez’s face… A voicemail from Mercedes reveals a plan to meet Bobby.

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

Madonna opens up to Dean about the extent of her debts and is encouraged by his words of support.

Later, when Madonna steps in to babysit Kelly-Marie’s children to make some quick cash, she inadvertently stumbles upon the solution to all her problems. Playing hide-and-seek with her nieces, she finds a cash-filled suitcase in Kelly-Marie’s bedroom and decides to help herself and worry about the consequences later.

Elsewhere, Mikey tells Emma he’s seen social media posts from Jonathon bragging about his new boyfriend. To make matters worse, Mikey’s unsettled to discover Jonathon’s at the market with his boyfriend.

With temptation getting the better of him, Mikey goes looking for the couple and finds them outside The Oyster Café. Once alone, Jonathon once again manipulates Mikey, playing with his emotions.

Gillian and Emma urge Mikey not to rise to Jonathon’s attempts to goad him but it’s clear his confidence has been knocked. However, all is not as it seems.

Angus is unsettled when his plans with Bob change. Feeling shut out, Angus storms off, leaving Bob confused. However, there’s more to his behaviour than meets the eye – Angus admits he’s feeling overwhelmed by his impending fatherhood.

River City, BBC Scotland channel, tonight at 10pm. Across the UK on the iPlayer. Rescreened tomorrow on BBC One Scotland at 7pm

Justin runs into Bree and Remi, desperate to get a message to Theo. Remi agrees, as long as Justin shows up to help Kirby through her songwriting stumbles and Justin agrees. Kirby plays him some of her songs, but Justin’s feedback is limited – distracted waiting to hear from Theo (or Remi).

Justin’s apparent lack of interest sends Kirby spiralling. Although Justin reassures her of her serious talent, he also asks for perspective, drilling home that Theo almost died. Kirby takes a moment to explain – she feels like she’s drowning in guilt, over abandoning Mali, over taking Justin’s time over his family, and justifying Remi’s financial investment. She’s piling the pressure on, but agrees to put it aside so she and Remi can help Cash with his secret plans…

Remi passes the message to Theo that Leah and Justin are keen to get things fixed once he returns home, but Theo is adamant – he won’t be returning to Justin and Leah’s place. He’s over them trying to control him, and his concerns are far more focused on Lacey’s wellbeing. She’s the one in danger. Remi struggles to report the news to Justin. It’s hard for him to hear, and it’s made worse for Justin that he’ll need to tell Leah.

Remi discusses with Bree where Theo is going once he’s out of hospital, considering he’s not going back home. She offers up her place, and they consult Cash who agrees it probably would be safe if Theo and Sonny are both under protection from the bodyguards Remi hired, and everyone lies low. Theo’s grateful for their support, but his own pressing of Cash for information on Lacey’s whereabouts is unsuccessful. Cash’s hands are tied, all he can say is she’s okay, and the River Boys have stopped tracking him.

Cash is desperate for Eden to agree to going away with him, but she has other ideas. Eden tells Mackenzie to decline if Cash asks, but Cash gets Mackenzie to fold immediately when he explains his reasoning with an engagement-ring shaped glint in his eye. Eventually Cash convinces Eden to agree, and Cash asks her to pack – they’re leaving first thing in the morning. Alone, Cash makes certain to pack the engagement ring. Soon enough, Cash and Eden are pulling up outside Gary’s place. As Cash asides with Gary that Eden’s clueless, Eden beams with delight, knowing something very special’s about to happen…

Home and Away airs 1:45pm on Channel 5, at 6pm on 5STAR with first-look screenings of the following edition at 6:30 pm. The series also streams on 5.

Pack your bags and buckle up — because Neighbours delivers a road trip reunion, emotional reckonings, and a hospital exit that leaves more bruises than just the physical!

It all starts when Andrew and Holly hit the road on a mission to uncover Andrew’s biological roots. Destination? Sandy Point. Mood? Awkward but hopeful. But nothing could prepare them for what waits at the marina…

Because guess who’s bobbing on a boat like some sunburnt patriarch of a lost dynasty? Steven — Andrew’s long-lost dad — and surprise! Sister Gretchen is aboard too. Steven’s practically in tears meeting his son, welcoming him with open arms (and a slightly wheezy chest — turns out he’s battling lung cancer). But silver lining: the treatment’s working. Gretchen softens too, admitting she gave Wendy the cold shoulder to protect Steven’s health. Oh, now she tells us!

Just as the reunion’s warming up, Holly arrives and suddenly it’s group hug central. By the drive home, Andrew’s floating on cloud nine, and Holly suggests they keep the good vibes going with a drink in the city. Cue a flirty nightcap that may or may not be entirely innocent…

The next morning? Not so warm and fuzzy. Wendy rushes in, job interview nerves in tow, only to discover Holly helped Andrew meet his bio-dad. Boom — she’s livid! The betrayal burns, and she accuses Andrew of hypocrisy. As Holly walks in mid-frostbite, Andrew chooses silence over truth, deciding not to tell Wendy about the late-night drink. Uh-oh… secrets don’t stay secret for long in Erinsborough.

Meanwhile, over in the hospital ward, Karl’s doing his best impression of a brooding medical drama lead, receiving visitors but lost in thought. When Jane scores an interview with Darcy in prison (yes, that Darcy), Susan urges Karl to confront the past too. But Karl refuses — the wound’s still raw.

Inside, Jane faces Darcy and he drops a bombshell: he’s sorry. Jane’s furious, until he shares a sweet anecdote about Amanda never stopping loving her. Bittersweet, but it hits home.

The next morning, Karl’s discharged… and suddenly has a change of heart. He visits Darcy in prison — but instead of an explosive confrontation, he calmly asks: Why did you come after me? Darcy, never one to hold back, drops another truth bomb: he thinks Karl’s too old to be practising medicine. Ouch. That one cuts deep.

Karl’s rattled, and though he doesn’t admit it, his confidence is crumbling. Back home, he tells Susan he’s not returning to work anytime soon.

Amazon Prime, from 7.30am