Corrie kid Simon faces the biggest decision of his young life

Next week in Soapland, two fathers face the prospect of losing their young sons, a mother and daughter come to blows, and a newcomer causes some serious fireworks…

Coronation Street

Carla and Peter plot their escape

We’ve seen Peter Barlow resort to some desperate measures in recent times – but next week the troubled bookie reaches an all-time low when he plans to flee to the Caribbean with son Simon and long-suffering girlfriend Carla.

With father and son holed up in a B&B, Carla heads to Peter’s flat to pick up their passports. Meanwhile, a worried Simon has phoned Leanne to tell her his daddy is about to take him on a very long holiday.

Can Leanne convince Carla to betray Peter?

With Michelle as backup, Leanne confronts Carla and begs not to let Peter take Simon away. The factory boss takes a bit of persuading, but eventually she agrees to lead Leanne to the runaways, who are waiting in the station café.

Who will Simon choose?

When Peter spots Carla on the platform, he rushes to greet her – and is horrified when he realises Leanne is in tow. When Leanne delivers an ultimatum – let Simon decide who he wants to live with, or she’s calling the police – Peter is forced to comply, pleading with Simon to come with him on the trip of a lifetime. As the little lad makes his choice, who will board the train? I can hardly stand the suspense!

Ryan gets reacquainted with Sophie

In other news, Ryan Connor (with new actor Sol Heras playing the part) returns to Weatherfield after being kicked out of uni – and wastes no time getting into deep water. First off, he tries it on with Sophie (doesn’t he know she’s a lesbian?), then he carelessly tosses a smouldering match away at No.13 and almost burns the place down.

Ryan takes a tumble

Needless to say, Michelle’s not impressed with her son’s antics and sets him to work in the packing department of the factory. Kirk shows the new boy the ropes, but as soon as his back is turned, Ryan stages a fall and pretends he’s hurt his back. At the hospital he’s given the all-clear – but, insisting he’s sustained a serious injury, he informs Michelle he’s going to sue Underworld and his Auntie Carla for every penny he can get. With family like that, who needs enemies?

EastEnders

Is Janine signing away her fortune?

The notoriously unreliable Michael Moon is never going to be a contender for Father of the Year – and, as a new week dawns in Walford, his parenting skills show no sign of improving. First, he turns up late for baby Scarlett’s medical appointment, then he asks his irritable (when isn’t she?) wife Janine to sign some paperwork, giving him access to the business accounts. Hmmm, can you see where this is going?

Shaking off her suspicions that Michael’s only after her money, Janine talks him into attending a post-natal class. As they learn about emergency resuscitation, Michael throws a wobbly and rushes out of the class, leaving his other half angry and embarrassed. Later, when Whitney turns up at the hospital, Janine asks the teenager to watch Scarlett while she returns to Albert Square in search of her errant husband.

Michael tries his hand at CPR

At home, Janine finds the keys to Michael’s shiny new motor, which only makes her more concerned about his motives – and when she finds him in the office with the safe door wide open, she not unreasonably suspects the worst. Angry words are exchanged but, when Michael says he feels his only way of helping Scarlett is to keep the business running, Janine appears to soften. She’s no fool, however, and the minute Michael’s back is turned she tells Billy to change the combination on the safe quick smart.

Alfie’s got one thing on his mind (and it’s not Kat)

Elsewhere, Kat faces a dilemma when she receives a key to a flat from her secret lover. With Alfie caught up in organising the football team, he fails to notice Kat’s desperate pleas for attention. Feeling neglected, the saucy minx slips away and lets herself into the love nest, where her mystery man is waiting. Ooh, the plot is thickening nicely!

Jay and Lola share an intimate moment

In other news, pregnant Lola is thoroughly fed of being stuck in the house all day with only her burgeoning bump for company. Things start looking up when she convinces Jay to play hooky with her and the pair end up sharing a cheeky kiss.

Jay drops a bombshell

But any hopes of a happy ever after are dashed when Jay later admits what happened between them was a mistake and he’s still holding a torch for Abi. Drat and double drat.

Emmerdale

Amy has a surprise family reunion

You can hardly move for tetchy long-lost relatives in Emmerdale at the moment, and the latest black sheep to enter the fold turns out to be a right slapper – quite literally.

The newcomer makes her debut as Amy enjoys a belated 18th celebration with Victoria in Hotten. After a few drinks, the birthday girl gets chatting to a handsome stranger at the bar. The chemistry between them is instant and before long the cheeky chap is leaning in for a snog. But Amy’s in for a shock when the man’s angry girlfriend suddenly appears on the scene and slaps her in the face.

Kerry makes a last-ditch plea to Amy

As Amy reels in surprise, she realises the woman is none other than her mum Kerry, who she hasn’t seen since she was knee-high. When Kerry recognizes her daughter, she tries to make amends, but the feisty teenager doesn’t want to know. As Amy stalks out of the bar, Kerry chases her down the street, keen to hand over her phone number so they can stay in touch.

Amy pours out her troubles to Val

Back in the village, Amy confides in Val that she doesn’t want her mum back in her life. Unfortunately, Kerry has other ideas and when she arrives in the village, Moira unwittingly tells her where Amy lives. After a stiff drink for Dutch courage, Kerry goes in search of Amy, but is met on the doorstep by Val in Rottweiler mode. Scary.

Marlon keeps a tight hold on little Leo

Elsewhere in the village, Paddy is in turmoil after accepting the job in New Zealand, worried about how Marlon will react. Not surprisingly, Marlon’s devastated at the thought of losing his son Leo – but he soon cheers up when Paddy suggests he join the family Down Under.

Laurel comes clean with Marlon

When Laurel gets wind of Marlon’s plans, she lays her heart on the line and tells him she loves him. Can she reheat her romance with the lanky chef and convince him to stay? Sorry, soap fans, my lips are sealed!

What do you think of next week’s soap storylines? Let us know below.