EastEnders’ Ben confesses to Heather’s murder – will Ian grass?

Next week in Soapland, there’s a husband and wife reunion, a mother meets her long-lost son, and a murderous secret is finally exposed…

EastEnders

Phil gives Ben an ear bashing

With his shaved head and piggy eyes, Phil Mitchell isn’t a pretty sight at the best of times – and now that he’s back on the booze, things are about to get even uglier. As Philthy continues to drown his sorrows, Ben decides to lock his dad in the house while he goes off to buy him one of the caff’s artery hardening bacon butties in a bid to sober him up.

On Ben’s return, there’s no sign of Phil, who’s broken out of the house in search of more liquid refreshment. When Ben finally catches up with him, Phil lays into his startled son, berating him for all the trouble Heather’s murder has caused and telling him he wishes he’d never been born.

What has Shirley overheard?

As Ben turns to walk away, he’s horrified to see Shirley earwigging nearby. After ushering Ben away, Phil approaches Shirley and tries work out what she’s heard. As the pair get into a heated discussion, the police pass by and ask if everything is okay.

Ben makes a startling confession to Ian

Phil quickly assures them it is and tells Shirley they need to talk alone. Meanwhile, Ben is watching his dad’s exchange with the boys in blue from a distance, convinced his dad is about to turn him in. In a panic, he legs it to big brother Ian’s and confesses to Heather’s murder – causing the batter-complexioned chip shop mogul to turn an even white shade of pale.

Phil finally admits his feelings for Shirley

Over at Shirley’s, Phil is relieved to discover his ex didn’t hear the truth about Heather’s death after all. As the former lovers talk, Phil finally tells Shirley he really does love her – and, as she sobs over the loss of her best friend, he comforts her as best he can.

Meanwhile, Ian is struggling to comprehend Ben’s confession. Will he do the right thing and march his little brother straight to Walford nick? Sorry, folks, Soap’s Official Secrets Act prevents us from revealing any more!

In other news, Derek is thrilled that long-lost daughter Alice has agreed to meet the Branning brigade and stages a welcome party at Max’s.

Alice is overwhelmed by Tanya’s profiterole mountain

However his hopes of playing happy families are dashed when Tanya decides Alice should know the truth about her dodgy dad and takes her for a private chat in the kitchen. Moments later, Alice is speeding away in a taxi faster than you can say “pass me a bottle of knock-off absinthe”.

Coronation Street

Kylie’s boss isn’t happy at Nick’s interference

Poor David hasn’t known what to do with himself since wife Kylie left, so when brother Nick suggests a lads’ night out at a lap-dancing bar, he’s raring to go. The two lads have barely had a chance to stuff a tenner in a stocking top when Nick spots a scantily clad Kylie cavorting in front of a group of slack-jawed fellas.

Realising that David’s head will explode if he clocks his missus, Nick hastily shepherds him out of the bar, claiming he feels uncomfortable. Then, with David safely tucked up with a cup of cocoa, Nick heads back to the bar to confront Kylie. As he tries to reason with his sister-in-law, the conversation becomes heated and, when Kylie’s boss witnesses the ruckus, he promptly gives her the sack.

Nick shows his caring side…

Afterwards, Nick takes Kylie to a hotel to sort herself out and, during a night of high emotion, tries to talk her into returning to Weatherfield. Finally she agrees and, after collecting little Max, Nick drops mother and son round the corner from the Platts’, promising that last night will remain a secret.

Black sheep Kylie returns to the fold

Needless to say, David is overjoyed to see his nearest and dearest back where they belong. Mind you, disapproving mum Gail isn’t going to be best pleased…

A guilt-ridden Eileen gives Paul the heave-ho

Meanwhile, Eileen is still struggling to come to terms with Lesley’s unfortunate demise. Wracked with guilt, she takes the drastic decision to dump boyfriend Paul and move away from the Street for a fresh start.

Sean and Stella get heated over hot pot

Unsurprisingly, Sean is gutted when he hears about his Eileen’s plans to scarper. Later, feeling the stress, he has a run-in with Stella at work over his lack of hot pot making. With too much on his plate, will the barman walk out of the Rovers and take Betty’s secret recipe with him? Over my dead body!

Emmerdale

Megan delivers the most important letter of her life

It’s a family affair in next week’s Emmerdale, as Megan finally meets son Robbie after weeks of prevarication. Their reunion comes after the businesswoman nervously posts a letter of introduction through Robbie’s door. The following day, at work, Nicola interrupts a meeting to tell Megan she has a visitor. Megan’s heart leaps when she realises the visitor is Robbie – but if she was hoping for a happy ever after, she’d better think again.

As mother and son come face to face, Robbie is hard on Megan, demanding to know why she suddenly wants to see him after she abandoned him. He also questions her about his father, but Megan lies that his dad is dead and refuses to give Robbie his name. Eventually, the frustrated youngster storms out, telling a devastated Megan she means nothing to him and never will.

Robbie has some harsh words for Megan

Later, Declan visits Robbie behind Megan’s back in an attempt to talk him round. He tells his nephew that Megan really cares about him and confides how he felt about losing Mia. Can Declan persuade Robbie to give his mum another chance? Here’s hoping…

Declan attempts some uncle-nephew bonding

In other news, Jai’s feeling broody after looking after Noah in Charity’s absence. But when he raises the subject of having a child together, Charity tells her new husband it’s the last thing she wants. Crikey!

Charity drops a bombshell on hubby Jai

Meanwhile, Zak’s detention under the Mental Health Act is causing the sort of anguish usually reserved for a runaway lamb or a broken-down combine harvester. A panicked Lisa swears the family to secrecy, telling them to say Zak is suffering from concussion if anyone asks.

Zak tries to blend in with the furniture

Meanwhile, over at the psychiatric unit, Zak isn’t being terribly cooperative, pulling out his drip and refusing to get involved in any of the “fun” activities put on for patients. Ah well, jigsaws never were his thing…