Is the flame about to go out for EastEnders’ torchbearer Billy?

Next week in Soapland, there’s a desperate dash for the finish line, a triple whammy of baby dramas, and a secret affair is exposed…

EastEnders

Is Billy’s big dream going down the tubes?

Billy Mitchell was thrilled when he was chosen to carry the Olympic torch through Albert Square – but the lovable loser faces a marathon of his own, as he battles to make it back to Albert Square in time to take part in the once-in-a-lifetime event.

The drama begins as Billy and the rest of the Queen Vic football team travel home on the tube, downhearted after suffering a defeat. It’s not long before the Branning brothers get into a heated argument and a scuffle breaks out. In the confusion, Anthony panics and pulls the emergency alarm, causing the train to judder to a halt.

Can Billy escape the long arm of the law?

Billy’s fuming, realising he doesn’t have much time to get back to Albert Square for his big moment. Luckily, Alfie manages to negotiate with the tube driver and the train starts moving again – but when the lads finally arrive in Walford, the police are waiting for them. Will Billy be able to escape their clutches and make a mad dash for the finish line? Just for once, luck is on his side…

A box of chicken nuggets brings on Lola’s contractions…

Meanwhile, pregnant Lola faces a crisis of her own when she goes into labour at McKlunkeys. Worried her baby could be taken away if the police discover she’s broken her curfew, the terrified teenager insists that no one call an ambulance.

Luckily, Cora’s on hand to play midwife

In desperation, Jay pinches some blankets from the charity shop and, as Cora chases after him, she’s shocked to find Lola about to give birth. As an anxious Ben and Jay look on, Cora quickly takes control of the situation, and soon Lola is the proud mother of a beautiful baby girl. Aaahh…

Bobby comes to grief in the café

In other news, Tanya’s concerns for Lucy and Bobby grow when she sees Bobby accidentally cut himself in the café, but the mum-of-three soon has bigger things to worry about when she stumbles across a shocking family secret.

Emmerdale

Rachel and Jai face the consequences of their actions

Toffee tycoon Jai finds himself in a sticky situation, when Rachel tells him she’s pregnant following their one-night stand. After convincing herself that motherhood is not an option, Rachel accepts Jai’s offer to pay for a private termination – but it isn’t long before both are secretly having second thoughts about the decision.

As the day of the termination dawns, Jai is filled with dread. Meanwhile, on the other side of t’village, Ali comforts a heartbroken Rachel, saying she doesn’t have to go through with the operation – but Rachel insists she has no alternative.

Charity resists the temptation to tip a bowl of salad over Jai’s head

Back at Holdgate, Charity is preparing for a family barbecue and she’s furious when Jai returns empty-handed without the meat he was supposed to buy. She’s even more annoyed when she catches him venting his frustration at little Noah, as he tries to help light the barbecue.

As Rachel arrives at the clinic, she’s surprised to find Jai waiting for her – and there’s an even bigger shock in store when he tells her he doesn’t want her to get rid of the baby. The young cleaner is in turmoil, as Jai leaves her to face the biggest decision of her life.

Rachel has some big news for Jai

Later, as Jai enjoys a family outing to the Woolpack, Rachel heads to the bar for a discreet word in his ear. When she tells him she’s decided to keep the baby after all, he’s delighted – until he discovers there’s a catch: he has to tell Charity he’s going to be a daddy. Cripes!

Cameron asks Debbie to be his wife

The Woolpack is the scene of yet another drama, when Cameron pops to the question to a surprised Debbie. As she accepts, the whole pub celebrates – everyone, that is, except landlady Chas, who looks as if she’d like to gouge her young niece’s eyes out with a corkscrew.

Megan sweet-talks Robbie into staying put

In other news, Carl finally reaches the end of his tether with Robbie and gives him the sack. As Robbie packs his things and prepares to leave, Megan appears and convinces her errant son to stay in the village. Does she know what she’s letting herself in for? I very much doubt it…

Coronation Street

Talk yourself out of this one, Karl!

Karl and Sunita have been playing with fire for so long, it’s a wonder they haven’t spontaneously combusted. Next week, in dramatic scenes, the pair’s sizzling affair is finally exposed, when Stella enjoys a girls’ night out with Eva and Leanne, leaving Karl in charge of the Rovers.

With Dev busy counting tins of spaghetti hoops in the corner shop, Sunita wastes no time shamelessly draping herself over the bar of the Rovers, and come closing time, she persuades Karl to let her stay behind for one more cheeky Sauvignon Blanc. One thing leads to another and… well, I think you can probably guess the rest.

Just as Karl and Sunita are lost in the throes of passion, Stella and the girls suddenly return, catching the lovers in a very compromising position – eeek! After throwing Sunita out, Stella turns on Karl, demanding to know what’s going on. When he tries to play down the situation, the angry landlady marches over to No.7 to confront her love rival.

Stella squares up to Sunita

When an unrepentant Sunita confirms the affair has been going on for some time, a horrified Stella slaps her across the face. Hearing the commotion, Dev emerges from the shop and is shocked when Stella explains that his fiancé’s been playing away from home.

Dev’s world comes crashing down

As Sunita packs her bags to leave, Dev insists he still loves her and begs her to give their relationship another chance. When she makes it clear she’s not interested, the mini mart mogul hits the booze – and then does something very silly indeed.

Gary and Izzy receive devastating news

Elsewhere, there’s heartbreak for Izzy when she suffers a miscarriage. Trying to be strong, Gary assures his girlfriend that as soon as she’s well enough they’ll try for another baby – but is that really what Izzy wants to hear?

Maria and Jason get better acquainted

In other news, lust is in the air for Jason and Maria when sparks fly during a night in at Maria’s flat. Is it the start of a whirlwind romance, or just one night of wild abandon? Personally, I think they’d make a lovely couple…

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

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