Roll out the red carpet – soap legend Sharon is back in EastEnders!

Next week in Soapland, a blonde bombshell returns, two love rivals slug it out, and an unlikely romance blossoms…

EastEnders

Fantabulous news, soap fans – Albert’s Square’s original ‘princess’ Sharon Rickman is back! Last seen in Walford six years ago following the death of her husband Dennis, Sharon turns up on Phil’s doorstep, all shoulder pads and smeared mascara.

A distraught Sharon shows up at the Mitchell house

As a bewildered Phil tries to calm his former flame, he’s stunned when she reveals she’s jilted her fiancé on their wedding day, and begs for his help in returning to fetch her son, Dennis Jr.

The not-so-happy couple come face to face

Over at the deserted wedding venue, Sharon is relieved to be reunited with Dennis. Also waiting to greet her is her fiancé John (played by Jesse Birdsall) – and he’s not a happy man.

Sharon and Phil are powerless, as Dennis is spirited away

When John starts to lose his cool, Phil is forced to step in but, as he leads Sharon away, he realises Dennis is nowhere to be seen. As the frantic pair launch a search, they’re horrified to see John and his sister driving off with Dennis in the car. Will Philthy be Sharon’s knight in shining armour and save the day? You’d better believe it…

Shirley’s thrilled with her engagement gift…

But Sharon’s not the only problem Phil’s got right now. The moody mechanic still fears Ian could reveal the truth about Heather’s murder at any moment – and, as the day of his engagement party looms, he gives Ben and Jay strict instructions to keep an eye on the bearded businessman.

… But the picture gives Ian the collywobbles

As the celebrations get underway, Patrick presents bride-to-be Shirley with a thoughtful present – a picture of her and best mate Heather. The gift leaves Phil feeling distinctly uncomfortable, and his unease turns to outright panic when Ian is visibly affected by the image of Heather and drops his champagne glass in shock. Could it be that Ian is still haunted by the knowledge that Ben killed Heather? It certainly looks that way…

Coronation Street

I’ve long suspected that Steve McDonald has been sprinkled with an invisible pheromone that makes him irresistible to the women of Weatherfield – and I’m about to be proved right, as two of the Street’s loveliest ladies go head to head over the inexplicably attractive businessman.

Steve saves Ryan’s skin…

As a new week dawns, Tracy’s making good progress in hospital – and, after Steve’s passionate declaration, she’s convinced they’re destined to be together. Meanwhile, Steve is busy scoring brownie points with Michelle, when he ejects drug dealer Niall from the cab office after catching him hassling Ryan. Grateful for Steve’s intervention, Michelle rewards him with a lingering kiss.

… And is amply rewarded by Michelle

Later in the week, there’s a repeat performance – but this time the clinch is witnessed by a distressed Amy, who tells Steve he’s meant to be getting back with her mummy. Determined not to be hurt by Steve again, a frosty-faced Michelle tells him he’d better put Tracy straight, or their relationship will be over before it’s even started.

The claws come out in Coronation Street

Like a fattened calf heading for the abattoir, Steve makes his way to the hospital to break the bad news to Tracy. When he chickens out at the last minute, it falls to Deirdre to tell her devastated daughter the truth. The situation soon turns ugly and by Friday, Tracy and Michelle are doing battle – quite literally.

Gary’s social worker has some heartbreaking news

In other news, Izzy and Gary’s adoption plans fall at the first hurdle when Izzy tells the social worker about her other half’s criminal record.

Joseph’s christening is rocked by a bombshell

Desperate to help, Katy makes a gobsmacking announcement: she’ll be their surrogate. But when Owen gets wind of his daughter’s generous offer at baby Joseph’s christening, tensions spill out into the open. As for Chesney’s reaction to the news his girlfriend might be giving birth to another man’s child… don’t even ask.

Emmerdale

Poor Chas was devastated when her affair with Cameron bit the dust. Fortunately, the delectable Miss Dingle knows just how to mend her broken heart – by bedding another bloke. The X-rated action begins when, after weeks of flirting with Chas, ‘Desperate’ Dan Spencer invites her for a ride in his camper van.

Dan thinks all his Christmases have come at once

The dad-of-two can hardly believe his luck when Chas agrees. He’s even more taken aback when, after a fun day out, the sexy brunette invites him into the back room of the pub – and, before long, the pair are heading upstairs to, ahem, make themselves more comfortable.

Chas puts on a very public display of affection

The following day, Dan worries that Chas might be regretting their night of passion. But there’s a surprise in store when she snogs him in the middle of a crowded Woolpack, before announcing that he’s her boyfriend. Is Cameron bovvered by this new development? Not in the slightest – much to Chas’s irritation.

Three’s a crowd when Adam returns from his travels

In other news, Moira has mixed feelings when son Adam returns from his trip – and given that she’s been having it away with his best mate Alex, who can blame her? The following day, the lovers are almost caught red headed when Adam arrives home unexpectedly. Realising things are getting too complicated, Moira reluctantly decides to call time on her dangerous liaison.

Mum-from-hell Kerry sinks to a new low

Elsewhere, Val is horrified when she spots Kerry helping herself to a wad of notes from the B&B’s petty cash box. Concerned about Amy‘s reaction when she finds out her mum’s a thief, Val confides in Pollard as he prepares lunch for his lovely, sweet, trusting girlfriend Brenda.

There’s still life in the old dog yet…

Having reassured Val that Kerry can’t take Amy away from them, Pollard moves in for a kiss – unaware that Brenda is watching from outside. Now that’s really put the cat among the pigeons…

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