𝐼𝑇’𝑆 𝑂𝑉𝐸𝑅! 𝐵𝑅𝐸𝐴𝐾𝐼𝑁𝐺 𝑁𝐸𝑊𝑆: 𝐸𝑚𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑑𝑎𝑙𝑒 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑒 𝑝𝑙𝑜𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝐶𝑎𝑖𝑛, 𝐸𝑎𝑠𝑡𝐸𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝐶ℎ𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑛, 𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑆𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑡 𝑒𝑥𝑖𝑡 𝑛𝑒𝑤𝑠

Emmerdale and EastEnders have dominated the soap headlines this week, with both shows sharing some major announcements over future storylines and cast changes.

Not to be outdone, though, we’ve also seen some longer-term teasers shared by Hollyoaks, Neighbours and Home and Away.

It was a fast-moving week of news, so did you miss any gossip? Here’s our regular Sunday round-up of the biggest soap news from the past 7 days.

Emmerdale’s Cain Dingle in danger

After a quieter time for Emmerdale stunts, the ITV soap will up the ante later this year with a dramatic fire storyline.

The news was shared by the show’s new producer Sophie Roper at a press conference this week, just as filming on the big episodes was about to get under way.

Roper explained: “We’ve got a lot of stunts coming up – some we’re actually filming this week.

“There will be fire engines involved, so take from that what you will. It’s going to be a really explosive week of Emmerdale.”

Although Roper didn’t share any further details, Jeff Hordley confirmed his involvement in the storyline – which may leave fans of his popular character Cain Dingle feeling a little worried.

Jeff’s real-life wife Zoe Henry, who plays Rhona Goskirk, also told The Sun that Jeff had “a massive stunt in two weeks involving fire and I think someone will get quite badly injured in that”.

Could that be Cain or somebody else?

Emmerdale’s special episode for Tom and Belle

Emmerdale‘s dinner party episode featuring Tom and Belle’s dark storyline had a big impact back in May, so perhaps it’s no surprise that the couple will soon be taking centre stage in another special edition of the ITV soap.

As teased in recent episodes, an upcoming storyline will see the couple head to Wales together as part of Tom’s cruel attempts to isolate Belle from her concerned family.

Emmerdale‘s design team sneakily created ‘Wales’ in part of the show’s regular village set, making one of the cottages look like a “beautiful Welsh retreat”.

Producer Sophie Roper said: “The story of course, though, set to the backdrop of this beautiful cottage will be really hard-hitting and difficult at moments.

“Tom is very much isolating Belle from her family, from her surroundings, from everything she knows and loves, which is very much unfortunately a typical trait of abusers and people who are trying to isolate their victim from their family.”

Emmerdale to pay tribute to Steve Halliwell

Emmerdale has also announced plans to celebrate legendary cast member Steve Halliwell, following his sad death at the age of 77 last December.

Steve’s character Zak Dingle is currently living away in Scotland, but in scenes airing later this year, the villagers will learn that he’s sadly passed away.

Show boss Sophie Roper said: “The Dingles have been at the heart of our show for 30 years now and will continue to be so.

“We’re going to be marking Zak’s passing – the iconic Zak Dingle character – in the coming months with a Dingle funeral.”

Coronation Street’s Oliver Farnworth joins Emmerdale

Former Coronation Street star Oliver Farnworth has joined the cast of Emmerdale in the role of new character John Sugden.

Emmerdale‘s team have decided to prioritise expanding the Sugden family again, as they’ve been depleted by cast departures in recent years.

Producer Laura Shaw said this week: “We are thrilled to have an actor with Oliver’s talent and presence join the Emmerdale family. The Sugdens have always been central to Emmerdale, and introducing a new member opens up exciting possibilities for future storylines.

“Mysterious John’s arrival will no doubt create a stir in the village for Victoria and the wider community.”

EastEnders brings back Chrissie Watts

There was a big surprise for EastEnders fans this week as the BBC soap announced plans to bring back Chrissie Watts for a short stint.

Tracy-Ann Oberman has already started filming her new scenes, which will feature on screen in the autumn.

Executive producer Chris Clenshaw teased: “I’m delighted to welcome the immensely talented Tracy-Ann back to the iconic role of Chrissie Watts. Although the character hasn’t been seen on screen for almost 20 years, Chrissie is cemented in EastEnders‘ rich history for her murder of Walford’s most infamous villain, and Sharon’s beloved father, Dirty Den.

“I’m keeping tight-lipped on the exact circumstances relating to her return for the time being, but what I can promise is that it’s never quiet when Chrissie Watts is around.”

EastEnders’ devastating story for Anna

EastEnders made a separate storyline announcement this week, revealing that Anna Knight will have her drink spiked during a night out at Peggy’s later this month.

Show bosses have been working with the Stamp Out Spiking and WithYou charities on this storyline, which will feature in the main show as well as a five-part mini-series available to watch on EastEnders‘ social channels.

Executive producer Chris Clenshaw said: “With incidents of spiking rising at alarming rates across the UK in recent years, we chose to explore this issue with Anna Knight, who represents the demographic most affected by spiking.

“It was imperative for us to work alongside organisations to accurately present, and sensitively portray this storyline, and Molly’s [Rainford] performance has thoughtfully demonstrated the dangerous realities of spiking as we look to raise awareness of the warning signs and symptoms to look out for after an individual has been spiked.”

EastEnders hints at more returning characters

EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw has also been busy talking about the show’s longer-term future this week.

Clenshaw promised that plans for the show’s Christmas storylines are already taking shape behind the scenes, hinting that the new Mitchell arrivals could be among the characters taking centre stage.

Meanwhile, he also hinted at returning characters in time for the show’s 40^th anniversary in February 2025.

Chrissie’s return was announced just a day later, but could Clenshaw have even more surprises up his sleeve?

Coronation Street’s Evelyn takes a break

When Dame Maureen Lipman was announced for a pantomime role this Christmas, it immediately sparked fears that she could be leaving her role as Evelyn Plummer.

Cast members on Corrie and Emmerdale are traditionally banned from taking part in pantos while under contract with ITV.

Corrie quickly set the record straight by confirming that Dame Maureen will indeed be taking some time away from the cobbles, but she’ll be back.

A spokesperson told Digital Spy: “Dame Maureen is taking a sabbatical from Coronation Street towards the end of the year. We look forward to seeing her back on the cobbles in 2025.”

Neighbours’ death week

Neighbours airs an unmissable week of episodes next month, with Toadie Rebecchi among the characters taking centre stage ahead of his exit from the soap.

The special week is titled ‘Death in the Outback’ and sees a group of characters head out into the Australian bush. Sadly, one of them won’t return.

The drama begins when Holly heads off for a trip into the outback with her new boyfriend Heath Royce, unaware of the danger she could be in.

As well as Toadie, Holly and Heath, the episodes will focus on Melanie Pearson, Haz Devkar, Mackenzie Hargreaves and guest character Tess Carmichael.

Hollyoaks’ summer mystery

Hollyoaks has offered the first hints to its biggest storyline of the summer, as Warren Fox is tormented by a mysterious gangster known only as ‘Blue’.

Hot on the heels of the recent attempt to kill Warren, his unknown enemy causes further trouble next week by (somehow) arranging to let Ste Hay walk free at his court case.

When Ste’s case collapses based on a legal technicality, he goes unpunished for causing the death of Warren’s teenage daughter Ella in a road accident.

Digital Spy has confirmed that the mystery of Blue’s identity will run over the summer, building up to life-changing events in September as Hollyoaks revamps itself with a one-year time jump.

Fans can expect the story to feature in Hollyoaks‘ new summer trailer, which premieres on Monday afternoon (July 8).

Home and Away introduces a new guest character

Home and Away has cast Surviving Summer actor Cantona Stewart as newcomer Perri, who’ll join Tane Parata’s new youth programme at the gym.

Perri has a lengthy guest stint ahead, as Cantona has been filming on set for the past six months.

Tane becomes a mentor for Perri while seeking his own redemption over the recent baby kidnapping case. The Summer Bay favourite wants to start making a positive difference in the community after getting a second chance.

Home and Away’s new love interest for Felicity

Home and Away has introduced a new River Boy on Australian screens in recent days, with Titans actor Joshua Orpin taking on the role of Rory Templeton.

Rory’s initial scenes saw him play a key role in Mali Hudson’s new story with his troublesome brother Iluka.

Once that was resolved, the mischievous newcomer turned his attentions to pursuing a romance with Felicity Newman.

Next week’s Aussie episodes see this new dynamic start to cause problems, as Felicity’s brother Cash – who’s just re-joined the police force – doesn’t approve.

UK fans will see these scenes on Channel 5 in August.