There’s a lot of drama to come on our favourite soaps this summer (Picture: ITV/ Rex / BBC)

The sun is shining brightly, which can only mean one thing… Summer is coming! We have so much to look forward to – long walks, barbecues, and of course, some of the most dramatic soap storylines yet.

While the weather heats up, so does the drama for our favourite characters in EastEnders, Emmerdale and Coronation Street.

It really is the summer of soaps this year, with big stunts, exciting returns and some hard hitting storylines still to unfold.

If you’re eager to see what’s coming up, then look no further than our handy preview, full to the brim of teasers and gossip ahead of our favourite season.

EastEnders

EastEnders has already set the scene for some mega returns, which we absolutely cannot WAIT to see.

As well as some familiar faces, the BBC soap has set in motion the exit for one character as they are killed off this Christmas, as the flash forward murder storyline steps up a gear over summer.

Elsewhere, one family has a huge secret, while another character struggles following a tragedy.

Here’s what to expect from EastEnders this summer…

The Knight’s secret

The Knight’s arrived in the Queen Vic as a bundle of energy, causing chaos for poor Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) in the process.

While everything seemed shiny and rosy to begin with, it soon became clear that a deep secret was being harboured, all to do with missing mother Rose.

It was recently revealed that George Knight’s (Colin Salmon) wife Rose, mother of Gina and Anna (Francesca Henry and Molly Rainford) had walked out 9 years ago, and has been untraceable ever since.

In upcoming episodes, the mystery of Rose’s disappearance is set to be revealed, as huge secrets are brought to light, sending shockwaves through the family.

Will the Knight family ever be the same again?

Build up to the Christmas murder

Back in February, EastEnders pushed the boundaries of soap to bring us a look into the future, as they aired their very first flash forward scene.

The scene took us forward in time to Christmas Day 2023, where we saw The Six stood over the body of a man, with Sharon declaring him ‘dead’.

Ever since, viewers have been watching closely for any possible clues that may point to how Suki Panesar (Balvinder Sopal), Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean), Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth), Denise Fox (Diane Parish), Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) and Linda Carter will find themselves in this situation.

Things are set to step up a gear for several of the women involved this summer, with plenty of clues sure to rear their heads.

The Six are set to be involved in a murder (Picture: BBC)

We have already seen Kathy Beale begin to plan for her July wedding to Rocky Cotton (Brian Conley). Having already bought her dress, which just so happens to be the same one that Sharon ends up wearing on Christmas day, we’re sure that slowly things will begin to slot into place…

Linda Carter will surely be involved in the Knight’s drama, so could this also feed into the Christmas murder story?

Elsewhere, Suki Panesar has split up with girlfriend Eve Unwin (Heather Peace) and chosen a life with abusive husband Nish (Navin Chowdhry). With son Vinny (Shiv Jalota) in on her secret, how will Suki navigate life going forward?

One thing is for sure, we have our pens at the ready to update our wall of clues this summer…

Ben’s bulimia

In the lead up to Lola’s death, Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) found himself struggling with an eating disorder.

His struggles are set to continue into the summer, as he tries to deal with his grief surrounding Lola while also caring for daughter Lexi.

In upcoming scenes, Ben will leave Lexi alone in a restaurant when he realises that the toilets are closed, leading to panic for Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick) when he finds Lola wandering around the Square alone.

As Ben continues to struggle, will he reach out for help?

Cindy and Ian Beale’s return

EastEnders loves a return, especially when they’re coming back from the dead – see Kathy Beale, Den Watts and Roxy Mitchell.

The newest character set to pay the Square a visit from beyond the grave is Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins), as she returns with Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) in tow.

Little is known about the circumstances of their return so far, but it is surely going to set the cat amongst the pigeons.

Cindy is set to return with Ian in tow (Picture: BBC)

With Kathy Beale determined to track down son Ian for her wedding, could this be what brings them back to Walford, or is their another reason for their return?

There has been speculation that Cindy may be connected in some way to the Knight’s, with some believing that she may even be the missing Rose Knight.

Whatever the circumstances of their return, it is sure to be dramatic, in true Cindy Beale fashion.

Other returns

Walford is also soon set to see the return of Lisa Fowler (Lucy Benjamin), who last appeared on our screens in 2020.

She is set to return with granddaughter Peggy, and will no doubt cause trouble for Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters) and fiancé Sharon.

Talking about her return, Lucy Benjamin said: ‘I can’t wait to make my return as Lisa Fowler again after leaving for Spain with Louise and granddaughter Peggy, back in 2019.

‘No doubt, in true Lisa fashion, she will bring with her plenty of drama for many of the characters on the Square, which is why playing her is such a delight.’

Lisa Fowler and Sam Mitchell are both due to return (Pictures: BBC)

If that wasn’t enough, Kim Medcalf is set to reprise her role as Sam Mitchell in the coming months.

Sam was last seen preparing to jet off to Spain in order to run a hotel for a friend, in order to save up some money to support son Ricky (Frankie Day), who is expecting a baby with Lily Slater (Lillia Turner).

Trouble follows Sam wherever she goes, so her return will surely shake things up in Albert Square once more.

It has even been speculated that she may find herself involved with the Christmas murder….

Emmerdale

Following its 50th birthday last October, Emmerdale has remained on top form, and there is no sign of it slowing down as summer approaches.

After their disastrous wedding that wasn’t, Nicky’s (Lewis Cope) future is in question, having admitted his true feelings to Gabby Thomas (Rosie Bentham).

Elsewhere, a much loved character is set to return, while another faces some serious danger.

As the summer draws to a close, there may also be a cheeky stunt involved…

Here’s what to expect from Emmerdale this summer…

Tracy’s return

Tracy Metcalfe (Amy Walsh) is set to make a return to the Dales in upcoming scenes.

Amy took to Instagram several weeks ago to confirm that she was back on set filming, meaning that her return is imminent.

Tracy was last seen in the Emmerdale village during the 50th anniversary week, where a storm caused carnage in the village.

Tracy is a much loved character, with connections all over the village, so her return is sure to ruffle a few feathers…

Amelia faces danger

Amelia Spencer (Daisy Campbell) is set to dive into the dangerous world of social media in upcoming scenes, but it will soon prove not to be all it’s cracked up to be.

Amelia will be thrilled when someone wishes to donate money to her for her posts, but is soon taken aback by a creepy message.

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As she continues to earn money through social media, the creepy messages continue.

Dad Dan Spencer (Liam Fox) is thrilled that she is earning some cash, completely unaware of the danger that she may be in.

Is Amelia risking her safety by posting her life on the internet?

Nicky’s future

Nicky’s life is in complete tatters following the events of his wedding that wasn’t to Gabby Thomas (Rosie Bentham) and the exposure of Caleb Milligan’s (Will Ash) plan to bring down Kim Tate (Claire King).

Nicky revealed his truth ahead of his wedding to Gabby (Picture: ITV)

Having revealed the fact that he was gay to his bride to be, Nicky sought solace from ex-boyfriend Ally, who revealed that he was on his own from here on out.

As the dust settles, will Nicky be able to remain in the village, after upsetting Gabby and Caleb so deeply?

Does he stand any chance at all of getting back with Ally?

And with Caleb having beaten him black and blue, will their relationship ever be repaired?

Wendy and Liam

Viewers have seen Wendy (Susan Cookson) and Liam (Jonny McPherson) embark on a passionate and unexpected affair, which came to an end almost as quickly as it began when Wendy dumped Liam.

Despite some last ditch attempts from Liam to reignite their passion, Wendy remained steadfast that things should come to an end.

However, is this the end of it for good, or will the passion grow too strong for them to resist?

Wendy and Liam were a big shock (Picture: ITV)

Big stunts

Emmerdale love a stunt, as we saw from their 50th anniversary last October, and another one has already been teased by show boss Jane Hudson.

As the show gears up for Super Soap Week this October, there may or may not be a stunt involved…

‘Super Soap Week traditionally has a stunt in it, but we are still at the very early stages. We’re in my ‘dream head’ state at the moment. But it will be brilliant because it always is,’ Jane teased.

With so many stories playing out at the moment, any number of characters could be involved.

We have no doubt that the build up to this stunt will surely begin this summer.

In terms of details, we’ll have to wait and see.

Coronation Street

Coronation Street is tackling some serious issues at the moment, from non-consensual sex to motor neurone disease.

Paul Foreman (Peter Ash) will continue to struggle wit his diagnosis as his family rally to support him, while Sarah Platt (Tina O’Brien) gets a shock.

With a serial killer still on the loose, chances are he will strike again.

Elsewhere, one character struggles with the hand they’ve been dealt, as another faces grave danger.

Here’s what to expect from Coronation Street this summer…

Paul’s Motor Neurone Disease brings anguish

Since Paul confided his diagnosis to his loved ones, they have rallied together to support him, knowing that a tragic outcome is inevitable.

As his symptoms worsen, the challenges for everyone involved will intensify, leading to some painful times ahead.

Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank) has been thrown by the fate that he and Paul have been given, and it’s inevitable that their relationship will feel the strain.

It’s not only Billy who will struggle to deal with it, but Paul himself, as he is put out by everyone’s claustrophobic attempts to help.

Gemma and Bernie (Dolly Rose Campbell and Jane Hazelgrove) will also feel the strain, with a potential crisis ahead as Gemma in particular finds it near impossible to struggle her grief over Paul’s illness and her chaotic home life.

Meanwhile, Gareth Pierce recently confirmed to Metro.co.uk that Todd Grimshaw will be thrown into the mix, while Channique Sterling-Brown told us about some heavy stuff ahead as Dee-Dee Bailey continues to be involved.

‘It’s been intense! Peter is such a great actor; he works so hard, and he just sets the bar and you want to meet him there!’ the actress enthused to us.

‘It’s been a great challenge and it has sometimes been a bit draining because it is heavy, but it’s such an important storyline and I’m really grateful they trusted us with it, and I hope we’re really doing it justice.’

Stephen’s killing spree continues

He may have failed to kill Elaine (Paula Wilcox), but don’t expect Stephen Reid’s (Todd Boyce) campaign of murder to let-up – he is determined to get his hands on his oblivious wife’s life insurance.

Tim Metcalfe (Joe Duttine) will prove to be a stumbling block for the hapless serial killer, as he becomes more and more suspicious of the man his mum has shacked up with.

As Tim becomes a meddlesome thorn in Stephen’s side, will he take drastic action to try and silence him?

Stephen’s plan to kill Elaine failed (Picture: ITV)

Meanwhile, Owen has two things that Stephen desperately wants – the factory and a closeness to Jenny Connor (Sally Ann Matthews). As we have seen with a few guest characters, this places a potential death sentence over him.

However, things are going to come undone for Stephen in coming months, with actor Todd Boce teasing a downfall of his own making.

He explained: ‘We are going to see him start taking risks as he gets more desperate, his life is starting to unravel and it is going to be interesting to see how he deals with the pressure.

‘He is bound to start making mistakes and that could be his undoing.’

Pregnancy drama for Sarah

A woman having an affair with another man is always taking the soap trope risk that they will fall pregnant and, as Tina O’Brien recently revealed, Sarah will soon be expecting.

It’s something Adam Barlow (Sam Robertson) has always wanted with her, but since his trust has been shattered following her affair with Damon Hay (Ciaran Griffiths), the landscape is less than ideal.

As her lovers are bound to be left reeling by this, the question will be who’s the dad?

And what decision will Sarah make about the future of her pregnancy? The tension is bound to increase Adam’s loathing of Damon.

With a war kicking off, which of the butting alpha males will come out on top?

What is Ryan’s future?

Right now, Ryan Connor (Ryan Prescott) is understandably in the depths of despair. The physical and mental scars from his attack plague him, and to top it all off, he will discover that Daisy Midgeley (Charlotte Jordan) is the one who catfished him as Crystal.

Ryan will rip into Daisy as he learns the truth (Picture: ITV)

He feels utterly betrayed by the person who is meant to be his friend and as he rips into her, he hits her with the threat that he will tell Daniel the truth about them kissing.

Daisy is horrified, as Charlotte Jordan revealed to us: ‘There is a real fear there when Ryan threatens that, and Daisy’s absolutely terrified that this stable world she has built for herself with Daniel is about to be ripped away from her.

‘It’s a real genuine fear that we say there because she would absolutely be broken if Daniel left her.’

Aside from that, Ryan has the pieces of his own life to pick up, leading to a decision.

What’s happening to Toyah?

Shocking pictures emerged recently which showed Toyah Battersby (Georgia Taylor) bloodied and bruised after being assaulted and kidnapped.

Bundled into a van, she finds her life in danger – and, while Corrie are keeping their cards close to their chest on this one, might it involve undercover cop boyfriend Spider Nugent (Martin Hancock)?

Martin Hancock recently teased to Metro.co.uk: ‘I can’t reveal too much but let’s just say that there are some demons from the past coming!’.

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There’s plenty of drama ahead this summer.