EastEnders and Coronation Street welcome back a number of characters while Emmerdale sees more heartbreak and Hollyoaks deals with a dastardly scheme (Picture: BBC / ITV / Lime Pictures)

Christmas was explosive in soapland to say the least but if you’re now expecting things to slow down then you’re in for a shock as 2024 gets off to quite a start for the residents of our respective serials!

The events of the festive season well and truly sent shockwaves through Albert Square in EastEnders, but there’s much more drama to come in the New Year, starting with not one but two massive returns.

Trust me when I say that this really is just the beginning.

Coronation Street, meanwhile, also welcomes back two former faces in the form of Bethany Platt and Damon Hay, who both have unfinished business on the cobbles.

Over in Emmerdale there is heartbreak and shock aplenty, with New Year’s proving particularly eventful for the residents of the eponymous village, while Hollyoaks serves up more twists in the Rafe Harcourt and Sienna Blake story.

If the first week is anything to go by then 2024 is going to be an unmissable one all across soap, and here’s your first look at what’s in store.

EastEnders

Lauren and Penny, who are living in Paris, make a huge decision (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron)

In Paris, Lauren and Penny Branning are seen together and, soon enough, they make a huge decision, opting to return to Walford after the events of the evening in question. Penny arrives back in London and makes her way to the Square, but just where is Lauren?

George receives two visitors, with a shocking truth set to follow (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron)

George is confronted by Cindy, who asks him if he’s happy with his life choices, much to Elaine’s dismay, but before he can answer he receives two unexpected visitors in the form of his parents, Gloria and Eddie.

His reaction leaves Elaine concerned. George later tells Cindy that he was adopted, but a shocking truth from Gloria rocks the pub landlord’s entire world.

Whiney and Zack are left devastated (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron)

Zack and Whitney are left devastated as they break the news to Ashton that he’s moving to a new foster home. Whitney struggles to cope, while Zack drowns his sorrows.

Later in the week, Whitney heads to the allotment to visit Peach’s tree, where she has a heart-to-heart with Yolande, which leads her to a big decision.

Coronation Street

Daniel receives a blast from the past (Picture: ITV)

Daniel tells Daisy that he’d like a chat, leaving the barmaid hopeful that he wants to try again. Daniel, however, is subsequently thrown when he spots Bethany on the cobbles. Jenny, meanwhile, urges Daisy to find Daniel and make things right but just what will Daisy find when she sets out to do so?

The Rovers reopens! (Picture: ITV)

Jenny, Daisy, Sean, Glenda and Gemma head to the Rovers armed with booze. The locals all assist in getting the Rovers back up and running for its grand re-opening, with Gary placing the picture of Betty back where it belongs.

Paul falls while trying to get to his wheelchair (Picture: ITV)

Paul’s voice talker apparatus arrives and he nervously uses the app to play some of his pre-recorded phrases. Billy, meanwhile, looks into the cost of a holiday for the pair, revealing that the travel insurance is extortionate, with Paul insisting they forget about the whole thing.

David later helps Paul back home but, with Moses due any minute, Paul insists that David go home. Moses, however, is late and, bursting for the loo, Paul tries to make his way to the wheelchair but crashes to the floor.

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Emmerdale

Rhona drops a huge bombshell on Marlon (Picture: ITV)

Rhona finally comes clean to Marlon, revealing that she’s become attached to baby Ivy, pleading with Marlon to find a way to make this work. The question is: will Marlon be able to do so?

Victoria and Jacob come to a big decision (Picture: ITV)

Gabby grows concerned that Jacob has developed feelings for her and therefore resolves to set him straight. When she does so, however, she realises that he’s actually in a relationship with Victoria!

Victoria and Jacob resolve to tell their loved ones the truth, arranging a meeting with Eric and Leyla. The question is: how will everyone react to their big news?

Belle and Tom have a big announcement (Picture: ITV)

Belle gathers her loved ones to drop the big news that she and Tom are engaged. Mandy is overwhelmed and checks out the ring. Belle, however, is taken aback to find out that Tom has announced the news already online.

Hollyoaks

Safe has doubts about his plan to destroy Sienna (Picture: Lime Pictures)

Rafe relays his doubts to Dilly about spending his remaining time on taking down Sienna. When Dilly discovers that her husband has gifted Sienna a sentimental bracelet, she turns green with jealousy and subsequently destroys the item in question.

Dillon and Vicky share a warm hug with newcomer Andre (Picture: Lime Pictures)

Andre is left upset when he overhears Vicky telling Leah that she has doubts about trusting him but pictures confirm a happy outcome, with the newcomer sharing a hug with sister Vicky and friend Dillon.

Don’t you just love it when things work out for the best? A rarity in soapland, I know!

Prince is threatened by his cellmate (Picture: Lime Pictures)

Prince is left fearful when he’s threatened by his cellmate. When Hunter visits his brother and hears about the hard time he’s having, he pleads with him not to give up, promising to get him out. Prince’s cellmate backs him into a corner and asks him to be his new lookout. 

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Christmas was explosive in soapland to say the least but if you’re now expecting things to slow down then you’re in for a shock as 2024 gets off to quite a start for the residents of our respective serials!