I’m a soap expert – here’s what we NEED in Emmerdale, Corrie and EastEnders in 2024
2023 had a bitter end as things came to a head in soapland with one murder, a car crash and a heart-breaking departure.
Emmerdale, Coronation Street and EastEnders fans are hoping bosses will give them what they really want to see as a new TV year begins.
Emmerdale
Long-awaited returns
The Yorkshire-based ITV drama struck fans hard during its New Year's Day episode aired on Monday, January 1, 2024, as one young villager met a tragic fate.
Heath Hope (portrayed by Sebastian Dowling) suffered from fatal injuries after a joyride gone wrong with his twin sister Cathy (Gabrielle Dowling) and their pal Angelica King (Rebecca Blakes).
Since then, Heath and Cathy's father Bob (Tony Audenshaw) is trying to make peace with the accident but is struggling not to put the blame on his teen daughter who was driving Wendy Posner's stolen car.
The tragic storyline teased by soap producer Laura Shaw in October, 2023, is due to unravel during the year and fans are hoping it could lead to the return of Scott Windsor, Cathy and Heath's half-brother.
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Cathy already reconnected with Scott while she was struggling with her PMDD symptoms as she left the village to live with him in an attempt to take a break from all the drama in the Dales.
Scott was last seen in the eponymous village in 2007 but he's not the only character soap fans would love to see in Emmerdale again.
Kerry Wyatt actress Laura Norton is expected to make a return to the village alongside Vanessa Woodfield star Michelle Hardwick.
However, over on Reddit, multiple fans have asked for soap bosses to bring back Robert Sugden.
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"I can see Robert Sugden returning this year", one fan penned while another agreed: "Personally I really want for them to bring Robert back. I miss seeing Aaron happy."
But troubled times are still ahead for the Aaron and the Dingle clan.
Death storyline for Zak Dingle
Long-term Emmerdale fans and soap stars were devastated to find out that actor Steve Halliwell drew his last breath a handful of days before Christmas on December 15, 2023.
The 77-year-old actor passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones after vanishing from the long-running program.
His Emmerdale character, Dingle patriarch Zak, was last seen earlier in 2023, just as his health started to spark death fears.
Zak hasn't had the chance to wave Emmerdale fans goodbye as Steve Halliwell was nowhere near the set of the show.
This has prompted viewers to ask bosses for a death storyline for the legendary character to allow them to part ways with both Zak Dingle and Steve Halliwell.
But will soap bosses listen?
Tom King's secret is finally revealed
Belle Dingle's (Eden Taylor-Draper) relationship with Tom King (James Chase) has also kept fans waiting at the edge of their seats.
In recent scenes aired during the Christmas season, Belle asked Tom to tie the knot with the help of ice dancing duo Torvill and Dean.
But while many in the village believe that Belle is getting her fairy-tale ending, viewers have one scene still etched in their minds involving Tom pushing and hurting Belle.
According to many fans, Tom is up to no good and they are hoping his secrets will finally be uncovered in 2024 as he prepares to walk down the aisle with Belle on Valentine's Day.
"Belle and Tom are going to move on in their relationship. I think we've already hinted a little bit that there may be more going on in their relationship, but what we will see is them building their relationship", soap boss Laura Shaw teased.
"Wedding bells come in on Valentine's Day, of course, because we're a soap so we have to do weddings on Valentine's Day. But is it going to be their happy ever after? We'll have to see."
What is Tom hiding from Belle?
Is she in danger?
Love square in the Dales
Relationships may also become an issue for another handful of villagers as Vanessa Woodfield is expected to return to Emmerdale in upcoming months.
The vet left Emmerdale in 2022 for a new job opportunity abroad, leaving her then-girlfriend Suzy Merton (Martelle Edinborough) in the village.
Many are expecting her to return as Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins) is struggling to cope after shooting and killing villainous Harry to save Mackenzie Boyd (Lawrence Robb).
With Vanessa coming back I'm wondering if Mary (Goskirk, played by Louise Jameson) and Suzie become a thing", one viewer commentd on Reddit.
"Will Vanessa turn to Charity for support and will Charity confide in her that she isn't coping after the shooting?"
"They kiss and Mack sees them and he turns to Aaron (Dingle, portrayed by Danny Miller) for support."
Fans have been pushing for Mackenzie and Aaron to grow closer and, eventually, end up in a romantic relationship of their own for several months.
On the other hand, many watchers miss the strong connection between formerly engaged couple Charity and Vanessa, dubbed "Vanity" and are hoping for a reunion.
Could 2024 bring them what they want?
The fan continued: "I know Mack said he wasn't that way inclined but maybe he was just saying that as he doesn't want any more complications as him and Charity have only just got back together."
"He always was jealous of Charity and Vanessa and it would be an opportunity to get Vanity back on track. And maybe even a Mackron reunion. Just random thoughts."
Mackenzie could already be set for mayhem in the new year as his sister Moira Dingle (Natalie J. Robb) is due to reveal her biggest and darkest secret yet.
Coronation Street
Stephen Reid's secret child
The criminal portrayed by Todd Boyce was killed off in the midst of another drama-packed Super Soap Week in Coronation Street in October, 2023.
Stephen was mowed over by a panicked Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne) who saw him hold a vulnerable Jenny Connor (Sally Ann Matthews) hostage as he was trying to escape the cobbles.
Since then, his mother Audrey Roberts (Sue Nicholls) has been trying to mourn for him and organised a funeral with the help of George Shuttleworth (Tony Maudsley).
But while going through his belongings, Audrey and the rest of the Platt family realised Stephen was keeping secrets, one of them involving Sarah Platt's (Tina O'Brien) true parentage.
While his murderous antics are no secret to viewers of the Manchester-based program, much of Stephen's life prior to his permanent stay in the cobbles has stayed under wraps.
Unexpected relatives often rock up the cobbles, as witnessed by Carla Connor who has had to welcome her long-lost nephew Bobby without any preparation.
What if it was revealed that Stephen Reid had a secret child with a mystery lover?
Could that child then arrive in Coronation Street with the purpose of getting revenge for their father?
Could uncle Stephen's villainous legacy live on through them?
Big criminal returns
Speaking of villains, many Reddit users have been hoping for a thunderous comeback for Rob Donovan.
Portrayed by Marc Baylis from 2012 until his last appearance in 2017, Rob Donovan is the younger brother of Carla Connor.
The character is serving a life sentence for the murder of the beloved Tina McIntyre which took place in 2014, while he was engaged to villainess Tracy Barlow.
Rob Donovan currently resides in a prison in Humberside but with his surprise son Bobby Crawford (Jack Carroll) recently settling down in Weatherfield, many soap watchers are expecting him to make his way back in a similarly surprising fashion.
This may imply that Rob would have to break out of prison, unless he was released for another, more serious and health-related matter.
One could expect shocking news about Rob to reach the cobbles, announcing he could be fighting off a serious type of illness.
Could Rob Donovan be tempted to come back to Corrie to bond with his son before his health declines?
Will he ever get his redemption arc?
While this remains to be seen, Damon Hay and Harvey Gaskell are ready to wreak more havoc in the cobbles.
How will it play out?
New love for Carla Connor
Meanwhile, Carla Connor (Alison King) continues to pick herself back up after Peter Barlow's tear-jerking Boxing Day exit.
As mentioned above, the Underworld boss has had to adapt to her nephew Bobby's arrival, though his chaotic nature has left her wondering how she'll be able to handle his antics.
With the stress she's about to face in upcoming months, and Peter still missing from her life, could Carla move on to somebody new?
Love interests come and go in the cobbles and the introduction of a new character could be beneficial for Carla's love life.
But who could she fall for?
Huge breakup at No.1
Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford) is expected to embark on a steamy affair with returnee Tommy Orpington (Matt Millburn).
The former football player returned to the cobbles during the Christmas season, hinting that Tracy's relationship with long-term partner Steve McDonald could be headed for the rocks.
Both characters have faces major hurdles with Steve being unfaithful to Tracy with Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson).
However, Tracy isn't innocent either as she has also cheated on Steve with Paula Martin.
The pair have been romantically involved with one another for several years and some fans have grown tired of their humdrum life as Tracy was one of the biggest villains in the history of the long-running program.
Could her upcoming affair with Tommy be what tears her and Steve apart?
Could Tracy's villainous streak make a return?
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EastEnders
Rivals team up
Drama is also set to shake up Albert Square in upcoming months with many characters having to face their own turmoil.
In recent scenes of the BBC One soap, George Knight (Colin Salmon) was the latest character to be met with a huge bombshell about his parents, Gloria and Eddie.
The former boxing champion is engaged to Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe) but with his ex-wife Rose aka Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) back in Walford, tensions have been building up between him and Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt).
However, with his parents possibly due to reopen old wounds, one could expect George to spiral out of control.
As a result, one soap watcher took to Reddit, hopeful that Ian could sympathise with George in the midst of the family crisis.
"I can see George having some sort of breakdown and the only person that can help is Ian", they penned.
This could then result in George remaining committed to Elaine and leaving Cindy jealous.
Cindy, who has been trying not to let her old bad habits take over, could then revert to being the iconic villainess fans have known her to be.
In another twist, she could even try to get rid of both Elaine and her own current partner Ian to finally form a family with George and their two daughters, Anna (Molly Rainford) and Gina (Francesca Henry).
But there could be another surprise ahead for the Knights.
George Knight's son rocks up Walford
Upon his first arrival in Walford, George was introduced as a devoted father to his two daughters before it was revealed he also had a son.
The Vic landlord dropped the bombshell on Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), revealing to him that he was no longer in touch with his son.
The mystery character was then revealed to be George Knight Jr., when George told Elaine he would be going to Spain after receiving an offer for his bar in Marbella.
Anna and Gina later on admitted that George Jr. actually lived in Dubai and George was really trying to track Rose aka Cindy down.
No details about who George Jr.'s mother could be have been revealed, which has only added on to anticipation from viewers.
Many are hopeful that 2024 will bring George closer to his long-lost son and that the latter's mother will be introduced on our screens.
But will it really happen?
Freddie Slater finds closure
Fan favourite Freddie Slater took a break from life in Albert Square after attacking Theo Hawthorne.
As viewers will recall, Freddie was then struggling to cope with the knowledge his father Graham Foster had raped his mother Little Mo, which led to his birth.
Seeing Theo trying to take advantage of Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) made Freddie spiral out of control and severely injure his former teacher.
Much like his on-screen alter ego, Freddie Slater star Bobby Brazier took a break from filming the soap as he entered the Strictly Come Dancing competition, partnering up with Dianne Buswell.
But after Ellie Leach's victory, one can expect Freddie to return to the Walford Slaters and viewers are hoping he can find closure with Graham in 2024... most notably by killing him off.
How will it really play out?
Martin Fowler moves on
Some viewers were happy to see Martin Fowler (James Bye) reconnect with Stacey Slater in the hopes of getting their relationship back on track in 2023.
But with the bap van owner causing a stir in Denise Fox's marriage after sleeping with Jack Branning, Martin may get the hint and find himself someone new.
Many are expecting Ruby Allen to return to Albert Square, though there has been no mention about actress Louisa Lytton reprising her role anytime soon.
Could Ruby or another lady allow Martin to finally move on from his chaotic relationship with Stacey?
Another paternity twist
When asked about who else they were hoping to see, many EastEnders fans have admitted that Grant Mitchell is part of the returnees they hope to see in 2024.
Ross Kemp's character was last seen in 2016, though he has appeared in flashbacks, and with the death of Grant and Phil's aunt Sal Martin, the actor could be asked to return to the Square.
Soap watchers are however hoping for yet another bombshell about Albie Watts' paternity.
"Return of Grant. I can hope. Cries when we find out Albie is actually his lol", one of them commented on Reddit.
Grant Mitchell has had history with Albie's mother Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean), who recently discovered that Phil Mitchell was actually the father of her son.
Albie didn't undergo a paternity test as Sharon seemed to only have Phil or her late fiancé Keanu Taylor as options for her baby daddy.
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But could Grant be added into the mix in a surprise twist?
EastEnders airs from Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One.