Neighbours: Memories…

(Monday 17^th – Friday 21^st February 2020)

When Ned suspects that Yashvi is working for Zenin, he foolishly interferes and takes her place, once more messing up the whole thing. Of course Yashvi isn’t working for Zenin; it’s a sting operation and she’s working undercover for the police. Yashvi manages to put in some damage limitation and Zenin is at least caught out but unfortunately, Ned is caught too. It’s funny really. When these two first got together, she was the young, immature one who was absolutely besotted with him. Recently, Yashvi has really grown up and he just seems to make mistake after mistake. I think she’s outgrown him.

Ned interferes with bringing Zenin down…

Things get worse for Ned as, in the dog house with Yashvi, he also finds himself in trouble with the law. The case is much bigger than with just the local police and who is the Detective covering their area? Detective Mark Brennan! Newly promoted, just in time for Neighbours 35^th birthday! Toadie is furious to learn that Ned sent Zenin a forged letter from him on letter headed paper, which prompted his offices to be broken in to. Therefore he can’t represent him. And while Terese and Paul tell Ned off for blaming Yashvi for keeping secrets, Mark advises Yashvi to rethink her choice of relationship while she has a promising career ahead of her.

Mark’s friends and family are thrilled to see him back in Erinsborough. Ned apologises to Toadie but Shane is determined to see him out of Yashvi’s life. Roxy is oddly familiar with Mark considering how badly he treated her before his departure. Mark agrees to give a talk to the Buddy Club.

Another returnee to Erinsborough is Lucy Robinson. Chloe is surprised although apparently she was copied in on emails. Evidently she has been flooded with emails with Paul in a bid to overwhelm her and make her miss Lucy’s arrival. She is immediately under pressure from Lucy, although Pierce stands up for her. Terese does her best to encourage Lucy to support Chloe who is having an absolute nightmare back at the hotel but nothing Chloe does is good enough.

It’s the last straw when Chloe is let down over the royal wedding dress but while Lucy is at least willing to listen to her other ideas, Paul tears a strip off of her. Encouraged by Pierce to stand up for herself, Chloe goes too far and loses it with him, getting extremely personal as she attempts to put him in his place. Having witnessed the argument, Lucy decides to let Chloe go. She also asks Terese to resume her role at the hotel in her place. Despite her guilt over Chloe and her love of the Buddy Club, Terese takes the job. Well, what has Lassiters been without Terese at the helm? Terese immediately has ideas about the wedding expo, looking at infamous weddings from Erinsborough past. She asks Toadie about displaying Sonya’s wedding dress as part of the expo. She accidentally offends Chloe by asking to resume her previous role as her Executive Assistant. She was only trying to be nice…

Meanwhile, Elly’s family and friends gather for Aster’s Naming Day Ceremony, conducted by Susan. Finn and Bea are named as Godparents and Shaun is mentioned a lot. There is no way this guy isn’t coming back from the dead at some point. His ‘death’ was way too odd. No grandparents on either side bother to show up and Elly’s so called best friend, who was at one time going to be the kid’s step-mother is too busy with her own life to attend either. Mark and Elly come face to face for the first time since the baby has been born. It’s awkward. She kind of thrusts the baby at him. It’s more awkward. Aaron also backs out of the ceremony and goes for drinks with Mark. Chloe and Pierce join them, with Chloe having just been fired.

Having enjoyed such a lovely family day together, Susan and Karl invite Elly and Aster to stay the night. However, things go bump in the night when everyone else is asleep and it’s just Elly and Finn awake. Finn is under pressure from Trent constantly trying to contact him and Elly is emotional from the day just gone. Of course an emotional conversation leads to a kiss. And during the kiss, Finn has a flashback to kissing Elly during the life he has forgotten. They both panic, Elly because she has cheated on her sister and Finn because a) he has cheated on his girlfriend and b) because of what a flashback could mean. She goes home and neither of them gets any sleep. He considers telling David the truth but backs out when he imagines his Doctor’s response. He retreats further when Susan reiterates that he is very much part of their family now.

Jane just about manages to talk her way out of trouble with Susan for rooting through her files. She goes through various suspects including Mr Muggleton who has just jetted off on an expensive holiday during term time and out of the blue and then Ritchie who we know from Erinsborough High, has completely reformed and is now dating Mackenzie. So, with those two ruled out, it’s back to the drawing board but one thing I am finding annoying is that Jane is supposed to be exceptionally intelligent. I’m not saying clever people wouldn’t fall for a catfish, especially someone lonely and vulnerable like Jane but would she really be charging around the way she is, trying to find out who tricked her?

Harlow and Hendrix argue over Clementine again. But then, what don’t they argue over? When Mark finds the cat at home, he throws her out, not knowing that they have shared custody. Outside, Harlow accidentally reverses over her with the car! No! That’s horrible! Poor little cat. At least she had caviar for her last meal, I suppose. But seriously, this is unnecessary trauma, killing off the cat…

Hendrix is devastated and blames Harlow, believing that she did it on purpose because she hated her and hates him. Harlow, Hendrix, Ned, Terese and Roxy gather for Clementine’s funeral (Piper sends her thoughts and a book, being that she was originally her cat). Terese says a few words, including the fact that Clementine was the first person she told about her cancer. Hendrix is genuinely emotional, explaining that Clementine was the only person who really gave him a chance on the Street, no questions asked. He finally realises that her death was an accident when Harlow expresses her regret and appreciates how much love and joy she brought to people’s lives. When Harlow gives Hendrix one of the cat’s toys, she also offers her friendship. They are about to kiss when Harlow sneezes, allergic to the toy. It ruins the moment and I still don’t think it’s acceptable to kill the cat just to bring these two together. There were other ways! But I guess I’m pleased that they’re heading in the right direction.

Hendrix is devastated over Clementine’s death…

Hendrix is furious when he learns that Mark put the cat out, prior to her death, prompting him to apologise to Terese and the family for his role in her death. I am reminded why I am probably the only viewer who never really liked Mark.

Two other things to note: a very random story about Naked Roxy hosting a naked brunch, attended by Naked Kyle, Naked Aaron, Naked Toadie and Naked Karl. Also, so much love to Neighbours for their tribute to Eastenders’ 35^th birthday. They had a fab shot of Eastenders themed cocktails outside The Waterhole. One birthday soap to another. I’d just love it if Eastenders, who are famous for slipping in an extra scene here and there, would return the gesture in a few weeks when it’s Neighbours’ birthday.

Happy birthday, Eastenders – love Neighbours!

Channel 5, 1:45pm and 5:30pm

Soap Blog: 30th September – 6th October 2019

Coronation Street

Terrified of Gary, Ryan refuses to tell persistent Adam the truth about the assault, insisting that he was mugged. But with rumours going around, Gary is quick to sweet talk his neighbours, including Maria, assuring them that he is not a bad man.

Paul attempts to confront Kel about the abuse he suffered. However, Kel cleverly manipulates him into believing that it was all his fault. Paul turns to alcohol and ends up attacking Kel, putting him in hospital and under the scrutiny of his oblivious family.

Jade tells Evelyn about the abusive partner that Fiz rescued her from by employing her as Hope’s teacher. However, there is clearly more to this than meets the eyes, as Jade wedges herself into Fiz’s family and seems to pitting the kids against their mother.

Sophie starts college and Asha steals Dev’s credit card in order to buy skin lightening cream online.

Doctors

Tragedy strikes Letherbridge as Valerie’s cat, Geoffrey passes away. While at first, not everyone understands the receptionist’s genuine grief, they do mostly get behind her in the end as she puts together a Heston-esque funeral for her dearly departed feline. Ayesha and Jimmi are particularly gentle with her and even Al steps up to give a eulogy at the funeral. Valerie attends counselling with Jimmi and unearths some painful memories of the loss of her parents.

Zara struggles to control her hatred of Becky as she cements herself as part of a new family unit with Daniel and Joe. However, the cracks are beginning to appear as Daniel seems to feel rushed, resulting in an argument in the middle of an electronic store, as Becky tries to push Daniel into buying a new TV together. When they are thrown together for a CCG meeting, Daniel and Zara’s inability to get along quickly gets them thrown out. But ducking into a room of the hotel to continue their argument, soon turns to passion and then end up sleeping together! However, Daniel quickly limps back to Becky.

Eve decides she wants to join a dating agency, although Al is worried about his mother’s vulnerability. She turns down his offer of moving in with him, wanting them both to live their own lives.

Rob is injured at work, leading him to discover that his colleague has a phobia of hospitals and even abandoned his girlfriend when she developed MS because of it. Later in the week, Rob stages a very clever victim support group with a local vicar in order to sniff out a burglar. Ruhma supports a woman with tocophobia – while she is in labour!

Eastenders

Bex puts on a baby shower for Louise to distract herself from her own issues but Mel soon takes over and it’s only Lisa who picks up on Bex’s low mood. But any conversation that might go anywhere and save the poor girl is quickly interrupted. As Bex cannot face the prospect of going to Oxford or the idea of talking about how she’s feeling, the poor child instead decides that there is only one way out. Nobody around her notices apart from Lisa who doesn’t really know her well enough to intervene, although she does try. They throw her a big leaving party and tell her how proud they are of her. However, she slips away from the party, writes a suicide note for her parents and takes an overdose, to be found by distraught Sonia in the morning.

Thankfully, Bex is still alive and is rushed to hospital immediately (the note knocked onto the floor to be found by Stuart later). Sonia struggles to accept that her daughter has attempted suicide and desperately calls Martin to come home, which he does, hovering in the shadows, watching Ben with menace.

After too many people throw doubt at Ben about his future with Callum, most specifically Stuart who all but warns him away, he ruins the date first by inviting Lola and Jay and then by snogging another guy at the first opportunity. Callum is heartbroken. And for that matter, so is Ben. As soon as he realises and with the support of Lola, Callum makes a proper play for Ben, wanting to make a go of things once and for all. Their attempt at a date is interrupted by Callum’s homophobic father but his abuse is halted by Phil, who steps in and punches him to the applause of everyone everywhere! Unfortunately, the vile man makes a complaint to the police, putting Sharon’s Portugal plans under threat as the police take away Phil’s passport. But the good news is that Callum is no longer scared and Ben is no longer jaded and the pair finally become a couple. In less good news for Ben, a dodgy deal comes back to haunt him and he finds himself under threat by two brothers, who I believe are related to Iqra’s girlfriend, Ash.

Denise ties herself up in knots after a worrying voicemail, convinced that Wanda has bumped Ted off, after what Sheree said about her previous husband. However, Ted soon phones Patrick. He is fine. Jack feels unsupported by Denise as he returns to the police force, as she is too caught up with hating Sheree.

Jean and Daniel grow closer, as do Leo and Whitney. One of these stories is much sweeter than the other! Linda attempts to make friends with the other Mums from school.

Emmerdale

The police arrive with a warrant to search the farm for stolen car parts, which Cain is hiding in the barn. When they get to the hiding place, the car parts have gone. When the police have gone, Nate announces that he moved them, keen to get on Cain’s good side. He then meets the police officer in his van – he was the one who tipped them off in the first place. Obviously. It doesn’t take long for Moira and Nate to get back together. He also gets them a contract with a gourmet burger bar before they sneak off to spend the day together. Unfortunately, Moira has lost her phone and on it, is an incriminating text message from Nate – which Pete gets hold of, working out the whole affair. He phones Nate and warns them both to come home. Pete confronts Moira about her affair when she gets home before he argues with Nate.

Will has happily moved in with Harriet and Dawn, now that Pearl has moved out, upset with the revelations from Moira. Will is all set to move out but Harriet’s meeting with the Bishop goes surprisingly well.

Lydia all but forces David to buy the eggs that Sam has overproduced from the chickens he has overbought and now needs to try and sell. She also volunteers to speak to Archie from the perspective of a grief counsellor, as he fails to engage on his first day at school. However, it’s Arthur who makes the breakthrough with Archie when he manages to get him talking about video games! Arthur also lets slips to Jai that Laurel is feeling neglected as he is spending all his time with Archie. Jai arranges to spend the afternoon with Laurel, who is oblivious to the neglect. It’s actually Arthur is who is feeling pushed out, especially when he is left out of a family Nerf Gun game.

Derek, Manpreet’s annoying patient and friend of Doug begins to feel unwell in the shop and David, who also suddenly begins to feel unwell, immediately suspects that it could be down to Rishi’s chocolates. Ill at home, Leyla comes to see David who feels that he and Jacob are still distanced from each other. When Derek collapses and dies, Manpreet and Rishi deliver the news that it was suspected salmonella, panicking David that he could be in serious danger. The health inspector turns up at both the shop and the Sharma’s, which Manpreet has to confess she reported. After a discussion, the Sharma family realise that the difference in the chocolate making was the eggs – Rishi used Sam’s eggs for the batch that potentially made David ill and killed Derek. However, Lydia points out that the whole family have been eating the eggs and nobody has been unwell. Charity pressures Sam to get rid of the problem by slaughtering the chickens but he cannot do it.

Things get worse for Rishi when the health inspector discovers that he never got a new food hygiene certificate – he was just using the one he had for the factory. He has no choice but to report him to the local authority and if it transpires that he is responsible for Derek’s death, he will likely be prosecuted for manslaughter. David lays into Rishi for ruining his business but he is comforted by Jacob’s support. They even have a successful conversation about Maya, although Jacob plays down his feelings.

The news emerges that the salmonella can be traced back to some cheese. Rishi is in the clear for Derek’s death but he is still facing prosecution for not having a licence. Manpreet sells the stamp collection she stole from Derek’s corpse to Eric for £1500 and uses it to bribe the health inspector to turn a blind eye for Rishi. Lydia rushes home to save the chickens! I am relieved by her priorities!

Tracy struggles as she and Vanessa go through Frank’s belongs. She rejects her father and refuses to keep anything. Kerry offers her support to the family but torn up with guilt, refuses an offer for a newspaper interview to celebrate her charity auction to replace the charity money. Eventually she accepts but Vanessa and Tracy are upset when the journalist wants to paint Frank as a pure villain. Kerry is further caught out when the keyring that Frank gave Tracey as a child, falls out of Kerry’s bag. Tracey got rid of it but wracked with guilt, Kerry saved it, feeling that Tracey would regret throwing it away one day.

Tracey later goes to find the keyring in Kerry’s room and in there, she finds unused, one way tickets for Kerry, Amy and Kyle. Immediately, she puts all the pieces together, including the way Kerry has been behaving. She confronts Kerry, who breaks down and confesses everything about the fire. Tracey then angrily confronts Amy too, although Kerry insists that she had nothing to do with it. Breaking, Amy confesses her part in the fire. When they refuse to let her leave or call the police, Tracey rushes out the back door. Kerry gives chase, prompting Tracey to push her away into a pile of bricks, knocking her unconscious.

Charity and Vanessa arrive just as Kerry is ambulanced to hospital. She explains to them that Kerry started the fire and what happened to Kerry. She admits that she shoved her. Vanessa struggles to believe that Kerry could have started the fire but eventually she and Charity understand the depth of the situation Tracey is in. They go with Tracey to the hospital where Amy is waiting for news on Kerry.

Victoria runs into the café worker again and accepts the offer of going for coffee. Leyla is annoyed when Andrea pitches Sam and Lydia against Bernice and Liam in their couples competition for a magazine. The judge ends up progressing both couples to the final. Rhona and Graham kiss.

Hollyoaks

Breda panics when Tony almost escapes his cell. But upon learning about his daughter, Grace who died when she was just a baby, Breda feels compassionate and offers to take him to Harry’s finally resting place, warning him that if he tries to escape, she will kill Diane.

Meanwhile, Goldie and Sylver are growing more concerned about their mother, fuelled even further by Joel’s revelation that when she found out about his and Goldie’s relationship, she knocked him out with a Bible. Goldie decides to go to the pig farm, knowing that it’s a place her mother always used to go to when she was stressed. While there is evidence of activity, captivity, in fact, Tony and Breda have already gone to the place that Harry has been buried in the woods. Tony breaks down at Harry’s unmarked grave. When Breda isn’t looking, Tony uncovers some of the earth.

Goldie rushes back to the pub to tell her family everything she saw at the pig farm, desperately worried about her mother. When Breda gets home, Goldie confronts her but she easily lies and says that she has been sleeping at the pig farm when she becomes overwhelmed at home. In a bid to look after her mother, Goldie decides to put the pig farm up for sale. Ignoring her family’s concerns, Breda refuses to sell the farm. While she begins to unravel in front of Tony, Goldie takes the dog for a walk in the woods and discovers poor Harry’s body!

Everyone is shocked to hear the news, none more so than heartbroken James. His response is to turn to drink and prostitutes. When he sobers up, he finally admits to his heartbreak, only to find himself arrested on suspicion of the murder of Harry Thompson! Let out on bail, he ends up in a furious row with Breda who accuses him of being just like Mac. She is the one who tipped off the police in the first place. Broken over his guilt for his treatment of Harry and now the loss of him, James stands on the bridge, ready to jump. Marnie and Romeo find him just in time.

Jack and Sylver become rightfully convinced that Tony didn’t run away and he was also a victim of a serial killer. Breda decides to take drastic action and tells Tony he has to die. He pleads for his life and she agrees to let him live in exchange for a phone call to Diane confirming that he is alive and has just abandoned her.

Sylver, meanwhile, has other problems. He is feeling rejected as Mercedes hasn’t slept with him in weeks. Nanna gives her a good talking too where she opens up about her guilt – she cannot find comfort in the husband she has betrayed so badly. As she prepares to finally tell her husband the truth, Sylver interrupts and suggest they try for a baby. After some initial reluctance, Mercedes agrees.

Cindy stops Luke from turning to the bottle and the pair decide to go into business together. Privately, Cindy admits to Mandy her true feelings for Luke. Mandy tries to talk Cindy out of her feelings who goes on an awful date – at the same time as Luke does. They both ditch their dates and run off together. They pitch a street food business for investment to Tom who agrees to invest and Grace sells them the space, only to later reveal that she has double crossed them. The space cannot be built on due to endangered birds and Roman baths!

Things become a little tense after Jesse’s suggestion of adoption when Liam pushes the couple to hurry up and get married. Courtney is keen but Jesse is hesitant, not because he doesn’t love her but because he feels that Donavan marriages are doomed. After a pep talk from Liam, Jesse proposes to Courtney again.

Nancy and Mandy discover that Brooke has missed her twelve week scan. Ollie (and Imran) abandon the school trip to a theme park when they realise that Brooke can’t go on any of the rides.

Home and Away

Ryder persuades Roo and Alf to let him have a party to celebrate the end of his exams. Ryder and his friends sneak in alcohol to the party, strictly against Alf’s instructions.

Irene reluctantly tells Bella that the police think her best chance would be for Bella to give evidence in court. With so much to think about and Colby distracted by Mackenzie, Bella decides to go to Ryder’s party after all. Against Ryder’s request, Bella’ drinks alcohol, as does everyone else, which really stresses Ryder out. When he finds Bella worse for wear, Ryder brings her back to the house. He sneaks Bella up to his room to sober up, panicking about getting caught with her in his room. He sends a text from Bella’s phone to Colby to say that a group of friends are staying at Ryder’s, leaving him free to spend the night with Mackenzie, only for Dean to walk in on them again the next morning! Ryder meanwhile, spends the night keeping watch over Bella.

The next morning, Bella is hungover and throwing up. Colby comes round and he and Alf burst in just as Bella is changing into one of Ryder’s t-shirts. Colby is furious although Bella and Ryder desperately try to explain what really happened. In light of the events at the party, Colby tells Irene that Bella cannot testify on her behalf. Irene is devastated but understanding, especially when her lawyer tells her that Bella’s testimony is likely to be the difference between a custodial or non-custodial sentence.

Raffy feels left out when she discovers that she wasn’t invited to Ryder’s party and her mood plummets further when she gets the results of her HSC trials. She decides that her only option left is to leave school but her loved ones endeavour to find her a new CBD oil trial, no matter what.

Ben’s friends and family are busy searching for him when he turns up of his own accord. When Alf invites Ben out for a drink, he realises that Maggie has been talking about his mental health. Livid, he lays into Maggie for talking about his private life with his friends. Ben soon apologises and promises to find something productive to do with his day. He struggles during a jolly lunch with Maggie, Justin, Leah and Roo. Still trying to make things work, Ben makes a new surfboard for Ziggy but upon deciding it’s not good enough, he smashes it up, frightening her. Maggie gives her husband an ultimatum – get help or leave. So he leaves.

Tensions remain fraught between Jasmine and Robbo as they remain confined together, Robbo trying to find answers and Jasmine desperate to support him. During an argument, Robbo challenges her to leave him but panics when she actually does, running away on her own and prompting a desperate search to find her before she falls into danger.

Neighbours

While Mackenzie cannot forgive Shane and Yashvi is also furious with her father, Dipi does what she can to support Mackenzie and explain that the person Shane was back then is not the man he is now. And regardless of how she feels about him, she has the support of the whole family and community.

Scarlett sabotages Bea’s amp, electrocuting her before her gig. Ned rushes to her aid, standing up Yashvi in the process as Bea is rushed to hospital, Finn and her loved ones worried about her welfare. Of course, Scarlett retells the story as if nothing really happens and Ned rushed to Bea’s aid for no reason. Armed with the wrong information, Yashvi starts a huge argument with Ned about him standing her up. Once she realises what really happened, Yashvi is full of apologies but for Ned, it is too late. Scarlett is delighted. Yashvi turns to Bea of all people for support while Ned talks to Scarlett, regretting his decision.

Bea cannot work out how the leads were damaged when she is so careful with checking them. Elly rushes back to see her, their argument forgotten. Susan wonders if an expert should take a look at the equipment. However, when she goes to find the lead, it is missing. Things get worse for Bea when she is told that she now has a heart arythmia, which could potentially be permanent. Scarlett feels secretly guilty, having not meant things to have been so serious. However, her behaviour is starting to ring alarm bells for both Bea and Amy, although Amy gets the wrong end of the stick and thinks that Scarlett has feelings for Kyle.

David discovers custody papers amongst Shaun’s things and against Aaron’s advice tells Elly’s what he has found out immediately. Shaun apologises, explaining that it’s not what he wants but his mother has been pushing him, worried about his rights when the baby is born. David remains suspicious of Shaun but he rips up the papers and tells Elly that he hopes to move back to Australia to support Elly and be part of the baby’s life. David eventually apologises to Shaun for his interfering.

Mark is embarrassed by Roxy’s behaviour on a date at the Waterhole, as she gets drunk, climbs on tables and makes him down drinks. She agrees to tone things down but Mark is still not happy with her when for Pierce and Chloe’s wine tasting event at the tram, Roxy changes into the most polite young woman ever. She expresses interest in the wine and engages Chloe and Pierce in conversation about the business. Mark drinks too much and gets into more and more of a foul mood, genuinely upsetting Roxy who has really tried to be what he wants her to be. Still she continues to try before he loses his drunken temper and is really rude to her in front of everybody, basically telling her that she’ll never be good enough for him and he is just using her for sex. Returning home, Roxy breaks down on Harlow who advises her to break up with Mark – she deserves better. Chloe berates her brother for his behaviour, prompting him to visit Roxy the next day with flowers and apologies. She forgives him until Sheila and Harlow give her a self-esteem talk. Roxy gives Mark one chance to prove how he actually feels about her and when he fails, she dumps him. Hooray! Sheila, Roxy and Harlow have a girlie afternoon together.

Also at the wine tasting, Sheila is upset to see Clive on a date with his new girlfriend, Doctor Beverly Robinson, the woman who helped Andrea. When Beverly accidentally bumps into Sheila and spills wine of her, Sheila reacts badly and throws wine all over Beverly! Yes, that will help you get Clive back. Well done. Gary is furious.

Pierce seeks Susan’s help as he struggles with Hendrix but when he sits an exam for her, she has bad news – his scores are too low for a private school. She recommends that he repeat year eleven at Erinsborough High with a tutor. Hendrix is not happy.

Karl visits his daughter in London with Susan to join him later. On the way the airport, they share a very sweet nod to the Kennedys’ 25^th anniversary of being on the show.

Soap Blog: 23rd – 29th September 2019

Coronation Street

Gary decides he has had enough of Ryan messing him about and not paying back his debt. Tracking him down to a bar where he is a DJing, he summons him outside and beats the bewildered guy up, showing him exactly who he is messing with. He demands his money, warning him not to tell anyone what has happened. Terrified, Ryan desperately attempts to get the money, although he fails. He then agrees to tell his friends and family that he was mugged and that Gary intervened and saved him. However, Adam is very suspicious of what Gary is up to.

Michael asks James about what he overheard at the party and James reluctantly confesses that he is gay and that Aggie knows. Now that his brother knows too, Aggie decides that it is time for Ed to know the truth although James is worried about his reaction.

Max causes trouble for Audrey at the salon by messing with Cathy’s hair dye. Shona is at the end of her tether with Max and his behaviour, especially when she discovers that he has been attempting to sell his ADHD medication to his school friends.

Billy supports Paul as he confronts the demons of his past, accepting that Kel sexually groomed and sexually abused him as a child. Gemma and Chesney are worried when a scan shows that one of their babies is much smaller than the others. Asha admits to Amy that she has been lightening her skin. Struggling to home school Hope, Fiz brings in her special needs teacher, Jade from when they were away.

Doctors

While Becky confides in Ayesha that she is really falling for Daniel, he is more preoccupied with jealousy that his ex, Zara is having a whale of a time, signing up to a uniform dating site with Emma! The pair of them go on dates with a couple of firefighters and while Emma enjoys flirting with one of them, she eventually decides to give him the wrong number. Zara meanwhile starts on frosty footing with her date but eventually the pair bond over the difficult world of dating after a long term relationship. While they both decide neither of them are ready to start something new, they both appreciate the evening they’ve spent together.

Daniel meanwhile, appears to shoot from jealousy to commitment and decides he wants to tell Joe about him and Becky. Zara is not pleased but agrees and ends up distraught when Joe takes the news extremely well, having previously met Becky as a babysitter and got on really well with her.

Al is horrified when upon learning of Eve’s dementia, her boyfriend, Ray decides to propose instead of backing off, as Al had hoped. Ayesha encourages Al to be supportive and eventually, he and Ray become friends. Unfortunately, news of the engagement spreads and brings with it, news of other relationships that Ray claims not to be aware of. Eve is devastated and furious in equal measure while Al is concerned that Ray may be suffering from memory issues of his own.

Sid has to face a stroppy patient who wants a sick note after a bad hair dye job. Jimmi finds the missing puzzle in a crime while treating a patient at the police station. Valerie becomes caught up in her hairdresser’s ‘consciously uncoupled’ relationship.

Eastenders

Mel confronts Sharon with evidence of what she knows about her affair with Keanu and her baby’s paternity. She demands that Sharon send Louise and Keanu come to live with her and Lisa, which Sharon manages. Then she demands £20,000 of which Sharon only manages £12,000. Then she demands a villa in Portugal, where she wants to move with Lisa, Louise, Keanu and the baby.

Tiffany finally finds the courage to open up to Keegan and tell him the truth about what happened to her. At first he panics and doesn’t know what to say, which pushes her away. But the next day, he comes back to her and says all the right things. They really do make a lovely couple.

Sheree introduces Ted to her Mum, Wanda (I genuinely missed that – I thought she was her friend at first!) and the pair hit it off. Wanda is a widow and is using her husband’s life insurance to travel the world. She invites reluctant Ted to come travelling with her and after some debate, he agrees and the pair set off into the sunset. After they leave, Sheree drops into conversation that Wanda briefly stood trial accused of murdering her husband!

Stuart locks Rainie in the bedroom above the undertakers in a bid to get her free from her painkiller addiction. After several days without medication, Rainie manages to persuade him that she has come through the other side. The first moment she gets, she goes into the bathroom and drinks mouthwash.

Whitney returns from her honeymoon refreshed and happy. She wishes Callum happiness for his future and gives him and Ben her blessing. She admits to Tiffany that she even met someone while she was away and of course, it turns out to be none other that Leo – Tony King’s son! I mean, can Eastenders do anything more to this poor girl?!

Iqra quits her job with Ian and goes into business with Keegan.

Emmerdale

When Jamie tries to show off his riding skills to Kim, Millie ends up with a broken ankle. Rushing to the hospital, Graham begins to query his past with Andrea, especially when he discovers Millie’s birthdate. Is he Millie’s father? When he pressures her, Andrea shuts him down straight away. However, he is adamant that he wants proof one way or the other.

An outburst from Bear after Faith rejects his advances, reveals Faith and Zak’s secret kiss to distraught Belle, just as she is accepted onto her course to become a vet nurse. The rest of the Dingles are equally upset that Zack has betrayed Lisa’s memory so quickly but Zack manages to win their forgiveness.

Rishi ploughs on with his new business while Jai struggles to bond with Archie. Laurel persuades Jai to attend Rachel’s funeral, offering to look after Archie in his place. After the sparse funeral, Jai is no closer to making progress with Archie than he was before.

Moira attempts to end things with Nate now that Cain is back but he persuades her to keep things going, only for them to nearly be caught out by Matty and Ryan, who are stoned. Eventually, Moira sneaks out of the caravan and confronts Matty, dragging him to the house and giving him a good talking to.

Harriet celebrates her 50^th birthday but Will is frustrated at having to act like she is a stranger. Bob overhears Dawn referring to Will as her Dad, forcing Harriet to explain everything to him, including the truth about the stalking. The news quickly spreads, prompting an eruption of fury from Moira at the harvest festival – how could Harriet bring a drug dealer into their lives after what happened to Holly? Back at the farm, a furious row erupts between Moira and Harriet, with Cain caught in the middle. Will also finds himself rejected by Dan, who he is relying on for his job and housing. Harriet invites him to move in with her.

Nate is frustrated with Moira, feeling he is has been rejected now that Cain is home. Cain interrupts an argument, throwing Nate out and warning him to give Moira space – it’s three years since Moira’s daughter died. As Matty, Moira and Cain mark Holly’s death, Cain is kind to Moira as she beats herself up over all her mistakes. Nate watches, arrogantly informing her later that he’ll give her the time to grieve before they pick their fling back up. She tells him they are over and she loves Cain. All she feels with Nate is ashamed of herself. Well yes, so you should!

With all this talk of drugs, Doug cannot continue with growing his ridiculously vast quantities of weed. Eric and Rodney are horrified but he destroys the whole plot, keeping only what he has already dried. Mandy attempts to sell her sob story to Paddy regarding the money but Chas intervenes and throws her out. She doesn’t buy it for a second. Ellis worries that things are going too fast with Belle but things come to an abrupt halt when he puts his foot in it.

Hollyoaks

James uses Mitchell to search through Maxine’s medical files, as he becomes suspicious of her story. However, once he discovers the truth, he is persuaded to keep quiet for the sake of Damon’s freedom as her ‘illness’ will help his case. Meanwhile, Damon arranges a Last Supper for his wife as he tries to come to terms with both losing her and the prospect of being in jail when she dies. Scott discovers the files and stops Damon on his way to court, confronting Maxine with the accusation of Munchausen’s. Maxine has no choice but to admit the truth at last, bring Sienna down with her, promptly ending her relationship with Brody, just as Liberty reveals that she is pregnant. Damon is heartbroken to have been lied to and to have committed fraud all to make his ‘dying’ wife happy in her last weeks. He is sentenced to six months in jail and never wants to see Maxine again. As the word spreads, Maxine finds herself without a friend in the world.

Joel decides to try and change from Catholicism to the Church of England so that they can be together. Unfortunately, thanks to Breda, Goldie gets carried away and takes this as a proposal. Joel has to let her down gently and explain that one day, perhaps they will get married but for now, he wants them to take things slowly.

Sylver, Goldie and Jack become confused over Breda’s behaviour when she lies to them about her whereabouts. Actually, she is busy visiting poor Tony, who is still locked up at the pig farm.

Scott is frustrated with Mitchell and how he blows hot and cold with him (and Anita). Jesse wants to adopt Iona.

Home and Away

Robbo is collected by boat by the gang who immediately find and throw away his tracker. They tie him up and put a bag over his head. He comes face to face with the leader of the gang who wants to know where a man named Dylan Carter is. I gather he is a character from the past from a storyline of old and I apologise but this is before my time – I have a ten year gap in my Home and Away viewing but I am doing my best to keep up! Anyway, Robbo tells him that he is dead. Unhappy with the answer, Robbo is beaten up but he continues to insist that he is telling the truth – Dylan Carter is dead. The leader of the gang gives him one week to find the dead man. He is thrown back on a boat and left to drift. When he regains consciousness, Robbo manages to untie his hands and start rowing the boat. He finds his way to shore, where Alf finds him, which I gather is a throwback to how Robbo first arrived in Summer Bay. Robbo persuades him not to call an ambulance, warning him not to get involved in the situation. In his car, Robbo finds a note, reminding him to hurry up. He rushes back hope, worried about Jasmine. Then he collapses. He reports back to his colleagues about the boat, the tattoo, what they did to him, the phone number he was given and Dylan Carter, the corrupt cop they want.

Raffy freaks out over coming off the CBD trial and takes everything out on Justin. Mason calms her down and explains to her that how she is feeling is psychological. The effects of the CBD will be her system for a week at least so missing a dose won’t matter. She can still get through her HSC trials. Justin and Mason debate what to do about Raffy but while Mason thinks Raffy can cope without the CBD as long as she can control her stress, Raffy has to be taken out of her exam by Roo as she sobs at her desk, unable to manage at all. Desperately worried about his sister, Justin considers going to the lengths Mason did before – but without Mason’s support. Mason warns Leah over what Justin is intending to do. Leah tries to get Justin to see sense but he takes his frustration out on her instead. She manages to calm him down and together they begin a campaign to make medicinal cannabis more accessible, starting with an online petition and lots of flyers. Ryder is worried when Raffy doesn’t come to the next exam but nobody will tell him anything as it’s not their place and she refuses to take his calls. He is upset to learn that Raffy’s CBD trial has been cancelled. But when he questions her about the trial, she ends up losing her focus and struggles in her exam, despite her extra time.

Ben continues to battle with depression in the wake of his arrest, much to the concern and frustration of Maggie. She and Ziggy try to talk to him but it just makes him lose his temper and storm out. He returns home late, full of apologies. The next day, he makes breakfast for his family and starts work on lots of jobs around the pier complex. Alf sets Ben up with a job which goes well until John puts his foot in it, suggesting a poker night to help Ben feel better. Feeling patronised, Ben goes missing.

Irene goes to a support group for survivors of sexual assault. She and Colby persuade Bella to stop isolating herself and join her at a meeting. Bella panics when Irene gets the news that her trial starts in four weeks and it doesn’t sound like her judge is very lenient.

Colby and Mackenzie miss each other. Dean and Colby get into more than one argument over Mackenzie. With help from Ziggy and Willow, Mackenzie finally knocks Dean and Colby’s heads together and puts herself back in charge. Everyone makes friends again and she and Colby get together.

Neighbours

Hendrix continues to reject Pierce’s efforts as a father. He gate crashes a party organised by Roxy for Sheila’s birthday and it turns into chaos. While Sheila’s friends hoped that Clive may come and get back together with her, he turns down the invitation and later admits that he has met someone new. Hendrix meanwhile, kisses Mackenzie and has no issue with her being trans. While this is lovely, the chances are he is using her as they have already been building the tension between him and Harlow. When the party descends into chaos, Mark and his colleagues turn up in uniform, only for drunk Roxy to throw herself at him in front of everyone. He is mortified. He soon gets over it though and decides that a life of drinking and chaos and sex with Roxy is something he wants, although she is a little hesitant. Roxy – you are being used! You are worth so much more!

Shane continues to work hard at tracking down Mackenzie’s father. Getting closer, he knows the time has come to confess to Mackenzie his role in her broken childhood. When she was little, her mother let her dress as a girl without her father’s knowledge, knowing that he wouldn’t take it well. One day, Shane came round and Mackenzie, dressed in female clothes answered the door. Her mother asked Shane not to say anything but he went straight to Mackenzie’s father and told him. He told him he would ‘burn all that girlie stuff if he was him’ and that’s exactly what Mackenzie’s father did. Horrified that his child was transgender, he burnt all Mackenzie’s feminine clothes and then abandoned the family home. Distraught, Mackenzie cannot forgive Shane, who she has come to trust as a father figure.

Scarlett bags herself Leo’s recently vacated room and continues to cement herself in Ned’s life, including sneaking around and taking secret photographs of him. She continues to drive a wedge between Ned and Yashvi.

Soap Blog: 16th – 22nd September 2019

Coronation Street

While Paul’s family is oblivious, Daniel immediately picks up on the pain his ex-boyfriend is in regarding the arrival of Kel on the Street, prompting him to open up about his childhood abuse.

Sinead wants to consider going to a hospice when the time comes but Daniel wants to look after his wife at the end. The chemotherapy quickly takes its toll on Sinead as she and Daniel try to come to terms with her diagnoses as well as look after baby Bertie.

Aggie goes against Ed’s wishes and organises a surprise party for his 55^th birthday, inviting all the neighbours in a bid to get to know everyone. At the party, desperate Daniel gets drunk and falls over. Everyone feels sorry for him as he is taken home to Sinead.

James and Bethany bond and he admits to her that he is gay but cannot come out because of his role on the football team. He explains that it is bad enough being a black player but being a gay player as well would make things even harder. She offers to be his ‘beard’. James’s older brother Michael overhears part of the conversation.

Gary is furious to discover that Derek has been getting closer to Izzy and signing documents with Nick without his permission.

Doctors

Jimmi and Ruhma attend court in order to support Phil and Theresa as the hospital appeal to the judge to take baby Josh off life support. It’s a heartbreaking case as both the hospital and the parents plead their case – one side believing it wrong to give up on their son and the other desperately trying to explain that Josh cannot survive off the ventilator and would never have life, brain function or any kind of development. It is a devastating scene as the judge reaches the decision that the ventilator be switched off. Theresa and Phil decide that as the decision has been snatched away from them, they will not be there when their son dies. They ask Ruhma to be with their baby instead and Jimmi supports her and she holds him until the end.

Having chased Ruhma away for keep interfering in their lives, Russell keeps panicking over the baby and drags Sid over to the house to check on her, even though she is absolutely fine. Sid then has to intervene when Russell nearly gets into a fight with his noisy neighbour.

Zara finds herself making new friends at work, including Al. She supports him as he worries about his mother’s Alzheimer’s. When he goes to visit his Mum for the weekend, he is horrified to discover that she has a boyfriend! Things do not go well and he and his mother fall out.

Zara and Al continue to be very amused over Emma’s increasingly passionate dreams about Rob. However, their giggling and teasing inevitably leads to Karen finding out. I thought she would find it funny. However, she is horrified and gives Emma a very stern warning! Emma is mortified, especially as it then spreads even further around the staff before she makes a fool out of herself and accidentally reveals the truth to Rob, who is typically very good about it all.

A patient gets rather attached to Daniel and Becky handles things rather more kindly than Zara would have when she behaves very inappropriately towards him. Becky is disappointed when Daniel is hesitant over telling Joe about their relationship. Becky and her Gran help a troubled couple at her Gran’s sheltered housing. And Julie S from Bad Girls guest stars as the wife of a very angry diabetic.

Eastenders

Kathy is concerned when Bobby brings home Imran, his Muslim friend from prison. Worried that Imran is either trouble or in trouble and going to lead Bobby in the wrong direction, Kathy calls the police who arrest him. Bobby is distraught. Overwhelmed by images of Lucy, combined with drugs thanks to some accidental advice from Rainie, he finds himself on the railway tracks. Thankfully, Callum is there to rescue him and get him to hospital where he finally gets the support from his family that he needs. The question is, why was Callum getting a train when nobody ever leaves Albert Square?

Linda is nervous about taking Ollie to school. He gets on fine but doesn’t mix particularly with the other children and she struggles to bond with any of the parents.

Nobody seems to notice how depressed Bex is or that she doesn’t want to go to University. She desperately tries to avoid the attention and praise Louise and her family ply her with over trying to save Louise’s life during the hostage situation.

Jay feels terrible when Phil forces him to refuse Mel Hunter’s funeral. He transfers the funeral to another funeral directors and allows Mel to have time with Hunter in his coffin, which infuriates Phil when he finds out. Nobody but Lisa and Mel attend Hunter’s funeral (Louise is forbidden to go) and Phil forces the Mitchell family to put on a united front against Mel when she attends the Vic afterwards. However, Louise cannot help but be kind to Mel and forgiving towards Hunter for what he did. Mel meanwhile, begins to work out the connection between Sharon and Keanu so when she and Sharon argue later, it looks likely that it’s something Sharon will come to regret…

Keegan works hard at his new sandwich business, frustrating his father but impressing Iqra who agrees to work with him. I just can’t help but wonder why a tech savvy teenager is making sandwiches when he could be fixing phones and iPads… Anyway, Tiffany panics when things begin to get physical between her and Keegan and she runs off. After a chat with Jack, she and Keegan have a heart to heart. He admits that he is a virgin and she tells him she is too, not able to bring herself to tell him about the rape.

Emmerdale

Sarah feels hopeless about her future or lack of one, wanting to enjoy her life for the moment, specifically meeting a boy who doesn’t know anything about her complicated health condition. She is therefore mortified when Vanessa and Charity (who is covered in chicken pox) ruin her ‘date’. When she finally understands how her granddaughter is feeling about life, Charity goes to great lengths to find the boy (Denise Welch’s son, in case you didn’t know) she has scared off and encourages him to spend the afternoon with Sarah again.

With Jessie gone, Marlon struggles to deal with his own heartbreak and April’s. Al is quick to stick the knife in, mocking Marlon and rubbing it in his face. Between him and Mandy, both Ellis and Billy decide they ought to move out, now their mother has left and treated Marlon so badly. It all backfires however when the boys see Al for who he really is and Marlon and April are able to persuade them to stay. And on top of that, Aaron and Robert persuade Marlon to teach Al a lesson by trashing his new car!

Aaron and Robert get up to even more mischief when Chas discovers that Mandy and her son have been holding onto £5,000 cash and £15,000 worth of casino chips that they stole and cannot find a way to cash. All the while they have been back in the Dales, they have been pleading poverty and living off the kindness of the Dingles, waiting for a chance to cash their fortune with no intention of sharing. Aaron turns to a friend at the casino but then insists on half the money. When Mandy refuses to share, Aaron burns the bag of money but of course, he is faking. The money is in the boot and he has just burned paper. He intends the keep some of it to look after Liv and Victoria when Robert goes to jail and the rest should be shared amongst the Dingles. When Mandy gets wind of it, she is not happy.

Dan gets a shock when he is informed that poor Rachel Breckle has been mercilessly killed of screen just to provide Jai with a fatherhood storyline now that Megan has left with his daughter! Anyway, Dan dutifully goes to collect Archie, who is shaken and scared to be left with the father he doesn’t know as Jai hasn’t even seen him for that last three or four years. Laurel also arrives back, having taken a job as a cleaner at Home Farm and she and Jai put their differences aside to help Archie.

In a really lovely scene, Kim bonds with her granddaughter after picking her up from school, playing Princesses with her and reading her stories. They even get Graham wearing a tiara! Unfortunately, it all goes wrong the next day when she ditches the school pick-up for a meeting, sending Graham instead (who isn’t on the list) and letting Millie and Jamie both down, setting back the relationship all over again.

Victoria is overwhelmed when she learns that she is having a baby boy, terrified that he will be like her rapist, Lee. Aaron steps in to reassure her, reminding her that he is nothing like his Dad.

Hollyoaks

Stuart and Jonny’s plan is thwarted when they realise they are being watched by the police. Infuriated, Jonny intends to blow up The Loft where Sami and Sinead are celebrating their engagement with most of the rest of the village. As the scales fall from his eyes over the true intentions of the group he is involved with, Ste argues with Jonny and begs him not to do such an evil thing. He hears the true malice of his friend’s words and realises that he is a far right racist and not the person he thought he was.

Things go awry when Jonny accidentally drops the bomb (literally) and his and the house next door explodes. He, Ste and Yasmine get caught in the explosion and despite being injured, Jonny still cannot let go of his hatred, demanding that Ste not call an ambulance and he certainly doesn’t want Ste to help Yasmine who is in serious danger. Hearing the explosion, Sami and Misbah rush to help and despite all that has happened and despite the abuse he throws at her, Misbah treats Jonny and saves his life. However, Yasmine has lost her hearing in the trauma.

Stunned by all that has transpired, Ste is desperate to escape the group but despite reaching out to Jed and the police, he finds himself trapped with Jonny and Stuart who force him to stay with them. To his family and friends, who are disgusted with him, he has to put on a brave face and keep playing his part but keep looking for a way to escape.

While James refuses to act as Damon’s lawyer unless they pay his fee, Maxine continues to play the dying wife, going as far as telling poor Damon that she only has weeks left, supposedly all with a view to getting him off his charges in court. However, she panics when James needs to see her medical records. Sienna, meanwhile, is frustrated when Liberty and Brody insist that they put the IVF money towards Damon’s legal fees.

Home and Away

Colby reluctantly asks Robbo and Jasmine to move out as he needs Bella to come home and be with him in the wake of everything she and Irene have been through. They end up moving into a motel until they can be placed elsewhere but tensions are fraught between the newlyweds. After a row, Robbo storms out, panicking Jasmine into calling Irene and Colby to help find him. When he comes home, the couple make up. Robbo sets out on a task to track down his pursuers. He speaks to Lance about a tattoo he recognises. Robbo continues to track the gang down and later receives a phone call, arranging a meeting point. Robbo goes alone to the wharf with a tracker in his shoe.

Bella is grateful to move home with her brother but she refuses to talk about anything that happened with Tommy. She then breaks the news to Dean about what happened to Bella in regards to Tommy. She begs Dean to make friends with Colby again. Horrified by everything that’s happened, Dean reaches out to his friend while Willow does her best to look after Bella. Things don’t go well though and she freaks out in the Diner, screams at everyone and runs home. Willow and Ziggy follow her and they eventually talk and bond. The girls are able to reassure Bella that what happened was assault and doesn’t have to ruin her first kiss.

Dean starts work at Salt and he and Mac immediately go head to head in a battle of wills. Dean feels that Mac is jealous of his popularity until Ziggy points out that she must be lonely in a town where she doesn’t know anyone but him and she and Colby have just broken up. But when he tries to reach out to her, she rejects him. However, he tries again and the pair begin to bond.

Ryder and Raffy start their exams but when Ryder reaches out to his ex, she isn’t interested. While Raffy leaves her exam, proud that she didn’t need the extra time, Justin is upset to learn that his sister has been withdrawn from the CBD trial. He is desperate to get in touch with Tori to sort things out. Tori herself seems to be having quite a nice time at the safe house, bonding with one of the officers, Scott. Lance manages to put Tori and Justin through to each other to discuss the CBD trial to help Raffy. Justin makes some progress but the only CBD trial available is in Melbourne. Justin breaks the news to Raffy who breaks down, devastated.

Neighbours

Ned is surprised to find Scarlett in Erinsborough, unaware that she is there for him. She wangles a job in Lassiters in order to be close to him and quickly ingratiates herself in his life, attempting to drive a wedge between him and Yashvi as soon as she can.

Mackenzie’s gender quickly becomes an issue for parents at the school, with them not wanting to share a bathroom or changing room with their daughters. She receives a hideous note in her locker and Susan asks her to use the disabled toilets, which upsets her and Susan both but the head teacher doesn’t know what to do for the best. In a beautiful scene, the students stage a peaceful protest by refusing to use the gendered toilets. Instead, they all decide to use the disabled toilets in a bid to stand up for Mackenzie. Even Ritchie joins the protest, going against his friends, included new bully, Ollie. It’s things like this that make me absolutely love this show. However, later, this Ollie boy is cruel to Mackenzie in front of Shane who shoves him and is later reprimanded by both Ollie’s mother and Susan, not to mention Shane’s family.

Harlow is horrified when Paul and Terese meet up with her mother while they are on their honeymoon in London. They meet her anyway and find that she is living in a commune and quite peculiar although pleasant. However, she ends the meeting rather abruptly when the leader of the commune shows up. Back in Erinsborough, Harlow panics over how the meeting is going. Then her mother sends her a message to say that she won’t hear from her again.

Chloe is shocked when Hendrix attempts to flirt with her and it’s clear that Pierce has no control over his son. Hendrix is horrified when, having been refused entry from any of the private schools in the area, Chloe suggests that he enrol in Erinsborough High.

Gail admits to Harlow that she was in on the plot against Paul. Finn warns David to back off over Elly and the baby. Roxy loses the key when she puts Mark in handcuffs and he is mortified when she has to get help to get him out of them!