The world of soap is one that has consistently thrown a boulder of explosive storylines at our feet, but sometimes we wish they'd focus more on the narratives that work than those which are sending audiences wild. Here, we take a look at the UK's four biggest soaps, the narratives that are lighting a fire in our bellies, and those that need to be brought to a close.
Storylines that need to end
4) Coronation Street: Sally's prison time
Hearing Sally have the wind kicked out of her this week really stuck in the mind. It was a traumatic bit of television, and we just hope the innocent Weatherfield resident will make it out of the clink before something else happens to her at the hands of her evil cellmate. This one has been dragging on for a touch too long, and it's only thanks to the talents of the show's brilliant cast that it has lasted and remained a viable plot.
3) Emmerdale: The truth surrounding Joe Tate's murder
Debbie Dingle has been wondering exactly where her fiancé Joe got to ahead of their wedding, and whilst she'll think she's gotten to the bottom of it when her father Cain confesses to punching him in a fight and accidentally "killing" him, viewers know the truth of the matter. It's time for Graham to get rumbled, so that these tragic events can be wrapped up.
2) Hollyoaks: Mercedes's dark descent
Mercedes is one of the most recognisable Hollyoaks characters of all, so to see her descending into such chaos these past few weeks has been hard to watch. It's great to see her given such a dramatic storyline to really sink her teeth into, but we hope she makes her recovery and is back to her classic, bubbly McQueen self before too long.
1) EastEnders: Evie, Tiff and Bernie's strange drug triangle
This is a true-to-life take on the world of drugs, but it's one that's irking viewers because of how tiresome the primary villain Evie has proven to be. Some of those watching took to social media and said she delivered one of the worst 'duff duffs' in the soap's history after knocking a wad of cash out of one of her lackey's hands this past week, and we think it's time she finally got her comeuppance. If she does something life-changing, or potentially even takes the life of Tiff's best friend, she could be one of the most despised villains in the soap's history.
Storylines we hope stick around
3) Coronation Street: Nasty Nick
Now we know that Nick is responsible for stealing Audrey's money, it's looking more and more likely that he's going to be the evil mastermind who's making the lives of the entire street a misery in the coming months. Could it be that he'll also be the person responsible for the factory fire that will take the life of at least one fan-favourite character? We hope so. Nick's always had interesting storylines, and this could be the one that defines his entire time on the cobbles.
2) Emmerdale: Robron's happy future
Aaron and Robert have had one of the most tumultuous relationships in all of soap history, but they seem to be in a good place. Now, with the rumours of a baby in their future, we hope they'll be able to move on with their lives without too much drama concerning their bond. It's rare to see happy, same-sex couples on television, so hopefully Robron can continue giving us that representation!
1) EastEnders: Ian and Jean's flicker of romance
Before the New Year came around, Ian and Jean shared a festive smooch and whilst it's not something we've seen continue, we do hope it was the first laying of foundations for what could be one of the most charming romances the Square has ever seen. Everybody say love!
Emmerdale and Coronation Street continue weeknights on ITV. EastEnders continues weeknights on BBC One. Hollyoaks continues weekdays on Channel 4, with First Look episodes weekdays at 7pm on E4.
MORE: Emmerdale spoilers - Cain attacks Moira
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Tagged in Coronation Street Eastenders Emmerdale Hollyoaks