It's all change for soap fans in April, as all of the big shows dramatically reduce their number of weekly episodes amid the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. With filming suspended across the industry, the networks are taking big steps to keep the soaps on air for as long as possible.
The good news is that Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks will still be treating us to some dramatic and gripping storylines in the coming weeks. Here's our guide to some of the biggest highlights airing in April.
1. Rick's daughter returns (Coronation Street)
Remember when Rick Neelan's daughter Kelly briefly came looking for him last summer and we all thought she'd be the one to expose Gary Windass's true colours? Don't worry if not, as we'd nearly forgotten her too!
Months after Rick's grisly demise, Kelly will be reappearing as a new student at Weatherfield High, where she'll be interacting with the likes of Asha and Summer. Unsurprisingly, Gary isn't too happy to see her back on the scene, ever fearful that his dark secrets could be under threat.
Is Kelly's presence on the cobbles a bad omen for Gary? We'll have to wait and see, but fans should also expect double the trouble as Rick's ex Claire – Kelly's mum – will be featuring on screen too.
2. All change at The Vic? (EastEnders)
EastEnders fans have seen the Carter family go to hell and back over the past few months, as Linda's drinking almost destroyed her marriage to Mick forever. As the couple continue to work on picking up the pieces, their latest storyline sees them start making big plans for a fresh start away from the Queen Vic.
What to Read Next
The BBC soap has already released first-look pictures from April, showing Mick and Linda inviting an estate agent into the pub to get their plans under way. But how will the rest of the Carters react to their decision? And who could the new buyers be? Now that is the question...
3. DI Malone gets worse (Emmerdale)
Dodgy DI Malone is causing chaos for Cain Dingle and it seems that he's only just getting started. Viewers have already seen Cain try to regain the upper hand by keeping hold of a vehicle that Malone wanted him to get rid of, which had incriminating bloodstains inside.
Scenes airing next week see Billy confide in Will with this counter-plan, but Will freaks out and double-crosses his allies by stealing the car himself.
With Cain and Billy now losing their advantage, it only seems like a matter of time before they'll have to face the consequences with malicious Malone.
4. Felix makes his mark in the village (Hollyoaks)
All eyes will be on the extended Deveraux family in Hollyoaks this spring when Richard Blackwood's arrival as Felix finally completes the clan. Richard has tipped Felix as the show's big new villain, and he'll have plenty of major storylines running from the start.
Mitchell, Toby and Celeste all have some big decisions to make over whether they're prepared to let Felix be part of their lives. The soap will also be exploring Warren's history with Felix, who used to bully him when they lived in the same children's home.
Felix's history with Walter is also one to watch out for, as we discover more about why Walter was so reluctant for his family to contact this menacing face from the past.
5. Asha's new nightmare (Coronation Street)
Tanisha Gorey, who plays Corrie's Asha, impressed fans in the show's skin lightening storyline last year, and producers now have more big scenes lined up for her. The emotional new plot sees Asha perform a striptease in a video clip for her boyfriend Corey, only to be left mortified when the footage leaks online.
The incident has a devastating effect on Asha's self-esteem as she struggles with the clip spreading all around the school.
In a recent interview, Tanisha told The Mirror: "It completely crumbles her, destroys her reputation, everything, people in the Street have seen her strip. Everyone has seen it and is talking about it.
"She is bullied at school, ends up moving school. Walking down to Roy's Rolls, everyone is talking about Asha."
6. Ian's under pressure (EastEnders)
Ian is fighting to regain control in EastEnders as Dotty continues to blackmail him over his involvement in Dennis's tragic death. Dotty also has the damning voicemail message to back up her claims – at least until Ian intervenes by stealing the phone.
Ian hopes that he has the upper hand afterwards, but may well be underestimating Dotty and how dangerous she could be for him. One thing's for sure – their war seems far from over.
7. Paul arrives (Emmerdale)
April will see former Coronation Street star Reece Dinsdale make his first appearance in Emmerdale as newcomer Paul. His casting was first announced in February, when Paul was billed as a blast from the past who'd be shaking things up for Mandy and Vinny.
Of course, viewers now know that Paul is Mandy's ex-partner and Vinny's father, who hasn't seen the pair for years. Will it be a happy or unhappy family reunion when Paul arrives in the Dales?
Reece recently said: "I'm absolutely delighted to be joining the cast of Emmerdale.
"Having recently directed a couple of episodes and seen at close quarters the superb work the cast, crews, and creatives produce, I can't wait to become part of the team once again – albeit in a different capacity. Time to get my acting boots back on!"
8. County Lines (Hollyoaks)
Hollyoaks' ongoing storyline focusing on County Lines drug dealing will also be a major focus in April, as the plot starts to intensify. As Jordan's sinister presence continues to have a destructive impact in the village, Sid and Juliet find it increasingly difficult to get out of the nightmare they're now in after agreeing to deal drugs for him.
Digital Spy can also reveal that upcoming episodes will see viewers learn more about the hierarchy of the drugs group that Jordan is working for. Who else is involved – and could they be even scarier than Jordan?
9. Geoff turns even nastier (Coronation Street)
Yasmeen is one to watch in Corrie's April episodes, as she bravely stands up to her abusive husband Geoff. Yasmeen is horrified when she witnesses Geoff threatening her granddaughter Alya, which prompts her to do some detective work of her own.
Yasmeen is appalled when she sneaks a look at Geoff's emails, discovering some of his recent lies – and the fact that he has been using the services of an escort agency. However, as Yasmeen starts considering the future of her relationship with Geoff, he starts stepping up his evil attempts to stay in control of her.
10. Vanessa's treatment continues (Emmerdale)
Vanessa recently underwent surgery after being diagnosed with bowel cancer. Despite the positive news that it went well, Vanessa has been told that she still needs to have a course of chemotherapy as the next stage of her treatment.
As well as the obvious physical impact on Vanessa, Emmerdale will also continue to explore how her current situation affects her relationship with Charity. The popular couple are trying to stay strong and united, but there will be some more tension along the way as they face the challenges ahead. Can they find a way to navigate things together?
11. Drama at Still Waters (Coronation Street)
Who knew that Weatherfield's retirement complex Still Waters would be at the centre of such scandal? There's trouble brewing over the next few weeks as Ken grows increasingly determined to knock bossy Charles off his perch.
In his position as Residents Chair, Charles has been issuing fines left, right and centre – but may have chosen the wrong target by giving Ken a severe punishment for bringing Eccles the dog into his apartment.
Before long, Ken suggests dethroning Charles with a re-election and battle lines are drawn between the two men. Who'll come out on top?
12. Johnny's past is explored (Coronation Street)
April will also feature an early glimpse of a Corrie storyline first teased in March. When Johnny and Jenny decide to rent out the spare room at the Rovers Return to make some extra cash, there's a twist when their new lodger arrives.
The man, Scott, is instantly recognised by Johnny – and the Rovers Return landlord is clearly rattled to see him. Johnny even decides to take an impromptu holiday to get away from Scott, although Jenny is oblivious to why he's behaving so strangely. What is their connection and why is Johnny so worried?
13. Sienna faces a big decision (Hollyoaks)
As Sienna returns to the village, her main focus is on the health of her son Sebastian following the news that a bone marrow match has been found in Chester. Inevitably though, Sienna also gets caught up in confronting Brody and Liberty for betraying her.
Anna Passey and Adam Woodward, who play Sienna and Brody, have both hinted that their characters could have a future together. Sienna does make a big decision about Brody in early April, but which way will she go?
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