Soap spoilers follow.
In this week's biggest soap spoiler news, EastEnders and Emmerdale both confirmed that shocking death storylines are on the way very soon.
Elsewhere, an unexpected new Coronation Street signing was revealed, and Neighbours revealed a first look at some exciting returnees ahead of the show's 40th anniversary celebrations in March.
Did you miss any gossip this week? Don't worry, as we're on hand with our regular Sunday guide to the biggest soap stories from the past seven days.
Jump to:
- EastEnders death confirmed for 40th anniversary
- Emmerdale deaths confirmed for limo crash
- Coronation Street signs up Hollyoaks star
- Death fears for Coronation Street's Rob
- Home and Away newcomer threatens trouble
- Home and Away explains Xander's departure
- Hollyoaks announces huge Dillon and Frankie story
- Several Neighbours characters return
EastEnders death confirmed for 40th anniversary
It was inevitable, but EastEnders officially confirmed this week that not everybody will make it through the explosive 40th anniversary episodes alive.
Next week's episodes see two dramatic showdowns culminate in a huge fire and explosion at the Queen Vic, which leaves several lives hanging in the balance.
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The stakes couldn't be higher, as not all of the characters involved will survive.
All episodes are being held back for their nightly BBC One transmission next week to keep everyone guessing until the last moment, so don't expect any early iPlayer releases. The week culminates in a 30-minute live broadcast next Thursday (February 20).
Read the full story: EastEnders confirms death in huge anniversary week explosion
Emmerdale deaths confirmed for limo crash
Whether by coincidence or design (you be the judge), Emmerdale also has a dramatic 'lives-in-peril' storyline lined up for next week.
Friday's episode (February 14) left viewers on a huge cliffhanger as the villagers' big night out led to a dramatic double limo crash.
In various cast interviews published this week, Emmerdale confirmed that not all of the 17 characters involved in the crash will make it through the week alive.
Show bosses are keeping the full details under wraps until the episodes air.
Read the full story: Emmerdale confirms death fears for multiple characters after double crash
Coronation Street signs up Hollyoaks star
Former Hollyoaks star Ryan Mulvey certainly doesn't hang about. Just weeks after his final scenes in the Channel 4 show aired, he's now appearing in another soap.
Ryan has recently been filming a guest role in Coronation Street, which will begin on screen later this month.
More details about his character will be shared next week.
Read the full story: Coronation Street signs up Hollyoaks star just weeks after his exit
Death fears for Coronation Street's Rob
Coronation Street has sparked fears that crafty Rob Donovan could be killed off in upcoming scenes.
Monday's episode (February 17) sees Rob's dramatic escape plan play out, as he flees from the hospital and takes his sister Carla Connor with him as a hostage.
Spoiler pictures from the episode show a lifeless Rob at the bottom of an office block stairwell. It's clear that his plans go badly wrong, but will they cost him his life?
Read the full story: Rob Donovan's risky move – Coronation Street teases possible death plot
Home and Away newcomer threatens trouble
Home and Away bosses have cast young actor Martha Kate Morgan in the role of Eliza, a new foster child who's assigned to Roo Stewart.
Eliza made her first appearance on Australian screens this week, immediately sparking suspicions from fans amid fears that she could have been responsible for a fire at her old home. She better not burn down the Stewart house next!
These scenes will air on Channel 5 in the UK in April.
Read the full story: Home and Away fans predict shocking fire as a new character is revealed
Home and Away explains Xander's departure
Xander Delaney's final Home and Away scenes air on Channel 5 next week, as he heads out of Summer Bay to enrol onto a business internship in Melbourne.
The barman promises that he'll be back after six weeks have passed, although follow-up scenes at Australian pace this week revealed what fans had long suspected – he won't be returning.
Xander decides to stick around in Melbourne on a permanent basis after landing his dream job, leaving his girlfriend Dana heartbroken.
Read the full story: Home and Away regular confirms heartbreaking exit – 'I'm not coming back'
Hollyoaks announces huge Dillon and Frankie story
Hollyoaks has announced plans to explore the criminal and sexual exploitation of young people in a big new storyline.
Dillon Ray and Frankie Osborne will take centre stage in the plot, which sees them groomed by a criminal gang after being manipulated by Rex Gallagher and Kat Omari.
Hollyoaks' executive producer Hannah Cheers commented: "It is imperative that Hollyoaks is constantly talking to young people about safeguarding issues and ways in which abuse can infiltrate young lives. The audience naturally regenerates and the issues that young adults are vulnerable to are constantly evolving."
Read the full story: Hollyoaks announces harrowing new Dillon and Frankie storyline
Several Neighbours characters return
March is a busy month for Neighbours returnees and cameos, as the soap gears up for its 40th anniversary celebrations.
Sebastian Metcalfe is coming back to cause more trouble for Krista Sinclair and Leo Tanaka – boo!
On a brighter note, Susan Kennedy, Karl Kennedy and Paul Robinson are all coming back from their breaks, while Shane Ramsay and Toadie Rebecchi will be popping up for more guest stints.
Read the full story: Neighbours spoilers – 31 pictures reveal Sebastian's return and new love triangles and Neighbours spoilers – 30 pictures reveal Toadie and Shane's dramatic comebacks
