Emmerdale's Moira future revealed, EastEnders' live episode and Hollyoaks' shocking death

Soap spoilers follow.

Soap spoiler fans have been in for a real treat this week. As well as the usual press releases and story announcements, some of our favourite cast members also got in on the act as they shared sneaky teasers on the red carpet at the National Television Awards.

Don't worry if you missed any gossip, though, as we're here with our regular Sunday round-up of the week's biggest news.

After weeks of mystery over Moira Dingle's worrying symptoms, Emmerdale confirmed her diagnosis in Friday's episode (September 13). The popular character was told that she has a non-cancerous type of brain tumour called a meningioma.

In an official press release, Emmerdale revealed that upcoming episodes will explore how Moira's diagnosis leaves her apprehensive about her future and concerned about the possibility of surgery and other treatments.

Show producer Sophie Roper added: "Moira's diagnosis comes as a huge shock to both her and her family and Moira faces an emotional and challenging time ahead.

"The research and support we've received throughout this storyline has allowed us to depict the realities of the condition and though at times it may be distressing to see the symptoms Moira's experiencing, we're keen to explore the hope and resilience Moira finds as she comes to terms with her diagnosis."

EastEnders revealed its first major announcement for the show's 40^th anniversary celebrations this week. Show bosses confirmed exciting plans for a live episode to tie in with the big week in February 2025.

In a soap first, a love story that features in the live special will include an interactive element, allowing fans to vote on the outcome. The cast will react to the public's choice on the night, acting out whichever option is chosen.

Digital Spy caught up with cast members on the red carpet at the National Television Awards this week, where there was a mix of nerves and excitement over the challenge ahead.

Always a good sport, Scott Maslen – who plays Jack Branning – was even on hand to joke about how he fluffed his lines in the 25^th anniversary live episode in 2010. We're sure it'll be a case of second time lucky, Scott…

Meanwhile, reports have tipped Ross Kemp to film a special documentary for the show's 40th anniversary.

Hollyoaks aired a devastating moment for all James Nightingale fans this week (you can count us in that group!), as he was blown up in a car bomb thanks to the antics of Blue and his partner-in-crime Rex.

Gregory Finnegan, who plays James, has written a brilliant book about his acting career, his time on Hollyoaks and his departure from the show, so he confirmed shortly afterwards that he has indeed left the Channel 4 soap.

In a surprising move given his character's ongoing popularity, Gregory was written out by producers as part of Hollyoaks' drastic cast reduction for the show's new era.

Digital Spy recently caught up with Gregory for an in-depth and refreshingly honest chat about his departure, which you can read on the site from Monday morning at 7.30am.

Coronation Street star Sair Khan has been teasing her return to the soap after taking maternity leave.

Sair, who welcomed her baby boy in May, shared a photo of a Corrie script on her Instagram Stories and proudly announced: "I am Backstreet."

Could Alya's romantic spark with Adam Barlow be revisited when she returns?

Emmerdale star Eden Taylor-Draper gave an update on the future of Belle's storyline this week, offering the strongest hint yet that Tom could be going down for his crimes.

Eden spoke about the importance of justice being served after the long-running storyline, which has seen input from real-life charities.

Eden told The Mirror: "The Dingles are the most loyal family so it's obviously going to rock a few boats, so we'll see. I feel like we need justice in a storyline like this. I feel like if justice is served, everyone will be happy."

The Hollyoaks team have been busy promoting the show's new era this week, which has certainly created plenty of intrigue as we continue to be fed hints over the highly-anticipated one-year time jump.

Show producer Hannah Cheers sparked some speculation by promising a "bold" new storyline for the legendary Mercedes McQueen, which is unlike anything the popular character has experienced before.

Meanwhile, Ashley Taylor Dawson – who plays Darren Osborne – spoke to Digital Spy at the NTAs about how Frankie and JJ's sibling sexual abuse story will continue.

Ashley warned that, despite JJ's crimes being out in the open, things will become "a lot harder" for the Osborne family as some big decisions need to be made one year on.

Hinting at a huge dilemma, Ashley told us: "The question I would ask to everyone watching it is: 'What would you do in that situation?' I think everyone will question themselves and that's what's exciting about what's coming up."

Former EastEnders star Danny Dyer set tongues wagging at the NTAs this week by making a public plea live on air to bring Mick Carter back.

With the BBC soap's 40^th anniversary coming up, that could be a tempting proposition for show bosses, who seem keen to bring back as many familiar faces as possible to help celebrate.

Coincidentally, Digital Spy had spoken to Kellie Bright (Linda Carter) about the possibility of a return for Danny just an hour or so earlier on the red carpet at the event.

Kellie told us: "Obviously, I would love to do anything with him, and I would love to see Mick and Linda together again. He's a busy boy, he's doing his thing, and I'm championing him from afar. I know that people would love it. We'll see. I'd be surprised, but we'd see."

Home and Away is lining up another major health scare for original character Alf Stewart, who's seen being rushed to hospital in the latest trailer currently on air in Australia.

Alf is taken in for emergency treatment amid another heart scare, which ties in with Bree Cameron's ongoing troubles at work after she was unable to save another Summer Bay favourite.

As Bree struggles to regain her professional confidence, there could be dire consequences for Alf's treatment. Can she pull it together before it's too late?

Read more Emmerdale spoilers on our dedicated homepage

Emmerdale has worked with Brains Trust (01983 292 405) and The Brain Tumour Charity on Moira's story. Further information about brain tumours is also available on the NHS website.

If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, organisations including Refuge (www.refuge.org.uk), New Beginnings Peer Support (www.newbeginningspeersupport.com) and Women's Aid (www.womensaid.org.uk) can provide further support and information. The 24-hour, freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline is 0808 2000 247. The US National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or text LOVEIS to 22522.

Hollyoaks has been working on Frankie's story with guidance from SARSAS, which provides specialist services and resources for those who have experienced any form of sexual violence.

More information is available from Rape Crisis England and Wales, who work towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct, on their website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland’s helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.

Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.