EastEnders, Coronation Street and Emmerdale spoilers: 14 huge soap returns ahead and the big storylines with them
The beauty of long running dramas like soaps is there is always scope to revisit characters we got to know and love. The revolving doors at Weatherfield, Walford, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks never stop spinning and with Jim McDonald heading back to Coronation Street, Alfie Moon inevitably returning to EastEnders and the iconic Mercedes McQueen also arriving home with a bang, the nostalgia level is going to be high this summer.
Of course, with every returning face we need a good story for them to tell. From revenge to business wars and from shock accusations to whopping great baby secrets, these familiar faces are going to bringing all of the drama with them.
Jim McDonald – Coronation Street
The big man is heading out of the big house – and straight to Weatherfield where he has some scores to settle. The last time Jim saw Steve, he had been handed over to the prison guards for his underhand behaviour inside but Jim now wants answers from his son.
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Kate Oates, Corries outgoing producer, told Metro.co.uk: We have some amazing stuff with Jim McDonald. Hes going to be coming back with a lot of resentment because of what Steve did – from his point of view, he has been rotting in prison and no-one cares. We also played a story 18 months ago where it seemed like Steve might have inherited a genetic disease from his dad but no-one went to see Jim to ask if he was okay. We have a great story to play with that.
As Charles Lawson has another commitment, his return is thought to be short term but the actor hinted that he would then come back again for a longer stint.
Alfie Moon – EastEnders
Alfie made a brief return to Walford recently to try and build bridges with Kat but what he got instead was an announcement from Hayley that she is pregnant with his baby. After they argued about what Kat had done over in Spain – her cheating had distracted her from watching the boys properly and Ernie was scalded – he left again but Shane Richie revealed at the time that this isnt the end of the story.
He said: The episode actually raises more questions so this is certainly not the last you will see of Alfie but I cant say any more than that!
Mercedes McQueen – Hollyoaks
Shes been a big miss in Hollyoaks while Jennifer Metcalfe has been away on maternity leave but Mercedes is coming back as brash and outrageous as ever – and straight into a very messy situation when she makes a bold move. And her return will also see her join the McQueens out in Magaluf where more antics are bound to follow.
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Jennifer said recently: I think Mercedes wants to convince everyone that shes changed, shes got new morals and that shes just freer, cooler and a better person. Nah, that wont last long.
Nick Tilsley – Coronation Street
Nick is heading back to Weatherfield after just over a year away – and the storyline opportunities are certainly plentiful considering his links to the Street. With the way that his wedding day to Carla ended and the chance that she will be back with Peter, there is bound to be some conflict there. And then there will undoubtedly be unfinished business with Leanne too.
Elsewhere, the Platt family has been through some terrible ordeals since he left – could he be there for his brother David as he seeks justice against Josh Tucker? And will he defend his mum Gail when Lewis Archer slinks back? Nick is going to have a lot to do!
Russ Owen – Hollyoaks
As well as Mercedes heading back to Hollyoaks, her ex Russ is coming home too after a decade away from the show – but could there be a reunion on the horizon between them? And what brings him back? And will he have Max with him after kidnapping him as a baby?
Actor Stuart Manning said of his return: After a decade away from Hollyoaks it felt like the right time to come back and particularly when the show is on such a high. It will be really interesting for me to explore how the character of Russ has evolved and to return as a different actor to who I was back then.
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Leyla Harding – Emmerdale
With Roxy Shahidi currently on maternity leave from Emmerdale, Leylas return is a while off yet but she has always stated that she will be back. Leyla left for a new job but emerged after she went that she and David had a one night stand.
When she arrives back she will find David estranged from Tracy so could they reunite? And are fan theories that she will return with a bundle of joy set to come to fruition?
Lewis Archer – Coronation Street
Fans were disappointed with the brief nature of Lewis recent return when he was quickly caught as the con artist behind clairvoyant Rosemarys trickery. But after Audrey freed him on the sly, he had declared his love and he will be back to woo her once more.
And whats more, it looks like its going to work too. Recent pictures revealed Audrey secretly meeting up with Lewis – has she fallen under his spell all over again?
Kandice Taylor – EastEnders
S Club star Hannah Spearritt delighted with her turn in EastEnders at the end of last year as Kandice and her sister Karen ended their warring ways and united. And the character is set to come back for another stint with the Taylor family later this year. But will they still be on good terms?
Actress Lorraine Stanley revealed to Metro.co.uk: Kandice is returning – that adds another layer and adds a bit of comedy – its so fun to do and so very exciting. Im lucky to be able to do both and we need that bit of comedy after the dark episodes we are playing out at the moment.
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Sinead OConnor – Hollyoaks
Nobody ever thought that it would happen but Stephanie Davis is heading back to Hollyoaks after a rocky few years and a very dramatic behind the scenes exit first time round. She will reprise her role of Sinead and appear on screen later this year so who knows what trouble the character will bring this time round?
Producer Bryan Kirkwood enthused: I am delighted that Stephanie is returning, shes a hugely talented actress who has worked hard to overcome some personal issues. We welcome her return to Hollyoaks to reprise her role as Sinead OConnor, a brilliant and vibrant character who the audience love.
Sinead will make a return to the Hutchinsons family in autumn, no doubt bringing drama in tow.
Claudia Colby – Coronation Street
Audreys on/off best friend Claudia is heading back this summer, with Rula Lenska already back on the set filming – and there is going to be some huge conflict. As Claudias salon goes into direct competition with Audreys business, Claudia causes huge trouble by recruiting Maria as an ally – and its scissors at dawn.
Ryan Stocks – Emmerdale
Viewers really took to newcomer Ryan when Charity was finally reunited with the son she thought had died as a baby – but when Charity then left a drunken and hurtful voicemail, Ryan dismissed her and it seemed she had blown her chance to build a relationship with her.
But fear not, Ryan will be back – and he will integrate with the rest of his relatives in the Dingle family.
Producer Kate Brookes said: We are absolutely delighted to welcome James to the show; an actor of real skill, talent and charisma. As to be expected with his Dingle heritage, the character of Ryan is feisty, funny and reckless, and with an unquenchable zest for life. Ryan will not only turn Charitys life upside down, but also the wider Dingle clan as his arrival throws a massive spanner in the works.
As Ryan navigates his newfound family ties and connects with the mother he never knew he had, it unearths yet another layer to Charity. His journey on the show is jam-packed with laughter, tears, unlikely friendships and with the odd unexpected twist thrown in for good measure.
Fran – Hollyoaks
11 years ago, Hollyoaks was rocked by the shock murder of jailed Becca. Just as she was packing for her release, she was confronted by fellow prisoner Fran and stabbed to death – now Nancy has been left shocked to receive a letter from Fran.
Nancy is curious to find out what Fran has to say and in future scenes, she will get in contact again. But what does she have to say to Nancy – does she have a big bombshell to drop that will change everything?
Ollie Walters – EastEnders
None of the Slaters know why Jean is so reluctant to go home to her husband and her life in Brighton – but soon the situation will be confronted when Kat suspects that he has been hitting her and sets out to confront him. And when Ollie then turns up unannounced, a dramatic showdown ensues and Jean is forced to come clean as Kat and Mo take drastic action after getting the wrong end of the stick.
Tony OCallaghan, who plays Ollie, is just back for two episodes.
Rosie Webster – Coronation Street
This one is a long way off yet as Helen Flanagan has only just departed for her maternity leave. Fans saw Rosie depart for a new opportunity working on a gameshow in Japan after she impressed a talent scout on This Morning.
So what will bring Rosie back next year? Helen has confirmed that she intends to return but with big storylines ahead that will cause big dramas for Sally and Tim when Sally is conned and Kevin and Sophie when Jack faces having his foot amputated, what state will she find her family in?
MORE: Coronation Street spoilers: Wedding drama ahead for David Platt and Shona Ramsey
MORE: Coronation Street spoilers: Big twist filmed as Lewis Archer returns
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