Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) has found himself in a predicament as he fears both that rapist Lee will die – and also that he won’t and will reveal the truth about their altercation in Emmerdale. After callous Lee had mocked Robert over his attack on Victoria Barton (Isabel Hodgins), Robert saw red and grabbed a shovel before hitting Lee hard anf leaving him out cold.
As Victoria and Diane (Elizabeth Estensen) rushed to the scene and realised what Robert had done, he tried to explain his actions and Aaron (Danny Miller) quickly insisted that his husband tell the approaching police that he fought back at Lee in self defence.
As Lee was loaded into an ambulance, his life hanging by a thread, no Emmerdale fan would be sad to see his demise – but what will be devastating is if his death is what destroys Robert as Ryan’s exit draws closer. Tonight, Robert faces some tough questions from police – but will he lie and claim that Lee attacked him first or will he tell the truth and be jailed for attempted murder? Or even murder if Lee doesn’t survive…
Meanwhile, with their plans for the future including a quiet family life and expanding their clan via surrogacy seemingly in ruins, can Aaron forgive his hot headed hubby for his actions and understand that his violent act came from a place of wanting to protect his sister?
It is not yet confirmed whether Lee will pull through and reveal that Robert’s attack was deliberate but viewers are anxiously waiting to find out how Robert will depart – and what impact this will have on the ever fragile Robron.
With the couple having come through many ordeals in their time, this could be the making or breaking of them.
And with Robert not long for the Dales, it’s not looking like a happy ending…
Kim Tate (Claire King) is no stranger to putting her own interests above those of everyone else in Emmerdale, and the Home Farm businesswoman is seemingly set to do just that in the coming episodes when, following the horrifying fire at the factory, she becomes a thorn in Jai Sharma’s (Chris Bisson) side — as she sets her sights on his business.
With the factory having been left in a real state following the fire, Rishi (Bhasker Patel) worries about how he’ll be able to repay the high interest loan — a loan which he borrowed from none other than Kim. Due to his odd behaviour, Jai and Priya (Fiona Wade) grow suspicious of both their dad and Manpreet (Rebecca Sarkar), and begin to suspect that they had a part to play in the fire.
The following day, Jai and Priya read through the terms of Kim’s loan — and they’re let fuming with Rishi as a result. Now aware of just how bad their financial situation truly is, Jai does everything he can to come up with a solution — but he ultimately struggles to do so.
Later, he takes his frustrations out on the factory staff when they ask about their wages, before tearing into Rishi for causing this mess in the first place.
With Kim knowing just how bad Jai’s money woes are, she offers to buy the factory. However, Jai’s hoping it doesn’t have to come to this, as he’s still hopeful that the insurance will pay out — that is, until he receives an email from the insurance company querying why the fire alarm had been switched-off at the factory on the day in question.
With no other option, Jai is forced to meet with Kim so that they can find a way out of this whole mess.
Will they be able to find a solution that will be of benefit to them both?
If there’s one thing we know about Kim, it’s that she loves having something over her adversaries, and with Jai desperate, she’ll no doubt make him suffer.
Jamie Lomas will make full time return to Hollyoaks as villain Warren Fox (Picture: Lime Pictures)
Jamie Lomas is set to return to Hollyoaks as the infamous character Warren Fox.
Yes, the 44-year-old will be back on our screens full time in the coming year – and he’s told us all to expect a whole lot of drama.
We can’t wait.
The news was confirmed by Executive Producer, Bryan Kirkwood, who said: ‘Warren Fox is one of our greatest ever characters and our most dynamic, complex villain.
‘Jamie Lomas is a leading man who we can’t wait to have back.’
The star also spoke about his comeback and how excited he is to make his grand return to the village.
Where Warren goes, drama follows (Picture: Lime Pictures)
He said: ‘Warren is back in the village and when the Fox is back, trouble isn’t far behind him. The village best be on their toes because there is plenty of unfinished business.’
Warren made a surprise return earlier this week in an episode that saw Sienna Blake (Anna Passey) finally reunited with her children.
However, just as she was about to drive off with her beloved twins, Sophie and Sebastian, Sienna was stopped and convinced by Au Pair Nina that they weren’t hers.
In a later scene, Nina told Warren that it was lucky she had pictures of the twins with her brother to throw Sienna off the scent.
He is already causing trouble (Picture: Lime Pictures)
In true bad boy style, Warren emerged from his car, revealing that Sienna’s instinct was right – they are her children – but that he’s taking them back to Spain and she will never get a chance of a reunion.
Talking about his return, and where the story arc might go between the couple, Anna told Metro.co.uk: ‘It would be an interesting avenue to explore – they were a brilliant couple together, such a great time.
‘But what he did to her was obviously the most awful and hurtful thing that anyone could do to anyone so I think it would be interesting to see that conflict of him being back in her life.’
She added: ‘Under the hate of what he did, she still might have these feelings for him – she would be torn between loving him and wanting to kill him.’
Jamie will return to film full time before Christmas and his scenes will air in the New Year.
There’s an undeniable spark between Neighbours’ Chloe Brennan (April Rose Pengilly) and Elly Conway (Jodi Anasta), even if it scares the living daylights out of Elly. Though she might pretend she feels nothing, she can’t squash those feelings for long.
Chloe has no intention of quelling her own feelings and is ready to go in for the kill – after Elly’s saucy dream about her she knows deep down Elly yearns for her too. It’s all about picking the right moment.
Elly’a return to work doesn’t go smoothly as she receives taunts over buying alcohol for student Dean by Richie. Chloe is worried for her friend – she’s pregnant and doesn’t need the stress, so Chloe takes him down a peg or two in front of his mates.
It backfires when Richie starts causing bigger problems for Elly, and when she learns what Chloe had to do with it she’s frustrated. Every time she gets involved she just causes problems. But when she hears what really happened from Ned and Yashvi, she realises Chloe came riding in on her white horse to rescue her, and realises she kind of likes it.
While Elly tries to deal with her problems escalating at work, she ends up taking them out on Chloe and later finds herself having to apologise for her behaviour. The two head out for a brunch to heal the rift, later leaving Pierce to confront Chloe over why she’s suddenly gone cold on him. Her head has been turned Pierce, her head has been turned.
(Picture: Channel 5)
Aaron gets wind of their blossoming friendship when he sees them in an intimate moment and he’s horrified, what will Mark say? He confronts Chloe who decides to speak to her big bro, and is taken aback when he gives her the green light to act on her feelings.
Chloe decides it’s time to bite the bullet, she’s going to tell Elly she wants them to be a thing. What will Elly say?
Scenes air from Monday 5th August at 1.45pm and 5.30pm on Channel 5.
Sami Maalik and Sinead O’Connor kiss in upcoming Hollyoaks scenes (Picture: Lime Pictures)
Hollyoaks’ Sami Maalik (played by Rishi Nair) has been growing closer to Sinead O’Connor (Stephanie Davis) for weeks now and it looks like a romance finally awaits them as they share a kiss in upcoming scenes. It’s definitely too early to say whether or not this will evolve into a full-blown thing, but with a lot of obstacles standing in their way they’ll without a doubt be confronted with a lot of problems early on.
Speaking about their electric smooch and what’s to follow, Rishi exclusively told Metro.co.uk: ‘When Sami was helping Sinead with her case against Laurie they grew closer. She brings a really fun side of Sami and they have a good laugh.
‘They are definitely getting closer and it’s clear they both really like each other. What remains to be seen is whether Sinead is ready to be in another relationship after all she’s been through with Laurie. Sami, let’s not forget, was engaged to Liberty not long ago as well and there’s a lot of stuff going on with him and this far right storyline, so they mind not be emotionally ready to be in a relationship because they’ve already got quite a lot to deal with.’
The couple have been growing closer for weeks now (Picture: Lime Pictures)
Although Sinead’s evil ex-husband Shelby (Kyle Pryor) looks likely to come between them, on top of Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson) as he continues to immerse himself in the far right, further disapproval could stem from Sami’s aunt Kameela (Anu Hasan).
‘Kameela is kind of traditional thinking and would want Sami to be with someone who hasn’t married and divorced and got kids,’ Rishi continued.
‘I don’t think that would sit well with her so there’s definitely going to be a few hurdles if they did get together, but let’s see if they can overcome them.’
One to watch: Tuesday 6 August at 7.30pm on E4.
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Robert and his sister Victoria are dealing with the aftermath of her trauma (Picture: ITV)
Victoria Barton (Isabel Hodgins) has been through some serious trauma on Emmerdale, after first having been raped by the evil Lee Posner (Kris Mochrie) and then repeatedly harassed by both Lee and his mum.
It seems that the circumstances of Robert’s departure will have something to do with the ongoing storyline concerning his sister, with producer Laura Shaw saying on the subject: ‘Victoria decides the only way to get away is to leave the village forever. Robert is devastated and doesn’t want her to go. Lee piles the pressure her and Robert has been pushed to the edge and he is on a mission to get his revenge on Lee even if it kills him.’
In hard-hitting scenes last night, Victoria was horrified to see Robert wallop Lee over the head with a shovel after Lee taunted him about the attack on his sister.
Villagers son arrived on the scene, Lee was taken away in an ambulance and we don’t yet know if he will survive.
This could leave our Robert potentially facing a prison sentence for manslaughter or even murder.
As Robert and his husband reel from the fact that hurting the vile Lee could mean they’ve lost everything, we can only wonder if this is the reason Robert will end up leaving the soap after all…
Michael Praed has been a part of Emmerdale since 2016 when he joined as Frank Clayton (Picture: ITV)
Emmerdale fans are convinced Frank Clayton (Michael Praed) is hiding something with his recent odd behaviour – and they aren’t the only ones.
Recent episodes have seen him disappearing without explanation as he attempts to hide what he’s up to from Megan Macey (Gaynor Faye) – and given his past history, it’s no surprise folks are a little suspicious.
Frank’s become a regular part of the Dales in recent years, arriving after David Metcalfe (Matthew Wolfenden) made plans to reunite him with his estranged daughter Tracy Shankley (Amy Walsh)
Since then he’s become a very familiar face on the soap – but what do we know about Michael Praed, who plays him?
Well if you were a child of the 80s you’ll recognise him straight away – but for those less familiar with him, here’s what you need to know…
Who is Emmerdale’s Michael Praed and where have you seen him before?
Michael Praed, who is 59, was born on 1 April 1960 in Gloucestershire.
His real name is Michael Prince – with the surname Praed having been chosen at random out of a phone book after he learned there was already a Michael Prince registered with the actors’ union Equity.
Praed starred as the Crown Prince of Moldavia in Dynasty – almost coming to a sticky end (Picture: ABC)
Those who grew up in the 80s may well remember Praed – who was one of the decade’s notable heartthrobs – for his roles in Robin Of Sherwood and the US supersoap Dynasty.
The former, based on the legend of Robin Hood, saw him play Robin Of Loxley, a role he had for the first two series before his character was killed off and replaced by a new Robin Hood, Robert Of Huntingdon (played by Sean Connery’s actor son Jason Connery).
Meanwhile Praed starred in Dynasty as Prince Michael of Moldavia, who married Amanda Carrington (Catherine Oxenberg), daughter of Blake (John Forsythe) and Alexis (Joan Collins).
The wedding was memorable for all the wrong reasons, after a political coup led to terrorists storming the wedding and attempting to massacre the guests.
More recently, Praed has narrated the BBC series Timewatch, and is also known for his stage work, including appearing as Captain Von Trapp in a touring production of The Sound of Music in 2009.
When did Michael Praed join Emmerdale?
The actor made his debut as Frank Clayton in 2016, with the character having been in prison for fraud – and attempting to put his past behind him as he aimed to forge a relationship with Tracy.
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Kate was left distraught after the death of her love, and has since been struggling to get her life back together.
With all this trauma in Kate’s past, and with Faye Brookes’ exit from Corrie confirmed, here’s what we know so far about how Kate is going to leave town.
How does Kate leave Coronation Street?
With her stepmother Jenny (Sally Ann Matthews) growing increasingly frustrated with having Kate around, Kate is due to have some strong words with her ahead of her exit.
The two have been at loggerheads over Johnny’s (Richard Hawley) affections, with Jenny’s dreams of turning the Rovers into a B&B in danger if Johnny funds Kate’s long trip abroad with Imogen (Melissa Johns) like he intends to.
Could Jenny’s, who’s not exactly skilled at making Kate feel welcome, and her resentment push Kate away from Weatherfield even faster?
After the news broke, Faye tweeted to thank fans for their support and hinted that hers could only be a temporary abcence, saying that Kate needs ‘a break for a little while,’ and Corrie bosses said the door would be left open for a possible return.
A Coronation Street spokesperson said in a statement,: ‘Faye is a very talented actress who has put her all into the portrayal of Kate Connor for the past three and a half years, we wish her every success for the future.
‘She will be on screen until early autumn and the door will be left open.’
Ben Mitchell walks into The Archers following Phil’s attack (Picture: BBC)
Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) was left for dead in The Archers after being attacked by Stacey Fowler (Lacey Turner) with a wrench, but now the realisation of what’s happened is set to ripple through Albert Square.
Stacey clubbed Phil with a wrench to stop him from throttling Martin (James Bye), after the latter came between a heated argument Phil was having with Kat (Jessie Wallace).
It’s unclear whether Phil will survive the attack, or exactly how the trio will handle the situation – but it’s believed this could trigger the exit of Lacey as she bows out for maternity leave.
In a coming episode, Phil’s son Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) stumbles into The Archers to catch Stacey, Kat, and Martin red-handed following the incident – but how will he react?
Stacey, Martin and Kat stare down at Phil (Picture: BBC)
Ben was previously seething with rage at his dad after making plans against him – so could he accidentally find himself a prime suspect in the attack by witnessing the aftermath?
Or could Ben have a change of heart seeing his father lying on the ground following the attack? There’s the small matter of him being cut from Phil’s will in favour of Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters) also hanging over Phil’s potential death.
However things pan out, things are set to become especially messy in Albert Square between the Slaters, Fowlers and Mitchells.
Emmerdale’s Mark Jordan was back in court (Picture: PA/ITV)
Emmerdale star Mark Jordon arrived back in court on Wednesday after a jury heard he had been accused of attacking a pensioner, taking cocaine and screaming ‘I’ll f****** kill you’.
Wearing a blue suit with a red tee, Jordon smiled for cameras outside Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court as he arrived for the second day of the trial alongside girlfriend and co-star Laura Norton, 36, who plays Kerry Wyatt in the ITV soap.
On Wednesday, the court heard a transcript from Jordon’s interview with police.
According to the Mail Online, the actor reportedly told officers: ‘I’m only guilty of being insulted by a man who was saying nasty things about my daughter.
‘He was really derogatory and said some vile comments to her.’
He later told the police: ‘I felt really aggrieved that the happiness had stopped. I felt I had every right to try and defend my daughter.
‘I’m not a violent man.’
Emmerdale actor Mark Jordon arrives back in court accused of biting an OAP (Picture: PA)
When asked if alcohol had affected his behaviour, Jordon said: ‘I think the gentleman’s comments affected my behaviour.’
On Monday, Jordon’s co-stars Chris Chittell, who plays Eric Pollard, Nick Miles, who stars as Jimmy King in the soap, and Sammy Winward, who played Katie Sugden, sat in the front row of the public gallery for the hearing.
Jordon, 54, who plays Daz Spencer in the Yorkshire-based soap, was accused of biting 68-year-old Andrew Potts and pushing his partner Rosalind O’Neill after a row broke out in a beer garden in Oldham in 2018.
Giving evidence on Monday, Mr Potts, 68, wiped away tears as he described the ‘frightening’ alleged assault which came after Mrs O’Neill made a disparaging remark about Jordan’s teenage daughter, who was straddling a boy in the beer garden.
The court heard the row broke out outside the Farrars Arms on 1 July when Ms O’Neill commented: ‘I hope they are using protection’; the jury was told Mrs O’Neill apologised when Jordon confronted her, but Mr Potts responded: ‘I wouldn’t let my daughter act like that in front of me.’
Mr Potts then claimed that Jordon was dragged back from him as he screamed: ‘I’ll f****** kill you, you old bastard.’
Mr Potts said he believed the soap star had ‘got a line of coke’ in the pub toilets and told police officers who later arrested the actor that he may have taken drugs.
He said: ‘I said “test him for coke, he’s off his head”. They said to me, “we can’t test him for coke because he wasn’t driving”.’
Mr Potts denied calling Jordon’s daughter a ‘slag’.
Mr Potts denied calling Jordon’s daughter a ‘slag’ (Picture: PA)
He also denied saying he had filmed the girl and would post it on YouTube, but told the court he might have said ‘f*** off, you think you’re clever because you’re on TV’ to Jordon’s girlfriend Norton.
Asked if he had called Jordon a ‘dickhead’, Mr Potts laughed and said: ‘He was acting like one.’
Mr Potts said they left the pub and had walked down the road when a taxi pulled up in front of them and Jordon got out and pushed Mrs O’Neill to the floor.
He said: ‘He then came towards me and he was still screaming and shouting and his face was… it was just horrendous, he was growling like a mad dog.’
Mr Potts said Jordon bit his thumb and the palm of his hand, spitting out a chunk of skin, and the pair of them fell to the ground, where Jordon bit his eyebrow.
He denied a suggestion from Keith Harrison, defending, that he had pushed Mrs O’Neill out of the way before jumping on Jordon’s back and putting his fingers and thumb inside his mouth to grab his cheek.
Mark Jordon plays Daz Spencer in Emmerdale (Picture: Rex)
Judge Mark Savill warned Mr Potts not to discuss his evidence with any other witnesses over the lunchtime adjournment.
However, when court resumed in the afternoon, the jury was told he had phoned Mrs O’Neill.
Mr Harrison said a witness support officer overheard her on the phone saying: ‘I know it’s him… oh that’s not in my statement.’
Mr Potts said he had told her he had ‘cocked up’ his evidence when he said he arrived at the pub on foot, because CCTV showed him arriving in a taxi.
He told the court he had received £400 for two stories which appeared in The Sun newspaper but he denied he had been ‘boasting’ he might make £20,000 out of the case.
Jordon has denied affray, unlawfully wounding Mr Potts and the assault by beating of Mrs O’Neill.
It’s the week after horrific events and Emmerdale village is rocked as the aftermath of a death leads to blame and cover up but can Kerry and Amy Wyatt (Laura Norton and Natalie Ann Jamieson) get away with their crime? Meanwhile, as Jai Sharma (Chris Bisson) is left in despair over his destroyed business, will he strike a deal with evil Kim Tate (Claire King)?
Meanwhile, after his recent actions, Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) fears for his future with Aaron Dingle (DannyMiller) and their surrogacy plans while Debbie Dingle’s (Charley Webb) plans provide an opportunity for Charity (Emma Atkins) – but there’s a catch.
10 Emmerdale spoilers
In the aftermath of the fire, the village continues to reel from a devastating death.
Suspicions increase that Rishi was involved in the blaze growand Manpreet feels the pressure.
Kim has an offer for a shocked Jai but will he make a deal?
As Kerry is investigated, she manages to implicate someone else.
Nate is disappointed that Moira has gone to Scotland.
Debbie is surprised by how well Sarah is taking her move.
Someone is determined to get to the bottom of the death of a loved one.
Charity and Vanessa prepare to move into Debbie’s – but there’s a catch.
Robert fears that Natalie will back out of the surrogacy.
Lives of EastEnders alpha males are hanging in the balance as Mick Carter (Danny Dyer) suffers a terrifying collapse while, in the wake of the violent attack against him, Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) continues to fight for survival. But as he remains on the brink of death, the police are closing in on their culprit and prepare to make an arrest.
In other developments, Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty) is worried for her future with husband-to-be Callum Highway (Tony Clay) as he struggles to find his feelings while writing his wedding vows while Bobby Beale (Clay Milner Russell) gets some support as he strives to follow the Islam path. But will his family be as helpful?
10 EastEnders spoilers
As Phil fights for life, those responsible cover up their actions but the police are closing in.
Ruby makes a mistake when she asks Honey to stop playing loud music.
Denise is annoyed as Sheree makes her prescence felt.
Callum struggles to write his wedding vows and Whitney is worried.
One person learns the shocking truth about Phil’s attack.
Mick feels the pressure over the Vic finances and Ollie’s situation.
Honey lashes out at Billy over his jealousy of Adam.
Iqra supports Bobby as he explores Islam.
Chantelle helps Whitney with her clothing empire but fears Gray’s reaction.
Mick collapses while refereeing a football match.
Monday 5th August
(Picture: BBC)
Sheree is making herself comfortable in Walford and Denise is less than happy but Patrick urges her to go easy. Callum is finding it a struggle to write his wedding vows and as Whitney obliviously basks in her excitement for the big day, it only serves to make him feel worse.
Ruby is wracked with guilt when she berates Honey for playing music too loud, only to realise it’s for Janet. When Linda gets involved and overreacts, Mick feels the pressure. Meanwhile an arrest is made as the news of Phil’s arrest spreads across Albert Square.
Tuesday 6th August
(Picture: BBC)
Tensions are high for the Mitchells as Phil remains on life support but they attempt to put on a united front – however, someone soon learns the shocking truth about what really happened to him and reels.
Elsewhere, the police close in on their prime suspect as the evidence builds – but have they got the right person? Elsewhere, someone is driven to drastic action and gossip spreads over who could have attacked Phil.
Thursday 8th August
(Picture: BBC)
Callum remains at a loss over how to write his vows and Whitney is clearly troubled by this. Mick, Mitch and Stuart all intervene with poor advice but Callum continues to feel the pressure. Honey gives Billy some home truths when he struggles to keep his jealousy over Adam in check.
Mick feels the pressure over Ollie’s situation and the finances at the Vic and Linda is concerned about his stress. Later, as Tina struggles, Mick steps in but he starts to feel the the heat from all angles. Chantelle asks Denise to reduce her hours but Sheree has a solution in mind.
Meanwhile, the police come looking for their prime suspect in Phil’s attack…
Friday 9th August
(Picture: BBC)
As Bobby struggles to find himself, he defends Iqra when she comes up against a difficult customer. Iqra tells him that she knows he is exploring Islam and she encourages him to tell his family before then inviting him to Eid at the Ahmeds’. Habiba sets a trap for Adam after Lola gives her food for thought.
Chantelle helps Whitney with her clothing empire but is anxious of Gray’s reaction when a picture of her is uploaded online. With the stress getting to Mick, he is feeling under the weather as he referees the football match – and suddenly, to everyone’s horror – he collapses.
An Emmerdale character is set to die in a devastating series of events tonight as a fire takes hold in the sweet factory – thanks to Amy and Kerry Wyatt (Natalie Ann Jamieson and Laura Norton). With Amy struggling to pay off the debt she owes someone back in Ireland, Kerry vows to be their for her daughter and comes up with the idea that they raid the charity fund in the safe which was pulled together during Bernice Blackstock’s (Samantha Giles) Wild West event.
As Kerry and Amy sneak into the factory, they get their hands on the cash but when Amy points out there is CCTV, they destroy the camera, unaware that the exposed wires are about to spark a deadly blaze. Meanwhile, Tracy Shankley (Amy Walsh) is left trapped in the nearby store cupboard, having waited for Billy Fletcher (Jay Kontzle) to meet her for a rendezvous.
As the blaze grows, smoke fills the factory and Tracy screams for help – but the handle of the door has broken. Her cries for help may or may not be heard but Tracy and whoever potentially might leap to the rescue will have their lives in serious danger as things get out of hand.
A horrified Kerry and Amy join the rest of the gathered crowd as the fire starts to swallow the factory. And before long, disaster strikes as a violent explosion rips apart the factory. And someone isn’t going to make it out alive.
But has Tracy breathed her last? Or will someone else meet a nasty fate by going in to save her?
And when they realise that their actions have accidentally ended in the worst kind of tragedy, will Kerry and Amy be able to live with themselves? Or will they confess everything to the police – and the destroyed loved ones of the casualty?
Emmerdale airs the scenes on Thursday 1st August at 7pm and 8pm on ITV.
Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) is fighting to survive in EastEnders and whether he will live or die could lie in the hands of his son Ben (Max Bowden). Stacey Fowler (Lacey Turner) was forced to lash out with a wrench and leave Phil in a bad way when she walked in on him brutally throttling her husband Martin (James Bye).
As Stacey, Martin and Kat (Jessie Wallace) consider the enormity of what they have done and whether they should get help for Phil, it is not known if anyone will walk into the Arches or if the first the Mitchells will know of Phil’s situation is when he is loaded into an ambulance.
But EastEnders are not holding back in revealing that Phil’s life is very much on the line as he remains in a coma this week. And with Ben being full of hatred for his father, having planned vengeance since he returned, might he take the opportunity to finish the job that Stacey started and then let her take the blame for murder?
It’s not been a secret that Ben has been hiding a deep loathing for Phil and only returned to destroy him – if he finished him off, he could well step into the breach and try and take over the Mitchell empire, despite being left out of his dad’s will.
Or perhaps his thoughts won’t even be that well considered – perhaps it will be pure hate that might drive him to end Phil’s life for all of the years of suffering he blames his father for?
Of course, it could go the other way – seeing Phil with his life seeping away might open Ben’s eyes to his family values and make him realise that he doesn’t actually want to lose Phil after all.
But that choice may not be his to make…
EastEnders continues on Thursday 1st August at 7:30pm on BBC One.
Stopping for a well-earned break, the 31-year-old picked up a drink at a cafe, holding her daughter to her chest.
However, not everything was smooth sailing for Lacey as she stepped in some dog poo, before taking off her trainer to assess the damage.
The snaps of Lacey getting to enjoying new mum life come after she and Matt, who have been married since 2017, revealed their ‘miracle’ baby’s name.
Telling OK! magazine how they chose her unusual moniker, Lacey said: ‘It wasn’t on our original list but we did an internet search for “pretty girls names” and we both said it at the same time!
‘Her middle name is Violet, which I also love. We’ve had mixed reactions, people either think it’s really cool or they don’t really know what to say!’
Lacey cradled her little one (Picture: BACKGRID / SplashNews.com)
Dusty was born weighing 6lb 7oz, and the couple have said that despite the obvious connection, she wasn’t actually named after singer Dusty Springfield.
When speaking about her pregnancy this time around, Lacey was open about her past miscarriages, saying earlier this year: ‘I can’t wait to nurture our baby – we’ve dreamed of having a family for so long.
She stepped out for a stroll with Dusty (Picture: BACKGRID / SplashNews.com)
‘When you’ve lost babies all you care about is the heartbeat – we’ve had about 12 scans.’
Matt added: ‘I think everything happens for a reason and it does make Dusty being here more special – we’re so lucky to have her in our lives.’
The couple didn’t find out what they were having until the baby was born, but Lacey has admitted she is finding it easier to dress a girl rather than a boy.
She explained: ‘I wouldn’t have minded either way but I always thought it was a girl. Also, it’s easier to dress her in the colours I like!’
Not everything was smooth sailing as she stepped in some dog poo (Picture: BACKGRID / SplashNews.com)
Meanwhile, with the star enjoying some time with her little one, fans are watching out for Stacey’s exit from Walford.
Despite Stacey insisting she doesn’t, Martin isn’t convinced and demands that she prove she wants their marriage to work.
With the pair at each other’s throats, some are convinced their relationship difficulties will lead to Stacey’s exit from Albert Square.
Only time will tell.
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We know that Tracy is due to get trapped in the Sharma sweet factory as a fire – accidentally set by Kerry Wyatt (Laura Norton) and her daughter Amy (Natalie Ann Jamieson) – ravages the building.
The horrific fire will start when Kerry – who wants to help Amy pay off an enemy of hers who’s been demanding money – and her daughter raid the safe at the factory.
However they soon realise that they are being recorded on CCTV, and when they tamper with the equipment, they leave dangerous live wires exposed.
Meanwhile, poor unsuspecting Tracy (Amy Walsh) will be waiting in the stock room to seduce Billy Fletcher (Jay Kontzle) as he said he was going to do some work while the Wild West festivities continue.
But Tracy will come to find that she’s locked in and as the exposed wires spark and start a blaze, she’ll left helpless, trapped and screaming for her life.
We can’t confirm whether or not she’ll make it out alive, but Lucy Shaw previously told Metro.co.uk that Tracy’s life will ‘never be the same again’ as events spiral out of control.
‘We have a big week at the end of the month – Emmerdeadville as we call it,’ she said.
‘Also in the week we have Sharma drama as a fire rips through the factory. It’s caused by two of our villagers who are up to no good behind Jai and Rihsi’s backs.
‘Unbeknown [sic] to anyone, Tracy is trapped in the factory and as the fire takes hold, there’s a huge explosion. Will Tracy get out in time?
‘It’s safe to say there are heartbreaking scenes ahead for the villagers and Tracy’s life will never be the same again.’
Phil was left for dead in the Arches in Tuesday night’s edition of the show after things got extremely tense between him and several other characters.
He had been arguing fiercely with Kat (Jessie Wallace), who was left shaken after he made threats against Tommy – in a day which also saw him lose it with Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters).
Phil’s being carted off on a stretcher – will he survive this latest assault? (Picture: BBC)
However things blew up after Martin waded in in Kat’s defence and Phil lost it, attempting to throttle him.
Until that is Stacey came to his defence by hitting Phil with a wrench, smacking him down into the pit of the garage.
Will Phil Mitchell die in EastEnders?
As it stands there’s been no official confirmation that Phil might die, or that Steve McFadden is leaving the soap.
Previous brushes with the reaper have seen Phil driven into the Thames by his brother Grant, survive a car crash during a camping trip with Ian Beale, set the Queen Vic on fire at the height of his crack cocaine addiction and suffer a heart attack.
And let’s not forget he’s been shot twice – by Lisa in 2001 and Shirley in 2014.
Can he pull through this time also? We’ll just have to keep watching…
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Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) hasn’t had it easy as of late in EastEnders, but things went from bad to worse earlier this week when he learned that dad Phil (Steve McFadden) removed him from his will in favour of Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters). Determined to seek revenge, Ben planned on facing off with Keanu in the Arches — with a gun in tow — but, after making a disturbing discovery during tonight’s episode, he took drastic action.
Upon arriving at the Arches to have it out with Keanu, Ben was shocked to find Kat (Jessie Wallace), Martin (James Bye) and Stacey (Lacey Turner) towering over his dad’s unconscious body. After the initial shock set in, the young man threatened the clan with his gun, telling them that he needed to be the one to sort out this mess. However, it became clear rather quickly that Ben had a plan of his own, and so — before calling the police — he manipulated the situation to his advantage by setting up Keanu for the crime.
Max Bowden spoke to Metro.co.uk about Ben’s decision — and what was going through the character’s mind when he made it: ‘Well, I think Ben’s weighed up with a lot of options, isn’t he? I mean, it’s a massive scenario for him to be walking into at a time when probably everybody’s going to think that it’s Ben because of the nature of what’s just happened. You know, he’s found out that Keanu’s replaced him in the will, he’s been completely shafted by his dad, so I think there’s a lot going on in his head and he’s trying to work out what the best thing to do is — for himself, as much as everyone.’
‘Ben feels as if his father’s always let him down, so he’s in a position now where he is in the power — he’s in the controlling seat — and he actually really has Phil’s life in his hands, and also Keanu’s life in his hands.’
‘I think subconsciously there’s probably a bit of thought about his dad’s wellbeing, but I think he’s more concerned about — if his dad does come back — that Keanu’s out of the picture.’
Given the extent of Phil’s injuries, it’s not currently known if the Mitchell hard-man pulls through, but if he does survive, would his relationship with Ben be salvageable following the young man’s actions? He said: ‘I think it’s definitely going to be a very difficult time if he does find out. We’re talking a man who’s very very very fearless against a son who’s very very very fearless.’
Although Ben is currently in control, Stacey, Martin and Kat are all inadvertently involved too, and their knowledge of the situation could prove detrimental to Ben’s plan — something which has created a rather unique dynamic between all of these characters.
Yes, Phil’s attack has weaved together quite a few separate narrative arcs — a Kate Oates speciality those familiar with her work on Coronation Street and Emmerdale are very much aware of — and, as a result, Ben’s had the opportunity to interact with characters we don’t normally see him interacting with.
‘It’s brought together a lot of narratives which is a massive massive positive of Kate’s reign, you know, she’s amazing at linking stories’, Max said, ‘I think what’s nice now is that Ben’s now developing relationships with characters in which he hasn’t before’.
The next few weeks are no doubt going to be tough for Ben, as he comes to terms with the decision that he’s made — and the ramifications said decision may have for others involved. However, with Callum ‘Halfway’ Highway (Tony Clay) set to wed Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty) at the end of the month, could his mind be somewhere else in entirely?
Max explained: ‘Obviously it’s still bubbling underneath — the whole Callum scenario — and what’s happened in the past, so I think it’s something that may well get revisited, but at the moment it’s very much about Phil’s life, Ben’s life and the compilation of things that are taking place for both of them.’
Covering his tracks is no doubt going to be a huge priority for Ben moving forward and, as a result, it’s safe to assume that he’ll be on tenterhooks in the coming episodes — especially when Phil’s attack becomes the subject of Walford gossip.
‘It’s very much a rollercoaster for Ben in the next couple of weeks,’ he said. ‘It’s a daunting time — a difficult time — but, as an actor, a very very very thrilling time.’
The big question of course, is will there be repercussions? Max commented: ‘Oh absolutely. There’s going to be repercussions for many people.’
EastEnders continues on Friday 2nd August at 8pm on BBC One.
Emmerdale has aired explosive scenes which have seen viewers grieving the loss of Frank Clayton (Michael Praed), who was left dead after being caught in a blast saving his daughter Tracy Shankley (Amy Walsh) from a fire in the sweet factory. Recently seen talking about the importance of family and deciding to seal his future with Megan Macey (Gaynor Faye), ex-con Frank truly had turned over a new leaf.
But fans watched him die in horror as a devastating explosion shattered the factory while he was inside. And Tracy has been left broken and riddled with guilt that her dad has been killed for her. In the aftermath of the explosion, blame will fly left, right and centre as suspicion falls on the Sharmas for what has happened, given the factory was in a financial hole.
However, the true guilty parties are Amy and Kerry Wyatt (Natalie Ann Jamieson and Laura Norton), who accidentally started the fire while stealing charity money from the safe. The scenes spell the end of Michael’s stint in the show after several years.
First revealed as the prisoner dad of Tracy and her sister Vanessa Woodfield (Michelle Hardwick), he quickly became involved in dramatic plots including a sexual encounter with Charity (Emma Atkins), a feud with Cain (Jeff Hordley) and a love rivalry with Graham Foster (Andrew Scarborough).
Gaynor Faye is also due to leave the soap as Megan is left with another death to grieve in the village of the damned.
Frank Clayton’s (Michael Praed) daughter Tracy got trapped in the Sharma sweet factory as a fire – accidentally started by Kerry Wyatt (Laura Norton) and her daughter Amy (Natalie Ann Jamieson) – tore at the building.
Sadly yes, Frank has died in the explosion caused by the factory fire, and since his tragic death was kept top secret in the run-up to the episode, it’s not yet known exactly why Michael Praed has left the soap.
The horrifying blaze began when Kerry and her daughter raided the safe at the factory – a crime that Kerry claimed would be ‘victimless’.
However the two soon realised that they were being caught on CCTV, and when they tried to destroy the footage, they left dangerous live wires exposed.
Will the Kerry and Amy ever be able to cope with the guilt of what their careless actions have caused?
The powers that be behind the scenes at Emmerdale have previously teased that it could have been Tracy who died in the fire, with producer Lucy Shaw telling Meto.co.uk that Lucy’s life would ‘never be the same again’ after the blaze.
She said: ‘We have a big week at the end of the month – Emmerdeadville as we call it.
‘Also in the week we have Sharma drama as a fire rips through the factory. It’s caused by two of our villagers who are up to no good behind Jai and Rihsi’s backs.
‘Unbeknown to anyone, Tracy is trapped in the factory and as the fire takes hold, there’s a huge explosion.
‘It’s safe to say there are heartbreaking scenes ahead for the villagers and Tracy’s life will never be the same again.’
