Jean Slater (Gillian Wright)’s life has been left hanging in the balance in the latest episode of EastEnders, following Sean (Rob Kazinsky)’s return.

Thursday night’s instalment was an intense one, which saw Sean heading for a day out with his mum – and which saw him make a frank confession to her as he struggled with suicidal thoughts.

The pair bonded as Sean shaved her head for her as her hair began to fall out, and they later went for a walk – but disaster struck when Jean fell and cut her leg.

She was later revealed to be bleeding heavily as a result of her chemotherapy treatment thinning her blood, and unsure if she would be able to stem it – leading to Sean confessing that he had killed his dad when he was 16.

As he said he was going to put things right before dashing from their cottage, Jean lost consciousness, sparking fears that she had succumbed to her injury.

Is she dead – and is Sean about to follow suit?

Is Jean leaving EastEnders and does she die?

At the moment we have no idea if Jean is set to die as a result of the accident – so we’ll just have to tune in on Friday to find out what happens next.

However Sean has made his own intentions very clear since reappearing in Albert Square at the end of last week, with Sean part of a storyline which sees him with the intention of making amends ahead of taking his own life.

Speaking to metro.co.uk Rob revealed how intense things will become for Sean, who revealed his intentions as he came to terms with Roxy’s death on Monday night.

‘The week progresses when Sean enters with this idea of what he is going to do. He knows there is a finite amount of time for him to say what he needs to say – he doesn’t want to be here anymore. He is getting things off his chest and reaching that point when he is more and more ready to go.

‘The one thing that has really tortured him for some time is how he has treated his family and how he has blamed his mother for what he has lived for. He spends more time with Jean and sees what she is going through and what he has done to her and he becomes more and more sure of what he wants to do.

‘The beautiful thing about this sequence is that there is somebody else in life who understands suicide, depression and mental health better than him and it’s his mum.’

What happens to Sean Slater?

We’ll have to wait and see how his storyline pans out – but Rob has said it’s going to be extremely powerful.

‘Working with Gillian and Lacey [Turner] always presents unbelievable material. Regardless of your experience of mental health and whether you care about the issues, I think the scenes will engage you.

‘You will be stunned by what Gillian Wright can do every single scene, day after day. 99% of the actors I have worked with couldn’t do this job. This is the hardest job I have ever done – if you can be good in a soap, you can be good in anything.’

EastEnders airs Mondays and Fridays on BBC One at 8pm and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.30pm.

Eric Pollard (Chris Chittell) managed to survive his terrible brain injury in Emmerdale, but some shocking health news reveals he is by far not out of the woods.

Though he seemed to be doing much better, it quickly became clear his life would be put at risk again as he required more surgery on his injuries, and he revealed a further truth that could impact his life forever.

The episode saw Faith (Sally Dexter) beside herself with guilt over the realisation she’d been kissing Bear (Joshua Richards) at the exact moment Eric had been hit by a car, and she avoided the hospital because she couldn’t face Eric knowing what she’d done.

When she eventually gave in and made an appearance, her voice seemed to prompt Eric to wake up from his coma.

He was told he was doing well but would need plenty of rest, and at first everything seemed OK. But then the doctor revealed he’d need further surgery after badly damaging his hip in the accident.

But though the surgery is somewhat routine, could he survive his coma only to die in further surgery?

The police later arrived to question him on what happened and he strangely asked his family to leave so he could speak to them alone. He then made a huge confession – the accident was all his fault.

PC Swirling tried to argue, but Eric was adamant that he was to blame – as he revealed the devastating news that he’s losing his hearing which meant he didn’t even notice the car coming.

Will the truth be enough to see Jamie Tate let off? Will he tell Faith the truth, and will she tell him about Bear?

Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson) is set to make a huge decision as he’s pulled further into the far-right extremist ways of Jonny Baxter (Ray Quinn).

Jonny has so far capitalised on Ste’s grudge against the Maaliks, who he believes are responsible for his sister’s death, in his mission to radicalise him. Ste’s loyalty to Jonny is set to be made clear next week, after Leela (Kirsty-Leigh Porter) discovers the truth about Jonny’s actions.

Leela does some digging to find out more about Amir (Naveed Choudhry) and Shahid Shirani (Alex Williams), who were accused of being a part of a violent gang by Jonny and Stuart (Chris Simmons), who are covering up the fact they were actually victims to the far-right group.

As Leela confronts Amir, he manages to convince her he’s a victim. Sami (Rishi Nair) later offers to help Amir build a legal case against Jonny and Stuart over their claims.

Hearing Amir’s story, Leela confronts Jonny and kicks him out. This decision, however, rubs up Ste the wrong way, who threatens to leave if Jonny’s kicked out.

But will Ste actually leave Leela for Jonny? Or will he realise what Jonny truly is?

Hollyoaks continues weekdays on E4.

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Mercedes McQueen needs to get some things off her chest in upcoming episodes of Hollyoaks – after son Max confesses he doesn’t think she loves him as much as brother Bobby.

Young Max makes his confession to nanny Breda (played by Moya Brady), telling her he feels like he’s second best in the eyes of his mum.

Looking after her grandson, Breda promises to speak to Mercedes (played by Jennifer Metcalfe) about her supposed preferential treatment of Bobby – her biological son – over Max.

Confronting the strong-willed member of the ever-growing McQueen family, Breda demands some answers – and she’s shocked by what the mum-of-two says.

Instead of glossing over Max’s worries – Mercedes confirms them, telling Breda that it’s ‘only natural for her to love Bobby more’.

Probably not something you want to confess to someone like Breda, eh Mercedes?

Mercedes and Breda have been known to butt heads in the past, but would the serial killer do something against one of her own?

While things are getting more complicated for the McQueens (what’s new there though), Maxine is getting herself in trouble with a desperate attempt to prove she’s ‘ill’.

Ending up back in hospital, she tells Liberty that she needs to confess the truth to Damon.

But then Damon gets down on one knee and proposes and suddenly she’s not so sure…

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Louise Mitchell (Tilly Keeper) has been through a heck of a lot of late but it’s nothing compared to what she’s about to experience in EastEnders.

Kidnap and fighting for her life were big enough problems to deal with, now she’s got an unexpected pregnancy on her plate too. And not just that.

She’s reeling from the discovery, and finally opens up to Bex Fowler (Jasmine Armfield) about the bombshell discovery.

With some encouragement from her best mate, Louise decides to tell Keanu (Danny Walters), but is she ready to tell him and is he ready to hear?

She tracks him down and blurts it all out, but before he has a chance to speak, she runs off and he’s left at a loss. He turns to Karen Taylor (Lorraine Stanley) for advice who gives him a big reality slap.

He tries to reach out to Louise but she ignores his call as she’s fearful of what he might say about it all, and she’s near Sharon (Letitia Dean) at the time.

She later plucks up the courage to go and see him, but when she does she makes a terrible discovery that leaves her questioning everything. What will she do about the baby?

Yasmeen Nazir (Shelley King) looks set to be in danger when Geoff Metcalfe (Ian Bartholomew) loses his temper in Coronation Street.

Geoff wants to spend time alone with Yasmeen, but she doesn’t seem to be quite so keen. What’s putting her off?

Geoff persuades Tim (Joe Duttine) to cancel coming round for dinner and prepares a romantic meal for him and Yasmeen. But his loved up plans are thwarted and he’s left fuming when Alya (Sair Khan) is also there.

Realising she’s not wanted, Alya leaves and Yasmeen is disappointed.

Her reaction enrages Geoff who loses his temper, accusing her of doing anything she can to avoid time alone with him. As Geoff storms out, Yasmeen looks on in utter disbelief. What’s his problem?!

She later apologises to him and asks him to come back to the house. He’s glad to have got his own way but things go downhill when he takes offence and flips out over something tiny – she accidentally mistakes his dumplings for cauliflower.

Easy mistake to make, Yasmeen.

Is Geoff heading down a dark path with Yasmeen?

There’s nothing quite like a familiar face popping back to soap so how about six? As Max Branning (Jake Wood), Mick Carter (Danny Dyer) and Arshad and Mariam Ahmed (Madhav Sharma and Indira Joshi) all arrive back in EastEnders, Norris Cole (Malcolm Hebden) returns to Coronation Street while Nicole Owen (Ciara Johnson) is back in Hollyoaks.

Over in Emmerdale, the repercussions from the night out that changed everything are felt as flashbacks reveal the true extent of the horrors. But is Maya Stepney (Louisa Clein) dead – and just what did Victoria Barton (Isabel Hodgins) endure?

Here are the latest spoilers:

EastEnders

1. Ben may have met his match in Rainie when he tries to cross her but after he then calls in a favour and arranges for all of the cars at the lot to be stolen, she fights back and he is left making more plans.

2. After Rainie spots Stuart with Bex after they leave an NA meeting together, she gets the wrong impression and tells Sonia that Stuart has been hanging around with a schoolgirl, forcing him to face some very awkward questions.

3. The Atkins family move into the new house with Chantelle taking control but she is soon at odds with Karen who is trying to flog some of Kim’s stuff. It’s when Kim and Karen are fighting that Gray and the kids turn up.

4. It’s Tina’s birthday and Shirley refuses to reveal her present until later. Eventually, she takes Tina and Linda down to the barrel store where they find a returned Mick. And soon Mick and Linda are looking to the future.

5. Max returns to Albert Square and desperately tries to make things up to Rainie but they soon have other concerns when Ben and Jay confront them with the fact that Jay still officially owns the car lot land.

6. Louise discovers that she is pregnant and Bex encourages her to tell Keanu who is then given some food for thought by Karen. But when he eventually catches up with Louise, what will his reaction be?

7. Iqra and Habiba are thrown into a panic when Arshad and Mariam suddenly return home and they have some explaining to do.

Coronation Street

8. Norris is back in Weatherfield and he stuns Mary with the announcement that he wants to marry Freda so he needs a divorce. But when Mary suspects that Freda is not to be trusted, she refuses to give Norris a divorce.

9. Geoff is angry when he fails to get time alone with Yasmeen again and he accuses her of avoiding him before angrily storming out. Later, he is annoyed with her again when he things his dumplings are cauliflower.

10. Bethany helps Ryan to get a DJ gig at Speed Daal and when he moves in for a kiss she instantly recoils. Later, Ryan makes a move on Alya but when Bethany clarifies she is interested, she was just taken aback, he is left in hot water.

11. When Peter suggests that he is going to leave his treatment early in order to continue the search for missing Carla, Michelle determines to stop him and track Carla down himself so he doesn’t get ill again.

12. Paula and Sally catch up and Paula is disappointed when Sophie doesn’t turn up for lunch. But soon they reconcile and decide to go on a trekking holiday together. Sally is delighted that they have patched things up.

13. Michelle is surprised that Robert is offering a reward for information on Carla and later, Robert makes a shocking discovery of his own.

Emmerdale

14. In the wake of the horrific night out, Ellis recovers after being stabbed but is Billy responsible for his injuries? Troubled by what went on, Billy recalls the events to a stunned Aaron and Ellis but what is the truth?

15. Maya is missing after a woodland showdown with Leyla, Tracy and Pria and feared dead. When her scarf is found but there’s no sign of her, tensions rise and questions are asked about her fate.

16. Moira finally gets through to Victoria and prompts her to make an emotional confession about what happened to her on the night out when she was left alone outside the nightclub after the fire alarm.

17. In the wake of kissing someone else while drunk during the night out, Rhona is overwhelmed with guilt and as it mounts, she worries that Pete will never forgive her for what she has done.

19. Moira consoles Victoria and tries to do everything she can to get her through her ordeal.

Hollyoaks

20. Maxine is upset with Damon for going back to work and has a go at him – and when a banner falls on her in the club, she instinctively catches it with her ‘bad’ arm. After Damon shakes off his suspicions, he proposes to her.

21. James buys a car as a gift for Harry to show off his love and commitment to him as well as his gratitude but a mix up leaves Romeo believing that it’s for him.

22. Leela meets Amir and tells him he has the wrong impression about Ste while Sami helps Amir build a case. But when Amir’s shop is attacked, Sami confronts Jonny and Stuart, causing Ste to lose his cool and attack them.

23. As Breda doubts that Mercedes has the same love for Max that she does for Bobby, Nicole turns up and when Max wants to leave with her, Mercedes sets out to prove that she can be a good mother to him and she loves him.

24. Ollie and Brooke make the joint decision that they are going to have sex but Ollie opens up about his concerns to Brody. On the night, will the young couple go through with it?

25. Nancy learns the full truth about Kyle and brands him a coward but he determines to make amends.

What’s next?

• One character makes a return home but they walk straight into a conflict and make a shocking declaration that leaves their loved ones flawed.
• Someone is subjected to a terrifying attack and has only one person to rely on to save them.
• A wife encourages her husband to commit crime as a means to sort their money problems but it badly backfires.
• A loved up couple decide to get engaged.
• Someone reveals a tragic secret and ends up facing a backlash.

It’s been several weeks since Robbo (Jake Ryan) walked out of the Bay, leaving Jasmine (Sam Frost) heartbroken, Tori (Penny McNamee) feeling guilty over her pregnancy and Willow (Sarah Roberts) to manage the gym with Mason (Orpheus Pledger). Tori’s 12-week scan date has arrived, and Jasmine does her best to calm her. Tori wishes that Robbo were there, then realises who she’s with and immediately apologises for being insensitive.

However, Jasmine dismisses it and admits that she believes Robbo is never coming back and they just have to move on. Tori also accepts this, but asks if Jasmine can film the ultrasound in case Robbo does come back.

Everything is going well during the ultrasound when Robbo suddenly walks in, surprising everyone. Jasmine walks out, followed by him, and Tori has to explained to a confused doctor that Robbo’s the father.

Jasmine refuses to even acknowledge Robbo, so he returns to the ultrasound room, where he and Tori get emotional looking at their baby for the first time. Later on, Tori admits she thought he’d never come back. However, Robbo says he just needed some time to think so was travelling around, blocking out all contact.

Meanwhile, Jasmine unloads to her friends, feeling hurt and confused. She’s angry that she spent months waiting for him to come back, and finally it was a message from Tori which got him to return.

Tori convinces Jasmine that she should meet up with Robbo, to get the answers she needs. At Salt, Robbo tells Jasmine that he went to visit his parents so he could sort his head out. But an incredulous Jasmine can’t believe he didn’t bother to call or text for 6 weeks, and tells Robbo it’s over…

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Following the fateful Emmerdale night out, Rhona Goskirk (Zoe Henry) is consumed with guilt, having cheated on her partner Pete Barton (Anthony Quinlan) while drunk in the nightclub. But who did she kiss and will she be forced to confess to Pete what she did leading to a split?

Ever since her hysterectomy, Rhona has been struggling to cope with the speed at which her life is changing and the fact that she and Pete can’t have children is never far from her mind – especially when she saw him chatting with Sarah and Jack.

When she learned that Pete had told Debbie (Charley Webb) that she was going through the menopause, she was mortified and decided to prove that she was still young by heading on the night out which has already changed several lives.

Soon, Rhona had far too much drink and she ended up kissing someone and in the wake of this, she is full of regret and guilt.

But will she keep her indiscretion a secret from Pete – or will she be forced to confess? And is this the end of the road for her and Pete?

Maxine Minniver’s lies are beginning to catch up with her on this week’s Hollyoaks – so is she going to confess? Or is she going to dig deeper in her bid to keep beau Damon?

In upcoming episodes, Maxine (played by Nikki Sanderson) puts her foot right in it as she jumps to help catch a falling sign, using her supposed ‘bad’ arm that has been out of action for a while.

The move immediately makes Brody (Adam Woodward) suspicious, and sends Maxine into panic mode.

Maxine’s character is currently dealing with Munchausen’s – a psychological disorder in which people fakes sickness or creates symptoms of illness in a bid for care and attention.

But with her boyfriend Damon’s best mate Brody catching on to her, the time has come for her to decide whether or not to come clean.

Speaking ahead of next week’s drama, Nikki explained: ‘I think she believes that she’s been caught out. For a long time, that arm has been essentially dead to her and she hasn’t been able to use it.

‘She does think she’s been called out because how can you explain that she can now lift her arm? She has to think on her feet.’

‘I think Maxine would be devastated if she was called out because the whole point of this was to keep Damon (Jacob Roberts) and obviously once she’s caught out she will lose him,’ she added.

‘She would be devastated for hurting and lying to everybody and for all the deceitful things she has done. She’s going to be worried about losing everybody around her.’

So…she steals Jack’s heart medication and ends up back in hospital, with Damon devoutly by her side as always.

Finally realizing she may have taken things a step too far, Maxine admits to Liberty that it’s time to tell Damon the truth.

But then he gets down on one knee, and proposes marriage, throwing her thoughts into a tailspin once more.

Will Damon’s proposal finally make Maxine confess?

‘I don’t think the proposal will make confess,’ Nikki admitted. ‘I think Maxine’s end game is to be married to Damon, and to secure her future with him, so I don’t think the proposal would be enough for her to stop.’

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It’s been an unsettling week for Coronation Street fans after losing three huge characters in quick succession.

First Faye Brookes revealed she’s quitting her role as Kate Connor, then it was reported Katie McGlynn, who plays cancer stricken Sinead Tinker, has also chosen to leave, followed by Lucy Fallon revealing her decision not to renew her contract as Bethany Platt.

Tristan Gemmill and Kym Marsh also previously announced they would both be leaving their respective roles of Robert Preston and Michelle Connor. Bhavna Limbachia quit her role as Rana Habeeb last month.

There was speculation that their decisions had been influenced by workload and busy filming schedules, but both Faye and Lucy have since explained their reasons for leaving.

Lucy, who has played Bethany since 2015, will leave at the end of her contract in 2020, and she tweeted that it had been a hard decision to make.

‘Just to clarify, my decision to leave was made in August last year and has nothing to do with ANYONE at Coronation Street,’ she said. ‘I didn’t make it lightly and I am going to miss every single person there. Excited for my final year at the best place! Woo (sic).’

She added that the decision to announce her departure now had been taken out of her hands.

‘Would’ve liked the chance to announce this in my own time lol… however, after the most incredible 4 years, I have made the extremely difficult decision to leave Coronation Street at the end of my contract in 2020,’ she told fans.

‘It’s hard to put into words how much this show means to me. I’ve made lifelong friends with some of the most talented and hardworking people in the industry, I’ve had some terrific and immensely important storylines and I’ve laughed with the best people everyday. I’m so thankful to Iain and everyone at Coronation Street, I owe everything to them and I will miss them greatly. Thank you so much for your support and love… can’t wait to see what’s in store for Bethany this year. (sic).’

Faye confused fans with her shock decision, having said in an interview just a month before that she wasn’t ‘going anywhere’.  But sources close to Faye have reportedly confirmed some fans’ theories that she’s leaving to focus on her upcoming wedding to Gareth Gates.

An insider told The Sun Online: ‘Kate has loved every minute on ‘Corrie’ but she is completely committed to Gareth and making their marriage work.

‘She nearly lost him once when they split up so she’s determined to make it work this time but it’s really hard with her filming schedule and their academy.’

They added: ‘They’re also looking to the future and starting a family, which would be tricky when she’s still on the show.’

Crucially, in her announcement Faye did make it clear that her character is heading on a ‘break’ and that it might not be a permanent exit.

She wrote: ‘Thanks to everyone for your amazing support, but after 4 fabulous years in Weatherfield it’s time for me to explore new opportunities, I’ve loved playing Kate Connor, but she needs a break for a little while and so with a song in my heart I’m off to pastures new. (sic).’

Fingers crossed that’s the last of our favourites leaving for the time being!

Coronation Street’s Brooke Vincent, who plays Sophie Webster, is clearly loving being an expectant mum and she is positively glowing because of it.

The star enjoyed a relaxing spa break at a local Manchester hotel, where she was thrilled to experience her first antenatal massage and indulge in the relaxation that pregnancy calls for.

‘My antenatal massage was my first and just AMAZING!’ she wrote. ‘After a week of sneezing and coughing it was just what the doctor ordered.’

She shared an image of herself fondly cradling her baby bump in a pink swimsuit while sat beside a pool.

The actress then added a second picture of herself, dubbing it ‘Instagram vs Reality’ which saw her laughing and cupping her face in her hands.

The post was absolutely flooded with well wishes from her co-stars, with former Corrie actor Ryan Thomas writing: ‘Love you’ with a heart emoji.

Michelle Keegan wrote: ‘There she is… xxx’ with her husband Mark Wright adding heart emojis too.

Samia Longchambon, who plays Maria, wrote: ‘U look beautiful Mama Brooke,’ and Sally Ann Matthews, who plays Jenny, concurred: ‘You Beauty!! x’

Brooke will be exiting the soap in coming weeks as she heads on maternity leave, which, although expected, will be a blow for the soap after having lost seven huge faces in quick succession.

Faye Brookes (Kate Connor) and Lucy Fallon (Bethany Platt) both announced their decisions to leave the soap in the coming months, and were both later forced to clarify after speculation arose that it was due to gruelling work schedules.

The show will also be losing Tristam Gemmill as Robert Preston, and Kym Marsh as Michelle Connor in the coming months. Katie McGlynn has also reportedly decided to quit as Sinead Tinker, and earlier this year viewers watched as Bhavna Limachia’s character Rana Habeeb was killed off.

There will be joy for Sophie Webster in the coming weeks after Paula Martin’s (Stirling Gallacher) return as a reunion for the pair has been confirmed. Could that be part of Brooke’s exit storyline?

Carrot penis chat might be the least of our worries when Sally and Tim Metcalfe get talking absolute filth in tonight’s episode of Coronation Street as Sally is on a mission-ary to get Tim back in tip top shape.

Sally is determined to make her hubby healthier – hence the sudden appearance of the phallic vegetable which showed up when she attempted to prep him a nutritious meal – but Sally knows it’s not just diet that will keep his ticker in order.

Gary might finally find himself in some work as the neighbours could be calling for some sound proofing judging by Sally’s plans.

The carrot may well have been a foreshadowing of what’s to come, pardon the expression, as Sally engages in a graphic chat with Tim tonight as she explains that to get him back to fitness they need to be doing a lot more horizontal dancing.

As Tim resorts to throwing away all of his favourite snacks in a bid to save his own life, Sally cheers him up that while he might have to ditch the sweet treats, he can have a piece of crumpet instead.

Utter Smut. And before the watershed too.

So the pair are set to embark on a stringent exercise routine that will involve three excessive cardio sessions a week and god help their poor lodger Abi. But can Tim rise to the challenge?

With Sophie set to leave as actress Brooke Vincent heads on maternity leave, could they be turning her bedroom into their own red room a la Christian Grey?

Coronation Street Lates is but a step away…

If you are an EastEnders fan, you will appreciate just how much tonight’s episode is the soap at the top of the game. If you’re not, now is the time to watch as it goes beyond a bit of drama and scandal – the topic covered so brilliantly by writers, producers, crew and actors Rob Kazinsky and Gillian Wright as Sean and Jean Sater makes this the year’s must watch episode for non-fans or casual viewers.

It has taken a lot to persuade Rob to reprise the role, he told me in our in depth interview once he had finished filming the final scenes of this stint. Not because he is snobby about returning to a soap – he made it very clear with an on point rant that he feels the very opposite – but over the years when approached the timing or the story haven’t been quite right.

This time, the mental health storyline of a tortured Sean contemplating suicide was spot on for Rob and one he wanted to tell both for the impact on the audience and how it really makes sense after what Sean has done and endured but also because he believes that it will save lives.

And with the reach EastEnders has, he’s not wrong. Historically, storylines such as the footballer abuse in Hollyoaks and Aidan’s death in Coronation Street have led to massive surges in viewers seeking support.

And after tonight, Rob believes – and hopes – that it will be no different.

He explained to me: ‘Every couple of years I’d get a phone call asking if I’m interested and it was always no. I have always been very busy and I know what a commitment it is to come back. This year, it’s been 10 years since I went – I left in January 2009 so I thought if ever there was a chance to mark it, this would be it. So I wanted to have a chat and see what they were thinking. I spoke to Kate Oates, who is the most convincing human being on the planet.

‘To her credit, e worked together from that point to craft something. Over the last 10 years of my life, suicide has become a really prevalent part of it. I have lost close friends. I have seen it up close from the degradation to the completion.

‘I have struggled with depression in my life – 40% of people will be diagnosed with a mental health condition in their lifetime and those are only the people who go and actually get help. Mental health doesn’t just affect the person but also the people around them.

’27 men a day take their own lives in the UK every day, many of them are under 35. Suicide is the second largest killer in America – this is a pandemic. We’re too afraid to talk about it.

‘Kate and I talked about that. What I wanted to do is talk about it and the one place you have always been able to do that because it is socially responsible is EastEnders.’

Raising discussion and encouraging people to talk about their mental health was clearly Rob and Kate’s driving force behind this storyline and already it is paying off. But tonight’s highly charged episode is the peak of the a massive build up – and could save lives.

Rob said, with a great passion and hope: ‘We reach millions of people a week – if 1% of people are helped by what we’re doing with Sean then that’s a huge amount of people who might reach out. What I wanted to say more than anything is that when you are in that place when you feel there is no way out, you have to ask for help. I have lost too many friends who didn’t and it was such a shock – they seemed so fine and that’s always the way.

‘What I wanted to show was even someone like Sean Slater – someone with so many barriers and guards and such broad shoulders – he needs help and he can ask for it. Him asking for help is the one thing I wanted to show people. That will save your life and it’s okay to need help.

‘If I am able to do that then there was no way I wasn’t coming back to try that. If 0.1% of people speak out after watching this storyline, that’s a lot of lives saved. The inherent responsibility of making this kind of stuff is constantly underestimated.’

And beyond the ending to Sean’s strand, Rob hopes that the character’s lasting legacy will be a contribution to the discussion around male mental health and depression continuing.

He said: ‘I want the conversation to continue from here. The message I really wanted to get across is to talk to someone – even if you’re feeling fine, check in with someone. It’s good to talk and have that support system. Just talk to your friends, anybody. If I could make this storyline last six months then I would just so people wouldn’t miss it.’

The dramatic continuation of the storyline airs on Friday 3rd May at 8pm on BBC One.

It’s the question on many an Emmerdale fan’s lips – what happened to Maya Stepney (Louisa Clein)?

Maya has disappeared off the face of the Earth since that fateful night, at the nightclub where her abuse of Jacob Gallagher (Joe-Warren Plant), but one theory might just crack the case of where she might be.

It seems like Leyla Harding (Roxy Shahidi) has murdered the teacher for her disgusting abuse of the teenager, as she and Tracy Shankley (Amy Walsh) have been desperately trying to cover their tracks and seemingly hide a body in a suitcase.

But there could be a huge curve ball. What if she’s alive ? Right now as far as the girls are concerned Maya is never coming back, and David Metcalfe (Matthew Wolfenden) is happily living in the belief that Jacob is safely in Portugal with his mum.

What if Jacob never made it to Portugal? What if he sacked off going abroad and went to find Maya instead? He already diverted from the airport once – which resulted in him being caught snogging Maya outside the nightclub.

No one has been in contact properly with either the lad or his mum Alicia – when David went to contact Alicia to tell her about Pollard’s accident, he was told to leave Jacob be – so could Jacob have played the two parents off against each other, spinning them both yarns about his whereabouts, leaving them both none the wiser?

One fan theorised: ‘No way is Jacob in Portugal. It’s so obvious. I mean nobody has even spoken to him since he left, only text. He is probably shacked up somewhere with MIA Maya. Until they make their return.’

Ooof. Like I said, Curve ball.

Or perhaps Jacob really is in Portugal and Maya really was lying dead in that suitcase. Who knows, eh?

Whatever has really happened, it’ll all be revealed next week when a series of flashbacks to that huge night unveils what really happened in those woods, what happened to Victoria, and who stabbed Ellis!

Lucy Fallon, aka Bethany Platt from Coronation Street, has joined the ranks of those who are leaving the beloved ITV soap.

Lucy’s exit announcement comes in the wake of similar announcements from Michelle Connor (who plays Kym Marsh), Robert Preston (Tristan Gemmill), Gina Seddon (Connie Hyde), Faye Brookes (Kate Connor), Rana Habeeb (Bhavna Limbachia), with Katie McGlynn also thought to be leaving her role as Sinead Tinker.

So why is Lucy Fallon quitting the soap she’s worked on for the last four years?

Here’s everything we know so far…

Why is Lucy Fallon leaving Coronation Street?

It seems that Lucy is taking her leave of Coronation Street when her contract ends on 2020, with a view to pursuing ‘other projects’.

On the subject of her departure, Lucy said on Twitter: ‘After the most incredible 4 years, I have made the extremely difficult decision to leave Coronation Street at the end of my contract in 2020. It’s hard to put into words how much this show means to me.

‘I’ve made lifelong friends with some of the most talented and hardworking people in the industry, I’ve had some terrific and immensely important storylines and I’ve laughed with the best people everyday.

‘I’m so thankful to Iain and everyone at Coronation Street, I owe everything to them and I will miss them greatly.’

She also wrote: ‘Just to clarify, my decision to leave was made in August last year and has nothing to do with ANYONE at Coronation Street,’ she said. ‘I didn’t make it lightly and I am going to miss every single person there. Excited for my final year at the best place! Woo (sic).’

Meanwhile, producer Iain Macleod said: ‘Lucy advised us at the start of this year that she would like to leave at the end of her current contract in 2020 to pursue other projects. She is an amazing performer and has been at the centre of some huge stories for us during her time on the show.

‘I have no doubt that her stellar career will continue beyond the cobbles and would like to wish her all the best in whatever she does next – starting with the brilliant final chapter of Bethany’s story!’

Lucy first started on Corrie back in March 2015, where she instantly made an impression as the feisty Bethany.

Bethany’s standout storyline was when she was groomed by the devious Nathan back in 2017 – the same year in which she won Best Actress at the Inside Soap Awards.

As she leaves the soap, Lucy could very well find herself following in the footsteps of other Corrie actors, like Suranne Jones, Katherine Kelly and Michelle Keegan, who have all gone on to have successful careers outside of the soap in television dramas.

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Don’t panic, Coronation Street bosses. If you’re at a loss as to how to fill the void of the recently announced exits, Heather Trott has got your back.

There’s been a sudden flurry of exits from Coronation Street, some confirmed, some only reported at this stage, but if bosses are looking for replacements, Heather Trott actress Cheryl Fergison is ready and willing to help out.

The former EastEnders actress has plenty of experience in soapland, having played Heather from 2007 until 2012, when she was brutally murdered by Ben Mitchell. She’s now taken to Instagram to ask for a role in a soap that might now have a few vacancies.

She wrote on Instagram: ‘Ok …so @coronationstreet actresses seem to be leaving one by one ….well this actress right here would be very happy treading the cobbles if there was a spare role going ? #comeoncorrie #takeachanceonme #vision #characterday’

Could she be a shoe-in as a replacement?

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The soap has had seven stars quit in the last few weeks, with Bhavna Limachia, Kym Marsh, Tristan Gemmill, Connie Hyde, Faye Brookes, Lucy Fallon, and reportedly Katie McGlynn all leaving their roles at the end of their contracts.

While it had been claimed the workloads of the stars could be a motivating factor, Lucy took to Twitter to clarify that she’d chosen to leave to spread her wings, while Faye Brookes is said to be leaving Kate Connor behind to focus on her wedding.

So could there be an opportunity for Cheryl to rock up on the cobbles? Watch this space!

Lucy Fallon – who plays Bethany Platt – is the latest in the Coronation Street crew to announce they’ll be leaving the soap.

So far, a whole host of actors have revealed they’ll be leaving (or have left already this year), with the list so far consisting of, as well as Lucy:

• Faye Brookes, who plays Kate Connor
• Bhavna Limbachia, who played Rana Habeeb
• Connie Hyde, who plays Gina Seddon
• Kym Marsh, who plays Michelle Connor
• Tristan Gemmill, who plays Robert Preston
• Brooke Vincent, who plays Sophie Webster (who is just taking a leave of absence)
• Katie McGlynn, who plays Sinead Tinker

It’s quite the roster, and has left fans wondering why there seems to be a mutiny on the bounty down in Weatherfield.

One Twitter user said: ‘Can someone tell me why loads of the cast of Coronation Street are leaving I have a feeling it’s something to do with it getting to stressful for the cast and having so many episodes a week and also the fact Iain is the producer but that’s just my guesses’.

Another mused: ‘Surely something isn’t right at Coronation Street for some of the best cast members to be leaving. especially those who have had big storylines. What a shambles’.

Cast changes aren’t uncommon in the world of soap, and Coronation Street is no different. It’s just the fact that these have all occurred in such quick succession that’s led to speculation about what goes on behind the scenes.

The Sun have hinted at a crisis on the cobbles, blaming ‘gruelling hours, poor pay, and a toxic atmosphere’ for the exodus.

However, Lucy Fallon commented on her leaving saying ‘Just to clarify, my decision to leave was made in August last year and has nothing to do with ANYONE at Coronation Street’ and Faye Brookes is purported to be taking time out to spend time with her fiance Gareth Gates and ‘explore new opportunities’.

It could very well just be bad timing that has triggered rumours, and the stars are staying steadfast that they’re heading off on good terms and on to pastures new.

MORE: Former EastEnders actress Cheryl Fergison asks Coronation Street bosses for job in wake of mass exits

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Norris Cole (Malcolm Hebden) is due back to Coronation Street any day now… But of course there will be a mix-up in the process.

There is a huge misunderstanding, as Freda (Ali Briggs) turns up at No. 3 without Norris.

Mary (Patti Clare) sees Freda in their house with an urn of ashes and a photo of the Kabin owner, after Freda says to her that Norris has asked her to sell the house.

It puts Mary into defence mode, and she is sure that Freda has done away with her friend (and husband), with a fight ensuing. Thankfully Norris pulls up shortly after so it call all be broken up, but Mary is still left wondering what’s going on.

But who is Freda, and why is she so keen to get her claws into Norris?

It’s not the first time we’ve seen Freda in Weatherfield, as she is Emily Bishop’s niece.

She initially disliked Norris (he is an acquired taste) but gradually formed a bond with him and they became close.

Freda and Norris’ joint dislike of his brother Ramsay was partly what brought them together, but their joint £1,000 competition win was likely also to do with it.

Later on in the soap, Freda moved to Edinburgh, with Emily following to look after her as she was ill.

It appears that when Norris joined them is when they’ve struck up a relationship, and Norris is now going to ask Mary for a divorce so he can marry Freda instead.

It’s not like Mary to take suspicious behaviour lying down, so whether everything goes ahead is still to be seen.

MORE: Former EastEnders actress Cheryl Fergison asks Coronation Street bosses for job in wake of mass exits

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Coronation Street fans will be missing Norris Cole (Malcolm Hebden) and his quirky ways.

It’s been over a year since we’ve seen Norris, as actor Malcolm took time off to recover from a heart attack last Summer. It was serious business, with Malcolm saying that he was in an induced coma for the majority of December.

With that in mind, it was surprising to some when he confirmed he’d be coming back to the show.

Everything is not as it seems upon his ‘return’ however, as Freda (Ali Briggs) turns up with an urn and a picture of Norris rather than the man himself.

ITV released pictures of Norris’ return storyline back in March with accompanying captions read: ‘Mary is horrified to find Freda at Number 3 with an urn! What has she done?’

This left many people worrying that he wasn’t coming back at all and he’d actually died, but is that true?

We can confirm that Norris is definitely not dead.

The urn situation all turns out to be one big misunderstanding (although ITV haven’t yet revealed who is actually in it) that got Mary (Patti Clare) losing her cool.

When Freda comes back to No. 3 saying Norris has ordered her to sell her the house, Mary’s back is up, and she gets the wrong end of the stick after seeing her with the urn of ashes.

However, when a fight breaks out between Freda and Mary, Norris returns just in the nick of time to break things up.

Coronation Street boss Iain MacLeod said last month: ‘One hundred per cent Norris is not leaving the show. We just thought that given the circumstances given we find ourselves in it made sense to put a family in number three but it’s certainly not the end of Norris. On both our parts we hope to have him back for good.’

Now we’ll just have to see what Freda’s up to first.

MORE: Former EastEnders actress Cheryl Fergison asks Coronation Street bosses for job in wake of mass exits

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