Soaps preview - 30 January - 3 February


Coronation Street


The day of reckoning is here as Frank's trial begins. But it doesn't feel like the rapist is on trial – it's all about Carla. Though she gives emotional testimony about how Frank raped her, she's questioned about her relationship with Peter and is clearly uncomfortable.

With Trish's picture of her snogging the face off Peter in reserve, Frank's defence lawyer doesn't press further. Later Maria is cross-examined and gives a compelling account of when Frank pounced on her – but she's made to look foolish by Frank's lawyer (tough job). She's followed by Peter and that's when the dam breaks. He denies allegations that he's having an affair with Carla – but at just that moment Anne hands the picture of them kissing to Leanne in the public gallery.

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Leanne's reaction is enough. It becomes clear to everyone – and most importantly the jury - that the pair have been lying. When the furore dies down, Anne, Sally and Frank head off for a celebratory drink, while Peter searches for Leanne.

Leanne is pouring out her heart to Stella, including (important plot point alert) telling her it was Carla who ran her over, not Frank. Peter tracks her down and tries to explain how sorry he is. Leanne's furious when she thinks over how many times he's lied about seeing his counsellor. But when she's calmed down, she tries to salvage their relationship. She points out that Peter forgave her for her affair with Nick, so maybe she could do the same – and that's what devastated Simon would prefer too.

But Peter has to tell her that he's in love with Carla and what they have is different. Heartbroken, the pair part company.

The next day, Frank gives his evidence, lying through his teeth about the rape. The jury retire to consider their evidence. Can they possibly believe Carla?

Also this week: Jason risks his job to win Rosie a job as a road safety model – but their libido gets them in trouble.



EastEnders



Now Phil is in jail, there's only one gangster ruling the Square (incidentally, why do 'EastEnders' still live in the Kray era and insist on having an old-school gangster running the Square? It's not like the Mitchell empire amounts to much, is it? A garage really. Anyway, we digress...) and that's Derek Branning. So it's bad news for Anthony and Tyler Moon when they realise they can't afford to pay him the money they owe for the white goods he gave them to sell.

Their schemes to come up with the missing cash all fail. First they try to charge Patrick rent but he's skint, then they plan to sell an expensive necklace – but a smitten Anthony ends up gifting it to Amira. Then they put some money on a horse. It doesn't win.

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So tails between their legs, they head to Derek. He very kindly gives them a way out, either they have their legs broken or they help him with a robbery. They agree to help with the robbery.

It's then that they have a touching reunion with half-brother Michael, as they finally ask him for help. He won't give them the money – but instead comes up with a cunning plan. Unfortunately, as previously discussed in this column, Michael's cunning plans have all been rubbish. As is this one, where he tells the police the robbery is about to take place, locks up his brothers so they can't take part and tries to set up Derek to be arrested.

But his brothers escape and instead of Derek being banged up for his crimes, he realises what's happened and gets away with revenge high on his agenda. There's going to be blood spilt.

Also this week: Shirley tries to win back Ben by killing him with kindness – but though he agrees to see Phil in prison, the visit doesn't go as planned.


Emmerdale

We all knew this saviour sibling thing was going to be difficult. And Cameron is finding it hardest of all – particularly now that Debbie is pregnant by Andy.

Cameron blames Andy for the news getting out in the village. Debbie realises something is up when Alicia congratulates her publicly and she's annoyed particularly as village gossip Pearl overhears.

And things get worse as Jacob tells Sarah that her mum is having a baby and Cameron's heart sinks when he realises that Sarah knows.

Cameron tells Debbie that he thinks it might have come from Andy, and the situation takes its toll on Debbie when Sarah asks if the new baby means she'll now get better.

Infuriated, Cameron takes the matter into his own hands as he meets Andy secretly and gives him a dark warning to stay away from Debbie. But it'll take more than that to warn off the pig-headed Andy Sugden, won't it? Yes.

Also this week: Moira is heartbroken when John starts flirting with Chas in the Woolpack.