SOAP WATCH

JACI STEPHEN’S ultimate insight into the week’s soaps

Who, in soapland, won’t be glad to see the back of 2020? They (like the rest of us) aren’t out of the woods where Covid is concerned, but there’s a glimmer of light in what has been a very dark tunnel.

At least some people had a merry Christmas – Emmerdale’s Chas and Paddy, Corrie’s David and Shona, Eastenders’ Jay and Honey... up to a point. It was a festive time for couples, and as the New Year approaches, can we expect more of the same? Will Corrie’s Sarah and Adam get back together (and will Sarah realise someone stole Harry months ago?). Will Eastenders’ Max persuade Linda to leave Mick? (What would it take... a Mars bar?) Is love in the air for Emmerdale’s Marlon and Rhona? (Fifthtime lucky marriage for Marlon, or is he heading for dead wife number three?)

My romantic hopes for 2021 are pinned on Eastenders’ Kat and Phil – yes, seriously. My guess is their animosity will turn to grudging respect, and then a romp on a dodgy sofa. With Davood Ghadami (Kush) leaving the show, Kat will need a replacement. Heaven forbid she could go a week without a man.

■ DOUBLE TOIL AND BUBBLES

When you spend Christmas with your ex, it’s going to take a lot more than a bottle of cheap Champagne to placate your current wife, surely? A vineyard in the Champagne area of France would be a start; maybe two, if Ruby finds out Martin lingered just a little too long when Stacey kissed him (social distancing, people!). Still, with the mix-up over the presents sorted and Stacey suitably humiliated, it looks as if Martin and Ruby are back on track – until she drops a bombshell (pictured). Order that second bottle, Martin; you’re going to need it. And when you tell

NOT BEING OVER IT ALERT

‘It’s over; I think it’s really over.’

Linda to Max, about Mick, Eastenders

MINOR UNDERSTATEMENT

‘We ain’t no Romeo and Juliet, are we?’

Karen to Billy, Eastenders

Ruby you want to be friends with Stacey because she understands you, forget bottles; Ruby will need hooking up to the vine.

Scary as Denise finds Lucas, it’s great to see Don Gilet back on the show. Yes, the character is an ex-druggie and serial killer, but who isn’t in soapland these days; everyone has their faults. Will Jack come over all protective, when Denise confesses she’s terrified of her ex? He may not get the chance, because he’s suddenly called to the Vic on an urgent mission. Has there ever been a more busy, industrious copper? Has the Walford force never heard of back-up?