2017 soap predictions: EastEnders, Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks

Let's take a glimpse into our soap crystal ball...

Soap Predictions cover image

by Hannah Mellin |
Published on

2016 was an astonishing year for soaps, but we reckon 2017 could be even better!

We've taken a look into our soap crystal ball (you really should get one!), and come up with some predictions of what we think could happen in Emmerdale, Coronation Street, Eastenders and Hollyoaks over the next 12 months.

Here’s what we came up with...

Emmerdale

Aaron and Robert to live happily ever after

Emmerdale Robron

2017 is the year that our beloved 'Robron' will tie the knot, and after the years of grief they've both endured, we would really love it if they could have their happily ever after.

And our wish may come true, as Emmerdale's big boss has already written the script for their nuptials.

He told Metro.co.uk: "I have read it already I can reveal and it is really heartbreaking, it is big emotionally, in keeping with their characters, I don’t think anybody is expecting dancing girls and show tunes, it is quite raw and honest."

However, as the world of soap is pretty grim, we wouldn't bet on everything going to plan...

**Farewell to Ashley Thomas **

Ashley Thomas Emmerdale

It may not be easy, but viewers will have to prepare to say goodbye to the Ashley we all know and love in 2017 – in more ways than one, as his early onset dementia continues to worsen by the day.

And with his wife Laurel, who Ashley no longer remembers, coming round to the idea of full-time care, will we see Ashley slowly deteriorate in 2017? Or will his storyline continue off-screen? Could Ashley have another fateful stroke that will claim his life?

Whatever happens, we're sure saying goodbye to such an amazing character (and one we've all grown up with over the years) will break our hearts.

**Evil Emma Barton will FINALLY be found out **

Emma Barton Emmerdale

Emma Barton, who killed her husband James Barton by pushing him off a bridge during Emmerdale's No Return week, has managed to deceive the whole of the village by telling her family, friends and even the police life after lie about what really happened that day.

She even told a whole courtroom of people that James was depressed in the run up to his death, hinting that he took his own life.

Will her lies finally catch up with her in 2017? Secrets are never kept secret in soap land...

EastEnders

**A new family to descend on the square? **

2016 was a tense time in EastEnders as we saw a tonne of characters up and leave.

Sean O'Connor, the show's new executive producer, is planning to make BIG changes in Walford - paving the way for new faces, shock exits and exciting storylines in 2017.

Could we be saying a big hello to a BRAND NEW family? We're pretty sure we will...

Stacey and Max will get involved with each other again...

Max Aand Stacey

Thanks to his huge comeback at Christmas, former lovers Stacey and Max are breathing the same air again, which could definitely see a romantic reunion on the cards. Sure, Stacey is a new woman these days with a family and a doting husband (Martin Fowler) to look out for, but could she be tempted by the devilish car salesman? It would definitely make for juicy viewing...

**The young cast will take centre stage **

Louise Mitchell

We've seen the Walford young'uns take centre stage in 2016; with Ben Mitchell (Harry Reid), Jay Mitchell (Jamie Borthwick), Louise Mitchell (Tilly Keeper) and Bex Fowler (Jasmine Armfield) all wowing audiences with their outstanding performances.

And whilst EastEnders matriarchs like Phil Mitchell and Ian Beale will always be at the centre of the soaps biggest storylines, we're hoping 2017 will be the year new legends are made.

**Linda and Mick to take some time out **

Mick and Linda

From each other? Or from Walford in general? Fans will already know that Kellie Bright will be taking a break from EastEnders to have her second child - so we won't be seeing our beloved Linda and Mick toegther for a while. But will Mick Carter (Danny Dyer) also jump at the chance of some well-deserved time off? We REALLY hope not!

Coronation Street

** HUGE danger for Bethany Platt?**

Huge soap storylines are normally made at Christmas/New Year. This year, Corrie's troubled teen Bethany Platt will venture down a dark path as she collapses after overdosing on diet pills.

But something even more sinister will happen in 2017, as Bethany will be groomed by an older man - newcomer Nathan.

The storyline is thought to have been inspired by real-life scandals such as the Rochdale sex ring, and we're sure it'll be a shocker.

**The end of Michelle and Steve **

Could 2017 mark the end of one of Corries favourite couples? Viewers will already know that the pair are harbouring HUGE secrets from one another - as Steve is also expecting a baby with Leanne Battersby after a one-night-stand and Michelle is currently swept up in an affair with Robert Preston.

Or could their newborn baby solve all their relationship woes?

Hollyoaks

Nico Blake to return from the dead?

We all said goodbye to teenage serial killer Nico after Cameron Campbell set fire to the Halloween maze. But is Nico really dead? We NEVER actually saw her body. Yes, she was supposedly burnt alive, but she could have fled the scene!

Stranger things have happened in soap land...

**Mercedes McQueen will be back to her best **

Poor Mercedes was left devastated when her long-term love Joe Roscoe fell to his death as the terrifying Halloween Spectacular fire, started by Cameron Moore, claimed it's second victim.

But even though Mercedes is understandably grief-stricken - will we finally start to see more of the fiesty character we all know and love?

We really, really hope so!

**Would you like any of these soap predictions to come true? Or do you have some of your own? Let us know over on Facebook and Twitter. **

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