Christmas is getting ever closer, and with just over a month to go before the festive season, new hints and spoilers keep dropping for what to expect in the soaps.
Here's our handy guide to the 17 biggest Christmas storylines we know so far.
1. Carla's return (Coronation Street)
Do soap Christmas gifts come any better than this? Corrie delighted its fans back in August with the big announcement that Alison King will be reprising her role as Carla Connor over the festive period.
Carla hasn't been seen on the cobbles since May 2016, when she left the Street on a sour note (to say the least...) after her disastrous wedding day with Nick Tilsley. Fortunately, she's expected to be back to her feisty best when she reappears for a Yuletide family reunion.
Alison has already filmed her first scenes on location, which see her catching up with her half-brother Aidan at a random pub. (Hang on a minute, is she too good for The Rovers these days?!)
In a recent interview, Corrie producer Kate Oates vowed to "break new ground" with Carla, rather than putting her back on the familiar territory of self-destruction. She also recently told the Daily Star: "Carla's comeback storyline is good. I don't think it's what people would expect. It's a storyline that's got long-running consequences.
"I think when she first comes back, people will be like, 'Oh, I didn't expect this to be her returning story,' but as it runs on, things will become clear and they will realise why Corrie has brought her back."
2. Lauren and Abi's last stand? (EastEnders)
It's no secret that EastEnders is building up to a must-see final storyline for the Branning sisters, with Jacqueline Jossa and Lorna Fitzgerald bowing out as Lauren and Abi. When the pair's departures were leaked by The Sun in September, the tabloid claimed that their exits were "likely to be part of Christmas storylines".
EastEnders has also since confirmed that the Branning family will indeed be taking centre stage over Christmas. The show has even brought back acclaimed writer Simon Ashdown to pen the festive scripts, hand-picking him specially as he helped to create the Brannings and was responsible for some of their most memorable episodes.
An EastEnders insider recently told us: "With Christmas rapidly approaching in Albert Square, things are set to explode in catastrophic style. Secrets and lies are exposed and families are torn apart forever."
3. Robron special (Emmerdale)
Robron fans are certainly long overdue something to smile about, after months of watching popular couple Aaron Dingle and Robert Sugden living apart. The good news is that the pair's passionate fanbase can now look forward to a special Robron episode on Christmas Day, focusing almost entirely on their storyline.
When Emmerdale boss Iain MacLeod announced the show's plans last month, he explained: "There is a big, big episode that will go out on Christmas Day that is more or less a Robron single-strander.
"It is probably the weirdest episode we've ever done, and given we have done some pretty weird episodes, that's saying something. It's really out there and it is the episode I have been most nervous about since I started just because of how crackers it is.
"But I think it's really entertaining and dramatic and it's got a surprise cameo in it. It is stylistically a bit weird and romantic – it's going to be great."
Iain has since revealed that the unusual episode will be a cross between Groundhog Day and A Christmas Carol.
Danny Miller has also confirmed to Digital Spy that the Christmas episode won't be when Robron reunite, explaining: "I think people are getting their hopes up thinking that's Robert and Aaron back together, but anybody that knows Emmerdale will know that it's a little too simple for it to be Christmas Day!"
4. Phil and Mick's big story with Aidan (EastEnders)
In early September, EastEnders bosses announced the exciting casting of Patrick Bergin in the role of Aidan Maguire, an old-school villain who has history with Phil Mitchell. The two men served time in prison together in 2005 and haven't been in touch for years, but they'll be reunited in surprising circumstances when Aidan comes knocking on Phil's door.
As Patrick started filming in September, we'll see him make his EastEnders debut next week, with Aidan quickly making his presence felt on Albert Square as he drags Phil back into his old ways.
Beyond that, EastEnders' executive consultant John Yorke has confirmed that Aidan's arrival will see him "working hand in hand with Phil Mitchell and Mick Carter to carry a truly explosive storyline for Christmas and New Year". Sounds intriguing!
5. DS Armstrong returns with a bang (Hollyoaks)
We haven't seen DS Armstrong since he got framed for Amy Barnes's murder, but in a recent chat with Digital Spy, Hollyoaks boss Bryan Kirkwood confirmed that the dangerous stalker will be popping up again.
Bryan told us: "We do have a festive return ahead for DS Armstrong. He features rather heavily in our Christmas episode, which is a big, colourful camp treat."
Hollyoaks' Christmas episodes are expected to focus strongly on the Cunninghams and their mysterious lodger Milo Entwistle this year, so could Armstrong cross paths with his previous victim Cindy and ruin her happy day? Andrew Hayden-Smith, who plays him, has warned that Armstrong will be out for revenge – so it seems likely!
"We've got a wonderful Christmas episode coming up," Bryan added. "Once again, we've been given an hour-long slot for our Christmas and New Year episodes. We're delighted by that and the great relationship we have with Channel 4. This year, it's all about Christmas at the Cunninghams' with Milo."
6. Milo's secret comes under threat (Hollyoaks)
Armstrong's return isn't only bad news for Cindy. Hollyoaks' recent winter trailer showed that he'll soon find out Milo's darkest secret – that he killed Mr and Mrs Cunningham.
Will Milo be forced to help Armstrong in order to keep his guilt under wraps, or could his shocking history finally be exposed to the family he cares so much about?
7. Eileen's mystery injury (Coronation Street)
Fans were shocked recently when paparazzi pictures revealed that Coronation Street has been filming Christmas scenes which see Eileen Grimshaw with a visible black eye.
This immediately led to speculation over what could have caused her injury – could her evil husband Pat Phelan turn violent? Will she find herself caught in the crossfire if one of his many schemes backfires? Or will she end up injured for another as-yet-unclear reason?
The scenes in question show Eileen attending a Christmas carol concert with her son Todd, with Phelan himself not too far away as he seems ready to clash with Summer Spellman's grandmother Geraldine. Bad news for anyone hoping that Phelan would be long gone by Christmas!
8. Courtney gives birth (Hollyoaks)
One soap character who's guaranteed to have a happy Christmas is Courtney Campbell, who'll be giving birth to a baby daughter over the festive period.
Hollyoaks boss Bryan told us: "It wouldn't be Christmas in soap without the arrival of a baby! Courtney gives birth to her much-longed-for daughter.
"It's a real punch-the-air moment to see that brilliant battler get what she's always wanted."
Hollyoaks' recent winter trailer showed us that Tegan and Jesse will both want to be at Courtney's side for the arrival of the baby, but manipulative Granny Campbell is keen to keep them away. Who'll triumph in this fierce battle of wills?
9. Todd's exit (Coronation Street)
It's no secret that Bruno Langley recently had his contract terminated by Coronation Street, forcing the show to rewrite some of its Christmas episodes.
Although the exact details are unclear at this stage, Corrie insiders have revealed that Bruno's final scenes as Todd will air on Christmas Eve – confirming that there'll be a festive exit for the character. Unconfirmed tabloid reports have suggested that Todd leaves with Summer Spellman, but this has yet to be verified by Corrie. If true, though, what could cause such a surprising turn of events and what does it mean for Billy?
10. Kandice Taylor arrives (EastEnders)
EastEnders bosses recently announced the casting of former S Club 7 singer and Primeval actress Hannah Spearritt as Kandice, who's the younger sister of Karen Taylor.
Show chiefs are keeping tight-lipped on the exact storyline details, but first-look pictures taken on location have shown that the scenes will air over Christmas. Kandice is expected to appear in two episodes.
Hannah commented: "I'm over the moon to be joining the show, it's such a huge part of British telly. I'm really looking forward to getting started and I can't wait to see the Square in the flesh.... Walford here I come!"
11. Steve and Tracy reunite (Coronation Street)
Corrie has been hinting at a reunion for Steve McDonald and Tracy Barlow for a while now, but it's now been confirmed that it's definitely happening over the festive period. The news doesn't go down too well with the former couple's daughter Amy, who's convinced that it's a bad idea. Who can blame her, given the pair's history?
Show producer Kate Oates told The Sun: "Amy's not happy about it, because she knows that they're both trouble and on a very shallow level she's used to things being as they are.
"She gets two birthday presents, two Christmas presents, she gets two sets of Christmas presents as kids of broken homes do."
12. Big Billy and Peter scenes (Coronation Street)
When we caught up with Corrie producer Kate Oates at the Inside Soap Awards recently, she named Billy and Peter as ones to watch over Christmas. Word recently leaked out that Billy was responsible for causing the death of Peter's twin sister Susan in 2001, so could it be that the truth comes out during the festive season?
Kate told Digital Spy: "We've got a really deep, emotional story for Peter and Billy [at Christmas], then when Carla comes back in big stiletto heels and leather trousers strutting along the street, everyone's going to love that. So it's going to be a good Christmas."
13. Finn returns (Hollyoaks)
Hollyoaks has seen a great response to the recent returns of Luke and Mandy, so it's perhaps no surprise that there's another comeback on the horizon. Show boss Bryan Kirkwood recently told Digital Spy that James Redmond will be reprising his role as Tony Hutchinson's old friend Finn over Christmas – with more appearances also lined up for him in 2018.
Bryan said: "We'll be seeing a bit of James Redmond over Christmas and New Year. James will be coming and going as the much-loved Finn."
14. Max resorts to murder? (EastEnders)
This one is an unconfirmed rumour, but Max Branning has been tipped to make a murder plot this Christmas. According to one tabloid report, Max's revenge will reach a climax when he plans to kill Ian Beale as the ultimate payback for being framed for Lucy Beale's murder.
One source reckoned that Max is a "man on the edge" when he makes his plan, wanting to get rid of Ian forever. Having already caused Steven's death, will Max really go ahead with killing off another Beale family member?
15. Cindy makes a move on Tony (Hollyoaks)
It just wouldn't be Christmas in Soapland without mistletoe causing some unexpected romantic twists. As seen in Hollyoaks' latest trailer, Cindy tries to kiss Tony but is caught by his furious wife Diane.
During a fancy dress throwback party at The Loft, Cindy and Tony get cosy on the dancefloor, but Diane turns up and orders Cindy to get her hands off her man. Could Cindy's actions be the final nail in the coffin for Tony and Diane's marriage?
16. Adam and Eva get closer (Coronation Street)
They've already had a moment of passion, but the festive season could be the time that Adam and Eva get together properly.
It was recently revealed that Adam and Eva will start working together as they help out with the community centre's Christmas celebrations. This is sure to reignite their romantic spark, but how far will things go?
17. Christmas proposals (Hollyoaks)
Hollyoaks' latest action-packed trailer showcased not one but two surprise Christmas proposals. When Prince pops the question to Lily, he'll have to fight to win the approval of her guardians Diane and Tony. Will true love conquer all?
Mandy also proposes to Luke, completely oblivious to the fact that he's already married. Does this mean the fan favourites are heading for fresh heartbreak?
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