Soaps promise grim Christmas tales

While most people can't wait for Christmas and look forward to spending time with their family and opening presents, the characters in the world of TV soaps must dread the festive period.

It seems that most soap operas involve some sort of despair and anguish over Christmas - and this year is no different.

The Daily Mail has uncovered a number of storylines that are due to be broadcast over Christmas - and it doesn't look like it's going to be the happiest of holidays for a lot of people.

According to the paper, Eastenders' Archie Mitchell is due to be carried out of the Queen Vic after being bumped off, while Sally Webster will shock Coronation Street by announcing that she has breast cancer.

Finally, Emmerdale will see Ryan Lamb, played by former Hollyoaks actor James Sutton, falling for Maisie Wylde - and both of them will be unaware of the fact that they have the same dad.

C'ya Charlotte Lassiter