This week, Emmerdale has previewed the potential conclusion to the much-talked-about storyline involving Samson Dingle and Josh Cope, as Samson has his day in court.

Elsewhere, new characters are arriving in both Albert Square and the Dales, there are some big exits in Hollyoaks, and there’s also a huge new story for Coronation Street’s Bethany.

Summer in soapland is set to get very dramatic, so here’s our usual Sunday round-up of all the biggest stories from the past seven days:

Samson has had a difficult few months since he became friends with local thug Josh. A robbery ended up with Samson getting stabbed accidentally by Matty, but Samson lied and said Matty stabbed him deliberately.

He later came to his senses and changed his statement, but kept Josh’s name out of it, so Samson is now facing serious charges himself.

Next week, the dramatic story will come to a head when Samson finally stands up to Josh and ends up assaulting his former friend. He later has his plea hearing, with Samson making it clear that he intends to plead guilty.

Lydia arrives in The Woolpack with news from the court – what has happened, and what consequences will Samson face?

Last month it was announced that former Corrie star Oliver Farnworth had been cast in fellow ITV soap Emmerdale as new character John Sugden – who’s a member of the legendary family.

It’s now been confirmed that John will make his first appearance in the show next week, in a story that begins with Eric Pollard’s car breaking down as he is set to attend an old friend’s funeral.

Victoria offers to drive Eric, and once there she gets chatting to John, the son of the deceased woman. She is shocked when he introduces himself as a Sugden, and Eric tells her that he could be her half-brother.

Last month, John was pictured carrying someone out of a burning barn alongside Cain, so there’s bound to be high drama ahead…