THE mortality rate in Albert Square (EastEnders, BBC One) is so high, it's a wonder the Grim Reaper isn't seen sipping a pint in the Queen Vic most nights. Sadly, it's Shakil who is the latest victim, and needless to say Carmel is devastated at the death of her son.

Denise and Kush do their best to comfort her, but when a shrine is erected in the Square, a grief-stricken Carmel wastes little time in tearing it apart. Kush is gobsmacked when he discovers Darius and Umar are expecting him to move to Dubai, and when Carmel gets wind of the news, it only adds to her woes.

Meanwhile, Hunter sneaks Louise, Bex, Tiffany and Bernadette into E20, and a game of spin the bottle has interesting repercussions. But just who has emptied the safe?

Elsewhere, Jean comes up with a plan to get Kat cheap tickets to visit her family in Spain, but it remains to be seen whether dodgy shampoo is the key to her getaway. Hayley suspects Kat has her own plans and takes the opportunity to blackmail Ms Moon.

There's a trip to Weatherfield every weeknight as Coronation Street (ITV) shifts around to accommodate Britain's Got Talent, and its makers are using the schedule change to ratchet up the tension around two major storylines.

The first involves David who, after hearing Johnny discuss how he wishes Aidan has talked about his demons before they overwhelmed him, is inspired to finally report his rape ordeal to the police. Josh, meanwhile, tells Alya that Shona hates him because he slept with David, leaving her wondering who to believe when her friend is eventually arrested.

The second sees Gary return home with a surprise package - a bound, gagged and unconscious Phelan. Unfortunately, Jack finds him hidden in the builder's yard and helps him escape. Phelan then embarks on his revenge plot, which involves shooting a local resident and taking a hostage at the Bistro. The police eventually surround the eaterie - but will everyone get out alive?

Flashback episodes can be hit-and-miss, but given Charity's colourful past, there's enough material there for a spin-off prequel (Emmerdale, ITV).

This week there's a chance to see what she was a like as a 14-year-old. The drama begins when Harriet brings up the subject of her dead son. Ms Dingle drives out of the village, and a song on the radio transports her back in time.

Meanwhile, Cain wants answers at Home Farm, and Graham reveals the events that led up to the shooting.

Brenda is fuming to discover that Bob and Laurel are spending the night together so she finds a way to scupper it, and is not above using the twins as pawns in her revenge game.

Chas is in a right fluster over her baby scan. First she has a mix up with the dates, then she can't find Paddy, but when she finally attends the hospital, she can breathe a little easier - until the sonongrapher spots something worrying.

And if that's not enough drama, Dan drops a recorded bombshell that leaves Kerry and Amelia reeling.

Given some of the dramas in Hollyoaks (Channel 4), it's a wonder all the characters aren't selling their stories to the real-life magazines every day. This week, Leah does just that, and while Ste is fuming, his anger subsides when she agrees to give him a loan to help with his wedding. Later, Billy (Leah's real dad) turns up with the mag and tells Ste he wants to see his daughter.

Meanwhile, Ollie comes a cropper when he falls over a chair in the Magic Bean (talk about edge-of-the-seat tension), and Imran is fuming when Buster puts him on the bench again for his football match.

Elsewhere, Kyle grows wary of James when he spots him having covert calls and sneaking out of the house. Is there more to the case than meets the eye?

Marnie has had her flat decorated and decides she needs to organise a party to show it off, and she's not the only one sorting a celebration. Peri decides to throw a birthday bash for Harley, though contacting Harley's mum might not be the best of ideas.