THE future of Soapland's children has long been a cause for concern. Tugged this way and that by arguing parents, they're prime candidates to become unhappy teenagers. Take Rebecca, the soap child formerly known as Chloe in EastEnders (BBC1).

You might as well take her because everyone else is trying to take her. This unfortunate child got off to a bad start in life by being the daughter of sullen Sonia and Martin, the tallest man in soap.

Sonia gave her away to someone else, just as she would an unwanted present. She didn't even want the child back when her adopted parents were killed.

The tot was, she concluded, better off living with her adopted granny Margaret. "Oh no she isn't," yelled Rebecca/Chloe's other granny, Pauline Fowler, embarking on a mission to claim the child for herself. The old bat visits Rebecca/Chloe secretly until someone tells social services who rush round to Albert Square to tell Pauline that she can't see the child any more. This is a relief. Perhaps the child can grow up normally now.

Otherwise she might turn out like Kat whose reappearance in Walford has set the er, Kat among the pigeons. Estranged husband Alfie finds that the old magic is still there, which will come as a disappointment to Kat's sister Little Mo with whom Alfie has been cuddling up.

Kat may have other things on her mind soon if daughter Zoe confesses her part in the demise of Dirty Den. Chrissie, the ex-crimper who delivered the fatal blow with Pauline's doggie doorstop, gives Zoe a good slap, something many of us have felt like doing in the past due to her immature behaviour.

Liz "Is my skirt too short?" McDonald wastes no time in finding a new fellow after ditching jailed husband Jim in Coronation Street (ITV1). She sets her sights on Ken Barlow's friend and former colleague Bob. Barmaid Liz's idea of a good night out is to spend the evening in the bar of the Weatherfield Arms. Things go so well that she invites Bob back for a nightcap - which is probably all he'll be wearing in bed once Liz has finished.

The idea that Sunita is pregnant fills us with horror. The thought of a mini-Devious Dev running about the cobbles is scarier than the idea of watching Celebrity Love Island round the clock.

And there's a familiar face back in the Rovers. Bev returns to find out what's bugging daughter Shelley, who's been upstairs in her room for some time. Lover Charlie, the builder with the big toolbox, has ordered her to remain hidden after she gave herself a black eye by bumping into a door. He's worried - rightly so - that everyone will think he's been bashing her about.

There's a new addition to the village in Emmerdale (ITV1) when schoolgirl Debbie Dingle gives birth. As she's neglected to tell anyone she's pregnant, there's precious little help on hand. Only friend Daz is there and he's as much use as tissue paper teapot.

Emily is busy waiting for a sign from God - or the Controller of ITV1 as he's known in the business - or else she'll leave Paddy for good. You'll remember that she caught her husband canoodling with postmistress Viv.

It's Diane Sugden who catches King brother Matthew kissing Louise in the cellar (which isn't as naughty as it sounds). They've sneaked down there to avoid Louise's boyfriend Terry, presumably rubbing up against each other to keep warm in the cold, dank cellar. When Val also catches them at it, it can only be a matter of time before their secret is broadcast around the entire village.

Published: 02/06/2005