Monday’s storylines in the prime-time serials….
ITV1/STV, 8pm stream on ITVX/STV Player or YouTube
In a powerful single-strand episode told entirely through hidden cameras, CCTV and police bodycams, the police descend on the Street following reports of a domestic incident.
As flashbacks piece together events inside Todd and Theo’s flat, the unsettling reality of their relationship is laid bare — raising the chilling question of whether Theo’s abuse will finally be exposed.
The single-strand format — focusing entirely on one storyline — is a rare structural departure for the long-running ITV soap and marks the first time the programme has told an episode entirely through mediated camera perspectives.
Actor Gareth Pierce, who plays Todd, said the unusual filming style altered the emotional impact of the scenes rather than distancing the audience from them.
“I thought it might feel like we were watching Corrie through a kind of haze,” he said, “but it’s the opposite. It actually brings you closer — like you’re eavesdropping and seeing something you shouldn’t.”
He described the production as an “on-the-job experiment” for cast and crew, saying the finished scenes he had seen were “effective and disorientating”.
Christening plans unravel as secrets surface and a familiar face returns
BBC One, 7.30pm, stream on iPlayer
Lauren and Peter excitedly plan Jimmy’s New Year’s Day christening, but tensions rise when Cindy and Kathy clash, leaving Zoe to step in and smooth things over.
Oscar’s return with Jasmine sparks alarm and Ian calls the police, leading to a shocking revelation about Jasmine’s true identity and her link to the Fords.
Elsewhere, concern grows for Jean as Lily struggles at home and Kat and Alfie discover No.31 in chaos, with Kat left reeling by Jean’s admission and later forming an unlikely alliance to help Zoe — only to stumble on a disturbing discovery.
Meanwhile, Peacock Palace’s opening is thrown into disarray by Linda’s surprise return to Walford, a candid conversation with Sam gives her pause for thought, filming continues on Nigel’s movie, Phil supports Sam at a hospital appointment, and Billy and Honey rally round Nicola.
Blackmail pressure mounts as tempers flare
E4 at 7pm, stream on Channel 4
As John Paul rushes into a hectic day with Christmas in sight, Mercedes faces a terrifying 24-hour deadline to pay off a mystery blackmailer or risk the truth about shooting Tony coming out, prompting Warren to agree to work with Gemma on a risky plan to intercept a robbery and steal the cash themselves.
Tensions simmer in the market as Gemma watches Warren and Mercedes’ strained relationship, while Mercedes later spirals and turns on Warren when she spots him with Gemma.
Elsewhere, Dillon and Rex try to help Ste confront the fact his son needs support, but tough love from Rex backfires, pushing Ste away and leading to a charged moment between Ste and Dillon.
Meanwhile, Diane struggles to juggle crises at home, briefly returning Ant’s phone before confiscating it again when his worrying behaviour continues, and leaving Mercedes to look after Tony as everything threatens to spiral further out of control.
Heartbreak and high-stakes
ITV1/STV, 7.30pm, stream on ITVX/STV Player or YouTube
At the hospital, Marlon and Rhona keep vigil by Dylan’s bedside, desperate to stop Ray and Celia getting to him, unaware April is begging Dylan to protect Ray’s secret — leaving Marlon shaken when Dylan claims to remember nothing.
Elsewhere, Kim is devastated when Joe makes the call to have Ice euthanised.
Ruby’s wine scheme gathers pace after a boozy brainwave, and Sarah ropes Belle into helping her and Jacob pull off a surprise wedding.
Protests, power struggles and painful truths
BBC Scotland Channel, 10 pm, across the UK on the iPlayer
Amber fumes when she’s stuck at home looking after Teddy and missing the protest, and when she finally joins the campaign outside the Oyster Café with Teddy in tow, a clash with Richard sparks a rift between her and Angus.
Elsewhere, Scarlett worries Bob isn’t coping and urges him to watch Kim’s video in search of closure.
Tyler is left seething on discovering Alex is set to take over The Two Jailbirds — a decision Harry fiercely defends, insisting Alex has earned the role.
