10 years ago in the soaps - Coronation Street, EastEnders and Emmerdale week starting 9 November

John Stape kisses Fiz after being released from prison in Coronation Street 2009

Here's what was happening in the soaps a decade ago...

From John Stape being released from prison in Coronation Street, to Archie and Peggy reigniting their romance in EastEnders and Laurel fighting for her life in Emmerdale... here is what was happening in the soaps ten years ago this week.

Coronation Street

John Stape and Fiz in Coronation Street 2009

Fiz was delighted when John was released from prison back in 2009 (Picture: ITV)

Fiz is thrilled when John is released from prison but not everyone's pleased to see he's a free man. After he arrives back on the cobbles, Sally is fuming to see John looking happy with Fiz and, in the dead of night, she sneaks out to graffiti the front of their house.

John is forced to clean the paint off and redecorate the front of their home... and later Sally is fuming to see John working in the cafe.

Hayley is terrified in Coronation Street 2009

Tony threatens a terrified Hayley Cropper (Picture: ITV)

Following Tony's confession that he killed Liam, Roy is torn over whether to tell the police. At first Hayley thinks it was the drugs at the hospital following his heart attack that made Tony claim he was a killer... but when Tony later threatens the pair, Hayley realises that he was telling the truth.

Roy goes to the police to report Tony and he and Hayley then quickly arrange a holiday to the Pennines to get away. But when Tony comes looking for them, it seems they're in more danger than they realised.

Eileen with Jesse in Coronation Street 2009

Eileen delivers an ultimatum to Jesse (Picture: ITV)

Also Eileen tells Jessie Chapman to drop Julie as part of his children's entertainment act, otherwise it is over between them.

EastEnders

Archie with Peggy in EastEnders 2009

(Image credit: BBC)

Things are hotting up between Peggy and Archie, and although she makes a big show of throwing him out of the Vic, Peggy later sneaks over to his house for a night of passion.

Peggy later calls Pat to cancel their lunch plans for the following day, leaving Pat suspicious. Peggy lies that she has to work... but when Pat calls the number back and Archie answers, the penny drops.

Ronnie and Roxy arguing with Peggy in EastEnders 2009

(Image credit: BBC)

Ronnie and Roxy are fuming when they discover Peggy and Archie are sleeping together and a fight breaks out between the trio in the Square, causing a scene for everyone to see.

Ronnie can't take any more and leaves Walford for a break.

Pat and co in EastEnders 2009

(Image credit: BBC)

Ryan asks Whitney to design some t-shirts for his new business to keep her busy before Tony's trial, and before they know what is happening an order of 500 is placed.

Emmerdale

Laurel Thomas tries to escape in Emmerdale 2009

Laurel finds herself in grave danger when unhinged Sally locks her in the church having set a fire. Laurel discovers the fire and tries to escape, only to realise that the doors are all locked and there's no way out.

Laurel realises the doors are locked in Emmerdale 2009

Laurel rings the church bells to try and raise the alarm, and soon Ashley hears the commotion and races to save Laurel with the help of Zak.

Laurel is trapped in a fire in Emmerdale 2009

Ashley dives into the flames to save his wife, and while he's rescuing Laurel, Sally secretly unlocks the doors.

Laurel is rushed to hospital but is later suspicious when Ashley reveals that the church doors weren't locked and that Sally was the first on the scene...

Claire Crick
Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch

Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia. 

After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off

She’s interviewed everyone from June Brown — AKA Dot Cotton — to Michelle Keegan, swapped cooking tips with baking legend Mary Berry backstage at the NTAs, and danced the night away with soap stars at countless awards bashes. There’s not a lot she doesn’t know about soaps and TV and can be very handy when a soapy question comes up in a pub quiz! 

As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book.