SOAP BOX; James plays a whole new ball game.

Former soccer star James McKenna has been drafted in to quicken the pace of teen soap Hollyoakes.

And the Scots actor - whose career with Sheffield Wednesday was cut short after a back injury - is loving every minute.

James plays pub owner Jack Osbourne, a married man who finds that his former teenage lover has had his secret love child.

He said: "I miss football, but acting gives me the same adrenalin rush."

CORONATION STREET: Jim, Liz and Andy find themselves staring down the barrel of a sawn- off shotgun - but will Gerry pull the trigger? Meanwhile, Sam and Des get carried away when they do a parachute jump and Des has some explaining to do - but will Claire be convinced of his innocence? Ken's in for a surprise at the governors' meeting.

EASTENDERS: Bianca returns from Spain to make her wedding plans, but Ricky's not looking forward to updating her on events. Alistair is worried Joe will reveal his secret and seeks out Sarah first. Simon tells Tony of his insecurity about their relationship, while Carol's estranged husband Alan begins to regret his mistakes.

BROOKSIDE: Ron promises Jackie Corkhill he won't tell anyone about her pregnancy - but who is the father? Danny is upset about his parents' separation, Jimmy loses his son's coffin before the funeral and Elaine and Mick learn the upsetting news that Gladys has cancer. Meanwhile, Jack moves in with Julia.

EMMERDALE: Frank Tate is charged with Kim's murder and the chips are down for Mandy as the rival burger thugs carry out their revenge. Vic persuades Kathy to go out with him and Terry passes on this news to Viv. Jan Glover still thinks James may be her grandson. Dee has been helping herself to groceries at the tea- rooms.

HIGH ROAD: Peter O'Dell and Sarah confess their passion with a steamy embrace this week. Carol is upset that locals don't like her new boyfriend Martin. But this all changes when he plays a gig at the Ardnacraig Bar. Dominic is invited around to Sally's for tea but they have a blazing row about her step- mum.

NEIGHBOURS: Mal faces a nightmare when his family meet Shona's parents and Libby's finding it difficult to be alone with Darren. Hannah and Philip worry about Helen's depression. Luke returns to Ramsay Street to apologise to Danni and Cheryl receives a letter from Lou about baby Louise. Billy and Toadfish want to start their own radio show.

HOME AND AWAY: Ailsa is horrified when she discovers why her brother has returned. Kelly tells Irene her baby may have health problems and Selina remains secretive as to why her return from Melbourne was delayed. She realises, however, that her place is with Jesse and Rachel. Chloe teaches Liam a lesson in love, while a new rebel makes her presence felt in the Ross House.