EVERY dog has its day and Schmeichel's has arrived in Coronation Street (ITV1). He doesn't come first at Crufts or save a small child from drowning. Unfortunately, he gets run over, proving that the roads in Soapland are as dangerous as anywhere else.

The good news is that he's mown down when bus driver Claire Peacock swerves to avoid her toddler stepson Josh. The child is safe but the dog is left lying in a canine heap in the road. Perhaps Claire should have stuck to her previous job as a nanny where there's less chance of running down an innocent pet.

Hankies at the ready as Schmeichel's owner, the adorably cute Chesney, sobs his little heart out at the sight of his fallen dog. Before you can say "poop scoop", the mutt is on the operating table at Soapland's finest veterinary surgery.

Whatever the outcome for Schmeichel, you can bet that Claire will suffer as Josh's mother, the repulsive Cilla, turns the situation to her own financial advantage. What a pity she didn't get run over instead of her son's beloved dog.

More creature discomfort in Weatherfield when Jack Duckworth has to chose between two old birds - his pigeons and Vera. He wants to take the feathered friends on holiday with him to Formby, but his missus is having none of it.

From dogs to Leanne Battersby (and only an ungallant gentleman would make a connection) as she finally jumps into bed with boyfriend Jamie's dad Danny after weeks of flirting. Then she jumps back into bed with Jamie. Leanne is a girl who gives slappers a bad name.

Debbie in Emmerdale (ITV1) has a secret. And it's growing daily. That puppy fat is a baby. Her problem is that she hasn't told anyone she's expecting.

Her secret is uncovered by Daz, a boy whose name is surely burden enough without having to keep mum about Debbie being a prospective mum.

She can't even send round Cain as people usually do when they want someone shutting up as Cain is Debbie's father. She knows he won't be best pleased if he finds out that (a) she's pregnant and (b) the father is Andy.

Andy is too busy learning to dance to notice Debbie's bump. He needs to trip the light fantastic at the Farmers' Ball to which his latest love Libby has invited him. He needs to learn in secret because his teacher is Viv, a woman described in soap circles as "the village strumpet".

Chas Dingle might have been called that at one time but now she's joining the army, a move as likely as ratings for Celebrity Love Island going up. Despite Carl King telling her he loves her, she's all for leaving the village and taking orders from some sergeant major.

The Kat is among the pigeons in EastEnders (BBC1) as the return of the slapper Slater sister causes Little Mo to tell Alfie, estranged husband of Kat, that she doesn't love him. Big Mo, meanwhile, throws a big party to mark Kat's return. That won't be the only thing thrown when Kat finds out what's been happening.

Over at the Fowler's house, Pauline is smiling. Quick, call out the military and hide in the cellar as this means something horrible is about to happen. And it's going to happen to Mark and Sonia as grandma Pauline plots to get her mitts on grand-daughter Rebecca, the soap child formerly known as Chloe.

Elsewhere in the Square, Sam Mitchell notices something is missing. No, not her brain, although that's on permanent holiday. She realises that the doggie doorstop used to batter Dirty Den has gone missing. Another showdown with Chrissie must be on the cards.

Published: 26/05/2005