ITV has announced a new Emmerdale schedule for 2026 – with the introduction of what is being called a soaps ‘power hour’ starting from next January. Viewers already know that the soap currently airs on ITV from 7:30pm – 8pm on weekdays, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays…. but that’s set to change next year.
The broadcaster has revealed plans to shake up schedules with an all-new viewing schedule. This will be a big-shake up for the soap’s sister series, Coronation Street, whose episodes will be slashed to half an hour.
But what does this mean for Emmerdale?
2025 has already gotten off to a dramatic start (Credit: ITV)
ITV releases plans for new Emmerdale schedule in 2026
However, the soap will move to a new time slot at 8pm. Producers have also slashed the Thursday double bill to make way for additional episodes of Coronation Street.
This ensures faster-paced, digestible episodes – a 30-minute format which has already proven popular with viewers.
Bosses have big plans for the soap (Credit: ITV)
ITV boss reveals ‘soap power hour’ amid schedule shake-up
Revealing details of the plan, ITV’s Managing Director of Media and Entertainment Kevin Lygo said: “In a world where there is so much competition for viewers’ time and attention, and viewing habits continue to change, we believe this is the right amount of episodes that fans can fit into their viewing schedule, to keep up to date with the shows.”
He continued: “Research insights also show us that soap viewers are increasingly looking to the soaps for their pacey storytelling. Streaming-friendly, 30 minute episodes better provide the opportunity to meet viewer expectations for storyline pace, pay-off and resolution.
“Whilst viewing is growing on ITVX, we know a significant proportion of our soaps’ audience still watch us via the schedule. This new pattern is in the DNA of the soap genre – nobody else does 30 minute drama this successfully.”
He added: “It creates a soap power hour that’s consistent, and easy to find in the linear schedule, for the UK’s biggest soaps.”
With so much still on the cards for 2025 (including that big limo crash) it’s a bold move. But can viewers get on board?
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
What do you think of our story? Visit our Facebook page @emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think!
Emmerdale isn’t on at its usual slot tonight, following a shake-up to ITV schedules. Viewers know that the soap usually airs at 7:30pm on weekdays, with an hour-long special on Thursdays.
This week, however, the broadcaster is shaking things up – last night’s episode (Monday, February 3) aired for an hour at 7pm. In this eventful episode, Cain learned that Ruby had killed Anthony, and PC Swirling informed Rhona and Marlon that missing April Windsor had been found.
April’s story continues tonight, with a special flashback episode revealing what exactly became of the missing youngster. But what time is Emmerdale on tonight?
The soap is on half an hour earlier tonight (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale on earlier tonight following schedule change
This evening, Emmerdale will air from 7pm – 7:30pm on ITV. The current affairs show Tonight will then play for half an hour, before Coronation Street resumes its usual service from 8pm – 9pm.
That half an hour time change will be good news to viewers who have been waiting on tenterhooks to find out where April has been and in what state she’s in now.
Having disappeared on Christmas Day, April has had her family in a tizz, with desperate dad Marlon desperately trying to find her. But where has April been?
Judging by the look on PC Swirling’s face last night, her story is not a happy one…
The soap will reveal what became of April during her absence (Credit: ITV)
What to expect from tonight’s Emmerdale…
Tonight’s episode of Emmerdale reveals what exactly happened to April during her month-long absence. A special flashback shows April taking to the streets of Leeds on Christmas Day.
Isolated from her family and with no friends to call upon, she soon finds herself alone and sleeping rough.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
What do you think of our story? Visit our Facebook page @emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think!
The truth is finally out – and tonight’s episode of Emmerdale saw Cain Dingle learn that it was Ruby who killed Anthony. Cain’s suspicions grew after seeing the tension between Chas and Caleb. He quickly realised that the pair were hiding something from him.
Determined to get to the bottom of things, he popped around to see Caleb. After a brief distraction – Caleb turned the whole thing on its head by demanding to know whether Cain had slept with his wife – he revealed the whole truth.
Cain’s in on the cover-up (Credit: ITV)
Cain learned the truth about Anthony on Emmerdale tonight
As a stunned Cain learned, Anthony was dead, and it was Ruby who had killed him – after a beating from Aaron, of course. That makes a sixth who knows the truth (so far: Ruby, Caleb, Aaron, John and Chas), but possibly the best move Caleb could have made.
Here’s why bringing Cain on board is the best move they could have made.
From kidnapping to attempted murder, he’s done it all
If there’s one thing this confederacy of dunces could use, it’s someone with a cool head. There’s John, of course, but he might be a bit too cool…
He may have mellowed over the years, but Cain is nothing if not experienced. Whether it’s kidnapping Tom and Sadie king or kidnapping Lydia’s rapist, Cain has a history of violence. He’s also used to a bit of bloodshed, having doled out his fare share of beatings over the years.
While none of the group are strangers to crime, Cain was a prolific criminal in his time and an old hat at avoiding police consequences.
Cain leapt into action after Kyle killed Al (Credit: ITV)
He’s covered up murder before
This isn’t Cain Dingle’s first rodeo. In 2022, Cain covered up the true identity of Al Chapman’s murderer. This came after his own son, little Kyle, shot Al dead in a misguided attempt to protect his father.
Determined not to let Kyle go down for a death that was mostly his fault anyway, Cain took the fall for killing Al. He would have seen it through too, if Kyle hadn’t confessed to the murder himself.
Cain has been lying to his family for months (Credit: ITV)
Cain knows how to keep a secret… and lie about it
He had a wobble for a while there, but Cain managed to get over his guilt over cheating with Moira to get himself back on an even keel. When questioned by Caleb, he denied everything – telling his brother that Anthony’s words were another lie from a cornered abuser.
Many might have crumbled, but not Cain. The confidence of his denial seemed to assuage Caleb’s worries (he even wanted to hug it out afterwards) and bodes well for Cain as a co-conspirator.
He put his talent for deceit to good use later in the episode, telling the police that he’d seen Anthony in the village after the date of his apparent disappearance. This cleared Laurel and got the investigation shut down, for now.
He looks after his own
With both Caleb and Aaron’s future on the line, Cain will keep their secret with everything he’s got. After finding Caleb about to shoot Anthony, Cain went as far as to offer to help him finish the job.
It turns out Ruby already had that covered, but Cain was quick to offer an alibi to Caleb if he had, hypothetically, killed Anthony. And, as Caleb revealed the truth tonight, Cain’s reaction proved that he’s a man of his word.
Cain was aghast to learn what his family had been up to (Credit: ITV)
He’s competent
If Cain was annoyed about anything, it was the sheer incompetence of those around him. Learning that Aaron and John had used his garage to disassemble Anthony’s car, he was left fuming.
After all, this had already attracted the attention of nosy neighbour Manpreet, who had a few choice words to say. Former career criminal Cain would never be so careless, and he told Aaron as such. With a keen eye for staging a crime and covering up its aftermath, there’s no-one you want on your side more than Cain Dingle.
He can keep his mouth shut
If there’s one thing we know about Cain, it’s that he’s no grass. This was evident in 2012, when he was attacked and left for dead by his own dad, Zak.
When Zak admitted that it had been he who’d hospitalised Cain with a crowbar, Cain was heartbroken. However, family loyalty (and a little bit of guilt, perhaps) held true, and he agreed to drop the charges against Jai, who’d previously been in the frame.
The whole Anthony thing has caused some to remember Cain’s own sordid past (Credit: ITV/YouTube)
Cain should take fall for killing Anthony on Emmerdale, fans demand
And, if all that fails, he’d make a good patsy for Anthony’s murder. Some might think he’s overdue a comeuppance by now anyway, having gotten away with enough shady business of his own as it is.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
What do you think of our story? Visit our Facebook page @emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think!
Emmerdale tonight saw Marlon and Rhona receive the news that April Windsor has been found. But where has she been and what happens next?
Following multiple arguments with her family, April disappeared from her home on Christmas Day, leaving dad Marlon Dingle going out of his mind with worry.
However, in tonight’s episode (Monday, February 3), PC Swirling delivered the news that April has been found. Here’s what happens next.
PC Swirling revealed April has been found (Credit: ITV)
April was found in Emmerdale tonight
In tonight’s episode of Emmerdale, Marlon continued to act erratically and snap at those close to him following April’s disappearance.Â
But following pep talks from Ross, Paddy and Rhona, Marlon tried to put more effort in at home and settled into a chat with Leo.
However, they were interrupted by PC Swirling, who came bearing news.
When PC Swirling encouraged Marlon and Rhona to sit down, the couple immediately feared the worst. He then revealed: “It’s April. We’ve found her.”
A special episode will reveal what happened to April (Credit: ITV)
What happens next in Emmerdale?
Emmerdale has revealed that a special flashback episode will show what April has been through since leaving the Dales.
The standalone episode is set to air on Tuesday, February 4 and will recount April’s heartbreaking journey on the streets.
Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw said: “April’s flashback episode is a heartbreaking depiction of life on the street as a teenage girl. Continuing to take guidance from the fabulous team at Missing People, it was incredibly important that we didn’t shy away from the agonising journey that April would go through. Their help was invaluable in making sure the episode has the authenticity required.
She added: “Amelia Flanagan‘s outstanding performance makes this arguably, one of Emmerdale’s stand out episodes of this year and promises to start a new journey for the character of April, forever changed by her time living on the city streets.”
Spoilers later in the week reveal Marlon and Rhona feel overwhelmed after recent events. Will things ever go back to normal for the family?
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
What do you think of our story? Visit our Facebook page @emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think!
In Emmerdale tonight, Manpreet informed Caleb and Cain that she told PC Swirling about the noises coming from the garage the other night.
She told Cain that she didn’t want to hear any late night work going on in the future. And then, Caleb and Cain realised that she could be a problem…
But, will Manpreet just drop it? Or, is she onto their secret murder cover-up plot? And, most importantly, is she playing with fire?
Manpreet was unhappy with the noise (Credit: ITV)
Manpreet had words with PC Swirling about the garage noise
Recently in the Dales, Aaron and John headed to the garage to cover up Anthony’s murder. They believed that Aaron had killed Anthony (unaware at that point that it was Ruby who actually finished him off).
They then tried to make as little noise as possible (clearly unsuccessfully) as they stripped down Anthony’s car.
Manpreet though… well nothing gets past her, and she heard the noise coming from the garage. Appointing herself as some sort of chair of the Neighbourhood Watch, Manpreet then complained about it to PC Swirling.
Tonight (Monday, February 3), she told Caleb and Cain that she’d mentioned the noise to the cop and hoped that it wouldn’t happen again. Caleb then turned to his brother and suggested that Manpreet ‘could be a problem.’
Fortunately though, Cain knew exactly what to do after being filled in on Anthony’s murder by Caleb. He then went to the police and helped back Caleb up with his cover story…
But, will Manpreet suspect anything else is going on?
Does she need to watch her back? (Credit: ITV)
Manpreet death on the horizon?
We know that Manpreet’s very up-to-date with everything that goes on in the village. She’s bound to still be keeping a look out to make sure no more late night work is being undertaken at the garage.
We also know that a flash forward for scenes to come later this year revealed that someone was in a body bag… and another flash forward showed Cain standing over a grave.
Could it be that Cain and Caleb end up killing Manpreet when she sticks her nose into their business a bit too much? Could Cain then stand over her grave and regret what he had to do to protect his family?
Or, will Manpreet learn to let it go and remove herself as a threat to the brothers? She should definitely be careful…
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page@emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter@emmerdaleinside
Recent Emmerdale scenes have seen Pollard confide in Kerry, and now fans fear that the two could hook up.
Things have been tough for Eric Pollard of late. As well as coping with Parkinson’s, his partner Brenda ended their relationship after he lost her savings in a cryptocurrency scam.
Pollard has been desperate to make some money so he can pay Brenda Walker back and he came up with a dangerous plan. Fortunately, Kerry managed to stop him.
But fans are now worried that Kerry and Pollard’s closeness could lead to something more.
Kerry tried to help Eric (Credit: ITV)
Pollard and Kerry grow close
Kerry Wyatt recently started working as a cleaner for Pollard and became aware that he was struggling.
After encouraging Pollard to open up, he revealed that he felt like a failure because he hadn’t managed to give Brenda her money back yet. Kerry told Pollard to give himself a break and not get overwhelmed.
Kerry opened up to Pollard about her own fire drama back in 2019 when she and Amy accidentally started the fire that killed Frank Clayton.
After managing to talk Pollard out of arson, Kerry went to check up on him the following day. The pair spent the afternoon together, with Pollard referring to Kerry as family and insisting she do yoga with him.
Fans fear something will happen between Kerry and Pollard)
Emmerdale fan theory sees Pollard and Kerry hook up
Seeing Pollard cosy up to Kerry has many fans worried about where the storyline could be going.
“Kerry and Eric, a platonic friendship or something more in the future?,” asked one fan on Reddit. A second fan responded, writing: “Kerry and Pollard platonic only please. Anything more, YUCK!”
“Eric and Kerry are going to end up together, aren’t they?!,” wrote a third fan alongside a sad face emoji.
Other fans suggested Kerry would use Pollard – even though he doesn’t currently have any money. “Why am I sensing Kerry is going to steal or try and get with Eric?,” wrote a fourth fan, with a fifth adding: “Kerry, he’s old enough to be your grandad!”
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page@emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter@emmerdaleinside
Emmerdale is on at an earlier time tonight as it airs a rare hour-long Monday special of the soap onto our screens. What a treat!
Usually airing for just half an hour on a Monday, tonight will be an exception as the soap gears up to find out what really happened to April.
Here’s when you can catch tonight’s episode of the village drama so you don’t miss out!
The soap is on at 7pm (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale on at earlier time tonight in schedule change
We all know by now that Emmerdale usually airs at 7.30pm for half an hour on a Monday, with hour-long episodes only airing on Thursdays.
However, this week sees a rare schedule change where the soap will actually air on ITV for one whole hour tonight (February 3). Sounds like the perfect way to start off the working week!
This evening, Emmerdale will air from 7pm-8pm tonight in preparation for tomorrow night’s special April episode.
Viewers are now closer than ever before to finding out exactly what happened to April during the time she was missing…
Caleb wants answers (Credit: ITV)
What to expect from Emmerdale tonight
In tonight’s special instalment of Emmerdale, Caleb confronts Cain and asks him whether he slept with Ruby. Gasp.
Cain covers and tells him that Anthony must’ve made the whole thing up… But, will Caleb believe his brother’s lies?
Elsewhere, Marlon agrees to put his family at home first as both Ross and Paddy give him some words of wisdom. But, things soon chance when PC Swirling arrives at their house and tells them that April has been found. But, in which state have the police found her in?
And, Kim starts becoming suss of Joe and Dawn (nothing goes amiss where Kim is concerned), and starts questioning them.
Trying to keep their affair a secret, Joe then tells Kim about his painkiller withdrawal and she actually seems to buy it (surely not?)
There’s definitely a lot of drama to play out tonight – no wonder an hour episode is needed!
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page@emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter@emmerdaleinside
Some of the best and most enduring friendships in Emmerdale are those between two unlikely characters. On paper you wouldn’t put them together as mates, but on screen they shine.
The secret to these brilliant partnerships is chemistry. Backgrounds, age, gender, personality, none of these things have to match when it comes to a creating solid friendship.
Here are seven surprising bonds, both past and present, that the fans took into their hearts…
Kim’s friendship with Seth was heartwarming (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Emmerdale unlikely friendships: Kim Tate and Seth Armstrong
Seth Armstrong and Kim Tate were the definition of an unlikely pairing, but their bond stood the test of time. As lady of the manor, Kim employed Seth to work as a gamekeeper at Home Farm. But what began as a business arrangement turned into a proper friendship.
When Kim’s lover Dave Glover perished in a blaze at Home Farm, Seth defended her to the locals. He helped her get through the loss of her soulmate, and told everyone else to mind their own business.
Their sweetest moment came in 1998 when Kim asked Seth if he would give her away at her wedding to Steve Marchant. He looked pleased as punch as he walked Kim down the aisle to husband number two.
Kim departed the Dales the following year, but she never forgot her old friend. And when Seth sadly passed away in 2003 Kim paid for a crate of alcohol to be sent to his funeral.
We’d love to have a pint with these two (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Cain Dingle and Liam Cavanagh
Cain’s never really been one for mates, which is probably what makes his friendship with Dr Liam so adorable.
It all began back in 2021 when Liam was grieving the loss of his daughter, Leanna. The teen was one of serial killer Meena Jutla‘s victims and her death left Liam utterly bereft. Unable to listen to folks’ cliched sympathies, Liam needed someone to sit in silence with over a beer. And that’s what he found with Cain.
Liam returned the favour last year when Cain needed a supportive ear in the aftermath of Moira’s brain tumour diagnosis.
But it’s not all doom and gloom – Cain and Liam are genuinely really funny together without even trying. The perfect mixture of posh and rough.
Long live their bromance!
Lydia and Kim have been through a lot together (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale unlikely friendships: Kim Tate and Lydia Dingle
You couldn’t get more chalk and cheese than ice queen Kim and warm-hearted Lydia, but somehow it just works.
The ladies hit it off after Lydia started cleaning Kim’s house and have gone on to forge a firm friendship. Theirs is a honest relationship, and Lydia is one of the few people that gets to see Kim’s more vulnerable side.
Sam’s wife has also helped Kim loosen up and have fun. Who remembers when Lydia organised a Neil Diamond tribute act for Kim’s hen do so she could get back to her working class roots?
But it’s not all been fun and laughter. Their friendship almost collapsed after Kim confessed to Lydia that she’d left rapist Craig Reed to die after he was trampled by her horse. Lydia was initially disgusted with Kim for not calling the police, but found it in her heart to forgive her.
Finn often found himself caught up in Val’s drama (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Val Pollard and Finn Barton
Lovely Finn was a friend to all, but we particularly enjoyed his partnership with vivacious Val Pollard.
The unlikely duo hit it off when Finn started working for Val and husband Eric as a cleaner at The Grange. Having just graduated from university with a degree in Economics, scrubbing toilets and making beds was far from Finn’s dream job. But his banter with Val made the time pass and Finn grew fond of her.
In turn, Val took Finn under her wing and became something of a surrogate mum to the lad. Because Finn was so polite and compliant, she often recruited him to take part in whatever mischievous scheme she’d cooked up.
Tragically, Val and Finn were killed within a year of one another, but we like to think she’s still leading him astray, somewhere.
Emmerdale unlikely friendships: April Windsor and Ross Barton
Ross Barton started out as a one-dimensional bad boy, but his cute friendship with April Windsor showed he had a heart. The duo entered each other’s lives in 2014 when Ross started going out with April’s mum Donna.
Even after Donna’s tragic death Ross remained in April’s life. We still remember how he dressed up as a pirate to make April’s first Christmas without her mummy a happy one.
When Ross returned to the village in 2024 he and April reconnected. But the teen found herself caught up in Ross’s trouble with boxing promotor Jade, which led her to learn Donna’s death was suicide, not accidental.
Now April has gone missing, Ross is out there, searching the streets for his friend. We hope she’s found safe and sound and that Emmerdale will carry on investing in their friendship.
Paddy is a saint to put up with Aaron (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Aaron Dingle and Paddy Kirk
Paddy has been a constant in Aaron’s life and is like a surrogate dad and big best mate all in one.
In the early days Paddy often found himself on the receiving end of Aaron’s fury. The troubled Dingle used him as an emotional, and sometimes physical, punchbag. But no matter what Aaron has thrown at Paddy, he’s always supported him.
He was the one who helped Aaron come to terms with his sexuality and the person he confided his affair with Robert to.
Aaron has been there for Paddy too. He was the one dishing out sensible advice after Paddy discovered Bear was his real father. He also was firmly team Paddy when Chas’s affair with Al Chapman became public knowledge.
We adore their on-screen chemistry, which is testament to Dominic Brunt and Danny Miller’s acting abilities.
There’s a bond building between Kerry and Eric (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale unlikely friendships: Eric Pollard and Kerry Wyatt
2025 is about to see the arrival of Emmerdale’s latest unlikely friendship – Kerry and Eric.
The pair had a spectacular falling out last year after Kerry discovered Eric had deceived her over the value of a necklace. Cunning Pollard proved there was life in the old dog yet when he tricked Kerry into thinking the jewellery was worthless, then sold it behind her back for a small fortune.
But now it seems all that is forgiven and forgotten. Eric finds himself opening up to Kerry over his guilt at not paying Brenda back. He admits he’s considering torching the shop to claim the insurance, which leads Kerry to reflect on the arson attack she carried out which claimed Frank Clayton’s life. Will she confide her deadly secret to Eric?
We’re all here for this new double act. Eric always works well with a feisty female sidekick and they don’t come much feistier than Kerry.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV, with an early release at 7am on ITVX.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs weekdays at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm on ITV3.
Would you miss Caleb? Follow our Facebook page @EmmerdaleInsider for the latest Emmerdale spoilers, news and gossip. Or find us on Twitter @EmmerdaleInside. Leave us a comment with your thoughts!
This week’s Emmerdale revealed the plot twist we all suspected was coming – Aaron Dingle is innocent of murdering Anthony. The soap led us to believe that Aaron killed Anthony in a fit of rage. But it was really Ruby who suffocated the old man as he lay on the floor.
Caleb then helped cover up the crime. Together with Anthony and John, the foursome then agreed to keep silent for everyone’s sake.
From faked deaths to real ones, surprise returns and cover-ups, this is just the latest plot twist in a soap that’s had more than their fair share over the years. Join us as we look back at some of Emmerdale’s most memorable plot twists.
Kim had Emmerdale’s biggest-ever surprise in store (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
1. Kim Tate was alive in the ultimate Emmerdale plot twist
In one of the most infamous plot twists in soap history, Kim Tate was revealed to be alive after faking her death in 1997. Believed dead after apparently being found so at the wheel of her car, Kim led both husband Frank and the soap’s viewers to believe she’d died. Really, though, she’d jetted off on a jolly to the Caribbean.
The truth came out months later, when Kim returned to haunt Frank – revealing that it was a lookalike he’d wrongly identified as his dead wife. The shock proved too much for Frank, whose heart gave out while Kim looked on with satisfaction. Ours too.
Emmerdale icon Viv Windsor went out in a blaze of glory… or at least, in a blaze (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
2. The death of Viv and Terry
Few could have foreseen fan-favourites Terry Woods and Viv Hope dying in a brutal twist on their story, but that was how the infamous Post Office fire of 2011 played out.
After falling asleep with a bottle of wine inside her, Viv dozed off inside the Post Office, oblivious to the fire starting around her. Terry rushed inside to rescue Viv, only to die with her in the ensuing explosion. Talk about going out with a bang.
Holly’s death shocked everyone (Credit: ITV/YouTube)
4. The death of Holly Barton was the most shocking ever Emmerdale plot twist
One of the best-kept secrets in soap history, the demise of Holly Barton truly came out of the blue. The day began like any other, and as Moira entered the bedroom to check up on her daughter, she was shocked to find Holly dead – having died of an overdose. Prior to this, the soap had given no indication that Holly had succumbed to her addiction again.
Holly surprised us again last year, returning in a dream sequence as Moira underwent life-saving brain surgery.
Cameron finished what Chas had started (Credit: ITV/YouTube)
5. Cameron killed Carl King
Nasty piece of work Carl King was killed after making an enemy of half the village. Blackmailing Chas after learning she’d been having an affair with Cameron Murray, he grew obsessed with getting his ex back.
After being spurned yet again after she married Dan Spencer, Carl confessed that he killed his father for her – and then attempted to rape her. She fought him off with a brick, before fleeing.
However, Chas ultimately wasn’t the one who finished Carl off. No, that was Cameron, who found Carl in his state and, after arguing, hit him a second (and final) time with the same brick.
Rebecca didn’t have an easy time of it (Credit: ITV)
Rebecca was thought dead until she managed to escape – reuniting with her friends and son Seb at her own graveside. She and Ross left the village in 2018 – only for her to die off-screen during a routine operation. Poor Rebecca never could catch a break.
Meena was deadlier than anyone could have anticipated (Credit: ITV)
7. Meena was a serial killer
In 2021, nurse Meena Jutla shocked audiences by killing Doctor Liam’s daughter, Leanna Cavanagh. However, neither viewers nor the cast were prepared for the truth behind the situation. Innocent-faced Meena was a serial killer.
Having been brought on with the story in mind, star Paige Sandhu kept the storyline a secret from her fellow cast members – revealing how shocked they were when they discovered that Meena was a secret serial killer.
Paige prepared to play a psychopath by watching Taxi Driver, American Psycho and Killer Women with Piers Morgan (whether she took inspiration from the killer women or Piers Morgan to get inside the mind of a soulless monster is unclear).
Cain helped cover up a murder (Credit: ITV)
8. Kyle shot Al Chapman
When someone shot resident love rat Al Chapman dead, Cain was facing a stretch behind bars. While it was true that Cain had brought the gun in the first place, he wasn’t the one who pulled the trigger.
Instead, the soap revealed that it had been little Kyle who killed Al. Thankfully, Cain managed to clear his name, and the whole thing was swept under the rug in the months which followed.
Rishi was killed on his son’s wedding day (Credit: ITV)
9. Rishi took a tumble in a tragic Emmerdale plot twist
After learning that his biological father – well, wasn’t – Jai took the frustration out on the man who’d brought him up. So bad was their feud, that he even forbade the old man from coming to his wedding, leaving Rishi heartbroken.
Jai relented, and as the big day beckoned, the family tried to reach Rishi. Ultimately, he never made it, which was when the soap shared the terrible news – Rishi was dead, having taken a fall (or as it happened, a push) down the stairs.
Joe’s back… but for how long? (Credit: ITV)
10. Joe Tate’s alive… for now
He was thought dead after seemingly being killed by Cain Dingle. However, Joe had survived – with father figure and mentor Graham helping him to fake his own death. A shock twist revealed, months later, that Joe had survived his run-in with Cain and was now living abroad.
Caleb schemed with son Nicky to take down Kim (Credit: ITV)
11. Caleb the secret Tate
Caleb Miligan arrived in the village in a shroud of mystery, introduced as Cain Dingle’s long-lost brother. But it was another dales dynasty Caleb had it out for – and the soap revealed that he was none other than the illegitimate son of Kim’s ex, Frank Tate.
In a series of plot twists, viewers learned that Caleb had a son of his own – Nicky Miligan – and it was all part of Caleb’s grand scheme to bring Kim down.
Who killed Craig? (Credit: ITV)
12. It was the horse who done it
When Lydia Dingle’s rapist, Craig, was found dead in a field, there was no shortage of potential murderers. Husband Sam and brother-in-law Cain were the usual suspects, but any Dingle could (and would!) realistically have done it.
The truth was far stranger than that – and it was revealed that Craig died after being kicked in the head by Kim Tate’s horse.
The plot twist we’d all rather forget (Credit: ITV)
13. Cain slept with Ruby in the worst ever Emmerdale plot twist
Not all plot twists are welcome ones. And, as Moira lay in hospital undergoing treatment for her brain tumour, Cain cheated on his wife – with his own sister-in-law.
Fans were left horrified by Cain and Ruby’s fling, and the soap has done little to convince us that it was a good idea in the months following.
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It was another action-packed week in the village, so we had to make detailed notes ahead of writing our Emmerdale review this week. Just in case we forgot anything important. Like a couple of sons. Or perhaps killing someone…
Memory troubles aside, it was another gripping week of telly, and we thoroughly enjoyed every minute.Well, just about every minute. Here’s what we thought, in this week’s Emmerdale review.
Poor Kerry’s been through Such A Lot since she killed Frank and kept quiet about it (Credit: ITV)
Will no one think of poor Kerry Wyatt’s suffering?
Since poor Frank Clayton suffered his fiery end we’ve been a bit obsessed with how Kerry and Amy just got on with their lives afterwards.
Kerry and Amy were the ones who caused the explosion that blew up the Sharma sweet factory but the villagers all thought Frank was responsible for his own demise.
When a devastated Tracy and Vanessa – Frank’s daughters – found out the truth, there was a bit of scuffle. Tracy gave Kerry a shove, and she banged her head. And somehow Kerry and Amy convinced the grieving sisters that now they were even.
We’ve NEVER been on board with this. We’ve been bothered for years about Tracy and Vanessa’s extreme forgiveness. And we were reminded of all that this week, when Tracy thought for about 30 seconds before leaving daughter Frankie in the care of Amy. One of the women who was responsible for killing Frankie’s namesake grandad.
And then we were reminded again when Kerry brought up the fire when she was trying to talk Eric out of torching the shop.
But it turns out we had everything wrong.
We thought poor, dead Frank was the victim but as it happens it was Kerry. She opened up to Eric about how hard it’s been for her, these past few years, living with the knowledge that she killed a man.
Poor lamb.
And did Eric point out that the person we should all have been feeling sorry for in this tragic tale was Frank?
Erm, no.
Instead, he gave Kerry a sympathetic pat. “What an awful burden to carry,” he said.
Not as awful as burning to death, though, right?
Bob told Cathy that Heath was the best son a man could have (Credit: ITV)
Forgetful Bob in our Emmerdale review of the week
And while we’re on the subject of things being forgotten, Bob had a bit of a memory lapse this week. He was, not surprisingly, sad about Heath’s untimely death, as the headstone went up on his son’s grave.
But as he and Cathy visited the grave and reminisced, Bob said Heath had been “the best son a man could have”.
The absolute best, Bob? Because we’re wondering where your other sons Josh and Jamie come in this ranking of offspring?
To be fair, Bob does have a lot of children. Which begs another question. WHY aren’t Bob’s family all coming back to Emmerdale?
We’d love to see his surviving kids – Josh, Jamie, Carly and Roxy – not to mention his grandson TJ – back in the village. The campaign for more Hopes starts here!
Ruby told Aaron the truth (Credit: ITV/Composite: EI)
Ruby and Aaron
Of course the big story this week is the aftermath of Ruby’s secret being revealed, and Anthony’s murder.
This week we found out that Ruby was the one to kill Anthony, even though Aaron had thought he was the one to blame.
The confrontation between Ruby and Aaron, as he confessed to the killing, then she told him the truth was brilliant. Our emotions were pulled all over the place, as Aaron first realised he was innocent, then twigged that Ruby – and Caleb – had let him believe he was a killer. THEN again as he understood why Ruby was so desperate for Steph to be protected.
And while we get that it must have been a tricky couple of days for him, poor Ruby’s been dealing with this horror for three decades.
Anyway, Danny Miller, who plays Aaron, is a great actor and he brought it this week. And Beth Cordingly, who plays Ruby, is just brilliant. We loved it.
It’s more about who doesn’t know the secrets at this point (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale review: What comes next?
Meanwhile, now Ruby, Caleb, Chas, Aaron and John know that Anthony’s dead, and why. Cain knows the truth about Ruby’s abuse, but he doesn’t know that Anthony’s dead.
Steph and the rest of the village know an abridged version of Ruby’s mistreatment by her dad – she thinks he was violent, rather than sexually abusive.
“One wrong word and the whole thing crumbles,” Chas warned in Friday’s episode, and she’s totally right.
But is it wrong that we absolutely can’t wait to see it?!
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
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