Emmerdale Insider for spoilers, breaking news, first-look pictures, previews and fan theories

Category: News

  • Emmerdale pulls out of Baftas for Belle and Tom storyline following writer domestic abuse conviction

    Emmerdale pulls out of Baftas for Belle and Tom storyline following writer domestic abuse conviction

    Emmerdale has withdrawn its entry from this year’s Baftas following the news that a former writer pleaded guilty to the assault of his girlfriend.

    Martin Fustes pleaded guilty to the assault of his partner, causing actual bodily harm, and an offence of intentional suffocation.

    The soap would have been a frontrunner in the Best Soap and Continuing Drama category at the ceremony, which is due to take place in May. But following the court case has decided to pull out.

    Emmerdale has pulled out of the Baftas following writer’s conviction (Credit: ITV)

    Emmerdale writer prosecuted

    Hull Crown Court heard that writer Martin Fustes made violent threats toward his partner. He behaved in an “angry and aggressive way”. The woman in question was afraid that she was “going to die”.

    Fustes was given a two-year suspended prison sentence. He also has to do 150 hours’ unpaid work, 15 days’ rehabilitation and a 26-session probation service domestic abuse programme. He was ordered to pay £2,000 compensation and £150 costs. A 10-year restraining order was also given.

    A spokesperson for Emmerdale said: “We were shocked and appalled to learn about the recent court case involving Emmerdale writer, Martin Fustes.

    “Mr Fustes is a freelance writer. He has been informed that he will no longer be writing for Emmerdale. Everyone at ITV and Emmerdale abhors domestic abuse, which is why we have been highlighting the issue in a major storyline over the last 12 months.

    “The Emmerdale production team were not aware of these charges against Mr Fustes until we were alerted over the weekend.”

    Traumatised Belle Dingle has a choice to make in Emmerdale
    Belle was a victim of domestic abuse (Credit: ITV)

    Emmerdale pulls out of BAFTAs

    One of Emmerdale’s major storylines over the last year has been Belle Dingle‘s abuse at the hands of Tom King. The soap therefore felt it would be inappropriate to win any award on the back of the latest news.

    The Bafta team wrote to members of Bafta and told them: “ITV and Emmerdale have taken the decision to withdraw from the soap category from this year’s awards. This is in consideration of recent news involving a member of the scriptwriting team.”

    They also confirmed that anyone who has already cast a vote for Emmerdale will be able to recast their vote.

    An Emmerdale spokesperson added: “ITV and Emmerdale have taken the decision to withdraw the episode nominations from this year’s BAFTA TV Awards.

    “This is in consideration of developments in recent days involving a member of the scriptwriting team.”

    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

  • Gail’s exit storyline ‘sealed’ as she spills Mary’s Suzy secret? A new theory

    Gail’s exit storyline ‘sealed’ as she spills Mary’s Suzy secret? A new theory

    With reports of Gail Loman’s exit on the cards in Emmerdale, a new theory has ‘worked out’ how she will leave – and it’s linked to Mary.

    Last night (Tuesday March 11), Mary trusted gossipy Gail (a literal barmaid who strikes up conversation with anyone and everyone) with her big secret.

    But, could this secret actually play a huge part in Gail’s exit storyline? We think so!

    Emmerdale's Gail looking at Mary crying in the kitchen
    Mary told Gail everything (Credit: ITV)

    Mary told Gail about her kiss with Suzy

    On the day of the limo crash, viewers will know that Leyla actually caught Mary and Suzy kissing. The women had finally confessed their feelings for each other after a good year of dancing around them.

    Suzy was even ready to throw away her relationship with Vanessa to be with Mary. But, of course, the limo crash meant that they never did get their happy ever after.

    Since Suzy’s death in the limo, Mary has been trying to be a supportive friend to Vanessa (some may say out of guilt).

    But, last night, Mary felt as though she just had to tell someone about her kiss with Suzy. And with the only other person who knew, Leyla, now dead… Mary selected Gail to share her secret. Wow, what an honour!

    Gail was stunned as Mary admitted that they’d kissed on the day of Suzy’s death… But, before she could elaborate any further, Vanessa walked in asking Mary to sign a tribute for her late partner. Talk about awkward.

    Emmerdale's Gail and Ryan in the Woolpack
    Gail is reportedly leaving the soap (Credit: ITV)

    Theory: Gail’s exit storyline linked to Mary secret?

    Reports suggest that Gail Loman is soon to be leaving the soap. It’s unclear how she will depart but last night’s scenes have now sparked a new theory from us.

    With Gail now knowing Mary’s secret, it can’t be long before it slips out of her mouth. We just know that Gail struggles to keep anything to herself.

    With Vanessa finding out the truth, Gail might feel as though she’s broken everyone’s trust and decide to leave the village.

    Or, perhaps, in a sinister twist, Mary might realise that her secret isn’t safe with Gail and attempt to keep her quiet. But in the process, Gail could accidentally get brutally injured…

    Considering that Gail doesn’t appear very often, we reckon that last night’s scenes were important in some way. But, could this all be paving the way for her exit?

    Read more: Emmerdale viewers ‘work out’ who is targeting Manpreet after new ‘clues’

    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.

    Do you think Steph is going to find out the truth? Follow our Facebook page @EmmerdaleInsider for the latest Emmerdale spoilers, news and gossip. Or find us on Twitter @EmmerdaleInside. Let us know your thoughts!

  • Caleb flatlining in the flashforward is ‘down to Steph’, new theory suggests

    Caleb flatlining in the flashforward is ‘down to Steph’, new theory suggests

    Earlier this year, Emmerdale shared a flashforward scene, which showed Caleb Miligan flatlining on an operating table. Fans now believe Steph will be at fault for this.

    Caleb and Steph’s relationship is tempestuous at the moment as she believes he is at least partly responsible for her grandfather’s disappearance.

    Now a new fan theory has suggested that Steph will be responsible for Caleb ending up in hospital.

    Steph confronts Ruby and Caleb in Emmerdale
    Steph believes her parents are involved in her grandfather’s disappearance (Credit: ITV)

    Steph believes her dad is a murderer

    Earlier this year, Anthony Fox disappeared from the village. He was killed by his daughter Ruby, with several villagers, including Caleb, being in on the cover-up.

    However, Steph is unaware of the truth. But she doesn’t believe her grandfather would just leave without even sending a message so has been doing some digging.

    In scenes this week, Steph found a gun in her parents’ safe. Wednesday’s episode sees her confront them over it and question whether it was used on Anthony.

    Steph later outlines her plan to shop Ruby and Caleb to the police for their involvement in Anthony’s disappearance, believing they deserve to be punished if they have committed a crime.

    Caleb flatlining in Emmerdale flash-forward scene
    Caleb was seen flatlining (Credit: ITV)

    Fan theory says Steph is to blame for Caleb being in hospital

    At the start of the year, Emmerdale released five flashforward scenes, showing what is coming up this year in Emmerdale.

    While some have already played out on screen, there are a couple we’ve yet to see. One showed Caleb flatlining on an operating table, while another showed Cain crying at someone’s graveside.

    A new fan theory has suggested that Caleb being in hospital could be down to Steph – perhaps as revenge for Anthony.

    “What if Steph is the one who shoots Caleb and puts him in hospital, if he takes the bullet for Ruby?” the fan wrote on X.

    Another fan replied, writing: “Yeah we saw in the flashforward that Caleb is in a hospital bed so it looks like he’ll be accidently shot by Steph. I didn’t know untill tonight that Caleb had a safe in the first place.”

    A third fan had the same idea and wrote: “Steph to shoot Caleb?” While a fourth fan theorised: “Stephanie has found a gun in her dad’s safe. Does anybody remember at the beginning of the year with the flashforward scenes of Caleb is on life support and he dies?”

    Read more: Emmerdale viewers ‘work out’ who is targeting Manpreet after new ‘clues’

    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.

    Do you think Steph is going to find out the truth? Follow our Facebook page @EmmerdaleInsider for the latest Emmerdale spoilers, news and gossip. Or find us on Twitter @EmmerdaleInside. Let us know your thoughts!

  • Steph to go down for Anthony’s murder after gun move? This fan theory thinks so

    Steph to go down for Anthony’s murder after gun move? This fan theory thinks so

    In last night’s episode of Emmerdale (March 11) Steph found Caleb’s gun during her search for Anthony. And now fans fear that one discovery could result in a bad outcome for Steph.

    Ever since Anthony disappeared, Steph has been on the hunt for him. And she doesn’t seem to be put off by anything. Every scene she is in seems to be connected to her looking for Anthony. But so far this week, she has gotten extremely close to the truth.

    Despite how adamant Steph is to find him, Caleb and Ruby are keen to keep the truth a secret. However, last night Steph found the gun Caleb was going to kill him with. So how will they get out of that one? Well, a new fan theory predicts that Steph just put herself right in the frame.

    Steph confronts Ruby and Caleb in Emmerdale
    Steph refuses to give up on the truth (Credit: ITV)

    What happened to Anthony?

    Viewers know that Anthony was murdered by his daughter Ruby, after he sexually assaulted her when she was young.

    But she isn’t the only one involved in the murder cover-up. Aaron initially believed he was the one who took the final punch on Anthony, and so John covered it up. Then Caleb was preparing to cover-up for Ruby. On top of that now Cain, Chas and Moira are all in on it. So if the truth comes out, a lot of people will be facing the consequences.

    It was only recently that John even told them all where Anthony’s body is (if you believe him). And Ruby has been taking trips out there quite a lot. So much so that Steph even followed her one day.

    Despite being told by Ross that she should quit looking, Steph remained determined. And it paid off for her as she entered the correct code for the safe and found the gun.

    Steph in Emmerdale
    Steph discovered a gun in the safe (Credit: ITV)

    Emmerdale Steph in the frame for the murder?

    But fans believe her lifting the gun out without any gloves may actually result in her becoming the number one suspect in the case.

    One fan took to X to propose the theory. They wrote: “Steph will now be in the frame for murder now that she has picked up the gun. Stupid woman.”

    While it would be unlikely she would go down for murder if no body is found. And if they find Anthony they should be able to determine he wasn’t shot to death.

    However, if she brings the gun straight to the police, her finger prints are all over it. So while they have nothing else to go on, Steph may just make herself look very guilty.

    She may argue that she is the one who has been looking for him, and constantly going to the police to report him missing. But perhaps it could be thrown back that all along she was the one who murdered him.

    Perhaps she should make the decision to not go to the police about her parents after all…

    Read more: Emmerdale viewers ‘work out’ who is targeting Manpreet after new ‘clues’

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYHtZwSQdDY?si=4RxDhgJ2SczqIZpj]

    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.

    Do you think Steph is going to find out the truth? Follow our Facebook page @EmmerdaleInsider for the latest Emmerdale spoilers, news and gossip. Or find us on Twitter @EmmerdaleInside. Let us know your thoughts!

  • Emmerdale viewers ‘work out’ who is targeting Manpreet after new ‘clues’

    Emmerdale viewers ‘work out’ who is targeting Manpreet after new ‘clues’

    Someone in Emmerdale has been targeting Manpreet over the images she has been using online, and the only person she has turned to is Ella.

    And after the last few episodes, viewers are convinced they have worked out exactly who is behind the messages. But, it’s bad news for Manpreet.

    It seems many suspect that her close pal Ella isn’t being as friendly as Manpreet may think. Right now, she is viewers’ main suspect in the blackmailing case. And they have the evidence to back it up.

    Viewers are suspicious of Ella (Credit: ITV)

    Is Ella blackmailing Manpreet in Emmerdale?

    Ever since she came to the village fans have wanted more from Ella. When we heard about her past as a murderer, viewers thought the show was going to go down the route of psycho Ella.

    Then when Liam got with Chas, many suspected that may bring out her crazy side. But again, it didn’t.

    Months then passed, and nothing ever came from it. So perhaps all that time Ella was actually just sitting waiting for her perfect opportunity.

    Taking to X, a fan proposed the idea that Ella is the one behind the whole thing – to get revenge on Liam.

    They wrote: “I think Manpreet’s blackmailer is Ella. I know she would be the obvious choice, but she is leaving. And I think it’s because she is still hurt over Liam and Chas. So, she ultimately wants to destroy the practice so he suffers.”

    Other than Ella being the one Manpreet chose to open up to, she also is conveniently always around. And so, she has the perfect opportunities.

    Another penned on X: “I still think it’s Ella blackmailing Manpreet. Who else could it be?”

    A third user commented: “Ella definitely has something to do with this blackmailing. She is always the one finding things.”

    Ella was devastated to see her secrets exposed in the paper (Credit: ITV)
    Ella will be leaving the village soon (Credit: ITV)

    What would this mean for Ella?

    If it comes out that she is the blackmailer, then she can kiss goodbye to her job at the surgery. And without her job, she doesn’t have any other involvement in the village.

    A while back it was reported that Paula Lane was leaving the role of Ella after one year.

    The news first came after Paula put on her own Talent Spotlight page that she would finish filming Emmerdale in February.

    So, if that timeline has stayed correct, that would mean we’re very close to Ella’s exit – even though some already thought she had left with her lack of appearances.

    The theory of Ella being the blackmailer seems to be strong, especially as it provides her an exit storyline. But whether or not it is true, viewers have to just wait and see.

    Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale in 2025? A complete guide to departures, returns and new arrivals in the Dales

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYHtZwSQdDY?si=4RxDhgJ2SczqIZpj]

    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.

    Follow our Facebook page @EmmerdaleInsider for the latest Emmerdale spoilers, news and gossip. Or find us on Twitter @EmmerdaleInside. Leave us a comment, we want to hear your thoughts!

  • Steph’s found Caleb’s gun, but is the game up for the ‘Anthony murder club?’ Here’s what’s next in Emmerdale

    Steph’s found Caleb’s gun, but is the game up for the ‘Anthony murder club?’ Here’s what’s next in Emmerdale

    In Tuesday’s episode of Emmerdale, Steph continued digging into Anthony’s disappearance and stumbled upon Caleb’s gun.

    Since Anthony Fox disappeared in January, Steph has been determined to get to the bottom of her grandfather’s silence.

    As she grew suspicious of her parents, she started to search through their things and found Caleb’s gun. Is she getting closer to the truth?

    Steph in Emmerdale
    Steph discovered a gun in the safe (Credit: ITV)

    Steph found Caleb’s gun in Emmerdale

    Having been suspicious of her parents for a while, Steph Miligan decided to set a trap. She approached Caleb and Aaron in The Woolpack and informed them that she’s heard from Anthony. She told them he’d called her from France.

    Caleb looked uneasy as Aaron warned him that he had to shut Steph down and stop her getting involved. He attempted to do that by getting Ross involved. Caleb told Ross that Steph would listen to him if he advised her to get on with her life and forget about Anthony.

    However, that wasn’t the case. Steph didn’t want to hear what Ross had to say and insisted she was right to suspect something was wrong otherwise Anthony would have at least sent one message.

    Back at the house, Steph continued to search for clues. She eventually managed to get into the safe and was shocked to find a gun.

    Steph confronts Ruby and Caleb in Emmerdale
    Steph confronts her parents (Credit: ITV)

    What happens next in Emmerdale?

    Upcoming Emmerdale spoilers reveal that Steph confronts her parents about the revolver. But Caleb quickly explains that he used the gun to threaten Cain.

    Not willing to simply take Caleb’s word for it, Steph heads off to question Cain Dingle. But will Cain back up his brother’s version of events?

    Steph’s determination terrifies Ruby, though Caleb does his best to comfort her. But Caleb is soon reeling when Ross arrives at the Depot to tell him that Steph is planning to report him and Ruby to the police for their involvement in Anthony disappearing. Can they convince her not to?

    Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale in 2025? A complete guide to departures, returns and new arrivals in the Dales

    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.

    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 fans celebrate as Kelvin Fletcher ‘returns’ to soap

    Emmerdale fans celebrate as Kelvin Fletcher ‘returns’ to soap

    Fans of Emmerdale have rejoiced at the ‘return’ of Kelvin Fletcher to the soap, almost ten years after Andy Sugden left the Dales. However, there’s a caveat – Kelvin won’t be reprising his role, but will instead be hosting a new podcast – sorry, Vodcast – on soaps with his wife, Liz.

    The couple, who were married in 2015 and share four children together, currently star in the ITV show Fletcher’s Farm together, in which they share the trials and tribulations of their life on a farm in the Peak District.

    Kelvin hasn’t left soapdom behind entirely though – and, posting to Emmerdale’s official Instagram account, he and Liz announced their Vodcast debut with a new video. They were joined by guest Claire Sweeney, who plays Cassie Plummer on Coronation Street.

    Kelvin and Liz Fletcher talking in an interview on This Morning
    Kelvin and Liz will host a new ITV soaps Vodcast (Credit: ITV)

    Kelvin and Liz Fletcher announce soap news

    “Hey guys, we’ve got some exciting news,” said Liz as the announcement began, “we are the hosts of the brand new Vodcast, which is a video podcast in case you didn’t know, of Off Script: Coronation Street and Emmerdale. Where we’re going to be talking all about soaps, and to all of the actors.”

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Coronation Street (@coronationstreet)

    //www.instagram.com/embed.js

    Former Strictly contestant Kelvin continued: “And today we’ve got our first special guest… the fantastic Claire Sweeney! Watch on YouTube, ITVX, STV Player, Global Player…”

    “Or wherever you get your podcasts,” Liz finished.

    Andy Sugden looks confused on Emmerdale
    Kelvin played Andy Sugden for 20 years (Credit: ITV)

    Emmerdale fans celebrate as Kelvin Fletcher announces new soap ‘Vodcast’

    In the comments below the announcement, soap fans shared their enthusiasm for the Fletcher Family Farm stars’ latest venture.

    “DOING GOD’S WORK,” cheered one fan, “GIVING THE CROWD WHO THEY WANT!!”

    “This is the best news! All of our favourite people in one place 🤍 of course with the best hosts!” said another.

    “Wonderful,” a third commented.

    Meanwhile, a fourth said what we’re all thinking: “Andy return when tho.”

    Will you be tuning in to Off Script?

    Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale in 2025? A complete guide to departures, returns and new arrivals in the Dales

    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.

    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 real Marlon ‘would never stoop so low’ insist disbelieving Emmerdale fans

    The real Marlon ‘would never stoop so low’ insist disbelieving Emmerdale fans

    In Emmerdale this week, Marlon Dingle went to great lengths to get rid of Dylan from April’s life. But fans don’t believe the real Marlon would stoop so low.

    Marlon has been wary of Dylan since April introduced them, believing him to be a bad influence on his daughter.

    During Monday’s episode (March 11), Marlon made a dangerous error and fans aren’t amused.

    Marlon Rhona Ross and April confront Dylan
    Marlon accused Dylan of stealing ketamine from the vet surgery (Credit: ITV)

    Marlon’s decision puts Dylan in hospital

    April Windsor met Dylan on the streets during the troubled time when she run away from home. Insisting that she wouldn’t have survived out there if it hadn’t been for Dylan, Marlon agreed to let him stay at their house in the village for a few days.

    However, this was a reluctant decision from Marlon. He, Rhona and Ross have continued to be concerned about the effect Dylan is having on April’s life.

    Then while in the vets with Marlon, Rhona informed him that some ketamine had gone missing. The pair were quick to accuse Dylan. He firmly denied the accusation, but the missing ketamine was found in his coat pocket.

    Dylan continued to plead his innocence, but when even April wouldn’t believe him, he left.

    Later on, Marlon admitted to Rhona that it had actually been him who stole the ketamine in order to set Dylan up. It proved to be a costly mistake as news soon reached them that Dylan was in hospital following an overdose.

    Marlon fretted that it was all his fault and felt guilty about his actions.

    Marlon in Emmerdale
    Marlon confessed his crime to Rhona (Credit: ITV)

    Fans disbelieve Marlon plot in Emmerdale

    Emmerdale viewers have taken to social media to slam the storyline, claiming Marlon’s behaviour is out of character.

    “The normal Marlon wouldn’t be acting like this… he’d be helping Dylan,” wrote one fan on Instagram.

    A second viewer added: “Marlon… I don’t think he would have stooped so low,” with a third fan writing: “Marlon! He wouldn’t! I just can’t see it.”

    Over on X, a fourth fan said: “Why have they ruined Marlon like this. Why can’t he go back to being the dopey but essential good hearted fool that he was?” with a fifth asking: “When did Marlon become so conniving? He was never like this at one time.”

    “Please can Marlon go back to the fun guy we know. Had enough of the worst dad ever,” said a sixth fan. While another fan simply said: “This Marlon storyline is getting more and more daft every episode.”

    Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale? All the cast exits, arrivals and returns

    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: Sarah false pregnancy a ‘hint’ that she could die, fans fear

    Emmerdale: Sarah false pregnancy a ‘hint’ that she could die, fans fear

    Fans of Emmerdale have been left wondering whether Sarah Sugden‘s life is in danger as last night’s episode of the soap (Monday, March 10) revealed that her pregnancy had been a false alarm.

    Sarah initially believed she had fallen pregnant after sleeping with Jacob, and shared the news with Charity soon afterwards. But, as she sat down for a check-up with Manpreet, the doctor revealed that she wasn’t really pregnant.

    Sarah and Charity were left reeling at the news, with Sarah fearing that this had been her last chance at a family – due to her health issues.

    Sad news for Sarah – but does she have even more cause for concern?

    Sarah finds out she is not pregnant in Emmerdale
    Sarah was distraught to learn she’s not pregnant (Credit: ITV)

    Sarah to die following false pregnancy, new Emmerdale fan theory predicts

    Writing on X as last night’s episode aired, a new fan theory emerged – suggesting that Sarah’s life might be in danger.

    “Has the false positive got anything to do with her illness? Sarah is going to be Charles next customer,” predicted one fan, referencing the recent spate of funerals in the village.

    “Is this Sarah or Debbie?” asked another, sharing an image of Cain weeping over a mystery grave, from this year’s still-to-play-out flashforward.

    Is Sarah’s health about to take a turn for the worse?

    Sarah is anxiously processing her news (Credit: ITV)
    Sarah has a history of ill health (Credit: ITV)

    What’s wrong with Sarah? A brief history of her medical issues

    Sarah was only six when she was diagnosed with fanconi anemia. This rare blood disorder causes bone marrow failure and means that Sarah has a much shorter life expectancy than most.

    More recent health issues included Sarah’s diagnosis with throat cancer in 2017 and heart failure the following year. Sarah weathered both, thanks to extensive treatment and a heart transplant.

    However, her underlying health issues could re-emerge at any time – as Sarah is all-too aware.

    Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale in 2025? A complete guide to departures, returns and new arrivals in the Dales

    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.

    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 writer behind Tom and Belle abuse storyline tried to ‘suffocate’ real-life girlfriend

    Emmerdale writer behind Tom and Belle abuse storyline tried to ‘suffocate’ real-life girlfriend

    Emmerdale bosses have said they are “shocked and appalled” after a former writer on the show appeared in court, having admitted assaulting his partner.

    Martin Fustes pleaded guilty to the assault of his girlfriend, causing actual bodily harm, and an offence of intentional suffocation, which took place at the family home on January 27.

    Emmerdale sign
    Fustes has written for Emmerdale since 2006 (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

    Emmerdale writer prosecuted

    Samantha Laws, prosecuting, told Hull Crown Court that the couple had been together for about 13 years at the time and were living with their children near Hull.

    She said a row broke out between them when the couple were getting ready for bed. Fustes became verbally abusive and poked and prodded his girlfriend in the face and upper body with his fingers, keys and a vape. He also spat in her face.

    Miss Laws added that Fustes stopped his girlfriend from leaving the bedroom and put both hands around her neck two or three times. Fustes also wrapped the woman’s dressing gown hood around her neck and dragged her back to the bed.

    “He was repeatedly shoving and pushing her back to the bed,” Miss Laws told the court. “She attempted to escape. He placed his hands over her mouth and nose and stopped her ability to breathe. She could see stars.”

    Miss Laws continued that the woman was able to escape through the front door of the house. “She began to run to the local police station but he quickly caught up with her and pleaded with her to return.” The woman did go home where there was more arguing and abuse.

    The woman claimed in court that this assault was the culmination of more than 10 years of abuse. She said: “I thought I was going to die. I had no other option but to escape and run down the street.”

    Emmerdale's Belle is serious in a promo photo
    Belle Dingle was at the heart of a domestic abuse storyline (Credit: ITV)

    “A serious incident”

    In mitigation, Connor Stuart, said it was “a serious but isolated incident”. He said Fustes had no previous convictions and he had shown some degree of insight. “He has shown genuine remorse,” said Mr Stuart. “This is the last time that he will trouble these courts.”

    According to IMDB, Fustes has written for Emmerdale since 2006. This also means he’s been involved in the recent storyline surrounding Belle Dingle‘s torment at the hands of her abusive husband, Tom King.

    Fustes no longer writes for Emmerdale

    “We were shocked and appalled to learn about the recent court case involving Emmerdale writer, Martin Fustes,” a spokesperson for Emmerdale/ITV said.

    “Mr Fustes is a freelance writer. He has been informed that he will no longer be writing for Emmerdale. Everyone at ITV and Emmerdale abhors domestic abuse, which is why we have been highlighting the issue in a major storyline over the last 12 months.

    “The Emmerdale production team were not aware of these charges against Mr Fustes until we were alerted over the weekend.”

    Fustes was given a two-year suspended prison sentence. He also has to do 150 hours’ unpaid work, 15 days’ rehabilitation and a 26-session probation service domestic abuse programme. He was ordered to pay £2,000 compensation and £150 costs and he was given a ten-year restraining order.

    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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