Tonight’s episode of Emmerdale saw Nicola King and Laurel find themselves in hot water after a violent confrontation with resident monster Anthony. After being warned that Anthony is a danger to children, a horrified Nicola rushed home to where Anthony was having his maths lesson with Angelica.
Anthony grew violent as Nicola threatened to call Ruby over the allegations – taking a candlestick to the head for his trouble. He stumbled out of the house alive and (relatively) well, but it was clear that Laurel’s blow to the bonce had done some damage.
How much trouble are Laurel and Nicola in?
Nicola fought with Anthony as he denied the truth (Credit: ITV)
Laurel attacked as Anthony showed his true colours to Nicola on Emmerdale tonight
As the episode ended, a bloody human tooth glistened on the floor – an omen of Anthony’s terrible (if well-deserved) fate to come.
But with Nicola and Laurel responsible for at least some of the bloodshed, the pair may face some tough questions ahead. Which leads us to ask… could Nicola cope behind bars?
She may have emerged as an unlikely hero in the recent saga of Tom King but, lest we forget, Nicola is no angel. From lying to blackmail, business sabotage and conspiracy to murder (!) here are five of the worst things Nicola King has done during her years on Emmerdale.
1. Lying about her pregnancy
Nicola’s lying and scheming side first came out when she developed a crush on local chef Carlos Diaz. Frustrated that he wanted sister Bernice instead, Nicola pursued Carlos more aggressively.
When he rejected her, Nicola claimed to be pregnant in order to change his mind. The truth came out on her hen night, when Bernice caught her swigging vodka, forcing her to admit she wasn’t pregnant. Not a crime, granted, but not very nice either.
Nicola’s nasty side only exacerbated from there, attempting to seduce her own brother’s boyfriend, then lying about that too. Again, not a crime, but this sort of behaviour wouldn’t be amiss in the cell block either.
Nicola doesn’t like it when things don’t go her way (Credit: ITV/YouTube)
2. Business sabotage
Years later, Nicola grew irritated when dad Rodney began dating Maggie, an old friend of hers. Over the course of her vendetta, Nicola made Maggie believe that her boyfriend, Paul, had cheated on her before turning his own daughter against her.
Later, when Maggie was passed over for a promotion by Chris Tate, Nicola sabotaged the booking system of their holiday village project so that some guests arrived earlier than expected. Later, when Maggie found out what Nicola had done, they fought.
Nicola then attempted to get Rodney and Chris to fire Maggie. This backfired when Rodney discovered what she’d done, and sacked her instead.
3. Blackmail
Nicola seduced a young Robert Sudgen, only to cheat on him when she grew bored. After manipulating the situation so that he discovered her fling with Syd, Nicola got her way, and Robert duly dumped her.
Not long after, she clashed with Syd’s lover, Chloe, over their relationship – and threatened to expose their affair to Chloe’s own boyfriend, Scott.
4. Conspiracy to murder
Nicola’s most serious crime (an actual one) came after Nicola seduced elderly businessman Donald De Souza. After marrying him and taking partial control of his business, she plotted to murder the old man for his inheritance – bringing on board David Metcalfe for help.
David returned, but Nicola was determined to go ahead with her plot. After Donald arranged for a cosy dinner near a sheer cliff face, he revealed that he was well aware of Nicola’s plan – and even offered the chance to kill him.
Donald then attempted to take his own life, only for Nicola to suffer a change of heart and save him at the last minute.
5. That time Nicola bit a child on Emmerdale
When little Cathy bit Nicola’s daughter, Angelica, Nicola decided to teach her a lesson the old-fashioned way – by example. She then bit Cathy back herself.
Learning what had happened, Viv called the police, and Nicola was arrested.
For once, Nicola was blameless (Credit: ITV)
What’s next for Nicola and Laurel on Emmerdale?
When Anthony disappears following their confrontation, Laurel and Nicola are fearful that they were responsible for whatever might have happened. And, as they attempt to make sense of the situation, Nicola leaves a nurse suspicious after she awkwardly visits A&E to find out if Anthony’s been admitted.
Are Laurel and Nicola digging an even bigger hole?
Follow our Facebook page @EmmerdaleInsider for the latest Emmerdale spoilers, news and gossip. Or find us on Twitter @EmmerdaleInside. We want to hear your thoughts!
Anthony doesn’t have long left as flash-forwards showed his bloody body lying on the floor in the Depot in Emmerdale tonight.
And, a certain someone (cough, cough, Caleb) looked rather suss as he lured Anthony into his car with a gun behind his back.
Here’s what happened in Emmerdale tonight, Monday January 20.
Flash-fowards revealed a grisly death in Emmerdale tonight
Chas told Cain all about Anthony’s abuse of Ruby (Credit: ITV)
Chas let Cain in on Ruby’s secret
Chas was clearly struggling tonight after working out who Steph’s biological father actually was last week.
Cain (obviously worried that Chas had rumbled his fling with Ruby) was desperate to understand what was troubling his sister. When he realised the secret was to do with Caleb, he really started to sweat.
Chas then started linking everything back to Aaron’s experience with Gordon, which is what then made Cain add everything up and come to the truth about Ruby, Anthony and Steph.
Laurel gave Anthony a good whack (Credit: ITV)
Nicola and Laurel teamed up to take on Anthony
With Nicola enlisting Anthony to tutor Anthony, she decided to leave them to it whilst she headed to work. But, her shift wasn’t very long at all as after Chas filled her in on Anthony’s true nature, Nicola legged it back home and made sure her daughter was safe.
Sending a really confused Angelica off to her exam early, Nicola then confronted Anthony. When he suggested that Ruby was lying about everything, Nicola pulled out her phone to call her so that she could hear her side of things.
But Anthony soon showed his true colours and wrestled with Nicola to grab her phone. But, as luck and great timing would have it, Laurel was popping into Nicola’s for a cuppa and saw the whole commotion go down.
In true Cluedo style (it was Laurel, in the Kings’ living room, with a candlestick), Laurel whacked Anthony on the head unconscious. But… he got right back up alive and still kicking.
Disorientated, Anthony wandered off into the village with a bit of a bleed at the back of his head, with Nicola and Laurel rushing off back inside the house to conjure up a way they could avoid prison.
Fortunately for them, Anthony explained the gash as being the result of having one too many the night before.
A bloody tooth could be seen in a flash forward (Credit: ITV)
Caleb had a plan for his Father-in-Law
Flash-forwards at the start and end of the episode saw the end of Anthony as Ruby’s abusive father suffered his demise.
A bloody tooth could be seen on the floor of the Depot, with Anthony’s lifeless and bloodied up body being shown at the end of the episode.
And… it doesn’t look too good for Caleb in the grand scheme of things. He’s looking a tad suss (okay, a huge amount of suss.)
With Anthony feeling all sorry for himself on a bench outside, he planned on meeting Steph at the Depot. But, that’s when Caleb pulled up and tried to act like Anthony’s best mate.
How could Anthony possibly refuse the offer of a lift from kind and generous Caleb who had no ulterior motive whatsoever?
How was he to know that Caleb had a gun up his back, ready to get revenge for everything he did to Ruby? Well… it’s unclear whether Caleb finishes Anthony off, but he’s definitely not planning on having a coffee and a chat with him, that’s for sure.
Keeping the peace at Home Farm in Emmerdale tonight
Joe and Kim remembered Graham (Credit: ITV)
Kim and Joe remembered Graham
Poor Graham died in 2020 at the hands of Pierce Harris. And now, five years later, on the anniversary of his death, Graham was remembered by both Joe and Kim.
At the graveyard, Kim mourned Will whilst also remembering Graham with Joe. Joe then proved that he was there for Kim, giving her some words of wisdom… but, we still don’t trust him.
“You’re Kim Tate. You’ve got an empire to run.” Wise words. Maybe Kim will finally remember who she is and reclaim her power. She’s got the hat, now where’s the rest?
Dawn had her doubts
Kim headed back home after chatting with Joe and decided to offer Dawn a job working full-time at Home Farm Estates. Quite the offer considering the terms Kim and Dawn have been on recently.
Dawn was thrilled but then started to suspect that Joe might’ve been behind the whole idea. He’d be her boss… That sounds like a right recipe for disaster!
Joe gave Noah a gift in Emmerdale tonight
With Charity out and only Noah home, Joe turned up and presented him with a gift. His dad’s watch.
It was apparently the only thing Joe had left of his dad, but he was prepared to hand it over to Noah in a bid to get closer to him. Â Must’ve been an emotional moment for him.
Noah vowed to wear it all the time but he clearly hasn’t thought that one through. What will Charity make of it when she spots it on his wrist? We can only imagine.
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. We want to hear your thoughts!
In Emmerdale tonight, flash-forwards showed a dead Anthony on the floor… and in real-time we also saw Caleb with a gun, but did he kill him?.
As Caleb lured Anthony into his car, it was clear that he had a sinister plan for Ruby’s abusive father.
But, is it ever really as obvious as it looks in soap? Does Caleb actually pull the trigger of the gun and end Anthony’s life?
Anthony’s time in the village is nearly over (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale tonight: Caleb had a sinister plan for Anthony
This evening in the Dales (Monday, January 20), a flash forward showed a bloody tooth on the floor. Sometime later, another flash forward showed a lifeless Anthony with a tooth missing, surrounded by a pool of blood.
Before all this went down, in the present day, Anthony received a whack on the head by Laurel and a handy candlestick as she walked in on him wrestling Nicola for her phone.
Nicola had realised that he was a danger to children (thanks Chas for the heads up) and rushed back home to stop his tutoring session with Angelica.
After being knocked out, Anthony rose back up like the walking dead and headed out of the door with a cut on the back of his head.
He sat on a bench and assured Leyla (who made a rather random appearance passing by probably so we remember she exists ahead of her upcoming exit) that he was fine. Arranging to meet Steph at the Depot, Anthony turned his head to see Caleb.
Caleb then offered to take Anthony to the Depot in his car, but Anthony felt pressured to accept the lift (Caleb wasn’t asking him, he was telling him).
Anthony was completely oblivious though to the fact that Caleb had a gun tucked away under his jumper…
Anthony’s made to fight for his life (Credit: ITV)
Does Caleb actually kill Anthony?
So, we’re all wondering… what does Caleb have planned for Anthony? Well, it looks as though he’s out for his blood as spoilers for tomorrow’s episode (Tuesday, January 21) reveal that Caleb forces Anthony to follow him into a secluded barn whilst pointing the gun at him.
Anthony being Anthony of course tries to lie his way out of the situation but Caleb then makes the situation even more terrifying by turning it into a game of Russian Roulette (he’s clearly been watching too much of Squid Game.)
Anthony’s then prompted to tell the truth before Caleb pulls the gun’s trigger…
We know that this week, a gunshot is heard. But, will Caleb kill Anthony? Or, is he just playing a very scary game?
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
Viewers have praised Beth for her performance and for handling such a delicate subject matter with care. Now, Beth has taken to social media to thank fans for their nice words.
It was revealed last week that Anthony is Steph’s father (Credit: ITV)
What happened to Ruby in Emmerdale?
Viewers were aware that Ruby was estranged from her parents, but it wasn’t until Anthony Fox arrived in November that the reasons became clear.
During a special flashback episode of Emmerdale, scenes from Ruby’s 16th birthday party were shown. A young Ruby was shown looking scared and begging ‘not again, not today’ as her evil dad approached her in her bedroom.
Last week, Ruby bravely confronted her dad about the sexual abuse she faced as a kid. Anthony of course tried to twist everything, but Ruby stayed firm.
She revealed she had been only 14 the first time it had happened, before telling her dad: ‘You raped me.’
Anthony would not admit to anything and told his daughter he just wanted to make her feel special and she couldn’t prove otherwise. However, Ruby informed her shocked dad that she had proof of what he did because he is Steph’s real rather and a DNA test would show that.
Fans have praised Beth Cordingly’s performance (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale: Beth Cordingly thanks fans for support
Actress Beth was overwhelmed with the response to Ruby’s storyline and took to Instagram to thank fans for their support.
“THANK YOU to everyone for your amazing messages. Working on this storyline is an enormous privilege and we all really care about it. The cast, crew, producers, writers,” she wrote.
“It’s been one of the great privileges of my life (truly) to say these words on behalf of RUBYS everywhere… and all that we hoped for as a team on Emmerdale is that we could – in some small way – make you feel respected and heard.
“Sorry I can’t reply to every message but I do read them. I’m so grateful for your courage in sharing your thoughts and feelings with me.”
Included in the Instagram post was a video, in which Beth added: “I’m really proud and I feel really privileged I’ve been involved in this storyline. Thank you for your amazing messages.
“We really care about it, everyone cares about it at work and everyone. The producers, writers, the crew, everyone’s so invested – camera, sound, makeup, costume, all the actors, everyone’s really invested and it’s been an amazing experience to work on 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.
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
They say cats have nine lives, and so do a lot of Emmerdale characters, and no matter how many times they stare death in the face, they never actually meet their maker.
These extremely fortunate folk have overcome illnesses, survived catastrophic accidents and managed to escape murderers. In all honesty, they’ve got us wondering why and how they’re still breathing.
Here are nine Emmerdale characters who have defied the odds when it comes to death…
Cain lived to tell the tale (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Cain Dingle deserves an award when it comes to Emmerdale characters’ deaths
Cain Dingle is the soap’s Mr Invincible. No matter how many brushes with death this guy had, he always lives to fight another day – quite remarkable considering the rest of the Emmerdale characters on the list.
The mechanic came closest to meeting his maker in 2011 when he was left for dead in a huge whodunit storyline, dubbed ‘Judgement Day’. Cain was bludgeoned over the head with a crowbar by a mystery assailant, who later turned out to be his dad, Zak. But after a few weeks in hospital he was ready to go again.
So Cain survived having his skull smashed in, but what else?
He almost burnt to death after Adam Barton set fire to his garage in revenge for Cain destroying his mum and dad’s marriage. He’s also undergone surgery for a brain aneurysm, and nearly drowned in a freezing river.
Then there was the time Cain nearly blew himself up while trying to get Nate killed for sleeping with Moira. He also suffered a near-fatal brain injury during a violent brawl with nephew Aaron, and most recently cheated death when Moira blew up Butler’s barn.
He should come with a health and safety warning!
Mack can’t have many lives left now (Credit: ITV)
Mackenzie Boyd
How is Mack still alive? No, seriously. How is he still alive? It’s true that Mack gets himself into most of these dangerous situations, but he’s been fortunate to survive them.
In 2023, Mack was involved in a terrifying car accident with his wife Charity and lover Chloe – which only happened because he played away. The vehicle was left hanging over the edge of a cliff, and Mack managed to save himself and Charity from the wreckage. Chloe went down with the car, but miraculously wasn’t killed.
Mack was then held hostage by Chloe’s gangster dad, Harry. And he would have ended up with a bullet in his head if it wasn’t for Charity saving the day, and shooting Harry dead.
His latest two lives have been used up. First, surviving getting stabbed in the stomach by Charity, then almost getting gored by an angry bull.
What’s going to be next?
Aaron has cheated death numerous times (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Aaron Dingle
Aaron must know Hotten General like the back of his hand – he’s spent enough time there over the years.
The troubled Emmerdale character has a history of self-harm, and faced death when he developed septicemia after deliberately cutting his skin. Aaron’s overdosed on drugs and attempted suicide more than once.
In October 2016 he almost died after he and lover Robert were involved in the Hotten Bypass Crash. The couple’s car plunged into a lake and Aaron was trapped under the water. He was rushed to hospital and flatlined seconds after Robert popped the question.
But thanks to the miracles of modern medicine Aaron was saved.
Most recently John had to perform emergency surgery on his boyfriend after his lung collapsed. Aaron was taken to Hotten where it was revealed John had saved his life.
Sarah has a complicated medical history (Credit: ITV)
Sarah Sugden
Life hasn’t been very kind to poor Sarah, but she’s somehow managed to hang on in there.
At six-years-old she was diagnosed with fanconi anemia, a rare genetic disease, which increases the risk of cancer. Sarah developed leukemia and needed a bone marrow transplant to save her life, so Debbie and Andy conceived a saviour sibling. Baby Jack was born and was a match for his sister.
Sarah recovered, but was nearly killed after Kerry Wyatt accidentally set fire to Dale View while babysitting her and Jack.
Her health took another tragic turn in 2017 when she was diagnosed with throat cancer. Sarah’s long-lost great grandmother Faith stumped up £20,000 for her to undergo private treatment in Prague, which was a success.
If that wasn’t enough, less than 12 months later Sarah went into heart failure – a rare side-effect of her chemotherapy. A donor was found and Sarah underwent a risky heart transplant. Once more, there was a guardian angel looking down on her.
Sarah’s most recent hospital trips have been due to her drinking – something she’s not allowed to do due her condition.
Brave Moira recently underwent surgery to remove a brain tumour (Credit: ITV)
Moira Dingle is one of those Emmerdale characters whose been through enough, let alone near-death experiences
Moira’s another one that’s lucky to still be breathing if you think about all she’s been through.
She survived the car accident that claimed the life of her first husband John, walking away from the wreckage with just cuts and bruises. Then her life fell apart after the death of her daughter Holly from a heroin overdose.
Moira almost succumbed to addiction herself after she developed a dangerous alcohol habit. She once passed out drunk behind the wheel of her car and avoided what could have been a fatal collision.
2024 was the year Moira was forced to face her own mortality after being diagnosed with a non-cancerous brain tumour. After almost blowing herself and others up in an explosion at Butler’s barn, Moira’s underwent life-saving surgery to remove the mass.
She’s come through the operation, but isn’t out of the woods yet. Now Moira has to face her next hurdle – a course of radiotherapy. Will it be the death of her? Or will the Emmerdale cast member join the list of characters who survived death yet again?
Kathy was nearly smothered by evil Steve Marchant (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Kathy Glover
Fan favourite Kathy was used to her husbands dying on her, but she also came close on a few occasions.
In 1998 the cafe owner became the victim of a hit and run after Steve Marchant accidentally ran her over. He didn’t call the police as he was carrying out a robbery at the time and it was hours before Kathy was discovered. She spent several weeks in a coma, during which time Steve tried to suffocate her with a pillow to stop her telling the police he’d been driving the car.
Kathy was in peril again when she grew close to secret killer Graham Clark. He’d already done away with her best mate Rachel Hughes and made her death look like suicide. Graham almost killed Kathy by driving off a cliff top, but she escaped with her life.
Then just weeks later, Kathy was one of the passengers travelling on a community bus which collided with a Tate Haulage lorry. She was one of the last ones to be freed from the wreckage, which claimed several lives.
No one destroys Kim Tate (Credit: ITV)
Kim Tate
Queen Kim is immortal, well that’s what we’re telling ourselves. But that doesn’t mean she hasn’t given us a few scares during her magnificent reign.
Christmas 1996 was very nearly Kim’s last after she got trapped in a fire at Home Farm. But it was her lover Dave Glover who went up in flames while rescuing baby James from the blaze.
After Kim made a triumphant return to the Dales in 2018, she was pushed off a balcony by Faith Dingle. We all feared Kim was no more, but she lived to tell the tale.
She’s also withstood months of being poisoned by vengeful son Jamie, and most recently viewers watched in horror as Dawn drugged Kim with ketamine. But as Jamie and Dawn discovered, no one gets the better of Kim!
He’s been beaten to near-death plenty of times, but has always lived to tell the tale (Credit: ITV)
Ross Barton
Ross has always lived life on the edge, but has somehow never ended up six feet under.
The closest Ross came was back in 2015 when Pete beat him to near death in revenge for his affair with Debbie. The audience were led to believe Pete had killed Ross after they watched him dump his body in the woods. But several weeks later it was revealed Ross had survived the attack as he made a dramatic return.
Ross has also overcome a horrific acid attack which has left him scarred for life, and put his life on the line competing in underground boxing matches.
How Lawrence survived getting shot we’ll never know (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Lawrence White’s list of ‘almost’ deaths was impressive
Former lord of the manor Lawrence White finally used up his nine lives in 2018 and it was about time! The Emmerdale member’s list of near-death experiences suspended disbelief, even by the standards of the other characters.
During his three and a bit years in the Dales, Lawrence suffered five suspected heart attacks, two of which were confirmed. He was shot in the stomach by deranged grandson Lachlan, and should have bled to death, but didn’t.
Then in 2017, Lawrence’s life was left hanging in the balance after his foe Tim Richards tried to gas him in a car. Once again, Lawrence was rescued in the nick of time, by Lachlan of all people!
But his number was up when Lachlan deliberately ploughed the family’s car into an oncoming lorry. Lawrence – who was travelling in the backseat – was catapulted through the windscreen and died on impact.
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
Our Emmerdale review this week is mostly about just one thing, because the revelation that Ruby Fox-Miligan’s dad, Anthony, is the father of her daughter, Steph, has made every other story pale into insignificance.
We’re still reeling about this huge storyline and we’re wondering what will happen next.
So here’s what we thought of everything that happened this week in our Emmerdale review.
Ruby couldn’t face opening the results and decided she was better not knowing but Caleb found them anyway (Credit: ITV)
Ruby Fox-Miligan’s torment in Emmerdale
Can we take a moment to appreciate the absolute brilliance of Beth Cordingly (who plays Ruby) this week? Her performance has been amazing. And that goes hand in hand with Nicholas Day, who plays Anthony, as the creepiest, most sinister villain to ever walk the streets of the village.
When Anthony was watching Ruby sleep in the B&B we were almost weeping with the tension of it all. And when Ruby woke up, terrified, we felt even worse! And then she stood up to her abusive father, and we were cheering. There’s no doubt this storyline is a rollercoaster of emotions!
Ruby telling Caleb was also a masterpiece. The way she held it together as he was gently asking questions, before completely breaking down, really tugged at our heartstrings.
We’re heartbroken for Ruby, and for Steph when she inevitably finds out about her real parentage, and we want to see Anthony face justice. Which sort of leads to the second point of our Emmerdale review…
Of course Caleb’s made this all about himself (Credit: ITV)
Caleb making it all about him – again
“This is not your battle,” Ruby warned Caleb as she stopped him hunting down Anthony. Ruby’s spent her whole life trying to protect daughter Steph from her rapist father, and she isn’t planning to stop any time soon. She knew that if Caleb went storming out into the village, shouting about what Anthony did, the repercussions would be enormous.
So what did Caleb do? Oh he just got himself a gun. Brilliant. What on EARTH are you thinking, Caleb. Seriously, is there one man in Emmerdale who isn’t oozing with toxic masculinity and totally self-obsessed?
We want Anthony to pay for what he did to Ruby in Emmerdale – but in court (Credit: ITV)
What’s next for Ruby and Anthony in Emmerdale?
Anyway, Caleb’s massive mistake aside, we find we are slightly worried about what’s going to happen next. We know Anthony’s going to end up dead, which we’re not totally happy about. We’d much rather he faced justice and the consequences of his actions.
We’re very worried about how Steph will react. We’re worried this huge, grim, awful storyline won’t be given the attention it deserves. But most of all we can’t wait to see next week’s episodes!
Marlon’s just being horrible to everyone (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale review: Marlon’s too much
Though the enormity of Ruby’s story is all we can think about right now, there were some other things happening in the village this week.
And of course, the biggest one is that April is still missing. And we get that her dad Marlon is worried about her. We do. We understand. But OMG does he need to be SO horrible about it? We’re not sure we can cope with much more of this. He is being AWFUL and we’re not enjoying it. We wouldn’t blame Rhona one bit if she packed up Leo and Invisible Ivy and went off to be with April instead.
And while we’re on the subject of April…
Mary could be useful if she didn’t spend all her time on the nursery run (Credit: ITV)
Give Mary something to do!
It’s hard to remember now that all she does is pick up Ivy from nursery, make sandwiches and call people ‘poppet’ but when Mary first arrived, she had a backstory. And that backstory was that she had been a hotshot, hard-hitting journalist.
And we’re thinking, that maybe – just maybe – this could be handy. What with April being missing. Possibly Mary could put some of those journalist skills into use now, perhaps call up a few former colleagues, drum up a bit of interest in April’s story?
No? Oh well, just an idea. Now if you could pick up Ivy from nursery, Mary, that would be great.
Don’t let the door hit you on your way out, Wendy (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale review: Wendy’s gone!
We have hated Wendy Posner since she first arrived in Emmerdale (no reflection on Susan Cookson, who played the fake nurse – she’s terrific). So we are very glad to see the back of her. Her departure from the village was, well, uneventful, and she’s off to fake her way into a new nursing job elsewhere.
Emmerdale has a chequered history with nurses. There’s been Emma Barton, who kidnapped her ex-husband and killed her own son. Meena Jutla, the Dales’ serial killer, and now whiny Wendy, who granted wasn’t as evil as Emma or Meena, but who wasn’t actually a real nurse.
Is it wrong that we’re a bit excited to find out what dramas will arrive along with the next nurse to move to the village?!
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV, with an early release at 7am on ITVX.Â
Classic Emmerdale usually airs weekdays at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm on ITVX.
Follow our Facebook page @EmmerdaleInsider for the latest Emmerdale spoilers, news and gossip. Or find us on Twitter @EmmerdaleInside. Tell us who you think kills Anthony!
At the start of 2025 we got an eerie glimpse of the upcoming year in the village and fans know think they know who is responsible for the Emmerdale death seen in one of the flashforwards.
The village has had its fair share of serial killers over the years. From Meena Jutla to Cameron Murray, every time we think we have seen it all, something else happens.
And now, with the New Year flash-forwards, fans think they have sussed out the newest serial killer in the Dales. And it’s bad news for Aaron.
Fans think John may be the next murderer (Credit: ITV)
Could John be the next Emmerdale killer?
Ever since John Sugden arrived last year, fans have been convinced he is hiding a huge secret. While many think he may have killed someone in his past, now others believe he will be the next villager to embark on a murder spree.
John is currently in a relationship with Aaron Dingle, his brother’s ex-husband. But with the secrecy surrounding his past, could murder be on John’s mind?
They wrote: “Don’t worry everyone. I think secret serial killer John Sugden finds out and murders Anthony.”
That fan isn’t the only one who thinks John could be linked to an Emmerdale death.
Another commented: “I hope John is a serial killer.”
A third: “Do we have a potential serial killer coming in? Could it be John?”
John has been in a relationship with Aaron (Credit: ITV)
John Sugden’s mysterious background
John first brought suspicion from fans when he kept his past with the mysterious Aidan Moore a secret.
However, he did eventually explain to Aaron that Aidan was someone he once loved, but unfortunately died in Afghanistan and he couldn’t save him.
At the time, viewers wondered if John was telling the truth. And it seems many still don’t trust him. Did John actually murder Aidan? And if he did, does that mean Aaron is in danger? If so, this could be a fantastic way to bring Robert Sugden back in the mix – fans are desperate for his return!
And as other fans think John is using a fake identity and may actually be Aidan Moore.
Do we have another serial killer on our screens? And is he going to cause the next Emmerdale death?
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.Â
Classic Emmerdale usually airs weekdays at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm on ITV3.Â
Follow our Facebook page @EmmerdaleInsider for the latest Emmerdale spoilers, news and gossip. Or find us on Twitter @EmmerdaleInside. We want to hear your thoughts!
April in Emmerdale has been missing for more than three weeks now, and while there has been no luck in finding her, a new fan theory predicts someone close to the search might.
Before she went missing, Marlon had forced Ross to tell April that he didn’t want anything to do with her. This obviously left April reeling. But when she found out her dad was behind it – she had had enough and ran away.
She hasn’t been seen since Christmas, when we saw her get into a car willingly. But we still have no idea who was driving. And after recent episodes saw Marlon and Ross team up, fans think Ross may know more than he is letting on.
Does Ross know more about April’s disappearance? (Credit: ITV)
Could Ross have April in Emmerdale?
Ross was one of the only people April trusted. And Marlon hated that. But their feud was put to the side earlier this week, when the despairing dad realised Ross was one of the only other people who would continuously look for April.
After CCTV footage spotted April running away from something (or someone?) in Leeds, this is where Marlon decided to focus his search.
But while he was out looking, he bumped into none other than Ross. Who was coincidentally looking in the exact same area.
Then last night (January 16) Marlon was too sick to go searching. So Ross decided he could do both his area, and Marlon’s. A lot of work for one person…
This caused suspicion to arise for Emmerdale fans. And some now wonder if Ross is actually looking after April.
Fans took to social media to share this theory. And it seems a lot share the idea.
Ross was one of the only people April trusted (Credit: ITV)
Fans share their theories
One wrote: “Could Ross be up to mischief? Actually knowing where she is and looking after April? Seemed too convenient Marlon bumping into him the other day in Leeds?”
Another added: “Does Ross know where April actually is??”
While a third penned: “Was that meeting really just a coincidence?”
As the storyline looks set to continue for a while, fans have already called for a resolution.
And while Ross has a bad boy side, could he really be keeping April’s location a secret?
The question remains, if it’s not Ross behind her disappearance, then where is April?
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release at 7am.Â
Classic Emmerdale usually airs weekdays on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.Â
Follow our Facebook page @EmmerdaleInsider for the latest Emmerdale spoilers, news and gossip. Or find us on Twitter @EmmerdaleInside. We want to hear your thoughts!
In a recent episode, Ruby confronted Anthony over the abuse she faced from him as a child. But fans are annoyed that Ruby and Cain’s affair is still looming over important Emmerdale storylines.
When Moira was in brain surgery, Cain made the awful decision to sleep with Ruby – his brother’s wife. And since then, the guilt has been eating away at him.
But with such important storylines at play in the show, fans are struggling to move on from Cain and Ruby’s one night stand.
Ruby and Cain slept together (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale’s secret of Ruby and Cain’s affair ‘should never be revealed’
Both Cain and Ruby are involved in huge storylines at the moment. Cain is trying to support Moira through her radiotherapy. And Ruby’s childhood abuse by her father has just been revealed. So exactly what was the point in having their one night stand simmer in the background of two really important storylines?
It seems fans still struggle to look at Cain and Moira in the same way since the whole thing happened. But that being said, they also hope it never comes out. As it would ruin so many things in the show.
In last night’s episode (January 16) Caleb sought comfort in his brother when he found out he wasn’t Steph’s dad. But while Cain hugged him (bold move for Cain!), he kept trying to persuade Caleb to forgive Ruby. Because he knows he did the exact same thing.
Taking on a Reddit thread, fans discussed their desire for the soap to simply move on from the whole incident.
One wrote: “Making Cain and Ruby sleep together was so stupid and random. What purpose did it even serve? It didn’t even lead anywhere. If Ruby confided in Cain then I would get it more. But it just seems like a lazy plot. I hope they manage to keep it secret forever.”
Another fan agreed, adding: “I hope it’s one of those rare soap secrets that never gets revealed. They should just never mention it again. In time we can pretend the whole thing never happened.”
A third simply commented: “Definitely a stupid plot line.”
“It was just so unforgivable for him to do too,” another angry fan wrote.
It seems fans are all in agreement that if this secret never comes out, then we would not be bothered at all. We’re all already trying to pretend it never happened!
Cain looks set to get more involved in Emmerdale’s Ruby’s storyline next week. A brand new trailer showed him and Caleb looking guilty while holding a gun. Are they responsible for Anthony’s upcoming murder?
With times ever changing, soaps are trying to constantly modernise themselves to appeal to younger viewers.
As a Gen Z Emmerdale fan myself, I love tuning into the village drama every weekday. But, most of my friends my age have never even watched an episode.
So, with this in mind, here are eight things the soap could do to bring in younger viewers.
There aren’t enough teens and young adults in the village (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale young viewers: 1. Bring in more young characters
Currently there are a lack of younger characters in the village, and the ones that are in the soap aren’t being focused on as much as they could be.
We have April who has gone missing, and we have Jacob who is busy training to be a medical student. But, more focus could definitely be put on bringing in more teens and young adults and showing them hang out with their mates and having a good time.
We don’t often see young characters hang out with anyone outside of the village either. Focusing on a group of teens for example could help younger viewers relate.
2. New landmark/ location shoots
For this to happen, the introduction of a new landmark in the village could really help. Introducing a bar or new hangout spot in the village tailored to younger people could act as a foundation for a number of different character and storyline introductions.
Even a village gym could work well, bringing something a bit more modern and ‘cool’ into the village rather than having characters limited to The Hide, the pub or the cafe.
On a similar wavelength, the cast could film on location and head out to Leeds from time to time. Characters often mention that they’re off out to Leeds or Hotten but we never actually see it. This would help younger viewers realise that there’s so much more to Emmerdale than it being a stereotypical ‘farm’ based soap.
Emmerdale young viewers: 3. Interactive episodes
Something that rival soap EastEnders is trialling out next month is an interactive episode. Fans can vote on a storyline’s ending. The choice with the most votes will be the one that the soap pursues on screen.
This creates such a buzz and gets fans involved with the soap. They feel as though they’re actively interacting with the soap. Young people love anything that is hyped up and talked about, so giving them this power will help them tune in to see whether their choice has been chosen!
4. Social media
Gen Z just loves social media. In the age of technology, we mostly scroll through TikTok before switching over to X and Instagram later in the day, and then again having another TikTok session before bed.
Including hashtags in the corner of episodes linked to storylines e.g. ‘#WhoKilledAnthony?‘ or ‘#Who’sBehindTheIce?’ could really help increase the number of young people talking about the soap online. And then if one person talks about it, their friends will most likely be intrigued.
Kudos must be given to the Emmerdale TikTok team as they’ve started creating fun and engaging videos in recent months which are bound to rake in the likes and reposts. More of this, please!
Storylines could be more tailored to younger viewers (Credit: ITV)
5. Storylines
More topic-based storylines that reflect real-life issues and situations of younger viewers could be explored. Again, introducing new landmarks such as a bar or club could spark off these storylines.
More storylines that involve things like social media trolling, online dating, drink spiking etc… could bring in young people who have experienced or feel connected to such topics in some way.
6. More flashforwards
At the start of the year, Emmerdale aired five flashforwards for scenes that will air at different points throughout the year.
This is something that really (really) appeals to me and other people my age, because as a generation we have serious FOMO. The thought of not having watched something that everyone has been talking about scares us (stupidly) and we feel like we must keep on top of the trends.
Flashfowards help keep people interested in storylines for a long time, again creating so much hype. And, we love the hype, we really do.
Cutting episodes down would make it easier to catch up (Credit: ITV)
7. Cut episodes down
We’re a generation of binge-watchers meaning that we also like to watch shorter episodes that we can keep on top of rather than  feeling like we are behind what everyone else is talking about.
It can be hard to stay up to date with a soap as if you miss one episode, the chances are you’ll have missed a few more before you even find the time to catch up. And by then, you feel like you’ve missed too much to get back on track.
But, if the number of weekly episodes were cut down to three or four half an hour episodes, it would be more manageable for younger viewers to keep up to date and catch up whilst fitting the show around their busy schedules.
Emmerdale young viewers: 8. Celeb cameos
Having a celebrity that is popular with Gen Z enter the village for a one off episode could help attract new viewers. They might tune in for that episode and end up sticking around for many episodes after.
In 2023, Emmerdale involved Torvill and Dean in their Christmas Belle and Tom proposal episode. Something like this but with someone from a Reality TV show such as the Traitors or a popular TikTok star could work really well. We can just imagine GK Barry turning up in the Woolpack and having a pint with Steph Miligan.
