In Emmerdale spoilers tonight, Anthony shares some bad news about his health with Caleb Miligan.
Elsewhere, Marlon is angry with Mary for getting involved in the situation with Laurel.
All this and more in Emmerdale spoilers for tonight (Tuesday, January 7).
Anthony has news for Caleb (Credit: ITV)
1. Anthony opens up to Caleb
Shortly after arriving in the village, Anthony Fox revealed to granddaughter Steph that he has cancer. Tonight, he shares grim news with Caleb about his health and asks him to keep it a secret.
Meanwhile, Ruby and Steph go on a spa day together. Although it brings them closer together, Ruby is still anxious about her secret. Ruby recently sent off a DNA test to determine if Anthony or Caleb is Steph’s father and it continues to play on her mind.
Jacob  is overwhelmed and stressed (Credit: ITV)
2. Jacob continues to struggle in Emmerdale tonight
It’s been a tough time for Jacob Gallagher lately. Last week, he started a placement in the A&E department at hospital. However, after making a big mistake, he was reprimanded by his boss.
Jacob has continued to struggle, with mum Leyla concerned that he is burning the candle at both ends. Tonight, Jacob is aware that his stress levels are barely under control. Will he be OK?
Mary previously confronted Laurel (Credit: ITV)
3. Marlon is angry with Mary
Things have been tense between Marlon and Rhona lately after Laurel had a relapse and made a drunken pass at Marlon.
Rhona’s mum Mary decided to try and help the couple resolve their issues by having a word with Laurel. However, this didn’t go down well with Marlon.
Tonight, Marlon makes it known that he is angry with his mother-in-law for confronting Laurel. He also continues to be stressed about his missing daughter April and is convinced by those close to him to make an appeal video. Will it work?
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 spoilers for next week reveal Caleb finds out the truth about Ruby’s past when he finds the DNA results. But what do they reveal? And will Ruby confess all?
Also, Marlon and Rhona are under fire as she is suspected in April’s disappearance. But do they have to accept April could be dead?
Here’s a rundown of everything going on in Emmerdale next week.
Ruby’s past exposed in Emmerdale spoilers
Ruby quickly hides the truth from Caleb (Credit: ITV)
1. The DNA test results arrive
Ruby gets an envelope with the DNA test results in, but is too anxious to open it. Caleb comes home so she stuffs it in her handbag and is forced to leave it until the next morning. However, when she does rip it open, she doesn’t get chance to read the contents before Steph comes downstairs.
2. Ruby decides not to find out the truth
Stressed, Ruby goes to see Chas, who offers support. She reassures her Caleb will not turn his back on her and Steph even if the results aren’t what Ruby wants. But Ruby can’t look and decides to destroy the results without ever finding out.
Caleb wants answers from Ruby (Credit: ITV)
3. The truth comes out
Caleb is looking for some painkillers in Ruby’s bag and comes across the envelope with the DNA clinic’s return address. Ruby returns home and finds Caleb with the results in his hand. But what do they reveal? Is it the sickest storyline ever and Anthony is the dad? Or is Caleb Steph’s real father? And will the Miligans’ marriage survive this?
Chas finally realises what really happened to Ruby (Credit: ITV)
4. Chas finds out everything?
With Ruby forced to confess to Caleb, Chas has been trying to persuade Ruby to get justice from her abuser. But she has no idea it’s Ruby’s dad, Anthony, who sexually abused his daughter. As she gets closer to the truth, will the penny finally drop for her over who is responsible?
Fears continue for missing April in Emmerdale spoilers
A nightmare leaves Marlon terrified (Credit: ITV)
5. Marlon’s nightmare continues
Still worried sick over his missing daughter, Marlon has a dreadful nightmare. He wakes up horrifically shaken after dreaming April is dead. But will he soon be forced to accept that as a reality?
Rhona feels awful (Credit: ITV)
6. Rhona under suspicion
Things are hard for Rhona whose past has been dredged up. It is being used to make out she is responsible for April’s disappearance. But does she know anything? And who betrayed her to the press?
Will Marlon ever find April? (Credit: ITV)
7. Marlon loses hope
Admitting to Rhona his fears, Marlon realises they may have to accept April is dead. He isn’t giving up the search though and heads back out to the streets of Leeds. He sees a young girl who he thinks is April and rushes to her, but is soon shocked to see Ross. Ross tries to keep up Marlon’s spirits, but they are both faced with a stark reminder over the thousands of missing people out there.
Things don’t look good for Wendy in Emmerdale spoilers
Wendy’s got herself into a lot of trouble (Credit: ITV)
8. Wendy blackmailed
The Hotten Courier’s article on Rhona causes quite the reaction and it’s not long before Wendy is being blackmailed by the journalist behind it. Did Wendy have something to do with it?
Desperate to cover her tracks, Wendy uses Ella’s past to get out of it all. But with her life and career on the line, is Wendy in a big mess that she just can’t get out of?
Ross threatens Joe in Emmerdale spoilers
Noah softens towards Joe (Credit: ITV)
9. Joe tries to win Noah over
Wanting to build bridges with his half-brother, Joe offers Noah VIP tickets to a Leeds match. It’s clear Noah is softening and Charity is frustrated that Joe is worming his way back into Noah’s life.
Is Joe really afraid of Ross? (Credit: ITV)
10. Ross steps in
Charity enlists Ross to warn Joe off. Ross intervenes and it has the desired affect when Joe backs out of taking Noah to the footie. Noah is hurt, but despite Charity’s obvious pleasure, Joe soon manipulates another way to get close to Noah.
Moira starts treatment in Emmerdale spoilers
Moira is bouying up Cain when it should be the other way round (Credit: ITV)
11. Cain’s guilt intensifies as Moira has radiotherapy
Moira is preparing to start her radiotherapy and Cain is determined to support her every step of the way. However, he is still struggling to keep his guilt over Ruby buried. Moira is touched her family are being so supportive, but how much longer can Cain keep his secret?
Anthony becomes invaluable in Emmerdale spoilers
Smarmy Anthony’s only too happy to help (Credit: ITV)
12. Laurel and Nicola turn to Anthony
Making himself a part of village life, Anthony soon starts helping the village teens with their studies. Nicola arranges a tutoring session between him and Angel and is pleased when she hears it went really well. Meanwhile, Laurel also wants him to offer Arthur some more private tutoring, but will either of them regret 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
In Emmerdale tonight, Ruby Fox-Miligan sent a DNA test off, so she’ll soon receive answers as to whether Caleb is Steph’s father or not.
Elsewhere, Mary confronted Laurel about her attachment to Marlon, much to Marlon’s dismay.
Here’s all that happened in Emmerdale tonight, Monday January 6.
Ruby collected DNA (Credit: ITV)
Ruby decided to find answers
Following her chat with Chas last week, Ruby ordered a DNA test. Tonight, she collected samples from Steph and Caleb in order to see if there’s a match.
First she pulled a strand of hair from Steph’s head. Steph shouted out ‘ow’ in surprise, with Ruby claiming it had been a grey hair. Seems like she could have gone about it in a less painful way, hairbrush maybe?
Later, Ruby asked Chas if perhaps she was better off living in ignorance. Chas encouraged her to go ahead with the plan. But while she was collecting Caleb’s sample, he walked in. Ruby quickly hid the clear plastic bag and pushed Caleb away when he tried to kiss her.
Caleb was shocked at Ruby’s reaction. She claimed she needed to talk to him about something. But she chickened out of telling him the truth and instead asked him if he would have stayed with her if she hadn’t got pregnant. He insisted he would have. Ruby then told Caleb he was the best thing to ever happen to her and he repeated the sentiment.
Later, Ruby posted the DNA kit and will soon have answers. However, she continued to worry about what the answer might be. Caleb played a song by the Stone Roses and told Steph it was the soundtrack to her being conceived… not awkward at all….
When Anthony walked in, Ruby looked visibly awkward as she continued to fret that Caleb isn’t Steph’s dad.
Dawn made a discovery (Credit: ITV)
Dawn made a discovery in Emmerdale tonight
Following Will’s death from a heart attack over Christmas, Dawn has struggled to process her dad’s death.
Tonight, she got emotional when Jimmy brought over a box of Will’s stuff from the office. When Joe walked in, she sniped at him that the post mortem results would be out soon and they’d know the truth.
However, the coroner later called to share that there was no suspicious activity, leading to Dawn issuing an apology to Joe, who she had previously suspected of being involved in her dad’s death.
The camera then panned to the box of Will’s stuff, showing a memory stick. Dawn later found the memory stick, which had her name on it.
She put the memory stick into a computer, where Will appeared on the screen, saying that if she was watching it then it meant he was dead. He then shocked Dawn by adding: “It also means that Kim did it.”
Mary had a word with Laurel (Credit: ITV)
Mary stuck her nose in
Police called Marlon to inform him they’d made an arrest regarding the girl who was stabbed. Marlon relayed the information to Rhona, who snapped: “Forgive me for not jumping for joy that April hasn’t committed a violent crime.”
Mary told her daughter that she was being harsh on Marlon, before realising that Laurel is to blame for the tension between the couple.
Later in the pub, Marlon recruited Sarah to help him search for April again. Mary said he needed to give himself a break, but Marlon refused.
Rhona continued to be snappy with Marlon, leading to Mary approaching Laurel at the bar. She told Laurel that she had enough support already so she needs to leave Marlon alone.
Laurel walked out of the pub, while Marlon was angry at his mother-in-law’s interference.
Jacob spent the night with Sian (Credit: ITV)
Elsewhere in Emmerdale tonight
Jacob continued to struggle as he burnt the candle at both ends. Early in the episode, his mum Leyla caught him leaving the house with his co-worker Sian. She invited Sian to stay for breakfast, but Jacob felt awkward and was eager to get Sian out of the village. Awkward.
Eric also spotted the pair, and while speaking to him, Sarah Sugden watched on – clearly upset that Jacob had moved on.
Later, Jacob looked stressed as he got on with his studying. His mum said he was burning the candle at both ends and needed to look after himself.
Also, in Emmerdale tonight, Cain Dingle looked unsettled upon discovering that Anthony would be staying in the village.
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
Tonight’s episode of Emmerdale saw Will Taylor return from beyond the grave to give daughter Dawn some shocking news about the circumstances surrounding his death – which comes as the police arrest Kim Tate later this week.
Dying on the floor of Home Farm, Will’s death left his wife and family shocked. However, what came in tonight’s episode had Dawn questioning everything.
Is her dad telling the truth?
Will had a surprising theory about his own death (Credit: ITV)
Dawn shocked as Will implicates Kim in his death in Emmerdale tonight
Finding a USB stick among his belongings, Dawn opened the device to find it contained a video from her dad.
“Dawn Love. I hope this means that you’re watching and not someone else,” Will said, via recording.
“But if you are… then that means I’m dead,” he finished dramatically.
Fake news, but Will’s final message sets into motion a chain of events which will see Kim arrested at his funeral later this week…
Dawn believes her dad’s chilling final message (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale spoilers: Kim arrested at Will’s funeral
Emmerdale spoilers reveal that Dawn struggles to come to terms with her dad’s death – and Kim’s apparent involvement. As Billy tells her that Will’s message doesn’t actually prove anything, Dawn simmers with rage during the funeral procession.
As Kim delivers her eulogy, Dawn explodes, accusing her of murder in front of the congregation. She reveals the contents of the video to an appalled Kim.
Kim insists that it’s not true, but an argument breaks out – and Dawn pushes Kim into Will’s coffin. Kim tries to get Dawn back on side but, as the coffin is lowered into the ground, the police approach, and Kim is arrested.
With Emmerdale airing multiple flashforward scenes this New Year, one theory reckons a horse may end up dead.
Five flashforwards were shown as the villagers saw in 2025, with one showing a body bag being disposed of in the river.
But, what if a human body isn’t actually in that bag? Wild, right? Well one theory reckons there could be another explanation for the whole thing.
The body bag will surface (Credit: ITV)
New Year Emmerdale flashforward shows body bag being disposed of
This New Year, the villagers celebrated the clock turning to midnight as they saw in the New Year together.
However, five flashbacks for 2025 then revealed that not everybody would be having the ‘Happy New Year’ they were toasting to.
One flashback saw Mack running away from something, another saw Cain standing over a grave. Another flashback saw Caleb lying in hospital, whilst a fourth one saw someone trapped under some ice. Brutal.
But, one of the flashbacks has now conjured up a new theory. It saw a body bag be disposed of in a river – but it was unclear who was in the bag or who was disposing of it…
Could a horse die? (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale fan theory: Horse killed and dumped in body bag?
What if a horse is actually in the body bag instead of a human? A rather bizarre theory has suggested just that. Although we’re unsure why someone would go to the extreme length of covering up a dead horse’s body…
On Reddit, a fan of the soap wrote: “What if it’s not a body at all and we made to think it’s a body. Could it be something else like a horse or some other incriminating evidence? Like it’s a red herring that it’s a body?”
Whilst this all seems really wild and extreme, we’re not ruling it out. We’ve seen one of Kim’s horses get revealed as a killer (Ice, you’ll always be famous) in a shock whodunnit twist we couldn’t have predicted. So, a horse in a body bag could well come into fruition… Or, perhaps not. But, just who is in that body bag?
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
After the sad news of The Vivienne passing away over the weekend, we’ve taken a look back at the Drag Queen’s cameo in Emmerdale.
The 32 year old Drag Queen The Vivienne sadly died this weekend, with their agent announcing the news via social media.
Making such a huge mark on many fans, some may not know that the much-loved star actually once appeared in Emmerdale. And, helped make history on the show in a celebratory moment.
The Vivienne passed away over the weekend (Credit: ITV/ Shutterstock)
The sad passing of The Vivienne
James Lee Williams aka The Vivienne sadly died over the weekend, with the star’s agent confirming the tragic news on social media, leaving many people shocked and saddened.
The 32 year old was the first winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019, with many falling in love with the Drag Queen for their hilarious impression of Donald Trump.
After such huge success the tv personality went on to appear on the television skating competition, Dancing on Ice in 2023. They ended up finishing in third place. A huge achievement to be proud of.
@simonjonespr put out a statement yesterday evening (Sunday, January 5) to share the tragic news.
The statement read: “It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend.
“James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person.
“Their family are heartbroken by the loss of their son brother and uncle. They are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career.
“We will not be releasing any further details.
“We please ask that James’ family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.”
The Vivienne appeared at Emmerdale Pride in 2021 (Credit: ITV)
The Vivienne’s history-making Emmerdale appearance
In 2021, Emmerdale aired their first ever Pride celebrations in the village.
During Pride month, the village church came together with the rest of the community. They then put on the village’s first Pride event. Andrea Tate organised the Pride festival and booked a special guest to attend. This was The Vivienne.
After Ethan’s introductory speech, The Vivienne took to the stage. They then officially kicked off the Emmerdale Pride events.
Before these scenes aired, The Vivienne had also unknowingly contributed to another one of the soap’s historical moments as they ‘played a part’ in Mandy Dingle’s wedding to Paul Ashdale.
Mandy’s leopard print wedding dress took inspiration from one of The Vivienne’s. So, it turns out, The Vivienne made more than one mark on the show that year.
The nation will greatly miss The Vivienne, with their Emmerdale cameo contributing to a huge legacy left by the star.
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
Jimmy King’s feud with Jack Sudgen escalates in Classic Emmerdale spoilers for ITV3 tonight – as Jimmy collapses following sabotage of the show home. This comes as the development is suddenly attacked by a rogue digger, but who is responsible?
Elsewhere, Kelly returns to the village – as mum Viv makes a shocking request. And, in the wake of the show home attack, Cain sets Sadie a grim ultimatum. Meanwhile, Len is desperate to find Pearl after learning the truth about her money problems.
These episodes originally aired on June 27 and 28 2006.
The stress gets too much for Jimmy (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Jimmy collapses amid show home sabotage
Jimmy confronts Jack over his involvement in Shadrach’s grotesque antics. He’s pleased to have gotten under Jimmy’s skin, but Jack denies being involved when a digger suddenly attacks the show house.
Exchanging angry words outside The Woolpack, Jimmy and Jack have to be separated by Diane before things get violent. Jimmy tells Carl that he will make sure that the show home is ready in time.
Back at the Kings’, Jimmy falsely tells Tom and Carl that an engineer has inspected the damaged show home. Later, he grows stressed as he tries to sell his prize draw tickets.
When Jack winds him up, he becomes short of breath – and collapses.
Kelly returns
Doctors tell Viv that she could never carry a baby to full term, even if she were to get pregnant. Feeling that she has failed Bob, Viv grows upset.
In an attempt to cheer her up, Bob resorts to the only remaining option. The next day, Viv welcomes Kelly back from Italy.
Kelly is left horrified when Viv asks her to be a surrogate for her and Bob. She immediately tells Bob, who confronts Viv. Together, they agree to find a more appropriate surrogate for their child.
Cain sets a seedy ultimatum
Following the attack on the show home, Cain sets an ultimatum for Sadie. He tells her that if she doesn’t sleep with him, he’ll tell Tom how she asked him to damage the show home.
Classic Emmerdale spoilers continued: Len’s on the warpath
Len is fuming that nobody told him about Pearl’s recent problems. Desperate to find her, he and Danny ring around.
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
Following the revelation that Anthony abused daughter Ruby when she was a teenager, viewers have been wondering if Anthony could be Steph’s dad, rather than Caleb.
Tonight, Ruby goes in search of answers as she quietly pursues a DNA test and collects a hair sample from daughter Steph.
She confides in Chas about her doubts while Cain is also troubled by Anthony’s plans to settle in the village.
Ruby later has a close call when Caleb returns home early just as she’s gathering his DNA. Will he discover what his wife is up to?
Rhona is upset with Marlon (Credit: ITV)
Tension between Marlon and Rhona
Rhona is still upset with Marlon. Mary encourages her daughter to try and make things right, and is left to wonder if Laurel might be to blame.
Marlon’s daughter April disappeared on Christmas Day, and was later shown getting into a mystery car. Marlon is determined to continue with the quest to find the missing teen tonight.
Later, Mary intervenes and takes it upon herself to have a word with Laurel in the Woolpack, leaving Marlon furious.
Elsewhere in Emmerdale tonight
Last week, Jacob started his placement at the hospital, which was shown via a special standalone episode. During the episode, Jacob struggled on his first day and made a big mistake, which saw him reprimanded by his boss.
Tonight, life continues to take its toll and Jacob is overwhelmed and stressed.Â
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 has never shied away when it comes to tackling the tough subject of addictions. Over the years, we’ve watched characters battle against the most dangerous of demons. From drink to drugs, gambling to self-harm.
Currently, Laurel has fallen off the wagon after she suffered a relapse at Christmas. Her dependency on drink led to the break up of her marriage to Marlon and even saw Laurel turn to prostitution. This time she turned to Marlon for help and then tried to kiss him, leaving a huge issue in his marriage to Rhona.
But which other Emmerdale characters struggled to break the habit and whose fight against their addictions cost them their life?
Annie was addicted to tranquilisers (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Annie Sugden was one of the Emmerdale characters who overcame their addictions
Annie was the strong and steady matriarch of the Sugden family. She ran Emmerdale Farm and practically raised three children single-handedly. But her life was also blighted by a series of terrible tragedies.
In the space of 13 years, Annie lost her daughter Peggy to a brain hemorrhage, her twin grandchildren were killed by a train and her daughter-in-law died in a car crash. Then in 1988, Annie was almost killed herself after getting caught in a fire at Crossgill Farm.
Traumatised by her brush with death, Annie was prescribed with tranquilisers, and ended up dependent on them. As her addiction took hold, Annie’s loved ones intervened and were able to help wean her off.
Marlon and Laurel’s marriage crumbled due to her drinking (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Laurel Thomas
Laurel addiction to drink brought destruction and death to her family, and almost claimed her life.
She turned to booze in late 2014 after her relationship with then-husband Marlon Dingle ran into trouble. Within weeks, Laurel was drinking day and night and struggling to keep it from her family.
But her reliance on liquor put little April in danger after she accidentally drank a glass of orange juice which Laurel had laced with vodka. Worse was to come when Laurel choked on her own vomit in front of April and young son Arthur while she was supposed to be looking after them. She was found in the nick of time by Emmerdale’s Marlon, and thankfully it wasn’t the case where addictions win the battle.
The carnage continued as Laurel ran over and killed Marlon’s pet dog Daisy while under the influence and tried to dispose of the animal’s body. But her rock bottom came when she slept with a stranger for cash to fund her next drink.
Sickened by the depths she’d sunk to, Laurel finally sought professional help to get sober. Unfortunately her marriage to Marlon did not survive.
Frank often turned violent after a drink (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Frank Tate
Home Farm owner Frank had a tendency to hit the bottle when life wasn’t going his way.
His marriage to second wife Kim was famously volatile and rocked by his drinking and her infidelities. Frank struggled with alcohol issues on and off for years, and was prone to outbursts of violence towards his spouse.
After discovering Kim had cheated with gamekeeper Neil Kincaid, Frank drank himself into oblivion, then attacked his love rival. A dark period in Frank’s life followed as he fell back into addiction, but he and Kim eventually reconciled. Although we all know how that story ended.
Rhona’s addiction led her to rob her own workplace (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Emmerdale’s Rhona Goskirk battled her addictions but she ended up in hospital
Rhona’s life took a dangerous turn in 2013 when she became reliant on painkillers. After initially taking them to help her bad back, the local vet found herself unable to get through the day without self-medicating,
As her dependence worsened, Rhona risked her livelihood by stealing pills from the surgery’s drug cabinet. She was caught by best mate Vanessa, who agreed to keep her secret because she was in love with her. In turn, Rhona made out she felt the same so Vanessa could enable her habit.
Events came to a head after Rhona’s then-husband Paddy found out she was mixed up with a drug dealer called Gary. She admitted she had a problem and told Vanessa she’d been using her.
In despair, Rhona took an overdose. She was rushed to hospital and told her kidneys were on the verge of collapse. The bleak diagnosis and threat of losing young son Leo was the wake-up call Rhona needed. She checked into rehab and got clean. Thankfully, for Rhona, it was an Emmerdale storyline where someone overcame their addictions.
Ross collapsed after binging on drink and drugs (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Ross Barton
In 2018 Ross fell victim to an acid attack which left him with life-changing injuries. He was put on medication to help deal with the pain from his burns, but began popping the prescribed pills like Smarties. The Emmerdale storyline ventured down a different path to other characters to faced their addictions.
When Dr Liam refused to renew his prescription, Ross began to spiral. But Rhona – a former addict herself – recognised the signs and was able to support her friend in getting clean.
Months later, Ross relapsed after being offered cocaine as payment for a car theft. He succumbed to temptation and started taking the Class A on a daily basis. But the endless nights of hard partying and drug abuse took their toll. Ross put his and young son Moses’s lives at risk after he collapsed during a game of football.
Haunted by his reckless actions, Ross decided to clean up his act and left Emmerdale for a fresh start with girlfriend Rebecca White.
Addiction has been a running theme in Aaron’s life (Credit: ITV)
Aaron Dingle
Aaron is one of Emmerdale’s most self-destructive characters. He’s had a troubled life and a history of drug abuse, self-harm and suicide attempts.
These desperate cries for help have largely been driven by the trauma Aaron has suffered in his life – struggling with his sexuality, his toxic on/off love affair with Robert Sugden and the abuse he experienced at the hands of his father, Gordon.
Aaron’s currently in a place of contentment with new boyfriend John Sugden, but there’s always a sense he could be tipped over the edge at any moment.
Tragic Holly lost her life to heroin (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Holly Barton’s death was a tough watch compared to other Emmerdale storylines based on addictions
Holly’s premature death from a heroin overdose in 2016 sent shockwaves across the world of soap.
The character’s lengthy battle with substance abuse began when she was a teenager. She started using cocaine recreationally, but soon moved on to ecstasy, ketamine, then heroin. Holly was eventually confronted by parents Moira and John. She ran away from home for a while, but they brought her back and helped her wean off drugs slowly.
Months later, John was killed in a car accident and Holly relapsed, but she vowed to change and left the Dales for a new life in London.
She returned in 2016 and it soon became clear she’d succumbed to her old demons. After causing more misery for her family, Holly pledged to get clean again and found support from fellow addict Jai Sharma.
Then, in what appeared to be the middle of just an ordinary mid-week episode, came the shattering discovery that Holly had relapsed – and this time it was fatal. Moira discovered her tragic girl dead in her bed and an empty heroin wrap on the floor. It’s gone down as one of Emmerdale’s most dramatic exits as well as hardest endings for soap characters and their addictions.
Moira is sticking to soft drinks these days (Credit: ITV)
Moira Dingle
Addiction clearly runs in the Barton family, but Moira’s was with drink rather than drugs.
Alcohol first became Moira’s friend after her affair with Cain’s secret son Nate became public knowledge. Ostracised by her family and friends, she hit the bottle.
Moira’s dependence on drink almost destroyed her marriage to Cain. She put her young son Isaac at risk by passing out on the sofa and ignoring his cries for help. Then there was the time she passed out drunk behind the wheel and narrowly avoided a collision with another car.
The farmer managed to get herself sober, but fell off the wagon briefly in 2022 after Cain took the blame for murdering Al Chapman. She suffered another brief relapse in 2024 in the weeks before she was diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Moira is currently tee-total and we hope it stays that way.
Gambling addict Pearl got sacked for stealing (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Pearl Ladderbanks
2015 was Pearl’s annus horribilis. The Emmerdale golden oldie got herself into debt after underpaying her gas bill and knew her receptionist wage at the vets wasn’t enough to pay it back.
Desperate times called for desperate measures and Pearl turned to gambling to fix her financial woes. She loved the thrill of her new habit, but unfortunately it only made matters worse.
After a few big losses, Pearl began stealing from the vet’s and foolishly faked having Alzheimer’s to excuse the missing money. Pearl was found out when Vanessa Woodfield discovered a list of IOUs she’d been keeping. She got the sack and was forced to sell her house to Eric Pollard to pay off her debts.
Paul had a long history of gambling (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale’s Paul Ashdale put the spotlight on gambling addictions
Vinny’s wayward father Paul had a long history of gambling addiction. It led him to walk out on his son when he was young, leaving his ex-girlfriend Mandy to raise Vinny single handedly.
Paul returned to the pair’s life in April 2020 and claimed he’d given up the gambling for good. He even managed to worm his way back into Mandy’s affections, and they made plans to marry.
However, Paul was not the changed man he claimed to be. He was still gambling – making secret trips to the casino and frittering away thousands. Unable to tell Mandy the truth, Paul used Vinny as his emotional and physical punch bag.
Eventually Vinny found the courage to tell girlfriend Liv Flaherty what was happening. On the day of Paul’s wedding to Mandy, Liv confronted him at the barn where he was getting hitched. Paul attacked her, but moments later Jimmy King’s lorry ploughed into the barn. Liv managed to escape, but Paul perished when the place went up in flames. Sadly, he became another Emmerdale character who faced a tragic fate after their addictions took hold.
Guilt-ridden Liv turned to liquor to numb her pain (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Liv Flaherty
The guilt over leaving Paul to die is what drove Liv back to drink. She had previously battled hard to overcome an alcohol addiction, but the relapse almost cost Liv her life.
As her drinking binges got more extreme, the teen ended up in hospital after passing out at the cemetery and nearly choking on her own vomit. Following the scary episode, Liv promised big brother Aaron she was committed to getting sober.
However, her manipulative cow of a mum, Sandra had other ideas and deliberately derailed Liv’s recovery by spiking her drink.
In the end, Liv did manage to overcome her drinking demons, but met a tragic end in the Emmerdale 50th anniversary episode, which was a tough pill to swallow after defeating her addictions.
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
It’s a new year and that means our Emmerdale review this week is full to the brim of new drama. It’s been quite the week, hasn’t it? What with flashforwards, special eps, April’s ‘death’ and Ruby’s revelations.
Here’s what we thought of the non-stop action in our Emmerdale review.
Cain is mourning but who’s dead? (Credit: ITV)
The flashforwards
As Big Ben chimed in 2025, we were treated to five flashforwards teasing what was going to happen in Emmerdale this year. We saw Mack running through the woods looking scared, Caleb in hospital flatlining, and Cain standing next to a grave with a floral display spelling a word that was frustratingly unreadable no matter how many times we zoomed in on the screengrab or flipped the picture.
We also saw two more snapshots of the future – a body wrapped in plastic being thrown over the bridge, and terrifyingly someone trapped under the ice.
So what does it all mean? Are all five flashforwards parts of one story or are they different plots? Is Caleb going to die? Who’s under the ice? While some of the glimpses into the future were less exciting (Mack running for example) some of them have already got us gripped.
Why is Kim being so trusting when it comes to Joe Tate? (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale review: Kim and Joe’s surprise truce
Back in the present day, poor Kim is still grieving the unexpected death of husband Will. We love Kim, obvs, and so it is with reluctance that we feel obliged to point out that she’s being a bit of a wet blanket. Joe Tate is skulking around pretending to care and Kim’s just going along with it. We get that he knows she froze when Will first collapsed, and she feels guilty, but come on – it’s hardly the crime of the century is it? It’s far from being the worst thing Kim’s ever done. Why is she trusting him?
As ever with Kim we’re hoping she knows exactly what’s going on and is playing Joe for a fool. We even thought Will’s death might be a ruse for a while! Could we be right this time?
Anthony is tormenting Ruby but no one has noticed (Credit: ITV)
Anthony and Ruby
We are increasingly convinced that Anthony is not just the worst villain in Emmerdale history but one of the most evil baddies in telly history! He may not have the body count of Meena Jutla or Cameron Murray, but OMG he is so manipulative and frightening.
This week it was Steph’s birthday and once again he used the occasion to taunt, twist and terrify poor Ruby, making her seem unstable and volatile while he came out on top.
Ruby’s really struggling and we liked her confiding in Chas and taking back a tiny bit of control by ordering a DNA test – though we’re scared what the results might say.
But we’re frustrated that no one else seems to see how badly she is reacting to Anthony. Caleb walked in on her crying and didn’t notice. No one stuck up for her when Anthony demanded she cook them all a complicated dinner. And Steph, quite frankly, is being really nasty to her mother. She’s been given a (very nice!) place to live, a job, loads of attention, adoration from her dad and grandfather, and she’s still whining. Come on, Fox-Miligans! Step up.
Joe Warren Plant did a great job of showing us the pressures of Jacob’s first day (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale review: Jacob’s first day
As if the flashforwards weren’t enough, we were also given a special episode this week, centring on Jacob’s first shift in A&E. We weren’t sure how this would work when we first heard about it – after all, it’s Emmerdale, not Casualty! But actually we thought it was great.
Joe Warren Plant, who plays Jacob, did a smashing job of holding it all together and we really saw the pressures of being a medical student. The doctor in charge was a bit mean, though!
Marlon and Rhona thought April was dead (Credit: ITV)
April’s not dead!
One thing we didn’t love so much was the mix-up with everyone thinking April was dead. Though the blame for the error was firmly put on Jacob, we’re not convinced everyone in the hospital would have gone along with it so easily without, you know, checking.
It all felt a bit like a cheap plot device to torment Marlon and Rhona and we reckon it could have been just as dramatic and heart-wrenching done in a different way.
Marlon’s being really horrible (Credit: ITV)
Marlon’s a git
And while we’re on the subject, Marlon is getting on our wick. We know he’s worried about April, we get it. But he is being, in his own words, “a git”. He is blaming everyone else. He is shouting, pointing fingers, making it all about himself…
It’s quite hard to feel sympathy for him right now.
We do, however, feel a lot of sympathy for poor Mary who is keeping everything going behind the scenes, looking after Invisible Ivy and making tea and generally being an all-round trooper.
We’re as baffled as you are, Laurel (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale review: Marlon and Laurel revelations
And what’s with these revelations about Marlon and Laurel? Firstly, we’re confused about the timeline. Marlon seemed to tell Rhona that it all happened just before Christmas. But the police officer said April had seen a few messages on Marlon’s phone that made her suspicious.
And the one person we’ve not heard from is Laurel herself. What does she have to say about all this? Did it happen as Marlon has said, or is there more to 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
