Nate Robinson is the talk of the town on Emmerdale at the moment. Even in the aftermath of a devastating barn explosion, all anyone can talk about is missing Nate.
Last we heard, Nate was headed to Shetland in disgrace, having been accused of kissing Moira. His supposed betrayal earned him a beating from dad Cain – who then disowned him – and Tracy throwing him out on his ear.
It’s been a rough week for Nate, who copped a beating from his dad (Credit: ITV)
Last night’s episode revealed that it had actually been a mass on her brain which caused Moira to make a pass at Nate – resulting in Caleb’s misunderstanding after stumbling across the scene at the barn.
Nate’s name is about to be cleared, but is it too late?
Nate was pointedly absent from last night’s episode (Credit: ITV)
Fans accuse Emmerdale of heavy-handed foreshadowing in Nate disappearance
As last night’s episode aired, both Tracy and Cain expressed regret in their treatment of Nate. Tracy was particularly horrified at how she’d treated him, wondering whether she should have listened to his protestations of innocence.
As she confided in Vanessa, Tracy was reassured that Nate wouldn’t be out of their lives for good; with Vanessa insisting that Nate would always have a place in their child’s life.
“Been way too much Tracy and Vanessa time talking about Nate and relationships for Nate to have survived. Deffo an omen that he became crispy duck,” said one fan on X.
“There was a lot of foreshadowing of death towards Nate tonight,” another said.
“Oh no, there were so many clues that Nate really is dead,” a third pointed out, over on Reddit.
“They are laying it on with a trowel,” a fourth agreed.
Meanwhile, in the hospital, Cain shared his regret with Caleb over how he had treated Nate. Phone in hand, he prepared to give his son a call.
Emmerdale boss Iain MacLeod has teased a shock arrival is on the way this Christmas – and is sure to shake things up for the village residents.
Speaking to The Sun at the National Television Awards this week, the head honcho revealed that big plans were underway for this Christmas in the Dales.
“This Christmas there is a huge surprise arrival on Christmas Day. As well as some life or death jeopardy on Christmas Day but obviously there will be festive brilliance as we do every year but I think it is one of the most exciting Christmases that I can remember on Emmerdale this year!” he announced.
But who is on their way to set the cat among the pigeons? Writing on a Reddit thread, viewers had their theories.
Here’s who’s likely to be headed to the Dales this year.
How might Robert react to the news that Aaron has moved on… to his brother (Credit: ITV/YouTube)
Robert Sugden
“Robert Sugden. He would cause a lot of trouble for his brother and ex partner,” one fan theorised. With Robert currently in prison, his now-ex husband Aaron is currently in a steamy situationship with Robert’s apparent half-brother, John Sudgen.
A surprise return from Robert would certainly throw their fledgling relationship into chaos.
Fans have been eagerly awaiting Andy’s return (Credit: ITV/YouTube)Â
Andy Sugden
With John recently having arrived in the village, the Sugden name is on everyone’s lips at the moment. And, if the soap were looking to build the ranks of the once-mighty family again, they could do far worse than bringing back Jack’s adoptive son, Andy.
“I would love for it to be a Sudgen or Merrick returning. Robert would be my choice, but I would be happy with Andy, Diane or even Kathy. It would tie in well with John’s entrance and help establish the Sugdens back into the show,” another viewer suggested.
Debbie’s currently in Scotland (Credit: ITV/YouTube)
Debbie Dingle
In a sad real-life twist, last year saw the death of Emmerdale legend Steve Haliwell, who played Zak Dingle on the soap. With news of the character’s death yet to pass, there’s a Dingle funeral on the cards – leading many to think that Debbie Dingle could make her long-awaited return.
“Debbie Dingle? Maybe for Zak’s funeral. Who knows,” a third wondered.
“For some odd reason I have a sinking feeling Debbie is coming back,” concurred another.
Who’s Caleb and Ruby’s other child? (Credit: ITV/YouTube)
Caleb and Ruby’s daughter
Upon their arrival, it was briefly alluded to that Caleb and Ruby had not one but two children together – son Nicky, and a daughter too. With this news hanging over everyone’s heads, it’s only a matter of time before she shows up looking for mum and dad.
“Maybe it’s the once mentioned sister of Nicky that was never mentioned again,” theorised one viewer.
Piper’s alive! (Credit: ITV/YouTube)
Piper
Terrible Tom made Belle think that her beloved pup Piper had been killed when he euthanised her after deliberately running her over. However, it was revealed that he’d actually faked her death and given her away.
“I hope Piper comes back – Tom forgot to change the details on the microchip and another vet calls Belle,” a fan suggested.
Amelia is among the names mooted for a possible pregnancy (Credit: ITV/YouTube)
Surprise baby!
Many have theorised that this so-called ‘arrival’ could actually be a baby. Although no-one is expecting at the moment, we wouldn’t put it past the soap to spring a surprise pregnancy on one of the characters.
But who?
“Could be a surprise pregnancy, maybe Charity or Leyla?” wondered one fan.
“Or Belle… just when it’s all over and Tom sods off, Belle realises she’s having a hidden pregnancy,” said another.
“Maybe Amelia finds out she’s expecting it with Tom and announces it at Christmas,” a third theorised.
Who would you like to see make a Christmassy appearance this year?
Tonight’s episode of Emmerdale (Friday September 13) will see the heartbreaking moment that Moira Dingle is diagnosed with a brain tumour. Moira and Cain learned last night that a ‘mass’ on her brain was behind her recent erratic behaviour – leaving them both terrified for her future.
Moira’s ill health had led to her attempting to kiss Nate, headbutting Ruby, and even hallucinating a confrontation with old enemy Emma Barton. In her confusion, Moira let off a gunshot which sparked this week’s barn fire-turned-explosion, putting multiple lives in danger.
The symptoms continued during the aftermath of the fire, as Moira suffered a seizure while talking to dubious husband Cain.
Moira learned the reason for her sudden change in personality last night (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale tonight: Moira diagnosed with a brain tumour
After a quick scan, Moira’s doctor revealed that they had found a mass on her brain. And, as the storyline continues, Moira will be diagnosed with a brain tumour.
In tonight’s episode, Moira discovers that she has a type of brain tumour called a meningioma. This is why she has been suffering from the symptoms which led to her sudden change in personality. It is also responsible for the confusion, memory loss… and the seizure she also suffered last night.
While non cancerous, the tumour leaves Moira terrified for her future and apprehensive about its treatment.
Emmerdale worked closely with the charities Brains Trust and The Brain Tumour Charity while devising the storyline. They will continue to support the production team to give Moira’s story a realistic and authentic depiction.
Moira is played by actor Natalie J. Robb (Credit: ITV)
Natalie J. Robb reveals ‘challenging time ahead’ for Moira
Speaking on the storyline, actor Natalie J. Robb said: “I feel really fortunate to be trusted with such a challenging storyline. Moira and her family have an extremely challenging time ahead, and I’m hoping I can portray it in a truthful way that does justice to all the people who are really suffering with a brain tumour.”
Meanwhile, Emmerdale Producer Sophie Roper said: “Moira’s diagnosis comes as a huge shock to both her and her family and Moira faces an emotional and challenging time ahead.”
She continued: “The research and support we’ve received throughout this storyline has allowed us to depict the realities of the condition and though at times it may be distressing to see the symptoms Moira’s experiencing, we’re keen to explore the hope and resilience Moira finds as she comes to terms with her diagnosis.”
So it doesn’t sound like she’s leaving for now as the storyline has a long way to go. Can Moira come through this?
Emmerdale won big at the National Television Awards last night, scoring the Serial Drama prize. In doing so, the soap regained its crown after being beaten by BBC competitor EastEnders last year.
At last night’s ceremony, it was announced that the general public had voted for Emmerdale to win.
Here are the 8 big reasons we think it’s a well-deserved win for Emmerdale.
It’s been hard to watch, but Belle and Tom’s story has been one of the soap’s strongest (Credit: ITV)
1. Strong storylines
This year’s Emmerdale has largely been consumed by the horrifying saga of Belle Dingle‘s abusive marriage to Tom King. Once he’d fooled her into saying ‘I do’ with his nice guy act, Tom let the mask drop, and embarked on a horrific campaign of coercive control which left Belle at his mercy – and questioning everything she thought she knew about her marriage.
This year saw the arrival of Beth Cordingly as Ruby (Credit: ITV)
2. Great characters
Love or hate them, Emmerdale has some of the best characters on television at the moment – both new and established. One of the recent additions that viewers love to hate is Ruby Fox-Miligan, who quickly set the cat among the pigeons following her arrival in the village. In doing so, she has clashed with Kim Tate and Moira Dingle – earning a signature ‘Glasgow kiss’ from the latter last week.
Meanwhile, John Sugden has sparked countless fan theories since his arrival last month, quickly getting hot and steamy with Aaron Dingle.
Belle Dingle star Eden Taylor-Draper has been a powerhouse this year (Credit: ITV)
3. Excellent performances
Fans have hailed Eden Taylor-Draper‘s performance as one of the best the soap has ever seen. At the heart of Tom and Belle’s story, the star has taken it all in her stride. She lost out to Coronation Street’s Peter Ash (who played the late Paul Foreman) in winning a trophy for her performance, but Eden deserves all of the awards for having to put up with Tom King’s vile abuse.
And, talking of, we may hate terrible Tom, but there’s no denying that James Chase has done excellent work in making his character the most slappable soap villain of 2024.
A recent episode explored Belle’s emotional distress (Credit: ITV)
4. Inventive direction
The soap has gotten experimental in recent weeks; Moira experiencing hallucinations of old foe Emma Barton; an episode from Belle’s perspective which followed her as she explored potential futures with husband Tom. It’s thinking outside of the box and we love it.
The barn is on fire (Credit: ITV/ Composite EI)
5. Explosive action
While its cast were busy winning an award for the soap, Emmerdale aired one of the most explosive scenes of the year so far. With Moira and Ruby trapped in a burning barn, a devastating explosion rocked the farm – leaving two beloved characters potentially dead.
As Cain, Mack and John raced to rescue Moira and Ruby from the deadly inferno, viewers were left on the edge of their seats. Boom.
Belle opened up to Charity about her abuse (Credit: ITV)
6. Powerful writing
Yes, it’s Belle and Tom again, but the soap deserves all the kudos for Belle and Charity’s big conversation – during which she outlined exactly what her husband had been up to. Viewers’ hearts broke afresh as Belle finally confided in Charity, putting all of that pain and self-doubt into words.
And then it did it all over again the next day, once Cain learned what Tom had been doing. Defying expectation, Cain stormed off as Charity revealed the truth – only to turn up on Belle’s doorstep to envelop his little sister in a big, comforting hug. Devastatingly observed by the soap writers.
Mandy brought the laughs with her wedding (Credit: ITV)
7. Heartwarming comedy
If the scenes of dogs being run over, Moira losing her marbles and Tom being an all-around evil monster were too much, Emmerdale can still be relied upon to bring the humour. And this year it’s been Mandy’s turn to bring the comedy. Embarking on a get-rich scheme, Mandy became a Financial Dominatrix for dosh. Her marriage to Paddy was in doubt for a while, but it all came good in the end.
What a good pup! (Credit: ITV/Emmerdale Insider)
8. Piper the dog
If there’s one thing Emmerdale has that the other soaps don’t, it’s Piper the dog. ‘Nuff said.
The news is out about Tom King – and the residents of Emmerdale have begun to react to the revelation that they have an abuser in their midst.
Belle came clean to Charity about the months of abuse she’d endured at Tom’s hands in recent months – and she was believed without hesitation. Next up, Cain, who resisted the urge to give Tom the beating of his life to lend Belle his unyielding support also.
But would Belle’s friends and neighbours be so quick to believe Belle’s claims?
As it happened, yes. Gullible Jimmy King and Amelia Spencer aside, everyone who has found out so far believes Belle – including Tom’s employers, Rhona and Vanessa.
Rhona has clashed with Tom at work before (Credit: ITV)
Angry Rhona fires abusive Tom
As they discussed Belle’s claims, Rhona reminded Vanessa of the awkward dinner party they’d attended a few months ago. It was obvious to Rhona that Tom has been abusing Belle – and she kicked herself for not noticing the signs sooner.
Tom was in for a rude awakening as he arrived at work. Rhona told him that she wanted him gone, and fired him on the spot.
Visibly shaken, Tom warned her that an unfair dismissal lawsuit could land the vet’s surgery in trouble. But is Tom right?
Rhona remembered Tom’s disastrous dinner party (Credit: ITV)
‘Tom is right,’ warn Emmerdale fans
As the episode aired, fans took to social media to share their thoughts on Tom’s firing. And a few worried that Tom might be right in his threats to sue Rhona and the surgery.
“Tom has a point, unfair dismissal will get him pennies!” wrote one fan.
“He’ll sue for unfair dismissal now or something like that 🙄” said another.
“I was glad to see Rhona and Ness having Belle’s back and firing Tom, but I can definitely see him going down the unfair dismissal route…” suggested a third.
However, another pointed out that Tom may not have a leg to stand on after all. “IIRC in real life, you can only claim unfair dismissal after 2 years service. I feel like they saying he’s only been there 16 months was very much on purpose!”
Fans of Emmerdale have called out chilled Mack Boyd for his entirely underwhelmed reaction to this week’s calamitous barn fire. As a confused Moira inadvertently sparked a blaze which trapped her and Ruby inside the barn, Mack was the first on the scene.
Speeding over on his quad bike, he met John at the barn doors – and established that Moira was inside. As John tried to get inside, Mack called for help, alerting Chas and Cain.
This done, he then joined John inside, and the pair set about trying to rescue Moira and Ruby. And surely Mack would be desperate to save his sister from a painful death, right?
Right?
John and Mack were first on the scene (Credit: ITV)
Mack and John to the rescue… but mostly John
By the time Cain arrived, Mack was back outside the barn, claiming that he’d been unable to find Moira.
Ruby, meanwhile, was safe and sound (smoke inhalation notwithstanding), having being carried out by the heroic pair.
But fans were quick to notice how calm Mack seemed about the whole situation – especially given that his sister was inside the barn, potentially burning to death.
Don’t worry Mack, it’s only your sister (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale fans slam Mack over barn fire reaction
As the episode aired, fans took to social media to share their thoughts on Mack’s surprisingly calm reaction.
“Cain saving Moira whilst useless Mack just leaves his OWN sister in there to burn!” exclaimed one fan on X.
“Mack couldn’t sound less concerned on the phone,” noticed another.
“Mack sounded like he didn’t give a [swear] that his sister was in a burning barn,” pointed out a third.
“I’m not a fan of the Mack/John acting right now, they’re a bit too calm for my liking,” said a fourth.
Military man John we can excuse, but not Mack, who didn’t seem too worried about his sister meeting a grisly end.
Emmerdale spoilers next week reveal that Will Taylor is thrown into a panic when his blackmailer ups their game – claiming to have kidnapped Kim. As he sets off in pursuit, Will makes a shocking discovery in the woods…
Elsewhere, Jai tries to make things right with upset Arthur, and Ryan is left unhappy by Gail’s news. Meanwhile, sneaky Billy hides a secret from Dawn, and Jimmy and Lydia exchange tense words.
Here are nine massive Emmerdale spoilers for next week.
Kidnap in Emmerdale spoilers!
Desperate Will goes to Caleb for help (Credit: ITV)
1. Will’s blackmail continues
Will panics when his blackmailer ups their demand to £50k. In his desperation, Will asks Caleb for a loan in exchange for his shares in the storage business.
Having struck up a deal with Caleb, Will’s spirits are high (Credit: ITV)
2. Will feels hopeful in Emmerdale spoilers
With Caleb having accepted his offer, Will is in a good mood and makes big promises to Kim. However, his cheer evaporates when the blackmailer messages demanding payment.
The next day, with Caleb’s cash in hand, he texts his blackmailer. He then goes to see Jimmy and confesses to his deal with Caleb. Jimmy is left fuming at the betrayal.
Kim disappears, throwing Will into a panic (Credit: ITV)
3. Kim kidnapped?
Will returns home to find Kim missing. He then gets a call from his blackmailer, claiming to have kidnapped his wife. Will follows their instructions, arriving in a secluded patch of the woods, looking for his wife.
Will is shocked to find a mannequin dressed in Kim’s clothes (Credit: ITV)
4. Into the woods
Will is shocked when he finds a mannequin dressed like Kim. Goaded by the kidnapper, he goes deeper into the woods. But what waits for him in the wilderness?
Emmerdale spoilers: Jai and Arthur
Arthur wants nothing to do with Jai (Credit: ITV)
5. Jai tries to mend his relationship with Arthur
Jai feels encouraged when Charles tells him that he should do whatever it takes to stay in Arthur’s life. However, the teen has other ideas – and continues to ignore him.
It’s a big week for Arthur (Credit: ITV)
6. Arthur’s hot date
The next day, Arthur brings a date – Lewis – home. Unsure what to do next, the lads feel nervous. Later, Jai spots Arthur and Lewis hiding empty beer cans. As Lewis leaves, Arthur worries that Jai might tell Laurel about his date.
Also in Emmerdale spoilers next week
Ryan is deflated by Gail’s news (Credit: ITV)
7. Gail plans a move
Ryan is disappointed when Gail tells him that she wants to find a new place – and plans on living there alone. Can he convince her to move in with him?
Billy lies when confronted by Dawn (Credit: ITV)
8. Billy’s got a secret
Finding a stash of money, Dawn confronts Billy. He manages to throw her off the scent, brushing it off as savings for a surprise. However, when Dawn goes back upstairs, he makes a call asking for more work. What is Billy up to?
Jimmy and Lydia exchange words (Credit: ITV)
9. Jimmy and Lydia clash over Tom
As Belle’s accusations against Tom continue to fly, Jimmy and Lydia get into an argument. Will either of them back down?
James, who plays Ryan Stocks on the ITV soap, revealed his engagement to girlfriend Sophie back in July 2022. Since announcing their upcoming nuptials, the pair have been hard at work planning for the big day.
James plays Charity’s son, Ryan (Credit: ITV)
James Moore shares wedding update with fans
In a message posted to his social media account on Thursday, August 6, James shared an update with fans about how things are coming along.
“Can’t believe that it’s less than two months until me and Soph get married!! Time has only flown so quickly, but I like to think that we are well prepared. We made our wedding rings last week at @wyemade and it felt so special and unique and was another reminder that I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with my favourite person,” he wrote.
The actor’s update came with a polaroid snap of him and Sophie together, showing off their freshly-made wedding bling.
The comments below James’s post were appropriately celebratory, with fans and co-stars alike being quick to cheer the happy c0uple.
This included co-star Ash Palmisciano, who plays Matty Barton on the soap, who wrote: “beautiful,” followed by a heart-shaped emoji.
“Nothing better than finding your soulmate. Congratulations on your up and coming wedding,” wrote one fan.
“This is the post I needed. I have cp [cerebral palsy] and have been single for a while and am losing hope to find a soulmate. Happy that you guys found each other because of WHO you are and not despite the HOW abled you are. All the best to you,” said another.
“How lovely is this, sending well wishes to you both,” said a third.
Fans of Emmerdale were left confused following last night’s episode of the soap, in which a bodybag appeared to be wheeled out of Belle and Tom’s marital home.
This special episode, told from Belle’s perspective, showed her as she imagined each potential future of a life with Tom in it. Here she imagined repairing her marriage to Tom; Cain beating her husband to death after learning the truth; Tom murdering Amelia after presumably throwing her down the stairs.
Belle imagined herself in a psychiatric ward (Credit: ITV)
Belle reveals the truth to shocked Charity
As Belle ran through every possible outcome, she found herself at Charity’s doorstep – where she finally revealed the truth about her ordeal.
But before then, one imagined future showed a bodybag being wheeled out of the family home. And it was this development which left fans scratching their heads. Who had been killed?
Who’s in the bag? (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale fans confused as Belle imagines a series of grim futures
As the episode aired, fans took to social media to register their confusion at what had just happened.
“Who’s dead?” several asked as other clarified no one had actually died, it was just an imagined scenario. “I’m so confused,” several replied again.
Elsewhere on social media, someone else queried: “Is he dead?”
One eagle-eyed Emmerdale fan has pointed out a very special link to soap history as recent scenes saw Will Taylor pawn his watch in an attempt to pay off his blackmailer.
This came during a stressful week for Will. First of all, his mystery blackmailer sent him a bouquet of flowers and a series of messages indicating that someone knew what he had been up to – sleeping with ex-wife Rose, and then forcing her out of the village.
His stress only worsened when he was emailed sexually explicit deepfakes of himself and Rose. As he stumbled to cover his tracks and pay off his blackmailer, Will resorted to desperate measures the raise the funds.
Over a pint with Jimmy, he explained that he had pawned his watch. He then revealed his plan to use the cash to trick his blackmailer into revealing themselves.
Stressed-out Will is being blackmailed (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale fan spots link to soap history
As Will decided to pawn his watch to pay off his blackmailer, one Emmerdale fan noticed a pointed reference to a moment in Tate history.
“Oh we do love it when Emmerdale recognises its history… Will is pawning a watch. A watch that Kim bought him. Kim will notice absence of said watch. This has been a source of trouble in 1992 and 2022! First with Neil and then again with Jamie,” this viewer pointed out.
Neil Kincaid was Kim’s bit-on-the-side as she cheated on husband Frank. And, as pointed out above, it was a watch which led to their affair being uncovered. Spotting Neil wearing an expensive watch he had assumed was destined for his own wrist, Frank realised what Kim had been up to – and flogged Neil for his trouble.
Will accused Sam of stealing his watch (Credit: ITV)
More recently, Will’s watch prompted a blazing row between the Tates and the Dingles when it went missing – with Will claiming that groundskeeper Sam had stolen it.
Once again, a wristwatch is at the heart of Tate/Taylor trouble. Could this one be Will’s downfall?
