Emmerdale spoilers follow.
Emmerdale has started 2024 with some big changes in the village – from the arrival of Ruby Fox-Miligan and Ella Forster to the tragic death of Heath Hope.
So what now? Well, recent press releases and interviews with producers have already yielded several spoilers and tidbits that give an indication of what we can expect in the coming months.
As you might expect, many of these storylines have already been announced here Digital spybut just in case you lose track, here’s a handy summary with the most important details all in one place.
What is Ella hiding?
Emmerdale bosses recently introduced Ella Forster, played by former Coronation Street star Paula Lane.
The compassionate and caring character found herself out of a job when she stood up for Mandy Dingle at a veterinary ball.
Fortunately, a chance meeting with Manpreet Sharma opened up a new opportunity for Ella and she became a fixture in the village when she started working at the doctor’s surgery.
Ella has also caught the attention of local doctor Liam Cavanagh and their connection will be further investigated in the coming weeks.
While Ella has shown no signs of a dark secret or hidden agenda so far, the initial press release about her arrival suggested that this could eventually become the case.
Emmerdale producer Kate Brooks said last year: “Ella is a complex and layered character who comes to the village and certainly makes an impression. Ostensibly she’s a good, moral character, but is there more to her than meets the eye?
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome an actor of Paula’s caliber to the show and we can’t wait to have her light up our screens.”
Long-term consequences for the King family
Emmerdale teenager Angelica King will be sentenced to eight months in a Secure Children’s Home next month as punishment for her role in Heath’s death.
While this is on the short end of possible sentences, Angelica’s loved ones suffer when she is sent to Bristol, limiting their ability to visit her.
Nicola Wheeler, who plays Angelica’s mother Nicola King, recently spoke about the longer-term impact of Angelica’s conviction on the family.
She said: “At first it feels like a lifetime. But as the story progresses, [Nicola and Jimmy] Realize that they are ridiculous because it is only eight months. But if you’re not there for your daughter, and you can’t visit every day, then it’s hell on earth, right?
‘I don’t think they will cope well, but they have to take Carl and Elliot into account – they have two other children. At first Nicola starts to lash out because she can’t handle it, but Jimmy gives her a stern talking to. and says, ‘This is what it is, we have to deal with it.’
“It’s also a relief when Bob holds out an olive branch – and that sense of relief sets them on a different path.”
Speaking about the inevitable drama when Angelica is released in a few months, Nicola added: “When I look to the future, I would just say, ‘What’s coming?’ Because what will Angel be like when she leaves home? That’s the big question, isn’t it? For eight months of her life, Nicola and Jimmy have no control or influence over her at all.
“I think that’s pretty crushing for any parent who’s been in this situation. It’s the fact that they’re literally handing their child over.”
Rhona’s story continues
Rhona faces more drama as 2024 progresses as she becomes determined to continue the fight for baby Ivy.
The town vet recently discovered that her ex-husband Gus tried to deceive her when he proposed a deal to get them both out of trouble with the police. He planned to go running with Ivy once Rhona followed his wishes.
Zoe Henry, who plays Rhona, recently admitted that she still hasn’t been told exactly how this story will develop in the long term.
Appearing on ITV’s This Morning, she said: “I don’t know actually. We know a little bit in advance, but not too much.”
Achieving goals Eric
Eric Pollard becomes embroiled in Amit Sharma’s sinister storyline this spring, as the new villain sets him up as a new target.
Amit becomes intrigued by Eric when he learns that the former B&B owner is one of the richest residents in the village.
He approaches Eric with a deal that seems too good to be true. Will Eric be fooled?
Aaron, Cain and Caleb receive their test results
Aaron Dingle, Cain Dingle and Caleb Miligan will receive some important test results in the coming weeks.
All three characters have agreed to undergo gene testing to see if they have the defective BRCA2 gene, which can be passed on to family members. Chas recently discovered that her breast cancer was caused by the faulty gene and encouraged her son Aaron and brothers Cain and Caleb to get tested.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 are examples of genes that can increase a person’s cancer risk if they are changed, increasing the chance of developing breast cancer, ovarian cancer and prostate cancer.
Aaron, Cain and Caleb’s scenes are just part of Chas’ ongoing storyline, which will continue in the coming months.
Emmerdale producer Kate Brooks recently explained: “When this story was first pitched we were acutely aware of how important it was to explore this. Because Chas’ family history of breast cancer and Chas is such a strong character, and in many ways the foundation of the Dingles, we wanted to show the impact not only on her, but also on her immediate family.
“With Lucy Pargeter’s innate ability to reveal Chas’s vulnerabilities beneath her hardened exterior, we knew she was absolutely the right character to play this with.”
Tom’s abuse of Belle worsens
Emmerdale recently announced the long-term plan for Tom and Belle King’s domestic abuse storyline, following recent scenes involving newlyweds.
In the coming scenes, the plot continues to explore coercive control, physical abuse, and mental abuse.
Emmerdale also plans to explore the growing problem of technology abuse, with controlling partners using trackers and hidden cameras as part of their sinister methods.
Show producer Laura Shaw recently said: ‘Soaps are in the extraordinary position of highlighting what happens behind the public face of an abusive relationship, over an extended period of time.
“Audiences know these characters so well, sometimes as well as they know their own friends and family, and they care deeply about them. As harrowing as it can be to see these types of storylines play out, it is imperative that we use our platform to shine a light on domestic violence, and to give a voice to those who are so often silenced imposed.”
Eden Taylor-Draper, who plays Belle, also told TV Times: “Tom always has a reason for his behaviour. He will do something heinous and immediately turn it on her. So then Belle says, ‘I’m so sorry, it’s Like this.” my mistake.’ She feels like she’s a burden to him and she’s had a long history of mental health issues, so that’s one way he can make her feel extra vulnerable.”
“The charities we have worked with have said that technical testing is booming.”
Matty and Amy’s wedding
Matty Barton and Amy Wyatt’s wedding is now booked for April 17, as revealed by the couple in a recent episode.
Will there be trouble now that Amy’s mother Kerry is back in town causing chaos?
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1 and streaming on ITVX.
read more Emmerdale spoilers on our dedicated homepage
You might also like it