by Emmerdale spoilers follow.
Emmerdale started 2024 with some big changes in the village – from the arrival of Ruby Fox-Milligan and Ella Forster, to the tragic death of Heath Hope.
So what’s next? Well, recent press announcements and producer interviews have already provided some spoilers and tidbits teasing what to expect in the coming months.
As you would expect, many of these stories have already been announced here on Digital Spybut just in case you lose track, here’s a handy summary with all the important details 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 vet ball.
Fortunately, a chance encounter with Manpreet Sharma gave Ella a new opportunity and because of that she quit being a permanent character in the village and started working in the doctors’ surgery.
Local doctor Liam Cavanagh is also expecting Ella and their connection will be explored further in the coming weeks.
Although Ella hasn’t shown any signs of a dark secret or hidden agenda so far, the first press release about her arrival suggested that this may be the case after all.
Emmerdale producer Kate Brooks said last year: “Ella is a complex and multi-layered character who comes to the village and she definitely makes an impact. She seems like a good, moral character, but is there more to her than meets the eye?
“We are delighted to welcome an actress of Paula’s caliber to the show and can’t wait to see her light up our screens.”
Long-term consequences for the King’s family
Emmerdale teenager Angelica King will be sentenced to eight months at a Children’s Safe House next month as punishment for her role in Heath’s death.
Although this is on the shorter end of possible sentences, Angelica’s family are struggling as she is sent to Bristol, limiting their opportunities to visit her.
Nicola Wheeler, who plays Angelica’s mother, Nicola King, recently spoke about the long-term impact Angelica’s sentence will have on the family.
She said: “At first it feels like a lifetime. But as the story goes on, [Nicola and Jimmy] they realize they’re joking because it’s only been eight months. But when you’re not there for your daughter, and you can’t visit every day, it’s hell on earth isn’t it?
“I don’t think they’ll cope well, but Carl and Elliot have to think about it – they have two other children. At first Nicola starts clapping because she can’t cope but Jimmy makes her very upset by talking to her . and says: ‘This is it. We have to deal with it’.
“It’s also a relief when Bob holds out an olive branch – and that relief sets them on a different path.”
Regarding the inevitable drama when Angelica is released in a few months’ time, Nicola said: “Looking to the future, I would say: ‘What’s next?’ Because what will Angel be when she leaves the place?
“I think that is terrible for any parent who has been in this situation. The fact is that they are taking their child literally.”
Rhona’s story continues
Rhona will face more drama as 2024 progresses, as she is determined to continue the fight for baby Ivy.
The village vet recently discovered that her ex-husband Gus was trying to seduce her when he suggested a deal to get them both out of trouble with the police. He had intended to have a fling with Ivy when Rhona followed his wishes.
Zoe Henry, who plays Rhona, recently admitted that she hasn’t been told exactly how this story will play out long-term.
Appearing on ITV’s This Morning, she said: “I don’t really know. We know a bit beforehand, but not too much.”
Amit Eric’s goals
Eric Pollard takes on the sinister story of Amit Sharma this spring, with the new villain joining him as a new target.
Eric becomes very interested in Amit when he learns that the former B&B manager is one of the village’s wealthiest residents.
He approaches Eric with a deal that is too good to be true – will Eric be fooled?
Aaron, Cain and Caleb get their test results
Aaron Dingle, Cain Dingle and Caleb Miligan have significant test results in the coming weeks.
All three characters agreed to undergo genetic testing to see if they carry the faulty BRCA2 gene, which can be passed on among family members. Chas recently discovered that the faulty gene was the cause of her breast cancer 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 risk of cancer if they are changed, increasing the chance of developing breast, ovarian and prostate cancer.
The Aaron, Cain and Caleb scenes are just one part of Chas’ ongoing storyline, which will continue in the coming months.
Emmerdale producer Kate Brooks recently explained: “When this story first came to light, we knew very well how important it was to explore this. With Chas’s family history of breast cancer and Chas being such a strong character, and in many ways the cornerstone of the Dingles, we wanted to show the impact she had not only on her, but on her immediate family.
“With Lucy Pargeter’s innate ability to portray Chas’s vulnerabilities beneath her hardened exterior, we knew she was the right character to play this with.”
Tom’s abuse of Belle gets worse
Emmerdale recently announced the long-term plan for Tom and Belle King’s domestic abuse storyline following recent disturbing scenes involving the newlyweds.
In the coming scenes, the plot continues to explore coercive control, physical abuse and mental abuse.
Emmerdale also plans to explore the growing issue of technology misuse, where controlling partners use tracking and hidden cameras as part of their sinister methods.
The show’s producer Laura Shaw recently said: “Soaps are in an extraordinary position because they are able to highlight what happens behind the scenes of an abusive relationship, over a longer period of time.
“The audience knows these characters as well, sometimes as well as they might know their own friends and family and they really care about them. As painful as it is to watch for this type of story to play out, it’s vital that we use our platform to shine a light on domestic abuse, and help give a voice to people who are so often silenced.”
Eden Taylor-Draper, who plays Belle, also told TV Times: “Tom always has a reason for his behaviour. He’ll do something terrible and immediately turn on her. So Belle’s like, ‘I’m sorry, yes it. my fault.’ She feels like she’s a burden to him, and she’s suffered for a long time with mental health issues, so he can be more vulnerable to her.”
“The charities we have worked with have said there is a huge increase in technology control.”
Matty and Amy’s wedding
Matty Barton and Amy Wyatt’s wedding is now booked for April 17, as the couple revealed in a recent episode.
With Amy’s mother Kerry back in the village causing chaos, will there be trouble before the big day?
Emmerdale broadcast weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.
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