A secret shooting party, a stray bullet, and a Dingle-Tate feud turned deadly

Trouble in the Woods

Emmerdale fans are in for a white-knuckle December as Kim Tate’s life hangs in the balance—and the person responsible might just be a Dingle. A shocking new plot twist leaves the Home Farm matriarch wounded, alone, and possibly dying in the freezing woods… all because of Sam Dingle’s latest scheme gone horribly wrong.

It all starts with a desperate financial crisis. Money is tight for the Dingles, and Sam, feeling useless and furious, lashes out at boss Joe Tate, quitting his job in anger. But with Christmas approaching and no income, the situation grows urgent fast.

Lydia’s Fury and a Dangerous Plan

Lydia Dingle, horrified at Sam’s impulsive exit, urges him to swallow his pride and beg for his job back. But when Joe refuses, Lydia takes it into her own hands and confronts Kim Tate, hoping she’ll intervene.

Instead, Kim sides with Joe, disappointing Lydia and souring their friendship. In response, Sam hatches a risky plan to make fast cash—and get revenge on the Tates.

He sets up an illegal shooting party on the Home Farm estate, charging wealthy guests to hunt on Kim’s land without her permission. With Lydia acting as a decoy at the village fayre, Sam sneaks rifles to his shady clients, hoping to escape detection.

But secrets don’t stay buried for long in the Dales.

The Shot That Changes Everything

Vanessa Woodfield spots the suspicious activity and tips off Kim. Furious and suspicious, Kim leaves the fayre and rides out to Home Farm to investigate. But what she walks into is more dangerous than she imagined.

Soon after, Kim is found collapsed in the woods, wounded and unable to move. Whether she was hit by a stray bullet or injured in the panic remains unclear—but she’s badly hurt, and there’s no one around to help.

Insiders tease that Kim’s leg is injured, and she’s stranded in the bitter cold, praying someone realizes she’s missing. Meanwhile, Sam is still managing his dodgy party, unaware his scheme has already caused serious harm.

Fallout and Consequences

The question now isn’t just whether Kim survives—it’s what will happen when the truth comes out. If Sam is revealed as the man behind the illegal hunt, the Dingles could face criminal charges—and Sam’s future in the village may be over.

Even worse, Lydia may have to choose between her loyalty to Kim and protecting her husband’s secret.