A tense job fallout, a hidden shooting party, and a devastating accident send shockwaves through Home Farm

Sam Quits — But Not Without a Backup Plan

Emmerdale is about to serve up a tense holiday season as Sam Dingle (James Hooton) quits his job at Home Farm—but it’s what happens next that could cost lives.

After a heated confrontation with Joe Tate (Ned Porteous), Sam decides he’s had enough. He resigns from his job, putting his family’s already-precarious finances in jeopardy. But with bills piling up before Christmas, Lydia Dingle (Karen Blick) urges her husband to swallow his pride and ask for the job back.

Joe refuses.

Fortunately—or unfortunately—Kim Tate (Claire King) steps in. But Lydia’s view of Kim is starting to shift. Between Joe’s arrogant attitude and Kim’s insultingly small donation to a local raffle, Lydia is rethinking where her loyalty lies.

A Secret Scheme on Home Farm

Desperate to make ends meet, Sam hatches a risky plan: he’ll host a private shooting party on Home Farm land, without Kim’s knowledge. The extra cash could make all the difference—but it could also blow up in his face.

Lydia reluctantly agrees to help, distracting Kim during the village Christmas Fayre. Unbeknownst to her, Kim has a surprise in store: a once-in-a-lifetime Jason Donovan concert at the pub. The surprise is heartfelt—but the deception is already in motion.

Meanwhile, Sam’s plan begins to unravel. Vanessa Woodfield (Michelle Hardwick) is nearby, and Sam fears she’s spotted the illegal shoot. On top of that, guests at the shoot start demanding food, creating even more panic.

Disaster Strikes: Kim Goes Missing

Kim, suspicious after overhearing whispers and growing uneasy, investigates the situation herself.

Tragically, she’s later discovered severely injured in the woods, unable to move her leg after a fall. Isolated and vulnerable, Kim lies in the freezing countryside, awaiting rescue—or worse, death.

No one knows where she is. No one knows she’s hurt. And worst of all—no one knows Sam’s secret could be the reason she ended up there.

What Happens Next?

Back in the village, Jason Donovan’s appearance lifts spirits, but the truth is lurking just beneath the surface. Lydia enjoys her dream concert, completely unaware that Kim is lying broken in the forest… and that the fallout is about to hit her family hard.