The nightmare deepens for April Windsor (Amelia Flanagan) and Dylan Penders (Fred Kettle) in upcoming Emmerdale episodes, as Ray Walters (Joe Absolom) manipulates the teens into believing their lives are on the line.

Trapped in Ray’s World

Since Dylan’s return to the village, it was revealed he had been working for Ray’s drug network. April, desperate to help her friend, became entangled too — but what started as a favour has spiralled into a dangerous trap.

When April lost a stash of drugs by the canal after being threatened with a knife, she feared Ray’s fury. What she didn’t know was that the entire incident had been orchestrated by Ray himself, ensuring she and Dylan were left indebted and unable to walk away.

Deadly Manipulation

In the latest twist, Ray convinced Dylan that if he pulled April out of the operation, the mysterious “bosses” would have him killed. Believing he’d just saved Ray’s life, Dylan begged April to keep working. She reluctantly agreed, thinking it was the only way to pay off their so-called debt and stay safe.

But viewers know Ray’s threats are smoke and mirrors — his phone calls staged, his fear a performance. The teens, however, remain convinced their very survival depends on keeping him happy.

April’s Guilt Puts Leo in Danger

This week, April faces her biggest fear yet when her little brother Leo (Harvey Rogerson) ends up in hospital. Asked by Rhona (Zoë Henry) to look after him, April ditches her responsibility to run one of Ray’s jobs.

In her haste, she drops a packet of pills — and on her return, she finds Leo being rushed to hospital after coming into contact with them. Horrified, April realises the cost of her double life.

April Vows to Escape – But Ray Overhears

Traumatised by Leo’s close call, April tells Dylan she’s ready to confess everything and stand up to Ray once and for all. She’s convinced they can no longer live in fear.

But Ray overhears her plan — and for him, April is just another pawn to be silenced. Determined to protect his empire, he decides to act first.

With Ray’s temper rising and April preparing to expose him, could this be the moment the teens’ worst fears come true?