Emmerdale fans were left reeling after a harrowing episode saw Marlon Dingle (Mark Charnock) apparently shot dead by drug dealer Ray Walters (Joe Absolom) — only for the chilling moment to be revealed as a figment of April Windsor’s (Amelia Flanagan) imagination.

The emotional instalment began with April finally reaching breaking point after weeks of manipulation, blackmail, and fear under Ray and Celia Daniels (Jaye Griffiths). Wracked with guilt over the accidental death of Callum — the man Ray and Celia forced her to meet — April made the brave decision to tell her father the truth.

“It was my fault, Dad…”

In heart-wrenching scenes, April confessed everything to Marlon, who comforted her and urged that they go to the police. “We’ll get through this together,” he promised. “Whatever happens, you’re not alone.”

But just as it seemed the pair might finally escape the nightmare, the door burst open — and Ray appeared, pointing a gun straight at Marlon. A gunshot rang out, and the beloved chef collapsed to the floor as April screamed.

Moments later, viewers discovered the twist: Marlon’s “death” was a vision — a reflection of April’s terror about what might happen if she went to the police.

Fans plead: “Get Cain involved!”

The intense scenes sparked an avalanche of emotional reactions online, with fans both relieved and furious after the fake-out cliffhanger. But one theory quickly gained momentum — that Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) will soon be drawn into the storyline to protect his niece.

“The police? No Marlon — get Cain instead! #Emmerdale,” wrote one viewer.

Another added: “When April spoke to Kyle, I thought she’d go to Cain for help. He’s the only one who can handle Ray.”

A third insisted: “So grab Dylan, his phone, and April — and go to the police and tell Cain. He’ll sort this mess out.”

Many long-time viewers agreed that Cain’s brutal sense of justice could make him the perfect person to bring Ray and Celia down once and for all.

“Come on, Marlon! Dingle up — get Charity, Chas and Cain! #Emmerdale,” one fan urged.

Another echoed: “Please, please, please can we get Cain in on this storyline? I love Cain when he’s wicked.”

What happens next?

With April’s torment escalating and Ray’s threats growing deadlier by the day, fans are now convinced that Cain’s involvement is inevitable — and that his trademark Dingle vengeance could lead to an explosive showdown.

Marlon may have survived this time, but danger is still circling the Dingle family — and if Cain Dingle steps in, Emmerdale could be heading for one of its most dramatic revenge arcs in years.