A week of confessions, coercion, heartbreak, and danger—December in Emmerdale has never looked darker

1. April Confesses Everything—Right Before Celia Walks In

Next week, April Windsor finally unpacks the full truth to Marlon and Rhona—but the moment of honesty comes with devastating consequences.

Hoping to right her wrongs, April secretly delivers cash to Callum’s home, believing his wife will find it. Instead, Callum himself opens the door and immediately contacts Ray, who realises April is getting too close to the truth. He and Celia decide it’s time to isolate her from her family.

Ray orders April to pack a bag for another “job.” Terrified and trapped, she prepares to leave the village—until Marlon spots her at the bus stop.

Pressed by her dad, April denies everything… until she finally breaks. She admits she has been forced into drug dealing. Marlon and Rhona rush her home, urging her to stay put and ignore Ray’s instructions. When they suggest going to the police, April blurts out the secret that’s been destroying her: she believes she murdered Callum.

Before the family can even breathe, Celia walks into Smithy Cottage. Calm, cold, and calculated, she answers a live video call from Ray and positions the phone so Marlon and Rhona can see exactly who is in control.

2. Dylan Is Ordered to Lead the Slaves

Dylan Penders faces a nightmare of his own. On his birthday, Celia shows up with a “gift” that sends him into shock—Robbie, tied up and terrified. She hands Dylan a bat and commands him to beat Robbie for supposedly snitching.

When Dylan refuses, Mick steps in to handle the violence.

Celia doesn’t stop there. She instructs Dylan to take charge of the forced labourers, placing him in a position he never asked for and can’t escape. He knows he’s being exploited, yet he has no way out.

3. Sam Dingle Admits the Truth About the Family’s Finances

At Wishing Well, Lydia excitedly prepares for the Jason Donovan concert, unaware of the financial strain Sam has been hiding. Forced to come clean, Sam explains the truth about their money worries.

Lydia is crushed. Her disappointment hangs heavy in the air as she heads upstairs, leaving Sam guilt-ridden and Belle silently stunned.

4. Laurel Gives Ray Another Chance—Without Knowing Who He Really Is

Meanwhile, Laurel Thomas steps into danger with her eyes closed. Ray plans a romantic picnic and pours his heart out, convincing Laurel he deserves forgiveness.

Moved by his vulnerability, she accepts him back into her life. But Laurel has no idea she’s falling for the man orchestrating a brutal modern‑slavery ring—and manipulating vulnerable teens, including April and Dylan.

Her trust may cost her far more than she realises.