Celia’s twisted empire needs a new leader—and she wants Dylan at the top. Can he escape, or will he become the next villain?

Dylan’s Birthday Becomes a Nightmare

What starts as a birthday celebration turns into something far more sinister for Dylan Penders next week in Emmerdale. The teenager, already trapped in Celia’s criminal orbit, is about to face the most terrifying moment of his life—when she declares that he’s the one she wants to replace Ray Walters.

In a disturbing move, Celia crashes Dylan’s birthday and whisks him away to her farm. There, she reveals Robbie—bound and beaten, accused of betrayal. She hands Dylan a baseball bat and coldly instructs him to make Robbie “pay.”

The Test That Changes Everything

Celia doesn’t just want Dylan to lash out—she’s testing his soul.

“If you go against Celia, there are consequences,” explains Jaye Griffiths, who plays the manipulative crime boss. “But when Dylan refuses to hurt Robbie, Celia is secretly thrilled.”

According to Jaye, this is exactly what Celia hoped to see. Dylan isn’t violent muscle. He’s something better—someone with control, influence, and emotional restraint. In Celia’s twisted view, that makes him the perfect leader.

“She wants him to be her new Ray,” Jaye adds. “She wants him to step up.”

Dylan Realizes He’s Trapped

After removing Dylan from the scene, Celia allows Mick to carry out the brutal punishment on Robbie. When Dylan checks in later, he finds the boy covered in cuts and bruises. The sight horrifies him—but it also sends a clear message.

This is what happens when you disobey.

Celia’s next move is calculated and calm. She tells Dylan she wants him to take over the forced workers—her way of running the operation without getting her own hands dirty. Dylan, shaken and confused, begins to realize the chilling truth:

He may not be helping Celia’s victims. He may be one of them.

Will Dylan Join—or Destroy Her?

Now caught between fear and moral conscience, Dylan faces an impossible choice. Protect himself and accept the role Celia is offering? Or risk everything by defying her?

“Celia is fiercely loyal,” says Jaye. “If Dylan joins her, she’ll protect him just like she did Ray.”

But at what cost?