Gloomy Emmerdale picture shows Ella in the foreground surrounded by Lydia, Matty and Kim
Darkness looms in the village (Picture: Metro.co.uk/ITV)

There’s turmoil and potential tragedy in Emmerdale next week as Ella Forster’s (Paula Lane) return to the village brings chaos, while Matty Barton (Ash Palmisciano) faces the end in a brutal prison attack.

Just as the dust is starting to settle for Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson) since Ella’s exit, events combine to bring her reluctantly back – and he is overwhelmed to see her.

Elsewhere, the Dingles remain at war over whether Samson (Sam Hall) should be punished by police for his actions that landed Matty in prison.

It even leads to a violent altercation between Sam (James Hooton) and Cain (Jeff Hordley) – but not as violent as it is for Matty as thugs surround him, moving in for the kill…

And finally, revenge is on the menu at Home Farm, in the form of a spiked drink…

Monday July 15

Sam is wanting son Samson to do a flit and escape justice while Lydia is unhappy Samson is wanting to evade the law.  Lydia intercepts Samson’s secret rendezvous with Sam and implores Samson to head to the police station where he ultimately confesses to the truth of the stabbing, leaving Sam furious at Lydia.

Before long Lydia faces the rest of the Dingle family. Moira is relieved and hopeful but soon faces Sam’s anger and the rift between Sam and Cain becomes cataclysmic resulting in Sam punching his brother Cain to the floor. 

Sam punches Cain in the pub in Emmerdale
Sam lets rip! (Picture: ITV)

Up Next

Ruby is exerting pressure on Rose to carry out her plan. When Will almost catches Rose updating Ruby she covers. But Will’s stunned when Rose moves in for a kiss and he quickly pulls away to prevent any further confusion.

That afternoon, Will sets the record straight with Rose but is left unsure when she questions if he’ll tell Kim what happened. 

Rhona reveals her tattoo, not only to Marlon, but the rest of Woolpack as well.

Jai is left hopeful his relationship will heal but blindsided when Laurel suggests they tell their children about the divorce.  

Tuesday July 16

Matty at last has some hope when told about the confession but is soon paralysed with fear as he’s escorted back to his prison cell to find transphobic Robbo waiting for him, goading him with violent threat.

Meanwhile, it is tense at the Dingles when Cain comes round to ensure Samson doesn’t run away again and things again get heated between the brothers. Samson is nervous to be left alone with Cain. Moira and Amy are stressed as they await news while Matty shakes in fear in his cell, trying to block out transphobic abuse from other inmates, terrified for his life. 

Rose tries to kiss Will in Emmerdale
Kiss off! (Picture: ITV)

Rose worries the foiled kiss has set back her plan when she watches in despair as Will tells Kim it’s time for Rose to go – she deliberately derails the conversation by causing mayhem by setting a horse loose.

Before long Rose receives a mysterious message and soon heads to the village outskirts, where a dealer arrives to give her a vial of tranquilliser telling her to await further instruction. 

Laurel asks Jai to leave and move back into Holdgate, but is devastated when he insists on taking Archie with him.  

Wednesday July 17

Rose is in turmoil over what is coming next as she realises she has enjoyed being around her family. As Evan’s discharged from hospital, thrilled and proud Dawn calls Rose ‘mum’ for the first time, leaving Rose conflicted about following through with her dreadful plan 

Jai and Archie prepare to move out.

Manpreet encourages Liam to rekindle things with Chas when he resigns himself to remaining single.  

Thursday July 18

Rose is getting on well with Dawn but wants to carry out her plan to spike Will’s drink.

Just as Will’s about to take a drink from the spiked drink, Dawn and Kim return and two more drinks are poured meaning Rose loses track of the drink…

Rose, Dawn, Kim and Will chink champagne glasses in Emmerdale
Which is the dodgy drink? (Picture: ITV)
Mandy catches Ella in Tenant House in Emmerdale
Ella has reluctantly returned – and Mandy is torn (Picture: ITV)

Mandy realises there’s an intruder – it’s Ella. Fragile Ella admits she is back to collect the rest of her things. As Ella leaves Mandy is conflicted.

Before long, Sam calls the ambulance service to alert them to a crash on a country road involving Ella’s car. Back in the village, sparks fly between Liam and Chas at the bar. 

Vanessa becomes increasingly jealous of Rhona and Mandy’s blossoming friendship.

Friday July 19

Liam is unnerved Ella is back in the village when he bumps into her.  

Vanessa has an idea that pleases Suzy while Rose twists the knife harder.

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