As you tuck into cheese, chocolate and leftovers once more, it’s time for us to take a look at what’s ahead for the Emmerdale villagers in 2025.

The Christmas period saw Marlon Dingle (Mark Charnock) clash with April Windsor (Amelia Flanagan), Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper) was overjoyed to be reunited with Piper the dog again, and there was huge trouble up at Home Farm.

As you tuck into cheese, chocolate and leftovers once more, it’s time for us to take a look at what’s ahead for the Emmerdale villagers in 2025.

The Christmas period saw Marlon Dingle (Mark Charnock) clash with April Windsor (Amelia Flanagan), Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper) was overjoyed to be reunited with Piper the dog again, and there was huge trouble up at Home Farm.

‘It escalates, this storyline, so this is just the beginning.’

Jacob’s hospital challenge

After spending time at university, Jacob (Joe-Warren Plant) will put his learning to the test in 2025 as he embarks on a placement in A&E. It’s a daunting prospect, being a trainee doctor in the middle of a chaotic NHS hospital – does Jacob have what it takes?

‘It is pretty crazy to think of really’, Joe said, reacting to filming this storyline.

‘When I first went up to the meeting with the producer Sophie she told me there was going to be an hour long episode coming up dedicated to Jacob’s first day of placement on A&E, I remember being hit with all these emotions.

‘Knowing how many people have this high pressure job and I felt the pressure to really knuckle down with it and get it right. Tackling this storyline scared me a bit at first but to know but they trusted me to tell it it means a lot and I do feel very honoured.’

Anthony discovers a secret as Ruby opens up

Following the devastating episode that saw confirmation Ruby (Beth Cordingly) was sexually abused by her father Anthony (Nicholas Day) when she was younger, the start of the new year will see her drink more as she spirals.

The behaviour is picked up by Chas (Lucy Pargeter). Determined, she approaches Ruby and hopes to get some answers. Eventually, Ruby finds herself opening up to her in-law.

Also, Anthony discovers a secret – but given what we know about his involvement in Ruby’s past, just what will this be about?

Cain and Moira’s relationship update

Cain (Jeff Hordley) and Moira (Natalie J Robb) sit down for a quiet lunch ahead of another hospital appointment for Moira. They went through a lot in the latter part of this year as a result of Moira’s brain surgery and Cain’s betrayal – will things ever be same again for this much-loved couple?

As Leyla (Roxy Shahidi) gets word son Jacob is spending time with Sarah Sugden (Katie Hill), she arranges lunch with him – but will it be a deliberate move to stop Jacob going ahead with his date?

It’s also been reported Roxy Shahidi will leave her role as Leyla. The 41-year-old actress, who has been a staple on the show since her debut, will reportedly have her character killed off in an intense exit storyline that promises to leave fans shaken – and a certain Jacob Gallagher heartbroken.

Brenda’s exit

Another exit reportedly on the cards is that of Lesley Dunlop, who plays Eric Pollard’s (Chris Chittell) partner Brenda Walker.

While her final scenes are currently unknown, it may well involve the breakdown in her relationship with Eric, who recently took a huge gamble with money – and it didn’t pay off.

Will Brenda depart the Dales alone, leaving an ailing Eric devastated?

Bob’s emotional anniversary

It’s almost been a year since the sudden death of Heath Hope (Sebastian Dowling) and understandably, Bob (Tony Audenshaw) is struggling.

The teen died at the start of January after a car crash involving him, Angelica (Rebecca Bakes) and Cathy (Gabrielle Dowling). Can Bob move through the difficult few days as he’s reminded of the horrific way he lost his son?

Arthur is in danger

Arthur (Alfie Clarke) is doing some maths homework in the café, but he’s finding it difficult. To his surprise, Ruby’s dad sits beside him and starts to help.

Given what we know about Anthony now, could he have sinister motives when it comes to this interaction with Arthur?

Will the teen find himself in danger?