Marlon Dingle (Mark Charnock) and Rhona Goskirk (Zoe Henry) fear the worst for April Windsor (Amelia Flanagan) in Emmerdale next week when Jacob Gallagher (Joe-Warren Plant) delivers some distressing news.

April has had a traumatic time of late, after being caught in the middle of evil Jade’s revenge on Ross Barton (Michael Parr) and being dangled off the same multi-story carpark that her mum Donna fell to her death from a decade ago.

We then saw Marlon discover troubling texts on his daughter’s phone, and after a tough confrontation, she stole a bottle of wine from The Woolpack.

To make matters worse, she ruined Donna’s memorial and then disappeared on Christmas Day. With her phone confiscated, Marlon has no means of contacting her.

The family continue their search for April in upcoming scenes, a move which devastates neighbour Bob Hope (Tony Audenshaw) who reflects on the death of his son Heath, one year on.

With no leads on her disappearance, Marlon confesses to their family liaison officer about her recent turmoil surrounding Donna’s death and allows them to search Smithy Cottage.

As the police frantically scour through the home, they find contraceptive pills in her bedroom.

Meanwhile, Marlon and Rhona discover that some of April’s belongings – and some cash – has gone missing. It seems that her vanishing was planned.

Believing that he’s responsible, Ross is guilt-ridden and is egged on by Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins) to assist in the search effort.

Marlon believes that he’s failed her, and the floor falls from beneath his feet.

As missing posters are spread through the village, Jacob is having a nightmarish first day at Hotten General Hospital’s A&E department.

The special episode will focus on his experiences within the busy environment, with producer Sophie Roper explaining: ‘When Jacob first embarked on his aspirations of having a medical degree we knew at some point we wanted to show a day in his life.

‘In this episode we step away from our usual environs of the village and head to the hospital. This episode takes place entirely on our purpose built hospital set. Accident and Emergency is a place many of our characters end up in, but seldom by choice.

‘As the episode unfolds, Jacob will encounter some challenging situations that also affect some of our Emmerdale villagers, pushing Jacob to his limits both professionally and personally.’ Soon, a stabbing victim is rushed through the doors and April’s purse is discovered on the victim.

In a state of panic, Jacob calls Marlon and informs him. Making a seriously wrong move, Doctor Todd reprimands him and says that it isn’t his decision to make.

When Marlon and Rhona charge into the emergency ward, he watches in horror as they eagerly await an update.

Later, Jacob is heartbroken to see a nurse entering the family room to break some devastating news to the couple.

Is April the victim?