We know in soapland Christmas never tends to be a time of goodwill and have all the gossip about what Emmerdale fans can expect this festive season.
It has been a big year for Emmerdale celebrating its 50th anniversary through some major storylines and shock exits while soap villain Meena Jutla, played by Paige Sandhu, finally got her comeuppance. But it looks like 2022 will end with a bang thanks to its Christmas episodes.
Speaking at a press event, Emmerdale boss Jane Hudson has offered a little hint of what fans will see in the coming weeks. She revealed more about Cain Dingle’s long-lost brother Caleb, played by Will Ash, as well as a little bit of scandal.
Read more: Jeff Hordley to be replaced as Cain Dingle in special episode
While also promising some thrills and spills, the Emmerdale boss also said it was important the show touched on some of their warm family stories at the root of the soap.
Jane said: “It was really important for us after our big October month where four people died that some of our Christmas episodes are feel-good. It is important to have that togetherness and family and friends alongside that idea of checking-in."
You can find the latest Emmerdale Christmas storyline spoilers, with a little hint of what to expect in 2023, by scrolling below:
Unhappy families
As Emmerdale fans know, Chas Dingle had an affair with Al Chapman - before his death. Understandably, it is unhappy families with her husband Paddy over the holiday season.
Jane said: “We have Paddy and Chas who are absolutely pushed to the limit and in their worst place. This is because the affair has been discovered and they are forced to spend Christmas Day together - it does not go well."
Long-lost brother
Viewers know Will Ash has joined the soap as Cain Dingle’s long-lost brother Caleb. A blast from the past Cain really doesn’t need while he’s behind bars accused of killing Al Chapman.
Jane said: “The other big story going on is poor Cain is still in prison. He will get a visit from his brother on Christmas Day called Caleb - played by Will Ash. I last worked with Will about 14-years-ago when I produced Waterloo Road so when our casting director suggested Will for Caleb I was absolutely transfixed.
“He’s absolutely brilliant and I think the viewers will fall in love with him. When Caleb visits Cain in prison we will discover Cain knew Caleb exists and he’s known about him for 30 years.”
Jeff Hordley replaced…for rewind episode
Yes, Jeff Hordley will be replaced as Cain Dingle but don’t panic it will be for one special episode which is due to air on Boxing Day. The rewind edition of the soap will take us back 30 years where we’ll see a young Cain, Caleb and Chas.
Jane explained: “On Boxing Day, we will rewind to 1992 and we will discover how Cain and Caleb first met. Why Cain then rejected him from his life and what was going on with Chas at that point. We have three fantastic actors playing our young Cain, Caleb and Chas.
“Aiden, the actor who played Cain, he actually studied lots of footage of Jeff and his positions, poses and how he speaks and it is incredible when you watch it. There’s one pose, in particular, when he leans against a wall and you are left feeling ‘that’s Jeff’. It is so bizarre, it is a brilliant rewind episode that will explain a lot about their family history.”
Real killer revealed
As we mentioned earlier, Cain Dingle is currently behind bars accused of killing Al Chapman. Although, we know the character wasn’t responsible. Emmerdale boss Jane Hudson revealed we might soon see the true killer unmasked.
She said: “We all know Cain didn’t commit this murder. We all know it was Kyle and we all know Emmerdale is the worst place to keep a secret…”
A newcomer ‘too good to be true’
Newcomer Lewis Cope will appear in the ITV soap taking on the role of Nicky - Home Farm's new nanny. Lewis, who has previously appeared on the small screen and the West End, has been welcomed to Emmerdale by the soap's boss.
Jane said: "Lewis Cope is playing the nanny at Home Farm. I think it is the first time Home Farm has had a nanny. He's a very good-looking nanny who captures the eye of Gabby the minute he walks in for the interview.
"It is plain for everyone to see that her focus is not on who will look after the children the best but on who will look after her the best. There's lots of fun in-store." Discussing the role and Gabby's potential interest in the character, Lewis said: "He's a lovely person and he's almost too good to be true but you'll have to wait and see."
New set
Emmerdale will soon have a new set with the village’s B&B coming under the hands of new owners. Jane Hudson wouldn’t reveal who is at the helm but didn’t offer viewers a little hint.
She said: “I’m not going to tell you who the new owners are but let’s just say it is very boutique and very glamorous. It has got an absolute touch of class and it is just on the right side of not being cheesy. So, there’s your clues. It is going to be two owners who are not a couple.”
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Love triangle
Possibly more likely something of a slow burner ahead of it potentially coming to a head in 2023 is a love triangle. It involves Charity Dingle, Mackenzie Boyd and Chloe Harris.
Of course, Charity and Mackenzie are due to marry next year while Chloe is expecting a baby which Mackenzie is father to. Jane explained: “We have got the Charity and Mackenzie wedding on the cards which will be happening next year.
“I think we all know weddings don’t go very smoothly. Chloe’s baby will be due around the time of the wedding - I think you can put the pieces together. It will be explosive for Charity and Mackenzie.”
As ever, we'll bring you the big Emmerdale news about what is happening in the village. You can visit our Emmerdale homepage to find the latest gossip about the soap and its stars.
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