Emmerdale confirms return story as much-loved favourite shares major health news

Compilation of Emmerdale characters; Gabby and Laurel Thomas, Jai Sharma, Ella Forster and Mandy Dingle — It’s another big week in Emmerdale! (Picture: ITV/Michael Adams/Metro.co.uk)

There’s another huge week in Emmerdale upcoming, as a blast from the past arrives to haunt Ella Forster (Paula Lane).

Things quickly turn sour when her darker side is unleashed on an innocent villager…

The ITV soap will also see Jai Sharma (Chris Bisson) and Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy) at loggerheads, but he has some shocking news about their divorce settlement…

Elsewhere, Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins) pokes fun at Vinny Dingle (Bradley Johnson), but things soon look up for him and Gabby Thomas (Rosie Bentham).

There’s worry for Will Taylor (Dean Andrews) as daughter Dawn Fletcher (Olivia Bromley) wants to report her mum Rose (Christine Tremarco) as missing, plus Caleb Miligan (William Ash) convinces another resident to play dirty.

Here’s Metro.co.uk’s guide to next week in the dales…

Monday, August 19

Following her break-up from Jai, Laurel is grabbing every opportunity to move on with both hands – and suddenly has a great idea. She approaches Gabby with the prospect of buying his shares from The Hide, and she’s thrilled by the prospect.

Charity and Sarah talk to Vinny in Emmerdale — Charity has something planned for Sarah… (Picture: ITV)

Sarah and Charity drive in a flash car in Emmerdale — …it’s a joy ride in a flash car! (Picture: ITV)

Elsewhere, Charity hurries Sarah out of the house and has a proper Dingle surprise up her sleeve. It’s a joy ride in a very flash car, which appears to be stolen!

Later, Charity is left guilty when she pokes fun at Vinny’s sexual inexperience compared to Gabby.

Tuesday, August 20

Following Laurel’s suggestion, Jai is taken aback when Gabby reveals Laurel as the new investor in The Hide.

What will this mean for them moving forward?

Laurel and Gabby chat to Jai in Emmerdale — A chuffed Laurel breaks the news (Picture: ITV)

Romance is in the air for Vinny, as he finally learns to put his insecurities away, sparked on by a snog from Gabby.

Wednesday, August 21

Laurel’s joy comes suddenly crashing down as Jai begins to play nasty in their divorce. During the mediation session, he reveals that he’s sold both Holdgate Farm and Tenants Cottage to pay off some debts, and therefore she’ll be left with nothing in the settlement.

Jai talks to Gabby in Emmerdale — Jai is less than impressed (Picture: ITV)

Gabby and Vinny kiss in Emmerdale — Vinny enjoys a smooch with Gabby (Picture: ITV)

Later, Jai doubts whether he’s done the right thing, but Caleb drips poison into his ear and reiterates that he owes Laurel nothing…

Elsewhere, Gabby and Vinny are on cloud nine and grow closer together, pushing Thomas on the swings in the park. Plus, Mandy finds out that Ella’s 30th is upcoming, what does she have up her sleeve?

Thursday, August 22

Ella can’t believe that Mandy has taken time to surprise her with birthday wishes, but remains anxious when she offers her a full treatment at Pampamanda with before and after photos.

Mandy Dingle looks surprised in Emmerdale — Mandy makes some plans (Picture: ITV)

Rhona shows Ella her phone in Emmerdale — Ella’s been plastered all over social media! (Picture: ITV)

Later, she’s devastated to see that they’ve been posted all over the salon socials and in a rage, she smashes up her birthday cake and heads for the footbridge – overseen by Liam.

Concerned for her wellbeing, he approaches her and manages to calm her down, as well as offering to accompany her to a surprise birthday party that has been organised.

Everyone rallies around her at the bash, and she’s warmed by the support. A small star pendant necklace from Liam is just the ticket to put a smile on her face.

However, the celebrations quickly come to a halt when Gary, June’s nephew, arrives and interrupts her. She’s further shaken by the events when he hands her a photo of Joanne.

Ella smashes a cake that Mandy has given her in Emmerdale — What a waste of a great cake! (Picture: ITV)

Liam watches Ella and Mandy arguing in Emmerdale — Liam comes to the rescue (Picture: ITV)

With her life imploding, she rushes out into the street and falls to the ground. Gary surrounds her, full of anger and Wendy ushers him away. She escorts Ella to the doctors surgery for a checkup, but she’s left stunned when Ella’s mood suddenly flips and she attacks her.

Elsewhere, Will becomes worried when Dawn says she’s going to report Rose’s disappearance to the police. He fears the worst over his marriage to Kim when he fails to reach her.

Friday, August 23

Will can’t believe it when Dawn says that Evan may need a bone marrow transplant as part of his cancer treatment, and that she needs to get in contact with Rose.

Will looks stressed as Dawn talks to him in Emmerdale

Will is riddled with guilt (Picture: ITV)

In shock over Dawn’s news, he’s haunted by the thought of reaching out to his ex-wife. Retrieving her phone, he listens to a voicemail from Dawn and then tries Kim again, sick with worry.

Riddled with guilt, he pulls out Rose’s phone and writes a message…

What does he have planned?