The war between the Dingle and Tate clans claims its first victim next week in Emmerdale.

Though tensions between Kim Tate’s (Claire King) faction and their mortal enemies in the Dingle camp have reached an all-time high, Lydia Dingle (Karen Blick) is determined to mend things and find a common ground.

When Kim ends up in hospital with suspected poisoning, though, Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) accuses Caleb Miligan (William Ash) and vice versa, while Kim’s withering gaze is fixed on Joe Tate (Ned Porteous). Who set out to off the reigning Queen of the Dales?

Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt) and Marlon Dingle (Mark Charnock) take centre stage later in the week in a special two-hander episode.

Struggling to deal with the utter destruction that’s been wrought upon his family, Paddy seeks help from his best friend. Can Marlon save Paddy from spiralling back into depression?

Jacob Gallagher (Joe-Warren Plant) is horrified by Dr Todd (Caroline Harker) and her approach to a patient and resolves to defend him, but is he prepared for her wrath?

Sounds juicy, right? Shall we dig in?

Sunday, March 29

Joe’s cruelty seemingly knows no bounds as, despite Kim’s promise to Moira, he orders the Butler’s Farm field that holds Holly Barton’s (Sophie Powles) memorial to be utterly destroyed.

As Tracy Shankley (Amy Walsh) prepares to leave the village, she hopes that Cain will make it in time to bid goodbye to his granddaughter before she departs.

Monday, March 30

Graham Foster (Andrew Scarborough) is deeply in doubt as Kim heads to the Dingle’s for dinner as Lydia attempts to fix the ever-growing rift between the Dingle and Tate clans.

Any hope of reconciliation is dashed, though, as Kim suddenly begins to choke before collapsing. When Jacob reveals that Kim’s symptoms suggest mushroom poisoning, the Dingles and Graham eye each other suspiciously.

Paddy’s attempt to return to work as a distraction from his upcoming court case fails miserably when he attempts to help a desperate client’s cat, despite being unable to practice due to his suspension.

Wednesday, April 1

Joe’s presence at Kim’s side in hospital results in her accusing him of being behind her poisoning. When Joe sincerely pleads with her that he had nothing to do with what happened to her, her resolve breaks.

Cain and Caleb go head to head, each believing the other poisoned Kim. When Graham reveals that the doctors believe mushrooms are to blame, Cain’s heart breaks when Sam Dingle (James Hooton) voices his belief that Cain is responsible after directing him to a specific mushroom patch to forage.

Thursday, April 2

When Jacob witnesses Dr. Todd’s cruel behaviour toward a patient when she unnecessarily manhandles and berates him. Despite his anxiety over the potential repercussions, Jacob makes it clear he’ll stand up for the patient.

Paddy buoys Dylan Penders (Fred Kettle) as their court date is finalised, insisting they do something fun to distract themselves. Paddy’s heartened when Eve presents Dylan with a family drawing that includes him, and Dylan sincerely thanks Paddy for all he’s done.

Later, while alone in the vets, Paddy sees the bolt gun and flashes back to his attempted suicide and desperately seeks out Marlon.

Friday, April 3

In a special two-hander episode focussed on Paddy and Marlon, the latter admits to the former how terrified his is about going to prison.

When Paddy struggles to pull himself out of the swelling darkness, Marlon has an idea.

Heading to Celia Daniels’ (Jaye Griffiths) farm with sledgehammers, the two smash the remains of her empire to bits.