In a dramatic throwback to Classic Emmerdale episodes originally aired in February 2007—now re-airing on ITV3 this Monday, May 19—the village is rocked by a life-threatening accident that plunges two beloved characters, Billy Hopwood and Victoria Sugden, into a night of sheer terror. What starts as an innocent evening quickly spirals into chaos, danger, and hidden motives, as a chain of events set off by neglect, lust, and sabotage reaches a shocking climax.

The trouble begins when Diane Sugden forgets to pick up her daughter Victoria and her friend Kayleigh from a youth club night. With no ride home and no adult supervision, the teens seize the opportunity for a bit of rebellious fun. Eager for adventure, the girls make their way to a nearby nightclub. However, Kayleigh eventually calls it a night and heads home—leaving Victoria to navigate the nightlife on her own.

Victoria finds herself drawn to an older boy, an 18-year-old who seems charming at first. But when he suggests they bypass the queue by heading around the back, his real intentions become alarmingly clear. Things begin to take a dark turn, and Victoria is soon fighting off unwanted advances. It’s in this moment of distress that fate throws her an unexpected lifeline.

Billy Hopwood, on a late-night work run in Hotten, is emptying bins behind the club. Sent there on Jimmy’s orders at Kelly’s request, Billy stumbles upon the tense situation just in time to intervene. He rescues Victoria and, recognizing her fear and vulnerability, decides to drive her home himself.

But what Billy doesn’t know is that he’s driving a ticking time bomb.

Earlier, Eli Dingle had tampered with the van’s mechanics—an act of mischief that no one anticipated would result in such devastating consequences. As Billy drives along the rural road with Victoria in tow, Eli’s sabotage suddenly takes effect. The van careens out of control, smashing through a fence and plunging directly into a lake.

What follows is pure horror.

Trapped inside the sinking van, Billy and Victoria are submerged in freezing water, gasping for life. Meanwhile, back in the village, a worried Jack and Daz grow increasingly concerned when Victoria fails to return home. Their search leads them to the lake just in time to witness the aftermath of the crash. Victoria is found floundering in the water, desperate and cold—but Billy remains trapped beneath the surface.