Next week in Emmerdale, tensions soar as the quiet village is rocked by a sinister discovery that sends emotional shockwaves through its residents. A body is found in the lake, and while many initially suspect a connection to the long-unsolved case of Anthony’s disappearance, the truth turns out to be even more devastating. The identity of the victim is revealed to be none other than Nate, plunging his loved ones into grief and chaos.

Ruby is the first to spiral as the news spreads about the grim discovery. She’s haunted by her past and overwhelmed by the fear that the remains could belong to Anthony – the man she once despised for what he did to her. Fearing the walls are closing in, Ruby decides she can’t wait any longer. Without telling Caleb, she slips away from Mill Cottage, leaving only a hastily written note behind. Her destination? The police station. She’s ready to confess to what really happened – no more secrets, no more lies.

At the station, Ruby opens up about the horrific abuse she endured as a child at the hands of Anthony. It’s clear this isn’t just about guilt – it’s about reclaiming her voice and finally being heard. Though she’s determined to protect Caleb, insisting he had no part in Anthony’s disappearance, her emotional confession leaves little room for ambiguity. Just when it seems like she may have said too much, a solicitor bursts in – sent by Caleb – potentially halting Ruby’s admission. But is it too late to put the truth back in the box?

Meanwhile, the authorities reveal the identity of the body from the lake. In a tragic turn, it’s Nate. Police visit Tracy first to deliver the heartbreaking news. The revelation shatters Cain and Moira, especially as they learn the condition of the body prevents any possibility of a farewell visit. Nate’s decomposed remains leave more questions than answers – and intensify the focus on his last known interactions.

One of those interactions was with his own father, Cain. The police begin pressing Tracy for details about Nate’s final days, and Cain’s name quickly rises to the top of the suspect list. The pair had a heated confrontation shortly before Nate vanished, and the timing is suspicious. Cain is hauled in for questioning, and despite his tough exterior, cracks begin to show. Even Chas and Tracy begin to entertain the unthinkable – that Cain may know more than he’s letting on. With pressure mounting, the village braces for further revelations.

As this intense drama unfolds, another life hangs in the balance. Eric’s health continues to deteriorate, though his pride won’t let him admit it. After ignoring Tracy’s offer for help, Eric suffers a terrifying fall – alone and helpless. When he’s taken to hospital, confusion clouds his memory, and Jacob and Kerry begin urging him to accept outside assistance. Still, Eric clings stubbornly to independence.

But reality soon delivers a harsher blow. Kerry, refusing to stand by and watch him decline, enlists a home-help service without his consent. Despite his protests, Eric falls again. This second incident becomes a wake-up call. Broken and vulnerable, he finally concedes that help might not be such a bad idea after all. Will he allow others to support him, or is this just the beginning of a more painful descent?

For young April, life isn’t getting any easier. She’s buckling under the pressure of her GCSEs after a traumatic year, and it all becomes too much when she freezes during an exam. Belle tries to gently intervene, suggesting that repeating the school year could take some of the pressure off. It’s a tough pill to swallow for April, who feels like she’s already fallen behind. Things take a darker turn when she agrees to help film a christening with Belle at Take A Vow, only to come face to face with a man from her past – one of the men who threatened her while she was sleeping rough. The encounter throws her into an emotional tailspin. Marlon and Mary, both present at the event, are unaware that it’s about to become anything but a joyful celebration.

Elsewhere, Dawn finds herself torn between loyalty and ambition. Joe tempts her with the chance to run the wedding events at Home Farm, away from Belle and Take A Vow. Dawn sees an opportunity to finally have something of her own, and Joe even offers to fund her buy-in – secretly, of course. But Belle’s refusal to accept money from Joe puts Dawn in a moral quandary. When she shows up for her first day, viewers are left wondering: did she betray Belle to chase her own dreams?

Lastly, Sarah’s desperation to become a mother leads her down a risky path. She’s determined to go through IVF but quickly realizes she can’t afford the treatments. Instead of giving up, she begins scheming – and reaches out to her ex, Kammy. Their reunion isn’t just emotional; it’s potentially illegal. Is Sarah’s new plan a reckless detour or the only option she sees to get what she wants?

With secrets unravelling, loyalties tested, and the shadow of Nate’s death looming over the village, Emmerdale is heading into one of its most emotionally charged weeks yet. From confessions that could shatter lives to hidden truths bubbling to the surface, no one will come out of this unscathed.