February in Emmerdale looks freezing, treacherous and deadly according to the first look at the soap’s big ice stunt storyline. Some of the villager’s most loved characters will be in peril, but who?

In the New Year’s Eve flashforward we got a glimpse of a hand bashing on some ice trying to get out. And now Emmerdale has confirmed more details of the dramatic stunt.

Emmerdale ice stunt to air next month

The soap has revealed a car crash and a frozen lake will both feature in the storyline. Multiple lives will hang in the balance and at least one will be trapped in the water under the ice. We have already seen the hand desperately trying to break through to survive – but whose hand is it? And will they get out okay?

The stunts were filmed before Christmas during a series of night shoots. Emmerdale has also used the expertise of a special effects company to recreate the frozen lake, which sits at the edge of the village.

Producer Laura Shaw has spoken about the stunt. She said: “With winter nights having drawn in, our audience are enjoying cosy nights indoors whilst our fantastic team at Emmerdale have been recording gripping drama to bring to their screens.

“The stunning backdrop of the village, from its rugged woodland to its wilder landscapes, set the perfect stage for what’s to come. I’m thrilled for our audience to experience these episodes as they unfold, taking them on a chilling—quite literally—and perilous journey across the frozen ice.”

So who is trapped?

Emmerdale is staying tight-lipped about the characters involved. However, last year it was reported this will be Leyla Harding’s exit storyline. The Sun revealed the news in December 2024 that Roxy Shahidi is leaving the soap after 16 years. The publiction then printed another article saying she was the one involved in the frozen lake scenes.

According to The Sun, the terrifying scenes are said to see Leyla and two other women trapped in a car as it sinks into a frozen lake. An Insider said: “The bosses want viewers to have their hearts in their mouths when they see the car career off the road and into the water.

“It’s a nightmare scenario and everything was done to make sure this was a scene with real impact. Hours were spent creating a layer of ice, then the actors spent hours out on the frozen field in the pitch black trying to do the storyline justice.

“It will be a real heartstopper moment when it airs,” they concluded.

However if you look closely, the hand is wearing a wedding ring – and Leyla isn’t married. Could this be a clue she’s not the one involved in the stunt?