Next week in Emmerdale is a whirlwind of shocking revelations, hospital emergencies, and emotional implosions—and it’s Joe Tate who takes center stage in a storyline that could change the village forever. Fans have long speculated that Joe’s dark past would catch up with him, but no one expected the return of a terrifying face from the shadows: Dr Crowley. The man who once claimed to be an ally is now Joe’s captor, and his thirst for vengeance knows no bounds.

The drama begins when Joe receives a chilling blackmail demand: £100,000 or face the consequences. He suspects shady newcomer Shaun and promptly fires him. But when Shaun retaliates, Sam Dingle steps in with a shotgun—proving once again that no one messes with the Dingles. Joe thinks it’s over… but it’s only just begun.

Just as Joe tries to escape the village to regroup, Shaun ambushes him, knocking him out cold with a shovel. When Joe wakes up, he finds himself in a makeshift hospital room, staring into the cold eyes of Dr Crowley. Who is this man really? And what does he want from Joe?

Meanwhile, tragedy looms for Gabby Thomas and Sarah Sugden. Gabby’s obsession with perfection leads to extreme dieting, which causes her to faint at the wheel. Sarah, fragile from her recent medical ordeal, is forced to steer the car to safety and rush Gabby to the hospital. But the rescue pushes Sarah past her limit—collapsing in agony, she’s once again rushed to A&E. The emotional weight of being told she can never carry a child is tearing her apart, and now she faces a life-altering choice: surrogacy.

Cain, heartbroken to see his granddaughter suffer, suggests this controversial path—much to the horror of Charity. Could Cain’s support further divide the family?

Elsewhere, Vinny finds himself cornered. Questions about his sexuality, doubts about his engagement to Gabby, and a surprise hospital scare force him to bury his insecurities. But for how long? His impulsive declaration of love feels more like a smokescreen than a solution.

And as Robert Sugden hides suspicious dealings about Annie’s field, and Kim Tate reveals her new romance to Dawn, one truth becomes crystal clear—Emmerdale is spiraling into chaos.

With secrets exploding, health crises threatening lives, and emotional betrayals mounting, next week promises nothing but devastation and heartbreak. Can anyone survive the fallout?