The early ITVX release of next week’s Emmerdale episode has sent shockwaves through the fandom, delivering one of the darkest, boldest

twists the soap has attempted in years. What began as a slow-burning tension around Celia Ashford’s rise to power has now exploded into

full-blown chaos. In a jaw-dropping reveal, Celia is shown ordering not one but TWO murders, triggering an investigation that will shake the village to its core — and a police twist no one saw coming.

 

 

Celia Crosses the Line — Twice

For weeks, viewers have watched Celia’s storyline escalate from sly manipulation to outright psychological warfare. But the ITVX preview finally confirms the suspicions simmering beneath the surface: Celia’s mask has slipped, and beneath it lies a cold, calculating mind willing to silence anyone standing in her way.

 

 

During a chilling late-night meeting in the Dales, Celia is seen instructing a mysterious associate to “take care of both problems permanently.” The camera lingers on her face — composed, emotionless, almost relieved — making the moment even more disturbing. Fans immediately took to social media, comparing her to some of soap’s most infamous villains.

 

 

Who are the targets? ITV remains tight-lipped, but clues within the episode suggest two villagers who’ve recently gotten too close to her secrets. One is believed to be someone already suspicious of Celia’s financial dealings, while the second appears to be a character emotionally tied to her past. The tension builds as viewers try to piece the puzzle together before the rest of the audience sees the full episode on TV.

 

 

A Hitman in the Dales?

One of the most shocking elements of the early release is the introduction of a new, shadowy figure — the person Celia hires to carry out the hits. Quiet, anonymous, and strangely familiar, the hitman has already become the center of wild fan speculation. Some believe he’s a returning character. Others think he’s connected to a long-abandoned storyline from years ago.

The ITVX footage shows him trailing one of the unsuspecting villagers across a darkened footpath, only to disappear into the night when a car passes. The suspense is relentless, pushing the episode into thriller territory rather than typical soap tension.

The Unexpected Police Twist That Changes Everything

Just when it seems like Celia’s plan is unstoppable, Emmerdale introduces a twist that completely flips the narrative: the police are already onto her. But not in the way anyone expected.

Viewers discover that a young officer — recently introduced as a seemingly background character — has been part of an undercover investigation linked to a larger crime ring Celia may unknowingly be connected to. His calm smile and casual interactions with villagers now take on a whole new meaning. In the ITVX early release, he discreetly returns to his car and makes a cryptic call: