In a devastating turn of events on Thursday, 4th December 2025, Emmerdale teenager Dylan Penders was left fighting for his life after a vicious and calculated attack by villains Ray Walters and Celia Daniels.
A Deadly Plan of Revenge
The harrowing scenes unfolded after Dylan attempted to expose the criminal duo to the police via April Windsor's father, Marlon Dingle. Dylan had also discovered that Celia was exploiting Bear Wolf, the father of Paddy Kirk, on her farm. Fearing Dylan would reveal Bear's whereabouts and their entire operation, Celia and Ray decided to silence him permanently.
While Celia confronted April, Marlon, and Rhona Goskirk at their home, Ray carried out the brutal assault. Ray tricked Dylan into getting out of a vehicle to open a gate, then deliberately sped towards him, running him over. The attack was broadcast live via a video call, forcing April and her family to watch in horror as Celia smirked at their distress.
April's Confession and a Family's Agony
The attack came moments after April finally confessed the full extent of her ordeal to Marlon and Rhona. She revealed she had been forced to deal drugs for Ray and Celia for months, an exploitation that had escalated into sexual abuse. April also believed she was responsible for the death of a client named Callum. Her decision to speak out, encouraged by Dylan earlier that day, triggered the deadly retaliation.
After running Dylan over, Ray approached the injured teen and injected him with an unknown substance, declaring him dead to Celia and the horrified onlookers on the call.
Hospital Vigil and Unanswered Questions
By the episode's end, a distraught Mandy Dingle informed April that Dylan had been rushed to hospital and was in a critical condition. Mandy and Paddy, who have been caring for Dylan, kept a vigil at the hospital, unaware of the true perpetrators. April and Marlon, terrified of further repercussions, hid their knowledge of the attack from them.
The episode closed with a chilling question hanging over the village: will Dylan Penders survive? Viewers are now left to wonder if the truth about Ray and Celia's crimes will emerge and if justice will be served for Dylan and April.
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays.
