The following article contains discussion of sexual assault.
Emmerdale spoilers follow.
Emmerdale has kicked off the highly anticipated murder mystery surrounding the Dingle family as rapist Craig Reed has been killed off.
The soap recently confirmed that Craig would be dramatically killed, which will see the Dingles take centre stage as the truth behind his murder comes to light at a lock-in at The Woolpack.
Craig has been wreaking havoc since arriving in the Dales. After assaulting Lydia Dingle, Friday’s (October 27) shocking episode saw the villain finally meet his demise after he was unexpectedly found dead at Home Farm.
Related: Emmerdale releases official trailer for new death storyline
In the episode, the Dingle family met to discuss how they were going to deal with Craig. “I’m counting on you to keep things on the right side of the law,” Rhona said to Marlon as the family began to arrive, but he replied: “I’m not sure I want to.”
Aaron led the conversation, determined to give Craig what he deserved, before everyone was stunned by Lydia’s husband Sam changing his mind and also settling on getting vengeance.
The family continued to disagree on how best to solve their problem, before Lydia revealed she had been listening in and berated them for their comments. Lydia’s disappointment hung heavy, but her relatives continued to lament the damage caused by Craig’s destructive behaviour.
Related: Emmerdale’s Chloe Harris shares her big decision over Mackenzie Boyd
The family then left The Woolpack, each of them hellbent on getting justice for Lydia, before a flashforward began. The tense teaser shows each of the Dingles deeply disturbed, before Craig is revealed lying dead beneath the autumn sun.
Elsewhere in the episode, Leyla Harding became suspicious of her son Jacob Gallagher’s secret girlfriend Victoria Sugden, while Gail Loman received the heartbreaking news from Oscar’s adoptive mum Sophie that her son doesn’t want to meet with her and Ryan anymore. Oscar is currently in hospital suffering from aplastic anaemia.
The troubling scenes featuring Belle, Marlon, Caleb, Mandy, Aaron, Cain, Vinny, Nate, Charity, Chas and Sam pose the important question… who killed Craig?
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.
If you’ve been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information from Rape Crisis England and Wales, who work towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct, on their website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland’s helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.
Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.
Read more Emmerdale spoilers on our dedicated homepage
Freelance news reporter
Sara Baalla is a freelance news reporter for Digital Spy.
James Parker is a UK-based entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to the West End, he offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
