Emmerdale appears to be taking a rather pointed cue from streaming sensation Death Cap: The Mushroom Murders next week, as scenes eerily echo the real-life 2023 poisonings in Leongatha, Australia.
What begins as a well-intentioned dinner served up by Lydia Dingle (Karen Blick) – designed to ease the simmering hostility between the Dingles and the Tates – quickly turns sinister, and Kim Tate (Claire King) falls to the floor choking.
Fingers are pointed as it’s suspected she’s ate some dodgy mushrooms!
Meanwhile, Tracy Robinson (Amy Walsh) has one request before her exit, Jacob Sugden (Joe-Warren Plant) makes an alarming discovery at work, and there’s another special two-hander episode between some iconic Dingles.
Here’s everything you need to know about the episodes of Emmerdale airing between Sunday 29 March and Friday 3 April.
4 Emmerdale spoilers for next week1. Kim Tate is poisoned amid her family’s war with the Dingles
Kim Tate (Claire King) is poisoned at a dinner party with the Dingles. ITV
If things between the Dingles and the Tates couldn’t get any worse, Joe sends shockwaves through the village when he orders workmen to bulldoze one of Butlers Farm’s old fields – including the late Holly Barton’s memorial.
Meanwhile, Kim steels herself for a bold move, heading to Wishing Well Cottage despite Graham’s reservations. Lydia is determined to make a meal that will build bridges, though just as things start to thaw, Kim suddenly chokes and collapses.
Panic erupts as Cain and Liam rush her unconscious body to hospital, while back at the house, suspicion spreads like wild fungi. Graham grows increasingly uneasy when Jacob reveals Kim’s symptoms point to severe mushroom poisoning.
Kim is unsure whether to trust Joe Tate (Ned Porteous). ITV
With tensions at boiling point, the suspects convene in The Woolie back room, and it doesn’t take long for Cain and Caleb to clash. When Graham confirms the mushroom theory, suspicion turns sharply to Sam.
Cain is blindsided when his brother admits that he was told where to forage, and even suggests to the Tates that Cain may have wanted Kim dead.
At the hospital, Joe puts on a show of concern at Kim’s bedside, but she’s having none of it, accusing him of crocodile tears.
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2. Tracy Robinson’s exit story begins
Tracy Robinson (Amy Walsh) hopes that Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) can say goodbye to Frankie before they leave. ITV
After a turbulent year in the village, Tracy is looking ahead to her future away from the Yorkshire dales and the chance of a new job elsewhere.
However, before she can leave, she clings to hope that Cain will arrive in time to say a proper goodbye to his granddaughter Frankie before she leaves the village.
It would be another devastating blow for Cain – given his recent cancer diagnosis, losing the family homestead, and wife Moira’s wrongful imprisonment – but he’d only regret not being able to bid Frankie farewell.
3. A special Marlon and Paddy Dingle two-hander episode airs
Marlon (Mark Charnock) and Paddy Dingle (Dominic Brunt) smash up vile Celia’s farmhouse. ITV
Paddy attempts to throw himself back into work as a distraction, but with his suspension still in place, he’s limited to admin duties by Rhona.
When he oversteps while trying to help a desperate client, it ends in failure – with Vanessa’s disappointment and a firm reprimand from Rhona leaving him deflated.
Things take another emotional turn when a letter arrives confirming his and Dylan’s court date. Keen to lift Dylan’s spirits, Paddy suggests they do something fun.
Both men have been struggling. ITV
He and Mandy are warmed as Eve presents Dylan with a heartfelt drawing that includes him as part of the family.
But the cracks begin to show again when Paddy returns to the vets and is confronted by the bolt gun, which triggers traumatic flashbacks.
Overwhelmed, he flees and desperately seeks out Marlon, who immediately pulls him into a supportive embrace.
The Dingles are warmed by Eve’s acceptance of Dylan Penders (Fred Kettle) into the family. ITV
As Paddy’s anxiety spirals, he confesses his fears about the looming court case and the possibility of prison, admitting he hasn’t told Mandy how bad things feel. Marlon tries to steady him by coming up with a surprising distraction.
Armed with sledgehammers, the pair head to Celia’s farm, where Paddy finally finds a release in smashing the place to pieces!
4. Jacob Sugden is caught in a predicament at work
Jacob Sugden (Joe-Warren Plant) sees Dr Todd (Caroline Harker) shouting at a patient. ITV
As the workplace bullying storyline gets underway, Jacob is left shaken when he witnesses Dr Todd aggressively manhandling and shouting at a patient.
Despite fearing the consequences, he resolves to stand up and do the right thing.
How will Dr Todd respond to his behaviour?
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Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV1. Stream on ITVX.
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