BERNICE Blackstock and Bob Hope are eager to give the B&B a fresh start but a macabre discovery shakes things up.
Could there be a new serial killer on the loose in Emmerdale? Get the lowdown on all the upcoming drama.
Bernice and Bob are the new owners of The Grange
But their opening day is troubled by a horrific discovery
Should villagers live in fear of a new killer?
1. A dead body is found
Months have flown by since sinister nurse Meena Jutla was thrown behind bars after being convicted of multiple murders.
Since then, life in the Dales remained drama-packed but free of any serial killer searching to unleash deadly havoc.
In recent scenes of the ITV soap, Bernice Blackstock and Bob Hope (respectively portrayed by Samantha Giles and Tony Audenshaw) have thrown themselves into a new business venture.
The pair managed to snatch ownership of the B&B away from Nicola King, who was looking to buy The Grange after Eric Pollard announced he’d be retiring.
After weeks of working on a new chapter for the bed and breakfast, Bernice and Bob are ready to unveil what they have planned for their establishment this week.
But when Bernice tells him she’s hired a harpist for the grand reopening, Bob feels disappointed as he’d been looking forward to show off his DJ skills.
As she confirms the act, it’s clear Bernice fancies the harpist, meaning she’s finally ready to turn a new leaf after her chaotic connection with Dr Liam Cavanagh.
The day soon approaches and she gets she wants when she awakes blissfully in the B&B bedroom after a night with Tim the harpist.
She quickly realises she has seriously overslept, much to her horror, as the re-opening is a short while away.
Bernice is panicked into action and, although unkempt, manages to cover for her absence with an exasperated Bob.
That same afternoon, the pair of them anxiously await their first customers but there’s another issue – Tim the harpist is nowhere to be found.
Bernice gets defensive when she tries to explain his absence, unaware a major bombshell is about to be dropped on her.
Guests for the re-opening finally arrive, leaving Bernice to revel in her role as a hostess.
But Bob approaches her to bursts her bubbles as he tells her he’s found Tim the harpist dead.
Bob pays the price
2. Wendy rocked by affair horror
Sadly, this triggers a whirlwind of consequences when nurse Wendy Posner (Susan Cookson) overhears them mid-conversation.
Wendy is devastated when she mishears and jumps to the conclusion that Bob and Bernice have slept together.
Bob is later left to deal with the damage as he knocks on her door only to be accused of having an affair with Bernice.
To make matters worse, Wendy gets her revenge by dumping ice cold water all over him from an upstairs window.
Chaos ensues, leaving Bernice bemused when a soaking wet Bob arrives at the B&B.
The day of the re-opening grows in bitterness for Bernice when she hears of the accusation of having an affair with Bob, much to her outrage.
Convinced Wendy could be going through the menopause, she’s quick to form a plan to intervene.
Meanwhile, a worried looking Cathy (Gabrielle Dowling) turns up to speak to her father Bob.
What news does she have for him?
Sam lands himself into a lot of trouble this week
3. Pollard fights for his life
Elsewhere in the eponymous village, one resident desperate for extra cash goes too far and Eric Pollard (Chris Chittell) is left in danger.
Amelia Spencer became a mother following a dramatic storm week and, since then, Lydia and Sam Dingle have made it clear they would be involved in baby Esther’s life.
This is despite their son Samson, the father of the baby, insisting he wanted nothing to do with his own daughter.
Being a Dingle often involves money woes, which have pushed Lydia and Sam to take on as many chores and jobs as they could to put food on the table.
Unfortunately, the hustle isn’t enough and a frustrated Sam Dingle (portrayed by James Hooton) is adamant he must be able to provide for his granddaughter.
Hellbent on being able to do more financially to help Amelia cope with motherhood, Sam turns to his half-brother Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley).
Sam moots the idea of Cain giving Dan Spencer, Amelia’s father, a pay rise to help with paying for Esther, but the Barton and Dingle Automotives owner refuses.
Instead, Cain gives Sam some words of advice, telling him that he should be thinking outside the box as a Dingle, unaware his words could land Sam into serious trouble.
Later on, Sam decides to resort to theft, trying to distract Eric Pollard in the Shop while he steals baby items for Esther.
But Pollard sees right through him and confronts him soon after.
Sam is thrown into a panic and flees the scene with Pollard in tow.
While in hot pursuit of the fleeing Dingle on Main Street, Pollard trips and hits his head, laying unconscious on the ground.
Sam looks down in horror, worrying about what he’s done.
Will Pollard survive?
Sam tries to extort money from his cousin Noah
4. Blackmail bombshell for Noah
To make matters worse, Sam’s son Samson (Sam Hall) is extorting money out of his own cousin Noah (Jack Downham) by toying with the idea of stealing both Esther and Amelia from him.
This is despite the lad making it clear neither Amelia nor Esther had a place in his life – which prompted former wayward teen Noah to change his ways and step up to the plate.
In late 2022, Samson even actively tried to get Esther taken away by social services.
Coming up, Sam continues to sow discontent between Noah and Amelia.
To make matters worse, Dan Spencer (Liam Fox) notices his finances are shaky and he struggles with not being able to support his family.
Noah reels after hearing he’s lost his apprenticeship, which only leaves them scratching their heads, desperate for a solution.
Thankfully, the youngster doesn’t have to wait too long as he soon rushes off to meet a potential new employer but this leaves Amelia having to find someone to look after her baby.
Noah later riles when he learns that Samson has been looking after Esther in his absence and remains severely suspicious of his true intentions.
Samson enjoys tormenting Noah and playing with his insecurities by trying to worm his way into Amelia’s good books.
However, he reveals what he’s truly looking for later on.
Noah is thrown when Samson manipulates him into offering a pay off from his trust fund, which was started off by his aunt Zoe.
In exchange, Samson vows to keep away from Esther – and Noah agrees to the pay out.
Samson is chuffed when he’s given two grand to keep away from both Amelia and Esther.
Could he be exposed?
How would his father react?
Gabby is desperate to get Nicky’s affection
5. Shock exit leaves villager heartbroken
Despite admitting his attraction for Gabby Thomas, Nicky (Lewis Cope) is adamant things must stay professional between them at Home Farm.
But the young mother portrayed by Rosie Bentham, who was the first to let her feelings emerge, has other plans for him this week.
Gabby grows increasingly frustrated with Nicky and is still hoping for something more with him.
Nicky stands his ground and continues to brush off her advances, prompting her to come up with a plan to ignite a spark with him.
Gabby asks Nicky to zip up her dress and, knowing his eyes are all over her, she’s pleased to finally be getting somewhere with him.
But that’s only the first step in her plan.
Realising that he’s only reluctant to embark on a romance with her due to his position as her employee, Gabby fires Nicky on the spot so they can have their fun.
Sadly, her plan spectacularly backfires on her.
Nicky is left unimpressed by Gabby’s decision and decides to quit altogether, leaving her floundering with a lesson to be learned.
Will he really leave?
Can Gabby make it up to him?
Emmerdale airs weeknights from 7.30pm on ITV.
