The Emmerdale rumour mill has been thrown into overdrive after the soap aired a series of flash-forwards depicting one character trapped under a sheet of ice. Further details have revealed that this follows a terrible car crash in which a number of characters wind up in grave danger, with one resident trapped beneath the ice.
But whose hand can be seen under the ice? With a number of exits announced, some have speculated that this could play into the upcoming departure of Leyla, Brenda or Ella from the soap – but there’s also Anthony, who is living on borrowed time after news of his abusing Ruby begins to spread.
Who’s beneath the ice?
1. Leyla to die under the ice in Emmerdale?
It was revealed last year that Roxy Shahidi is set to leave the soap after 16 years of playing Leyla Harding. With details of Leyla’s exit yet to be confirmed, some viewers have wondered whether Leyla could meet her end under the ice.
“Think that might be Leyla, maybe a car crashes into the lake or the quarry pool ? Won’t be for the first time…!” suggested one fan.
“That’s Leyla under the ice, its how she gets killed off!” another wrote, confidently.
2. Anthony
While there isn’t much evidence to suggest it, many viewers are hoping that it’s resident monster Anthony Fox who finds his way into a watery grave.
“I hope it’s Anthony buried under the ice,” said one fan.
“Anthony’s hand!!” a second speculated.
A suitably horrible end to a truly vile figure – but is this how things play out?
3. Caleb
Another flash-forward showed Caleb lying in intensive care, fighting for his life. This could be a result of his falling in the water and getting trapped under the ice.
“What if Caleb, Ruby and Steph are driving, accidentally run over Leyla and have to hide it for some reason?” asked one fan. “As they play the blame game with each other or try to get their story straight, they crash into the frozen lake. Ruby and Steph get out, but Caleb gets stuck, probably because he was trying to save them.”
4. Fans hope that Dawn dies in the ice in Emmerdale
Some viewers have wondered whether Dawn’s ongoing vendetta with Kim Tate could see her dying while Kim looks on.
“I really, really, really hope that it’s dismal (Dawn) trapped under the ice. Kim sees her trapped but does nothing to help and dismal can see her through the ice, not lifting a finger,” said one fan.
5. Joe
He’s only been back in the dales a few months, but fans have speculated that Joe Tate might not have long left.
“I think it is Joe under the ice, and possibly Dawn put him there. She does think Joe caused Will’s death, and everyone hates Joe. He is already making more enemies than he had before. Joe could definitely be either under the ice or in the body bag,” wrote one fan.
Whose hand is under the ice in Emmerdale?
6. Billy
Another popular theory is Billy. And, given that the hand appears to belong to a married man, he’s a strong contender.
“I 100% think it’s Billy,” theorised one viewer.
“The hand looked like a man’s hand to me. My guess is Billy. They showed Dawn’s face before the flash scene and the hand has a wedding ring on it,” another speculated.
“My prediction of the person trapped under the ice, especially as the people shown just prior to the scene were Dawn and Joe. They both have an affair and Joe tries to bump Billy off but he manages to survive,” a third said.
7. Ella or Mandy
Lisa Riley, who plays Mandy Dingle, gave a hint that she and co-star Paula Lane were both involved in a night shoot, potentially to do with the icy stunt.
“Love this girl so much, Paula Lane,” Lisa wrote on social media as she shared a picture of them both. “Cheeky Christmas lunch together at before we have a night shoot at Emmerdale tonight. The Christmas spirit in here is sparkling.”
This comes following news that Ella Forster will also be leaving the soap this year. Actress Paula Lane’s agency has said she will only be filming Emmerdale until February – meaning that Ella’s exit is imminent. Is she in terrible danger?
Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale? All the cast exits, arrivals and returns
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Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
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