Emmerdale spoilers follow from Friday's episode (January 31), which is available to watch now on streaming service ITVX but hasn't yet aired on ITV1.
The following article contains discussion of sexual misconduct.
Emmerdale linked two of the show's biggest storylines in Friday's episode as Marlon Dingle developed an upsetting theory over his missing daughter April Windsor.
Marlon feared the worst as the villagers started to talk openly about Anthony Fox being a danger to children.
Viewers know that Anthony sexually abused his daughter Ruby when she was a teenager.
Ruby killed Anthony last week and has since united with her husband Caleb to keep the truth under wraps – with Aaron Dingle, Chas Dingle and John Sugden all involved in the cover-up too.
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In Friday's episode, Anthony's potential whereabouts became a major talking point in the village after Laurel Thomas spoke to the police about how she'd lashed out at him while defending Nicola King.
Laurel recounted the story of how Chas had told them about Anthony being a threat to children, which led to heightened emotions on the day in question.
Under pressure from Ruby, Chas has since reluctantly withdrawn the allegations but Marlon didn't know what to believe when word got back to him.
With most of the villagers still unaware that Anthony is dead, Marlon was tormented by thoughts that he could somehow be involved in April's disappearance – and potentially be with her now.
Related: Emmerdale cast changes 2025 – who's leaving the show this year?
Marlon initially confronted Laurel and Nicola, claiming that they should have told him much sooner because of the potential link to April.
He then had a similar tense showdown with Caleb and Chas back at The Woolpack.
Marlon asked: "What if Anthony was in contact with April before she disappeared? I should have known if he's like that."
Related: Emmerdale's Joe Tate caught out as suspicions grow
When Caleb lied that Chas had "got it wrong", Marlon replied: "Did she though? Because April's missing and he's scarpered. I need to know what's going on with him, Caleb."
While Anthony doesn't appear to have had any interaction with April before his death, Marlon's dark theories piled further pressure on everyone who's still covering up the villain's demise.
With the situation growing messier by the day, is it only a matter of time before the truth comes out?
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.
Read more Emmerdale spoilers on our dedicated homepage
If you've been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information from Rape Crisis England and Wales, which works towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct, on its 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.
