Emmerdale spoilers follow from Wednesday's episode (April 23), which is available to watch now on streaming service ITVX but hasn't yet aired on ITV1.
Emmerdale revisits a tragic storyline for Vinny Dingle tonight as he doubts his ability to be a good father.
Vinny confides in his mum Mandy now that his responsibilities to Gabby's young son Thomas have increased.
It's been all change for Gabby and Vinny recently, as they've moved in together for the first time.
Now settling into a new life with Gabby and Thomas at Dale View cottage, Vinny is struggling with having to be more involved in Thomas's parenting.
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In sombre scenes tonight, Mandy realises that something is wrong as Vinny finds excuses to have her look after Thomas.
She soon coaxes the truth out of her son, who explains that he's reluctant to be around Thomas – especially when the youngster needs to be told off – because he doesn't want to be like his own dad Paul Ashdale.
"Sometimes I feel like I can't trust myself," Vinny explains. "To tell him off without losing it. I don't want to be like my dad.
"You don't understand, mum – I can see the fear in his eyes every time I shout at him."
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Mandy tries to help Vinny see that there's a big difference between discipline and abuse, but it's a situation that threatens to spiral out of control.
Scenes airing later this week see Vinny drop a bombshell on Gabby, telling her that he doesn't want to be a father. Can she get to the bottom of what's going on?
Five years ago, Emmerdale explored the issue of family violence as gambling addict Paul was seen repeatedly attacking Vinny. The storyline culminated in Paul's death in April 2021.
Speaking last year about her wishes for Gabby and Vinny, actor Rosie Bentham told Inside Soap: "She's at an age now where she's focused on business... now all she needs is a good guy who will come in, help her and Thomas, and maybe bring her back down to some of her nicer roots."
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.
Read more Emmerdale spoilers on our dedicated homepage
Readers who are affected by the issues raised in this story are encouraged to contact the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 (www.nspcc.org.uk). Readers in the US are encouraged to contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline on (1-800-422-4453) or the American SPCC (www.americanspcc.org).
