Emmerdale spoilers follow.
Emmerdale's April Windsor defies her family next week as she disrupts Marlon Dingle and Rhona Goskirk's desperate plans to expose the truth. April's frantic parents are hoping that Dylan Penders' surprise recovery will work in their favour, but when was life in the village ever that simple?
Earlier this week, Paddy Dingle happily announced the news that Dylan's condition had improved after his hit and run horror. After Dylan's week fighting for his life in hospital, there was a positive outlook as the doctors hoped to bring him back into consciousness soon.
Marlon and Rhona both expressed their hopes that Dylan could speak to the police about how Ray Walters ran him over, bringing an end to everyone's nightmare. April was more sceptical, wondering whether Dylan would be prepared to speak out.
As the drama continues next week, Marlon and Rhona keep a constant vigil by Dylan's bedside to make sure that Ray and Celia Daniels won't be able to reach him.
Related: Emmerdale threatens tragic exit for Dylan Penders
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"Rhona's hugely regretful after slipping up this week," our Emmerdale source explains. "She made a big error of judgement by warning Celia that Dylan might speak to the police.
"As Rhona knows that she's put the vulnerable teen at risk, she unites with Marlon to make sure that Dylan is never alone. They're now in no doubt that Ray, Celia and their criminal associates are capable of anything – they'd kill Dylan without a second thought…"
Marlon continues to express his hopes that Dylan will end Ray and Celia's reign of terror by reporting them to the police.
However, April clearly has other ideas as she secretly begs Dylan to keep Ray's secret.
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"April has seen Marlon and Rhona's plans fail time after time," our source continues. "She fears they're out of their depth and the police won't be able to help.
"With nobody on the same page, it seems they're still a long way off from bringing down Ray and Celia for good."
Related: 7 huge Emmerdale spoilers for next week (15 to 19 December)
When DS Carter finally speaks to Dylan, he insists that he remembers nothing about the road incident.
Marlon's left in utter terror, feeling that he can't protect his family – despite assurances from DS Carter.
With the police backing off for now, will Dylan return to work for Ray despite everything that's happened?
The NSPCC, Childline and FRANK offer support and resources for the issues raised in April and Dylan's storyline.
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.
Read more Emmerdale spoilers on our dedicated homepage
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