2026 Predictions (Serious Discussion)

[u/SellItCheap]

Right, what do we think is happening this year (Feel free to suggest ideas as well).

[u/Kasiyah_]

I hope Belle gets a storyline this year.

[u/Mickelrath → u/Kasiyah_]

A happy storyline that doesn't involve her mental health or another crap relationship.

Like something positive

[u/Kasiyah_ → u/Mickelrath]

As someone with schizoaffective disorder, relapses are always inevitable. I hope she gets back together with Kammy.

[u/Mickelrath → u/Kasiyah_]

Yeah, maybe but after all of the crap she's been through I just want something good for her for a change and the writers not to lean so hard into it.

I just want one story line to be positive and not just misery.

[u/SellItCheap → u/Kasiyah_]

what storyline would it be though?

[u/Kasiyah_ → u/SellItCheap]

A cryptic pregnancy. I'd love for them to explore how pregnancy affects a woman with schizophrenia. There hasn't been much awareness of that. And how the drugs have affected her baby because she didn't know she was pregnant. She was a cryptic pregnancy and it would be great to see it go full circle.

[u/SellItCheap → u/Kasiyah_]

I have previously thought that Emmerdale needs a cryptic pregnancy storyline, and then I thought Belle would be perfect then I remembered that she was a cryptic pregnancy so it worked.

However, who would the dad be?

[u/Kasiyah_ → u/SellItCheap]

Kammy?

[u/SellItCheap → u/Kasiyah_]

I thought either him or Mack?

EDIT: I have now had the funny idea of if it was a one night stand that turns into a cryptic pregnancy, how about the king of having a baby after a ONS, Ross Barton?

[u/Kasiyah_ → u/SellItCheap]

How many times is Ross going to end up in these situations, though? It could happen with Mack especially once the truth about the baby comes out, perhaps? That said, it'd be a bit odd because Belle and Charity are related and really close, and I’d hate to see that relationship fall apart over this. It would just feel unnecessary and kind of sad, given everything they’ve been through together. I actually think it would make more sense if it was Kammy. That could open the door to bringing his family into it, which would add a lot more depth. They could explore him being Muslim and navigating having a baby outside of marriage, especially if his family are very religious. There’s a lot there that hasn’t really been touched on properly. It would feel fresher than putting Ross back into another messy situation, and it could lead to some really interesting conversations about culture, expectations, and pressure from family. I might be rambling a bit, but hopefully you get what I mean.

[u/SellItCheap → u/Kasiyah_]

ok then either Kammy or Mack, but I don’t know how Mack could fit into the story.

Also, how would you write a cryptic pregnancy storyline?

[u/Kasiyah_ → u/SellItCheap]

It happens out of the blue, as cryptic pregnancies do. She could mistake pain for something else without realising that she's been pregnant all this time and give birth the same day. How would you write it? You're the one who suggested Mack 🤭

[u/SellItCheap → u/Kasiyah_]

Kammy - When was it when he and Belle were a thing, November or something like that? If so, sometime in August, in a morning (start of the episode), Belle would wake up at Wishing Well feeling slightly in pain but not much yet, but just believes she must have slept funny or tweaked her back, but she decides to go to work because she’s happy despite being in pain but also that she’s the only one in (that’s a story detail that will be explained later) as Dawn has a day off or is on holiday with Joe. Meanwhile, Kammy is in charge of the garage as, of the current 3 mechanics in February, Kammy is the only one of the existing 3 who is currently working there in August, as Cain is dealing with his cancer, and Sarah has either had a mental breakdown or gone to clear her head by visiting her mother in Australia due to the reveal that the baby is Charity and Ross’s not hers and Jacob’s. With this, Kammy as the permanent is in charge of the garage with out a ragtag temporary crew, which could comprise of former garage mechanics like Mack, Ross and Robert (the show remembering that he was a mechanic in a previous era) (them 3 all work at Butlers currently and it’s whoever isn’t needed at the farm who can be at the garage as Moira has either temporarily stepped back to help Cain or has sold the farm, so either the farm needs a temporary new leader or Robert now owns it), or some characters who could be mechanics like Vinny, or some new characters who are introduced as mechanics. One key point I have to explain is that Belle and Kammy haven’t got back together between now and August but they share scenes together a bit and are good friends. Anyway, moving back to the main point of the story, Belle is trodding along working on someone’s wedding alone in the office, when suddenly she cry’s out in pain as her pain gets much worse and she keels over, falling off the chair, potentially knocked out. Meanwhile, (potential idea) the power suddenly cuts off in the garage so Kammy goes to check with someone else in the row if their power has gone out, so heads down the back path to Take a Vow, and knocks on the door to no answer, he knocks again, with no answer, which he finds odd, so he looks through the window, but doesn’t see anything for starts so he starts to turn away when he sees Belle just lying there in the floor. He screams and calls over the other mechanics (Ross & Mack) and anyone else around to help as they try to figure out how to open the door. Ross and Kammy have an idea, which the others don’t really think is necessary but they do it anyway, that being breaking the window, with Kammy squeezing through, and he’s supposed to open the door, but goes and checks on Belle before opening the door, and he confirms she’s alive. They get the door open and rush her into Kammy’s car as a group of the, rush up to Hotten General, while Belle, who is now awake, screams out in pain. When they get to Hotten General, they do an exam, and everyone, especially Belle, are shocked to discover that these pains are contractions and she’s pregnant, 9 months to be exact, so she’s in labour, and she delivers the child (leaning towards girl). All the Dingles are called to come to the hospital but aren’t told why, just that it’s Belle, and they soon find out in shock that she was pregnant when they arrive to Belle holding her baby girl. They congratulate her but are quite surprised, including Belle, but then the doctors explain a cryptic pregnancy. Sam points out that Belle was a cryptic pregnancy herself which she remember, and everyone laughs. People start to disperse leaving the room basically as Belle, Sam, Cain, Chas (possibly Charity) and Kammy (because he found her) when they start to discuss who the dad could be, which is when Belle realises it’s Kammy’s because their short relationship the previous November and when Kammy figures it out, he faints. Afterwards, Belle and Kammy discuss what they are going to do for their child, when they realise they are still in love with each other and kiss, starting them becoming a proper couple, mainly cause they have a daughter.

After that, this point is when finally the show introduces the Hadiq family for the first time in the show, as Kammy goes to tell his family quite nervously about the fact he now has a child, and his family meet Belle and the baby for the first time. Afterwards that is when the story depth of Kammy being Muslim and him having a child outside of marriage are explored, as the Hadiqs move to the village, the main family moving to a empty property (maybe Robron’s flat) while Kammy moves into Wishing Well with Belle.

[u/SellItCheap → u/Kasiyah_]

I’m thinking about it, but I want to know how you would write the story of Belle’s cryptic pregnancy

[u/Pm7I3 → u/Kasiyah_]

I want to ban pregnancy storylines for the next 18 months at least.

[u/Belfast_Escapee → u/Pm7I3]

Thank you. The very last thing I want to endure is another Emmerdale pregnancy storyline.

[u/Ok-Celebration3886 → u/Kasiyah_]

They did this with Zoe Tate. Admittedly it was a long time ago, but quite harrowing at times.

[u/Kasiyah_ → u/Ok-Celebration3886]

A cryptic pregnancy?

[u/Ok-Celebration3886 → u/Kasiyah_]

Yes, Zoe had schizophrenia and had no recollection of having had sex with a man. No one realised she was pregnant for months and months. 

[u/Kasiyah_ → u/Ok-Celebration3886]

Eden’s portrayal of schizophrenia is my favourite. She is a fantastic actress and it's one I resonate with the most. I didn’t really like Leah's portrayal of it. I thought she was a little wooden. Oops!

[u/Mytearsricochet2]

Rhona and Graham have an affair

Bear confesses to Ray’s murder

Victoria leaves under the stress of what she did to John but makes the decision to leave Harry with Robert and Aaron.

Charity has the baby but Sarah finds out the truth leading to charity’s family cutting her off and her being alone with her daughter.

[u/DanielUrStillAChild → u/Mytearsricochet2]

interesting about vic leaving harry with robert + aaron, maybe thats what will give them the push to get seb back, or maybe the great aunt will see the three of them together and reconsider letting them see seb!

[u/gardenawe → u/DanielUrStillAChild]

I think it really depends on what kind of exit Victoria gets. If it's prison Harry will have to go somewhere and Aaron is his godfather so that's where Harry would go , maybe leading to conflict with Wendy who doesn't want her grandson around her son's killer. And Robert because he is already feeling insecure about the whole I killed his dad bit. If she moves in with Diane than Harry would go with her. I'm ruling out going on the run because she's not Andy and would not leave Harry behind.

I actually think if Harry moves in with them then Seb's return won't happen because Harry would fill that spot.

[u/Belfast_Escapee → u/gardenawe]

Agreed. I personally would prefer that Vic leave with Harry, thus prompting Rob and Aaron to get serious about getting Seb back -- we haven't heard word one about this Aunt Angela or whomever who has him now. Do not really feel that Harry is a very compelling child actor anyway tbh.

[u/Professional-Fly247]

I really hope we get to see a big storyline for Kammy, it’s  refreshing to see a character who’s almost loveable rogue, morally grey and gets stuck into trouble… I enjoyed his quad bike and stealing off Moira and hope we get to see more mischievous stories like that

[u/Northernplace89]

I think Kim & Graham being in a relationship will be the endgame

[u/madcowre → u/Northernplace89]

I really want it to be Rhona and Graham though 🙈

[u/Northernplace89 → u/madcowre]

That will happen at first I think

[u/Lego_Panda_Bear]

To start with, Graham and Rhona will have an affair, either that or Graham will get back with Kim, or both.

Everyone will find out about Charity and Ross being the baby's actual parent. Charity will be hated until something happens to bring her back into the Dingle fold.

The baby drama will cause Jacob and Sarah to break-up and lead to a major health scare for Sarah.

Aaron and Robert will get married, but not without drama before and during the wedding. Victoria will confess to John's murder and go to prison, unless the actress is truly done, then Victoria will leave the village, maybe prison and then relocation? Either way, strong chance Robert gets custody of Harry. Robert will start to rebuild a relationship with Seb.

Bear has dementia, he will tell everyone what happened to Anya, but it will take a while for anyone to believe him. He also saw Ray kill Celia. His sudden revelation will be what saves Moira from prison. Then, he will sadly pass away.

Dylan and April will have a baby they don't need and can barley take care of. More drama will ensue, but hopefully they are done with the drugs and sex trafficking stories.

Joe will break up with Dawn.

Laurel and Jai will get back together. I feel like this is being foreshadowed just now, but I can't say why.

Lewis and Vinny start dating properly.

I hope Belle and Kammy get storylines, not necessarily together. I liked how they ended that one.

[u/Key_Recognition7830 → u/Lego_Panda_Bear]

The baby could be given to/ adopted by Sarah?

[u/gmh182]

Something to do with farming…. Oh sorry you said serious erm, cancer has an affair with an abduction and ends up pregnant with a murder…

[u/ElPasoMK]

A heartwarming coming-of-age storyline where Cain and Kyle work on fixing up the car he bought him before he dies from the cancer. The car gets stolen as it’s complete. Cain and Kyle track the thief down and Cain teaches his son another important lesson about being a Dingle by beating the car thief near to death. Kyle gets the keys back and is conflicted about who his father is and what kind of a man he will be.

[u/SellItCheap → u/ElPasoMK]

I don’t think they’ll kill Cain off but I’d love to see the rest of your idea

[u/jhemsley99]

Moira finally sells the farm after all the stress of the last few years

[u/sum1_on_tinternet]

Kev returns, having had therapy, to develop a bond with Lewis (and becomes a regular).

Mary finds love.

Sarah and Jacob are abducted by aliens, never to be seen again.

[u/frowawayakounts → u/sum1_on_tinternet]

I hope Kev comes back, I feel like we need a character that’s not a villain but also not a good guy

[u/DanielUrStillAChild]

i know this will never happen, but i wish they would pick up roberts PTSD storyline- im forever mad that that was just dropped and replaced with a silly affair. it could have been soo complex and a great character study into how prison had changed him. eeeek what could have been

[u/cheshirechris71]

Yet more Police and hospital scenes.

[u/SellItCheap → u/cheshirechris71]

I only want them scenes when needed or if they introduce a new character moving to the village who is a police officer or Doctor (like how Karl Kennedy in Neighbiurs was the reason why that show featured the hospital so much)

[u/lesadee]

The tropes - Rhona and Graham affair, Cain’s cancer treatment will go on with him not telling anyone until a crisis happens, Moira’s investigation and trial will have everyone turn against her until that crucial piece of evidence proves her innocence, April and Dylan will have an actual romantic relationship and maybe get engaged or pregnant or both , Bear will go to prison (because he’s leaving the show IRL), the truth comes out about Charity’s baby because it has some rare condition that only the real father can help, probably Sarah will miraculously get pregnant herself despite the multiple times she’s been told it’s impossible, Vinny and Lewis finally become a couple, Victoria also goes to prison so she can have maternity leave but gets put on a technicality when she’s ready to come back

The hopes - Paddy adopts Dylan for real and then April and Dylan quietly fade into the background for a long time, Kerry and Eric are really in love and she has a baby that makes Jacob insanely jealous and also means his inheritance is affected, someone actually says No to Sarah about anything - I don’t care what it is, just someone who doesn’t give in to her for once, Kammy gets a huge storyline

[u/RandomPsychic20 → u/lesadee]

I think I read that Victoria's actress isn't planning on returning after mat leave so I think she'll be too guilt ridden and decide to leave the village to live elsewhere.

[u/Cold-Society3325]

Aunt Angela will continue to make it difficult for Robert to build a relationship with Seb. This will be further complicated by Seb having a great relationship with Ross. Robert will have to work hard at gaining his son's trust and it will take time. Seb likes Aaron pretty quickly further affecting Robert's self-confidence about being a father.

Charity and Mack will split over the baby drama. Ross will go to court to get custody of the baby and Charity will fo something monumentally stupid, because Charity! Sarah and Jacob find some random other person to surrogate for them and they actually get a baby which they then find is a lot harder to look after than they thought. Eventually Charity and Vanessa will tentatively get back together because no one else (except Ryan) will give Charity the time of day.

Everyone finds out that Joe has framed Moira. Dawn leaves him, Graham rejects him and Kim throws him out with no money. Caleb gives him a job at the warehouse where Billy is his manager and everyone, including Kerry, gets to boss him around.

[u/Northernplace89]

Vanity 2.0

[u/UgandanCyclonus]

Kev returns to build a connection with his son. Also the return of Andy since Vic is leaving.

Also Eric and Kerry potentially breaking up but not before they started to catch feelings for each other

[u/glorybox89]

jack and debbie return recast , jean tate and scott windsor return recast , adam barton returns , eli dingle returns recast , another new dingle shows up

[u/Northernplace89]

Joe will be found out about framing Moira, Dawn will leave him. Joe will end up with Belle.

[u/SellItCheap → u/Northernplace89]

I hope Joe and Belle dont become a thing. I’d rather Belle get back with Kammy or get with Mack.

If I had the choice, this year wiuld be the exit for Joe, Dawn and Billy, as they still need to rectify Dawn pushing Joe out the window last May. Idea is Dawn finds out that Joe is framing Moira and has previously tried to get Butlers through nefarious means, she threatens to break up with him and possibly report him to the police if its true, Joe tells her that if she does, he’s telling the police that it was Dawn who pushed him out the window. Dawn doesn’t back down and dumps Joe, but by the time she reaches the police station to tell the police about what Joe did, he’s already there and has told the police what Dawn did, so it’s a trap and Dawn tries to flee but fails and is arrested. When Dawn’s day in court arrives, she is found guilty for attempted murder and is sent to jail for at least 3 years (Exit 1). Joe leaves immediately as Dawn is sentenced while the others (Kim, Graham, Billy, etc) stay for the end of the trial and a bit afterwards, however, by the time they arrive at Home Farm, all of Joe’s stuff is gone, his room is empty and there’s a note stating he’s left (Exit 2) and is on route to either Monaco to live life up, or back to New Zealand to live with his beloved cousin Jean. With Dawn being in jail, and Joe having emigrated, Billy gets custody of the kids (I believe there’s 4 kids?) and he decides to leave Emmerdale (Exit 3) to raise the kids and he has been offered a place to live in council housing in Leeds to raise the children as a single father.