Emmerdale fans have issued desperate pleas to the show's producers, urging them not to kill off teenager April Windsor. The calls come after the sinister Celia Daniels hinted at a terrifying new scheme targeting the young character, played by actress Amelia Flanagan.
A Harrowing Storyline Reaches a Crisis Point
The Yorkshire-based ITV serial has placed April at the heart of one of its darkest ever plots. For months, she has been ensnared by the villainous mother-and-son duo of Celia Daniels and Ray Walters. The pair forced April into drug dealing and are now blackmailing her family for thousands of pounds.
Just before Christmas, Celia ordered Ray to prepare to go on the run. Their criminal enterprise, which includes a slavery ring operating within the village, was under threat after one of their captives died. They buried the body on Moira Dingle's land in a bid to frame her for murder. Seeing the need for a swift exit, Celia decided the best way to extort money was to take April with them to Wrexham, leaving the girl feeling she had no choice but to comply.
Celia's Chilling New Plan for April
In the latest episodes, April attempted to reason with Bear Wolf, known to his captors as Ted. Bear is the father of Paddy Dingle and another of Celia's slaves. April tried to make him see he was being manipulated, but her efforts were in vain. She was spotted by Ray, who covered for her but confirmed they would be leaving on New Year's Day.
Unfortunately for April, Celia saw her talking to Bear. She later laid out a chilling plan to Ray, stating: "I follow my gut, and my gut tells me April is not to be trusted. She spoke to Ted. I'm sure of it. You have pulled the wool over my eyes too many times. You have stood up for them too many times. I'll take care of Ted. You take care of April. Time for them to disappear."
Fan Reaction and Confirmed Exits
Viewers quickly took to social media to express their fear that April could be killed off as part of this wicked plan. One fan wrote on X: "I am praying this April, Ray and Celia storyline comes to an end this week. I actually can't anymore," while another begged: "Please don’t kill April off!" A third viewer expressed frustration at the plot's length, calling it "boring and monotonous."
While fans worry for April's future, the only confirmed departures are those of the villains themselves. Joe Absolom, who plays Ray, has already filmed his final scenes, which were shot in November. A source revealed bosses always knew his stint was for a limited time. His exit is rumoured to play out as part of an upcoming crossover with fellow ITV soap Coronation Street.
It was also previously revealed that Celia will be leaving. Actress Jaye Griffiths, who has also starred in The Bill and Doctors, recently spoke of her sadness at departing. She described working on Emmerdale as "heaven, one of the nicest places I’ve ever worked," but urged fans to remember she is "really nice" in real life, unlike her sociopathic character.
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays.
