Next week on Emmerdale, April Windsor’s world spirals into a living nightmare as her sweet 16 turns into a life-threatening plunge into the criminal underworld. In a desperate attempt to protect her boyfriend Dylan, April is manipulated into drug dealing — putting everything on the line for love.

It all begins with hope. After a devastating year of trauma, grief, and surviving life on the streets — including the heartbreaking loss of her baby — April is finally seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. She’s looking forward to celebrating her birthday, mending her bond with her dad Marlon, and taking the next big step with Dylan, the boy who stood by her side through it all.

But their young love story takes a dark turn fast.

Dylan, now living with Paddy and Mandy, has tried to walk away from Ray — the dangerous gangster who groomed him into running drugs. But when Ray resurfaces and demands another job, Dylan is terrified. The last time he dodged a drop-off, he thought he was free. He was wrong.

April, unknowingly caught in the middle, just wants a romantic birthday with Dylan. The pair sneak off to be alone, not realising that Mandy is about to walk in on them after the fact. While Mandy and Marlon struggle with the news that April is becoming sexually active, wise Rhona reminds them: April has survived more than most, and she’s stronger than they think.

But no one could’ve predicted what came next.

Ray confronts Dylan, pushing him harder than ever. Feeling trapped, Dylan tells April everything — the threats, the pressure, and now, the impossible choice. April, fiercely loyal, agrees to let him do one last job, hoping it will end Ray’s grip on him for good.

Then comes the gut-punch: Ray wants April to do the next drop herself.

Heartbroken, scared, and furious, April tries to walk away — but Ray’s manipulation is brutal. He knows exactly how to push her buttons, and when he threatens Dylan’s safety, she caves. April agrees to make the delivery, on one condition: that Dylan cuts all ties with Ray after this.

But deep down, April knows what viewers suspect — this isn’t a one-time job. Ray doesn’t let go. He grooms. He traps. And now April, once again, is in over her head.

As Marlon, unaware of the full truth, offers his daughter his blessing and pledges to trust her decisions, April prepares for the riskiest night of her life. Torn between loyalty and survival, she’s walking a line that could shatter everything — her future, her freedom, and even her life.