Emmerdale fans are in for a shocking treat as the highly anticipated new villain, Celia, is set to make her mark next week, and she’s bringing drama, conflict, and a whole new level of tension to the Dingle family. Played by Casualty, Doctors, and The Bill star Ji Griffiths, Celia’s arrival promises to stir up trouble in the village, making instant enemies of Moira Dingle and Paddy Kirk.
Her first appearance will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression as she quickly becomes embroiled in a fiery rivalry with Moira. However, it’s her brutal encounter with Paddy that will have fans gasping, as she shows no remorse when her dog attacks him.
A Villain Like No Other
Celia’s villainous nature is not just based on personal grudges or external forces—she enjoys being the villain, and that makes her all the more terrifying. Dominic Brunt, who plays Paddy, has high praise for the character, saying that Celia is one of the most formidable “baddies” to ever grace the world of soaps. He compares her to classic soap villains like Kim Tate, noting that her malevolent actions are not driven by necessity but pure enjoyment.
According to Brunt, “She’s a true baddie… The reason she’s a villain is because she enjoys being a villain. You know, not because they have any choice, but because they really like toying with people.” Fans of Emmerdale are no doubt looking forward to seeing just how far Celia is willing to go to create chaos in the village.
Celia’s confidence and power are palpable. She’s in complete control of every situation she finds herself in, and she’s not afraid to manipulate and deceive others to get what she wants. Brunt went on to say that Celia is “in charge” and “you’ll never get one past her.” This is a character who is set to be a major force of destruction in Emmerdale, and fans can’t wait to see how her actions unfold.
Celia vs Paddy: The Ultimate Showdown
One of the most intense moments of Celia’s introduction will be her confrontation with Paddy. When Paddy is bitten by her dog, Celia denies ever having a dog, despite the clear evidence to the contrary. Her response is pure psychological manipulation, as she attempts to make Paddy doubt his own sanity by repeatedly contradicting herself and denying the truth. This is Celia’s signature move—reframing reality to get the upper hand.
In a fascinating reveal, Griffiths shared that Celia’s strategy is to break down her victims, leaving them questioning everything they believe. By denying her actions and lying about her dog, Celia erodes Paddy’s confidence and leaves him vulnerable. The actress described how Celia doesn’t just lie—she forgets which lies she’s told, further adding to the chaos she creates.
Celia’s Impact on Emmerdale
Celia’s presence in Emmerdale promises to bring an exciting new layer to the show, with her manipulative behavior sure to cause problems not only for Paddy and Moira but for the entire village. Her ability to manipulate and deceive will certainly test the resolve of the Dingles, who are no strangers to drama. But Celia’s brand of villainy is more than just creating tension—she thrives on psychological games, and it’s clear that she’s here to stay.
With Celia’s arrival, Emmerdale is about to enter a new era of conflict and emotional intensity. Her unpredictable nature and relentless pursuit of power will make her one of the most memorable villains the show has seen in recent years. Fans can expect to see more shocking twists and turns as Celia continues to push boundaries and stir up drama in the village.
As we prepare for Celia’s first full week on the show, it’s clear that Emmerdale is about to get a whole lot darker. How will the Dingles cope with this new menace in their midst? Will Moira and Paddy be able to fight back against her manipulation, or will Celia’s web of lies be too much for them to untangle? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—Celia is set to be a force to be reckoned with.
Stay tuned for the explosive drama as Celia takes centre stage next week on Emmerdale!