SECRETS, criminal plots, and a Jason Donovan musical cameo are set to make it an explosive holiday season.

Emmerdale famously uses the festive period for huge physical events, like the 1993 plane crash that destroyed the village, or the 2003 freak storm that killed Tricia Dingle.

This Christmas, expect a mixture of high-stakes criminal drama, emotional family secrets, and a rare moment of festive cheer.

Producers have teased a big stunt or major life-altering event, suggesting a physical disaster will cause heartbreak and impact the village well into the New Year.

The following plot points are expected to drive the drama in the Dales:

Celia’s Criminal Empire Exposed

• Celia Daniels’ horrific modern slavery operation is set to be uncovered.
• Moira Dingle discovers Celia’s fraudulent activities, leading to a huge confrontation that resolves the storyline over Christmas.

The Jason Donovan Cameo

• 80s pop icon Jason Donovan has made a cameo appearance as himself at the Woolpack as part of a surprise for Lydia Dingle.

Charity Dingle’s Baby Secret

• Charity Dingle is dealing with a sensitive pregnancy storyline.

• The secret surrounding the baby she is carrying and its potential paternity threatens to cause massive family tension around Jacob and Sarah.

Ray and Laurel’s Relationship Wrecked

• Celia is set on destroying her son Ray’s relationship with Laurel, leading to a major power struggle that forces Ray to make a heartbreaking decision over the holidays.

When is Emmerdale on over Christmas? (TV Guide Schedule)

Emmerdale is broadcast on ITV1 and shifts around the schedule frequently during the Christmas period:

• Monday, Dec 22: 7:30 PM
• Tuesday, Dec 23: 7:00 PM
• Wednesday, Dec 24 (Christmas Eve): 6:55 PM
• Thursday, Dec 25 (Christmas Day): 6:15 PM (SPECIAL)
• Friday, Dec 26 (Boxing Day): 6:30 PM
• Monday, Dec 29: 7:30 PM
• Tuesday, Dec 30: 7:30 PM
• Wednesday, Dec 31 (New Year’s Eve): 7:30 PM
• Thursday, Jan 1 (New Year’s Day): 7:00 PM (SPECIAL)
• Friday, Jan 2: 7:30 PM