Emmerdale reveals first look at horrifying storyline that sees character trapped under the ice
But whose is the hand desperate to get out?
February in Emmerdale looks freezing, treacherous and d.e.a.d.l.y according to the first look at the soap’s big ice stunt storyline. Some of the villager’s most loved characters will be in peril, but who?
In the New Year’s Eve flashforward we got a glimpse of a hand bashing on some ice trying to get out. And now Emmerdale has confirmed more details of the dramatic stunt.
Emmerdale ice stunt to air next month
The soap has revealed a car crash and a frozen lake will both feature in the storyline. Multiple lives will hang in the balance and at least one will be trapped in the water under the ice. We have already seen the hand desperately trying to break through to survive – but whose hand is it? And will they get out okay?
The stunts were filmed before Christmas during a series of night shoots. Emmerdale has also used the expertise of a special effects company to recreate the frozen lake, which sits at the edge of the village.
Producer Laura Shaw has spoken about the stunt. She said: “With winter nights having drawn in, our audience are enjoying cosy nights indoors whilst our fantastic team at Emmerdale have been recording gripping drama to bring to their screens.
“The stunning backdrop of the village, from its rugged woodland to its wilder landscapes, set the perfect stage for what’s to come. I’m thrilled for our audience to experience these episodes as they unfold, taking them on a chilling—quite literally—and perilous journey across the frozen ice.”
So who is trapped?
Emmerdale is staying tight-lipped about the characters involved. However, last year it was reported this will be Leyla Harding’s exit storyline. The Sun revealed the news in December 2024 that Roxy Shahidi is leaving the soap after 16 years. The publiction then printed another article saying she was the one involved in the frozen lake scenes.
According to The Sun, the terrifying scenes are said to see Leyla and two other women trapped in a car as it sinks into a frozen lake. An Insider said: “The bosses want viewers to have their hearts in their mouths when they see the car career off the road and into the water.
“It’s a nightmare scenario and everything was done to make sure this was a scene with real impact. Hours were spent creating a layer of ice, then the actors spent hours out on the frozen field in the pitch black trying to do the storyline justice.
“It will be a real heartstopper moment when it airs,” they concluded.
However if you look closely, the hand is wearing a wedding ring – and Leyla isn’t married. Could this be a clue she’s not the one involved in the stunt?
Although reports have suggested Leyla Harding is the one who lose her life under the ice, that has not been confirmed by Emmerdale. In fact they are giving nothing at all away.
Emmerdale ice theories
We have some other theories based on our very comprehensive detective work!
Ella Forster
Receptionist Ella is also said to be leaving the soap. Actress Paula Lane’s agency has said she will only be filming Emmerdale until February. And given her history as a child k.i.l.l.e.r, we think a dramatic exit is more than likely.
As well as news of her exit, before Christmas co-star Lisa Riley, who plays Mandy Dingle, gave a hint they were both involved in the night shoot.
“Love this girl so much, Paula Lane,” Lisa wrote on social media as she shared a picture of them both. “Cheeky Christmas lunch together at before we have a night shoot at Emmerdale tonight. The Christmas spirit in here is sparkling.”
The timing of the post and the reported filming couples up, so could Ella be in terrible danger?
Mandy Dingle
Well, see above! Mandy actress Lisa has confirmed she was involved in a night shoot before the festive season. Could Mandy be in serious peril?
Is it Anthony Fox under the ice in Emmerdale?
A theory amongst fans involves Anthony Fox, the father of Ruby Fox-Milligan. Anthony hasn’t made the best first impression in the village, and it’s safe to say Ruby isn’t his biggest fan.
Some fans have shared their hopes of Anthony meeting a grizzly end sooner rather than later.
Taking to social media when the initial flashforward aired, one person said: “That banging on the ice wasn’t deeply disturbing at all… I’m hoping though it’s Ruby’s dad.. must be a good actor he makes my skin crawl through the TV screen.”
A second agreed, responding: “Yes!!! Hope it is him!!!!”