ITV Emmerdale exit ‘sealed’ after one year as character heads to court

Emmerdale fans could be saying goodbye to one character next week after one year in the village.

Only recently, the hit ITV soap aired a tense court case with the verdict from the jury revealed on Friday night. Viewers will recall that last year, Rhona Goskirk found out ex-husband Gus Malcolms and his partner Lucy were expecting a baby together despite them telling Rhona months earlier that they were having fertility issues and could not conceive a child.

Years earlier, Rhona and Gus had IVF treatment which led to them freezing some embryos, but when they split up Rhona assumed they were destroyed. Gus stopped this from happening, before asking if he and Lucy could use them a year ago.

Rhona declined, but Gus forged her signature and Lucy fell pregnant with his and Rhona’s embryo. Tragically Lucy died while giving birth to baby Ivy leaving her partner distraught and grief-stricken, while Rhona was torn that a baby that was biologically hers no longer had a mother.

What started as Rhona and her family helping Gus out led to Rhona admitting she could not let go of Ivy, and wanting to be part of her life. A war forged between the parents as Gus planned to flee with the baby only for Rhona to take Ivy away from the village, with her arrested for kidnap.

As both of them faced trouble with the police, Gus decided to come to a compromise suggesting they both change their statements so that neither of them had to go to court. Gus also claimed he would call off the move and come to an agreement with her over access to her daughter. But Rhona soon realised he was lying and that his plans had not changed at all, resulting in her vowing to get Ivy home with her.

Last week saw Rhona prepare for court as she dreaded facing her kidnap charges. However, the village vet was found not guilty by the jury on Friday night, leaving Rhona and her loved ones delighted. Meanwhile, Gus was furious as he vowed to keep Ivy away from Rhona and next week Rhona’s family is shocked when Gus pays them an unexpected visit.

Gus drops a bombshell as he tells a shocked Marlon and Mary they’ll still be part of Ivy’s life if he gets a lighter sentence. However, a sceptical Marlon struggles to believe Gus’ promises after the latter’s previous lies and behaviour. Later, Rhona and Marlon discuss Gus’ impending sentencing, grateful for each other’s support.

Things take a devastating turn when Rhona hands Ivy over to Gus as they both agree to put the child first from now on. Later in the week, Rhona is anxious about Gus’ sentencing day in court. Marlon attempts to settle Rhona’s nerves but it’s clear the vet is worried and thinking the court case through. Finally, later in the week, it’s time for court and Rhona reads her statement… what will she say and could this be an exit for Gus after he first made his debut in April last year?