Tonight’s Emmerdale episode was nothing short of emotional.
Cain Dingle found himself consumed with thoughts after learning just how much Tracy Shankley has been struggling since Nate Robinson mysteriously vanished.
Tracy confided in Cain, admitting how incomprehensible it is that Nate would simply abandon their daughter, Frankie, and cut all ties. Given that most of the adults in Nate’s life are Dingles, Cain could understand why Nate might try to disappear—but this behavior was still shockingly out of character.
Then everything changed.
Cain, wanting to do right by Tracy and Frankie, promised to travel to Shetland to find Nate and uncover the truth. But before he could act, John Sugden—Nate’s k.i.l.l.e.r—moved quickly to stop him.
In a chilling twist, a stranger showed up at Tracy’s house to collect Nate’s belongings, hinting that Nate had no intention of ever returning to his family in the Dales.
Still unaware of the brutal truth, Cain tried to process his son’s apparent desire for a fresh start.
Back in the village, Moira reminded Cain that he still has two sons—Kyle and Isaac—who love spending time with him.
That gentle reminder struck a chord. Cain later joined Moira and the boys for a game of football in the fields—a rare moment of lightness during a dark time.
Afterward, Cain apologized to Moira for being distant, confessing that Nate’s disappearance was weighing heavily on him. Moira, ever the voice of reason, told him to keep being the loving father his sons need—because while Nate might return one day, his other children are still here, now.
Cain took her words to heart and made a heartfelt promise to Kyle to be a better dad going forward.
Kyle and Moira tried to lift Cain’s spirits by saying maybe Nate would return someday.
Cain is still clinging to hope. But what he doesn’t know is that Nate’s body lies at the bottom of a lake—and while he will return to the storyline, it won’t be in the way anyone expects…
Meanwhile, two Emmerdale fan favorites—Matthew Wolfenden and Roxy Shahidi—are embracing life beyond the Dales.
Roxy’s character, Leila Harding, tragically d.i.e.d in February’s shocking limousine crash, ending her 16-year run on the show. Matthew, who played David Metcalfe, left the soap last year.
Now, the pair are chasing new dreams—podcasting and presenting.
In a recent chat, Roxy shared how exciting and terrifying life after Emmerdale can be.
“You’re no longer in that comfort zone,” she said. “You miss your routine, your friends, your character. But life’s short—and I’m ready to take on new challenges.”
Matthew echoed the sentiment.
At 43, he returned to his roots in musical theatre, taking a major role in the West End’s Elf: The Musical. “I signed on to Emmerdale for three months in 2006. It turned into 18 years,” he reflected. “But sometimes you have to take that leap.”
Their podcast, “Celebrity Side Hustles,” is now in its second season.
It features stories from stars with unexpected passions—from charity founders to indie filmmakers tackling tough topics like male postpartum depression.
They’ve had emotional interviews with guests like Lisa Riley, Danny Miller, and Adam Rickett—proving that soap stars are much more than their on-screen roles.
Roxy and Matthew aren’t stopping at podcasting.
They’ve set their sights on TV presenting and are excited to keep telling stories, discovering hidden talents, and connecting with new audiences.
Their deep friendship—rooted in their on-screen chemistry—has become the foundation for a creative partnership that fans are loving.
Back in Emmerdale, Cain Dingle is on a journey of grief, guilt, and growth.
As the truth about Nate’s fate edges closer to being exposed, fans are bracing for the heartbreak ahead.
What lies beneath the surface of that lake?
And what dark secrets is John Sugden hiding?
Stay tuned—because the Dingles’ world is about to change forever.
