What happened in Emmerdale tonight: Marlon’s interference sent April livid, and mulled wine ruined Heath’s memorial

Nobody tries to destroy April and Ross' bond and gets away with it!
Tamzin Meyer

Emmerdale tonight saw Marlon tell Ross to stay away from his daughter – but April found out and made her disgust towards him known.

And, it seemed that a bad atmosphere was felt by other villagers too, with Wendy and Brenda getting on the wrong side of a grieving Bob.

Here’s everything that went down in Emmerdale tonight (Monday, December 23).

Emmerdale's April drunk as Wendy watches with disgust

Marlon interfered (Credit: ITV)

Marlon told Ross to stay away in Emmerdale tonight

After finding out that April was trying to buy weed online, Marlon decided to take action (something needed to be done!)

With April rebelling after finding out the true circumstances around Donna’s death (sobs), Marlon saw Ross letting himself out of his house and had words.

Ross explained that everything had been above board because April had given him the keys to stay for the night. Perhaps he should’ve checked with an actual adult before taking an angry teenager for their word?

Marlon demanded the keys back (and rightfully so) before telling Ross that he must stay away from April. His reason being? He was basically threatened by feeling like he had to compete with Ross – a guy that April clearly idolises.

Later on, April went to find Ross and saw him sitting next to some packed bags. She then tried to open up to him about her current frustration towards her dad. But, Ross wasn’t in the understanding mood.

Actually listening to Marlon’s warning, Ross made out that he didn’t care about April. Upset, April stormed back home and then found out that Marlon had been the one to interfere with her and Ross’ friendship. It’s fair to say that this revelation didn’t go down well at all…

Bob, Cathy and Brenda at Heath's memorial in Emmerdale
Bob just wanted the day to go to plan (Credit: ITV)

Heath’s memorial fell flat

With it coming up to the one year anniversary of Heath’s death, Bob wanted to distract himself whilst also paying tribute to his late son. What better way to do this than with a carol concert?! Even though Heath wasn’t really one for carols…

Bob tried his best, putting some red tinsel around the speakers in the village, making everything festive. But, some bickering between Wendy and Brenda put a pin in Bob’s plans.

Brenda wanted to make some mulled wine from scratch but Wendy was having none of that, opting for a shop bought version. Where’s that Christmas spirit, Wendy?

After the memorial had finished (had it really started though?, be honest), Brenda apologised to Bob and helped him choose a headstone for Heath’s grave. Bob couldn’t decide on which one would be best, but Brenda spotted a stone that was ‘very Heath.’ And, that was that.

Emmerdale's Vinny and Belle with Piper's casket
Piper wasn’t in the casket (Credit: ITV)

Belle finally realised Piper’s true fate

Viewers have known for quite some time that Piper the Dog is actually alive, and that her ‘death’ was all just another one of Tom’s lies. And, now, Belle and Vinny finally know the truth.

After admitting that Piper’s death was bugging her, Vinny and Belle bravely dug up her grave and opened her casket. Instead of a rotting animal corpse, inside lay a brick.

Belle then realised that Piper was never dead, wondering what really happened to the adorable pup. We smell a reunion on its way…

Also in Emmerdale tonight…

With Dawn having moved back into Home Farm, she was busy wrapping Christmas presents for the kids. Kim then asked Dawn if it was okay to spoil Lucas, Clemmie and Evan on the 25th. Dawn was more than happy with Kim’s offer.

And, Will and Kim continued to act all loved up amid all of the festivities. But, of course, Kim’s husband was still plotting away…

Elsewhere, Steph took Ross in after finding him feeling sorry for himself outside. Nothing like a spot of good will at Christmas. And, Jacob and Sarah flirted with each other at Heath’s memorial. Sweet.

Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale? All the cast exits, arrivals and returns

Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.

Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.

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