Actor Mark Charnock teases a shocking Emmerdale twist that will “stagger the audience” 😱 — Marlon and April’s special episode promises heartbreak and revelation
Emmerdale star Mark Charnock has promised an unforgettable twist in next week’s special standalone episode centered on Marlon Dingle and his daughter April Windsor — one that he says will “stagger the audience.”
The veteran actor, who has played Marlon since 1996, teased that the episode will deliver a shocking emotional punch as father and daughter finally come face to face after months of heartbreak and silence.
A Father’s Desperate Struggle
Marlon’s year has been one of the toughest in his long Emmerdale history. His once-bright relationship with April has been torn apart after she was pulled into a dangerous world of drugs and sexual exploitation alongside her boyfriend Dylan Penders (Fred Kettle).
Under the control of ruthless criminals Ray Walters (Joe Absolom) and Celia Daniels (Jaye Griffiths), April has been forced to make impossible choices — including distancing herself from her family.
After accidentally dropping pills that were taken by her vulnerable half-brother Leo (Harvey Rogerson), April fled home in shame, leaving Marlon desperate to reach her.
But next week, in what promises to be one of the most emotional Emmerdale episodes of the year, April finally considers returning — setting up a reunion that could either heal or destroy them both.
“A Twist That Staggered Me”
Speaking to RadioTimes.com and other outlets, Mark Charnock praised the script’s emotional depth but warned that fans should prepare themselves.
“There’s a twist in it that will stagger the audience,” he said. “When I read it, it shocked me so much I actually wished I’d known about it before reading. It really threw me — it’s just a great twist of drama.”
Charnock hinted that while the episode begins tenderly, things take a darker turn: “It’s lovely actually, with them rediscovering the younger version of her and how that was when she was really little. The first act is about him rediscovering his daughter — and her rediscovering that part of herself too.”
But he added ominously, “Things are going to get considerably worse before they get better.”
An Emotional Reunion — and a Shocking Moment
The standalone episode begins with Marlon waiting at home after April fails to show up for the family Halloween party. When she finally arrives, the pair share a series of deeply emotional scenes that reflect their broken bond and the love that still connects them.
What starts as a heartfelt reunion between father and daughter slowly builds toward the moment that will “change everything” — the shocking twist that Charnock says left even him speechless.
Praise for the Cast
Mark Charnock also took time to praise his co-star Amelia Flanagan, calling her one of the show’s brightest young talents.
“She’s remarkable,” he said. “She can summon emotion on the spot, and you can see everything she’s feeling in her eyes. She’s got all the tools to carry on being a brilliant actress.”
He also praised Joe Absolom, who plays villain Ray Walters: “He’s one of those actors where you always want to know what the character is thinking. He’s fascinating to watch.”
When to Watch
Emmerdale airs Marlon and April’s special episode on Tuesday, November 4, promising a blend of warmth, heartbreak, and a twist that will leave fans reeling.
The soap continues to work closely with The Salvation Army on April and Dylan’s exploitation storyline to ensure the sensitive subject matter is portrayed responsibly and authentically.