Emmerdale fans can expect an awkward Christmas ahead for Charity Dingle when she’s forced to spend it with ex-fiancée Vanessa Woodfield – all while the pair hide an explosive secret from Mackenzie Boyd. Upcoming scenes see Charity hint to Vanessa that the baby she’s carrying might not be Sarah Sugden and Jacob Gallagher’s, but she’s soon left seriously regretting unburdening herself like this.

As tipsy Vanessa runs her mouth off, Charity panics that her judgemental ex is going to spill all to her husband – and ruin Sarah and Jacob’s dreams of becoming parents…

“Charity’s kicking herself for confiding in Vanessa,” our Emmerdale insider explains. “Vanessa’s all about truth and honesty, but Charity can’t bear to tear the family apart. But as the drink overflows, so does Vanessa’s mouth…”

With Moses and Johnny desperate to spend more time together, Charity is strong-armed into inviting Vanessa for Christmas dinner.

It’s awkward between them as Charity’s baby secret lurks under the surface, especially as Jacob and Sarah are giddy after their surprise party. But will Vanessa slip up and make Mackenzie suspicious?

“Christmas Day ends on a happy note for Charity,” teases our spy. “But that happiness can’t last forever. She cuddles up with Mackenzie, but a threat looms, one that will change everything…”

As a new year approaches, Charity’s baby secret is about to explode. She might think only a trusted few people know the truth, but could someone unexpected blow her family apart with a life-changing revelation?

Whatever happens, Charity decides to take matters into her own hands, but ends up making things worse. Could this be the end of her marriage? And could Sarah ever forgive her for such a shocking betrayal?

Emmerdale added another twist to the tale today, with Thursday’s episode revealing that Jacob and Sarah will plot a surprise Christmas Eve wedding. The young couple came up with the idea after growing frustrated over a petty argument between Charity and Kerry Wyatt.

“Let’s not tell them we’re getting married,” Jacob said. “Let’s not tell them when. Let’s just do it and tell them afterwards.

“I mean, your mum’s not here and neither’s mine. So let it just be me and you. Look, I know you wanted the whole fairytale wedding, but the way them two behaved today, it’s gonna end up being more like a horror movie…”