In a dramatic turn of events set to rock the Dales, Rhona Goskirk's (Zoe Henry) relationship with Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy) is left in tatters following an 'ultimate betrayal'. The fracture comes amidst a special week of Emmerdale episodes, airing from January 18, 2026, which rewind to the moment of drug-dealer Ray Walters' (Joe Absolom) murder.
A Village Gripped by Fear and Guilt
The intense storyline focuses on different suspects each day, all with powerful motives for wanting the ruthless people-trafficker dead. Rhona has been at the heart of the terror since her step-daughter, April Windsor (Amelia Flanagan), revealed she was being coerced into drug dealing by Ray and his associate Celia (Jaye Griffiths).
Alongside her husband Marlon Dingle (Mark Charnock), Rhona fought desperately to free April, making the entire family a target. Ray extorted money from them and subjected them to personal terror, culminating in the horrific moment where Celia forced them to watch as Ray ran over Dylan (Fred Kettle).
Actress Zoe Henry explained the characters' perpetual state of dread. "They're just like rabbits in the headlights," she said. "There's not a noise in the night, the door opening, where they're not straight back there. They think they're at constant risk and therefore are in absolute fear and panic constantly."
Could Rhona Be the Killer?
This profound fear provides Rhona with a compelling motive, and her guilty behaviour since Ray's body was discovered has placed her firmly in the frame. Henry confirmed that Rhona possesses the capacity for extreme action under these specific, desperate circumstances.
"I think it's that moment of desperation that there is no way out," Henry speculated. "And so, if I die or I sacrifice myself in the process of freeing my family, particularly my children, then maybe I'll do it. Ray is ruthless and relentless, and he will stop at nothing. And Rhona knows that. So she's all in."
The 'Ultimate Betrayal' That Shatters a Friendship
The devastating consequence of this ordeal is the severe damage to Rhona and Marlon's friendship with Laurel Thomas. Laurel, who had trusted and fallen in love with Ray, was left completely in the dark about his true, monstrous nature.
Zoe Henry revealed that Marlon and Rhona were consumed with guilt for not warning their friend sooner, but their all-consuming fear for their own family's safety paralysed them. "The guilt involved in what if Ray does something to Laurel's kids, how are we ever going to forgive ourselves?" Henry stated. "But the fear is so great. All they can stretch your imaginations to is their own immediate hell."
Looking ahead, the actress admitted that reconciliation will be a monumental challenge. "I think it's going to be tough. It's kind of the ultimate betrayal," she said. "But they've got a long history. I mean, Marlon was married to Laurel, so she's an ex-wife. But yeah, I very much feel and hope that they can come back from it. But it's a big ask."
As the special episodes probe the moment of Ray's murder, the question of who wielded the fatal blow remains. But one thing is already clear: the aftermath has irrevocably shattered trust and left a once-strong friendship hanging by a thread.
