Joe Tate's carefully constructed life in Emmerdale faces collapse next week as his renewed rivalry with Caleb Miligan intensifies and his relationship with Dawn Taylor is jeopardized by her lingering feelings for ex-boyfriend Billy Fletcher. Meanwhile, Kev Townsend's efforts to bond with son Lewis Barton are threatened by old friend Steve, Gabby Thomas's dangerous obsession with food leads to a collapse, and Serena Sugden returns to Home Farm.
Joe's suspicions grow over Dawn and Billy
On Monday July 27, Dawn finds Gabby unconscious in the kitchen after a dizzy spell. At the surgery, a pregnancy test reveals Gabby isn't pregnant by Billy, but Dawn is shaken to learn Gabby has stopped her contraceptive pill. When Dawn tells Billy, Gabby unleashes her fury, and Joe becomes rattled, wondering if Dawn still has feelings for Billy.
By Wednesday July 29, tensions flare between Dawn and Billy when Dawn finds a detention slip in Lucas's pocket. As they struggle to find common ground, Billy leans in for a kiss. Though Dawn pulls away, Joe's sudden return leaves them worried about what he saw.
Caleb's scheme and Joe's investigation
On Monday, Caleb is affronted when Cain Dingle refuses to supply contacts for his dodgy car part scheme. On Tuesday, Joe tries to fix his relationship with Noah Dingle but is sabotaged by Caleb. When Joe confronts Caleb at the depot, Caleb backs down, wanting Joe away from his scheme. Joe notices and orders Graham Foster to dig for dirt on Caleb. By Wednesday, Graham follows orders and spies on the depot, collecting photographs.
Gabby's health crisis
Gabby's obsessive relationship with food takes a dangerous turn when she collapses at work on Monday. At the surgery, Manpreet Sharmer sees her, and the pregnancy test reveals she isn't pregnant by Billy. Gabby's fury at Dawn and Billy's involvement highlights her deteriorating mental state.
Kev's past threatens his future
Kev is on edge as Steve comments on how easy the village would be to plunder and suggests robbing Home Farm. Kev insists he's there to connect with Lewis and warns Steve to behave. On Tuesday, as Kev pours his energy into making Lewis's birthday special, he, Claudette, and Charles Anderson fail to notice Steve preparing a robbery. Meanwhile, a jealous Vinny Dingle continues scheming to keep Kev and Lewis apart.
Serena's dangerous return
On Thursday July 30, Serena is incensed to learn the USB stick she stole is empty and heads back into Home Farm, crossing Steve who is midway through raiding the house. As they come face to face, they're forced to hide when Ross Barton enters. Concurrently, Joe calls a 'family lunch', leaving Graham deeply suspicious of his intentions, with nobody aware how much Joe saw the previous day.
Friday's climax
On Friday July 31, danger looms at the depot, a devious scheme is finally halted, and Claudette enters into a deal. The week ends with multiple storylines reaching critical points.
