The drama in the Yorkshire Dales is set to intensify next week as Emmerdale delivers a series of shocking twists, emotional confrontations, and life-changing decisions.

From Serena Sugden’s mysterious return to Charity Dingle’s desperate search for justice, the village is facing another turbulent week. Meanwhile, Cain Dingle’s battle to save Monty pushes him to breaking point, while Kev Barton’s troubled past threatens to destroy the fresh start he has been fighting for.

Here are the biggest storylines coming to Emmerdale between July 20 and July 24.

1. Serena Sugden Turns Her Attention To Ross Barton

Serena Sugden may have been forced out of Robert Sugden’s home after her secrets were exposed, but her connection to the village is far from over.

Since arriving in the Dales, Serena has caused suspicion among the Sugden family due to her unusual interest in John Sugden’s death.

Although she claimed she had only known John through family connections, Aaron Dingle remained convinced that she was hiding something.

Those doubts increased when Kev Barton recognised Serena from her previous career as a police officer, leading Aaron and Robert to question whether she had returned to investigate John’s death.

Serena eventually admitted that John had helped her family financially by using money from his military pension. She explained that she struggled to understand how someone capable of kindness towards her family could also have caused so much damage in the village.

However, after investigating the circumstances surrounding John’s death, Serena realised that Victoria Sugden had been responsible for his death.

Although she promised Robert and Aaron that she would keep the information secret, suspicion remained after she was seen entering a police station.

Later, Chas Dingle discovered that Serena had hidden the truth about her final meeting with John, forcing Robert and Aaron to ask her to leave the village.

But Serena’s exit does not last long.

A dramatic break-in at Home Farm gives Serena another chance to return to the centre of the action.

When Kim Tate discovers that her property has been burgled, she turns to Ross Barton for answers.

Ross begins investigating possible suspects, questioning Moira Dingle before turning his attention to Robert.

However, Aaron refuses to allow Ross to accuse Robert without evidence, leading to a heated confrontation between the two men.

Serena arrives at the right moment and prevents the argument from becoming even worse.

Afterwards, she explains more about her connection to John and why she kept their recent meeting secret.

Her explanation appears convincing enough for Robert to allow her to remain in the village, although Aaron continues to question whether she can really be trusted.

The mystery deepens when Kim discovers that the burglar did not steal money or valuables.

Instead, a USB drive has disappeared.

The missing device could contain important information connected to Victoria and John’s death, leaving Serena with a possible reason for wanting access to Home Farm.

Later, Serena arranges another meeting with Ross Barton.

Ross assumes she may be interested in him romantically, but Serena allows him to believe that.

Could she actually be using Ross to uncover information about the missing USB?

2. Charity And Vanessa Search For Justice Against Dr Todd

Charity Dingle faces another devastating setback next week when she learns that the Crown Prosecution Service will not continue with the case against Dr Caitlin Todd due to a lack of evidence.

Charity’s fight for justice began after she revealed the trauma she experienced involving Todd, who had previously used personal information against her.

Although she initially struggled to come forward, Charity eventually told DS Reid the truth and hoped the investigation would lead to consequences for Todd.

However, the latest decision leaves Charity feeling defeated.

Despite the disappointment, Mackenzie Boyd and Vanessa Woodfield refuse to give up.

Believing there could be other people who suffered because of Todd’s actions, they begin searching for evidence that could strengthen Charity’s case.

Vanessa starts looking into Todd’s history at the hospital, hoping previous complaints may have been ignored or hidden.

With Jacob Sugden’s help, she arranges a meeting with hospital HR representative Carol.

Although Carol remains careful with her answers due to confidentiality rules, Vanessa becomes convinced that there is more information waiting to be uncovered.

When Charity discovers Vanessa has continued investigating behind her back, she confronts her.

However, the situation changes when Charity meets Helen, another woman who claims Todd affected her life.

The emotional meeting gives Charity hope that she may finally have found someone willing to support her fight.

Could Helen’s story provide the breakthrough Charity needs?

3. Kev Barton Risks Pushing Lewis Away

Kev Barton’s attempts to rebuild his relationship with Lewis become increasingly complicated next week.

After years apart, Kev is determined to make up for lost time and prove that he can finally be the father Lewis deserves.

However, his enthusiasm begins creating problems.

After clearing his name following accusations surrounding the cafe theft, Kev was given another chance by Lewis and even offered work at the cafe.

But his first shift quickly ended in disaster after he made mistakes with Mandy Dingle’s order.

The incident left Vinny Dingle questioning whether Kev could really be trusted, while Nicola King was quick to suggest the cafe was better without him.

Although Kev briefly considered walking away, Claudette encouraged him not to give up.

He soon returns alongside Charles Anderson, asking for another opportunity.

When Kev learns that Lewis’s birthday is approaching, he decides to make the occasion unforgettable.

He arrives with a huge collection of presents, hoping to show Lewis how much he cares.

However, his grand gesture has the opposite effect.

Lewis feels overwhelmed by the sudden attention, and Ross Barton notices the tension between father and son.

Ross worries that Kev is trying too hard to repair years of lost time and may accidentally push Lewis away.

Can Kev learn to slow down and allow their relationship to grow naturally?

4. Kev’s Troubled Past Returns To Haunt Him

Just as Kev begins creating a new life, his past threatens to catch up with him.

Kev has worked hard to leave behind his criminal history, especially after discovering Lewis was his son.

He changed his surname and rebuilt his identity, determined that his mistakes would not define his relationship with his child.

However, everything changes when Steve arrives in the village.

Steve, played by Jason Done, knows Kev from his previous life and represents everything Kev is trying to escape.

The two men once shared a close friendship and were involved in questionable activities together.

While Steve believes they can easily return to their old ways, Kev is determined to protect the new life he has built.

Will Steve respect Kev’s choices, or will he drag him back into trouble?

5. Cain Refuses To Give Up On Monty

Cain Dingle faces an emotional battle next week as he struggles to accept Monty’s devastating diagnosis.

After rescuing Monty from a burning shed, Cain discovered that the dog was suffering from cancer.

Although the vet explained that the condition was terminal, Cain refused to accept that there was nothing more he could do.

The situation forces Cain to confront his own fears about his health and treatment.

Determined to find another option, Cain searches for alternative treatments and seeks another veterinary opinion.

But his obsession begins affecting his family.

Moira Dingle feels increasingly isolated as Cain withdraws emotionally and refuses to open up.

Kyle also struggles, feeling unable to turn to his father while dealing with his own personal problems.

Eventually, Cain receives the heartbreaking news that Monty’s condition cannot be treated.

6. Cain’s Camping Trip Ends In Disaster

After struggling emotionally, Cain decides to spend time with Kyle on a camping trip.

However, tensions rise when Kyle invites Graham Foster along.

Cain is frustrated, especially because Kyle has grown closer to Graham and has found it easier to discuss his problems with him.

The trip quickly becomes tense as old arguments return.

After a heated confrontation with Kyle, Cain storms away alone.

But tragedy strikes when he slips down a hillside and injures himself.

As darkness falls, Cain finds himself trapped and unable to return.

Will Kyle and Graham realise something is wrong before it is too late?

7. Moira Struggles With Cain’s Emotional Distance

While Cain is focused on saving Monty, Moira finds herself feeling more alone than ever.

Rona notices that Moira is struggling and learns that Cain’s fears have created distance between them.

Cain has withdrawn from their relationship and refuses to talk openly about his emotions.

Although Moira wants to support him, she feels increasingly shut out.

Can their marriage survive the pressure?

8. Dawn Struggles With Billy’s New Romance

Dawn Fletcher has reason to celebrate next week when her wedding dress finally arrives ahead of her marriage to Joe Tate.

However, happiness is overshadowed by her unresolved feelings about Billy Fletcher and his relationship with Gabby Thomas.

Dawn previously asked Billy and Gabby to keep their romance quiet around the children, but it is becoming harder for her to hide her discomfort.

Meanwhile, Gabby continues struggling with her relationship with food.

When Billy prepares a romantic meal, Gabby avoids eating and distracts him instead.

As wedding preparations continue, Dawn must decide whether she is truly ready to move forward with Joe — or whether her feelings for Billy are still unresolved.

With secrets, heartbreak, and major decisions ahead, next week’s Emmerdale promises to deliver some of the soap’s most dramatic moments yet.

Emmerdale airs weekdays on ITV1 at 8pm, with episodes available to stream on ITVX and YouTube.