Seasons & episodes

Jack's life is in turmoil and he's forced to ask Alan to put him up while he tries to sort out his marriage. Kim entrusts her dealings to fiance Steve, as she jumps in a car on the first leg of a business journey to New Zealand. Ned talks about the Oakwell stud farm fire to Jan. She says she understands but warns Ned to be careful. Zoe and Sophie reach a crossroads in their relationship and have a huge argument - but can they stay together? And there's more worries for Emmerdale's vet when she tear a strip off her colleague Paddy for being behind schedule and using the office phone to call Mandy in Australia. Kathy is delighted to see Doug who's been away on holiday with his wife. He apologies for leaving her all alone but soon realises his absence has made her heart grow fonder. And Emma stuns her mum when she has a day off school to help move things to Woodside. Then she come across some of baby Geri's clothes which Emma suggests they throw away.

Kathy and Doug have spent a wonderful night together and the couple are set to spend the day together when their peace is shattered by his mobile phone. Doug says his son is suffering from appendicitis and he'll have to return to London immediately. Sophie and Zoe have patched up their differences and Sophie admits she's changed her mind about the prospect of having children. She says if that's what Zoe wants then she should go for it. Paddy and Viv are both without their partners - Mandy and Vic are in Australia with the rest of the Dingle clan. Viv asks Paddy if he fancies a drink and after an evening at the wine bar the two weave their way back to her house for a night-cap - but is that all she's after? Jack goes to the farm to try to get some money. But Sarah arrives while he's there and with a wry laugh informs him that he is too late and she puts all the money somewhere he can't touch it.

Sam faces his day of reckoning in court, supported by the Dingle clan fresh from their trip down under. Eric makes an impassioned plea for leniency on behalf of his former employee - then is forced to dig dep in his pocket when sentence is passed, much to his annoyance. Paddy makes a hash of sneaking out of the post office as Kelly spots him and jumps to the wrong conclusions. He'd better watch the rumour mongers as his sweetheart Mandy is back from Australia. Jack confides to Ned that if he'd know the trouble he was going to cause he'd never have got involved with Rachel. Emma is horrified to find her mum with baby Geri when she and Will come in from school. Her mum can't understand why Emma resents Geri and even offers to adopt the baby herself. And Sophie and Zoe are preparing to visit the fertility clinic in their first steps towards having a child.

Billy is caught in the crossfire between the feuding Sugdens. But when he tells Jack that the possible ruination of the farm lies firmly at his door he gets more than he bargained for - the sack! And Sarah is furious when she discovers that her friend Kathy and even Jan knew about Jack's affair weeks earlier. Doug gets a real shock when a surprise present for Kathy goes totally wrong. Zoe has set an appointment for her first treatment to have a baby. And Lisa persuades reluctant Steve to give Butch a job at Home Farm.

Emma finally reveals the father of her child is Greg's - her sister Charlie's former boyfriend and a soldier who served under her dad. Butch arrives for his first day at Home Farm and reports to Roy who seems more concerned with impressing Kelly. Doug is full of remorse for trying to have Kathy's cottage redecorated as a surprise. But he is delighted when she relents and allows him to have the work completed. Zoe and Sophie are pleased they have told all their friends about their plans to have a baby. Jack tells Ned he's guilty about sacking Billy. But he needn't worry too much because Sarah has reinstated him. Kelly is playing the femme fatale. She tells her friend Lyn that she's confident she can get Biff to like her.

Gymslip mum Emma finally lets her emotions pour out when her dad reveals that he wants to see the father of her child in the dock for having sex with a minor. Emma apologises to her parents for the hurt she's caused and blames herself for her sister Charlie leaving the family. Kelly has got her mind firmly set on Biff - especially after he has a slice of luck playing cards at Eric's. Zoe is left shocked by Sophie's reaction when the pair visit a consultant to discuss their baby plans. And emotions run high when Zoe and Sophie return home.

Could this be the end for Sophie and Zoe whose relationship has reached a head over Zoe's desire to have a child? The couple had a terrible row and Zoe is after her ex-partner to hand over some clothes she left at the cottage. But it is too late as an harassed Steve informs her that Sophie has already left. It's the night of the Cairns' house warming party and Roy thinks he's on a promise with Kelly. But he's in for a big let down as Kelly appears only to have eyes for Biff. With Linda having only recently died, Roy is shocked when he discovers his girlfriend and his brother-in-law in a clinch. Zoe and Mandy reflect on the merits of failing in love and wonder if either of them will ever truly be happy and settled. Meanwhile, Sarah thinks let the villagers talk as she tries to put her crumbling marriage behind her by taking labourer Billy to the Cairns' house-warming party.

Roy has a furious row with Biff over his behaviour with Kelly. He can't forgive him, especially so close after Linda's death, despite the couple saying that they events of the previous night meant nothing. Jack's 50th birthday should be one to remember. But with his marriage on the rocks and the possibility of the farm being taken away, there seems little to celebrate. The only surprise he receives in the post are his divorce papers - and a visit from Sarah at an inappropriate moment. Lady Tara and Steve argue over the running of the stud farm. She says he has been neglecting the business and his staff are useless. He brands her a rich snob. Her ladyship threatens to show Steve exactly how much she does know about the horse trade. And against their better judgement Paddy and Zoe take Jan on as a temporary receptionist at the vets practice. Zak goes out for his day of busking at the shopping centre, but Barry turns up and decides to compete.

First thing in the morning and everyone is ready for the orienteering course. Tony cannot help but interfere with the organisation, Dean is not happy to see Tony after their last meeting. Jack has gone round to see Sarah, she refuses to even look at him, let alone listen to his excuses. He tells her that he is ashamed of himself, but she isn't interested. Robert ignores him as well. Paddy and Zoe have visited the Dingles. Mandy screams abuse at Paddy. Tony does nothing but criticises the outdoor pursuits teacher. Will is embarrassed by his dad. Doug has spent the night at Kathy's again. she is trying to get him to go and do some work. Rachel arrives and tells Kathy that she is confused about Jack now. Butch tries to impress Tara at work. Tony has to take charge when something goes wrong with Dean's rope as he abseils down a rock. Tara finds Steve playing with James in the office.

Doug has to dash back to London but in the rush leaves his overcoat behind. When Rachel comes round for a chat and Kathy goes to move the coat, a small photo album drops out of the pocket. Curiosity gets the better of her, but she is stunned to find a picture of another blond haired woman wearing the same dress he recently bought for her. Kelly really is playing with fire, one minute she's chasing Biff, the next she's telling Roy that it's him she really wants. But when Kelly finally gets Biff where she wants him, she could hardly imagine the grief she is about to cause. And what will poor Roy think? Zak secrecy about his new job lands him in a spot of bother with Lisa who accuses him of having an affair.

Jan can hardly believe her eyes when she take a cup of tea up to Biff's room. Downstairs Roy has been excitedly telling his parents how he's splashed out on a small diamond pendant as a birthday treat for Kelly. But his dreams are about to be shattered. It's unlikely the wayward Windsor girl will enjoy this particular birthday - and Biff can hardly remain welcome in the Glover household, especially as it is only months since Linda tragically died. When Jan is late for work at the vets, Zoe and Paddy decide they have to sack her. But neither has the heart when they hear of Jan's shock discovery. Lady Tara is first past the winning post at the races - and in her knowledge of horses. She gambled her £1,000 on a 25-1 outsider and it came in. Steve has hardly broken even. He's still nursing his bruised ego when a stranger gives him something else to think about. Zak is thwarted in his attempts to raise a few quid busking when Barry shops him to a council official.

Biff has only himself to blame for the mess he's in. It's only months since his wife died and now he's been caught in his marital bed with teenage temptress Kelly. To make matters worse the shock discovery was made by Linda's mum! Confused and feeling like an outcast Biff decides he needs time away to get his head together. Billy and Marlon hatch a plot to rip off Eric on an illegal booze run. Steve reveals the secrets of his family background to Lady Tara - secrets that even Kim doesn't know. Sarah accuses Jack of taking valuable family heirlooms and even threatens to call in the police. Jack denies all responsibility, although at the moment his wife is not to be reasoned with. Paddy and Lisa make up their differences with a kiss in front of The Woolpack regulars. And Jan has made one mistake too many for the liking of Paddy and Zoe.

Jan has made one mistake too many for the liking of Paddy and Zoe and gets the heave-ho - as if she hasn't had enough worries on her plate. First she sent the wrong samples to the MAFF lab from the vets surgery and now another mistake means she's got to go. Young Andy makes a shock discovery and realises his dad's been thieving again. Lady Tara invites Steve for dinner as a consolation for losing their bet. She hopes he's got the temporary nanny in place so he can't refuse. Marlon's carefully hatched plan to rip off Eric goes wrong and he and Sam end up bruised and battered. Doug is lectured by Kathy when he reveals he's organising a Christmas party for Alice and her friends. Zak and Barry go into town to their busking pitch and when Barry begins to sing about going off for a beer, Zak carries on making up a song and soon a crowd forms, pouring their money at the two buskers.

Eric visits Sam and Marlon in hospital. Marlon realises it will only be a matter of time before he works out what's happened. A bit of smart thinking is required. Tony tackles Steve in his search to fund a dream outdoor activities centre. Alan decides to throw a special Woolpack Xmas Lunch - and with Mandy's help starts to draw up a guest list. Kim is not amused when she returns early from her business trip to New Zealand. Not only does she find a new nanny looking after James, but also her fiance Steve enjoying Lady Tara's company.

The kid's party is going down a treat. Eric has his arm twisted into playing Santa and Rachel is helping Kathy make sure the children are properly looked after. But when Sarah arrives and sees Rachel holding Victoria she flies off the handle. She screams Rachel's already had her man, and for her to take her hands off her child. Kim is unhappy about the attentions Lady Tara is paying her fiance Steve. She warns him to be careful. Eric confronts Billy about the booze hi-jack and threatens him with the Dingle's if he doesn't cough-up some money. Marlon and Lisa set to work making a huge Christmas cake based on a recipe by Marlon's favourite chef Nigel Hibbart. But is a cement mixer really the best way to mix the ingredients? The tramp dubbed 'Mr. Magic' has astounded the Dingle brothers Sam and Butch with his fortune telling - but when they take him to the tea rooms to raise money for charity the paying customers are less than happy.

An audio cassette tape in a plain envelope spells big trouble for Kim as the past finally catches up with her. The tape is from a blackmailer who says he knows all about Kim's involvement in the death of the 'lady of the lake' - and who the dead woman was. Lady Tara corners Steve with a sprig mistletoe and demands a kiss - only to be interrupted by a gleeful Chris. Billy finally arrives back at the caravan and Andy jokes he thought his dad had done a runner. Billy gives his son a small dog as an early Christmas present but then drops the bombshell that they're leaving Emmerdale. Jack gets the wrong signals from his estranged wife after they've been to Robert's Christmas school play. Marlon's cake is proudly displayed on a huge table in The Woolpack - and goes down a treat. Roy and Ned reflect on the deaths of Dave and Linda. And Mr. Magic lives up to his name and creates a real impression on Alice.

Steve has Lady Tara very much on his mind - but would like to get her out of it. When she arrives at Home Farm to distribute invites to her Christmas staff party Steve tells her their kiss was a mistake and he certainly doesn't want an affair. He loves Kim. Steve overhears an angry phone call involving Kim and wants to know who it was - Kim says it was just business. It is the blackmailer! Tony goes over his business proposal with Steve for the outdoors activities centre and outlines his plans for a special Christmas challenge. Kathy feels let down when Doug informs her she cannot go to his grand opening of the Golf Club. He tells her his wife has unexpectedly insisted on going and that it would be tempting fate if the two were there together. Viv tells Vic that the Post Office is virtually the only thing holding them together. He promises that he's going to make a big effort to improve their home life and Viv promises to try to save their marriage.

Kim is keeping the blackmail threats a secret from her fiance Steve, but how long can she keep up the charade? If she thought things were bad there's an even bigger shock in store when she and Steve return home from the Oakwell Christmas bash to find a frantic nanny and no baby James. Could this be the work of the blackmailer? Kathy is in for a real shock when she discovers who her lover Doug's real wife is! She and her mate Rachel decide to crash the golf club do even though Doug insisted she mustn't. But the pair sneak into the glamorous party, only to leave hot-foot when the truth dawns. Mandy is just a girl who can't say no. And when Paddy proposes marriage in front of whooping regulars at Pollard's Wine Bar she says yes. But will she feel the same way the morning after?

Tearful Kim watches as Ned, Roy and Seth join police in a grim fingertip search for baby James. And when they discover the child's bobble hat the police are in no doubts they are dealing with a kidnapping. Kim swears she'll die if anything happened to her precious child. Steve tells her it's time to come clean, he knows she's been receiving threatening phone calls. The Dingles and Eric suss that Marlon and Billy were responsible for the booze hi-jack. But there's no sign of Billy when they visit the caravan - only Spot, Andy's puppy. Worried when he hears the news, Jack goes to the caravan and discovers Andy, hidden in a tiny corner, unconscious. The near tragedy brings Jack and Sarah closer and she invites him to join the family for Christmas dinner. Finally Rachel gets some news to cheer her up after the collapse of her affair with Jack she's offered a job as the local school secretary.

Kim is rarely so vulnerable - but now finds herself between a rock and a hard place. Her baby is missing presumed kidnapped - and there's a strong possibility the blackmail calls she's been receiving are tied in. She's desperate not to tell the police the details of the blackmail which is about her involvement in the death of the 'lady of the lake' last Christmas. But all is not as it seems and after an unexpected visit, Kim, Steve and the police chase a new lead. Will baby James be all right? Young Andy wakes up in hospital surrounded by the Sugdens. Social worker Carmel is angry Billy deserted his son. But can the Sugdens keep their marriage difficulties under wraps and take Andy home with them for Christmas? Jan thinks baby James is her late son Dave, and that it is 1977, and that Ned is down The Woolpack chatting to new barmaid Dolly Acaster. Doug is desperate to win Kathy's affections again - despite her discovery about his wife.

Kim can hardly believe the true identity of James's kidnapper. Steve tells Kim he will stand by her despite the blackmail threats. Sarah worries about getting Andy back.

Jack acts like a new man when Sarah agrees to take him back. Kim wants to meet her blackmailing tormentor. Ned visits Jan in a psychiatric ward after her breakdown.

Kim meets her blackmailer. Roy is upset when he visits his mother in hospital. Robert can't wait to tell Rachel that his dad is coming home.

Steve take drastic steps to end his fiancee's blackmail troubles. He follows the blackmailer to his home and strikes a deal - a one-off £10,000 payment. He tells Kim that the blackmailer handed over the incriminating video which he says he has destroyed. With her troubles seemingly behind her, Kim wants to start organising their wedding. Chris explains his reasons for wanting to be involved in Tony's outdoors activities centre to Lady Tara. By offer access to Oakwell and Home Farm land they can tap into a percentage of his profits.