Series 23

An unforeseen event affects the whole village.

The village pulls together through adversity and Samson shows his true colours.

Dawn breaks and it becomes clear that life in Beckindale will never be quite the same again.

It is the day of the funerals for the plane crash victims. Lynn is living in a hotel, she has spent the night with Gavin and is reading her mail. Seth is staying in the same hotel. Jack is worried about the farm. Many of his sheep are aborting due to fumes and fuel. Rachel is nasty to Joe when he tries to speak to her. Amos runs after her. She blames him for Mark's death and will not change her mind. Vic is looking for his black tie and finds some photographs. Kim is dressing for the funerals. Frank helps her. Vic is furious because Kelly found one of the victim's cameras. She has been using it and the photographs obviously belong to one of the victims. Michael asks Eric where he will be living once Frank gets a new secretary. Alan calls for Seth at his hotel. He tells Lynn that he no longer wants to see her at The Woolpack after the way she has behaved. Frank places flowers at the scene where he found the baby.

The hillside is covered with flowers and people are paying their respects. Angharad is helping the school out by working as a supply teacher. Bernard needs to interview for a job at the surgery. Jessica is keen to help him out. Frank brings Kim breakfast in bed. She is concerned to get to work and sort out the stables. She and Frank kiss. Seth tells Eric he is being evicted from the hotel. He wants Eric's help to sell Wally's machinery so Betty will have some money. Frank sees that Kim wasn't insured and offers to help by having a stables at his proposed historical farm. She agrees. He wonders who to employ as head of the heritage farm. Jack seems the best candidate but they don't know if he will accept. Kim suggests he talks to Dermot Bishop to arrange sorting out the disaster claims first, to bring some good news to the village. Viv and Vic bemoan their lack of custom since the crash.

Caroline watches over an unconscious Annie in hospital. Alan is cleaning furiously in the bar. Shirley winds him up. He is annoyed that she didn't take his proposal seriously. Shirley invites Seth to stay at The Woolpack. Seth is pleased as he thinks he will get free beer. Elsa is having an interview as Bernards's assistant. Bernard lectures her about opening up old wounds and tells her to go to the public meeting that night. Seth and Vic have a look at Wally's old scrap. Vic is sure it is worth a lot of money. They find an old carriage. Kim joins Zoe for a drink at The Woolpack. Zoe has avoided Frank and Kim since they got back together. Kim wants to clear the air but Zoe is not so keen. Alan wants Shirley's answer but she puts him off. Zoe calls on Kathy. Kathy says Chris is a very bad patient and is taking the accident very hard. Zoe confesses that she saw Kathy and Josh.

Vic scorns a story in the paper about Lynn. Forgetful Scott goes out without his papers for his round. Robert doesn't want to go to school. Jack and Sarah are concerned. Robert is scared that the school gym is haunted. Joe goes to visit Annie and tells her he is back at the farm. Frank is annoyed that Scott delivered the wrong paper. Kim is annoyed that the insurance won't cover her losses at the stables. Sarah calls into the post office. She asks about the children but Viv insists they are all okay. Vic is rude to Lynn when she comes in. Sarah asks Frank about the toxic waste clearance. Vic is increasing all the prices to try and make some money. Joe sticks his nose in at the farm and annoys Jack. Seth is in his dressing gown in hospital after his prostate operation. He goes to see Nick who is catatonic. Zoe suggests to Paul that Beckindale needs a satellite surgery.

Frank had a rough night thinking about Chris's injuries. He is determined that Chris will get better. Kim asks why he won't help Zoe. She thinks he is not being fair. Shirley is impressed that Alan has made a fry-up but she cannot eat it. Kim and Frank talk about fixing their relationship so they don't make the same mistakes again. Alan writes a wedding invitation list. Shirley is put out that he hasn't thought of inviting any of her friends. She jokes about inviting her prostitute and homeless friends. Viv and Vic wonder whether therapy is the answer. A stranger calls at Victoria Cottage and asks Michael where Eric is. Viv and Vic are rude to Shirley. Sarah invites Michael to move into Emmerdale Farm. Frank and Vic talk about Wally's scrap. They want to ask Seth to talk Betty into selling it to them. Joe and Jack talk about what they should do if Annie will never get better.

Seth arrives at hospital. Kathy and Lynn agree that Gavin really stitched Lynn up when they see a piece in the paper about Shirley. Kathy feels trapped. She doesn't know whether to leave Chris or not. Alan is making a fuss about the workmen. Shirley tells Alan she is going to invite Lynn to the wedding as she knows Lynn was used by Gavin. They discuss the wedding. Alan wants Amos to be his best man but he is in Spain. Frank and Kim talk about Jack and Sarah's relationship. Alan chats to Bernard about the wedding. Bernard suggests Jack or Seth as best man. Angharad finds children's cartoon drawings of the plane crash at school. Seth has a bath while he chats to Nick, he knows Nick can hear him. Frank has negotiated free clearance for the Sugden land. He gives Zoe and Kim contracts but they refuse to sign them until they have been checked by a lawyer, claiming business is business.

Alan and Shirley are packing for their honeymoon. Amos arrives by surprise to act as his best man. Viv is annoyed that Vic is having the afternoon off for the wedding. She is also annoyed that Vic is being charged for his attack on the looter. He asks her to come with him. Donna and Chloe go to the den and leave bread and milk. Caroline arrives at the hospital and walks in on Seth getting dressed. Jack and Sarah talk about Lynn. Sarah feels sorry for her. Robert asks Jack and Sarah when they will get married. Zoe and Kim finish painting. Frank is going to see Chris and the consultant in Sheffield. He plans to sell Chris's truck but Kim tells him not to. Vic has attached Samson to the carriage from Wally's yard. Eric's insurance money from Elizabeth has arrived - so has a policeman who asks about the missing cheques from Home Farm. He asks if Elizabeth was in a disturbed mental state.

Frank tells Chris he will never walk again. Alan and Shirley set off on their honeymoon. Jack and Sarah consult Bernard about Annie's condition. Alan confesses he is scared of flying after witnessing the plane crash. There is a meeting of village trustees. Eric wants a memorial to Elizabeth. Seth brings Nick home from hospital. Frank allows Eric to stay on in the cottage for three months, much to Michael's anger. Viv is pleased with the counselling session and discusses it with Vic. Robert wants to visit Annie in hospital.

Michael spies Eric carrying out a dodgy deal. Frank and Kim are woken up by a phone call from Chris. Michael accuses Eric of killing Elizabeth. Nick worries that Elsa wants Alice back. He finds Seth in his den. Vic has been allowed a drinks licence. The police come to question Eric. Viv doesn't want Scott to mention his father, Reg Dawson to the therapist. Frank goes to buy a horse for Kim with Joe. The country club is open. Gavin turns up and has a scene with Lynn. Elsa tells Nick she plans to keep Alice.

Frank gives Kim her horse, Valentine. Viv asks Bernard for antidepressants. Seth hides when Kathy comes back and finds the dog, Charlie. Zoe opens the Vet's Surgery. A skeleton is found under The Woolpack. Seth's dog is Zoe's first customer. Frank suggests a new bungalow to Kathy to help Chris. Rachel asks Bernard's advice about Michael's obsession with Eric. Sarah is worried about Viv. Danny is with Jessica. He asks her to marry him but they are interrupted by Bernard.

Frank takes Kathy to look at the site for the proposed bungalow and is shocked to discover Chris has remortgaged Mill Cottage for £100,000. The McAllisters discuss Danny's proposal. The Windsors have invited the Sugdens for dinner. Kim and Frank offer Kathy a job to give her a distraction from Chris. Nick shows Kathy Seth's den and she offers to put him up. Michael fights with Eric and punches him into the road. Danny leaves for University after arguments with the McAllisters. Elsa brings Alice to Kathy's house and argues with Nick. Jack and Vic practise wine tasting. Michael tells Elsa his suspicions about Eric.

Seth discovers he won't get any money for the loss of his house. Michael pledges to his mother's grave he will "get" Eric. Frank discusses a business idea with Jack and Sarah, they're interested. Nick and Elsa argue about Alice's future, Nick thinks she will be using underhand tactics to get full custody. Alan and Shirley return home from honeymoon and Vic accidentally reveals why the work has been delayed. Alan is happy to receive a card from Terence and tries to convince Shirley to try track down her family. Kathy and Nick seek Frank's advice about Alice. He advises Nick to hit back and points out that Elsa is way out of line, and he gives Nick some great advice. Vic is proud of the pianola he's just bought and tries to sell it to Shirley and Alan. Viv gossips about Jessica and is told off by Angharad. Seth is shocked when Vic reveals Alan is planning to sell the Fish & Game Farm.

Donna is trapped underneath the tractor. Seth learns that Alan may sell the game farm. Luke saves a girl at school from bullies. Nick and Elsa see the judge to decide Alice's future. An awkward Kathy visits Chris for the first time. Chris is distraught. The judge makes an interim decision to return Alice to Nick but Elsa vows to fight on.

Alice is back in Beckindale. Jack and Joe discuss entering the ploughing competition. Kathy asks Frank's advice about Nick, Alice and Chris. Chris struggles in his wheelchair. Seth needs a new job. Alan has created a well inside The Woolpack - it is fake, not Viking. The Woolpack is reopening. The village is full of rumours about Jessica being pregnant. Lynn advises Viv to sue Joe. Jessica plays a trick on her dad by asking for advice for a pregnant 'friend'. Zoe visits Chris who is depressed about Kathy. Seth asks Lynn for a job and is upset when she laughs at him. Viv tells Joe she plans to sue him. Zoe and Frank worry about Kathy's future with Chris. Michael shows Dermot Bishop Elizabeth's life insurance policy to prove that Eric killed her for her money. Seth tells Nick he is all washed up.

Dolores introduces Luke to her boyfriend Biff. Kim and Frank have a romantic meal for two and discuss getting remarried. Jess teases Luke about Dolores. She tells her dad she is not pregnant. Lynn offers to pay £140,000 cash for Mill Cottage, lower than the £185,000 Frank wants. Eric leads a small ceremony for the memorial to the victims and unveils a park bench in Elizabeth's memory. He doesn't want to be photographed for the paper. Lynn and Alan get competitive for business. Angharad warns Luke about consorting with Biff. Frank offers Seth a job at the heritage farm. The Sugdens face up to the threat of legal action.

Jack has hired a new tractor. They get notification about Viv's legal action. Joe bemoans the curse of the Sugdens to Jack. Vic is in court on assault charges. Joe and Jack consider appealing to the appeals committee for financial help. Biff makes friends with Luke. He tells him he hasn't got a driving licence. Sarah is concerned that the baby has stopped moving. Frank confronts Chris about the money he owes and tells him a few home truths. Vic pleads guilty and Dermot speaks up for him. Alan is annoyed that Lynn has booked male strippers on the same night as The Woolpack reopening. Vic is fined £150 and bound over for 12 months. Alan fears financial ruin.

Rachel agrees to talk to Joe and Michael. Zoe and Frank talk about Chris. Seth is upset when Zoe laughs at his new uniform. Alan is shirty with Viv when she looks forward to seeing the male strippers at the sports club. Sarah's baby is checked and is fine. There is a story in the Hotten Courier about Eric. Nick is worried that Elsa has hired a firm of top feminist solicitors from Leeds. Two outsiders are sacked from the local committee and Dermot voted onto it. Jack asks for money and pleads for help from them; the committee decide to consider it. Alan tries to get one over on Lynn by pledging to donate all his takings from the opening night of The Woolpack to the appeal fund. Eric is mad that his photo has appeared in the paper.

Jess is annoyed at her family. The Sugdens are expecting a visit from the HSE about Donna. Jack plans to ask Frank for more money. Nick is off to see his solicitor. He is worried about the fact he shares a house with so many others. Angharad reads Jess's mail from Danny. Frank and Jack discuss the heritage farm. Frank and Kathy survey the foundations for the new bungalow for Chris. Kathy gets upset because she feels trapped with Chris. Angharad and Bernard discuss Jess's proposed move to Aberdeen to live with Danny. Alan catches Luke and Biff drinking their own cans outside the pub. Shirley tries to cheer him up. Jack gets jealous and makes fun of Sarah getting ready to see the male strippers at the sports club. Scott has written disturbing poetry about the night of the plane crash. Jack is surprised that in 1994 women are still interested in seeing "The Nobbies" male strippers. He interrupts the strip show to tell Sarah he has to go to hospital to see Annie.

Joe is dozing at the hospital as he and Jack wait to see Annie. Jessica wants to go to Scotland to see Danny. Joe is under a lot of strain and mentions the curse of the Sugdens again. Frank and Kim are busy planning their heritage farm. Lynn gossips to Viv about the strippers. Frank and Kathy wonder how Kathy and Chris will cope when he comes home from hospital. He fears she will leave him. Alan learns that Lynn donated £1000 to the disaster fund when he only raised £200. Jack learns that the Health & Safety are going to prosecute them. The McAllisters worry about Jess and her engagement. Frank and Kim talk about getting remarried. Alan has decided to hold a musical evening to get back at Lynn. Kim arrives at the pub and is lusted after by Biff and Luke. Luke suggests he puts a band called the Planets on at the pub. A woman comes looking for Eric.

Joe is feeding the sheep in the snow and gets annoyed when a motorcyclist rides across his land. Angharad gives Luke a lecture on behaviour until he shows her a photo in the local paper of herself surrounded by the Nobbies. Michael sees Eileen going into Eric's cottage. He tells her that Elizabeth's death was lucky as he now has the money to pay her off. Nick asks Frank for a week off to take Alice to Scarborough. The kids arrive for the gig at The Woolpack and add alcohol to their soft drinks. Michael introduces himself to Eileen. Alan introduces the Planets as a classical band, but they launch into a cover version of 'Smells Like Teen Spirit'. Joe strokes a lamb in the kitchen while Jack and Sarah try and persuade him to go out. Alan pulls the plug on the Planets and throws the kids out. The social worker comes to see Nick about Alice. The Sugdens arrive too late to see the band. Seth saves the day on the piano.

Jack finds Joe in the barn with the shotgun. Luke and Jessica get a lecture on trust and Bernard and Angharad ban Jess from going to Scotland. She goes mad when she finds out her mum read Danny's letters. Joe is sullen. The Woolpack regulars plan the Easter fair. Vic comes up to the farm to sort things out with Joe. Sarah's contractions have started. Joe loads his shotgun alone in the cowshed. Sarah is terrified. Vic finds Joe who points a gun at him. Joe fires the gun, scaring Vic. Vic tells Joe the last time he saw a shotgun was a kid who bungled a garage raid on his old estate in London and shot himself dead. They make it up over a cup of tea in the farmhouse. Joe blames himself for making Mark take the vacuum cleaner back to Lynn the night of the crash.

The bank holiday fair gets underway at the heritage farm. Jack and Sarah bring the new baby home. Vic tells Viv he wants to drop the court case against Joe. She's adamant she still wants compensation but he persuades her into agreeing. Kim convinces Joe to help out with the horses for the morning at the heritage farm. Sarah assures Jack that she won't love Robert any less now that they have their new baby. They decide to go up to the hospital to visit Annie. Alan is annoyed to discover that Frank has allowed a rival beer tent at the fair. Shirley goes to spy on them. Biff offers to give Jess a lesson on motorbike riding. Luke takes Dolores for a ride on his. Viv goes to see Sarah. They agree to forget about the incident with the tractor and start afresh. Kathy feels guilty about not going to see Chris in hospital more. Bernard wonders if she's properly prepared for when Chris comes home.

Frank informs Kim he's thinking of restoring the bowling green with some of the disaster welfare fund and starting up a new village cricket team. Jack and Sarah are disappointed to learn that there's no change in Annie. The doctors suspect it was just a reflex. Joe pushes them to consider taking Victoria to her again. Danny arrives at Hawkins Cottage. Kathy rearranges the furniture at Mill Cottage ahead of Chris' arrival. Lynn breaks the news to Kim that Frank was with her in the sports club on the night he stood Kim up in The Woolpack. Frank apologises but Kim is annoyed that he's already starting to put work before her. To prove that isn't the case, Frank decides to take the afternoon off and go into Harrogate together so they can redecorate their bedroom. Lynn tells Kathy she thinks she's making a mistake staying with Chris. Kathy feels she has no choice but Lynn encourages her to leave if a chance comes along.

Seth helps Lynn and Kathy as they continue to move furniture. Jessica changes her mind at spending her last night alone with Danny before he returns to Aberdeen. She tells Biff, Luke and Dolores that they'll both join them at the sports bar instead. Kathy admits to Lynn that she feels trapped. Jack and Sarah go to register Victoria. Kathy covers to Frank that she still has to make a few adjustments to Mill Cottage so that he will go alone to pick up Chris from the hospital. Seth arrives at the stable to find Samson missing. Jack and Sarah arrive outside the register office and disagree over Victoria's surname. They return home to discuss it. Frank takes the painting from the fair to be valued by Eric. Eric tells Frank he thinks the painting is worth around £750. When Frank leaves, Eric receives a fax reading 'Tick Tock'. He calls Maurice and assures him he will have his money soon.

Jack finds a lamb next to his dead mother at the crash site and rescues it. Betty arranges to meet Seth for a meal. Jess, Luke, Dolores and Biff agree to see a film after school. Viv is nervous as Kim prepares to give Donna horse riding lessons on Samson. Jess speaks to Bernard and Angharad about Dolores believing she might be pregnant. She asks them not to inform her parents. Bernard advises Jess to tell Dolores to get a pregnancy test. Betty arrives at Hawkins Cottage for her housekeeper interview. Kim strikes a deal with Viv to give Donna half price riding lessons if she helps out around the stables at the heritage farm. Angharad is taken aback when Betty takes full control of the interview - outlining her own terms and conditions for the job and insisting she'll let her know whether she's interested in taking the position in a few days. Eric sells Frank's painting for £175,000. Bernard is amused to find Luke wearing a T-shirt with a photo of Angharad and The Nobbies.

Chris is still struggling to adjust to his new lifestyle. Zoe approaches Frank for business advice. She informs him that she hasn't got many customers. Seth prepares to move into his new home with Betty. Kathy helps him move his things over leaving Chris home alone. Vic brings Samson over for him but manages to lose him. Eileen goes to see Eric again and tells him she's filing for divorce on grounds of desertion. He tells her that she needs to be more discreet in case Michael figures out what's going on. Seth finds Samson at Home Farm. Chris falls out of bed when he tries to reach his wheelchair in Kathy's absence. Frank discovers the painting Eric sold mentioned in the paper. He confronts Eric, noting that he sold it for £175,000 and it went on to get over £1,000,000 at auction. Kathy finds Chris on the floor when she returns home. He's determined to regain his independence and walk again.

Kim encourages Frank to stay quiet about Eric, sure they'll find a way of making sure he doesn't win. She tells Frank he should evict him from the cottage to start. Jack tells Joe that he and Sarah are getting married. He asks Joe to be best man. They discuss Annie and decide to devise a plan where each member of the family can look after her at designated times. Jack also explains that Annie will be able to clear the farm debts with money Leonard has left her. Jess encourages Biff to speak to Dolores. Frank has arranged an adapted car for Chris but when it arrives at Mill Cottage he angrily rants about Frank interfering to Kathy. She walks out to go to work. Frank explains to Zoe that he shall be kicking Eric out of Victoria Cottage and can give her a cut price on the rent if she moves in there. She is keen to stand on her own two feet however and declines. Jess tells Biff that Dolores thinks she's pregnant.

It's the day of the crash inquest. Lucy has stayed overnight at the post office. She tells Viv and Vic that Reg was worried about Viv and Scott when he heard about the plane crash. Bernard takes a call from Danny asking if he can come down to see Jess for the bank holiday weekend. Bernard agrees. Michael speaks to Rachel about catching Eric with Eileen. Chris turns the television up as Kathy and Lynn chat around him. Michael wants Rachel to go with him to Dales View Guest House to confront Eileen. Lynn, Kathy and Chris argue when Kathy asks him to turn the television down and he refuses. Bernard walks in on their argument. Dolores and Jess are disappointed to learn that Biff and Luke have agreed to do up Vic's bike and plan to spend the day working on it. They have also agreed to keep it a secret from Viv. Dolores confides in Jess that she hasn't done the pregnancy test as she is too scared.

Michael helps Joe move into Annie's Cottage. Tired of his complaining about Eric, Joe gives him the key to his place to stay in until Annie is better. Chris works on his publicity pack for Zoe. He considers trying to get her an interview on local radio. Betty returns to find Vic restoring his motorbike at Wally's yard. She turfs him out. Robert is restless with all the changes at the farm. Sarah and Jack set a date for their wedding - 19th May. Danny surprises Jess outside the school gates by arriving early. She laughs as Biff teases him. Michael returns to Dales View Guest House alone and questions a guest on anybody staying there matching Eileen's description. He's told that a Mrs Davis from Colchester matched her description. Betty tells Seth she's got her eye on a cottage in the area and asks him to join her, on the condition that he comes without Sampson. Seth agrees and covers that he'll find Sampson a home. Lucy has returned to Essex.

Nick arrives back in the village with Alice. Viv informs Scott that Reg used to write to him but she kept back the letters. Biff, Luke and Danny set off to do some rock climbing. Frank shows Nick around the nursery flat. He and Seth recruit Nick for the cricket team. Viv lets Scott read through his dad's letters. Chris is annoyed that Kathy is working on a bank holiday. She reminds him that they're going for a night out at the sports club tonight. Vic takes Scott, Kelly and Donna on a walk through the countryside. Jack tells Joe that he's caught in the middle of a feud between Lynn and Alan over who will do their wedding reception. He explains Lynn has offered to do it for free. Vic slides down an embankment and into a river while on his walk with the kids. His leg becomes trapped. Scott tries to get into the river but the current is too strong. Vic sends the kids to get help but they go the wrong way.

Viv receives a call from Lucy to say Reg is out of prison and on his way to Beckindale. Frank is called as a witness in court at the inquest and speaks about discovering Chris in The Woolpack rubble. Vic tries to reassure Viv that Reg arriving in the village will be okay, noting he's likely to be on best behaviour after ten years inside. Viv isn't so sure. Frank becomes emotional as he speaks of finding the dead baby in the tree. Alan and Vic decide to set up suggestion boxes in The Woolpack and post office for people to submit their ideas for the new name for the village. Shirley suggests renaming the village 'Emmerdale' as a tribute to the oldest member of the community - Annie. A man from East London arrives in The Woolpack and begins chatting to Shirley. He asks Shirley what times the schools finish in the area. Shirley approaches Jack with the offer of putting on his and Sarah's wedding reception for free and supplying all his guests with free drink as a wedding present.

Eileen receives an unwelcome visitor. Jessica is in trouble after her night out.

Reg is determined to rebuild his life. Vic makes the Sugdens an offer they can't refuse. Lynn receives a visit from a journalist, while Joe seems to have reached the end of his tether.

Annie Sugden returns to the arms of her family and the Windsors are relieved that their problems are over. Meanwhile, Jessica's lies catch up with her.

It's the day of Jack and Sarah's wedding, but who will catch the bridal bouquet? Luke declares the depth of his feelings; Chris finally swallows his pride; and the McAllisters grapple with their u-bend.

A dramatic event unfolds and Joe's attempt to be a hero is ill-advised. Shirley's journey from the cash and carry is interrupted.

Amos and Michael restrain a screaming Vic who believes Viv is still in the shop. Police officers drag a dazed Joe away from the flames. Zoe worries as she needs to call at both the Dingles and Glovers farms, knowing that she'll be crucified if the feuding families find out she's called at the others' farm. The robbers force Viv to flag down Shirley along the roadside on her return from the Cash & Carry. They force their way into her landrover, pointing a gun at her. PC Wilson gives Joe a ticking off for involving himself in the situation. The police discover that Viv wasn't in the shop when it exploded but is currently a hostage. The two men try to force Shirley into aiding their escape but Shirley, being new to the area, is unable to help their quick getaway. She gets them lost somewhere between Robblesfield and Hotten. Police find the getaway car the first two men were in abandoned with the 3rd raider badly hurt in the passenger seat.

The police secure the area of the shooting at Pencross Fell. Vic worries and blames Joe for getting involved and preventing the raiders escape. The raiders drag Viv and Shirley over the moors. Seth is confused to arrive in the village and find the area cordoned off. Michael explains about the robbery, Alan being shot and Shirley and Viv being held hostage. Sarah phones the police when she notices someone in the yard at Emmerdale Farm attempting to steal the landrover. Joe recognises that it's the 4th raider and dashes out to park the tractor in front of the landrover to prevent his escape. The 4th raider gets out of the landrover and points his gun at Joe and Jack as he makes his escape on foot. Joe attempts to chase after him but Jack stops him. Viv realises who one of the raiders is when he quotes a Psalm.

Now that the crisis is over, the media spotlight focuses on the village once more. Life for Alan Turner will never be the same again.

The burden of guilt weighs heavy on Joe Sugden. Michael delves deeper into Pollard's murky past.

Michael goes off to dig more dirt on Eric. Lynn purposely sends Clive to the wrong crematorium for Shirley's funeral. Elsa's delighted when she notices Nick is late taking Alice to nursery and uses the situation to score points. He worries that she is planning to use the rumours of he and Archie being gay as a way to get residency of Alice and asks Zoe if she would put the rumours straight if it came down to it. She agrees. Frank fears her coming out publicly may affect business. Clive realises Lynn's sent him to the wrong crematorium when he arrives in Skipdale to find no-one there. Nick receives a call from the nursery saying Alice is ill. He asks Frank if he can go to pick her up but Frank asks him to mow the lawns first as he is expecting some important visitors. Samson lets one of the horses out of the stable when Frank and Kim go to lunch. Shirley's funeral gets underway.

Rachel comes running out of The Woolpack in time to see Michael speeding off in a car. Bernard remains concerned over electricity when he receives a bill. Jess interrupts him to say that Rachel has called requesting he go over to Victoria Cottage as she believes Eric is dead. Bernard discovers Eric still has a pulse. He calls an ambulance and the police. Seth is concerned about Alan and finds him upset in the pub cellar. He tries to comfort him and encourages him to contact Terence and Shirley's daughter. Kathy tries to get Chris to sign the contract so Frank can sell Mill Cottage but he refuses to, knowing Lynn will get it. Amos has gone to Dundalk to stay with a landlord friend of his. Rachel walks into The Woolpack upset. Frank buys her a drink while Kim tries to comfort her. She explains Michael has attacked Eric and left him unconscious in hospital and now the police are looking for him.

Sarah, Jack, Robert and Victoria return from France. Seth informs Biff and Luke that he has a trick up his sleeve in beating them at the cricket match - Sven. Annie thinks the farm should subcontract work such as sheep-shearing. Jack realises that Sven is back. Vic asks Viv not to go to Reg's funeral but she insists she has to. Scott has decided he doesn't want to go anymore. Alan collects Shirley's ashes. Nick's concerned what Elsa and her solicitor will make of Alice's bruise. He decides to ring and tell her that Alice is best left with him today what with Michael's situation. Chris takes delight in telling Lynn that under no circumstances will he sell Mill Cottage to her. She accuses Chris of fancying her and taunts him at how he'll never be able to satisfy her now he's in a wheelchair. She insists she'll end up with the cottage. Jack introduces Sarah, Robert, Frank and Kim to Sven. Alan scatters Shirley's ashes at her favourite beauty spot.

Seth arrives at The Woolpack to find it closed. Caroline suggests Nick ask Alan to provide a statement for the residency case, thinking him being a councilor would work in Nick's favour. Joe receives a court summons for a fortnight over the business with the tractor. Caroline suggests Nick also approach Eric for a character reference. Seth gets no response from Alan as he knocks on the pub door. Elsa visits Eric in hospital and informs him of his fight with Michael. He still doesn't remember. She doesn't want her part in it to affect her in court and asks him not to involve the police. Seth, Nick and Caroline attempt to break into The Woolpack to make sure Alan is alright. Elsa explains to Eric that she shouldn't have left Alice and gone off on her own and has learnt that Alice belongs with her now. She explains she doesn't feel vindictive to Nick but needs to do everything she can to make sure she gets residency of Alice, even if that means tarnishing his name in the process.

Sven is continuing to help out at Emmerdale Farm. Zoe pushes Chris to complete the rest of her advertising campaign and forces him to get out of the cottage and up to the surgery. Nick anxiously waits for Elsa's statement to come through from the solicitor. Chris enjoys helping Zoe at the vets. Biff and Luke remind Seth that he owes them a day out in the country. They're taken aback when he wants to start with them the following morning - at first light. Zoe takes Chris and Nick for a drink at The Woolpack. They're both grateful. Annie calls a family gathering down at her cottage. Sarah decides to give the meeting a miss, wanting an early night. Sven takes a shine to Zoe. Annie announces to Jack and Joe that she's going to stay in Leonard's villa in Spain for a couple of months. Alan asks Seth if he can stay with him after the pub closes as he doesn't feel like being alone.

Lynn shows interest in Sven as she watches him outside The Woolpack. She's jealous when Zoe mentions she's been out for dinner with him. Nick is still preoccupied with the upcoming residency case. Elsa arrives to pick up Alice for the day. Caroline meets with Eric. He shows her the memorial bench for the crash victims and explains the idea is to have a garden surrounding it with a stone to remember those who lost their lives. Biff and Luke swerve school. Sven's disappointed when Zoe declines a second meal with him. Biff and Luke set about vandalising the 'Emmerdale' village sign. They plan to start the rumour that the Beast of Beckindale doesn't like the name change. Eric purchases a necklace at auction apparently worth £250,000 for £20,000. Lynn tries to track down Frank wanting to know if she can rent one of the holiday cottages as she'll soon be homeless. Chris tells her that he and Kim are away at a conference in Geneva.

Luke is amused when an article appears in the Hotten Courier questioning whether the Beast of Beckindale has made a return. Nick dresses Alice for nursery, aware it could be the last time he does so. Sarah continues to worry about Victoria. She decides to stay home and look after her. Caroline wakes Alan, reminding him that he promised her and Nick a lift to court. She's aware he's been up the majority of the night drinking and tries to make him see that he's not helping himself. Sven insists on taking the day off from the farm and helping Lynn to move into the holiday village. Luke and Biff try to generate more ideas for the Beast of Beckindale's rampage. Joe visits Bernard in order to acquire some anti-depressants but Bernard refuses to prescribe them for him. Nick's anxious as the case is delayed in court. Biff is interested when Luke mentions he saw Eric throwing a bag into the river some months back. Sven and Lynn kiss.

As Nick prepares to take the stand in court on the second day of the case, Kathy does her best to settle his nerves. The Beast of Beckindale makes front-page news of the Hotten Courier. Viv has returned from London. Vic shows her plans he's been making for the new-look shop. She tells him Reg has left a will with £10,000 in a trust fund for Scott for educational purposes. Luke takes Biff to the river where Eric threw away the suitcase. They flip a coin to see who goes into the river. Caroline asks Eric to try a different approach with Elsa in an attempt to win her round. Viv also tells Vic that Reg left £30,000 for her to cover costs if she decided to remarry, adding that if she didn't Scott would get the lot when he is 25. Luke finds the suitcase in the river. They open it up to discover a typewriter. Viv reveals that Reg left her the key to a safety deposit box in London. Lynn's thoughtful when Sven suggests she move away from Emmerdale to Sydney.

Elsa watches as Nick takes Alice to nursery, ducking down in her new hire car out of sight as he passes by. Interior designers arrive at Home Farm to carry out Kim's new look for the place. Elsa calls at Victoria Cottage to pick up Michael's things, apologising to Eric for her words outside the courtroom yesterday. Lynn invites Kathy out for a drink later that night. Bernard calls round to see Chris and is improved to see he is much more relaxed. Sarah is still concerned about Victoria and thinks she seems weaker. Jack informs Seth of Frank and Kim's plans for a dry ski slope. He agrees they need to stop them. Elsa picks Alice up from nursery. Sarah panics and calls Bernard when she notices Victoria having difficulty breathing. Biff and Luke begin playing practical jokes on some of the villagers to further drive the rumour that the Beast of Beckindale has returned

The Windsors decide to stand together; Pollard reveals his master plan to a colleague and Betty promotes alternative medicine.

Nick is frantic about Alice and Rachel is angered by Kim's plans for the countryside. The Windsors find a clue in a safety deposit box, while Luke and Biff find the tables turned on them.

Dinner for Joe gives Lynn food for thought, while Pollard provides a sympathetic ear. The Sugdens face another family tragedy.

Sven's return confuses Lynn and the Windsors reach the end of the trail.

The Windsors discover that crime doesn't pay, while Alan steps on to a slippery slope. Jack and Sarah are separated by Victoria's illness, and Lynn makes a momentous decision. Joe and Jack meet up with an old friend Ned Glover. Ned asks about the recent plane crash and Joe says wreckage fell all over. Joe points to a field nearby where he says a huge piece of wreckage landed on it. Ned goes back to his caravan.

Lynn and Rachel prepare for a final confrontation, while 'the nobbies' scandalise the village once more. The Glovers set up camp at Emmerdale Farm and Roy comes face to face with the 'beast'.

The peace of the village is shattered by a party, where Jessica is the object of unwanted attention.

It's the morning after and the McAllisters wake up to a nightmare when it is revealed that Ben has died while in hospital, and an injury makes Joe seek pastures anew, but not before another row with brother Jack, where he says Joe is the curse of the Sugdens. Eric's plans are threatened by bad publicity while Ned receives a welcome offer.

The full extent of Luke's predicament is revealed when the McAllisters receive shocking news. Alan struggles alone at The Woolpack, while Ned has something to tell Jan.

Eric's plotting provokes opposition and Kathy finds a shoulder to cry on. Jan is offered a job, while circumstances cause Luke to lose his freedom.

The outlook for Luke looks grim while his parents run the gauntlet of village gossip. Zoe has a staffing problem and Betty tells all about her summer of love.

The McAllisters close ranks to support their son, Eric and Betty make an unlikely partnership while Zoe has some good news for Linda.

The Heritage Farm hosts a summer fair, while Betty's rock concert pulls in the crowds. Seth and Samson save the day for the cricket team, but there's an accident on the way back to Home Farm.

The Tates fight for a life on the roadside while an idea is fermenting for Alan. Rachel has a suggestion for Chris, while Luke's fate continues to hang in the balance.

Rachel has plans to get Chris out and about, while Frank's illness throws a shadow over his future with Kim. Luke continues to languish behind bars while Eric plans a big shock for Betty.

Eric has an expensive gift for Caroline. Nick has plans to make Seth a radio star. Luke returns home to find his problems are only just beginning. Butch catches Luke near the allotments and plans revenge on him for the death of Ben. Biff sticks up for Luke, and Butch drives off. Biff says that Butch means what he says.

Ned is in charge of the farm when disaster strikes, while Luke faces up to the revenge of the Dingle family. Viv tries to put off the day of reckoning with Alan, and there's more than a championship at stake at The Woolpack dominoes match.

Betty is counting the cost after her pop concert, Bernard's suggestion leaves his family aghast. Classic Gardeners' Forum get more than they bargained for with Seth, while Frank returns from hospital with something to say to Kim.

Frank is taking badly to the quiet life, while Seth fights back against enforced retirement. It's the day of the Post Office trial and Alan's world falls apart when he hears the evidence.

Home Farm staff feel the strain when Kim begins to assert himself at the Home Farm bike rally, while Alan is appalled at the state of The Woolpack's books. Luke's day out takes a turn for the worse when he confronts the Dingle family once again.

Seth makes his feelings clear by going into hiding while Chris fails to rekindle the romance in his marriage. Betty discovers the full extent of Eric's deception, while at Emmerdale Farm, the Beast of Beckindale strikes again.

Dave's job is at stake as a poacher decimates the game farm, while Ned discovers that Betty drives a hard bargain. Rachel and Chris find themselves growing closer and at Home Farm, Zoe puts Kim in her place.

Jack is worried by Sarah's strange behaviour, but Jan is alarmed to hear the truth. Luke and Jessica make plans for their parents' absence, while Dave finds another reason to chat to Kathy.

Pheasant wars escalate as Kim prepares to take on Seth. Eric is furious when James threatens to blow his cover. Chris explains the truth about his marriage to Rachel, while Jessica's romantic evening doesn't turn out as planned.

Luke and Dolores' accident interrupts what's left of Jessica's evening, while Vic discovers he has an illegal employee. Ned persuades Seth that he's made his point, while at The Woolpack, Alan puts Jan in a tricky situation

Kim is on the warpath, looking for her stolen pheasants, while Bernard and Angharad are horrified to discover what happened in their absence. Rachel takes the initiative with Chris, while at the farm, Jack has to choose when Sarah delivers a devastating ultimatum. Seth proposes marriage to Betty, and he shoots the Beast of Beckindale.

Jan offers a practical solution to Jack and Sarah's problems while Rachel is shocked to discover Chris's real feelings for Kathy. At school, Luke discovers that the feud with the Dingles is far from over.

Seth, Ned and David set out on a mission to trap the Beast of Beckindale, while Jack travels to York to appeal to Sarah.

Kim is planning a lunch party for the local hunt, and Seth is off to hear the answer to his marriage proposal.

Frank tells Kim of his suspicions after hearing "intimate noises" at Mill Cottage. Ned is going ahead with the fight despite family protests. Dave and Nick are in charge of the shoot at Home Farm. Biff and Jessica worry about the Dingles driving the McAllisters out of the village.

Rachel worries about her future with Chris.

Eric is busy making preparations for the robbery. He invites Alan for a drink. There is to be a meeting of the disaster committee to discuss what to do on the anniversary of the plane crash. Alan becomes more obstructive as he becomes more drunk. Eric meets his accomplices.

It is the morning after the robbery and Eric wakes up Alan telling him how drunk they both were the night before. Alan has no memory after he passed out, luckily for Eric. Kathy is upset about seeing Chris kissing Rachel. The Windsors dog worries Emmerdale Farm sheep.

Betty is trying to organize a village Christmas event. Bernard tries to get support against her. The atmosphere is tense at Mill Cottage. Dolores worries that her and Luke may be about to split up if she goes to university. Rachel rings Chris but hangs up when Kathy answers.

Viv receives an offer, while Betty and Seth make plans for their big day. Frank learns the truth about his son.

Rachel prepares to face the village, while quick thinking is required when a dog attacks Donna.

At the Woolpack's country and western evening, Zoe reveals the truth.

Saboteurs threaten Kim's preparations when the hunt meets at Home Farm, and Kathy is faced with some home truths.

Jessica finds that she's pushed Biff too far, and Rachel makes a discovery which will change the course of her life. Alan Turner is forced to take sides when Frank confronts Pollard in the Woolpack.

Pollard sabotages Kim's Classic Car Rally. The Woolpack is scandalised when a wronged woman confronts Zoe. And Bernard finds himself in a compromising position.

Jessica cannot come to terms with life without Biff. And Rachel has some momentous news for Chris.

Zoe takes control when Linda leaves home. Kathy is driven to desperation when she is confronted with the truth. Vic makes plans for Christmas, and Bernard is forced to admit that a relationship has got out of hand.

Zoe Tate is undermined by gossip; Kim and Frank agonise over invitations; Pollard has a proposition for Turner, and Mrs Bates walks into a compromising situation.

Ned Glover reveals his true feelings for Zoe Tate, while Bernard attempts to make amends. And Forties nostalgia hits the village when Seth and Betty host the party of the year.

Suspicions are aroused when flowers arrive at the McAllisters'. The Woolpack appears to be threatened by a new owner, while Sarah is gripped by the Christmas spirit.

It's the wedding of the year and panic reigns at Home Farm. At the cathedral, Angharad confronts a rival, while Frank's day is ruined by a malicious piece of sabotage.

Kathy realises that she's gone too far, while an American pays a visit to Emmerdale. Seth and Nick pay their individual respects to an old friend and Biff finds something strange in the swimming pool.

The village remembers its dead with a memorial service for the air disaster and Kathy slips further into despair. There's drama at the barn dance as Luke chats up a dangerous stranger.