Tensions reach boiling point in the eponymous village when Rhona Goskik faces justice for kidnapping baby Ivy. But in a surprising twist on Emmerdale, Zoë Henry’s character, the vet Rhona, receives an unexpected offer from her ex-husband Gus Malcolms. Will she accept?
Desperate to have a family of his own, Gus, portrayed by Alan McKenna, used Rhona’s identity to gain access to her frozen embryos without her consent. Initially horrified by his actions, Rhona’s shock vanishes the moment she meets baby Ivy. Left motherless after Gus’ wife Lucy tragically died during childbirth, Ivy becomes Rhona’s responsibility as she comes to the rescue for her overwhelmed ex-husband.
Unfortunately, Rhona’s bond with baby Ivy becomes strong and uncontrollable, leading her to kidnap the child when Gus plans to leave the UK and move to France with his daughter. Rhona informs the authorities about Gus’ actions before being charged with the baby’s kidnapping.
In the upcoming episodes on ITV, Gus and Rhona continue to clash, with Marlon Dingle, Rhona’s current husband, caught in the middle once again. While Marlon tries to be supportive, the looming court case takes its toll on both him and Rhona. Throughout the storyline, Marlon has faced numerous obstacles as he tries to do what is right for Ivy.
Meanwhile, April Windsor, feeling neglected by her stepmother Rhona, struggles with her emotions. Rhona, feeling reluctant to label herself a criminal, confides in Mary Goskirk and Marlon at the Café, announcing her intention to plead not guilty at her trial.
April becomes worried about Rhona’s future, and things take an unexpected turn when the young girl accidentally boards the wrong bus and skips school. In another scene, April visits Gus’s house, determined to convince him of Rhona’s innocence. However, she unintentionally reveals that Rhona plans to plead not guilty, leaving Gus furious. A scuffle ensues between Gus and Marlon, resulting in Gus falling and getting injured. Chaos ensues as Gus rejects Marlon’s apology and April runs off, upset.
Later, Gus surprises Rhona with a compromising offer – they can both change their statements and work towards not guilty verdicts. He even suggests giving Rhona access to Ivy and canceling the house sale. Gus puts everything on the line for the sake of the children, leaving Rhona with a difficult decision to make.
As the plot unfolds, Rhona seeks assistance from local solicitor Ethan Anderson, played by Emile John, to gain parental rights over Ivy. Will she attempt to gain full custody of the child? And will Gus uphold his end of the bargain?
Keep up with all the exciting twists and turns on Emmerdale, airing weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV.