Emmerdale awakens in a Christmas daze

Emmerdale awakens in a Christmas daze
Emmerdale awakens in a Christmas daze

Alicia's heartbroken on Christmas morning when she realises all her Christmases are not about to come at once... She's bought David a flashy watch and he's given her a cheap pen and pencil set. It's all pink and glittery and just her style, but it's not the beautiful bracelet she was expecting. Why hasn't he given her that? Alicia soon finds out why... David rushes her to the pub for a drink and Alicia sees Priya wearing the bracelet she thought was hers. Oh. What does this mean, exactly? Alicia's not sure...but she's soon going to find out. Cameron's not unwrapping anything on Christmas morning - he's covering something up: a murder - his second. While most of the villagers are inside enjoying the start to their Christmas day, Cameron's out in the woods burying the body of the person he killed. So, who's missing this Christmas morning in Emmerdale? Val is desperately missing Amy, who's with her mother, Kerry, faking enthusiasm for the dress and shoes Kerry has given her. There's nothing fake about Val's reaction to Pollard's gift for her: it's an adorable puppy! Remember now: a dog is for life, not just for Christmas! *Second episode* With the villagers awake (except for the one Cameron's just buried in the woods) and the presents open, it's time for Christmas mass. But while carols are being sung and thanks are being given, Megan and Robbie share a look that's more furtive than festive. Watch out Declan! And Alicia sees something horrible, something she can't ignore: she sees the way David is looking at Priya and she can't bear it. She leaves the church and David follows. This is it, the moment they admit it's all over. David's relieved but Alicia's Christmas is truly ruined. Edna's Christmas shows promise - until she gets home from church. She's been burgled! No! God certainly does work in mysterious ways. The woman spends half her life doing his work and is miserable. Her faith is admirable - but it doesn't seem to be helping her in her hour of need. Jai only wants one thing for Christmas: to see his son. He follows Rachel to the hospital and she lets him see Archie... Even better, though, the doctor tells her she can hold her son. Ding dong merrily on high!

Patrick McLennan

Patrick McLennan is a London-based journalist and documentary maker who has worked as a writer, sub-editor, digital editor and TV producer in the UK and New Zealand. His CV includes spells as a news producer at the BBC and TVNZ, as well as web editor for Time Inc UK. He has produced TV news and entertainment features on personalities as diverse as Nick Cave, Tom Hardy, Clive James, Jodie Marsh and Kevin Bacon and he co-produced and directed The Ponds, which has screened in UK cinemas, BBC Four and is currently available on Netflix. 

An entertainment writer with a diverse taste in TV and film, he lists Seinfeld, The Sopranos, The Chase, The Thick of It and Detectorists among his favourite shows, but steers well clear of most sci-fi.