Emmerdale newcomer Charles to unearth GRISLY DI Malone murder twist

Emmerdale Charles and Ethan
Emmerdale Charles and Ethan

Is Harriet and Dawn's dark secret about to be discovered?

Emmerdale is set to see new arrival Charles quickly find himself caught up in DI Malone's murder storyline.

Viewers have watched Harriet Finch (Katherine Dow-Blyton) struggling with the guilt of what happened to Malone after Dawn killed him in self defence earlier this year.

The Bishop visitis Harriet in Emmerdale

Harriet is panicked when Charles appears to discover her grisly secret (Picture: ITV)

After moving Malone's body from a grave at the church to a new location on Home Farm grounds, Harriet is still worrying that someone will find out the truth about what happened.

Harriet on the edge 

In scenes to air next week, Harriet is set to pay a visit to Malone's new resting place, making it clear that she is still struggling in the wake of his murder.

More: The best Christmas films to watch TV this festive season and when they're on!

But while Harriet fails to move on, newcomer Charles arrives to see her.

Emmerdale Charles and Ethan

Charles is about to cause trouble for Harriet when he spots something sinister (Picture: ITV)

Charles, the vicar from a neighbouring parish, comes to the village with his son, Ethan.

The new vicar arrives with the news that their parishes are merging, pointing out that he and Harriet will be working along side one another from now on.

However, instead of helping Harriet with her problems, Charles's arrival only makes things worse for her when he spots something unsettling.

A grim discovery 

Charles comes to Harriet in the New Year, commenting that one of the graves outside the church has been recently disturbed.

Emmerdale Charles and Ethan

Charles's son Ethan will also soon arrive in the village (Picture: ITV)

Panicking that Charles is going to unearth her dark secret, Harriet is forced to cover... knowing that it was her and Will's recent digging that has raised the alarm.

But will Harriet manage to cover her tracks?

Or is Charles going to be the one to discover what really happened to DI Malone?

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7pm on ITV, with an extra episode at 8pm on Thursdays - see our TV Guide for full listings.

For Christmas week Emmerdale will air on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 7pm. Christmas Eve will be an hour long special at 6.45 and Christmas Day will also be an hour long episode at 6.30 on ITV. 

For New Year week Emmerdale will air on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 7pm. New Year’s Eve will be an hour long special at 7.30 and New Year’s Day will also be an hour long episode at 7pm on ITV. 

Claire Crick
Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch

Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia. 


After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off


She’s interviewed everyone from June Brown — AKA Dot Cotton — to Michelle Keegan, swapped cooking tips with baking legend Mary Berry backstage at the NTAs, and danced the night away with soap stars at countless awards bashes. There’s not a lot she doesn’t know about soaps and TV and can be very handy when a soapy question comes up in a pub quiz! 


As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book.