Classic Emmerdale

Ross almost hits a young girl while driving and, fearing he may be over the legal alcohol limit, convinces Paddy to assume responsibility for the incident in the same timeframe. Meanwhile, Donald evicts Nicola, and Donna files a report against Shane.

The broadcast aired on 9 February 2026 as the opening instalment of its series, presented in the standard format of a programme episode. It follows the usual structure of the show, delivering a compact narrative that unfolds over a single viewing slot. In this episode several tense encounters arise, each pushing the characters toward questionable choices. The story weaves together moments of near‑danger, forced ejection, and formal reporting, creating a chain of actions that drive the plot forward without any extraneous sub‑plots. While driving, Ross nearly strikes a girl, an incident that leaves him shaken. Worried that he may have been over the legal alcohol limit at the time, he quickly turns to Paddy, asking him to accept the blame for the near‑miss. This request places Paddy in a compromising position, as he is asked to shoulder responsibility for an event he did not cause, highlighting Ross’s anxiety about potential repercussions. In a separate thread, Donald takes a decisive—if aggressive—step by physically removing Nicola from the scene. At the same time, Donna moves to address another issue by formally reporting Shane’s conduct to the relevant authorities. Both actions underscore a pattern of characters confronting problems head‑on, whether through forceful removal or official channels.