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‘Emmerdale’ Christmas 2016 Spoilers: The 6 Storylines You Need To Know For The Festive Season

From Ashley's dementia struggle to the two potential romantic reunions...
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Earlier this year, ‘Emmerdale’ executive producer Iain MacLeod promised us that the festive season would be “a Christmassy one”, which wasn’t exactly insightful (sorry, Iain).

Luckily, we now have more details about what will be going in the village and there’s plenty in store.

The schedules have changed to accommodate extras shows - and you can see the revised timings here - meaning fans will see even more of their favourite characters in the coming week.

But what’s going to be happening to them all? Check out all the storylines you need to know about below…

1. Things Move Quickly For Finn And Kazim

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ITV Pictures

We’re seriously rooting for these two, but it looks as though they could be moving a little too quickly. Finn will confide in Tracy, telling her he’s worried he won’t be able to leave Kazim satisfied, if you catch our drift. Emma’s intensity doesn’t help either, and Kazim is left suitably terrified when she suggests that he should move in.

2. Ashley’s Dementia Struggle

This has been ongoing for months, and in recent weeks, viewers have seen a number of heartbreaking developments take place.

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ITV Pictures

On Tuesday 20 December, an entire episode will be dedicated to showing things from Ashley’s point of view, giving us a unique insight into what it’s like having the illness. It won’t be all bad though, and the Christmas Day episodes will see the former vicar receive a pleasant surprise.

3. Pete And Moira Barton’s Kiss

We still can’t quite get over this one, but just before Christmas (on Wednesday 21 December to be exact) these two share a smooch. Will anyone find out? Bosses are remaining tight-lipped, but this is the ‘Dales, so we don’t expect their secret to stay private for long.

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ITV Pictures

4. But Coira Could Reunite

Ah, what’s a tiny detail like kissing your nephew in Soapland? As Moira continues to spiral out of control, she’ll drunkenly get behind the wheel of a car, and known Pete down when he jumps in to save Jacob.

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ITV Pictures

When Cain covers for his former wife, she’s reminded of his softer side and things will get better as the festive season continues. Could a reconciliation be on the cards?

5. Jacob Set To Collapse

While he initially seems fine after being saved from Moira’s path by Pete, Jacob will later suffer a health scare. Was the car accident to blame?

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ITV Pictures

6. Zak And Lisa Could Get Back Together

Don’t get us wrong, we love Joanie, but these two were just meant to go the distance.

When Zak and Joanie drop by to wish Belle a happy birthday, Joanie realises that a family Christmas is what would make him happy.

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ITV Pictures

When Belle then receives a laptop as a joint present from her parents, she’s surprised to see a recording has already been made on it. The teen then plays it, and everyone sits in silence as the tape shows Zak confessing his love for Lisa. Awks.

See ITV’s ‘Emmerdale’ Christmas schedule here, and and read all the latest soap news and spoilers on our dedicated page.

'Emmerdale': Where Are They Now?
Sophie Powles(01 of35)
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Played: Holly Barton (2009–2012, 2016)

Sophie made a triumphant return to the soap in 2016, but it ended in tragedy for her character, whose drug addiction resulted in her death.

During her break, Sophie journeyed all over the world, and after leaving the soap for good, she began travelling around the UK. (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
Patsy Kensit(02 of35)
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Played: Sadie King (2004-2006)

Patsy's popped up in a number of places since her stint on the show, including 2015's 'Celebrity Big Brother'. She also starred in 'Holby City' from 2007 to 2010. (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP /Invision/AP)
Bill Ward(03 of35)
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Played: James Barton (2013–2016)

Bill appeared in panto during the 2016 festive period, before spending more time at home with his family. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
James Sutton(04 of35)
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Played: Ryan Lamb (2009–2011)

After leaving the Dales, James returned to 'Hollyoaks, playing his original soap role, John-Paul McQueen. (credit:Lindsey Parnaby via Getty Images)
Paul Loughran(05 of35)
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Played: Butch Dingle (1994–2000)

Paul is yet another star to switch soaps, and popped up in 'Coronation Street' as Craig Tinker's imprisoned dad in 2016. (credit:ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Amy Nuttall(06 of35)
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Played: Chloe Atkinson (2000–2005)

Amy's another successful 'Emmerdale' export, and many TV fans will recognise her thanks to her roles in (*deep breath*) 'Hotel Babylon', 'Downton Abbey', 'New Tricks', 'Death In Paradise' and 'The Musketeers', to name a few. (credit:Danny Martindale via Getty Images)
Kate McGregor(07 of35)
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Played: Emily Kirk (1999-2005, 2006-2008)

After quitting the soap, Kate has returned to the Dales on a couple of occasions. However she's never made a full comeback, and since 'Emmerdale', she hasn't appeared on TV screens again. (credit:Tim Whitby/PA Archive)
Tom Lister(08 of35)
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Played: Carl King (2004–2012)

Tom seems to have put acting on the back-burner recently, and judging from his Twitter, he spends a lot of time working with the charity Hope For Justice.

He's also in a band, named Edna's Hat, with a number of his former co-stars. (credit:Gareth Cattermole via Getty Images)
Claire King(09 of35)
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Played: Kim Tate (1989-1999)

After ten years on the soap, resident bad girl Kim left and (appropriately) joined the cast of prison drama 'Bad Girls'. Claire then appeared in 'Hollyoaks' as Andrea Mason from 2005 to 2012, before joining the cast of 'Coronation Street' in 2014. (credit:Ben Stansall via Getty Images)
Peter Amory(10 of35)
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Played: Chris Tate (1989-2003)

Peter has swapped the small screen for the stage, appearing in a number of small productions. (credit:Fiona Hanson/PA Archive)
Ayden Callaghan(11 of35)
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Played: Miles De Souza (2007–2008)

Ayden didn't stick around in the Dales for long, and will be more familiar to 'Hollyoaks' fans, thanks to his star turn as Joe Roscoe. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
Nicola Stephenson(12 of35)
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Played: Tess Harris (2015–2016)

Nicola landed a role in the 2017 reboot of 'The Worst Witch', starring as Ms Hubble. (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
Sammy Winward(13 of35)
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Played: Katie Sugden (2001–2015)

When Katie was killed off, Sammy soon landed a role in the TV miniseries 'Prey'. (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Verity Rushworth(14 of35)
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Played: Donna Windsor (1993–2009, 2014)

After five years off, Verity reprised her role for a few months in 2014, ahead of the character's death.

During her time away from the soap, Verity trod the boards, playing Maria in 'The Sound Of Music', while the show was on tour, and later took the lead in 'Breakfast At Tiffany's', before welcoming her first child in August 2016. (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Cleveland Campbell(15 of35)
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Played: Danny Daggert (2001–06, 2007)

Cleveland appeared in 'The Bill' shortly after leaving the Dales. He's also popped up on the TV series 'Doctors' and 'Sunshine'. (credit:David Fisher/REX)
Kelvin Fletcher(16 of35)
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Played: Andy Sugden (1996–2016)

After 20 years in the land of soaps, Kelvin decided to give something new a go and began a new career as a race car driver in 2017. (credit:Ker Robertson via Getty Images)
Chelsea Halfpenny (17 of35)
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Played: Amy Wyatt (2010–13)

Prior to her primetime big break on 'Emmerdale', Chelsea starred in the popular TV show 'Byker Grove'. In 2015, she then joined the cast of 'Casualty', playing Alicia Munroe. (credit:Mark Cuthbert via Getty Images)
Kirsty-Leigh Porter(18 of35)
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Played: Roz Fielding (2010–2011, 2012)

Kirsty has starred in three British soaps, thanks to a brief spell in 'Corrie' before 'Emmerdale', and a regular role in 'Hollyoaks' from 2013. (credit:Luca Teuchmann via Getty Images)
Bobby Knutt(19 of35)
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Played: Albert Dingle (1995–98, 2004)

Bobby's been a regular on the panto circuit for years, and in 2008 he published his autobiography, which was followed by a sequel in 2010.

He also lends his voice to the Tetley Tea ads. (credit:ITV/REX)
Sally Ann Matthews(20 of35)
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Played: Sandra Briggs (2005–2006)

Sally began calling Weatherfield home again in 2015, returning as Jenny Bradley. (credit:Anthony Harvey via Getty Images)
Adele Silva(21 of35)
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Played: Kelly Windsor (1993–2000, 2005–07, 2011)

Troublemaker Kelly returned to cause havoc in the village a number of times but since turning her back on the village, she's given a few other things a go, landing roles in 'Hollyoaks' and 'Casualty', as well as starring in the interestingly titled 'Strippers vs Werewolves'. (credit:Dave J Hogan via Getty Images)
Stephen McGann(22 of35)
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Played: Sean Reynolds (1999-2002)

Fans of 'Call The Midwife' will recognise Stephen, as he plays Dr Turner in the series. (credit:ITV/REX)
Deena Payne(23 of35)
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Played: Viv Hope (1993–2011)

Deena reappeared on our TV screens in an episode of 'True Crime', but you're more likely to find her on stage now. She's appeared in a number of pantomimes, and also took part in a performance of 'Calendar Girls'. (credit:Gareth Cattermole via Getty Images)
Pauline Quirke(24 of35)
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Played: Hazel Rhodes (2010-2012)

Pauline resumed her role as Sharon in hit comedy 'Birds Of A Feather' when the show returned in 2014. She also scored a part in ITV's drama 'Broadchurch'. (credit:Ian Gavan via Getty Images)
Lorraine Chase(25 of35)
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Played: Steph Stokes (2002–06, 2013)

Lorraine's acting credits include 'My Family' and 'Doctors. In her time away from the fictional farming village, she also gave camping in the 'I'm A Celeb' jungle a go, before popping up on 'Celebrity Come Dine With Me' and more recently, 'Celebrity Carry On Barging'. Yes, that's a real show. (credit:Steve Parsons/PA Archive)
Ben Freeman(26 of35)
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Played: Scott Windsor (1993–96, 1998–2007)

After 'Emmerdale', Ben - successfully - tried his hand at stage acting, landing roles in 'Romeo And Juliet' and 'Legally Blonde', among others. (credit:ITV/REX)
Jenna Louise Coleman (27 of35)
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Played: Jasmine Thomas (2005–09)

Jenna is one of the soap's most successful exports, and after starring in as the Time Lord's assistant in 'Doctor Who', she took the lead role in the ITV drama 'Victoria'. (credit:Jonathan Short/Invision/AP)
Charlie Hardwick(28 of35)
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Played: Val Pollard (2004–2015)

Val's death won the Scene Of The Year prize at the 2016 British Soap Awards, and speaking after her exit Charlie said she sees herself as a "jobbing actor".

She also sings with an all-female band, Kissed. (credit:Gareth Cattermole via Getty Images)
Jason Merrells(29 of35)
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Played: Declan Macey (2010–2014)

Jason has landed a number of roles in recent years, popping up on 'Death In Paradise', 'Safe House' and 'Agatha Raisin'.

He also has a number of theatre credits under his belt. (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
Paula Tilbrook(30 of35)
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Played: Betty Eagleton (Played: 1994–2015)

Paula is truly one of British TV greats, and decided to quit in 2015 to enjoy a well-earned break away from the spotlight. (credit:REX/Shutterstock)
Roxanne Pallett(31 of35)
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Played: Jo Sugden (2005–2008)

Shortly after leaving, Roxanne signed up for 'Dancing On Ice'.

She hasn't been short of roles, popping up in everything from 'Casualty' and 'Waterloo Road' to stage productions of 'The Vagina Monologues' and 'The Wedding Singer'.
(credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
Emily Symons(32 of35)
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Played: Louise Appleton (2001–2008)

Emily returned to Australia and resumed playing Marilyn Chambers in 'Home And Away' in 2010. (credit:Don Arnold via Getty Images)
Suzanne Shaw(33 of35)
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Played: Eve Jenson (2010–11)

In 2014 she starred as Tara Fable in the mini-series '5 Aside', and in October 2015 she shared some happy personal news, revealing that she had welcomed her second child. (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Natalie Anderson(34 of35)
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Played: Alicia Gallagher (2010–2015)

After quitting the soap, Natalie rebranded herself as a fashionista, actress and presenter, and began writing a regular Hello! Online blog. In early 2017, she landed a role in a stage production of 'Romeo And Juliet'. (credit:Samir Hussein via Getty Images)
Lisa Riley(35 of35)
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Played: Mandy Dingle (1995-2001)

Since Lisa left the Dales, she's starred in 'Waterloo Road' and 'Scott And Bailey', as well as getting her dancing shoes on for 'Strictly'.

More recently, she's taken a place on the 'Loose Women' panel, although we must admit the thing we remember most is the fact she acted as the host of 'You've Been Framed'. (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
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