EMMERDALE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR REVIEW

Over the past two weeks, Emmerdale have absolutely smashed the festive episodes of the Yorkshire based soap with the right amount of drama, and festivities.

Photo Credit: ITV/ Emmerdale

Last week saw a tough but drama filled week for all involved not before Aaron continued to support Robert with his journey on with getting his son, Seb back in their lives following Robert officially moving in, giving us an emotional Robert along with a protective and supportive Aaron, whilst also showing fans that things have changed as neither character are holding back secrets this time around.

Christmas Day was a super festive episode from the Dingle family as the moment Robert disappeared but Chas' reference of Weatherfield got me excited for the crossover. There was a kind of nostalgia that I loved as it reminded me why I love Emmerdale as a soap with the attention to the little details especially within Aaron's speech “This year's been a bit, even by our standards it's been a weird one. It's been hard mostly, very hard sometimes and scary, and it's been sad. But it's also been amazing” before looking towards Robert and ending with “I'm glad we've got each other.”

However, it was the return of John Sugden that was great as you add in all the other little things from the note in The Mill to sitting next to an asleep Aaron, but Boxing Day saw Kev Townsend bought into the mix.

This week definitely showed viewed that Aaron and Robert actually have each other's back more than they realised especially when it comes to how they feel, but it was Aaron's “We've so much to look forward too... To Us!” followed by Robert's “Yeah, I'll drink to that!” - a moment that made Robron fans smile no doubt.

Photo Credit: ITV/ Emmerdale

This week saw things heat up between John Sugden and Kev Townsend which has been really interesting to see play out especially as Kev appeared to redeem himself a little by telling Aaron about what John was doing to Robert back at The Mill. These scenes between Danny Miller, Ryan Hawley, Chris Coghill, and Oliver Farnworth have been brilliant. I am now definitely ready for Monday's episode of Corriedale after these brilliant two week of set ups. There was something so raw about the way that Aaron jumped into to try to save John without thinking about himself  - “I'll do whatever you say, just please, John please just help him.” before later John turned to the tables on Aaron's emotions “He's always lied to you, Aaron all the time you've been together even when he got out of prison it didn't stop. He was married and chose not to tell you that.” Before Robert jumped in adding “There's nothing he doesn't know about me.”

However, it was tonight's episode (Friday 2nd January) with the Robert, Aaron, and John drama was interesting to see play out with Aaron determined to protect Robert but at the same time doing what John wanted very cleverly delivered especially with the desperation in Robert and Aaron's voices.

For me it was the perfect blend getting viewers ready for the Corriedale episode coming on Monday 5th January along with the Charity Dingle, Vanessa Woodfield and Mackenzie Boyd scenes that I have to admit will be interesting to see what comes of it.

Meanwhile, the dialogue mixed in with the soppiness from Robert and Aaron was funny to watch who didn't enjoy the “I've waited years for this!” Happy New Year moment, very Robron. Along with New Year Day bringing a little joy with Sarah Sugden and Jacob Gallagher's wedding bringing the sense of community to the village after last week's drama of Eric Pollard and Kerry Wyatt taking their limelight especially as no-one saw it coming. However, it was nice to see that Jacob become a Sugden instead of the traditional move.

These episodes of Emmerdale aired between Monday 22nd December, 2025 and Friday 2nd January, 2026 on ITV1, ITVX, and YouTube.

Don't Forget Corriedale is on Monday 5th January, 2026 at 8pm on ITV1 with no early release.