Emmerdale has been fraught with tension since the arrival of villains Ray Walters (Joe Absolom) and Celia Daniels (Jaye Griffiths).

Viewers of the ITV soap will be aware that April Windsor (Amelia Flanagan) has been reluctantly peddling drugs for the duo to settle her boyfriend Dylan Penders’ (Fred Kettle) debt.

It was later unveiled that Celia and Ray were holding Bear Wolf (Joshua Richards) hostage on their farm, along with several other captives.

This week, Dylan discovered Bear’s actual location when Celia attempted to enlist him to supervise the workers. The distressed youngster then informed April’s father, Marlon Dingle (Mark Charnock), about his daughter’s predicament, urging him to contact the police.

In Thursday’s (December 4) hour-long episode, April finally confided in Marlon and Rhona Goskirk (Zoe Henry) about the difficulties she’s been facing under Celia and Ray’s control, reports the Daily Star.

Meanwhile, Dylan tried to persuade Ray that he was being manipulated by his wicked mother. The young man suggested that if they approached the police, Ray could reunite with Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy) and start afresh.

Ray seemed conflicted about turning to the authorities but eventually agreed to drive to the police station with Dylan. However, things weren’t as straightforward as they appeared.

Celia soon turned up at Smithy Cottage, where she received a shocking phone call. Her mobile displayed live footage of Ray striking Dylan with his car.

It appeared that someone had discovered Dylan collapsed on the ground, as it was subsequently revealed that he had been taken to Hotten General by ambulance.

At the hospital, Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt) explained, “He’s in surgery. [The doctors] said his injuries are bad and that he was lying there for a while. They’re just amazed that he’s made it this far.”

He continued: “They said to prepare ourselves, and that it’s not good.”

Subsequently, Paddy and Mandy (Lisa Riley) informed April that Dylan had emerged from surgery, but remained in a coma owing to his serious condition. They also confirmed that medics had discovered drugs in Dylan’s system.

“He’s still in intensive care, and they’ve told us it’s going to be a while,” Mandy explained.

With Dylan’s future hanging in the balance, ITV soap viewers swiftly expressed their worries on social media. One person posted on a Facebook fan page: “Poor, poor Dylan. I’m in bits here.”

Another commented, “Poor Dylan, I’ll be devastated if he dies,” whilst a third remarked, “Tonight’s Emmerdale is absolutely horrific. I was in tears the whole time. Dylan better not die.”

A fourth viewer shared the sentiment, stating: “The nightmare has truly begun. It actually gave me a panic attack. I feel like I’ve had enough. I hope Dylan will be okay.”

Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 at 7.30pm and is available to stream from 7am on ITVX