A major twist revealed a connection between two unexpected villagers in the ITV soap

Emmerdale fans have been left in shock as a major twist revealed a connection between two unexpected villagers.

Those who follow the ITV soap have already been introduced to Celia Daniels and Ray Walters in recent months, with the former a no-nonsense farmer who became the neighbouring tenant of Moria Dingle, while the latter was revealed as a drug dealer involved with youngster, Dylan Penders.

But it was during Thursday night’s (October 2) hour-long episode of Emmerdale on ITV explored the blurred line between truth and lies.

Viewers witnessed Celia’s, played by Jaye Griffiths, shocking transformation as she abandoned her compassion and violently slapped April Windsor, portrayed by Amelia Flanagan, in a shock twist that at last revealed her as the mastermind behind the drugs gang.

Celia ominously warned April about the rules and consequences of her monumental stupidity, threatening her life if she didn’t lie to the police about how she obtained the drugs.

And for the first time, Ray, the drug dealer, previously thought to be in charge of the operation, played by Joe Absolom, was seen reduced to a cowering wreck in front of the woman he calls mum, clearly illustrating Celia’s absolute control.

It’s clear that Celia is not to be messed with, and so concern is growing for April and Dylan, who are navigating paying off their debts with their pay masters.

Lying to those that care about them to keep them off the scent, trapped in county lines drug dealing, a form of modern slavery and this who watch will be left fearing for their futures.

Actress Jaye said: “At last the audience have seen the familial link between her and Ray and the fact she is the mastermind behind it all.

“There is lots more drama to come but I feel that the context of the whole operation is now apparent and so the audience will now be fearing how trapped these kids are as it’s very clear Celia and Ray are not beginners at this.”

Emmerdale have been working with The Salvation Army for their expertise regarding this County Lines, a growing form of modern slavery and child criminal exploitation across the UK, storyline.

Count Lines refers to gangs and organised criminal networks who export illegal drugs from urban to rural areas using dedicated mobile phone lines. These criminals exploit vulnerable children and adults to move and store drugs and money, often using grooming tactics, coercion, threats, intimidation and violence – including sexual abuse – to control them.

Meanwhile, honesty was certainly a rare commodity in the latest episode as Gabby Thomas finally watched her husband Vinny Dingle speak out against his attacker in court.

She was a shock arrival at the hearing and on seeing her walk into the gallery Vinny almost held back on delivering the truth. But he had the confidence to continue and his truthful words did the trick, putting Mike behind bars.

However, Vinny’s honesty may come with regrets as Gabby is now left questioning their future due to his now outed sexual confusion.

Meanwhile, Robert Sugden is dicing a dangerous game as he attempts to juggle two ex-husbands, Kev and Aaron Dingle. How long can he maintain his lies to both?

Emmerdale continues Friday at 7:30PM on ITV1 and STV, or from 7AM on ITVX and STV Player.