Emmerdale is set to showcase what it does best in coming months, with three special episodes announced that will explode secrets, explore pasts and deliver raw developments in some of their most powerful storylines.

The ITV soap has enjoyed a thrilling few months as of late, with the John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth) saga reaching a dramatic peak while fears over Mackenzie Boyd’s (Lawrence Robb) fate had everyone talking.

And as we move closer to Christmas, Emmerdale is showing no signs of slowing down, with three very special episodes on the horizon that will focus on three of the show’s biggest stories.

Robert, April Windsor (Amelia Flanagan) and Bear Wolf (Joshua Richards) will take centre stage during the episodes in question – and here’s everything we know about what viewers can expect.

Robert Sugden’s special episode

Robert’s return has been a huge success, with fans loving having the deeply complex character back, but what of his time in prison? It’s something that fans have been demanding be explored – and fans won’t be disappointed.

How did he cope in there? How did he cross paths and become entwined with Kev (Chris Coghill)? And how did the experience shape him moving forwards?

As we rewind and visit his prison ordeal, an Emmerdale spokesperson has teased the drama we are in for, saying: ‘We will take a reflective look behind the bars of Robert’s recent incarceration.

‘What did happen when he got sent down for six years? And has it changed this man forever?’

Bear Wolf’s special episode

We have all been anticipating the reveal of where troubled Bear Wolf has been, after numerous hints from stars including Lisa Riley that it’s going to be a big shock.

Bear disappeared from the village after being unable to cope and hitting what felt like rock bottom.

However, things are now much, much worse than feared, with the beloved character embroiled in a terrible situation that may be inescapable.

Emmerdale will explore a deeply topical storyline that has not been addressed by soap in this way before, and it’s set to make our hearts ache for Bear.