Emmerdale 2023 preview: 9 spoilers for the year ahead

But now we're in 2023, many will be wondering what's coming up for the villagers - and basically, a lot.

Executive producer Jane Hudson told RadioTimes.com and other press: "It was really important for us after our big October month where four people died that we do have some feed-good.

"The start of 2023 is explosive for the Dingles. We've got Cain, Paddy and Chas at the heart of what's happening in our village and we've got Charity and Mackenzie. So the Dingles are really kicking off 2023 with a bang."

Read on for your new year spoilers!

1. Paddy and Chas drama continues

With Chas (Lucy Pargeter) betraying Paddy (Dominic Brunt) when she had an affair with Al, her secret of course didn't stay hidden for long and the pair had a fraught Christmas. That drama is going to come through into 2023, too, as they struggle to stay united for their daughter. Now Caleb is on the scene, will Chas find any solace in the new year? And can Paddy allow Chas back into his life for the sake of their daughter?

2. Caleb's here to stay

In a Christmas Day twist, Cain (Jeff Hordley) got a visit from his long lost brother, Caleb (William Ash). But as viewers know all too well, it wasn't a happy reunion and Caleb's already causing a whole load of trouble. The good news for viewers is that Caleb will be sticking around for a while - and could end up being Cain's saviour in disguise. "As much as Cain wants Caleb to disappear for another 30 years, that's not going to happen because Caleb wants to meet his sister, Chas - he wants to meet the rest of his extended family," explained Hudson. "And could he be the answer to all the Dingle's prayers in regards to Cain being locked up? You'll have to wait."

Speaking about what Ash brings to the role, Hudson said: "I last worked with Will about 14 years ago when I produced Waterloo Road. So when our casting director suggested Will for Caleb, I was absolutely transfixed on the idea and thought he has to come and play this part. And he said yes! He's absolutely brilliant. I think viewers are going to fall in love with him."

But what else could Caleb get up to now he's in Emmerdale?

3. Will Kyle spill the truth?

The whole reason Cain's even in prison is to protect his son, Kyle (who did kill Al) from ruining his life. But with Kyle struggling to keep his terrible secret hidden, can he really stay quiet? Hudson hinted: "We all know Kyle was responsible and we probably all know the worst place to keep a secret is in Emmerdale... so, we will be waiting to see if that secret comes out and the consequences if that happens..."

4. Newcomer Nicky arrives

Gabby thinks her prayers have all been answered when new Manny Nicky (Lewis Cope) arrives at Home Farm. "He's a very good-looking nanny who catches the eye of Gabby the minute he walks into the interview and it's plain for everyone to see that her focus is not on who will look after the children the best, but who will look after her the best," Hudson laughs. "There's lots of fun stuff for Nicky and Gabby as we watch their fledging romance and like any good story, there will be a few reveals along the way!" Will Gabby finally find a good man?!

5. Is Nicky hiding something?

While Nicky has certainly won over Gabby, he hasn't won over Emmerdale fans who are already suspicious of him and his intentions. Many have already taken to social media to speculate about whether he is the good guy he's portraying himself to be, with some wondering if he's linked to Jamie Tate!

As for Cope, he thinks Nicky could be hiding something... "At the moment, Nicky is a lovely person and there's nothing to say that he's not. But he's almost too good to be true... you'll have to wait and see." Watch out Gabby!

6. Explosive drama as Charity and Mack prepare to wed

Mack (Lawrence Robb) has been hiding a sordid secret for months - he had a one night stand with Chloe who is now carrying his baby. And the one person who doesn't know is his fiancée, Charity... what will happen if the fiery landlady ever did find out? "Again, that's another secret in the village that's probably not going to be kept secret for long!" Hudson says. "And we have got a Charity and Mackenzie wedding on the cards which will be happening next year. I think we all know weddings don't always go very smoothly, and well, this baby will be due around the time of the wedding... It will be explosive."

7. New B&B owners

And a cryptic one for Emmerdale fans now... there will be new owners of the B&B, but Hudson remained tight-lipped on just who will run the new business. She did offer some clues, though, so pour over these and tweet @RadioTimes with your guesses! Hudson hinted: "Let's just say it's very boutique - the new decor is very glamorous. It's got an absolute touch of class and it's just on the right side of not being cheesy, but they are close. And it's going to be two owners who are not a couple who will be running the B&B." Hmm...

8. Samson's vile behaviour continues

It's safe to say viewers have been absolutely horrified by Samson's (Sam Hall) reaction to his unexpected daughter Esther. And in news that's likely to worry fans, his horrid actions won't stop any time soon. "Amelia has had her baby and Noah is being a surrogate father. But Samson is going to be more devious than usual in terms of looking after himself that will cause big arguments with his father," Hudson reveals.

9. Cathy Hope's first major storyline

Young Cathy (Gabrielle Dowling) will find herself at the centre of a unique storyline in the coming months, which is unlike anything viewers will have seen before, and carries plenty of emotional weight behind it. Keeping the details under wraps, Hudson says: "You'll see a really big story for Cathy, Bob's daughter, which is really emotional and it's moving. It's her first big story really, and it's a challenging one, and I think it's one that a lot of parents will connect with. It's one I haven't seen a soap deal with before, so Cathy's got a big story coming up." The younger Emmerdale cast members will be stepping up in general, with Amelia and Arthur also involved in important developments in the village.

Read more:

• 7 Emmerdale spoilers: Will Chas Dingle's affair be exposed at last?
• Emmerdale casts Waterloo Road star as Cain Dingle's long-lost brother

Emmerdale airs weekdays at 7:30pm on ITV and ITV Hub. If you’re looking for more to watch, check out our TV Guide or visit our Soaps hub.

The latest issue of Radio Times magazine is on sale now – subscribe now and get the next 12 issues for only £1. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to the Radio Times View From My Sofa podcast.