Emmerdale waitress Ruby Haswell faces a tough time next week as her mother Lindy presents her with a shock ultimatum.

When Ruby tells her mum about her sexuality and baby plans for the first time, Lindy promises to give her the money for the baby if she does it without her partner Ali Spencer.

As Ruby considers the situation at The Woolpack, killer Cameron Murray enters the pub armed with a gun…

Here, Alicya Eyo - who plays Ruby - previews her character's involvement in Emmerdale's big week.

Ruby will be one of the characters who is taken hostage next week. What can you tell us about the scenes?
"It's the night of Priya's hen do. It's a sad affair, but it's a hen do nevertheless. Ruby's having one quiet drink but it turns into an absolute nightmare. Ruby's not very happy as she's been through a bit of heartbreak, so it is all rather a shock what happens next."

Why is Ruby so unhappy?
"Ruby is in a weird place as her mum has given her an ultimatum regarding Ali and the baby. She has some thinking to do and reckons she can't do this at home, so she decides to leave for a bit to get her head together.

"Sean isn't having any of this, though, and steps in to make Ruby realise that she can't just walk out on this situation, so she ends up in The Woolpack to meet up with her mum Lindy."


© ITV
Ali, Ruby and Lindy


What happens next?
"There is torrential rain outside like you've never seen before. It starts flooding the village and people have to get sandbags out and start protecting their properties. Chas locks the doors of the pub as she's heard Cameron is out there, but suddenly Cameron appears with a gun."

So what were the scenes like to film?
"Oh my goodness, we've been filming it this week and I still feel traumatised like I've been through an ordeal. Dominic is incredible as Cameron. He's like we've never seen him before - all the things we thought Cameron wasn't capable of, he absolutely is! He switches from being completely calm and in control, and then at the slightest thing he's screaming and shouting with guns in our faces."

"Filming the scenes was awesome. We had a really good and intense time. The lighting is moody, there's rain outside, it was easy to get into and a great experience."

Were you excited when you first read the scripts?
"When I realised it's the anniversary of last year's live episode, I thought it was very apt. It really is as exciting as the live episode. It's been great to be part of it."


© ITV
Cameron arrives in The Woolpack.


Was there a sense of bonding among the actors involved?
"Yes. With three 12-hour days, it really did feel like we were hostages! It was a frightening ordeal, and as everyone was performing well, the mood was kept through right to the end. It was very draining but intense and rewarding. I was exhausted! Putting your body through fear, shock, anger and sadness - the whole thing was draining but exhilarating at the same time."

It's been confirmed that one character will be shot in these scenes.
"Yes, one of the really popular characters gets shot! People are going to be shocked and appalled…"