The shocking news from ITV has sent Emmerdale fans into a frenzy: one of the show’s biggest characters has died in an early exit twist on ITVX.

The identity of the character has not been officially revealed, but behind-the-scenes sources have revealed that it’s a face that has been associated with Beckindale for more than a decade.

The footage, which was released on Monday, depicts a rainy night when a lorry crashes into an old house – and a man is trapped inside.

The fire rages, and only the sound of desperate screams echoes.

Shortly after, ITV released a teaser: “A heart stops, but a series of secrets emerge.”

Fans are divided: one side believes the dead man is Marlon Dingle, the other believes it’s Paddy Kirk – who has always been on the border of right and wrong.

However, the theory is spreading fast that this death is directly linked to Bear’s disappearance and April’s escape.

If so, Emmerdale is building to a dark crossover where every loss is a piece in a deadly game.