Emmerdale explains key character's absence in Samson Dingle storyline

Emmerdale spoilers follow from Monday's episode (9 November), which is available to watch now on ITVX and YouTube but hasn't aired on ITV1 yet.

Emmerdale reveals some shocking news about Samson Dingle tonight, but one key family member isn't around to hear it.

This week, the show confirms that Samson won't be coming home after all, despite recent episodes revealing that he was due to be released from prison. The news crushes Samson's dad Sam, who's been looking forward to having him back.

Related: 6 Emmerdale spoilers for tonight as Cain makes shocking confession

While we see Sam's reaction on camera, Lydia Dingle is absent from the important scenes.

In the early moments of Monday's episode, the soap explains that Lydia isn't currently in the village due to a family emergency involving her mum.

With the Dingles happily putting up decorations amid the expectation of Samson's return, Kammy Hadiq asks: "How long is Lydia going to be at her mum's for, Sam?"

Sam replies: "Oh, I don't know. It depends what the doctor says. She were gutted to have to rush off like that."

Belle agrees: "Yeah, she's been buzzing for today."

Related: Emmerdale first look as Kim makes huge announcement at The Woolpack

Although the Dingles are in high spirits as they wait to see Samson again, the atmosphere takes a turn for the worse when the family receives two shocking updates.

First up, Belle learns that her abusive ex-husband Tom King has been hospitalised following an attack in prison.

Shortly afterwards, the Dingles realise Samson was behind the attack on Tom, as he's now in trouble at the jail for assaulting another inmate.

Related: Emmerdale reveals first look at dramatic Samson and Tom King twist

Subsequent scenes reveal that Cain was responsible for asking Samson to target Tom to teach him a lesson.

It's then officially confirmed that Samson is no longer eligible for release anytime soon, sparking a huge family feud as Cain's intervention seems to have destroyed Sam, Lydia and Samson's chance for a fresh start as a trio.

With Lydia being updated off camera, fans will have to wait to find out how long she'll be away for.

See this week's Emmerdale spoilers:

- Emmerdale's Kev Barton announces shock quit decision – crushing Nicola

- Emmerdale reveals Dingle fury as huge Samson outcome is revealed

- Emmerdale's Kim Tate to make public announcement at The Woolpack

- Emmerdale's Caleb to take action after new Joe Tate threat

- Emmerdale's Dingles face Samson and Tom crisis in 16 spoiler pictures

Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 8pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.

Read more Emmerdale spoilers on our dedicated homepage

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