5 Emmerdale spoilers for tonight as regular character is written out for months

Emmerdale spoilers follow from Tuesday's episode (13 October), which is available to watch now on ITVX and YouTube but hasn't aired on ITV1 yet.

In tonight's Emmerdale, Charity realises that she'll be parted from Mackenzie for a long while – just days after being released from prison.

Meanwhile, Joe spells out what he expects from Sadie, while Sam and Lydia look forward to Samson's possible return.

Read on for five big moments from Tuesday's episode…

1. Mackenzie announces he's leaving – for now

Just as Charity is readjusting to life back on the outside following her time in prison, she learns that she'll have to cope without her husband Mack once again.

Mack suddenly announces that Robert is sending him off to Germany for a course that could help to transform the farm, meaning he won't be back for a few months.

In real life, this scene was written in at short notice after Lawrence Robb – who plays Mack – signed up for Strictly Come Dancing and needed to take a break from the Dales! Watch out for his cheeky shimmy in his final scene for the time being…

2. Mandy receives upsetting news

Mandy learns that Vinny's time in prison has got off to a terrible start, as he's already been attacked by one of the inmates.

The jail reassures Mandy that Vinny is recovering well after the incident, but she frets that he simply won't be able to cope behind bars in the long term.

3. Sadie visits Home Farm

Sadie heads to Home Farm to catch up with Joe, which is her first chance to see what Kim has done with the place. Expect a few more barbed remarks…

Once she's alone with Joe, sly Sadie asks exactly what he expects her to do as part of his plot against Ruby and Caleb.

Sadie also quickly realises that Nicola's wrath isn't over, as she's once again confronted about her recent lies…

4. The Dingles remember Zak

Zak's family come together to remember him on the second anniversary of his death.

With emotions already running high, Sam and Lydia decide that it's best not to tell Cain that Samson is due to be released from prison soon.

5. Robert makes some big plans

Emmerdale Farm is now a hive of activity with Robert juggling several ventures, although Matty is starting to feel like he doesn't belong amid the chaos.

Robert wants to re-open The Hide within 24 hours, after recently acquiring the business from Gabby – will he be able to pull it off?

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

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