Emmerdale spoilers follow.
Emmerdale has revealed a first look at Friday night's episode (November 26), as Ben Tucker's tragic fate is revealed.
Ben (Simon Lennon) has become the latest victim of serial killer Meena Jutla, who brutally attacked him with a kayak oar after he'd found incriminating evidence against her.
In the aftermath of Ben's demise, his boyfriend Aaron Dingle arrives at the Hawksford Outdoor Pursuits centre to a worrying police presence.
Aaron is then left heartbroken as he sees Ben's lifeless body.
Related: Why Emmerdale's Meena storyline needs to change after the latest murder
Ben has been part of Emmerdale since September 2020, when he was introduced as Aaron's new love interest.
His final episode saw him go head-to-head with Meena at the HOP after stumbling across the body cam footage, which showed her trying to drown Victoria Barton.
Ben was snooping at the HOP in order to find evidence to clear his name, after he was blamed for the rope bridge collapse during Super Soap Week.
He was alarmed to see the video of someone trying to murder Victoria, and although he hadn't figured out Meena was the culprit, all became clear when she paid a menacing visit and confronted him.
Related: 13 huge Emmerdale spoilers for next week
Emmerdale fans will now have to stay tuned to see how Aaron copes without Ben, and whether Meena will get away with yet another murder.
However, viewers do already know that Aaron will be leaving the village in the coming weeks, as Danny Miller has announced his departure from the show.
Danny, who's currently competing on I'm a Celebrity, recently told Digital Spy and other media: "I've actually left Emmerdale and unfortunately decided to start a new path in life. I've got my baby now and I'm getting married next year and it felt like the right time to open a new chapter in my life.
Related: Emmerdale hints Brenda Walker could bring down evil Meena Jutla
"It feels so strange telling people because I haven't really talked about it. I feel quite emotional about it actually."
He continued: "It's a massive part of my life and it's taught me loyalty. I've wanted to spread my wings for a while and a show like [I'm A Celebrity] gives me the opportunity to see what else happens after.
"The show is a fantastic money earner, I'm not going to lie, so it gives me the opportunity to be off for a year. So if nothing happens I'll be comfortable and with my family. If new jobs come up, then we'll see."
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7pm on ITV, with an extra episode at 8pm on Thursdays.
Read more Emmerdale spoilers on our dedicated homepage
April 2024 gift ideas and deals
How to watch Oppenheimer at home right now
Buy Cat Deeley's This Morning outfits
Bluey-themed family dinners launch at Gousto
Shop Sky TV, broadband and mobile
Daniel has been writing about soaps on Digital Spy since 2004 and took over as Soaps Editor in 2010.
He has interviewed hundreds of soap stars over the years, from Bill Roache to Lacey Turner, and regularly visits the sets of Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks for behind-the-scenes trips and press events.
He has served as an awards judge on numerous occasions for the likes of the BAFTA TV Awards, RTS Programme Awards and British Soap Awards. In 2020, he was Highly Commended for Best Section Editor at the BSME Awards.
