Emmerdale airs sad update for Arthur and Marshall after breakthrough

Emmerdale spoilers follow.

Emmerdale has aired a sad update for Arthur and Marshall following their recent breakthrough.

Marshall was one of the gang of boys who played a cruel prank on Arthur at the New Year by baiting him to reveal his crush, only to publicly embarrass him.

However, Marshall has since confided in Arthur that he didn't know the other boys were watching when he asked to go on a date.

Related: 10 huge Emmerdale spoilers for next week

All of this has coincided with some unfortunate pushback on an assembly about LGBTQ+ history at the school, due to complaints from one parent.

In Wednesday's episode (February 1), Laurel had to break the news to Arthur that a compromise had been reached — he could make his presentation but only after some parents have withdrawn their children.

Laurel later had a confrontation with the local councillor, Colin, who argued that "some parents" have a right to their beliefs as well as religious values.

This argument didn't go over well with Laurel considering her own marriage with the village's late vicar Ashley, leading to a heated scene.

Related: Emmerdale star Fiona Wade shares message with fans after Priya's exit

Arthur grew increasingly upset by the whole situation, later pointing out to his mum that this presentation wasn't about her.

The boy faced yet another disappointment when a sheepish Marshall approached to insist he isn't actually gay, in spite of their connection the other night. Arthur was more than forgiving, and before long, the two were off riding bikes together.

All became clear to Laurel when she discovered that Marshall's father is Colin, the councillor she'd been arguing with earlier in the day.

"You couldn't have made it more obvious. You're the bigot," Laurel insisted.

After he sneered at Arthur, Laurel warned: "Don't ever, ever look at my son that way again."

Will Marshall be able to truly express himself?

Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.

Read more Emmerdale spoilers on our dedicated homepage

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