Marlon’s been trying hard to keep April moving forward in Emmerdale after everything she went through. Life’s been smooth lately, but he’s never quite let his guard down, especially when it comes to people from her past. Now, one of those faces has shown up again in the village, and Marlon’s instincts are showing all red.
That Uneasy Friendship Never Truly Left
Earlier this year, April found a lifeline in Dylan Penders, a teen she met during her time living rough. Their friendship formed quickly and deeply, but from the start, it didn’t sit right with Marlon. Dylan had a troubled background, including a past with drugs, and that was more than enough to set off Marlon’s instincts.
Despite the tension, Dylan left the village in March on reasonably good terms with Marlon, thanks largely to a surprising gesture. Marlon, seeing the boy’s potential, paid for Dylan to attend rehab. But even then, the history between them was far from clean. At one point, Marlon had gone so far as to plant drugs on Dylan, a desperate attempt to sever the connection between him and April.
Emmerdale: Dylan’s Back and Nothing’s Changed
Now, Dylan has returned to the Dales and already reconnected with April, telling her he’s clean now and doing better. Actor Fred Kettle, who plays Dylan, explained that his character was “intrigued” about what April was up to; wondered if she was back in school, working, or just managing alright. Fred said Dylan really cares about her, and that feeling is mutual.
He also shared that the connection between them still feels raw and unfamiliar. According to him, neither April nor Dylan has experienced a relationship like this before, and they’re just trying to navigate it without pressure or labels.
But for Marlon, none of that matters. Kettle acknowledged that despite everything Dylan did for April during her time on the streets, Marlon doesn’t view him as the kind of person he wants around his daughter. He said Marlon’s discomfort is “understandable,” especially given how protective he is.
Dylan, meanwhile, is trying to step back and let the tension cool but it’s not that easy. The atmosphere between them remains awkward. Kettle said the two are avoiding each other, though there’s an undercurrent of guilt on Marlon’s side as well. That guilt leaves him unsure of how to handle the situation. For more Emmerdale updates, daily spoilers, and soap scoop, stay with Soap Opera Daily.