'Emmerdale': Stars reveal heartwarming Christmas ahead for Dawn and Billy

There is plenty of drama ahead in the Dales this festive season. But Emmerdale stars Olivia Bromley and Jay Kontzle are teasing some happiness on the horizon for Dawn Taylor and Billy Fletcher.

Of course, whether this will last rests on them escaping the ghosts of their past, and avoiding the wrath of serial killer Meena Jutla (Paige Sandhu).

Read more: Murderous Meena will do anything, warns Paige Sandhu

In the coming weeks, Meena will attempt to keep hold of Billy by causing trouble for Dawn when the latter’s ex-boyfriend Alex arrives.

Speaking to Yahoo UK and other press, Bromley explains Dawn’s reaction to seeing Alex, who is also the father of her young son Lucas. “When she sees him I think she’s really triggered.”

The actor says that although Alex isn’t a bad person, he is linked to “all sorts of negativity in her life. This is a part of her life that she’s managed to kind of put aside and move on from.”

Discussing Billy’s involvement, Kontzle reveals: “He tries to intervene and sticks up for Dawn because he still really does love her.”

When Billy chooses to be with Dawn, Meena drops a baby bombshell. Unlike those of us watching at home, he has no reason not to believe her.

“That’s a foot in the grave for Billy,” Kontzle muses. “He is a family man, and he needs to be there for that - he needs to be there for his kid.”

Bromley adds: “I think it speaks volumes that [Dawn] and Billy decide to give it a go anyway. I think at this point, nothing can deter her from being with him. She just knows that’s what she wants, and obviously the news is not ideal but she just wants to make it work.”

So, with Meena posing an ongoing threat to Dawn and Billy’s relationship, do the couple have any chance of making it work this time?

Read more: Emmerdale soap spoilers - Meena's Christmas plans for Billy

“I think if it was just Dawn and Billy without any of these obstacles, they would be having the time of their lives, they’d be fine,” Bromley says.

“But I think that this time, the trials they’re going to have to overcome, and the hurdles, are pretty big. One being that there is a serial killer! Not great!”

Asked about the explosive secret of Malone’s dead body, Bromley points out how it could affect Dawn and Billy’s future. “In a way they’re kind of bonded by that, that they’ve got this massive thing together. But also it’s something that could tear them apart as well.”

For now, though, Emmerdale viewers can look forward to some heartwarming moments — including a proposal on New Year’s Eve.

“Even though it is spontaneous, it’s a lovely moment,” Kontzle smiles as he recalls filming the scenes in which Billy asks Dawn to marry him.

“It’s a new year, it’s a new start and I think it’s a new beginning for Billy and Dawn. I think it is a lovely moment. I was quite happy with it, it was quite emotional!”

Asked how it feels to be involved in the Christmas episodes, Bromley hails soapland’s rich festive history.

“These kind of big moments, like big soapy moments like Christmas, new year, weddings, that’s when the big drama happens,” she grins. “So yeah, it’s been really fun to be involved.”

Watch the latest Emmerdale spoilers