‘Emmerdale’ tonight: Ethan is attacked in racist outburst

Emmerdale’s Ethan Anderson (Emile John) will suffer at the hands of racist client Jordan — played by Peaky Blinders star Jack Parr — tonight, as the ITV soap airs violent scenes in an hour-long episode from 7.30pm.

Viewers know that lawyer Ethan has been struggling ever since he agreed to represent Jordan, who has been charged with racially-aggravated assault on fellow villager Billy Fletcher (Jay Kontzle).

Keen to further his career, Ethan initially tried to remain professional in his first ever solo case. But the fact that race plays a huge part in the circumstances has left him conflicted.

In last night’s instalment of Emmerdale, Ethan discussed his concerns with boyfriend Marcus Dean (Darcy Grey). Little did Ethan know that Jordan was watching nearby.

Read more: Next week on Emmerdale

Jordan later confronted Billy, hoping to intimidate him into retracting his statement. This was witnessed by Billy’s former stepfather Al Chapman (Michael Wildman).

Tonight, conversations with both his father Charles (Kevin Mathurin) and Al will leave Ethan feeling more rattled than ever as his doubts about Jordan’s innocence reach an all-time high.

This results in Ethan pulling out of the case; but when he informs Jordan and his wife Courtney of his decision, Jordan launches a vile tirade of abuse. Courtney is so horrified that she rushes away from her husband, and Jordan’s anger at Ethan grows.

Read more: Emmerdale star Emile John praises soap's bravery in racism story

Later, having left the office, Ethan is feeling more relaxed than he has in weeks as he calls Marcus to arrange a date. At that moment, Jordan approaches and his racist taunts continue. Ethan calls him out on his disgusting behaviour, and Jordan throws him to the floor.

Speaking about the storyline, star John has praised Emmerdale for exploring the depths of racism. Here, he explains the lead up to Ethan's harrowing encounter. “He kind of treads on eggshells around [Jordan]; and when he does eventually tell him that he’s pulling out, it takes a lot for him to actually do that."

“I think there’s a sense of dread as to what could happen. Obviously he’s aware of what’s happened to Billy, so he knows that he could face that same fate.”

He adds that his alter ego is shaken by the situation. “Ethan, he’s a person who mingles in quite nice company I think; he isn’t accustomed to seeing or being so close to violence.

“I think he’s heard of violent cases, but to actually be personally involved and be threatened…I think he is scared.”

Will Ethan be severely injured by Jordan? And will Jordan get away with his shocking actions yet again?

Tune in to Emmerdale tonight at 7.30 to find out what happens next.

Watch this week's Emmerdale spoilers