Has Paddy said his final goodbyes?
Everyone is stunned when a dishevelled Paddy stands in the doorway with a holdall and Marlon simmers, before making a beeline for him.
Meanwhile, Chas is irritated by Paddy’s behaviour and when Bear enters with Eve, it’s an emotional reunion for all and Chas softens when she realises the hurt and sadness in Paddy’s eyes.
To get Marlon off his back, Paddy plays up his happiness, but when Marlon leaves, Paddy’s facade crumbles as he’s left utterly bereft and broken.
As Paddy goes about his day seemingly making amends with family and friends, unbeknownst to them Paddy is saying his veiled goodbyes and leaves his dad Bear a letter.
Later, with Paddy having gone, Bear makes the horrifying discovery of the letter and a helpless Marlon is distressed as everyone scrambles to go and find Paddy.
And when Rhona delivers the appalling news about the missing bolt gun from the Vet surgery the reality of what he is doing is all too worrying as they hope they can find him in time.
Emmerdale continues Mondays to Fridays at 7.30pm on ITV1