Emmerdale’s Ethan Anderson is set to find himself in terrible danger in upcoming episodes on the ITV soap, after he decides to pull out of defending the man who attacked Billy.
Ethan, played by Emile John, has been put in a horrendously difficult position on the ITV soap in recent weeks.
His first legitimate case as a solicitor called him to represent Jordan (Jack Parr), a man accused of assault against Billy (Jay Kontzle) – and Ethan knows that the attack was unprovoked with racist motivations.
Ethan has wrestled with the idea that his actions might help Jordan to escape justice, but he knows his career could depend on how he deals with the case.
Ethan has so far put his personal feelings about the case aside for the sake of his career and the principle that everyone deserves legal representation.
But that is set to change in upcoming episodes as Jordan’s racist behaviour becomes something Ethan can’t ignore.
Ahead of the dramatic scenes, Emile appeared on Thursday’s Lorraine, where he said the situation “takes a very sinister turn”.
He explained: “Because of the choices that he made to represent Jordan, there are consequences that come with that. Tonight we’ll see that in its full form.”
Ethan could find himself in terrible danger on Emmerdale, after he decides to pull out of defending Jordan – and is targeted in a revenge attack.
The horrific scenes come after Jordan has already threatened Billy that he is part of a gang.
Ethan then decides he can’t represent Jordan any more, knowing he is a self-confessed racist.
In upcoming scenes, Ethan meets Jordan and his wife Courtney at his office to tell Jordan he won’t be representing him.
Jordan then unleashes a tirade of racist abuse at him, leaving Courtney rightly horrified.
She says she can’t be around her husband anymore and leaves, further infuriating Jordan with Ethan – and putting the solicitor in a dangerous position.
Actor Emile said of the situation: “He’s juggling his integrity, core belief against representing someone that doesn’t align with his spirit.”
He then said of the racist abuse from Jordan that some of the lines and dialogue used is “vile”.
He continued: “It’s uncomfortable to hear, but it fuelled my responses in that regard. I probably wouldn't have the temperament that Ethan does, but he deals with it in the only way he knows how to.”
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV.
