Emmerdale spoilers: Emma Barton's killer revealed in flashback episode

The mystery behind nurse Emma Barton's death will finally be solved in tonight's (14 December) episode of Emmerdale.

As the villagers gather for Emma's funeral, one out of the seven suspects — Laurel Thomas, Pete Barton, Gabby Thomas, Ross Barton, Cain Dingle, Moira Dingle and Adam Barton — will be revealed as the killer.

Emmerdale series producer Iain Macleod told The Sun: "The soap gods must have their vengeance, but we'll have to see the story as it plays out.

"I say this with fingers crossed in the hope that we don't have to do it, but Robert Sugden's killed somebody and I certainly don't think anyone's clamouring to get him out.

"The wheel of karma probably means that whoever has killed Emma, in some ways hasn't committed as big a crime as if they'd killed a God-fearing, law-abiding, lovely and innocent character.

"There's a certain sense, in my mind anyway, that whoever has done this is like an agent of God.

"But if you've got blood on your hands in a soap, you can't just get away with it. Even if the consequences aren't legal ones, there has to be some comeuppance, I suppose. And there will be!"

Emma was last seen falling from the Hotten Viaduct before succumbing to her death. She is surrounded by the ghosts of ex-husband James and son Finn, both of whom she had murdered earlier.

A post-mortem report showed bruises on Emma's body suggesting she did not commit suicide, but was murdered.

Having committed two murders and tormenting dementia patient vicar Ashley Thomas, Emma wasn't exactly a fan-favourite — but her death has left the viewers aching to know the truth.

But there could be an unexpected plot twist when an innocent character is convicted, while the real killer goes free.

Macleod said: "It's a possibility. I think there's such strong motives for each person, and as the story unfolds, there's so many ambiguities surrounding who's doing what and when they were doing it.

"It's perfectly possible that the police might bark up a few wrong trees before they arrive at the correct one."

The next episode of Emmerdale airs tonight at 8pm on ITV.