Emmerdale has confirmed that missing teenager April Windsor is still alive.

The schoolgirl’s fate was confirmed in Monday’s episode as the police presented Marlon Dingle and Rhona Goskirk with new CCTV evidence.

April went missing on Christmas Day after a difficult few weeks in the village, which had included being kidnapped by dangerous Jade and discovering the real story behind the death of her mum Donna.

Viewers last saw her getting into a strange car on a busy road. There have been few clues since then, apart from her purse being found on a stabbing victim who was admitted to the local hospital.

Monday’s visit to the village saw Marlon start to lose hope for his daughter’s safe return.

Marlon was haunted by a terrifying nightmare, in which April was found dead. His day got worse when his mother-in-law Mary Goskirk voiced the possibility that April may have lost her life while out on the streets.

The Woolpack chef reacted angrily to Mary’s pessimistic attitude, but in a private chat with Rhona, he also acknowledged that there may not be a happy outcome.

Later, there was a crucial development in the case as police family liaison officer Anna arrived at Marlon and Rhona’s home with important news.

Anna explained that there’d been a potential sighting of April on CCTV footage from central Leeds, recorded earlier that day.

Although the footage was low quality, Marlon confirmed: “It’s her. It’s April, she’s alive. We’re going to find her.”

Upcoming episodes will see Marlon, Rhona and other familiar faces from the village re-focus the search around Leeds, hoping that they’re getting close. Will April return home?