Emmerdale aired a mysterious cliffhanger tonight, following a special two-hander episode with Paddy and Marlon Dingle. The closing scenes featured the pair finding a key at Ray Walters and Celia Daniels’ farm, before disregarding it and driving away.

Viewers then saw a shot of a nearby storage unit, matching the number on the keyring. Unbeknownst to Paddy and Marlon, they were literally holding the key that could end Moira Dingle’s suffering.

Tonight’s instalment of the ITV soap revolved around a terrified Paddy, who was spiraling about his upcoming court date. Having admitted to his part in Ray’s death, the vet began to panic about his family and livelihood if he is sent to prison.

Marlon tried to calm his best friend down, helping to distract him with a violent video game. But the duo soon discovered a more effective way to vent their frustrations by smashing up Celia’s old farm with sledgehammers.

“Oh, it’s exactly what I needed. Who knew a bit of mayhem would feel so good?” said Paddy, after destroying the furniture that was strewn outside.

With Paddy feeling better, it was Marlon’s turn to release his own pent-up grief, admitting he felt like “a coward” when his family was being terrorised by the villains. He explained his fear that Rhona Goskirk will leave him for her ex, Graham Foster, amid their recent closeness.

The pair had an emotional heart-to-heart, reminding each other that real men talk about their problems, and resolved to support each other. As they were leaving, Marlon noticed a key and wondered whether it was important, but Paddy assumed it belonged to one of the many discarded padlocks.

When Marlon pointed out the keyring, reading “HSU 107”, Paddy jokingly replied: “Yes, of course. Huge Secret Unveiled. Yes, Miss Marplon! It’s literally the key to unlocking the entire mystery.”

In the final moments of the episode, the men reflected on all the hurt the farm had brought to their loved ones, including Moira – who is currently in prison after being framed by Celia.

However, the vet’s joke actually held some truth as the next scene revealed the inside of storage unit 107, which contained a stack of evidence that would clear Moira of any wrongdoing.

Will someone eventually put two and two together and help free Moira? Or was her only hope just left by the wayside?