Exclusive: Emmerdale star reveals new direction for April after dark storylines

Emmerdale star Amelia Flanagan has spoken exclusively to Digital Spy about her character April Windsor’s future after her recent dark storylines.

Show bosses recently revealed plans for April and her boyfriend Dylan Penders to have happier plots after both being exploited by Ray Walters and Celia Daniels.

After her powerful performances, Amelia is now nominated for Best Young Performer at the Inside Soap Awards 2026.

We caught up with the star while she took part in a big Inside Soap photoshoot celebrating Emmerdale‘s nominations. You can see all the pictures in this week’s issue of the magazine, which is out now.

See our behind-the-scenes video from the shoot at the top of the page, then read on for Amelia’s exclusive DS Q&A…

Hi, Amelia! How does it feel to be up for Best Young Performer at the Inside Soap Awards 2026?

“To be nominated for Best Young Performer is an absolute privilege. I feel very lucky to be nominated for this award and I’m very grateful to have been chosen.

“I’ve also enjoyed taking part in the photoshoot so much. It’s been great to be in the studio, getting loads of lovely pictures and seeing everybody else in their amazing looks.”

Why should fans get behind Emmerdale for the Best Soap prize?

“I think fans should vote for Emmerdale because it’s obviously the best soap! (Laughs.) I think we’ve had an incredible year with lots of drama, fun and humour, so vote Emmerdale!”

How do you look back on your big storylines over the past 12 months?

“The last year that I’ve had on the show, including April’s exploitation storyline, has been amazing. It’s been very difficult to portray, but a brilliant challenge.

“It was exciting to get my teeth into something really gritty and real – and also important to raise awareness of such a relevant topic.”

How did viewers respond?

“The viewer reaction to this storyline and the support from the public was brilliant. I’m always so grateful to our incredible Emmerdale fanbase.

“It’s just great to see that people still love the show. They’re watching it all the time and are engrossed in what’s to come for all the characters.”

How has April changed after everything she’s been through?

“I think April’s ordeal has changed her character in so many different ways. She’s become more resilient, she’s faced so many challenges and because of that she’s so much more mature now.

“April has a better outlook on life. She’s seeing the positive in things now, trying to leave the past behind and move on with the future.”

What do you hope the future holds for April and Dylan’s relationship?

“I absolutely love April and Dylan’s relationship. Fred [Kettle, who plays Dylan] is an amazing person to work with. I really hope that the future for the two of them is really happy and positive and I’m sure we’ve got lots of exciting things to come.”

How about April as an individual?

“In the future I would just love to see April happy and getting back to normal as much as possible – leaving the past in the past and just focusing on a positive future.”

How has it been to grow up on the show?

“It feels great to have grown up on Emmerdale and to have been here for nearly 13 years. It’s like a second family to me – it’s my second home and I just love being here all the time.

“I love the cast and crew. It’s just been a brilliant experience to be so looked after – and to have had so many incredible years here.”

Who would you like April to share more scenes with?

“I would love for April to interact a little bit more with Lewis. I think Brad Riches who plays Lewis is brilliant. It’d be great to see them with a few more scenes together.”