Rhona’s (Zoe Henry) is playing a dangerous game with her obsession over baby Ivy in Emmerdale, having totally dismissed what it’s doing to Marlon (Mark Charnock).

Mary (Louise Jameson) showed up on the doorstep with Gus and baby Ivy in tow when she decided they weren’t coping and needed company for Christmas. Could she have just detonated the bomb that could destroy Rhona and Marlon’s family?

Having sacked off Leo’s magic show in favour of spending time with her daughter – not her daughter – Ivy, it’s been clear for a while where Rhona’s priorities currently lie. Marlon is struggling, having been clear about his feelings on the situation and being met with a stonewall from Rhona.

Marlon was blindsided with Mary brought Gus and Ivy to the cottage. His patience was tested, but ultimately his decision was to support Rhona and accept this new plan.

Marlon’s struggling with the massive change (Picture: ITV)

‘To have them for Christmas is a huge act of will on his part to accept that,’ actor Mark told Metro.co.uk. While he will say that he accepts it, it’s like somebody’s just detonated a bomb in his world.’ That someone is Mary.

On Christmas morning things come to a head when usually placid Marlon hits his breaking point and lets everyone around him know. Gus storms off, and Marlon is left with the reality that he’s ruined the big day for everyone involved and is beside himself, not knowing what to do for the best.

Rhona is trying to keep everyone happy (Picture: ITV)

Paddy takes a moment to remind Marlon that Gus is still grieving, so it’s up to Marlon to try and save Christmas Day.

Being the good egg that he is, Marlon sets about doing just that, and goes all out in creating a huge feast. When Gus sees what he’s done, he’s gobsmacked and touched by the effort. There are tears as a toast is raised to loved ones. Marlon has saved the day, but at what ultimate cost?

But it’s not long before Rhona is confessing just how much she needs Ivy in her life and she’s begging Marlon to help her make this new normal work.

Speaking of what the future holds for Rhona, actress Zoe gave Metro.co.uk an insight into how this scenario will start to make things unravel.

‘Rhona’s treading a very fine line because she’s got exactly what she wants – all three of her children in one place – but her husband is unhappy, her ex-husband is unhappy,’ she revealed.

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‘She’s trying to spin plates and keep everybody from falling apart and losing their shit. So there’s no rational conversation with Gus at all because he’s not in his right mind.’

She also hinted that Rhona’s ‘dream’ scenario is for Gus to disappear and for her to keep the baby. How long before this obsession starts to destroy her and Marlon?

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Rhona’s not thinking about Marlon at all.