Laurel Thomas takes shock action to save Marshall in Emmerdale

MARSHALL Hamston has been trying to come to terms with his sexuality but his father Colin has only made this harder.

Next week in Emmerdale, Laurel Thomas makes a drastic decision to help the lad – but could it backfire on her?

Arthur Thomas (played by Alfie Clarke) has taken a liking to Marshall (Max Fletcher), despite their rough beginnings, after coming out as gay to his nearest and dearest.

But with his councillor father looking over his shoulder and making his homophobia very clear, Marshall decided to push Arthur away, much to the youngster’s heartbreak.

Sadly, Marshall was recently disowned by Colin (Mark Noble) which led to him finding refuge in Rishi Sharma’s home, unbeknownst to everyone.

Coming up on ITV next week, the young intruder finds another safe haven in the form of Mulberry Cottage as Laurel (Charlotte Bellamy) and her partner Jai Sharma (Chris Bisson) decide to take him in.

Marshall is grateful in upcoming scenes but he’s soon gutted to find out Hotten Academy won’t be accepting him back without his father’s approval.

Against all odds, Colin agrees to Marshall returning to Hotten Academy but Lauren and Jai have a hunch this could only be in the hopes that his abusive behaviour remains a secret.

Determined to protect Marshall whatever it takes, Laurel and Jai discuss the ordeal in later scenes and the businessman admits he fears the impact of them taking the teen in on their family.

Devastated, Marshall is listening in to their conversation – but will he interrupt the couple and say what’s on his mind?

This remains to be seen but, the following day, Colin rocks up Mulberry Cottage with the intention of seeing Marshall.

Laurel and Jai still try to protect the youngster, unconvinced by Colin’s apparent change of heart, and they only agree to let him see his son with the lad’s explicit consent.

When Marshall accepts to talk to him, Colin opts for a caring approach and tries to convince him he’s sorry for disowning him.

Colin’s abusive tendencies become clearer as he love-bombs his teen son in an attempt to get him back home.

He actively and profusely declares his love for Marshall, telling him to come home and leaving the teen shaken.

Later on, Marshall feels more confused than ever when his father continues his heartfelt messages.

What will Marshall decide to do?

Emmerdale airs weeknights from 7.30pm on ITV.