Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy) and Nicola King (Nicola Wheeler) have been bezzies for years in Emmerdale, but their friendship is about to be tested.

They’ve been there for each other through thick and thin, through heartbreak and bad decisions, and everything else two best mates can endure.

But the thing to shatter their friendship, the one thing that has put everything else off while endearing Laurel to Nicola, could be Nicola’s ability to stick her oar in.

It’s been one drama after another for Laurel since Arthur (Alfie Clarke) arrived home from his travels, with her discovering that her teenage son has become rather promiscuous in his young age.

She sat him down for an honest but cringeworthy chat about safe sex, but was only too horrified to learn that he’d slept with John (Oliver Farnworth), a full grown adult.

Laurel was horrified that this newcomer had taken advantage of her young son and stormed over to confront him in the Woolpack – for the entire pub to hear. Arthur was mortified.

But, awkwardly, it has all been a lie from Arthur to make himself sound more mature than he really is to best pal April. The most damaging lie, as John now faces an investigation.

Nicola senses something is up and works on trying to get Arthur to confess the truth about what happened. This draws the pair closer, and she inadvertently becomes his confidant, allowing him to speak freely while she encourages him to make up with his mum.

But this sparks a war with Laurel, who is incensed that her best friend is encouraging her son to keep secrets from her.

Her rage at Nicola is at risk of damaging the hard work Nicola has put in in making Arthur feel comfortable about opening up. Is Laurel about to push him away for good and lose her best mate in the process?