Billy Fletcher (Jay Kontzle) has got himself in over his head with this illegal fighting malarky in Emmerdale.
He entered the dark sport with the best of intentions; to provide a better life for his wife and kids. With Evan having been so ill and dependant on Dawn (Olivia Bromley), he’s felt next to useless at times.
That, coupled with the fact they’ve had to move out of Home Farm and fend for themselves, Billy has been searching for a new purpose to make himself feel back in control.
He thought he’d found that in the illicit boxing he joined, but now he can’t leave – not only because he’s become reliant on the money, but because the people he works for won’t let him.
It’s already nearly cost him his life, after he accidentally fell on something sharp during a fight (allegedly) and was left biting down on a belt while John stitched him up without anaesthetic.
After such a brush with death, and despite warnings to stop, Mack Boyd (Lawrence Robb) is shocked to discover that his pal is gearing up for yet another fight. But Mack can’t stop him, so now all he can do is help.
Thankfully, Billy is about to get a guardian angel in a very strange form.
Now that John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth) is in the know of what he’s up to, John offers Billy some help. That help turns into a coaching session, and Mackenzie is impressed with John’s skills.
But there’s a sting in the tail for Billy as he’s about to get a stark warning, from the least likely source.
John secretly isn’t convinced by Billy’s new money earner, and he calls on bed buddy Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller) to convince Billy he’s not in a state to fight. It’s a big move to bring Aaron in on this. Will Billy listen?
