Arthur Thomas (Alfie Clarke) shares another moment with Marshall Hamston (Max Fletcher) in Emmerdale next week, which is interrupted by homophobic Colin (Mark Noble).

The teen, who came out as gay last year, has made his feelings for Marshall known, hopeful that his crush feels the same. Marshall, meanwhile, humiliated Arthur as part of a prank, but subsequently came to his defence, sharing a charged moment with him.

Subsequent scenes saw the boys bond further, with Marshall admitting that he meant everything he’d said during the prank, and that was he was actually keen to go on a proper date with Arthur.

Arthur was taken aback, and the two almost kissed – that is, until Marshall received a text from dad Colin – the very same councillor who made a complaint against Arthur’s LGBTQ+ presentation at the school.

Marshall subsequently distanced himself from Arthur, claiming that being gay is ‘disgusting’ and ‘wrong’, words evidently put into him by his dad, telling Arthur that they could no longer be friends.

Arthur, despite this rejection, was keen to make sure Marshall was okay and therefore, after a few weeks had passed, he made contact once more, hoping to make Marshall see that he is not alone.

Marshall, however, declined Arthur’s offer of friendship, reiterating his previous claim that they can’t be friends.

Next week, Arthur puts his focus into delivering a powerful speech as part of LGBTQ+ history month. Laurel (Charlotte Bellamy) watches with pride, applauding her son’s powerful words once he finishes the presentation.

Laurel, however, isn’t the only familiar face in attendance, as Marshall showed up too, much to Arthur’s delight.

The two boys share a moment outside the village hall, but they’re interrupted by vile Colin, who is less than pleased to see Marshall spending time with Arthur, who he subsequently insults, before dragging his son away.

Arthur is keen for an update the following day, but he’s left reeling when Marshall reveals that Colin is sending him away to boarding school.

Marshall dismisses his feelings for Arthur, claiming it was just the two of them being friends, but will Arthur be able to make him see that it’s more than that?

Is this really the end for he and Marshall? Will their Heartstopper-esque romance be stopped in its tracks before its even really begun?

One to watch: Monday February 27 at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.

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