Emmerdale legend Nicola Wheeler has dropped a major hint that storm clouds are brewing for Nicola King and her husband Jimmy. After 24 years on the soap, the actress knows her character inside out — and while fans often see Nicola as a sharp-tongued source of comedy, it seems serious family drama is looming.

A Fan Favourite With a Comic Edge

Nicola has long been one of Emmerdale’s most enduring characters, celebrated for her wit, sarcasm, and ability to liven up even the darkest storylines. This year, Wheeler is nominated for Best Comedy Performance at the Inside Soap Awards, highlighting her natural ability to bring humour to the Dales.

Recently, Nicola’s sharp humour has been put to good use in her unlikely new friendship with Lewis Barton (Bradley Riches). Lewis, the long-lost Barton brother, has become co-owner of the café — a move that has shaken up village dynamics and given Nicola plenty of new material to play with.

Fans have loved watching Nicola’s no-nonsense personality bounce off Lewis’s softer, younger energy. As Wheeler herself admits, the odd couple dynamic “just works”.

Behind the Counter at the Café

Nicola revealed that her upcoming filming will continue to focus on her partnership with Lewis at the café. She even joked about how outdated the set feels compared to real-life coffee shops.

“Everybody who comes in says, ‘Have you seen your prices? They look like they were set 15 years ago!’” Wheeler laughed, hinting that the cast themselves are pushing for a makeover.

She also teased which villagers she’d love to see working alongside them: “Lydia would be fun. Nicola would bully her, but Lydia would only take it for so long before putting her in her place!”

This mix of workplace humour and simmering tension is classic Nicola — but the real trouble ahead lies much closer to home.

Trouble Brewing for Nicola and Jimmy

While Nicola and Jimmy have faced more than their fair share of ups and downs over the years, Wheeler revealed that another storm is on the horizon for the couple.

When asked about their marriage, Wheeler laughed about Nicola’s cheeky one-liners: “I did have a line recently about [Jimmy’s] weird cardigan that made him look like Val Doonican, which made me laugh.”

But the light-hearted tone quickly shifted as Wheeler teased a more dramatic development. “There is going to be trouble coming up, caused by one of their children. That’s a little teaser for you!” she revealed.

This slip has already sparked speculation among fans. Could Angelica, Elliot, or Carl be at the centre of fresh heartbreak? And will Nicola and Jimmy’s marriage survive yet another test?

Nicola King: Comedy and Chaos in Equal Measure

Over the past two decades, Nicola has provided both laugh-out-loud comedy and heart-wrenching drama, from feuds and family clashes to emotional storylines about her children. It seems this new chapter will blend both — the humour of the café with Lewis, and the intensity of family drama at home with Jimmy.

As Wheeler has proved time and again, Nicola is a character who thrives under pressure, but whether her marriage can withstand more turmoil remains to be seen.

What’s Next for the Kings?

With Nicola continuing to dominate the café alongside Lewis, and family tensions building in the background, fans can expect Emmerdale to put one of its longest-standing couples through another gripping test.

One thing’s for sure — Nicola King won’t go down quietly.