Emmerdale sets up huge Cain and Charity promise in early ITVX episode

 Will Cain support Charity when her secrets are exposed?

Emmerdale's Cain Dingle makes a bold promise to his old flame Charity tonight – but will he be about to keep it?

Wednesday's visit to the Dales is a special two-hander episode, focusing solely on Cain and Charity as they come together for an unexpected heart-to-heart.

The emotional conversation is badly needed, as Cain has been spiralling all week amid the pressures of his prostate cancer diagnosis, his wife Moira's ongoing imprisonment and the family losing Butlers Farm.

Dishing out some tough love, Charity confronts Cain over losing his temper with his brother Sam and drinking heavily when it's against doctors' orders.

Cain responds in self-destructive fashion as he tries to betray Moira by kissing Charity – looking to blow up his own life rather than address the real problems.

Opening up afterwards, Cain confides his fears that he's failing to hold things together for Moira during her time in prison. He also expresses worries that their marriage may never be the same due to the physical effects of his treatment.

When Charity kindly offers advice and promises to keep quiet about Cain trying to kiss her, he's grateful and expresses hope that he can return the favour one day.

Just make sure you remember this – because if I ever end up making a horrible, massive mistake, well you best go easy on me," Charity warns. "Maybe one day soon I might need you."

Cain then hands over a St Christopher necklace as a reminder of the favour he owes Charity.

"It's a symbol of protection and I want you to have it," he says. "Whenever the time comes that you need me, give it me back and I promise I will be there for you."

Viewers know that it's only a matter of time before Charity will need as many supporters as she can get, as her baby secret is due to be exposed in the coming weeks.

Charity is still keeping quiet about how the child she's carrying for Sarah and Jacob Sugden is actually her and Ross Barton's baby following a one-night stand.

Speaking earlier this year, Emmerdale's producer Laura Shaw commented: "The truth surrounding Charity's pregnancy is set to blow wide open. The secret that Ross is the real father is still under wraps.

"With the baby due in spring, the birth may be the event that finally exposes all of Charity's secrets..."

Will Cain side with Charity in the ensuing fallout?