ITV have just released the first sneak peek photograph (above) of the horrific crash that’s going to leave at least one of the villagers dead…

That villager being John Barton, but as he’ll have his wife Moira in the Land Rover with him when the vehicle plunges off a cliff, the question is, will she die too?

John is of course being written out of the show since James Thornton, who plays the farmer, announced that he was leaving the show in order to spend more time with his wife, Joanna Page.

When James announced his intention to leave the show, he teased “I won’t be leaving in a taxi!” making reference of course to the fact that historically, characters in soaps usually leave in a coffin or a taxi…

And for poor John, it’s going to be the latter.

But returning to the big question – will Moira die with him – that’s being kept under wraps, but what has been revealed is that Moira (Natalie J Robb) and John are attempting to repair their marriage, and on the fateful night of the crash, the pair were heading off on a romantic weekend break.

However, when the car slips on black ice, John and a terrified Moira will be trapped in the vehicle as it dangle precariously over a precipice.

Emergency services will race to the scene, however, they’re too late and the Land Rover somersaults down a rocky hillside.

James Thornton, who filmed the scenes some weeks ago, told ITV that the stunt was, “dark and gruesome” but he added that the most challenging part was “taking the audience on a journey of emotions as they wonder if John and Moira will get back together.”

Don’t miss the hour-long episode on Thursday 16th February at 7pm!