Emmerdale spoilers tonight see an hour long episode as the Dingles and other villagers gather to say goodbye to Zak Dingle as his funeral takes place.
However, there is a surprise in store when a long-lost relative appears at his graveside.
Elsewhere, Will and Caleb plot to bring down Kim Tate in Emmerdale spoilers for Thursday, October 17.
The Dingles “raise merry hell” to Zak (Credit: ITV)
A final goodbye in Emmerdale spoilers
1. Zak’s funeral takes place
During yesterday’s episode, Sam and Cain returned home from Scotland with Zak’s body. While Belle was angry that they’d thrown Zak in the back of a van, Cain explained that they had no choice.
Zak had left instructions that he wanted to be buried within 48 hours of his death and wanted a party to end all parties. Cain vowed that they would ‘raise merry hell.’ Tonight’s special episode will see the ‘party’ play out in the form of a funeral.
But the Dingles are in for a shock when a long-lost relative appears at the graveside. Jeff Hordley, who plays Cain revealed: “It’s someone you might know. They’re not going to make things go smoothly for the Dingles.”
Caleb is under pressure from the bank. He is operating on a wing and a prayer as he has lied to them about his situation.
3. Will wants to bring Kim down
Kim asks Gabby and Thomas to move back to Home Farm, but Will is suspicious and questions her motives. He is soon put in his place, which leads him to go and have a chat with Caleb.
Will and Caleb chat about bringing Kim down soon. The two men spur each other on in their plan to get one over on Kim. What are they plotting?
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page@emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter @emmerdaleinside
Katie Sugden arrived in Emmerdale in 2001 and quickly caused trouble between brothers Andy and Robert Sugden.
Her relationship with Andy was a major focus point for most of her time in the village, until her untimely death in 2015.
As Katie takes centre stage in Classic Emmerdale episodes following the car crash that killed her father, we take a look at her time in the Dales.
Andy and Katie got serious quickly (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
The arrival of Katie in Emmerdale and her teen romance with Andy
Katie Addyman, as she was then known, was brought into the soap as a love interest for Andy Sugden. She met Andy when they were in detention together at school and they soon started dating.
Despite Robert trying to come between them, Katie and Andy’s relationship became serious really quickly. While their friends were out enjoying their youth, Katie and Andy decided they wanted to settle down and have a baby. Katie fell pregnant, but later had a miscarriage.
Andy proposed to Katie when they were both just 16 and she accepted. When Andy turned 17, he took over Butler’s Farm and he and Katie moved in together. The couple broke up and reunited several times during her time in Emmerdale.
Robert was jealous of his brother’s relationship (Credit:ITV/Shutterstock)
Affair with Robert
After feeling neglected due to Andy spending his time on the farm or caring for half-brother Daz, Katie started an affair with Andy’s brother Robert. They were seen by Daz, who told Andy. However, Katie told Andy that Daz was lying and persuaded him to put Daz back into care.
Katie ended her affair with Robert and married Andy in 2004. But she grew jealous when Robert started dating her friend Donna so the affair soon started up again. This time they were caught by Andy and Robert’s little sister Victoria. Eventually, Katie and Robert came clean to Andy, who was understandably devastated.
Katie and Robert got engaged, but it was short lived due to him having an affair with Sadie King. Following this, Katie and Andy had a one night stand before she left the village for a while.
Katie ended up in hospital following a car crash (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Car accident and dad’s death
In 2006, as Katie’s next of kin, Andy received the news that Katie had been involved in a car crash. Despite their history, Andy chose to be at Katie’s bedside.
When she woke from her coma, Andy had to deliver the news that her dad had died in the car accident. Katie was devastated and leaned on Andy during her recovery.
Andy and Katie reconciled and decided to give their marriage another go, much to the annoyance of Daz, who in a desperate bid to split them up, even tried to seduce her. But he needn’t have worried, as Andy started an affair with Jo Stiles and he and Katie separated – again – in 2007.
She gave birth in the back of Matthew’s car (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Surrogacy and being held at gunpoint
Katie offered to be a surrogate for business partner Perdita, who couldn’t have children, despite having feelings for Perdita’s husband Grayson. She got pregnant, but then threatened to have an abortion after Perdita went off with Matthew King.
Katie begun an intimate relationship with Grayson, but when she discovered he had been lying to her, she conned money out of him.
She gave birth to the baby in the back of Matthew’s car. Katie then signed parental rights over to Perdita and also gave her the money she’d got from Grayson, so that Perdita could start a new life in London.
Grayson was furious when he found out. He held Katie at gunpoint and demanded she tell him where Perdita was. Katie refused to tell him, so he took the King brothers hostage too and ended up shooting Carl.
This wasn’t the only time Katie was held at gunpoint. It happened again when dodgy copper Nick Henshall became obsessed with her. After starting the fire that killed Terry Woods and Viv Hope, he tried to frame Katie’s ex, Andy, to get him out the way. With the net closing in, he took Katie hostage, but ended up killing himself instead.
She almost died following a quad bike accident (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Emmerdale: Katie Sugden and her marriage to Declan Macey and quad bike crash
Declan proposed to Katie three times before she accepted. Their marriage didn’t get off to the best start when Declan’s half-sister Megan, who disapproved of Katie, pushed Katie’s face into the wedding cake.
Following their wedding, Declan discovered that Katie set Megan’s son Robbie up to attack her. He rode off on a quad bike, with Katie following behind. She accused him of changing her for the worst. Katie rode off in anger and fell down a disused mine shaft.
A full scale rescue mission took place and Katie was eventually found days later in a critical condition. In hospital she went into cardiac arrest before being resuscitated. She was eventually able to return home. However, she collapsed and returned to hospital where she discovered she had damaged her ovaries due to injuring her pelvis during the accident. She was left infertile and unable to have children.
Declan told Katie that it didn’t matter, but secretly he had wanted a son to inherit his fortune. Declan cheated on Katie with Charity, causing Katie and Declan to temporarily break up. They later got back together, but the relationship was tempestuous and Katie eventually moved back in with Andy.
She fell through the floor to her death (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Katie’s death
Katie remarried Andy on Christmas Day in 2014, but she was angered to discover that Robert had sabotaged their wedding rings. He engraved insults on the rings, referring to Andy as “village idiot” and Katie as “village bike”.
She was determined to get revenge on Robert and she thought she had her chance when she discovered flirty text messages on his phone from “A”, despite being in a relationship with Chrissy.
Following an invitation from Aaron Dingle, Katie arrived at Wylie’s Farm and caught him kissing Robert, thus discovering who the mysterious A was. Katie took a picture of the two of them as evidence.
Aaron left and Katie confronted Robert over the affair. He turned aggressive and snatched her phone. Robert then refused to let Katie leave unless she promised not to tell Chrissy. Katie charged at Robert and he pushed her to the ground. The floor gave way causing Katie to fall to her death. Andy later went to the farm to look for Katie and discovered her body. He broke down in tears as he cradled her in his arms.
Who played Katie Sugden in Emmerdale?
Katie was played by actress Sammy Winward. She was only a teenager when she landed the role in Emmerdale.
Sammy was engaged to footballer David Dunn and the pair had a daughter together, Mia, in 2005. They split soon after and she went on to marry Martyn Hardy in 2017, who she has known since her school days.
Since leaving Emmerdale, Sammy has appeared in some ITV dramas, most notably Prey, Fearless and The Long Shadow – which also starred Sammy’s Emmerdale co-star Charley Webb.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page@emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter @emmerdaleinside
Steve passed away in December 2023, but it is only now, 10 months later, that his character Zak is receiving an on-screen funeral.
Fans of Emmerdale have called this move ‘respectful’ as it’s allowed Steve’s family to grieve first.
Zak Dingle in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV)
Steve Halliwell’s death
Following news of Steve’s death, his family released a statement, which read: “He went to sleep, peacefully with his loved ones around him. He was making us laugh to the end, the most amazing father and grandfather you could ever wish for, family was everything to him. We would like to thank the wonderful staff at St James Hospital and the Wheatfield Hospice for their love and kindness in his final days. He didn’t want sadness, just to rejoice in a life well lived.”
The soap also shared a statement, where it said: “Steve will forever be synonymous with Emmerdale. The proud defender and head of the Dingle family. Heart and humour in all he did, it has been and always will be impossible not to smile when you think of him.”
Tributes also poured in from fans and castmates, including Lisa Riley, who spoke for everyone when she said: “That boy from Bury did good.”
Cain shares news of Zak’s death with the rest of the family (Credit: ITV)
Zac’s death in Emmerdale
Steve Halliwell’s last appearance in the soap was in June 2023. One of his final scenes saw him beeping the horn on his mobility scooter as Dan Spencer compared him to Evel Knievel. The character then left the Dales to live with granddaughter Debbie Dingle in Scotland.
Last month, Cain Dingle received news from his daughter Debbie that Zak wasn’t well. Cain subsequently went up to Scotland to help his dad through this period of ill health.
In Monday’s episode (October 14), Cain unexpectedly returned home early. He was in high spirits as he shared with wife Moira that Zak was doing much better. However, things soon took a turn for the worse. Answering a call from Debbie, Moira received the news that Zak had sadly passed away.
Moira told her husband and Tuesday’s episode (October 15) will see Cain break the sad news to the rest of the family ahead of Zak’s funeral later in the week.
Emmerdale fans praise show over sensitivity
The soap confirmed plans to give Zak an on-screen send-off earlier in the year, with Emmerdale producer Sophie Roper saying: “There’ll be a hugely fitting tribute for such an iconic character coming up.”
While some fans have wondered why it’s taken so long to write in Zak’s death, most have been understanding and have branded the wait ‘respectful.’
“Awww… It’s really respectful how they have taken a while to now have Zak pass. He’s a legend,” wrote one fan on X.
On Instagram, another viewer said: “I’m so glad they have now given Zak the recognition after all this time,” with a third fan suggesting Steve’s real life family wouldn’t have wanted to see the funeral on screen so soon after his death. They wrote: “They leave it until the family agrees that they are ready.”
Another fan added: “Which is understandable, losing a loved one is hard especially when they were in a soap opera and his close cast were like family too.”
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page @emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter @emmerdaleinside
In Classic Emmerdale spoilers for episodes airing on ITV3 on Tuesday October 15, the Sugdens take revenge on the Kings and Katie receives bad news about her dad. These episodes originally aired on February 27 and 28, 2006.
Sugdens v Kings in Classic Emmerdale spoilers
Andy and Daz decide to take revenge on the Kings as payback for them getting away with contaminating their water supply with antifreeze. They break into the Kings’ site office and destroy everything. Later, when Jimmy sees the devastation in the office, he vows that the Sugdens won’t get away with it. However, Matthew says he will deal with it as Jimmy messes up everything he touches.
Matthew congratulates Jack on the Sugdens having the last laugh by trashing the office and warns that they’re even now. A troubled Jack has no idea what Matthew is talking about, but he soon realises that his boys have been up to no good and he heads to Butler’s Farm to confront them. Furious with Andy and Daz, Jack makes them promise they won’t do anything like that again.
Meanwhile, Matthew is feeling the weight of responsibility. The environmental officer tells him that high concentrations of antifreeze were found in the soil on the development, but as there isn’t any hard evidence, nothing else can be done. Matthew is happy, but covers his smugness.
Andy visits Katie in hospital following her car accident (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Katie is in a serious car accident
The police inform Andy that Katie has been in a serious car accident which killed her father. He heads to the hospital in Leeds where Katie is in a coma.
Andy spends the night at Katie’s bedside where a nurse tells Andy that Katie’s chances of survival are good. The nurse encourages Andy to chat with Katie as a familiar voice can be soothing, but Andy doesn’t know what to say.
Meanwhile, at Butler’s Farm, Jack updates Daz on Katie’s condition. While sympathetic, Daz wants to know what it has to do with Andy. Jack is firm that Andy being there for Katie doesn’t mean that she’ll be back in his life for good.
Back at the hospital, the alarms start sounding and Katie is rushed into theatre due to abdominal bleeding. After a tense few hours, Katie is brought back to the ward. Andy feels silly chatting away to her, but then she starts to wake up.
Katie is confused at first but is glad to see a friendly face in Andy. As her memories start to return, Katie asks after her dad. Andy tells Katie the truth – that Brian died in the car crash. Katie is devastated at the news and breaks down. Believing it to be her fault, distraught Katie clings to Andy.
Andy is happy to be Katie’s rock but is struggling to keep a lid on his feelings for his estranged wife.
New temp Zara impresses the Kings (ITV/Shutterstock)
Zara causes a stir
The new temp at the King’s office, Zara, causes a stir. But her obvious charms go unnoticed by Matthew. Jimmy, however, is enjoying having a pretty girl to impress and invites her to the pub to celebrate his birthday. In the pub with the whole King clan, Zara impresses Tom.
Carl tells Matthew that Zara would be good for him and he should move on. Thinking about Sadie, Matthew dismisses his brother’s advice and slips out.
Later, Matthew is alone at the office when Zara enters. Zara mocks Jimmy’s attempts to impress her and flirts with Matthew as she asks if there is a special lady in his life. Matthew is wary of the questions and, thinking about Sadie again, he brushes her off.
Also in classic Emmerdale spoilers
Alan continues to try and make amends with Steph
Betty suspects that Alan is lonely at Holdgate Farm and convinces Steph and Adam to help get Alan back to Keepers Cottages – where he belongs. Adam think it’s a good idea and they agree to help. Alan is surprised, but happy with the plan, although he is disappointed that Steph is still not ready to forgive him.
Alan pays Steph a visit and outlines a business proposal that will get guests to stay at the B&B. He does a big sell and suggests they could invest in extra staff for the B&B if Steph is amenable. Alan believes it’s a great opportunity for them, but stresses he needs Steph on board as a partner if they are to make it work.
Steph is unsure and Alan doesn’t want to push her, so he asks her to at least think about it. After some gentle persuasion from Adam, Steph agrees to host the Country Pursuits weekends with her dad. Alan is glad, but Steph makes it clear that they shouldn’t rush things on a personal front.
Chas is back for good
Chas tells Lisa that she is back for good because the Army have deemed her unfit for service. However, Louise is smug as Diane awkwardly informs Chas that they have enough staff.
Later, Chas is shocked to hear about Katie and rushes to the hospital.
Emmerdale spoilers tonight see the Dingles take comfort in each other following the news of Zak Dingle‘s death.
During yesterday’s episode, Moira took a phone call from Debbie Dingle informing her of Zak’s passing. She then had the tough job of telling her husband Cain that his dad had died. Cain had only just returned from visiting his dad in Scotland and had informed Moira that Zak was doing much better.
In Emmerdale spoilers for Tuesday October 15, Cain has to tell the rest of the family the sad news.
Cain informs the family of Zak’s death (Credit: ITV)
News of Zak’s death spreads around the village in Emmerdale spoilers
1. Cain is the bearer of bad news
Cain made an unexpected early return to the Dales from Scotland in yesterday’s episode. Shortly after telling Moira that Zak’s health was improving and that his dad had practically bullied him into returning to Emmerdale, news came from Debbie that Zak had died.
Tonight, Cain informs the rest of the Dingle clan that Zak has passed away. News soon spreads and it’s a sad day for the Dingles and the village at large.
Sam, Belle and Cain reminisce about Zak (Credit: ITV)
2. The Dingles take comfort in each other
The bereaved family take comfort in being with each other. Cain and Sam later find Belle outside, staring out at the fields.
The siblings reminisce about their late father, all feeling knocked for six by Zak’s death.
Cain sets off to bring Zak home in Emmerdale spoilers
3. Sam and Cain head to Scotland
The villagers gather on Main Street to wave Sam and Cain off, as they poignantly leave for Scotland to bring Zak home for his funeral, which will take place later this week.Â
An on-screen funeral for Zak was confirmed earlier this year, following actor Steve Halliwell’s death last December.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page @emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter @emmerdaleinside
In Monday’s episode of Emmerdale (Monday, October 14) Moira answered the phone to Debbie, who informed her of Zak’s death. With Zak’s funeral taking place this week, will Debbie return to the Dales?
Debbie Dingle left the Dales for Scotland in 2019 and last year she was joined by her grandfather Zak Dingle.
With Debbie being his granddaughter and the pair being so close in his final months, it makes sense that she should be at the funeral – but will she make an appearance?
Moira shared Zak’s death with Cain (Credit: ITV/ Composite EI!)
Zak’s death in Emmerdale
Following actor Steve Halliwell’s death last December, Emmerdale has been leading up on an on-screen funeral for his character Zak Dingle. In recent months, Zak’s ill health has been mentioned, with Cain travelling up to Scotland to see his poorly dad.
In Monday’s episode, Moira was speaking on the phone to Cain and told him to give Debbie and Zak her love – not realising that he was no longer with them.
Shortly after suffering another seizure, Cain surprised Moira by arriving home early. He shared the news that Zak was doing much better and had ordered Cain to return home.
However, while he was in the shower, Cain’s phone started ringing. Moira answered and was told by Debbie that Zak had sadly passed away. Further episodes will see Cain tell the rest of the family and they reminisce about Zak before the funeral takes place at the end of the week.
Debbie is currently in Scotland (Credit: ITV/ Shutterstock)
Fans call for Debbie return
From finding out Charity and Cain were her mum and dad to the acid attack on Ross Barton, Debbie has been involved in some pretty hard-hitting storylines, so it’s no surprise that fans want to see her back.
Spoilers tease a surprise guest at Zak’s funeral and fans are praying it’s Debbie. “Would be weird if Debbie didn’t come to the funeral,” one fan said on X, with another adding: “‘We need Debbie back.”
A third fan tagged actress Charley Webb, writing: “Hope it’s @miss_CharleyWebb who returns. Debbie is great,” while a fourth said: “Debbie is my all time favourite Emmerdale character. Having her back even for an episode will be AMAZING.”
Is Charley Webb returning?
In an interview with whattowatch.com last year, Charley spoke about her Emmerdale exit and admitted she had no regrets about leaving.
“It felt like the right time for me personally to make that jump from Emmerdale and I don’t have any regrets about it,” she said. “I’m ambitious to push myself and it’s just about choosing the right projects from now on.”
Also, due to reported behind-the-scenes friction between Charley and the soap, Charley’s return to Emmerdale seems pretty unlikely. But some fans have suggested a recast. “Debbie with a new head. How many heads has Ben Eastenders had so far last count?,” joked one fan.
Since leaving Emmerdale, Charley has appeared in a few TV shows. Most notably in the Yorkshire Ripper drama The Long Shadow, in which she starred in four episodes.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.30pm and 2.05pm.
Visit our Facebook page @emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter @emmerdaleinside
Emmerdale tonight (Monday, October 14) saw Moira Dingle told that she could have her much needed operation tomorrow. After a walk down memory lane with Matty, she decided to go ahead with it. But bad news followed when she answered a call from Debbie informing her of Zak’s passing.
Elsewhere, Amelia continued to see Tom as God’s Gift. Here’s everything that happened in Emmerdale tonight.
Matty convinced his mum to have the operation (Credit: ITV)
Moira received good and bad news
While cooking breakfast, Moira suffered a seizure, which saw her fall forward and burn her hand on the frying pan. Matty was worried about his mum, but relief came when Moira got a phone call from the hospital telling her there had been a cancellation and she can have her operation tomorrow.
Despite this being good news, Moira told Matty she was scared. “It was easier when it was months away,” she said. “It’s like when you arrange a night out, but when it comes to it, you’d rather stop in and stay on the sofa.”
Moira and Matty went for a walk and visited Holly’s tree. They reminisced about Holly and spoke about what her life would be like now. Moira admitted that she was worried that the operation would go wrong and she’d leave her kids without a mum. After Matty told his mum that Holly would want her to do everything she could to get better, Moira resigned herself to having the operation.
“You know I’m a terrible patient, right? Non stop moaning and full of self pity for weeks…” Not much different from normal then…
Matty told his mum to tell Cain about the operation and not keep secrets. Of course, Cain chose that moment to arrive back from Scotland and wanted to know what secrets. Matty covered for his mum by just telling Cain about the seizure Moira had that morning.
Moira had another moment when she asked Matty to check on the cars. “What cars?” he asked, “Cows, you know what I mean,” she responded.
Cain said he had wanted to surprise Moira. He told her Zak was doing a lot better and had bullied him into coming home. When she later tried to tell him about the operation, she backed out again. All thoughts of the operation were erased when she answered a call from Debbie on Cain’s phone while he was in the shower.
She then had the tough job of telling Cain that Zak wasn’t doing a lot better at all, he has died. Sob.
Mack told Billy he’ll help him (Credit: ITV)
Mack kept Billy’s secret in Emmerdale tonight
Billy bumped into Mack in the village, who told him he could get him some work up at the farm. After Billy responded that that wasn’t enough, Mack continued to surprise everyone by being the voice of reason. He told Billy that farm work was better than doing something ‘really, really stupid’ such as illegal boxing. “Whatever they’re paying you, it’s really not worth it,” he said.
Billy confused Mack – and us – by saying he wasn’t doing it for the money, despite the fact that he literally did it for the money last week.
In the Woolpack over a pint, Billy said that fighting is a way to escape his life – struggling with an ill son. “When I’m in there [the ring], there’s nothing else I can think about,” he said. “This is helping me deal with the worst thing that’s ever happened to me. So I’m begging you, please keep this to yourself.”
Later, Mack visited Billy at his house. He told him he’d keep his secret, but wouldn’t let him do it alone. “You need someone looking out for you and for keeping you in shape,” he said.
Mack then quoted Rocky, “You’ll be able to spit nails, kid.” It was completely lost on Billy though, as he is a boxer who has never seen Rocky. Mack spoke for us all when he said: “Wow, OK, we’ve got a lot of work to do then.”
Amelia continues to side with Tom (Credit: ITV)
Amelia continued to be a lovestruck teen
If you didn’t think Amelia could be anymore stupid, you’re wrong.
Tom informed Amelia that he was going to take her on a special date. Cue Amelia getting dressed up ready for a fun afternoon… at the Woolpack. Yes, he took her to the local pub.
Luckily for Tom, Amelia can’t see the wood for the trees, so when Tom spouted some dross about the Woolpack being special for them and that the more time they spend there the more the locals will accept them as a couple, she went all gooey eyed.
“We can go to Leeds if you like, just think it’s way more special here,” he said. “What’s the point in showing you off in a room full of strangers?” Insert vomit emoji. Surely Amelia’s brain will kick into action eventually?
Elsewhere in Emmerdale tonight…
Dawn visited Home Farm, initially to see Kim. But when Kim wasn’t there, she eventually confided in her dad that money was tight. Will agreed to find £5,000 in order to get her a new car.
While doing some plumbing work at Liam’s house, Sam got emotional talking about Samson. Liam tried to reassure Sam, telling him he was a good dad. Later, feeling cheered up, Sam told Liam he was taking Belle snaring – yes, us neither…
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page@emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter@emmerdaleinside
Fans of Emmerdale believe newcomer Jade is hiding her true identity and is in fact related to two other village residents.
Last week, actor and musician Twinnie-Lee Moore made her first appearance as ruthless boxing promoter Jade. Jade arrived in the village to encourage – or rather demand – Billy to fight again.
However, cynical viewers don’t believe that Jade is her real name and have been speculating over who she really could be.
Jade put pressure on Billy to keep fighting (Credit: ITV)
Jade arrives in Emmerdale
In recent weeks, fans have seen Billy get involved in the world of unlicensed boxing and hide the secret from wife Dawn, who thinks the money he’s made from it has been pulled off trees.
In Friday’s episode, ruthless boxing promoter Jade arrived in the village much to Billy’s horror. As she wound down the window of her car, Billy asked what she was doing there – meaning they’d already met.
After telling him she was impressed with his home setting, she gave him a veiled threat by saying: “Obviously got a lot to lose.”
Jade told Billy she wanted to see more of him in the ring just as Dawn arrived to ask if everything was OK. Jade responded: “It would be if Billy would do as I ask.”
Billy covered by saying she was a potential client. Jade went along with the story and said she was in the market for a PT and had heard how good Billy is. Later, Billy told Mack that Jade is the one who runs all the fights, but he was determined not to get involved anymore given his current injuries.
However, he soon changed his mind when he got ripped off buying a new car and Dawn commented about everything going wrong for them. Dawn encouraged him to call the ‘posh client from this morning’ and so that’s what he did. But what does Jade have in store for him? And do her ties to the village go further than Billy?
Could Ruby and Caleb be Jade’s parents? (Credit: ITV)
Fans rumble Jade’s true identity
Last month, it was revealed that Caleb Milligan and his wife Ruby had a daughter. Caleb went to visit wife Ruby’s dying mother in the hospital. During a heated exchange, Helen asked Caleb if he had seen anything of Stephanie. Caleb was furious at the question and told Helen not to mention his kids.
When he arrived in Emmerdale, Caleb did mention kids – but we only met Nicky. Nicky, himself, also mentioned having a sister. Though we should remember he also told a bunch of lies including the fact that his mum was dead. Which, as we know, she’s very much alive.
Aside from that, nothing else is known about the mysterious Miligan daughter. But fans have been speculating that Jade could be Stephanie.
“Just a thought, I know Caleb and Ruby have a daughter called Stephanie, but suppose Jade isn’t her real name – but Jade is Stephanie?!” wrote one fan on X, with a second fan writing: “Wouldn’t surprise me if she’s related to Caleb and Ruby.”
Fans on Reddit were also on board this theory, with one viewer writing: “Could she be Caleb and Ruby’s estranged daughter? Using the name Jade as an alias… Both Caleb and Ruby have ruthless streaks, and what we’ve seen from Jade so far is that she seems ruthless.”
Another fan agreed, adding: “I actually thought the same thing. They suddenly have a daughter, and then this new chick turns up.”
Jade arrived in the village last week (Credit: ITV)
Twinnie-Lee Moore on new role
Speaking about being back on screen, Former Hollyoaks star Twinnie said: “My life has been a bit crazy recently juggling music and acting with lots of back and forth between Nashville and Yorkshire but I’ve been loving it!
“I’ve loved being back on screen, especially as the show is shot in Yorkshire. Being able to be home with family and go to work on such an iconic show has been nothing short of amazing! The whole team has been so welcoming and really supportive.
“My character is so much fun to play and I can’t wait to see how the audience reacts to her.”
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
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Zak Dingle was a mainstay in Emmerdale for nearly 30 years following his introduction to the soap in 1994.
Originally a boxing hardman, Zak evolved into a loving family man and the nation cried with him when he discovered his wife Lisa had died in her chair following their second wedding.
Sadly, actor Steve Halliwell passed away last December and Emmerdale producers have made clear their intentions to give him an on-screen send off.
As that looks like it will soon play out, we take a look at Zak Dingle’s best moments.
Zak fought Ned Glover in one of his first scenes (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Zak’s arrival
Zak Dingle arrived in Emmerdale in October 1994 and immediately started feuding with the locals.
Previously a bare-knuckle boxer, Zak challenged Ned Glover to a bare-knuckle fistfight, which he lost.
He also started a feud with local family the McAllisters, who he blamed for his son Ben’s death a few months prior.
Zak was initially only supposed to be in a few episodes, but he made such a mark that Steve Halliwell was asked to stay on. The rest, as they say, is history.
Belle was a Christmas surprise (Credit: ITV)
Meeting Lisa and Belle
Zak met Lisa in 1996 and the two were instantly smitten. They married in 1998 and later that year at Christmas, Lisa gave birth to Belle. It was a big surprise as Lisa hadn’t even known she was pregnant.
Zak and Lisa’s relationship was far from plain sailing – who can forget Joanie taking Zak away from Lisa for a while? – but they always found their way back to each other.
Zak and Lisa remarried before her death (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale Zak Dingle: Losing Lisa
While not a good moment, we did get to witness some of Halliwell’s best acting as Zak lost his soulmate, Lisa.
In 2019, Lisa was diagnosed with a heart condition and was given only a short amount of time left to live. They decided to re-marry, but the marriage was a short one.
Following the wedding, Lisa returned home to change out of her dress. Zak later found her, apparently asleep on the sofa. However, when Zak tried to wake up his new bride, he realised that she had passed away. Sobs.
Losing Lisa hit Zak hard (Credit: ITV)
Butch’s death
Zak suffered a lot of sorrow during his time in the Dales. One of the earlier moments saw his son Butch killed when a lorry crashed into the vehicle he was travelling in.
Zak later discovered that his mechanic wife Lisa had worked on the lorry before it crashed and the couple were briefly torn apart as the grieving father blamed her for Butch’s death.
Zak was devastated by Butch’s passing (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale Zak Dingle: Diagnosed with cancer
In 2001, Zak was diagnosed with testicular cancer, but he refused to have treatment.
This resulted in the family kidnapping him in bid to make him see sense. Zak eventually went to hospital and made a full recovery.
There was a touching scene years later in 2016 when Zak’s cancer was revisited. Knowing Zak had previously fought testicular cancer, David Metcalfe turned to him for some advice after he was told that he’d have to lose a testicle as part of his own battle against cancer.
Cain discovered Zak was his real dad (Credit: ITV)
Cain discovers the truth
Bad boy Cain was initially introduced to the show as Zak’s nephew, but it was later revealed that Zak and his brother’s wife Faith had had an affair and Zak was in fact Cain’s dad.
This truth came out during a heated argument between the pair. The two went on to have a strained relationship. This came to a head in 2011 when Cain was viciously attacked and left for dead. Zak was later revealed to be the culprit.
Zak suffered from mental illness (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale Zak Dingle: Nervous breakdown
Following his attack on Cain, Zak suffered with depression. He hit the bottle and became erratic and paranoid.
One episode saw him kill some chickens after he convinced himself there was something wrong with them. Another occasion saw him wandering the Moors while seeing visions of his dead son Butch.
He also became convinced that his cancer had returned. It later became apparent that he was suffering a nervous breakdown and he was sectioned. Halliwell was praised by fans for his emotional portrayal during this storyline.
Steve Halliwell passed away last year (Credit: ITV)
Final scene
Zak’s final episode aired in June 2023. During a light-hearted scene, Zak was shown beeping the horn on his mobility scooter as Dan Spencer, who was working at the garage, called him Evel Knievel.
Dan then asked him how many buses he’d driven over lately, with Zak joking that the potholes were enough of a challenge. Dan remarked that it was nice to see Zak out and about.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page@emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter @emmerdaleinside
Zak Dingle was a mainstay in Emmerdale for almost 30 years. As the head of the Dingle clan, he was involved in some huge storylines during his time in the village.
During his life, Zak fathered seven children – though we didn’t meet them all – and married three different women. He was originally introduced as a boxing hardman, but soon evolved into a loving family man.
With Zak’s on-screen funeral taking place this week, here’s the lowdown on everything Zak Dingle.
Zak Dingle’s arrival in Emmerdale
Zak Dingle arrived in Emmerdale in October 1994 and immediately got on the wrong side of the locals. Having previously been a bare-knuckle boxer, Zak challenged old adversary Ned Glover to a bare-knuckle fight, which he went on to lose.
The Dingle family also started a feud with the McAllister family after holding them responsible for the death of Zak’s son, Ben. Ben was actually the first member of the Dingle family to appear in Emmerdale (August 1994). During a fight with Luke McAllister, Ben died of a heart defect, but the Dingles continued to blame Luke.
Zak was initially only supposed to be in a few episodes, but he made such a mark that actor Steve Halliwell was asked to stay on. The rest, as they say, is history.
Divorce from Nellie and meeting Lisa
Nellie was Zak’s first wife and the mother of five of his children – Nathan, Butch, Ben, Sam and Tina. She arrived at the start of 1995 and left at the end of the year to care for her father in Ireland.
Zak met Lisa in 1996 and the couple were instantly smitten. After divorcing Nellie, Zak married Lisa in 1998. That Christmas the pair got a present in the form of a baby, who they named Belle. It was a big surprise as Lisa hadn’t even known she was pregnant!
Nellie returned in 2000 and attempted to win Zak back, but he was not for turning.
Cain and Zak ended on good terms (Credit: ITV/ Shutterstock)
Relationship with Cain
Cain Dingle arrived in 2000 to attend the funeral of his ‘cousin’ Butch. But it was later revealed that Butch was actually his half brother.
Zak had a tempestuous relationship with Cain and during a heated argument in 2001, Zak revealed to Cain that he was his dad following an affair with Cain’s mum, Faith.
Cain and Zak went on to have a strained relationship. This came to a head in 2011 when Cain was viciously attacked and left for dead. Zak was later revealed to be the culprit. Zak and Cain’s relationship improved over the years, and, aside from Debbie, Cain was the last of the Dingles to see Zak alive. He is also the one to break the news of Zak’s passing to the rest of the family.
Zak’s health issues
In 2001, Zak was diagnosed with testicular cancer, but he refused to have treatment. His family eventually made him see sense and he went to hospital, eventually making a full recovery.
Years later, following this incident with Cain in 2011, Zak’s mental health took centre stage. Feeling guilty for attacking his son, Zak struggled to cope. He suffered from bouts of depression and hit the bottle hard.
He later became erratic and paranoid. After a vet gave his chickens a full bill of health, Zak convinced himself that something was wrong with them and he killed them. He also saw visions of his dead son Butch and became convinced that his cancer had returned. When it became obvious that a nervous breakdown was taking place, Zak was sectioned.
The storyline and Halliwell himself were praised by fans, who responded well to seeing an emotional side to Zak. The soap also received praise for covering the issue of male mental illness.
Lisa and Zak were a much-loved couple (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Joanie and losing Lisa
Zak and Lisa’s relationship wasn’t always rock solid, but they always found their way back to each other.
In 2000, Zak’s son Butch was killed when a lorry crashed into the bus he was travelling in. Zak initially blamed mechanic Lisa after he discovered that she had worked on the vehicle before it crashed. But he eventually relented.
The marriage collapsed completely in 2015 when Zak started a relationship with their lodger Joanie. Lisa and Zak divorced in 2016 and Zak married Joanie. The marriage was short-lived, however, due to Zak remaining close to his ex. Joanie then suffered a cardiac arrest and died in early 2017.
Lisa and Zak reunited in 2018. But there was no happy ever after as just a year later, Lisa was diagnosed with a heart condition and was given only a short amount of time left to live. The couple decided to re-marry, in what was an emotional occasion all round.
Following the wedding, Lisa returned home to change out of her dress after it became covered in mud. Zak went to find her and found her asleep on the sofa, but when he tried to wake her up he realised that she had passed away.
Steve Halliwell played the legendary character (Credit: Photo by ITV/Shutterstock )
Who played Zak Dingle?
Steve Halliwell played Zak from his first appearance in October 1994 until his final appearance in June 2023. One of his final scenes saw Zak beeping the horn on his mobility scooter as Dan Spencer, who was working at the garage, called him Evel Knievel. Zak then headed off to live in Scotland with Debbie.
In December 2023, it was announced that Steve Halliwell had sadly passed away at the age of 77. In a statement, the soap said: “It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that Emmerdale can confirm that Steve Halliwell, our beloved Zak Dingle, has peacefully passed away.
“Steve will forever be synonymous with Emmerdale. The proud defender and head of the Dingle family. Heart and humour in all he did, it has been and always will be impossible not to smile when you think of him.
“All our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and loved ones through this very difficult time, and we’d request that their privacy is respected as they grieve for his loss.”
Prior to Emmerdale, Halliwell had a long-standing role in The Practice, as well as making appearances in the likes of Coronation Street, Heartbeat and Cracker.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page@emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter @emmerdaleinside
