Butlers Farm in Emmerdale is one of the soap’s most recognisable properties. It is currently home to Moira and Cain Dingle, but it has a rich history.
The 157-acre working farm was built around 1800 and is situated a short distance from the main village.
As Emmerdale was originally an agricultural community, Butlers is an important piece of the village’s past.
The farm is the property of Kim Tate, who purchased it from previous owner Moira Dingle in 2023. Moira still owns the farmhouse of Butlers and the field where daughter Holly is buried. Moira lives there with husband Cain and their young sons Kyle Winchester and Isaac Dingle.
Location shooting for Butlers Farm is filmed at Brookland Farm, which is in the village of Eccup. The interior of Butlers farmhouse are filmed in the Emmerdale studios in Leeds.
Wilf was helped by Jack Sugden, but he still couldn’t turn his fortunes around at Butlers Farm (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
The history of Butlers Farm in Emmerdale
The farm is thought to date back to the beginning of the early nineteenth century. It was originally owned by a local man called Wilf Butler, who gave his name to the farm.
Butlers was thought to have remained in the Butler family until 2003, when it was first seen on screen.
Wilf had a son called Stephen and when we first met them, Wilf, played by Peter Armitage, was almost bankrupt. With the farm in poverty Jack Sugden helped him out.
Andy was only young when he took over (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
The Andy Sugden years
In 2003, farmer’s son Andy Sugden decided he wanted to have a go at running his own holding. He and first wife Katie Addyman took over the tenancy and the young couple grafted all hours to keep the farm running.
Following his divorce from Katie, Andy married Jo Stiles, but the pair split due to Andy’s violent behaviour.
Andy struggled to run the farm on his own, and when Jo sold all of Butlers equipment and livestock he was left with nothing.
He subsequently suffered a complete mental breakdown and was forced to give up his beloved Butlers, marking the end of an era.
The Bartons faced some struggles there (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
The John Barton years at Butlers Farm in Emmerdale
Butlers was given a shake-up with the arrival of the Bartons in 2009.
This modern farming family were brought in by former series producer, Gavin Blyth and consisted of dad John, mum Moira and their three teenage children Adam, Holly and Hannah (who is now Matty).
Andy was re-hired and the family also brought in farmhand Alex Moss to help them manage Butlers.
In 2011, John and Moira decided they wanted to make Butlers their permanent home and bought it from the Home Farm estate for a reduced price.
Following John’s tragic death in a car accident, grieving Moira wanted to sell Butlers, but was convinced her kids to stay put.
The Barton boys made an impact (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
The James Barton years
In 2014, Butlers saw the arrival of four new faces – John’s brother James Barton and his three sons, Pete, Ross and Finn.
The clan had come to Butlers because they had lost their own farm. James and co were later joined by his former wife, Emma.
After James’s death in October 2016 his shares in Butlers went Emma and their sons
Holly’s death was devastating (Credit: ITV)
Deaths at Butlers Farm in Emmerdale
You could say it’s something of a curse to live at Butlers – particularly if your last name is Barton!
The first of the Barton brood to meet their maker was John, who perished in a car crash.
The family then suffered tragic two losses in 2016.
In September, Moira discovered her daughter Holly dead in bed after she’d succumbed to a heroin overdose in her sleep. This sad event marked the only death to actually occur in Butlers.
And the next month, James was accidentally pushed off a bridge by his wife, Emma.
Almost a year on from that fateful day, Emma accidentally gunned down Finn, and was subsequently pushed to her death off a viaduct by Moira.
Crikey!
Forbidden romance turned into everlasting love (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Steamy affairs
If the walls in Butlers could talk, they’d have some saucy tales to tell!
There’s been quite a bit of rolling around in haystacks – particularly involving Moira!
Her relationship with Cain actually began as an affair, when she was still married to first husband, John, and the lovers enjoyed a few steamy sessions in the farmhouse.
Moira also has also engaged in hanky panky with farmhand Alex Moss, and more recently Nate Robinson – who turned out to be Cain’s long-lost son!
Happy ever after for Moira and Cain? (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Wedding bells
Cain and Moira Dingle tied the knot at Butlers back in 2014.
One of the farm’s barns was transformed into a wedding venue and the couple’s loved ones gathered there to watch the happy pair exchange vows.
Recently another of the Butlers barns has had a complete makeover, so could more wedding plans be on the horizon?
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.
Tracy Robinson (nee Shankley) in Emmerdale has been causing trouble in the village for almost a decade.
Estranged from second husband Nate Robinson she is desperate to pursue her dream of opening a forest nursery. But will she ever manage it?
She’s gone from wild child to much-loved mum (Credit: ITV)
Who is Tracy Robinson in Emmerdale?
She is the daughter of the late Frank Clayton and Evette Shankley, the latter of whom has never been seen on-screen.
Tracy’s parents split when she was a young girl. She lost contact with Frank and Evette turned to alcohol in order to cope. Tracy is also the half-sister of vet Vanessa Woodfield.
The siblings are former housemates and didn’t discover they were related until 2016, nearly two years after their first meeting.
A former prostitute and thief, Tracy’s upbringing was far from a happy one, although she no longer engages in criminal activities.
Tracy has also been married twice. Her 2016 union with David Metcalfe ended in divorce two years later. She’s estranged from husband Nate Robinson after cheating on him with his uncle, Caleb Miligan.
The love of Tracy’s life is her young daughter, Frankie, who she welcomed in February 2021 and named in honour of her late father.
Tracy was a scammer when she first arrived (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Tracy’s arrival
Wild child Tracy made her on-screen debut on July 7, 2014 and was first introduced as a love interest of Sam Dingle, who she’d met via an online chat group.
Going by the name Coleen, Tracy cruelly scammed Sam out of money. He later found her sleeping rough and invited her to stay at the Dingles’ while she found her feet again.
Tracy then moved into the B&B to live with Eric and Val Pollard, but proved old habits die hard when she was caught with her fingers in Val’s purse.
David proposed with a unique ring! (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Her love life
Tracy began dating shop owner David Metcalfe, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer shortly into their relationship. She supported him through his illness and the couple got hitched in 2016 after David was given the all clear.
Their marriage only lasted a couple of years, after Tracy’s past as a prostitute was exposed when she got a stalker. Davis was unable to cope with who she had been and had a one-night stand with ex, Leyla. But Tracy and David hooked up for one last night together, which resulted in her falling pregnant. Feeling unable to keep the baby, Tracy had a termination.
Her next relationship was with Nate Robinson, but what started out as just a no-strings fling turned serious when Tracy learnt she was expecting.
In early 2021 she gave birth to a little girl called Frankie. After overcoming a few obstacles, Tracy and Nate finally made it official and married in July 2023.
Faith helped Tracy understand she needed help (Credit: ITV)
Tracy’s postnatal depression
Motherhood hasn’t been the easiest ride for Tracy.
Just days after Frankie’s birth, Tracy found herself overwhelmed and unable to cope looking after her new baby. She battled with postnatal depression in silence for months, and came very close to taking her own life.
Thankfully, Tracy recognised she needed help and committed herself to a psychiatric ward, leaving Frankie in Nate’s care.
She returned to the village a few months later, but was heartbroken to discover Nate had been unfaithful in her absence.
Nate’s betrayal resulted in Tracy relocating to Nottingham, which coincided with actress Amy Walsh’s maternity leave.
Tracy and Caleb were caught out at Christmas (Credit: ITV)
Affair with Caleb Miligan
With the ink barely dry on her marriage certificate to Nate, Tracy shocked viewers by embarking on a forbidden affair with his uncle, Caleb Miligan.
Despite her best efforts, Tracy was unable to resist the charms of the smooth-talking businessman. The lustful duo took major risks by engaging in passionate trysts across the village, but ended up getting caught in the act by Moira Dingle.
She ordered Tracy and Caleb to end their affair, which they did, only to resume it weeks later.
Tracy eventually decided she didn’t love Nate any more and ended their marriage. He found out she had been bedding Caleb when Caleb’s wife Ruby announced it at Belle and Tom’s wedding reception.
Caleb decided to make a go of things with Ruby, leaving Tracy out in the cold and all alone. She threw herself into her forest nursery idea, but determined to get him to prove his loyalty, Ruby made Caleb sabotage her presentation to potential investors. He exposed her prostitute past and it left her dream in tatters.
She now works in Eric’s shop, desperately trying to salvage her future.
Amy is married to an EastEnders star (Credit: Steve Vas/Future Image/Cover Images)
Who plays Tracy Robinson?
Emmerdale’s Tracy Robinson is played by British actress Amy Walsh. She was born on 27 March 1987 and raised in Bradford, West Yorkshire.
Amy is the youngest of four children, and her sister Kimberley Walsh is a member of the iconic girl group Girls Aloud.
Her other sister, Sally Walsh, also had a role in Emmerdale and played the character of Lyn Hutchinson between 1997 and 2000.
Amy’s first television appearance was as Jennifique McQueen in series four of the Hollyoaks spin-off, Hollyoaks Later.
Interestingly, Tracy wasn’t the first Emmerdale character Amy tried out for. She previously auditioned for the part of Rachel Breckle, which went to actress Gemma Oaten.
In August 2023, Amy married former EastEnders actor Toby-Alexander Smith in the foothills of Montenegro’s towering mountains.
The couple met in the audience of Strictly Come Dancing back in 2019, and moved in together when the Covid pandemic hit.
They are parents to their daughter, Bonnie Mae, who they welcomed in December 2021.
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.
Eden Taylor-Draper is best known to millions as Emmerdale’s Belle King (nee Dingle). The Yorkshire lass joined the soap in 2005 at the tender age of eight when she took over the part from Emily Mather.
Viewers have watched Belle – and Eden – grow up on screen.
During her two decades on Emmerdale, Belle has been at the centre of several major storylines, including a battle with schizophrenia, an illicit affair with a married doctor, faking a pregnancy and the tragic loss of her mum, Lisa Dingle.
Eden is no stranger to acting out tough scenes, but this year has been particularly challenging as Belle has found herself trapped in an abusive marriage to new husband Tom.
The once bubbly businesswoman has found herself on the receiving end of Tom’s jealous temper as he’s attempted to control every aspect of her life.
Thankfully life away from the cameras is a far happier one for Eden. Here is everything you need to know about the star.
Eden, pictured at the 2023 British Soap Awards, has been in Emmerdale since she was a child (Credit: SplashNews.com)
Who is Eden Taylor-Draper and how old is she?
Eden Taylor-Draper is a British actress who plays Emmerdale’s Belle King. She was born on 28 October 1997, making her 26-years-old.
Eden grew up in the market town of Selby, which is situated in North Yorkshire. It is around 30 minutes from where the soap is filmed.
Eden’s real-life family is as close as her on-screen one.
She’s the eldest of five, and her parents Nicola and Richard also have son Sebastian and daughters Pollyanna, Francesca and Posy.
Things are not great for Belle right now (Credit: ITV)
Eden Taylor-Draper as Belle Dingle in Emmerdale
Eden plays wedding planner Belle King (nee Dingle). Born Tinkerbelle Lisa ‘Belle’ Dingle, she’s the youngest daughter of Zak Dingle and the only child of his late wife, Lisa Dingle.
She has six half-siblings – Nathan, the late Ben and Butch, Sam, Cain and Tina Dingle.
Belle has lived her whole life in the village, being born and raised in Wishing Well Cottage.
The character made her first appearance on Christmas Day 1998. Viewers have watched Belle grow from a tiny baby to a smart and accomplished businesswoman.
Belle was originally played by twins Emily and James Mather. James stopped appearing in 2000 and Emily in 2005 when Eden took over the role.
Belle’s journey has been nothing short of dramatic.
Her storylines have included a surviving a near-fatal fall down a mineshaft, accidentally killing her best friend, an affair with a married man, faking a pregnancy and battle with schizophrenia.
In February 2024, Belle married her ex-boyfriend and village vet, Thomas King. The pair originally dated as teenagers and reconnected when Tom returned to the village after several years living abroad.
Sadly, married life has got off to the worst start for Belle. Tom has revealed himself to be a jealous and controlling bully. The vet has subjected his wife to appalling physical and mental abuse, including deliberately burning her hand.
Although becoming increasingly more aware of Tom’s actions, Belle has been manipulated into believing she’s the one responsible.
What else has Eden Taylor-Draper been in?
Emmerdale is Eden’s first professional acting gig.
In 2007, at the age of nine, she appeared in a short film titled The Cardiac Oak.
Eden was by her sister’s side throughout her treatment (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
She supported her sister through cancer
In 2017, Eden’s family went through the toughest of times when her young sister Francesca was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Eden took a break from work so she could be by Francesca’s side while she underwent treatment at hospital.
Speaking to The Mirror in 2020, Eden revealed: “Chessie [her nickname for Francesca] had her bed and I had a little bed next to her.
“Mornings would be a snuggle, cup of tea and re-runs of Come Dine With Me. I tried to keep Chess as cosy as possible. We’d always say love you before bed, and that everything would be okay.”
Thankfully, Francesca is now in remission. The life-changing experience prompted Eden to become an ambassador for Teenage Cancer Trust.
She’s also taken part in the Great North Run for Bloodwise, a UK charity that raises funds into research for all blood cancers.
Belle’s love life might have turned into a living nightmare, but Eden’s couldn’t be more different. The actress has been in a relationship with her high school sweetheart, Ed Lewis, for eight years.
The cute couple first met while they were both pupils at Harrogate Grammar School. Ed, who’s not in the showbiz industry, frequently appears on Eden’s social media account.
Eden looked every inch the proud girlfriend in 2019 when she accompanied Ed to his graduation at Durham University, where he achieved a first class honours degree in geography.
The couple also regularly share gorgeous photographs of their travels together, including summer breaks to Italy and Croatia and a festive getaway in Austria.
Eden’s co-stars are like family (Credit: SplashNews.com)
Her Emmerdale co-stars are like family
Eden is super close to her Emmerdale co-stars and has come to consider many of them as her second family.
Despite there being 23 years between her and Emma Atkins (aka Charity Dingle), Eden says their unbreakable bond makes it feel like they’re the same age and more like sisters.
Eden also regularly hangs out with Isabel Hodgins (Victoria Sugden), Daisy Campbell (Amelia Spencer) and Jessie Elland (who played Chloe Harris).
And in 2023, the four friends started their own book club called Rather Be Reading so they could discuss their favourite reads.
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.
The Tate family have been a staple of Emmerdale for 35 years, bringing a touch of class and a lot of drama to the village.
During the past almost four decades, they’ve been at the centre of many of the show’s most explosive storylines.
The Tates came to the Dales in 1989, and their arrival signified a change in direction and feel for the ITV soap. The clan were headed by patriarch Frank, who became the lord of the manor at Home Farm
Frank had five children in total, two of which he knew nothing about.
From his first marriage he had son and heir Chris and daughter Zoe, and then son James, aka Jamie, with second wife Kim.
The Tate matriarch also was father to two sons, Liam Hammond and Caleb Miligan. Both were the products of extramarital affairs and their existence was only revealed years after Frank’s death.
It’s been 27 years since Frank slipped off the mortal coil, but the Tate presence remains strong in Emmerdale – with his grandchildren now flying the flag for the next generation.
Here is a look at who’s who in the brood and how they’re all related.
The head of the Tate family: Frank (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Head of the Tate family in Emmerdale: Frank Tate
Francis ‘Frank’ Ronald Tate, played by Norman Bowler, was the patriarch of the wealthy Tate family and Emmerdale’s first true villain.
He arrived in the village in November 1989 along with his two grown up children, Chris and Zoe, and became the new owner of Home Farm.
His second wife and former secretary, Kim joined them a month later.
Frank was previously married to Chris and Zoe’s mum Jean, who fell ill with cancer in 1984. It was revealed Frank had assisted in Jean ending her own life and was having an affair with Kim at the time of her death.
A successful haulage baron, Frank was rich and powerful, but deeply flawed. He drank too much alcohol and had a violent temper. Frank and Kim’s marriage was tempestuous and littered with affairs and betrayals.
They welcomed baby son James in 1996, but that same year Frank tried to have Kim murdered, only to end up killing her lookalike instead.
Frank suffered a fatal heart attack 1997 after Kim ‘returned from the dead’ and had Frank framed for her ‘murder’. He died on the living room floor at Home Farm, while cold-hearted Kim used her compact mirror to check he’d taken his last breath before reapplying her make-up.
The only remaining Tate: Kim is a soap legend (Credit: ITV)
Kim Tate
Kim Tate (nee Barker), played by Claire King, was Frank’s gold-digging second wife who successfully managed to go from being his secretary to spouse.
Decades younger than her millionaire husband, Kim craved excitement and found that in the affairs she had with gamekeeper Neil Kinkaid and Dave Glover, who perished in a fire at Home Farm.
Kim survived Frank’s abuse and his attempt to kill her, and had him framed for her supposed murder.
Two years after Frank’s death, Kim fled the village with their son James in a helicopter.
During her absence, she served five years in prison while James was sent to boarding school.
Kim made her triumphant return to Emmerdale in 2018 and reclaimed her rightful place as lady of the manor.
She is the only original member of the Tate family left in the village.
Charity soon found out Chris was as manipulative as his father (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
The Tate family in Emmerdale: Chris Tate
Chris Tate was born in 1963, and was the first child of Frank and Jean Tate. He was played by Peter Amory.
Once heir to the Tate fortune, Chris was the managing director of the family’s haulage firm.
But life dealt Chris a tragic blow when he was injured in the 1993 plane crash and left paralysed from the waist down.
Chris loathed stepmum Kim, and the feeling was mutual. Although in real life actors Peter Amory (Chris) and Claire King (Kim) were actually a married couple.
Chris had a total of three wives. His first marriage to Kathy Merrick ended after he cheated on her with Rachel Hughes.
Rachel fell pregnant and gave birth to Chris’s son Joseph in June 1995. Chris and Rachel wed in December of the same year, but it lasted less than a year.
In 2001, Chris married Charity Dingle, and the couple welcomed son Noah. But things turned sour when Charity cheated.
Chris then discovered he had an inoperable brain tumour and took in his own life in 2003. He framed Charity for his murder in a final act of revenge.
Zoe was much-loved by villagers and viewers (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Zoe Tate
Village vet Zoe, played by Leah Bracknell, was the only daughter of Frank Tate. She was at the centre of several huge storylines.
She made history as the first lesbian character in a British soap when she came out in 1993.
In 1996, Zoe had a blessing ceremony with girlfriend Emma Nightingale, but then left her for Emma’s ex Susan Wilde. Zoe also had a memorable fling with Chris’s wife, Charity Dingle.
As well as dealing with the trauma of losing her father and brother, Zoe was diagnosed with schizophrenia.
She had a brief romance with Scott Windsor, which resulted in the birth of her daughter, Jean, who Zoe named after her late mother.
After standing trial for attempted murder, Zoe left the village in 2005. She took Jean and Chris’s son Joseph – and blew Home Farm up on her way out!
Revenge was on Liam’s mind (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Liam Hammond
Two years after Frank’s death, Liam Hammond arrived in the Dales. He was revealed to be the late Tate’s illegitimate son.
The character was played by actor Liam Powley. Liam was the product of an affair between Frank and an unnamed woman.
He was born two years before Chris’s birth, which meant he was the eldest of Frank’s kids.
In revenge for his father’s abandonment and his deprived upbringing, Liam kidnapped Chris and held him hostage. Zoe came to Chris’s rescue and ended up fatally shooting Liam.
She and Chris then destroyed all evidence of their half-brother’s connection to the family. They had Liam buried near Frank.
Revenge was also on Caleb’s mind (Credit: ITV)
Caleb Miligan
Just when viewers thought they’d seen the last of Frank Tate’s offspring, along came Caleb Miligan.
The character, played by William Ash, turned up on Christmas Day 2022 and soon revealed himself to be Frank’s long-lost son.
Caleb was conceived during the summer of 1975 when his mum Faith Dingle had an affair with Frank. She gave birth to Caleb in prison and he was subsequently brought up in care.
Caleb viewed the Home Farm empire as his birth right. He set about trying to destroy Kim in a bid to avenge his father’s death.
Ultimately, Caleb‘s plan failed, but he’s got plenty more schemes up his sleeve.
He successfully faked his own death – just like his mother (Credit: ITV)
James Tate
James ‘Jamie’ Tate is the only child of Frank and Kim Tate.
His early years were anything other than stable. His mother faked her own death, his father died when he was just a baby and he was then kidnapped by his nanny Jan Glover.
Jamie left the village in 1999, but spent most of his childhood in boarding school after Kim was sent to prison.
During his 10-year absence, Jamie trained to become a vet. He also married wife Andrea and became a dad to Millie.
The character returned to the Dales in 2019, played by Alexander Lincoln, and proved he was a chip off the old block with his affairs and general manipulative behaviour.
His one-night stand with Gabby Thomas resulted in the birth of his son, Thomas Tate.
After being exposed for poisoning Kim, Jamie followed in his mum’s footsteps by faking his own death.
It was later revealed he was still alive and had been living with Millie and her gran – meaning the door remains open for Jamie to come and cause some further carnage.
Dashing Joe was a welcome arrival (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Joseph Tate
Joseph ‘Joe’ Tate is the son of the late Chris Tate and Rachel Hughes. He spent most of his childhood in boarding school after being shipped off there when he was just a young lad.
Joe returned to the village in 2017 (played by Ned Porteous) under the alias of Tom Waterhouse.
He seduced Debbie Dingle to get revenge on her mum, Charity, who he blamed for his father Chris.s death – but ended up falling for her in the process.
Joe then bought back Home Farm and set about restoring the grand country pile, while making an enemy of a lot of the locals.
In October 2018, Joe was presumed dead after being punched by Cain Dingle. Kim’s right-hand man Graham Foster was ordered to dispose of the body, but ultimately set him free.
Joe is still alive and well and living abroad somewhere off Kim’s money.
Zoe’s only child hasn’t been seen since she was a little girl (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Jean Tate
Jean Tate is Zoe’s only child and Frank Tate’s granddaughter. She was born in January 2003.
She was the product of a one-night stand between Zoe and Scott Windsor. However, the circumstances of Jean’s conception were complicated – Zoe was in the grips of schizophrenia at the time and had no recollection of having slept with Scott.
Jean left the village in September 2005 when Zoe took her and her cousin Joe to live in New Zealand.
She hasn’t been seen since.
He was hiding a secret when he arrived (Credit: ITV)
Nicky Miligan
Much like his half-cousin Joe Tate, Nicky chose not to reveal his true identity when he first arrived in the village. The male nanny, played by Lewis Cope, was secretly working in cahoots with dad Caleb to try and destroy Kim.
Part of that plan involved seducing Kim’s protegee Gaby Thomas. The couple were set to marry, but Nicky’s conscience kicked in on the wedding day and he told Gabby the whole thing was a sham and that he was in fact, gay.
Nicky remained in the village and has since had a romance with Suni Sharma.
Prison reformed Noah (Credit: ITV)
Noah Dingle
Noah Dingle is the son of Chris Tate and Charity Dingle, born in 2004.
Following in a Tate tradition, Noah was born in a prison hospital when Charity was serving time for the murder of his father.
Zoe tried to adopt Noah, and renamed him Christopher after his father. But Charity reclaimed her son and the pair went off to live in Spain.
Noah returned in 2007 and has remained in the village ever since.
His teenage years have not been without drama though – Noah has overdosed on drugs and spent time in prison for a stalking offense.
Kim’s granddaughter hasn’t been seen much lately (Credit: ITV)
Millie Tate
Millie is Frank Tate’s youngest granddaughter.
She’s the daughter of Jamie Tate and his ex-wife, the late Andrea Tate.
Millie’s mum Andrea died in a fire in October 2021 after being attacked and left to perish by murderer Meena Jutla.
The youngster currently lives abroad with Jamie and her gran, Hazel.
Gabby is Thomas’s mum (Credit: ITV)
Thomas Tate
Thomas Tate is the youngest member of the family.
Like so many of the Tates before him, Thomas was conceived from a one-night stand. In this case it was between Jamie Tate and Gabby Thomas.
With Jamie’s current whereabouts unknown, Thomas lives at Home Farm with Gabby, and where Kim can keep a close eye on her grandson.
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.
Danny Miller is best known for playing Emmerdale bad boy Aaron Dingle. He joined the soap in 2008 and has appeared on and off since then.
Danny has been embroiled in some very hard-hitting storylines during his time on Emmerdale.
These include Aaron’s struggle to accept his homosexuality, the horrifying abuse he suffered at the hands of his father Gordon Livesy, a prison sentence and his marriage to Robert Sugden.
The fans fell hard for Robron, and they ended up becoming one of the most popular partnerships the Dales has ever had.
Aaron also has a notoriously difficult relationship with his mum, Chas.
But who is the man behind Aaron’s mask? Danny Miller is a former I’m A Celebrity winner, a dad of two and even has a famous father.
He’s a good boy a heart (Credit: ITV)
Aaron Dingle in Emmerdale
Danny plays tortured scrapyard worker Aaron Dingle. He’s the son of Chas Dingle, who walked out on Aaron as a child, and the pair have a notoriously stormy relationship.
Aaron had a traumatic upbringing and suffered terrible abuse at the hands of his father, Gordon Livesey.
There have been many dark moments in Aaron’s life.
These include an attempt on his life after coming to terms with his homosexuality, dealing with the suicide of his first boyfriend, Jackson Walsh, covering up the death of Katie Sugden, watching husband Robert Sugden go to prison and finding boyfriend Ben Tucker murdered.
Aaron was reunited with estranged half-sister Liv Flaherty, but tragedy struck when she was killed off during the show’s 50th anniversary episodes.
Danny is the second actor to play the character of Aaron and has been in the role since 2008. One of soap’s most decorated stars, Danny has won Best Actor at the British Soap Awards on three separate occasions.
Danny Miller is much more joyous than his alter ego (Credit: Splashnews.com)
Who is Danny Miller?
Daniel Benedict Miller is a British actor best known for playing Emmerdale’s Aaron Dingle. He joined the Yorkshire-based soap when he was 17-years-old, having previously made his TV debut on BBC drama series, Grange Hill.
Danny has previously stated he would have quit acting if he’d not landed the role of Aaron.
How old is Danny Miller?
Danny Miller was born on 2 January 1991 , making him 33-years-old. He grew up in Stockport, Greater Manchester.
He’s the youngest child of Andrea and Vince Miller.
Danny isn’t the first famous member of his family. His dad, Vince Miller, was known as the ‘king of comperes’ back in his heyday.
Vince worked as the VIP host at Manchester United Football Club for 29 years, interviewing legends such as Sir Alex Ferguson on matchdays.
Danny Miller was 2021’s winner (Credit: ITV)
Winning I’m A Celebrity
Danny was crowned the winner in the 2021 series of ITV’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! He beat fellow finalists Coronation Street star Simon Gregson and singer Frankie Bridge for the coveted crown.
The series that Danny starred in took place at Gwrych Castle in north Wales, after the Covid-19 pandemic prevented filming in Australia.
Speaking after his victory, Danny described the I’m A Celebrity experience as being “the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
What else has Danny Miller been in?
Danny’s first television role was playing Kyle Brown in eight episodes of Grange Hill.
He’s proved himself to be a versatile talent with roles in big ITV dramas such as Lightfields, Scott & Bailey and Jamaica Inn.
Danny also starred in a feature film titled Cruel Summer.
Aaron’s last exit was in 2021 (Credit: ITV)
Danny Miller leaves Emmerdale
Danny’s quit Emmerdale twice since he started in 2008. He first left in 2012 to pursue other acting ventures, before making a comeback in 2014.
Seven years later, Danny left Emmerdale again at the same time he was confirmed as part of the line-up on I’m A Celebrity.
Fans didn’t have to wait long to see Aaron again though as Danny made a dramatic return during the show’s 50th anniversary episodes.
He then made a full-time comeback in 2023.
Danny is married to midwife Steph (Credit: Splashnews.com)
He’s married to his childhood sweetheart
Danny married midwife Steph Jones in the summer of 2022. The couple first met when they were pupils at the same primary school.
Danny popped the question during a romantic holiday to St Lucia, which Steph had booked to celebrate his 30th birthday.
The couple exchanged vows in the picturesque Nunsmere Hall Hotel in Cheshire in front of 140 of their friends and family.
Danny and Steph have their very own family of four. In 2021 the couple discovered they were expecting just as they were about to start IVF treatment.
In October that year Steph gave birth to a baby boy, who they called Albert. And their little girl, Edith, joined the family in August 2023.
The couple introduced little Edith during an interview on ITV’s Loose Women. During the broadcast Danny praised Steph for breastfeeding on live television.
Danny’s new venture
In 2023, Danny announced he’d turned to narrating audio books – which are his son Albert’s favourite.
In a post on his X account, Danny said: “Myself & @nigewingmanclucas are delighted to finally announce the release of ALBERTS BOOKSHELF!! Please watch the video as it explains the bigger picture behind releasing our very own audiobooks of some of Albert’s Favourite books read by his Dad.”
Friends Danny and Daniel set up a charity together (Credit: SplashNews.com)
Charity work
Alongside fellow actor Daniel Jillings, Danny founded children’s bereavement charity Once Upon A Smile in August 2011. The organisation provides emotional and practical support to bereaved families.
They opened Sidley House, Manchester’s first dedicated Children’s bereavement centre in 2019.
Every year the charity hosts the Grand Ball to raise funds. Danny and his Emmerdale co-stars are always in attendance. Last year they raised £35,000.
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.
Lucy Pargeter has played the part of Emmerdale landlady Chas Dingle for over two decades. She joined the cast of the Yorkshire-based soap back in 2002 and has been at the centre of some of its biggest storylines.
Chas is the landlady of The Woolpack, has a famously fractious relationship with on-screen son Aaron Dingle, and a history of doomed romances.
In 2019 Lucy scooped Best Actress at the British Soap Awards for her heartbreaking portrayal of baby loss.
But what other shows has Lucy Pargeter starred in? And is she luckier in love than her on-screen alter ego?
The actress feels right at home in Emmerdale (Credit: SplashNews.com)
Who is Lucy Pargeter?
Lucy Pargeter is a British actress best known for playing Emmerdale’s Chas Dingle.
She has been in the acting business for over 25 years and appeared in a number of popular TV dramas.
Lucy got her big break in 2002 when she joined Emmerdale’s iconic Dingle family.
She made her first on-screen appearance in the October of that year and Chas now one of the Dale’s longest-serving characters.
How old is Lucy Pargeter?
Lucy Pargeter was born on March 1, 1977, which makes her 47-years-old.
The actress was born and raised in Nottingham, and trained at the Central Junior Television Workshop and New College.
Chas has had a hard year (Credit: ITV)
Chas Dingle in Emmerdale
Lucy plays feisty Woolpack manager and mum-of-three, Chas Dingle. Chas has lived in the Dales for over 20 years and spent most of those at the helm of the village pub.
She went from barmaid to co-owner to landlady, but was forced to sell her beloved boozer after being swindled by ex-lover Al Chapman.
Chas’s love life is a soap in itself.
She was married to loveable village vet Paddy Kirk, but messed it up by sleeping with Al.
The character clearly has a thing for killers as her exes include the dangerous (and now deceased) Carl King and Cameron Murray.
Chas is a proud mum of three, although far from the model parent – particularly with son, Aaron. The status of their on/off relationship is currently estranged, but working their way towards reconciliation following her cancer diagnosis.
Chas suffered the worst possible heartbreak in 2018 when her baby daughter Grace died from a rare kidney condition. However, happiness followed when she and Paddy welcomed little Eve the following year.
2024 looks set to be another tough year for Chas, who is recovering from a double mastectomy following a triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis, the same cancer that claimed her mum Faith’s life.
The actress has quite the voice (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Lucy Pargeter used to be a popstar
That’s right!
Before becoming a soap actress, Lucy was a member of girl group, Paperdolls. The trio toured with Irish boy band Boyzone in the 1990s.
Paperdolls also released a single called Gonna Make You Blush’, which made it to number 65 in the charts.
Lucy took part in the celebrity version of Stars In Their Eyes as Spice Girl Emma Bunton. And in 2006 she featured in reality singing competition, Soapstar Superstar.
Lucy wowed audiences with her performances – which included belting out Bonnie Tyler’s Holding Out For A Hero.
Crossroads was pre-Emmerdale for Lucy (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
What else has Lucy Pargeter been in?
Lucy’s first professional acting gig was in the 1996 TV movie The Bare Necessities. She starred opposite her future Emmerdale on-screen brother, William Ash (who plays Caleb Miligan).
The actress also has had small parts in a number of popular dramas, including Dalziel and Pascoe and Soldier Soldier.
Prior to landing her role in Emmerdale, Lucy was best known for playing Helen Raven in the re-make of iconic soap Crossroads.
Fans of Lucy will also remember her appearance in the thirteenth series of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here. Lucy survived the whole jungle experience and finished in a very respectable third place.
She’s undergone breast surgery
Lucy underwent two boob jobs – the first aged 21 and her second aged 32.
But a botched operation left Lucy suffering from years of ill health, including rashes and breathing difficulties. She made the decision to have her implants removed in 2019 after discovering they’d turned toxic.
Lucy made a before-and-after surgery video as part of a Channel 4 Dispatches documentary, investigating women who claimed their implants were making them ill.
In the footage she recorded, Lucy said: “Four days until I get these toxic bags out of my body. This current set have been in for just over 11 years.
“I know that everything is going to be much better – but what am I going to look like?”
Thankfully, Lucy’s surgery was a success and she made a full recovery.
The couple share three daughters, but split in 2019 (Credit: SplashNews.com)
Lucy’s sad love split
Lucy was in a long-term relationship with football coach, Rudi Coleano. The couple were engaged to be married, and almost tied the knot while holidaying in Dubai – but decided against it.
In 2019, Lucy and Rudi announced they’d mutually agreed to separate.
A statement released by the pair at the time read: “Lucy Pargeter has confirmed she has separated from her long-term partner, Rudi Coleano, and, while no longer together, their main priority is raising their three daughters.”
“I’m in a new relationship now. Exclusive. Don’t say anything,” she said.
Lucy bravely confessed she’d felt nervous about dating again following her breast surgery.
“Massive fear for me being a single mother of three, possibly finding someone else to spend the rest of my life with and thinking, ‘oh my god, the first thing I’m going to have to say is I’ve got no tits.”
She continued: “I constantly find myself apologising for having no tits, but he’s like, ‘I don’t give a [bleep] if you’ve got tits or not. It’s you that I love and it’s you who I want to be with.”
Lucy had IVF to fall pregnant again (Credit: ITV)
Does Lucy Pargeter have children?
Lucy has three daughters, who she shares with her former partner Rudi Coleano. Their eldest, Lola, was born in 2005 and is currently 18-years-old.
In April 2017, Lucy gave birth to twin girls, called Missy and Betsy.
Lucy’s twins were conceived via IVF after the actress struggled to fall pregnant naturally, something which she openly discussed at the time.
Lucy returned to work on Emmerdale five months after welcoming Missy and Betsy and has been on our screens ever since.
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.
