Ross Barton’s return to Emmerdale has definitely ruffled a few feathers. His return stunned ex Charity while angering her husband Mackenzie, especially after Ross kissed Charity.
He seems to have now settled back into life in the village, but Ross’ love life is usually at the centre of the drama. With him now being single, it seems like he could be set to have a love interest soon as Steph Miligan catches his attention.
But, what does Mike Parr think of his character’s love life?
Will Ross find love again in the village? (Credit: ITV)
Mike Parr on Ross’ love life in Emmerdale
Ross has confirmed he’s single after revealing he split from his former partner Rebecca a while ago, before she sadly passed away.
While it seemed like he may reunite with Charity, or even spark up a new romance with someone else, such as Steph, it seems Ross could be better off alone.
Actor Mike Parr has revealed his thoughts on his character’s love life, admitting he doesn’t want to see Ross settle down anytime soon.
“I think from my point of view, I don’t want to see him fall in love, and get married, and have kids,” Mike admitted whilst speaking to Emmerdale Insider and other media.
He went on to say he wants to keep Ross as a ‘loner.’ The Emmerdale star added: “Ross’ USP is that he’s kind of a loner. He can attach into different people’s storylines. So I would like to keep him as a rogue.
“I would rather keep him a bit of a lone wolf.”
Ross tried to reconnect with ex Charity (Credit: ITV)
Ross’ return and kiss with Charity
Since Ross arrived back in the village, he’s got back in Charity’s good books. With Ross having vowed to give up illegal boxing and focus on his and Charity’s son Moses, he managed to win her over.
After Charity remarking that she liked the ‘new, mature Ross,’ the pair spent some time along together. Ross proceeded to flirt up a storm with his former flame before telling her wanted to live with her and Moses.
Ross tried to kiss Charity, but she pushed him away and insisted she only has eyes for Mack. However, there’s clearly some chemistry still at play.
In more recent scenes, Ross set his sights on newcomer Steph. He began flirting with her in the barn, with fans wondering if he’s set for a new romance.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
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
It’s been a big year for the Dingles, and with it, Emmerdale fans have noticed a change in Sam Dingle – and they’re here for it.
The last few months alone have seen Sam come to terms with his son being sent to prison, the revelation that his sister has been abused by her husband and his dad’s death.
Fans believe that these big events have seen Sam become more emotionally intelligent.
Sam’s son Samson was sent to prison (Credit: ITV)
Sam’s big year
Following on from 2023, which saw Sam’s wife Lydia assaulted by her childhood friend Craig, things continued to be tough for Sam. Earlier this year, Sam’s son Samson teamed up with local thug Josh Cope. They carried out a robbery at The Hide. Unfortunately, waiter Matty Barton was there and a scuffle broke out. Samson ended up being stabbed and then lied to the police that Matty had stabbed him on purpose.
Matty was jailed, but Samson eventually admitted the truth. He was then sentenced to four years in prison. The whole situation took its toll on Sam, who was heartbroken to lose his son.
Then came Belle’s revelation that husband Tom had been emotionally and physically abusing her for the past year. Sam was furious that anyone would hurt his little sister.
More bad news came last month with Zak Dingle‘s death. Sam and Cain travelled to Scotland together to retrieve Zak’s body and bring him home to Emmerdale. Sam, Cain and Belle then came together to give Zak the perfect Dingle farewell.
Emmerdale fans think Sam has matured (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale fans praise Sam Dingle character change
Throughout Sam’s tough time, fans have noticed how well Sam has dealt with everything and have commented that he appears more mature.
Taking to Reddit, one fan wrote: “Sam has always been made out to be not very bright and pretty useless but recently his character is changing for the better. Now he is often the voice of reason and keeps his head when others are losing theirs.
“For example he was at the hospital trying to support Cain and talking sense into him. Another one was when he was telling Cain and others not to go all guns blazing punching Tom because it wouldn’t help Belle’s situation.”
They added: “He was great with Lydia after her attack and does his duty towards Amelia and the baby. I think he is finally coming into his own and showing some leadership and good qualities. He’s always played second fiddle to Cain but he’s showing some strength of character now.”
Others agreed, with another viewer writing: “I love Sam at the moment, he’s like the real head of the family, think Lydia has brought the best out in him,” while a third fan commented that Sam is “emotionally intelligent.”
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
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
There’s not much we love more than meeting new Emmerdale relatives!
Since mysterious manny Nicky arrived, we’ve met his mum and dad, Ruby Fox-Miligan and Caleb Miligan, and now his sister Steph and grandfather Anthony.
We’ve lost track of all the Dingles we’ve met over the years, not to mention surprises like finding out Harriet was Dawn’s stepmum, or Charles had a thing with Manpreet.
But there are a few Emmerdale family members who we think are missing. Some we’ve met briefly. Some we’ve never seen. And some are people we’d love to meet because we’ve heard lots about them, or sometimes because we’ve heard nothing at all and that always intrigues us!
Here are some of the missing Emmerdale family members we’d love to meet!
Carlos deserved a slap (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Maureen Blackstock – Nicola’s mum
Nicola King has been in Emmerdale – on and off – since 2001. We know her dad, Rodney, her half-sister Bernice, and Bernice’s mum, Diane.
Back in the noughties, we knew Nicola’s half-brother Paul, too. And his mum – Diane’s sister – Val. But we’ve only met Nicola’s mum very briefly.
Maureen Blackstock came to the village for Nicola’s wedding to Carlos Diaz. Except, the wedding didn’t happen, because Nicola found out that her sister Bernice had been sleeping with Carlos, while Carlos found out Nicola had been lying about being pregnant. What a muddle, eh?
Anyway, in all the drama, Maureen punched Carlos, and argued with Diane, then she left, never to be seen again.
She’s definitely long overdue a return to the village.
We’d love to meet Anya now she’s grown up (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Emmerdale relatives: Anya King – Tom’s sister
Back when Carl King Snr was alive and kicking and causing havoc in the Dales, he often took care of his young children – Thomas (now evil abuser Tom) and Anya. The pair got up to all sorts in the village in their short visits.
Though Thomas returned firstly to stalk Chas, who he thought had killed Carl, and then again in 2023, Anya’s not been seen since she left the village with her brother after Carl’s funeral in 2012.
We’d love to see her again and find out whether she’s as manipulative as her brother, or if she’s one of the good Kings!
Could Roxy ditch America for Yorkshire? Course she could (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
All the Hope offspring
Bob Hope has LOADS of kids. Hundreds of them. Well, perhaps not hundreds but there are a lot and we’d love to catch up with them.
Right, pay attention – because there’s a lot to say. Bob had two children with his first wife, Jean. We met both Dawn and Jamie for quite a while back in the early 2000s.
Dawn was tragically killed in the King’s River explosion, while Jamie left to live in Cornwall. He’s never been back, even when his half-brother Heath died.
Josh and Carly were Bob’s kids to his second wife, Barbara. They both came to the village for Bob’s wedding to Viv in 2006. But though Carly has returned and left again since, Josh has apparently moved to Australia.
Roxy Lockhart is Bob’s daughter with third wife Vonda. Bob didn’t know Roxy existed until his wedding to Viv.
She came to the village very briefly back then but only appeared in a few episodes before returning to America with her mum. We’ve got to be honest, she’s the one we’d love to see more of!
It feels such a waste for Bob to have all those children out there – not to mention his stepkids Kelly and Scott, and grandson TJ – and for them never to be seen! The campaign for more Hopes in the village starts here!
Who’s missing? (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale relatives: Nathan Dingle – Zak’s oldest son
Nathan Dingle is an enigma, wrapped in a mystery, wrapped in a puzzle. Because we’ve never met him. He’s never mentioned. But he exists. We think.
Back when the Dingles were first seen on screen – 30 years ago – there were parents Zak and Nellie, and their grown-up (ish!) children, Butch, Ben, Sam and Tina.
But there was another sibling – Nathan. Tina talked about him in the 90s, when she revealed she had a brother who’d left Emmerdale when he got married because he was ashamed of his family. She said he was stuck up and no one had heard from him since he’d gone.
Since then, though, Nathan’s not really been mentioned. In fact, we’re wondering if the Emmerdale bosses have decided he’s a Dingle we don’t need. At Butch’s funeral, Zak said Sam was his only surviving son – that was before he knew Cain was his of course.
Confusingly, as recently as 2018, Zak mentioned raising six kids, which could mean Cain – though he didn’t raise him – or Nathan. But there was no mention of this missing Dingle when Zak died just a few weeks ago.
So we’re left scratching our heads as to whether he’s a missing Dingle or just a brief blip! And while we’re very aware there are probably enough Dingles in Emmerdale as it is, we’re also quite keen to meet this Nathan!
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
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
Last night’s episode of Emmerdale aired a massive bombshell as Cain Dingle cheated on wife Moira with his own sister-in-law, Ruby. Between this and his beating up Jimmy, it was something of a return to form for Cain, who’s been playing the role of doting husband for a few years now.
However, cheating with Ruby isn’t the only mistake Cain’s made over the years. Here’s a look back the many notches on Cain Dingle’s bedpost.
One of Cain’s earliest vendettas was also his grossest (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Cain arrives in Emmerdale and seduces Angie and Ollie Reynolds
Cain first arrived on the scene in the year 2000 for the funeral of cousin Butch. Holding local police officer Angie Reynolds responsible for Butch’s death, Cain set out on a mission of revenge. This involved his seducing Angie – and her teenage daughter Ollie (aged only 15 years old!) too.
Cain and Angie’s toxic love-hate relationship ultimately led to her death; getting her killed in a car crash as they attempted to steal a truck together (a set up in which she hoped to have Cain sent down). Ollie left the village soon after, heading off to University in Manchester, never to return.
Cain’s sleeping with an underage girl has largely been brushed under the carpet too… although it wasn’t the only time…
Cain and Charity couldn’t keep their hands off of each other (Credit: ITV/YouTube)
Kissing cousins – Charity Dingle
Moira aside, Cain’s most notable love is cousin Charity, with whom he had a fling when they were 13 and 14, respectively. This union resulted in the birth of their daughter, Debbie.
After reconnecting with her parents, Debbie’s return into Charity and Cain’s life inspired them to give things another go. The pair embarked upon a tumultuous off-again, on-again relationship which included a 2005 break-up, 2009 proposal, and 2016 affair.
Sadie and Cain were a match made in hell (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
A bit of posh, Sadie King
Cain’s next toxic tryst was with manipulative Sadie King, wife of Jimmy. Her intense hatred of Charity – who, at the time, was set to marry Tom King – led to her tasking Cain (who she was also sleeping with at the time) with seducing his cousin and stopping the wedding.
Although they were successful in breaking up Tom and Charity, the plot backfired when Charity turned the tables, seducing Jimmy and sharing evidence of Sadie’s scheming with a furious Tom.
Not even Cain murdering her beloved dog in a fit of jealousy could break their bond. They later joined forces to kidnap Tom in their latest get rich scheme. However, this too backfired on Sadie, who was left with nothing when Cain fled, taking all the cash with him.
Using Jasmine Thomas to get back at Debbie
In addition to another creepy age difference, sixteen-year-old Jasmine Thomas was also his daughter’s girlfriend. Cain seduced her in a cruel attempt to get back at Debbie – and she fell pregnant soon afterwards.
Cain was left heartbroken when he learned that Jasmine went through with an abortion – funded by Sadie.
Maisie Wylde dishes the dirt
In 2009, Cain embarked upon a relationship with barmaid Maisie Wylde – although this was really just a pretext for him to get the dirt on her dad, millionaire Mark Wylde. Having gotten what he’d needed, he then ended things with her, leaving her heartbroken.
For once, Cain was the one being used (Credit: ITV/YouTube)
Emmerdale schemer Faye Lamb seduces Cain
Cain’s vendetta continued with the arrival of Mark’s secret wife, Faye. The pair briefly hooked up after she took on a PA job at the Sharmas’ sweet factory, but he ended it after realising that she was only using him to make Mark jealous.
Amy was sixteen when Cain made his move (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Amy Wyatt and the birth of baby Kyle
During his latest break-up with Charity, Cain went on the rebound, hooking up with teenager Amy Wyatt in 2010. Their brief union resulted in the birth of their son, Kyle – despite Cain’s insistence otherwise.
Threatening Amy, he tried to bully her into getting an abortion, only for her to find out that she was too far gone for the procedure. She gave birth in 2011. Kyle fell into Cain’s care after the youth’s adoptive parents and grandmother died – reuniting with his mother when she returned to the soap in 2019.
Priya wasn’t a fan of how Cain treated Amy (Credit: ITV/YouTube)
Priya Kotecha gets the ick
In 2011, Cain began a casual relationship with Priya Kotecha. This soon hit the rocks when her brother, Jai, tried to convince her that Cain had only seduced her as a means to destroy their family. Priya shrugged off her brother’s paranoia, but ended things with Cain after learning that he’d gotten sixteen-year-old Amy pregnant. Gross.
Moira managed to tame the heart of Cain Dingle (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale: the love of Cain Dingle’s life, Moira Dingle
In 2011, Cain began his latest affair, sleeping with married farmer Moira Barton. While you’d be forgiven for thinking that this was another doomed fling, Cain’s relationship with Moira turned into the greatest love of his life.
Resuming their relationship after her husband died in 2012, the pair got married within two years, and have been inseparable ever since. Sure, he did have two affairs (once with Charity, then with vicar Harriet Finch), and she cheated on him with his long-lost son, but Cain and Moira are one of the soap’s strongest couples.
He stuck by her side after doctors diagnosed her with a brain tumour, only flinching at the last minute to have another affair, this time with his own sister-in-law, Ruby.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
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
Holly Barton and her family arrived in Emmerdale in 2009 and moved into Butlers Farm.
She recently got a namecheck when her mum Moira was feeling concerned about her brain tumour diagnosis and upcoming operation. Visiting Holly’s tree, she opened up to Matty about her fears. With Matty telling his mum that Holly would have wanted her to have the operation.
And tonight (Wednesday November 20) Holly appears to Moira as she goes under the knife.
Holly’s life ended tragically, but what was her story?
Holly dated Aaron for a while (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
The arrival of Holly Barton and her relationship with Aaron in Emmerdale
Holly settled into village life quickly, securing a job at Home Farm, making friends with Maisie Wylde and starting a college course in Art. She soon met Aaron, who she was immediately attracted to.
When Aaron accused Holly’s father of assault, she tried to seduce Aaron in an attempt to get him to drop the charges against John. Aaron told Holly he’d drop the charges if she had sex with him. Holly was disgusted and walked out. But the two did end up dating.
It soon became obvious that Aaron was struggling with his sexuality and was using Holly to convince everyone that he wasn’t gay. Aaron tried to kiss Holly’s brother Adam. When Adam relayed this information to Holly, she didn’t believe him, but she did eventually break up with Aaron.
Drugs took over Holly’s life (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Drug addiction
Holly’s main storyline throughout her time in Emmerdale was her battle against drug addiction. She begun by using drugs recreationally and was sacked from Home Farm after giving Maisie cocaine on a night out.
Things spiralled for Holly and she spent her time with her friend Roz – who supplied her with the drugs. She was eventually thrown out of college.
Holly tried to get clean, but temptation was never too far away. On a night out with Aaron and Jackson, she bumped into Roz and once against took cocaine. Things got worse when she started flirting with a stranger to secure more drugs and took ecstasy, leading to her overdosing in the toilet. Fortunately, Aaron found her in time.
Holly’s addiction saw her stealing ketamine from vet Rhona and money from Scarlett’s purse. She stole Valium pills and items such as MP3 players that she could sell for more drug money.
When her parents demanded answers, Holly blamed Roz, but Roz told the truth – Holly had a serious drug problem. They tried to help her, but Holly ran away, only returning when she was tracked down or needed money.
John and Moira locked Holly in a room in an attempt to stop her taking drugs, but the withdrawal became too difficult and Moira ended up purchasing heroin for her daughter in order to wean her off drugs slowly.
Moira and Holly were heartbroken over John’s death and Holly blamed herself (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
John’s death and exit
Holly was devastated when she discovered that her mum was having an affair with Cain Dingle. Holly was determined to get her parents back together and was delighted when the plan worked. Along with her siblings Hannah and Adam, Holly booked a hotel room for their parents.
The trio were later devastated to learn that John and Moira had been involved in a car accident and John hadn’t survived. Holly tried to be strong for her mother, but couldn’t help feeling guilty, believing that her dad’s death was her fault.
She purchased some drugs, but was caught by Alex Moss before she could take them. However, on another occasion she did go through with it, but she convinced her family it was a one off.
Needing a clean break, Holly decided to leave the Dales in 2012 for London to live with Roz. Holly secured a job in designing and said goodbye to her family. Adam was upset, believing the family should stick together, but Holly was adamant and Hannah decided to go with her.
Holly just couldn’t beat her drug habit (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
How did Holly Barton die in Emmerdale?
In 2016, Holly returned to Emmerdale, but it soon became clear that she had been taking drugs again. When her ex-boyfriend Dean turned up demanding cash for the drugs he supplied, she tried to bribe Charity into giving her the cash.
Holly was later attacked by Dean and found by Cain. Holly became attracted to Cain and tried to split him and her mum up, but it didn’t work and Moira told Holly to leave the farm.
After taking drugs again, Holly was found by her cousins Pete and Ross Barton and rushed to hospital. Moira promised to be there for her and help her through her addiction. Moira told Holly she didn’t want her to die and Holly promised to get clean again.
Holly found support from fellow drug addict Jai after meeting him at a support group and the two of them attended a wedding together.
The next day, Moira took some tea to Holly’s room, but seeing she was still asleep she left it there. Later, when Holly was still not up, Moira went to her daughter’s room once again and spotted a heroin wrapper on the floor. She struggled to wake Holly and it was later revealed that Holly had died from a heroin overdose.
Holly’s death was devastating (Credit: ITV)
Who played Holly Barton in Emmerdale?
Holly was played by Sophie Powles. Before landing the part of Holly Barton in Emmerdale, Sophie appeared in Holby City and Dalziel and Pascoe. She also had a main role in teen musical drama Britannia High.
Since leaving Emmerdale, Sophie has taken a step back from acting, although she did appear in one episode of The Long Shadow in 2023.
In 2021, Sophie gave birth to her first child, Marli, and she often writes poetry, which she sells in the form of art prints online.
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
The Dingles have been part of the Emmerdale furniture for 30 years and are one of TV’s most iconic families. But it’s fair to say, they’re not the best behaved bunch, with many serving time in prison.
Following on from Tom King‘s snide comment that prison is a ‘rite of passage for the Dingle men,’ we take a look back at all the Dingles who have spent time behind bars.
Cain has turned his life around (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale Dingles in prison: Cain Dingle
Resident bad boy Cain has spent less time in jail than he perhaps should have.
However, he has served jail time. Most recently, he spent time behind bars for a crime he didn’t even commit. After son Kyle shot Al Chapman, Cain decided to take the rapt.
Cain admitted that the thought of doing 20 years in prison was killing him. Fortunately, Kyle decided to come clean and all charges were eventually dropped.
Sam spent time behind bars (Credit: ITV)
Sam Dingle
When he arrived in the Dales, Sam Dingle had just been released from a young offenders institute. He obviously hadn’t learnt his lesson though as he continued to get involved in his family’s dodgy schemes.
One such scheme saw him take part in an armed robbery with his uncle Albert in 1998. They were caught and served time in prison. Sam was released after two years.
However, that wasn’t the only time he spent time in jail. He served another short stint behind bars for accidentally knocking over Edna Birch in 2004.
She has also served time (Credit: ITV)
Charity Dingle
Charity has been in prison on more than one occasion. In 2004, she was sentenced to life in prison after Zoe Tate testified in court that Charity had killed Chris Tate.
The truth was that Chris had ended his own life. After Charity gave birth to Chris’s baby while behind bars, Zoe struck a deal with her – she wanted custody of Noah in return for handing the police evidence that Chris ended his own life.
Charity was acquitted and released from jail and was eventually reunited with her son.
In 2015, to fit in with Emma Atkins’ maternity leave, Charity was sent to prison for two years for perverting the course of justice. She was released just over a year later.
Marlon has seen the inside of a cell (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale Dingles in prison: Marlon Dingle
In 2020, poor Marlon was arrested and charged for the murder of Graham Foster.
Eventually, Marlon was made a free man as the truth came out about who really killed Graham – Pierce Harris.
Lisa Dingle
One Dingle you wouldn’t expect to have served time in prison is devoted mum and wife Lisa.
But back in 2010 she was arrested for punching a policeman and was sentenced to three months imprisonment.
Belle accidentally killed her friend (Credit: ITV)
Belle Dingle sent to prison
Zak and Lisa’s daughter Belle famously ended up behind bars after accidentally killing her best friend, Gemma Andrews.
Belle and Gemma had been involved in an argument over a boy they both liked. After Gemma slapped Belle, Belle retaliated by pushing Gemma to the ground. Gemma hit her head on a rock and later died from the injuries.
Belle was remorseful for her actions and won an appeal reducing her sentence from three years to just one.
Aaron served his time (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale Dingles in prison: Aaron Dingle
Another member of the Dingle family who has often flirted on the wrong side of the law is Aaron. He was eventually sentenced to 1 year in prison in 2017 for the brutal attack on Kasim Sabet.
He struggled behind bars and one particular scene where Aaron faced homophobia from fellow inmates sparked hundreds of complaints from viewers.
Aaron was released after just a few months but he struggled with his demons following the violent and psychological abuse he suffered while inside.
Noah was sent to prison for stalking (Credit: ITV)
Noah Dingle
Back in 2022, Noah was sentenced to three months in jail for stalking and spying on ex-girlfriend Chloe Harris.
Noah installed a tracker onto Chloe’s phone, installed microphones in her house and used a drone to spy on her while she was sleeping.
He served around half his time before being released for good behaviour. Upon his release, he shunned his mum Charity due to her being the one to report him to the police – which is usually a big Dingle no no.
Samson made the mistake of teaming up with local thug Josh Cope. The pair of them carried out a robbery at The Hide. Samson ended up being accidentally stabbed in the scuffle, but lied that waiter Matty Barton had done it on purpose.
Matty was subsequently jailed for the crime, before Samson eventually came clean and faced the music.
Tina was wearing an ankle tag when she returned (Credit: ITV)
Other Dingles who have misbehaved
Debbie Dingle has come close to jail on numerous occasions. She was originally arrested over the murder of Shane Doyle, before Jasmine Thomas handed herself in. In 2018, Debbie was arrested again for her part in the acid attack that scarred Ross Barton, but she was found not guilty in court.
Earlier this year, Tina Dingle returned to the Dales for the first time in nearly 30 years. It was soon revealed that she was wearing an ankle tag, meaning she’d recently been released from prison. Though it’s unknown for what.
Back in the 1970s, Cain, Caleb and Chas’s mum Faith Dingle served a short stint behind bars and actually gave birth to son Caleb while in prison.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
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
Steph is described as, “smart, confident and completely reckless” and is said to share the “best and worst parts” of her parents with her “narcissistic need to win at all costs.”
Steph hadn’t seen her parents in over a decade, but it was recently revealed that she’d been in touch with her grandmother after Ruby’s mum Helen left everything in her will to Steph.
Speaking to Emmerdale Insider and other media about her character, actress Georgia Jay said: “She’s definitely not there to stay. It’s a kind of ‘come in, I want something, and I’m gonna leave’ kind of thing.
“She wants nothing to do with them [Ruby and Caleb]. She just wants to get the [inheritance] money and go.”
Steph arrived in Emmerdale last week (Credit: ITV)
Steph’s arrival in Emmerdale
Steph’s first appearance aired on Friday, November 15. While Jai had Caleb pinned against a pile of planks following the revelation that Caleb had conned him, Steph made a timely entrance.
She revealed to her father that she’d been in touch with Nicky. She had only came to visit while Ruby was staying with Nicky, so that she didn’t have to see her mum.
But it wasn’t necessarily good news for Caleb either, as Steph shared that she didn’t particularly want to see him either. She was just stopping to sort out her grandmother’s inheritance and then she’d be leaving again.
However, romance with Ross Barton appears to be on the cards, so perhaps she’ll be persuaded to stay longer.
Steph does not have a good relationship with her mum (Credit: ITV)
Why did Steph fall out with Ruby?
It was previously shared that Steph was sent away to boarding school when she was a teenager and has suffered abandonment issues. Although both parents agreed to send Steph away, it was more Ruby’s decision.
In Monday’s episode (November 18), as Steph and Ruby shared a war of words, more was revealed about why Steph seems to hate her mum more than her dad.
As Ruby said she stands by the decision to send Steph away, Steph responded: “You couldn’t be bothered, mum, just own it.” With Ruby screaming back: “You stole a car! You were 14 and out of control. You try owning that!”
Steph explained to her mum that she was only acting up because she wanted attention. She said she was “desperate for someone to give a toss.” She expanded on her feelings of abandonment by explaining, “Other kids had mums. I had this cold-hearted fake that couldn’t stand to have me near her. Oh, Mummy’s busy. Mummy’s tried. Mummy’s got a headache.” Steph added that her mum was a “selfish [bleep].”
Steph hit a nerve with Ruby and promptly received a slap. But she wasn’t finished, as she told her mum: “I grew up thinking it was all my fault, that I must be really unlovable.” And on her experience at boarding school, Steph revealed: “I had no friends, was bullied, begged you to come home.”
Ruby remained in denial though and claimed she had no memory of that.
It wasn’t a happy family reunion (Credit: ITV)
Steph’s relationship with her dad
During a heart-to-heart with sister Chas, Caleb revealed that he and Steph had had a good relationship when she was young. He told Chas: “She was my little mate, you know? She was like my shadow. And I let her down. And this is why I never talk about her because it hurts so much. It’s easier to just pretend she didn’t exist.”
It was revealed that Steph had caught her dad with another woman and that resulted in her bad behaviour. Caleb blames himself for Steph’s resentment and told Chas that he wished he’d fought her corner more.
Speaking about Steph and Caleb, Georgia said: “She was much more of a daddy’s girl. I think growing up, being quite similar to Ruby, the clash was there and naturally Caleb and Steph had a very good relationship. And, when she went to boarding school, it was very much the decision of Ruby.”
So while Steph is more amicable with her father, it remains to be seen if there is any way to repair the damaged relationship with her mother.
Will Steph stick around? (Credit: ITV)
Who plays Steph Miligan in Emmerdale?
Steph is played by Georgia Jay, also known as Georgina Philipps. Little is known about her life off-screen, but on-screen, Georgia is best known for her role as Dianne Vickers in BBC’s Giri/Haji.
She also has acting credits for historical drama Glow & Darkness and film The Devil Sits on Both Shoulders.Â
Speaking about joining Emmerdale, Georgia said: “I am thrilled to be joining the cast of Emmerdale. The cast and crew have all been so welcoming and I’m very excited to see what lies ahead for Steph, given her intriguing backstory.”
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
Emmerdale have given us some fantastic, and unforgettable couples over the years. From red-hot romances, to toxic marriages, and lifelong friendships, here are our 11 of all time favourite pairings. Let’s see if your favourite has made our list…
Moira and Cain have been married for 10 years (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Cain and Moira Dingle
With 10 years of marriage under their belt, Cain and Moira have achieved iconic couple status. What started as a lusty affair has developed into a deep love, but it’s frankly a miracle Mr and Mrs D are still together given what the last decade has thrown at them.
Coira have overcome terrible tragedy (the loss of Moira’s daughter Holly to a heroin overdose), affairs (on both sides, including Moira’s icky fling with Cain’s long lost son, Nate), a stint in prison (him), and an alcohol addiction (her).
But despite all this they’ve been able to create a life together and have worked hard raising their blended family.
The couple are now faced with an uncertain future since Moira’s brain tumour diagnosis. We’re keeping everything crossed Moira will make a full recovery, and Cain has vowed to be by her side, no matter what.
Emmerdale just wouldn’t be the same without them together.
Emmerdale fans are still praying for a Robron reunion (Credit: ITV)
Best Emmerdale couples: Robert Sugden and Aaron Dingle
Robron definitely win the award for Emmerdale’s most shipped couple. Fans could not get enough of this handsome duo.
Aaron and Robert’s love story started on a country lane back in 2014, where they shared their first kiss. At the time, Aaron was out and proud, but Robert was engaged to heiress Chrissie White and still in the closet.
Their affair quickly turned toxic as Robert refused to leave Chrissie, and ended up killing Katie Sugden to keep his secret safe. Aaron eventually snapped and outed Robert, causing his life to implode.
Even when the couple finally made it official, they were faced with obstacle after obstacle. Robert supported Aaron after he revealed he’d been abused by his father, Gordon. And Aaron forgave Robert for fathering a baby with Rebecca White while he was in prison.
Their wedding in 2018 remains one of the soap’s most memorable occasions. The couple, who looked dapper in their matching suits, wrote their own vows which they exchanged in front of their family, friends and millions of viewers.
But after everything, Aaron and Robert never did get their happy ever after. A year after their nuptials Robert was jailed for murdering his sister Victoria’s rapist, Lee Posner. Instead of expecting Aaron to wait for him, Robert decided to set his husband free and filed for divorce.
Will he come back for Aaron once those 14 years are up? We can only hope!
Cain and Charity go way, way back (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Cain Dingle and Charity Dingle
Before Moira there was only one woman for Cain – his second cousin, Charity. Partners in crime and in the bedroom, Emmerdale fans know these two share a whole lotta history.
They had their first fling when they were just 14 and 13, which resulted in the birth of the daughter, Debbie. Charity and Cain gave her up for adoption and the trio weren’t reunited until Debbie came to the village years later.
Shortly after Debbie’s return, Charity and Cain got back together. They had an on/off relationship and got engaged in 2009. However, the wedding never happened because Charity decided she wasn’t ready for marriage.
Despite their red-hot chemistry, Charity and Cain’s romantic union finally ran its course and they split. Over the years they’ve had the odd cheeky bunk-up. In 2016, Cain nearly wrecked his marriage to Moira by getting jiggy with Charity.
But these two have never been able to resist one another, and we reckon they’ve got another affair in them!
Chas and Paddy have decided they’re better off as friends (Credit: ITV)
Paddy Kirk and Chas Dingle
Chas has always had a thing for bad boys, but changed type when she got together with Paddy.
Unlike her previous toxic exes, including the likes of Carl King and killer Cameron Murray, Paddy was a true gent. He treated Chas with care and respect and made her feel secure.
The unlikely duo really were happy for a while. They supported one another through the devastating loss of their daughter Grace in 2018, and the arrival of little Eve the following year gave them reason to smile again.
In 2020, the couple cemented their union with a gorgeous Christmas Day wedding.
But then along came Al Chapman. Chas ended up breaking Paddy’s heart when she strayed with the sleazy businessman. The discovery of his wife’s betrayal drove Paddy into a deep depression and he contemplated taking his own life.
Chas begged for forgiveness, but there was no going back. Post-divorce, Paddy and Chas are back on friendly terms, but she definitely lost a good guy there.
The Tates in happier times (Credit: ITV)
Frank and Kim Tate
Kim and Frank were the ultimate power couple in the days when they were lord and lady of Home Farm.
Frank had made his fortune in haulage, and everyone (including him) probably knew Kim had only married him for the money. Kim had previously worked as Frank’s secretary, but had managed to seduce her way into his bed.
Their marriage was volatile and littered with betrayals. Frank had a drink habit and violent temper, while Kim had an appetite for younger lovers. Her affairs with gamekeeper Neil Kinkaid and farmhand Dave Glover made for addictive viewing.
In 1996, Kim and Frank welcomed a son, James, although there was a question over the tot’s parentage for a while. Kim had hoped James was her lover Dave’s, but he turned out to be Frank’s.
Just months after James’s arrival, Frank tried to have Kim killed. She responded by faking her own death and framing Frank for the ‘murder’. It wasn’t your average tit-for-tat with these two!
When Kim ‘returned from the dead’, the shock of seeing her again caused Frank to suffer a fatal heart attack. Kim stood by and watched as Frank died on the living room floor at Home Farm. Then as a final insult she used her compact mirror to check whether he was still breathing.
With Frank a goner, Kim finally got her greedy mitts on Home Farm. Well, you can’t say she didn’t play the long game.
Val was the love of Eric’s life (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Best Emmerdale couples: Eric Pollard and Val Lambert
Clearly fans of mixing business with pleasure, Eric and Val set up their own fabrics company together. That particular venture proved unsuccessful, so the couple decided to try their luck at being hoteliers.
Shortly after their 2008 wedding, they purchased The Grange B&B, and two years later Val and Eric became foster parents when they took in teenage runaway, Amy Wyatt (now Barton).
Their marriage hid the skids after Val cheated on Eric while they were on a break and contracted HIV. Eric left Val after he found out what she’d done, but they found their way back to one another.
By 2015, Val was facing a prison sentence after committing fraud. She and Eric hatched a plan to fake her death so they could run away abroad together. But the scheming duo never got that far when Val became one of the victims of the village helicopter crash.
A few days after her passing, Val appeared as a spirit and bid Eric a final goodbye. It was fitting ending for such an iconic partnership.
It was second time lucky for Seth and Betty (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Seth Armstrong and Betty Eagleton
Emmerdale golden couple Seth and Betty showed us all the joys of good old fashioned romance.
The pair had been sweethearts when they were young, before going their their separate ways. Betty went on to marry Walter, while Seth made a life with his wife, Meg.
Following Wally’s death in 1994, Betty came to the village in search of Seth. He too had also been recently widowed. It was second time lucky for the former lovebirds, who reconciled and threw the locals a 1940s Christmas party.
Betty definitely was the boss in their relationship, but Seth was her rock. When her no-good ex Reggie Wilkie came to the village looking to cause trouble, Seth saw him off. Shortly afterwards, Seth was the victim of a mugging and Betty nursed him back to health.
Yes, they had their fallings out – who remembers when Betty dumped Seth after discovering he was broadcasting her to the village via a secret webcam – but their love always won over.
Seth and Betty left the Dales together to start a new life in Australia. Homesick Betty soon returned and Seth was set to join her, but died on his flight home.
Lisa and Zak were blissfully happy together until tragedy struck (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Zak Dingle and Lisa Clegg
Soulmates Zak and Lisa were the heart of the show for many years.
She was brave enough to take on his crazy family, and Zak worshipped the ground she walked on. The couple survived an attempt by Lisa’s ex-husband, Barry Clegg to split them up, and went on to marry on January 28, 1998.
Eleven months later, the couple experienced their very own Christmas miracle when Lisa gave birth to daughter, Belle, in a pigsty. Belle’s shock arrival made Zak faint, which is hardly surprising given he and Lisa didn’t even know she was expecting.
There were ups and down in the marriage, but Zak and Lisa always found a way to work through things. But in 2015, the Emmerdale writers caused uproar by making Zak have an affair with their lodger, Joanie Wright. Fans were aghast over Zak’s betrayal and felt the show had destroyed its strongest marriage.
Zak divorced Lisa and married Joanie, but it didn’t last. After Joanie was killed off, Zak and Lisa fell in love again. When Lisa became terminally ill, she and Zak decided to remarry. The couple exchanged vows in a tearjerking ceremony, but just hours later Zak returned home to find Lisa had peacefully slipped away on the sofa. Sob!
Jack and Diane made a great team (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Best Emmerdale couples: Jack and Diane Sugden
Jack and Diane were a refreshingly normal couple, whose stable partnership we really miss.
The pair had been friends for many years before romance blossomed after Woolpack landlady Diane supported Jack through the death of his second wife, Sarah. They married on September 21 2004, but the day was bittersweet as Diane was undergoing treatment for cancer.
She went on to make a full recovery, but life was rather stressful dealing with Sugden kids, Robert, Andy and Victoria. Their constant drama drove a wedge between Jack and Diane and caused them to break up for a bit.
The couple did reconcile and were happy again, but their life together was about to be cut short. In 2009, Jack died while in Spain visiting his elderly mum, Annie. The character was written out of the soap after the passing of real-life actor Clive Hornby.
Diane was devastated at the sudden loss of her husband, but soldiered on in her usual stoic way. She remained living in the village for another 13 years before leaving for a new life.
Katie and Andy on their second wedding day (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Andy Sugden and Katie Addyman
Andy and Katie first locked eyes during a detention session at school. The teens fell hard and fast for one another, and at 16 decided they were mature enough to start a family. Katie fell pregnant, but sadly lost the baby. When Andy took over the tenancy at Butlers, farming started to take over his life. Katie was left feeling neglected and started a secret affair with Andy’s brother, Robert.
The love triangle kept viewers gripped. Katie went ahead and married Andy, but couldn’t deny her love for Robert. When Andy found out about their betrayal he tried to kill Robert, then divorced Katie. It was no surprise that Katie and Robert’s relationship also ended very badly.
In the years that followed Andy and Katie both married again – he to Jo Stiles, her to Declan Macey, but they never forget their first love.
In 2014, a decade after their first trip down the aisle, Andy and Katie said I do again. But sadly they never even made it to their one year anniversary. Katie reignited her bitter feud with Robert and threatened to out his affair with Aaron Dingle. Robert responded by pushing Katie to her death through the floor of a derelict barn, leaving poor Andy a widower.
Paddy and Marlon are the ultimate double act (Credit: ITV)
Best Emmerdale bromance: Marlon Dingle and Paddy Kirk
Okay, so Paddy and Marlon aren’t a romantic couple, but they are inseparable.
The Dales double act have one of the most enduring friendships in all of soap – 27 years and still going strong. These two have shared everything – including the ladies – yes, Rhona, we’re looking at you!
There have been plenty of laughs and comedy capers, but also darker times. When Marlon suffered a stroke, Paddy was instrumental in his recovery, and the chef returned the favour when his best mate battled depression.
But whatever life throws at them, we know these guys have always got each others’ backs. Long live their bromance.
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
The famous Woolpack pub is at the centre of Emmerdale village life. It’s the second home to many of the locals and the place of dramas, affairs and fights. Those four walls have seen and heard it all!
There’s rarely a dull moment to be had in The Woolie, and the boozer wouldn’t be the same without the powerhouse landlords and landladies at the helm.
The iconic pub has changed hands several times over the years, but what names have been above the door?
Let’s take a trip down memory lane and have a look at the licensees, now and then….
The owners of the Woolpack pub in Emmerdale
Mr Wilks and Amos – the original Woolpack landlords in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Amos Brearly and Mr Wilks 1972–1991
In the beginning there was Amos Brearly and his trademark bushy sideburns.
Amos became landlord of The Woolpack way back in 1948. He had already been at the helm for almost quarter of a century by the time viewers met him in 1972. He was a terrible gossip, prone to moodiness and something of a loner.
In 1973, Henry Wilks – who Amos always referred to as Mr Wilks – joined Amos behind the bar. The men went into business together and created an iconic partnership.
Henry first came to live with Amos after his own house was destroyed by a fire, but ending up staying on.
Although they frequently bickered and Amos’s most used catchphrase was “Nay, Mr Wilks” the pair managed to stick it out for 19 years.
The Woolpack changed premises in 1976 after the original building was found to have subsidence. Henry and Amos purchased a new site for the pub, where it remains to this day.
Having survived being held hostage in an armed robbery, a stroke and subsequent fall ended Amos’s days as landlord.
Henry stayed on for a while, but didn’t see eye to eye with the pub’s new owner, Alan Turner, and left shortly afterwards.
Turner didn’t make himself popular at first, but locals grew to love him (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Alan Turner 1991-1999
Ruthless businessman Alan Turner was one of the most unpopular men in the village when he bought The Woolpack in 1991.
However, running the local boozer actually mellowed Alan and the punters grew to love him.
He was joined behind the bar by his wife, Shirley, who was sadly shot and killed just months after they had married.
After Shirley’s untimely demise, Alan employed a series of locals of manage his pub, including Terry and Britt Woods and Bernice Blackstock.
Alan suffered a heart attack in 1999, after which he decided to sell up to his close friend and Bernice’s mum, Diane Blackstock.
In the years that followed he remained living the village and would frequently prop up the bar.
The first female Woolpack owner in Emmerdale
Diane and her daughter Bernice worked in the Woolpack together (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Diane Sugden 1999-2010
The first female owner of The Woolpack was Diane Sugden, who was a complete natural behind the bar. Her firm but fair approach meant that the locals always knew where they stood.
The gregarious Geordie originally co-owned the pub with her daughter, Bernice. After that Aussie Louise Appleton became her new partner and there was a brief (and tumultuous) time that Diane’s sister Val came on board.
It was also during the Diane years that The Woolie’s chef Marlon Dingle served up his first bar snacks.
Diane put the pub on the market in 2010 after planning to relocate to France with her then-partner Charlie Haynes. She wasn’t gone long though…
Diane sold to Nicola and Jimmy, but their reign was short lived (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Jimmy and Nicola King – 2010
Jimmy and Nicola King‘s time in charge of The Woolpack was brief to say the least.
The couple took over the business from Diane, but were never really cut out for managing a busy pub.
Affable Jimmy did a better job of charming the customers, but the locals couldn’t really warm to his spiky wife.
Nicola quickly realised she had quite enough on her plate caring for their young daughter Angelica, so with that the Kings reign was over.
Fortunately Diane was back behind the bar before you knew it with Chas beside her (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Diane Sugden (again) 2010-2016
Diane hotfooted it back from France after discovering Charlie was a conman and reclaimed her rightful place behind the bar.
Realising she couldn’t do it alone, Diane accepted an offer from long-serving barmaid Chas Dingle to buy into the business and the ladies proved to be a formidable duo.
Diane very nearly quit the UK for Oz in 2013. She was on the brink of giving Chas the whole pub, but ended up changing her mind at the last minute.
Then three years later she received the shattering news she was suffering from cancer. The shock diagnosis made Diane look at her priorities in life. She decided it was time to step down and sell her share of The Woolie to Chas. Which she did.
The Dingles take charge of the Woolpack in Emmerdale
Chas and Marlon were forced to accept Al’s help – and it ended in disaster (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Chas Dingle 2016-2021
Once Diane retired, Chas was finally able to make the Woolpack her own. Her cousin, Charity Dingle, bought into the business, but their partnership was far from harmonious.
While Chas was a natural with her punters, Charity was rude and abrupt and made it evident she couldn’t be bothered to put in the hard graft.
After growing sick of Charity’s attitude, Chas persuaded her to sell her share to Marlon, the pub’s long-standing chef.
Marlon proved to be a much more reliable partner. However, tough financial times resulted in Chas agreeing to allow Al Chapman into the business. It was disastrous mistake and one that cost Chas dearly.
Bent Al went on to torch The Woolpack as part of an insurance scam and Chas was forced to sell up.
Ryan and Charity now own the Woolpack in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
2022-present day: Charity Dingle and Ryan Stocks
The Woolpack is currently co-owned by mum and son team, Charity Dingle and Ryan Stocks.
After Al’s plans to convert The Woolpack into swanky flats went up in the flames (quite literally), the pub was put up for auction.
In a shock twist, the highest bidders – and new owners – were revealed to be Charity and Ryan.
This time, Charity seems more willing to get stuck into the day to day running of the watering hole, while Ryan manages the financial side of things.
And Chas still has her hand in, working as the Woolpack’s bar manager.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
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
Val and Eric Pollard in Emmerdale had both been round the block a few times when they found one another. With several spouses, ex-partners, kids and grandkids between them, it looked like this was one relationship that was doomed before it even began.
But instead Val and Eric became one of Emmerdale’s best-loved couples of all time, and Eric’s heartfelt eulogy at Val’s funeral left fans sobbing!
Here’s their story.
Val and Eric hit it off (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Early days for Val and Eric
Pollard was a ruthless, manipulative conman when Valerie arrived in the village. He’d been married to Elizabeth, who died in the plane crash, letting Eric cash in on her life insurance. And it turned out he was still married to his first wife, Eileen, when he married Elizabeth!
He’d also tied the knot unsuccessfully with Dee and Gloria.
But when Val Lambert arrived in the village, the pair hit it off! Well, eventually. After Val had a steamy affair with her former brother-in-law Rodney Blackstock, only to end up being disowned by most of her family when the affair was revealed.
And when she admitted that Rodney was also the biological father of her son, Paul, her family relationships got even trickier!
With things hard for Val, she and Eric went into business together, running a fabric company. The sparks flew and they were soon enjoying a romance.
Obstacles in Val and Eric’s way
But of course, nothing’s ever simple in Emmerdale, and there were all sorts of obstacles in Val and Eric’s way. First there was Val’s ex – Jimmy Pepper – showing up. He demanded Val pay him all the money he’d given her over the years when he thought he was Paul’s dad. Val embezzled the cash from the pub and sister Diane dobbed her in to the police.
Then there was Eric’s long-lost son David Metcalfe showing up. It took Eric a while to believe David was who he said he was, but they eventually forged a bond.
Eric and Val tied the knot (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Tying the knot
Eventually though, Val and Eric tied the knot in a very Val ceremony, and they settled down to life together.
They fostered troubled teenager Amy Wyatt and things were good. Until Amy got pregnant, and decided to give the little boy – Kyle – up for adoption.
Val didn’t want the baby to be given up, and she thought Eric had encouraged Amy to have Kyle adopted. The pair split, Val emptied the bank account and headed off to Portugal.
Missing Val
Thinking Val wasn’t returning, Eric began a romance with Brenda Walker. When Val came home she was FUMING. She marched into the pub and demanded that David help her win Eric back. When David said no, Val attacked him! But David’s wife, Alicia, got involved, punched Val in the face and got sentenced to a year in prison for assault.
The villagers all shunned Val, but she eventually won them over – and won Eric back!
Val told Eric she could be HIV Positive (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
HIV Positive
In 2014, Val got bad news when a fling from her time in Portugal, Ian Chamberlain (played by Robert Cavanah, who’s currently playing DS Foy), arrived in the village. He told her he was HIV positive and warned her she could be, too.
Once more Val and Eric split, this time thanks to her odd behaviour. Eric had a drunken one-night stand with Val’s sister, Diane, before the pair reconciled and Val told him the truth. Meanwhile, Victoria had spilled the beans to Diane, who’d got herself treatment, just in case.
When Val’s HIV status was outed by Jacob, things really fell apart. Eric and Val split, and Val spiralled into destructive behaviour.
Thankfully, they reconciled once more. With Val in trouble for committing fraud, and Eric having suffered a heart attack, she came up with a brilliant plan to fake her own death.
Val’s death was brutal and shocking (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Val’s tragic death
In 2015, Pete Barton and Debbie Dingle had a fairground in the village as part of their wedding celebrations. Val was in the hall of mirrors with Diane, having been locked in by Eric, who was fed up with their arguing. When an explosion at the haulage yard caused by Chrissie White, hit a helicopter, tragedy struck. The helicopter plunged into the fairground, trapping Diane and Val.
Diane was rescued first but Val was stabbed by a shard of broken glass. Her death was shocking as she defiantly stared up at the glass dangling overhead and declared: “Come on then, do your worst.”
Eric’s heartbreak
The aftermath of Val’s death was heartbreaking for poor Eric. Because Val had thought about faking her death, it took a while for him to accept she was really gone.
At Val’s funeral he gave a tearjerking eulogy, saying “Without her I am lost in the dark again”.
SOB!
Eric’s since found happiness with Brenda, who’s supporting him through his Parkinson’s diagnosis.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
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
![Despite Val Pollard [CHARLIE HARDWICK] being terrified of telling Eric Pollard [CHRIS CHITTELL], she is determined to face up to her fears.](https://tvguide.co.uk/emmerdale-insider/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/shutterstock_editorial_4078499sh.jpg)
