Category: News

Emmerdale review of the week: a sad goodbye, an unexpected arrival and a huge Dingle mystery!

Our Emmerdale review this week is a bit tearful! Give us a minute while we recover after this week’s super emotional episodes.

The Dingles did Zak proud didn’t they? It was the perfect send-off for the original Dingle, with lots of memories, a family member coming out of the woodwork and even an impromptu rendition of Hillybilly Rock.

Here’s what we thought about the whole emotional week in our Emmerdale review.

Understated but emotional – we were in bits over Zak’s death (Credit: ITV)

Zak’s death

There is, of course, a place in soap for the big stunts, the dramatic episodes, and the over-the-top action. But there’s also a place for the quieter moments and that was proved brilliantly by this week.

Cain sharing the news that his dad had died with the family – while music played over the top so we didn’t hear what he said, nor how they reacted, was understated and so very effective, we’re choking up all over again just thinking about it.

Zak’s send-off was unconventional but perfect (Credit: ITV)

And Zak’s funeral

Zak was never one to be conventional in life, and his plans for his send-off were just as different! He had left strict rules about what he wanted and the family did as he asked. He was brought back from Aberdeen, drummed through the village, and buried at home. Just as he’d asked.

We especially loved the Dingles getting the villagers to cough up for Zak’s celebration, and PC Swirling showing up to pay his respects. Perfect!

Tina’s back! (Credit: ITV)

Tina’s arrival

Back in the day (and it really was way, way back in the day) we loved Tina Dingle so we were equally excited and nervous about her returning. Turns out, we needn’t have been nervous at all because she was perfect.

Newcomer Samantha Power captured just enough of original actress Jacqueline Pirie‘s mannerisms to the role to remind us who Tina was. And she brought some of her own too. And we cheered when Lydia shoved her in the mud! Don’t mess with Lyds, Tina.

You’ll learn.

Some of the extended Dingle family were at the funeral. Some of them didn’t bother to turn up *hard stare at Rhona* (Credit: ITV)

Missing Dingles in our Emmerdale review

The only thing that didn’t sit quite right with Zak’s family funeral was well, the missing members of the family. Where was Rhona? Or Mack? The kids weren’t there either – no April or Leo, Kyle or Isaac, nor Moses. It seemed odd for them not to be there, no matter how quickly the funeral had been arranged. We definitely missed Debbie, too.

We’re still hoping Nate’s alive! (Credit: ITV/EI)

The Nate mystery continues in our Emmerdale review

Right, we’re sorry to keep going on about this, but the whole Nate thing is really odd, and we’re still not entirely convinced he’s alive. It sounds silly – and the fly in the ointment of this theory is the message he supposedly sent Tracy saying he was settling into life in Shetland – but go with us here.

His exit was so unsatisfactory, the barn fire was RIGHT THERE, and it’s pretty odd that he didn’t even reply to Tracy’s message telling him his grandad was dead.

Maybe Tracy’s holding him hostage, like Pierce did with Vanessa. Or perhaps he’s hiding in the cellar like Harriet Finch did, or maybe he did die in the barn fire, and it’s just no one has thought to look for him. Or maybe this is all just wishful thinking!

Give it a rest, Caleb (Credit: ITV)

Caleb’s relentless vendetta

Caleb keeping Ruby from her dying mum, lying about it, taking a huge chunk of money from his mother-in-law, lying about that too, and generally acting in an unforgiveable fashion is awful. Awful!

We can’t see how Ruby can possibly get over this. Caleb has done a terrible thing. And for what exactly? For some weird vendetta against Kim who barely knows he exists. Get over it, Caleb. Time to move on!

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 pageÂ @emmerdaleinsiderÂ for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on TwitterÂ @emmerdaleinside

19th October 2024
Following ‘weird’ Nate mention at Zak’s funeral, all the ‘hints’ he’s really dead

Nate Robinson was mentioned in last night’s Emmerdale and, as one fan put it, it was quite frankly ‘weird’. Cain’s son failed to turn up to the funeral of his grandad Zak – and in fact hadn’t even responded to any messages about Zak’s death.

Cain did not seem to think this was odd in any way, shape or form. But we certainly do. Something doesn’t add up here…

Where’s Nate? (Credit: ITV/EI)

Where is Nate Robinson in Emmerdale?

When Moira was in the midst of her brain tumour symptoms she leaned in for a kiss with Nate, which was witnessed by Caleb, who revealed all to Cain. Cain went mad, beat Nate up and disowned him. Tracy, who had rekindled things with Nate, dumped him again and Nate was left with nothing.

He decided to take a job in Shetland and made plans to leave immediately. However, in his last scene before he left he told John Sugden he wouldn’t be going quietly. But then he did exactly that… and we haven’t seen him since.

Meanwhile, the barn he was heading off to to confront Moira in caught fire and no one saw Nate.

Then on Monday, September 15, Tracy received a text message from Nate, which read: “Settling in, head’s a mess, don’t call me, I’ll call you when I’m ready.”

So Nate is apparently in Shetland… Or is he?

The residents gathered for Zak’s funeral – but not Nate (Credit: ITV)

Why Nate didn’t come to Zak’s funeral in Emmerdale

Although plenty of Dingles were missing from Zak’s funeral, Nate’s absence was particularly strange.

In scenes inside the Woolpack Caleb suggested to Cain he was the reason for Nate’s no-show. Cain dismissed his brother and told him Nate hadn’t even replied to Tracy’s text about Zak dying.

WHY WOULDN’T HE EVEN REPLY? Zak did nothing wrong to him! This doesn’t stack up.

Hints Nate is dead in Emmerdale

It was such an odd mention of Nate last night that it got us – and some viewers – thinking. Why not say he couldn’t make it? Or it was too short notice? Why mention him at all and comment that he just hadn’t replied. Surely that’s a huge hint there is more to this?

“Nate still missing in action then? Weird,” wrote one fan on social media. Another queried: “Hang on! Do we still not technically know where Nate is?”

“Is Nate dead? Did he die from his injuries somewhere and nobody knows?” mused a third.

The evidence is adding up – is Nate dead?

This was the last time anyone saw Nate – when he was talking John (Credit: ITV)

1. No one has heard from him

In the month since he left, he’s supposedly sent one message to Tracy. He hasn’t called now he knows about Moira’s brain tumour. He didn’t respond to a message telling him his family member was dead and he didn’t come to the funeral. Has he even checked in on his beloved daughter Frankie? The one he couldn’t bear to be parted with? Come on.

2. He just disappeared

There’s no doubting Nate’s exit was really strange. Either actor Jurell Carter really annoyed someone and was given the worst exit ever, or there’s more to it.

The barn fire was happening as he was on his way to said barn to confront Moira. So why didn’t he make it? Why did he change his mind? So many unanswered questions that hint he’s actually dead.

3. John’s shifty behaviour

John was actually the last person to see Nate alive. He also informed Tracy Nate had just upped and gone. But at the time he was standing very closely guarding his van and making sure the door was firmly shut. He looked shifty. Was that what we now know to be his general demeanour? Or was he hiding something?

Things weren’t exactly peachy last time they met (Credit: ITV)

4. No one cares about Nate in Emmerdale!

Cain’s reaction to his son’s absence at the funeral could not have been less bothered. Tracy hasn’t got a clue where he is and despite one or two tears at the start of his disappearance, she’s not been fussed since. Frankie doesn’t see her dad either. It’s like Nate never existed. Or he’s actually dead somewhere…

Read more: Complete Emmerdale cast for 2024

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

18th October 2024
Zakâ€™s funeral was moving, emotional and perfectly fitting – but where was everybody?

The late, great Zak Dingle took his final journey through Emmerdale village last night for his funeral and was laid to rest at home. The episode was moving and emotional as friends and family gathered to say their final farewells to the soap icon.

It comes after actor Steve Halliwell died in December 2023. Emmerdale waited to pay tribute to the man who was so synonymous with the ITV soap.

However, although the scenes were beautifully written and played out – and it was quite right that only the Dingles were around his graveside as he was buried, we – along with other viewers – were left wondering: where exactly was everyone?

Zak’s funeral procession leaves the Woolpack (Credit: ITV)

Zak’s funeral in Emmerdale

The whole week has been a tribute to Zak as we first learned the news he had died on Monday and then Cain and Sam brought his body home on Wednesday. It was revealed he wanted to be buried within 48 hours. So that’s what the Dingles did.

On Thursday October 17, Cain and Sam drove Zak’s body in the rusty old van to the village. Some of the residents gathered to pay their respects and even PC Swirling made an appearance. Which is more than can be said for a lot of the village. But more on that later.

Zak’s coffin was then carried into the pub for one last pint, where memories were shared and stories swapped. Fair play to the production team here, they made the Woolpack seem far far busier than it actually was!

After a good-old sing song in the Woolie, Zak was drummed up the road to his final resting place. The Dingles gathered around his graveside and Tina Dingle then arrived to cause trouble. The less said about that, the better.

Cain couldn’t cope with giving a speech and rushed off, but Belle stepped up with a lovely touch of burying Zak with Lisa’s ashes so they could be together.

It was, all in all, a beautiful, perfect tribute to the character – and the actor – so many loved. Every single Dingle played their part and gave loving and subtle performances (except Tina, obviously!)

But there was just one thing missing: people. Where was everybody?

Mack and Matty weren’t there (Credit: ITV)

Those missing from Zak’s funeral in Emmerdale

Let’s start with the family – the Dingles are huge, but so many of them weren’t there. We get the plot device of Zak wanting to be buried within 48 hours meaning people couldn’t get there in time, but what about the ones who do live in the village? And more importantly those actually related?!

Where was Mack? He’s Charity’s husband, Moira’s brother and basically a Dingle in all-but name. And given he’s involved in just about every single other storyline, why was he not there for this? Too busy helping Billy train for his boring boxing matches maybe?

Marlon’s wife Rhona was also absent, along with kids April and Leo. Vanessa could probably have coped at the vets for a couple of hours on her own, no?

Moira’s son Matty didn’t make an appearance, nor did his wife Amy. Neither Kyle nor Isaac were there to say goodbye to their grandad.

Don’t even get us started on Debbie not turning up – if ever a recast was called for, this was the time. Nate was at least mentioned as was Ryan, but their excuses were poor.

Others in the village also didn’t bother. Nicola, who said she was going to pay her respects, didnâ€™t. Will, who couldn’t even put his plotting against Kim aside for one hour to attend the Woolpack revelries and nod his head. Victoria Sugden didn’t show, Laurel, Charles (although Zak had stipulated no vicars!), Jimmy, Liam to support best friend Cain, Manpreet, Jai. The list goes on.

All of these people have lived beside Zak in the village for a number of years, some have been family through marriage, and yet did any of them pay their respects? Nope.

Faith and Liv’s funeral had a huge turnout (Credit: ITV)

Faith’s funeral

When Faith died and Liv left us days later in October 2023, they were given a joint funeral. And in an Emmerdale first, the entire adult cast lined the village as their bodies processed through.

Yes, this was done in the 50th anniversary year, so it required something special. However, did the great Zak Dingle not warrant the same treatment? Surely the entire village should have turned out for him as well?

In this 30th year of the Dingles, it seems only right that everyone should celebrate them – and bid their farewells. So why were so many people missing?

Fans also felt the absences with many asking on social media: “Where was Rhona, Mack, Mattyâ€¦.?”

Another wrote: “Although this episode was sad and had tears in my eyes I’m not ashamed to say, but I felt there was a lack of farewell respect to the legend Steve Halliwell.”

“I think someone as iconic as Zak Dingle, and for an actor who gave such longevity to the soap, he deserved something more special. I was expecting more returns like Delilah Dingle, Emily Dingle, Bernice, Kathy. Rhona, Mack and Matty weren’t even there,” added one more.

Tina turned up at Zak’s funeral (Credit: ITV)

The Dingles that were there did Zak proud!

Despite the surprisingly poor turn out, there is no denying the Dingles that were there did Zak proud. They made sure he got the send off he deserved and wanted.

The writers pitched each moment and line perfectly and the scenes around the grave were just lovely (minus Tina’s interruption). It was classic Dingle.

It was just a shame more people didn’t turn out to see it.

Read more: Complete Emmerdale cast list for 2024

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

18th October 2024
‘An insult!’ say fuming fans after the new Tina Dingle arrives in the village

Tina Dingle arrived in Emmerdale last night – showing up at the graveside as the family laid her dad, Zak, to rest.

Tina was last seen in the village 28 years ago, when she was played by actress Jacqueline Pirie. With Jacqueline having moved to Canada with her family and started a new life as a crime writer, the role has been recast.

Brassic actress Samantha Power is playing the new-look Tina but her arrival in last night’s episode received a mixed response from fans, with some declaring the recast was “an insult” to the original actress!

Tina showed up to pay her last respects to her dad (Credit: ITV)

Who is she?!

It’s SUCH a long time since Tina left Emmerdale, that lots of fans didn’t know she existed! After all, Tina’s barely been mentioned since she headed south to seek her fortune in London. She’s never met her sister, Belle, she didn’t come back for brother Butch’s funeral, or any of the many Dingle weddings there have been over the years.

“Sorry but who is she??” asked one confused fan. “If it helps, I’ve only been watching since like 2009.”

But other viewers knew that Tina is Zak’s oldest daughter and Mandy’s cousin and one-time best friend. It was Mandy, in fact, who had told Tina about her dad’s death.

Tina Dingle has been recast (Credit: ITV)

Thumbs up for new Tina Dingle in Emmerdale?

The new-look Tina is older of course, blonder, but just as mouthy and fierce. There are definitely similarities between the young woman who left for London almost three decades ago.

But the fans weren’t impressed.

“Absolutely nothing like the original Tina Dingle it’s a insult to the original character who played her,” one viewer complained.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Emmerdale (@emmerdale)

“Sorry, not a patch on the original Tina,” said another disappointed viewer.

“Not a very convincing Tina,” one fan pointed out. Though another disagreed, saying: “Really? She was loud, confrontational, aggressive, self-centred money hungry and scheming….. That’s the Tina Dingle I remember.”

“She’s nowt like the old Tina,” added another. Which to be honest sounds like something Zak might say if he was still here!

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 pageÂ @emmerdaleinsiderÂ for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on TwitterÂ @emmerdaleinside

18th October 2024
The new Tina Dingle: How long she’s staying, what she’s really after and how she ‘can’t be trusted’

During Thursday’s episode of Emmerdale (Thursday October 17) Tina Dingle made a dramatic return to the soap.

Previously played by Jacqueline Pirie, Tina is now played by Brassic star Samantha Power. Appearing at Zak Dingle‘s graveside, Tina didn’t receive a warm welcome from the other Dingles.

But is she back for long and can she be trusted?

Tina surprised the Dingles at Zak’s funeral (Credit: ITV)

Who is Tina Dingle in Emmerdale?

Tina Dingle first appeared in Emmerdale in December 1994. She is the youngest daughter of Zak and Nellie Dingle.

Her most famous storyline saw her plot a long-winded revenge scheme, where she faked a relationship with Luke McAllister and even pretended to be pregnant with his child. This lasted until they made it down the aisle and were about to say I Do, before she cruelly informed him it was all a lie and she was just avenging her brother Ben’s death â€“ for which she held Luke responsible.

Luke went on to kidnap her and take her on a wild drive through the village. Tina managed to jump out of the van moments before it crashed, killing Luke.

Tina was later involved in a love triangle with Frank Tate and Steve Marchant. She left in December 1996, determined not to end up like Frank’s wife Kim.

There has been the odd mention of Tina since, but she failed to return for big events such as Belle’s birth or her brother Butch’s funeral.

Tina is now played by Samantha Power (Credit: ITV)

Tina Dingle’s return â€“ can she be trusted?

During Zak Dingle’s funeral, a woman was seen taking pictures of Wishing Well Cottage. When the Dingles returned to the house to bury Zak, it was revealed that the woman was Tina Dingle and she’s after a share of the house.

She proceeded to dig out her family members and didn’t even know who her half-sister Belle was. Referring to the majority as “ex-cons” and calling her brother Sam thick, she didn’t exactly make a good impression.

Speaking about the character, Samantha Power said: “I absolutely do remember Jaqueline who played Tina. She was absolutely fantastic, I remember her character vividly! So I am very lucky to get the chance to pick up where she left off!”

On whether Tina can be trusted, she said: “She is feisty, bolshy, selfish and she always seems to have an agenda and won’t stop at anything to get what she wants! She has no filters and she will literally do anything to make sure she gets her way, including her claim to the house.

“Tina is really good at manipulating people, especially the Dingles, so I don’t think any of them are safe. She is not one to be trusted! I loved it!”

How long is she staying for?

Sadly, it looks as if Tina’s return is just temporary. For now, at least.

On if she’d like to return, Samantha said: “Definitely! It has been a very special job! Genuinely, it was the nicest job! Everyone was so kind, generous, encouraging and welcoming across all the departments!Â

“Emmerdale is an amazing place to work and Tina is just fantastic to play so I would love the opportunity to come back and cause more mischief.”

Emmerdale Insider has reached out to Emmerdale for confirmation on how many episodes Samantha will appear in.

She called her family out at Zak’s graveside (Credit: ITV)

Samantha Power on landing the role of Tina Dingle in Emmerdale

Samantha has revealed that she was nervous about appearing in Emmerdale, saying: “My husband said he had never known me to be this nervous! My first scene on my first day was at the graveside with ALL the Dingles! That’s a lot right!

“Luckily everyone was so nice and welcoming! I have to say a special shout out to Lisa Riley, the nicest human being! When I met her at the screen test I felt so safe, she couldn’t have been more giving and supportive and encouraging and that continued daily on set! I loved working with her.

“On my first day it was Zak’s funeral, not only were they saying goodbye to Zak but also to the legendary Steve Halliwell and so to be there on location in the village I felt extremely honoured to be a part of that.”

On whether there were any memorable moments, Samantha shared: “There was one specific scene with Lisa where I was face down in a pool of mud. That was extremely memorable and I loved every second of it. There was also a scene which involves an explosion which was so impressive…”

Sounds like Tina’s visit may be short, but extremely exciting.

Read more: Who’s who in the Dingle family treeÂ

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 pageÂ @emmerdaleinsiderÂ for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on TwitterÂ @emmerdaleinside

17th October 2024
Opinion: Emmerdale should have recast Debbie Dingle – the village needs her

There’s been no sign of Debbie Dingle in Emmerdale since she headed off to Scotland at the start of 2021.

After almost two decades in the village – off and on – Debbie left a big hole behind. Not to mention her daughter, Sarah.

With the family all gathering this week to bid farewell to Zak, the lack of Debbie has been felt even more keenly.

And though we’re delighted to see the new-look Tina, her reappearance really emphasised Debbie not being there.

Debbie’s such an important character – the village needs her! (Credit: ITV)

Missing Debbie

There’s no way Debbie, devoted as she was to the Dingles, would miss giving Zak the big send-off he deserved.

And there’s no way she would barely take an interest in Sarah, who, let’s not forget, has a life-limiting heart condition.

Or check up on her mum, Charity, after all the dramas and heartaches she’s been through over the last couple of years.

Charity and Debbie are very close (Credit: ITV)

Moving on

Of course it’s tricky when actors want to move on. Charley Webb had played Debbie since she was a teenager and since leaving Emmerdale she’s split from her husband – fellow Dales actor Matthew Wolfenden – and appeared in The Long Shadow on ITV as well as touring in the stage production Quiz alongside Rory Bremner.

But we reckon if Charley doesn’t want to return, then Debbie should be recast.

Danny Miller isn’t the original Aaron Dingle! (Credit: ITV)

Recasts can be brilliant

The brilliant thing about soaps is that no one is bigger than the show, and the characters – with a very few exceptions – are always bigger than the actors who play them.

Some iconic soap characters have been recast over the years – Ben Mitchell, Robert Sugden, Nick Tilsley. Some recasts are so successful that you forget anyone else ever played the part. Barbara Windsor wasn’t the first person to play Peggy Mitchell. And Danny Miller’s not the first Aaron Dingle!

And though some haven’t been as successful as others – Michelle Fowler, for one – there’s never any harm in giving it a go.

Bring back Joe Tate! (Credit: ITV)

Endless possibilities

Bringing Debbie – and son Jack, who’s now 12 – back to Emmerdale makes so much sense and opens up so many doors.

With John Sugden in the village now, it would be nice to see Sarah and Jack explore their Sugden side! Victoria is Sarah’s aunt, but they hardly ever even speak!

Plus Ross Barton is coming back to Emmerdale. Ross and Debbie had a steamy affair in the run-up to her wedding to his brother, Pete.

That history is too good to waste!

And there’s Debbie’s links to the Tates after her ill-fated romance with Joe Tate. Heck, we’d recast him too if actor Ned Porteous didn’t want to return.

The possibilities are endless. Debbie is such a strong character and such an important part of Emmerdale that we want to see her return!

And the sooner the better!

Read more: Complete Emmerdale cast 2024

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 pageÂ @emmerdaleinsiderÂ for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on TwitterÂ @emmerdaleinside

17th October 2024
As Tina Dingle returns to Emmerdale – the truth about her fake wedding, rivalry with Kim Tate and dramatic exit

Tina Dingle hasn’t been seen in Emmerdale since the nineties, but she’s heading back to the village for her dad’s funeral. Tina was Zak Dingle‘s only daughter until Belle came along! She was first seen in the village in the aftermath of brother Ben’s death in 1994.

Ben had been killed in a fight with Luke McAllister, though later it was revealed he’d had a heart condition that was the real cause of his death. The families were at war and Tina was desperate for revenge.

Tina was only in the show for two years but she definitely made her mark! Here’s her story…

Even proud dad Zak didn’t know Tina’s wedding was a sham (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

Tina and Luke’s wedding

Determined to take revenge on Luke for killing Ben, Tina decided to hit Luke right where it hurt – in his heart!

She wormed her way into his affections and the pair started a relationship. The Dingles – especially Zak and first wife Nellie – were horrified but as Tina and Luke’s romance became more serious, they got used to the idea.

Nellie was even excited to have a future medic in the family as Luke was planning to study to become a doctor.

When Tina announced she was pregnant, the family rallied round and planned a wedding. But in the run-up to the big day, Tina managed to make Luke miss an important exam, and sell his beloved motorbike, and a family heirloom!

When the big day dawned, Tina jilted Luke at the altar – telling him there was no baby, and she didn’t love him. This was revenge for him killing her brother!

Luke was killed when he crashed the van but Tina threw herself out (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

Luke’s heartbreak

Devastated and humiliated, Luke decided to leave Emmerdale to go and live in London with his parents. But before he left, he persuaded Tina to see him one last time.

They went for a drive in Dave Glover’s van but Luke was unstable. He wanted Tina to tell the truth about whether she had ever loved him and drove faster and faster. Terrified, Tina managed to throw herself from the moving van, but Luke ploughed into a tree and died.

Tina was crippled with guilt after his death, saying that while she’d wanted revenge, she hadn’t wanted this.

Frank began harrassing Tina (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

Tina and Frank

As she tried to rebuild her life after Luke’s death, Tina took a job as Frank Tate‘s assistant at Home Farm.

She thought Frank Tate had given her the job to make Kim jealous, but actually Frank was developing feelings for the much younger woman!

When Tina began dating smooth Steve Marchant, Frank was jealous and began playing mind games with Tina. He even proposed! Tina turned him down, telling him she only saw him as her boss.

Frank wouldn’t accept her rejection. He began pressurising her to change her mind, and harassing her.

In the end it all got too much for Tina and she left the village – never to return! She didn’t come back when her half-sister Belle was born, nor when brother Butch died.

Who played Tina Dingle?

Tina was played by Jacqueline Pirie. After she left Emmerdale she moved across the Pennines to Weatherfield, playing Linda Sykes – later Linda Barlow – in Coronation Street.

After that, Jacqueline moved to Canada and stopped acting though she did run a theatre school for a while.

And under her married name, Jacqueline Chadwick, she writes crime thrillers featuring forensic pathologist Ali Dalglish.

When Tina returns to the village she will be played by a new actress – Samantha Power.

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 pageÂ @emmerdaleinsiderÂ for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on TwitterÂ @emmerdaleinside

17th October 2024
â€˜Best episode of Emmerdale everâ€™ say fans after Cain tells the Dingles of Zakâ€™s death

Cain broke the news that Zak Dingle has passed away last night in Emmerdale, and fans have been full of praise.

He told each Dingle individually, breaking the news to them whilst music played over the top of these scenes.

Fans have now hailed Tuesday’s episode (October 15), the ‘best episode of Emmerdale ever’ – and we don’t blame them!

The whole village was rocked (Credit: ITV)

Cain broke the news of Zak death to the Dingles

This week in the Dales, Moira received a phone call from Debbie. She then found out that Zak Dingle had sadly passed away.

Once Cain found out the news, he then made it his job as the new head of the family to tell each Dingle the sad news last night.

First telling Belle and Sam, Cain then continued to make his through the family as he broke the news to each household of the Dingle clan individually.

However, these scenes had music playing over the top which meant that the Dingles’ reactions to the news could only be seen and not heard – a beautiful moment.

The family then came together to support each other as Cain set off in the Dingle van to bring Zak’s body home from Scotland. Sobs.

The scenes were really emosh (Credit: ITV)

Emmerdale fans praise soap for ‘best episode’ as Zak dies

With Zak being such a loved character on Emmerdale, the scenes were bound to be emosh. However, viewers were not prepared for just how many tissues they needed to use up whilst watching last night.

Fans have now praised last night’s episode, even calling it ‘the best episode of Emmerdale ever’ – and we can totally see why.

One fan commented: “A very moving Emmerdale tonight. Lots of past character mentions, powerful scenes and the old van. One of the best Emmerdale episodes in recent years.”

Another person added: “One of the most beautiful and heartbreaking scenes ever.”

A third viewer contributed: “Wow. Powerful episode tonight and a fitting was to say farewell to the character in honour of the great actor who played him. RIP.”

A fourth person shared: “Thanks Emmerdale, I just cried for a solid hour. But a beautiful tribute to the man himself!”

Another viewer praised: “Emmerdale at its best. Fitting tribute to a true legend x.”

A final person sobbed: “One of the saddest episode Iâ€™ve ever watched. Emmerdale at its best.”

Read more:Â The Pollard family tree in Emmerdale: Eric Pollard and all his wives!

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 pageÂ @emmerdaleinsiderÂ for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on TwitterÂ @emmerdaleinside

16th October 2024
As the Dingles celebrate 30 years – The best ever Dingle moments

The Dingles feel like part of the furniture in Emmerdale. Their numbers keep growing and their storylines keep getting more dramatic, and it’s hard to remember a time when there wasn’t at least one Dingle in the village!

It’s 30 years since the family burst on to our screens, and they’re right at the heart of storylines this week as the family get the sad news that Zak – the head of the Dingles and Belle, Sam and Cain’s dad – had died.

Emmerdale is celebrating the whole Dingle clan this week, so we decided to join in by remembering some of the best Dingle moments!

Here’s what we chose – what are yours?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Emmerdale (@emmerdale)

Silly moments for the Dingles in Emmerdale

It’s strange to remember this now but when the Dingles first arrived on-screen, they were often the butt of jokes! Their scams and money-making schemes were the talk of the village – remember these?!

Barry Clegg built the rocket and Butch planned a space trip (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

Butch in space

In 1997, Lisa’s ex-husband Barry Clegg built a rocket that ran on pig waste. So of course the Dingles decided to build a rocket and send Butch into space. Mark Charnock, who plays Marlon, says it was his favourite Dingle moment. It won’t surprise anyone to know their attempt to send Butch into space failed!

Hillbilly rock

It’s a bit of a cheat as it wasn’t just Dingles, and it wasn’t just in Emmerdale but the Woolpackers – a country music band – had some chart success back in the late 90s.
Steve Halliwell, aka Zak Dingle, was joined by fellow Emmerdale stars Alun Lewis (Vic Windsor) and Billy Hartman (Terry) as well as Jane Cox (Lisa Dingle), and reached number five in the charts with Hillbilly Rock!

Babies for the Dingles in Emmerdale

We’ve seen five generations of Dingles on our screens and some very memorable births!

Baby Belle’s arrival was a surprise for her parents! (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

A Christmas miracle

Lisa didn’t know she was expecting when she gave birth to baby Belle. She felt a bit peculiar while she was out in the pen, helping Paddy look after a poorly pig. Lisa gave birth to baby Belle with Paddy’s help, on Christmas Day in 1998.

Chas and Paddy said a sad goodbye to baby Grace (Credit: ITV)

Heartbreak for Chas

There was heartbreak for Chas Dingle when she found out her unborn baby wouldn’t survive for long after she arrived. Chas chose to continue her pregnancy and when she gave birth to baby Grace, she and dad Paddy, imagined their daughter’s future. Baby Grace only lived for 29 minutes.

Debbie’s surprise

Teenager Debbie Dingle got pregnant after a brief affair with Andy Sugden. She kept her pregnancy a secret from just about everyone and eventually gave birth to little Sarah in the woods. Debbie struggled with motherhood at first, but she’s now devoted to Sarah and her son Jack.

Weddings for the Dingles in Emmerdale

Robron finally tie the knot

Everyone had waited a long time for Robert Sugden and Aaron Dingle to tie the knot. They finally got their shiz together and planned their big day, only for Aaron’s mum Chas give birth to tragic baby Grace the day before. But with Chas’s blessing the pair finally walked down the aisle and made Robron official.

Tina’s revenge

Tina Dingle played a long game of revenge when she seduced brother Ben’s killer, Luke McAllister. She wooed Luke, convincing him and everyone else they had a future, she pretended to be pregnant, planned a wedding and manipulated Luke into selling his family heirlooms. And then she jilted him at the altar. Ouch!

Chas took revenge on cheating Carl on their wedding day (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

Chas gets her own back

Tina was obviously in Chas’s mind when she found out her fiancÃ© Carl King was cheating with Eve Jenson. Just like her cousin before her, Chas kept on wedding planning, pocketing the cash Carl was handing over, and jilted him at the altar. He totally deserved it, let’s be honest. It was Chas’s finest moment!

Debbie and Pete’s explosive wedding

If we’re after the most dramatic wedding in Emmerdale, then Debbie Dingle’s big day with Pete Barton definitely fits the bill. Not only was the bride’s affair with the groom’s brother revealed at the reception, but thanks to a chain of events involving Robert Sugden, Chrissie White and Adam Barton, a helicopter crashed into the party, killing Val Pollard!

Lisa passed away on her wedding day (Credit: ITV)

Lisa’s tragic big day

After finally rekindling her relationship with Zak, Lisa was thrilled when they walked down the aisle for a second time. The pair had a perfect wedding day – the Woolpackers even made an appearance at the reception – and then Lisa headed back to Wishing Well Cottage to change her dress. She sat down next to loyal pooch Monty and passed away peacefully. SOB!

Deaths for the Dingle family in Emmerdale

Of course, with the births and the marriages, there has to come the deaths. It’s the circle of life, as Elton John would say. Here’s the best ones:

Cain gave Faith a memorable ‘trip’ to the seaside before she died (Credit: ITV)

Faith makes her mark

Yes Faith wasn’t the best mum to Chas and Cain, and she didn’t even know newcomer son Caleb, but everyone loved her just the same. From her arrival in Emmerdale to her final days spent on a trip to the seaside (sort of), she stole the show, and her peaceful death with son Cain at her side, was perfect.

Gennie’s tragic demise

It was YEARS ago but we’re still reeling at Genesis Walker’s brutal death at the hands of Dales killer Cameron Murray. Gennie had worked out Cameron was the killer, but he chased her down and killed her. It was a shocking soap moment and one Emmerdale fans will remember forever.

Drama for the Dingles in Emmerdale

Where there’s a Dingle, there’s always drama! It’s hard to pick the most dramatic Dingle moments but here’s a few that got our hearts racing.

Charity bravely faced her abuser in court (Credit: ITV)

Charity v Bails

Brave, bold Charity confronted her past, literally and metaphorically, when she took on her one-time abuser, DI Mark Bails. Not only did Charity face the rapist police officer in court, she also discovered the son she thought had died – Ryan Stocks – was alive and well, and reconnected with him.

Chas and Debbie Vs Cameron

Emmerdale killer Cameron Murray went to jail, only to escape and come back to the village to torment his former lovers Chas and Debbie. In tense scenes, unhinged Cameron held the whole pub at gunpoint, shooting Alicia Metcalfe in the process. And then he pursued a terrified Debbie and Chas through the flooded pub cellar before he was electrocuted and died.

The tension was high as Tom tracked Belle down (Credit: ITV)

Belle and Tom’s axe-wielding confrontation

It’s hard to pick a moment from this ongoing tale, but just a few weeks ago, Belle lashed out and stuck an axe in Tom’s back – and who could blame her?! The moment when a frantic, screaming Belle was on one side of the door, with Tom smashing his way through, Jack Nicholson style, will go down in Emmerdale history!

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 pageÂ @emmerdaleinsiderÂ for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on TwitterÂ @emmerdaleinside

15th October 2024
Fans praise ‘respectful’ Emmerdale over Zak’s death storyline

Emmerdale fans have praised the ITV soap for taking its time with Zak Dingle ‘s death storyline following actor Steve Halliwell’s death.

Steve passed away in December 2023, but it is only now, 10 months later, that his character Zak is receiving an on-screen funeral.

Fans of Emmerdale have called this move ‘respectful’ as it’s allowed Steve’s family to grieve first.

Zak Dingle in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV)

Steve Halliwell’s death

Following news of Steve’s death, his family released a statement, which read: “He went to sleep, peacefully with his loved ones around him. He was making us laugh to the end, the most amazing father and grandfather you could ever wish for, family was everything to him. We would like to thank the wonderful staff at St James Hospital and the Wheatfield Hospice for their love and kindness in his final days. He didnâ€™t want sadness, just to rejoice in a life well lived.”

The soap also shared a statement, where it said: “Steve will forever be synonymous with Emmerdale. The proud defender and head of the Dingle family. Heart and humour in all he did, it has been and always will be impossible not to smile when you think of him.”

Tributes also poured in from fans and castmates, including Lisa Riley, who spoke for everyone when she said: “That boy from Bury did good.”

Cain shares news of Zak’s death with the rest of the family (Credit: ITV)

Zac’s death in Emmerdale

Steve Halliwell’s last appearance in the soap was in June 2023. One of his final scenes saw him beeping the horn on his mobility scooter as Dan Spencer compared him to Evel Knievel. The character then left the Dales to live with granddaughter Debbie Dingle in Scotland.

Last month, Cain Dingle received news from his daughter Debbie that Zak wasn’t well. Cain subsequently went up to Scotland to help his dad through this period of ill health.

In Monday’s episode (October 14), Cain unexpectedly returned home early. He was in high spirits as he shared with wife Moira that Zak was doing much better. However, things soon took a turn for the worse. Answering a call from Debbie, Moira received the news that Zak had sadly passed away.

Moira told her husband and Tuesday’s episode (October 15) will see Cain break the sad news to the rest of the family ahead of Zak’s funeral later in the week.

Emmerdale fans praise show over sensitivity

The soap confirmed plans to give Zak an on-screen send-off earlier in the year, with Emmerdale producer Sophie Roper saying: “There’ll be a hugely fitting tribute for such an iconic character coming up.”

While some fans have wondered why it’s taken so long to write in Zak’s death, most have been understanding and have branded the wait ‘respectful.’

“Awww… It’s really respectful how they have taken a while to now have Zak pass. He’s a legend,” wrote one fan on X.

On Instagram, another viewer said: “I’m so glad they have now given Zak the recognition after all this time,” with a third fan suggesting Steve’s real life family wouldn’t have wanted to see the funeral on screen so soon after his death. They wrote: “They leave it until the family agrees that they are ready.”

Another fan added: “Which is understandable, losing a loved one is hard especially when they were in a soap opera and his close cast were like family too.”

Read more: Whoâ€™s who in the Dingle family treeÂ

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 pageÂ @emmerdaleinsiderÂ for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on TwitterÂ @emmerdaleinside

15th October 2024