In Monday’s episode of Emmerdale (Monday, October 14) Moira answered the phone to Debbie, who informed her of Zak’s death. With Zak’s funeral taking place this week, will Debbie return to the Dales?
Debbie Dingle left the Dales for Scotland in 2019 and last year she was joined by her grandfather Zak Dingle.
With Debbie being his granddaughter and the pair being so close in his final months, it makes sense that she should be at the funeral – but will she make an appearance?
Moira shared Zak’s death with Cain (Credit: ITV/ Composite EI!)
Zak’s death in Emmerdale
Following actor Steve Halliwell’s death last December, Emmerdale has been leading up on an on-screen funeral for his character Zak Dingle. In recent months, Zak’s ill health has been mentioned, with Cain travelling up to Scotland to see his poorly dad.
In Monday’s episode, Moira was speaking on the phone to Cain and told him to give Debbie and Zak her love – not realising that he was no longer with them.
Shortly after suffering another seizure, Cain surprised Moira by arriving home early. He shared the news that Zak was doing much better and had ordered Cain to return home.
However, while he was in the shower, Cain’s phone started ringing. Moira answered and was told by Debbie that Zak had sadly passed away. Further episodes will see Cain tell the rest of the family and they reminisce about Zak before the funeral takes place at the end of the week.
Debbie is currently in Scotland (Credit: ITV/ Shutterstock)
Fans call for Debbie return
From finding out Charity and Cain were her mum and dad to the acid attack on Ross Barton, Debbie has been involved in some pretty hard-hitting storylines, so it’s no surprise that fans want to see her back.
Spoilers tease a surprise guest at Zak’s funeral and fans are praying it’s Debbie. “Would be weird if Debbie didn’t come to the funeral,” one fan said on X, with another adding: “‘We need Debbie back.”
A third fan tagged actress Charley Webb, writing: “Hope it’s @miss_CharleyWebb who returns. Debbie is great,” while a fourth said: “Debbie is my all time favourite Emmerdale character. Having her back even for an episode will be AMAZING.”
Is Charley Webb returning?
In an interview with whattowatch.com last year, Charley spoke about her Emmerdale exit and admitted she had no regrets about leaving.
“It felt like the right time for me personally to make that jump from Emmerdale and I don’t have any regrets about it,” she said. “I’m ambitious to push myself and it’s just about choosing the right projects from now on.”
Also, due to reported behind-the-scenes friction between Charley and the soap, Charley’s return to Emmerdale seems pretty unlikely. But some fans have suggested a recast. “Debbie with a new head. How many heads has Ben Eastenders had so far last count?,” joked one fan.
Since leaving Emmerdale, Charley has appeared in a few TV shows. Most notably in the Yorkshire Ripper drama The Long Shadow, in which she starred in four episodes.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.30pm and 2.05pm.
Visit our Facebook page @emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter @emmerdaleinside
Fans of Emmerdale believe newcomer Jade is hiding her true identity and is in fact related to two other village residents.
Last week, actor and musician Twinnie-Lee Moore made her first appearance as ruthless boxing promoter Jade. Jade arrived in the village to encourage – or rather demand – Billy to fight again.
However, cynical viewers don’t believe that Jade is her real name and have been speculating over who she really could be.
Jade put pressure on Billy to keep fighting (Credit: ITV)
Jade arrives in Emmerdale
In recent weeks, fans have seen Billy get involved in the world of unlicensed boxing and hide the secret from wife Dawn, who thinks the money he’s made from it has been pulled off trees.
In Friday’s episode, ruthless boxing promoter Jade arrived in the village much to Billy’s horror. As she wound down the window of her car, Billy asked what she was doing there – meaning they’d already met.
After telling him she was impressed with his home setting, she gave him a veiled threat by saying: “Obviously got a lot to lose.”
Jade told Billy she wanted to see more of him in the ring just as Dawn arrived to ask if everything was OK. Jade responded: “It would be if Billy would do as I ask.”
Billy covered by saying she was a potential client. Jade went along with the story and said she was in the market for a PT and had heard how good Billy is. Later, Billy told Mack that Jade is the one who runs all the fights, but he was determined not to get involved anymore given his current injuries.
However, he soon changed his mind when he got ripped off buying a new car and Dawn commented about everything going wrong for them. Dawn encouraged him to call the ‘posh client from this morning’ and so that’s what he did. But what does Jade have in store for him? And do her ties to the village go further than Billy?
Could Ruby and Caleb be Jade’s parents? (Credit: ITV)
Fans rumble Jade’s true identity
Last month, it was revealed that Caleb Milligan and his wife Ruby had a daughter. Caleb went to visit wife Ruby’s dying mother in the hospital. During a heated exchange, Helen asked Caleb if he had seen anything of Stephanie. Caleb was furious at the question and told Helen not to mention his kids.
When he arrived in Emmerdale, Caleb did mention kids – but we only met Nicky. Nicky, himself, also mentioned having a sister. Though we should remember he also told a bunch of lies including the fact that his mum was dead. Which, as we know, she’s very much alive.
Aside from that, nothing else is known about the mysterious Miligan daughter. But fans have been speculating that Jade could be Stephanie.
“Just a thought, I know Caleb and Ruby have a daughter called Stephanie, but suppose Jade isn’t her real name – but Jade is Stephanie?!” wrote one fan on X, with a second fan writing: “Wouldn’t surprise me if she’s related to Caleb and Ruby.”
Fans on Reddit were also on board this theory, with one viewer writing: “Could she be Caleb and Ruby’s estranged daughter? Using the name Jade as an alias… Both Caleb and Ruby have ruthless streaks, and what we’ve seen from Jade so far is that she seems ruthless.”
Another fan agreed, adding: “I actually thought the same thing. They suddenly have a daughter, and then this new chick turns up.”
Jade arrived in the village last week (Credit: ITV)
Twinnie-Lee Moore on new role
Speaking about being back on screen, Former Hollyoaks star Twinnie said: “My life has been a bit crazy recently juggling music and acting with lots of back and forth between Nashville and Yorkshire but I’ve been loving it!
“I’ve loved being back on screen, especially as the show is shot in Yorkshire. Being able to be home with family and go to work on such an iconic show has been nothing short of amazing! The whole team has been so welcoming and really supportive.
“My character is so much fun to play and I can’t wait to see how the audience reacts to her.”
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
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 must be a dangerous place to live given the amount of folk who’ve met an unfortunate end. Over the years, there’s been murders, death by misadventure and falling victim to freak accidents and natural disasters.
But we always remember those who were killed off in sensational style, or had a heartbreaking goodbye.
Here are 14 of the most memorable deaths to have occurred in Emmerdale…
Dave looks dishy even on his deathbed (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Emmerdale deaths: Dave Glover
Dave Glover was the heartthrob of Emmerdale back in the mid 90s. The floppy-haired farmhand was also something of a ladies man, but Dave’s fateful error was falling for Kim Tate. The frisky pair had an affair behind Kim’s husband Frank’s back. Then Kim got pregnant and didn’t know who the father was.
Baby James was born in 1996, and Dave believed he was the boy’s daddy (it later turned out James was Frank’s). The lovers decided to run away together, but never got that far after a fire broke out in Home Farm.
Dave battled through the flames to save James, and was able to pass the tot through a window. Unfortunately, Dave was not so lucky. He succumbed to his injures on Boxing Day, 1996.
Kim was heartbroken and blamed Frank for Dave’s death. But she didn’t have to wait long for her husband to slip off the mortal coil…
Kim looked on in delight as Frank suffered a fatal heart attack (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Emmerdale deaths: Frank Tate
Frank’s dramatic death at the hands of wife Kim, remains one of the greatest exits in soap history. It was 1997, and the year the Tates marriage really turned toxic.
The wealthy haulage boss had tried to have Kim killed as revenge for her affair with Dave Glover. She responded by hatching a plan to fake her death and have Frank framed for murder.
Frank was sent to prison for a while, but then Kim turned up at Home Farm very much alive. The shock of seeing his supposedly dead wife caused Frank (who already had a dodgy ticker) to suffer a fatal heart attack.
He passed away on the living room of Home Farm, while cold-hearted Kim watched on, refusing to call for help. As a final insult, Kim whipped out her compact mirror to check Frank had stopped breathing before reapplying her make up!
Rachel became Graham Clark’s second victim (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Rachel Hughes
Poor Rachel was never a good judge when it came to men. There was her marriage to Chris Tate, her affair with Jack Sugden, and her failure to realise she was dating a killer.
Rachel began a romance with teacher, Graham Clark and thought she’d met the one. They even planned to marry. But what Rachel didn’t realise was that Graham had murdered his first wife and made it look like suicide.
The sinister truth finally dawned on Rachel while the couple were out walking in the Dales on May 11, 1999. She confronted Graham over her suspicions and a row ensued. Graham couldn’t allow his dark secret to be revealed, so he decided Rachel had to be silenced. He pushed her over a cliff and Jack later found her lifeless body.
Graham got his comeuppance when he was killed in a car crash a year later.
Sarah Sugden met a fiery end (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Sarah Sugden
Jack Sugden’s second wife, Sarah met a horrific end when she was burnt alive in a barn explosion.
At the time of Sarah’s death she and Jack were separated after she’d left him for 19-year-old, Richie Carter. But Sarah soon realised the grass wasn’t greener.
The Sugden family farm was also in peril. Faced with losing his home, Sarah and Jack’s son Andy decided to burn down one of their barns for the insurance money.
He carried out his foolish plan and doused the barn with petrol. But what Andy didn’t realise is that Sarah and Richie were hiding behind the hay bales having crisis talks about their future.
The blaze quickly took hold, and while Richie was able to flee the flames, Sarah wasn’t so fortunate. She went out in a massive fireball.
Chris went to great lengths to get revenge on Charity (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Chris Tate
Cunning Chris Tate masterminded every detail of his death, which occurred on September 17, 2003.
After discovering he had an inoperable brain tumour, Chris spied an opportunity for revenge. He plotted to end his own life and frame his estranged wife, Charity Dingle, for murder in the process.
Having made all the arrangements, Chris set his plan in motion. He lured Charity to Home Farm on the pretence of discussing their divorce, before downing a glass of whisky, laced with poison.
Seconds later, Chris carked it, and just as he’d intended Charity was sent down for murder. She was later able to prove her innocence, which must have had Chris turning in his grave.
Tricia was the victim of a freak storm (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Emmerdale deaths: Tricia Dingle
Bubbly barmaid Tricia was a victim of a terrible storm that struck the village on New Year’s Eve 2003.
Tricia was making her way over to The Woolpack when a bolt of lightening struck the pub. This caused an upstairs window to shatter and the pub’s chimney came crashing down on top of Tricia.
She was rushed to hospital, where she was kept on life support for a week. Heartbroken Marlon Dingle kept vigil at his wife’s bedside, but her injuries were not survivable and she went into cardiac arrest.
Tricia’s organs were donated to charity, which provided her loved ones with a small comfort.
The death of Alice was devastating (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Alice Dingle
Alice’s passing on July 31, 2006Â was one the saddest days in Emmerdale history.
The previous year, Alice had been diagnosed with cancer while pregnant with son, Samson. She refused doctor’s advice to have an abortion and waited until Samson was born to start chemotherapy.
Unfortunately the treatment was not effective and Alice was told she was terminally ill. As her illness progressed, Alice decided she wanted to die on her own terms. But she was too weak to take her own life.
In the end, her husband Sam helped Alice on her way by administering an overdose of morphine. She slipped away peacefully in his arms at Wishing Well Cottage moments later.
Bigamous Mark Wylde lived by the sword and died by the bullet (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Mark Wylde
Mark Wylde had it all – wealth, good looks, a beautiful family… oh and a secret wife and son he’d never told anyone about.
It turned out Mark was, in fact, Daniel Lamb. 20 years previously he had abandoned his pregnant wife, Faye and moved to France under a new identity. This meant his second marriage, to wife Natasha, was bigamous.
Natasha was sickened to discover the truth, but there was worse to come when their daughter, Maisie, revealed she’d been sleeping with Faye’s son, Ryan. Mark was forced to admit Maisie and Ryan were half-siblings, and unsurprisingly no one took the news well.
Disowned by his family, Mark decided to end it all. He wrote a suicide note and headed out to the woods with a shotgun. But Natasha wasn’t far behind. Refusing to let Mark to take the coward’s way out, she took the weapon out of his hands and fired a bullet into chest, killing him instantly. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, eh?
Cameron went out on a murderous rampage, but ended up killing himself (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Emmerdale deaths: Cameron Murray
Serial killer Cameron’s reign of terror came to a spectacular end on October 17, 2013.
Cam had been imprisoned for the murders of Carl King, Alex Moss and Gennie Walker, but he escaped and went on the run. With scores to settle, Cameron made his way back to the village in the middle of a torrential rainstorm.
Armed with a shotgun, Cameron held a number terrified locals hostage at The Woolpack. These included his former lovers, Debbie Dingle and Chas Dingle.
The siege ended down in the pub’s flooded cellar as Cameron attempted to drown Chas, Debbie and Marlon. Sadly (for him), Cameron grabbed hold of a live lightbulb and was electrocuted to death. Did no one ever teach him water and electricity don’t mix?
Katie died after catching Robron in a passionate clinch (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Katie Sugden
Katie’s death was a case of manslaughter at the hands of her brother-in-law and arch-nemesis, Robert Sugden.
The pair had been secret lovers back in the day, but their romance had turned sour. When Robert returned to the village in 2014, he embarked on an affair with Aaron Dingle.
Katie threatened to wreck Robert’s wedding day by exposing his adultery, but he refused to let her leave. When Katie tried to make her escape, Robert pushed her over and the barn’s floor gave way. She crashed through two storeys of wood and glass and was killed on impact.
Robert and Aaron then disposed of any incriminating evidence so it looked as if Katie had died by accident. Which she did. Sort of.
Val’s death was as extra as the lady herself (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Val Pollard
A character as iconic as Val deserved an unforgettable exit. And that’s what she got.
The fifth Mrs Pollard was one of the unlucky victims of the village fete disaster in 2015. Val was trapped inside a mirror maze alongside sister Diane Sugden after a helicopter crash caused the amusement to collapse.
Diane was safely rescued from the wreckage, but the emergency crew could not reach Val. As she lay there unable to move, Val could see a jagged shard of glass hanging above her. She lit a cigarette in a final act of defiance and declared “I’m Val” as the glass fell and impaled her.
A few days after her gruesome death, Val appeared as a ghost to say one last goodbye to husband, Eric.
Moira discovered her daughter Holly dead in bed (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale deaths: Holly Barton
Holly’s death from a drug overdose was one of those OMG moments fans will never forget.
September 26, 2016 started out as just another ordinary day at Butlers Farm. Moira took a cup of tea up to Holly, who was in bed after a night out. At first Moira thought her daughter was just asleep, but sadly she wasn’t. Holly had succumbed to a fatal heroin overdose and it was too late to save her.
What made Holly’s death particularly shocking was that it hadn’t been announced actress Sophie Powles was leaving the soap. So no one knew until the episode aired that Holly was being killed off.
It was another stroke of genius from the Emmerdale writers, and Natalie J Robb‘s portrayal of Moira’s agony was award-worthy.
Faith’s tragic end broke fan’s hearts (Credit: ITV)
Faith Dingle
Oh Faith. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when Cain and Chas’s cancer-stricken mum died.
The Dingle matriarch fought a courageous battle against the disease and made the decision to end her suffering. She made peace with the idea and said her goodbyes to her loved ones.
Faith proceeded to take an overdose of morphine, but was interrupted by Cain’s arrival. He tried to take his mum to hospital, but after realising it was what she wanted, Cain held Faith in his arms until she took her last breath.
It was a highly emotional ending for a dearly loved character.
Evil Al was killed by young Kyle Winchester (Credit: ITV)
Al Chapman
Last, but by no means least was Al Chapman, the character who became Emmerdale’s 100th on-screen death.
Al’s immoral antics made him unpopular with the locals, but it was his affair with married Chas Dingle that proved to be his undoing. Cain discovered Al was the reason Chas had missed their mum Faith’s final moments and wanted revenge.
He lured Al to a barn, where he was waiting with a shotgun to scare him out of the village. But as a violent altercation ensued, Al ended up taking a bullet.
It looked as if Cain was the killer, but flashback scenes it was his 10-year-old son, Kyle who’d actually pulled the trigger. Cain took the rap and served time for the youngster’s crime, but was released when Kyle told the police the truth.
And as for Al? Well perhaps Kyle did us all a favour. Good riddance to bad rubbish!
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
Our Emmerdale review this week was written in our lunch-break, just after double maths… of course, we’re kidding, but didn’t this week’s episodes feel like being back at school?!
After the brilliant, tense drama of Tom and Belle, this week we were served up something even less appetising than school dinners!
We love Heartstopper, and we love Waterloo Road, and that’s why if we wanted teen-style angst and drama we’d watch them instead.
Here’s the lowdown on why we think everyone needs detention in this week’s Emmerdale review.
Kim and Will were making each other jealous (Credit: ITV)
Will and Kim’s teenage games
Oh for heaven’s sake, what on earth is going on here? Kim and Will are very much old enough to know better than these ridiculous games they’re both playing. It is exhausting, frustrating and quite honestly, more than a little boring watching them try to get one up on each other and it’s taking us right back to the days of school discos, and ‘he said, she said’ gossip.
Making each other jealous, Will messing up Kim’s nice house, Kim packing Will’s bags – honestly, could they be any more childish?
We know that both Kim and Will are – how can we put this? – morally challenged. They’ll both go to great lengths to get what they want – and it’s a lot more fun seeing them do that together on a mutual enemy, than taking on each other.
Seriously?! (Credit: ITV)
If it was up to us, we’d send them off on a trip to Dubai or somewhere, and let them regroup and work things out off-screen, so we don’t have to see it. Then we’d welcome them home, tanned, relaxed and back together, ready to take on the baddies of Emmerdale.
Billy’s made some very bad choices (Credit: ITV)
Billy’s boring boxing battles
Meanwhile, behind the bike sheds, Billy’s hiding a huge secret. He’s been taking part in unlicensed boxing matches and getting himself battered in the process. And it’s funny because you’d think this would make Billy and Dawn more interesting, but it actually doesn’t. Probably because it’s all happened off-screen.
Anyway, all it’s done is make us a bit disappointed in Mack and John for being complicit in this whole thing and not telling Billy to grow up and get a proper job. Maybe next week we’ll see them both gathered round Billy shouting “fight, fight, fight!”
Is anything ever really gone forever? (Credit: ITV)
Technophobe Tom in our Emmerdale review
Tom King is apparently a whizz at installing secret cameras, but less clever when it comes to destroying technology. He smashed up the tablet that contains evidence against him with a rock, making it smoke – weird – and seemingly forgetting that nothing’s really gone forever these days.
We’re just hoping little Carl, who was watching his odd uncle out of the window, has been paying attention in computing lessons and knows more about finding files on the cloud than Tom does.
Laurel’s not a regular mum, she’s a cool mum (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale review:Â Sex education
OMG how cringe was Laurel’s chat with Arthur about sex? When she produced a pack of condoms so Arthur could explore his sexuality with older men, we wanted to cry! We were forced to watch the whole excruciating conversation through our fingers.
But when it comes to being a grown-up, Arthur’s been adulting way better than his neighbours this week! He even apologised to John. Very mature!
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 has been on our screens since 1972, and has seen thousands of characters come and go over the years. Some stay in the soap for just a short stint, and for others it becomes a forever home.
But who are the soaps’ best ever characters? It’s a hard job, but we’ve whittled it down to 13 of our all time favourites, both past and present. So here they are…
Cain has been delivering us drama since 2000 (Credit: ITV)
Cain Dingle
Emmerdale OG bad boy, Cain is always top of the list. We can’t get enough of the sexy rogue.
Always central to any Dingle drama, Cain is the son of former lovers, Zak and Faith, but grew up thinking Shadrach was his father.
He arrived in 2000 as the black sheep of the family and delighted fans with his corrupt carry on.
Cain has had a lot of romantic entanglements during his 20 plus years in the Dales. These include high-stakes affairs with police officer Angie Reynolds and vicar Harriet Finch and a questionable dalliance with teen Amy Wyatt.
But two relationships have shaped him most. The first being his on/off one with cousin, Charity, and the other his passionate marriage to Moira.
Cain is a father of four, by four different women. He and Charity share daughter Debbie. Nate Robinson is Cain’s long-lost son who came into his life as an adult, Kyle Winchester was the result of his fling with Amy, and he has young Isaac with Moira.
The character is Emmerdale’s answer to the terminator. Seriously, the guy is indestructible! Cain has survived attempts on his life, near drowning and a brain tumour. And he’s endured a few stints in prison, the most recent being when he took the rap for Kyle killing Al Chapman.
It’s certainly been an action-packed two decades, we can’t wait to see what the next bring.
No one messes with Kim Tate and gets away with it (Credit: ITV)
Best Emmerdale characters: Kim Tate
Ruthless, scheming and ever so sexy, Kim is a goddess and we worship at her altar.
The legendary lady of the manor was introduced in December 1989 as Frank Tate’s gold-digging missus. Frank might have had money, but it was excitement Kim craved. Her affair with farmhand Dave Glover gave her that, plus a ‘who’s the daddy’ storyline when Kim gave birth to son James. The tot turned out to be Frank’s, and tragedy struck when Dave was killed in a fire.
After Dave’s demise, Kim’s marriage to Frank collapsed. He tried to have her killed, but Kim took revenge by faking her own death and framing Frank for murder. Her ‘return’ from the dead caused Frank to suffer a fatal heart attack. In shocking scenes, Kim put her compact mirror up to Frank’s mouth to check he’d stopped breathing before reapplying her powder.
Kim’s second husband was Steve Marchant, but that marriage also ended badly. She set him up for a crime she’d committed and fled the village in a helicopter.
Fast forward to 2018 and Kim made a dramatic return. She was thrust straight back into the action after ordering her third hubby Graham Foster to dispose of her step-grandson Joe Tate. Kim also got pushed off a balcony by Faith Dingle.
Kim was reunited with her son, Jamie Tate, and let’s just say the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. Just like his mum, Jamie faked his own death.
Now Kim is onto husband number four, Will Taylor, and proved once again she’s not a woman to be messed with. When Will cheated with his ex Queen Kim got her revenge.
Eric Pollard is the king of illegal scams (Credit: ITV)
The village veteran, who’s the longest-serving character in Emmerdale, has been played by actor Chris Chittell for 38 years.
Eric was first introduced in 1986 and was only meant to stay for 12 episodes. But viewers loved his immoral antics, even if the other villagers didn’t.
The former antique dealer’s list of crimes include theft, fraud and even bigamy. Eric has always had an eye for the ladies and has five wives – two of which he was married to at the same time. His second wife, Elizabeth was one of the victims of the 1993 plane crash.
Eric was tracked down by his long-lost son. David, in 2006 and the pair forged a close relationship.
The other most important person in Eric’s life was his fifth wife and soulmate, Val Lambert. Their union was a very popular one, and fans felt Eric’s heartbreak when he lost his ‘Valerie’ in 2015.
He’s also had a relationship with Brenda Walker, who’s played by Chris’s real-life wife, Lesley Dunlop.
Time has certainly mellowed Eric, and he’s been forced to slow down following after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s last year. But there’s still life in the old dog yet, so expect more scams in the future.
Chas in her natural habitat behind the Woolpack bar (Credit: ITV)
Chas Dingle
Who remembers the moment Chas, short for Chastity, arrived in the village dressed as a nun for her cousin Marlon’s stag do? Talk about making an entrance!
A proper chip off the old Dingle block, Chas is the daughter of Faith and Shadrach and sister to Cain.
She’s also mum to Aaron. Chas gave birth to Aaron when she was 14, but the pair have a complicated relationship. Chas abandoned Aaron and was devastated to learn years later he’d been sexually abused by his father, Gordon. The guilt over abandoning her son has never really left her.
Chas has lived in Emmerdale since 2002 and has spent most of those years working at The Woolpack. She went from barmaid to landlady, before she was forced to sell her beloved pub. She’s now holds the position of manager.
Chas’s biggest weakness in life has always been men. She had a tempestuous relationship with Carl King. They almost got married, but Chas jilted Carl at the altar after discovering he’d been sleeping with Eve Jenson.
Then came her ill-fated affairs. First with Cameron Murray, who turned out to be a killer. Then Al Chapman, which resulted in Chas losing it all – including her husband, Paddy.
Fans loved Chas and Paddy together. The couple were dealt a cruel blow with the death of their first daughter Grace in 2018. But little Eve arrived the year after to help heal some of their pain.
Chas is a survivor, and has recently endured a battle against triple negative breast cancer. She underwent a double mastectomy and is currently in remission from the disease. Things are looking up on the love life front too, with a potential romance blossoming between her and Dr Liam Cavanagh.
Paddy’s been saving the village animals since 1997 (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Best Emmerdale characters: Paddy Kirk
Loveable Paddy is one of Emmerdale’s most cherished characters. He was introduced to viewers in 1997 as a locum vet.
Paddy is the son of Barbara and Bear Wolf, a former wrestler, who Paddy was estranged from until adulthood. He has a daughter, Eve, from his marriage to ex-wife Chas Dingle. He’s also been a father figure to Chas’s son, Aaron, over the years.
In 2024, Paddy married wife Mandy Dingle – for a second time, and his fifth in total. He and Mandy got hitched first time round in 1999, but split soon afterwards. Paddy’s also gone down the aisle with Emily Dingle, Rhona Goskirk, and of course, Chas. He’s also had a couple of extramarital affairs, with postmistress Viv Hope and teaching assistant Tess Harris. Don’t be fooled by the bumbling nature – Paddy can be a naughty boy when he wants to!
Paddy’s most enduring relationship is his bromance with best mate, Marlon Dingle. The pair’s silly antics have given viewers a lot of laughs over the years.
There have been incredibly sad times too. Paddy’s world was shattered by the loss of his daughter, Grace, who passed away moments after she was born. He also endured a battle with depression after his marriage split from Chas and contemplated ending his life.
Supported by his loved ones, Paddy found a way through, and his future is looking bright once more.
Charity Dingle is a classic Emmerdale icon (Credit: ITV)
Charity Dingle
Landlady Charity has been at the centre of the action in Emmerdale since 2000, except when she took a break from the village between 2005-2009.
Feisty and fearless, Charity’s life story is one hell of a read!
As a young teen she spent time on the streets working as a prostitute. During that dark period Charity was groomed and abused by corrupt cop DI Bails, which resulted in her falling pregnant at 14.
Charity’s second child, Debbie, was the product of a fling with her cousin, Cain. Charity and Cain’s on/off love affair has been central to the soap and provided one of its most popular partnerships. They’re also famed for their illegal scams. Charity is a mistress of disguise and loves a wig!
Charity has had four husbands. Her first marriage to Chris Tate ended with him committing suicide and framing her for murder. Husband number two, Declan Macey tried to have her killed, and her third marriage to Jai Sharma also turned sour. Vanessa Woodfield almost became Charity’s fourth spouse, but she then fell for Mackenzie Boyd.
Charity and Mack have weathered a few storms – including him fathering a baby behind her back, and her stabbing him, but they remain together.
These days, Charity is landlady of The Woolpack, which she co-owns with son, Ryan Stocks. She’s also mum to Noah and Moses, as well as grandmother to Sarah and Jack Sugden.
Sometimes Aaron is moody, other times he’s only a little bit moody (Credit: ITV)
Aaron Dingle
Aaron is one of the most complex and compelling characters Emmerdale has ever had.
He’s the son of Chas Dingle and Gordon Livesey. Chas gave birth to Aaron when she was only 14 and placed him into care. He had a difficult upbringing and suffered abuse at the hands of his father.
Aaron came to live in the village permanently in 2008 and was a troublemaker from the word go.
Early on, Aaron realised he fancied boys. After coming out to his family, Aaron fell for builder Jackson Walsh. But tragedy struck when Jackson was paralysed in a horrific accident, and Aaron helped him die.
By some miracle, Aaron and Robert got married. They split for good after Robert was jailed for murder.
Aaron moved on with Ben Tucker, but he was bumped off by serial killer Meena Julta. Shortly afterwards, Aaron left the village for a new life abroad.
He made a brief return the following year, but tragedy struck again he lost his half-sister Liv Flaherty in Emmerdale’s 50th anniversary storm.
Aaron’s now back in the Dales for good. His time now is mainly spent masterminding illegal activities with partner-in-crime/best mate Mackenzie Boyd. And there’s also a new man on scene in the form of former army medic, John Sugden, who just happens to be Robert’s brother.
Has Aaron met ‘the one’? Only time will tell…
Val Pollard was a true one-off (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Best Emmerdale characters: Val Pollard
Vivacious Val Pollard left us nearly ten years ago, but her memory lives on.
The gobby Geordie was Eric Pollard’s fifth wife, and Diane Sugden’s younger sister. She had to two children, Sharon and Paul. Val’s son Paul was the product of her affair with Diane’s husband, Rodney Blackstock.
Val, or Valerie as Eric often used to call her, was larger than life and had a penchant for causing trouble. Her and Eric were both as bad as each other, aka the perfect match.
The couple married in 2008 and purchased The Grange B&B, which they ran together. They took teen tearaway Amy Wyatt (now Barton) under their wing and ended up adopting her.
Val and Eric’s marriage hit the rocks after she cheated on him on holiday in Portugal and contracted HIV. The couple reconciled, but Val got in trouble with the police for committing fraud.
She planned to fake her own death, but didn’t get that far after becoming one of the victims in the 2015 helicopter crash. Val met a grisly end when she was impaled by a shard of glass. She rose from the dead a few days later and appeared as a ghost to say goodbye to Eric.
An unforgettable character, who’s truly missed.
We miss Andy Sugden (Credit: ITV)
Andy Sugden
Andy wasn’t born into the Sugden brood, but was adopted by his best friend Robert’s parents Jack and Sarah in 2000. Their act of kindness gave Andy hope of a stable future, but life turned out to be anything but.
First Andy accidentally killed Sarah after setting fire to a barn at the family farm, not realising she was inside. Then came the discovery that Robert had been sleeping with his wife, Katie. Andy decided to shoot Robert in revenge, but accidentally pulled the trigger on Jack, nearly killing him.
Andy fathered a daughter, Sarah, with next partner Debbie Dingle. They also went on to have a son, Jack, seven years later.
His second marriage to Jo Stiles saw Andy turn into a violent abuser. And when Jo found the courage to leave him, Andy suffered a complete mental breakdown.
Andy and Katie remarried, but she died weeks later after a confrontation with Robert. Andy then arranged for Ross Barton to shoot Robert (what’s his obsession with guns?) – but his brother survived.
20 years in the village came to a dramatic end for Andy after his vengeful ex Chrissie White framed him for a crime he didn’t commit. Andy went on the run and as far as we know is still running.
Bring him back, please!
Moira has made her mark on the village (Credit: ITV)
Moira Dingle
Feisty farmer Moira is another one of Emmerdale’s power-houses and the woman who finally tamed Cain Dingle.
Moira and Cain are one of soaps’ most adored couples. Their love story started as a steamy affair but has gone the distance. They have survived betrayals on both sides, including Moira’s fling with Cain’s son, Nate. Well, they don’t call her Mucky Moira for nothing!
Moira arrived in the village with her first husband, and childhood sweetheart, John Barton, and their kids Adam, Holly and Hannah (now Matty). Her affair with Cain finished her marriage and Moira was heartbroken when John died in a car crash. Tragedy struck again in 2016 when Holly died of a heroin overdose.
Moira’s other memorable moments include her pushing her sister-in-law and nemesis Emma Barton to her death off a viaduct, and giving birth to baby Isaac without knowing she was pregnant.
The past few months have been particularly brutal for Moira after being diagnosed with a non-cancerous brain tumour. We’re keeping everything crossed she makes it through because we need Moira in our lives.
Best Emmerdale characters: Zak Dingle
Zak was the patriarch of the most iconic family in Emmerdale – the Dingles – for almost 30 years.
A pig farmer by trade and former bare-knuckle boxer, Zak arrived in the village in October, 1994. Zak’s first wife was Nellie Lynch, and they had five kids. Their four sons were Nathan, Sam, Butch and Ben. Zak and Nellie also had a daughter, Tina.
Zak also fathered son Cain during an affair with his brother’s wife, Faith.
After Zak and Nellie divorced, Zak found love again with Lisa Clegg. They welcomed daughter, Belle into their lives on Christmas Day 1998 after Lisa (who didn’t know she was pregnant) gave birth in a pigsty.
Zak had a disastrous third marriage to Joanie Wright, which left fans in uproar over his betrayal of Lisa. But thankfully the Emmerdale writers saw the error of their ways and reunited Zak and Lisa. They remained together until her death in May 2019.
After losing his Lisa, Zak was a bit of a lost soul, although remained fiercely protective of his family.
Actor Steve Halliwell, who played Zak for three decades, passed away in December 2023. Zak was quickly written out and viewers were told he was visiting family in Scotland.
Zak’s family are soon to receive the sad news he’s passed away. The Dingles bring him home and lay Zak to rest in the village.
Seth and Betty were the beating heart of Emmerdale village (Credit: ITV)
Betty Eagleton
Lovely Betty was the heart and soul of the village during her 21 years there.
She had a habit of being nosey and interfering, but Betty always meant well. She was a friend to many.
Betty came to the Dales in 1994 and discovered her former partner, Seth Armstrong was living there. The golden couple rekindled their romance and hosted a 1940s theme night for the villagers.
They remained together until Seth died on an airplane travelling back from Australia. Betty brought his body back to Emmerdale and had him buried in the woods surrounding Home Farm.
Betty remained in the village for several years after Seth’s passing and dealt with the loss of other dear friends, including Alan Turner. She went to live in Australia with new partner Reuben Archibald in 2015.
Sadly actress Paula Tilbrook died in December 2019, but Betty remains alive and well.
Seth Armstrong
We can’t have Betty, without her lovely Seth. He was one of Emmerdale’s all time greats. Seth first appeared on screen in 1978. He was a temporary character to begin with, but was popular with the fans. By 1980, Seth was a full time regular.
After Seth’s wife, Meg, passed away, he went on to rekindle his relationship with former flame, Betty.
He also landed his dream job as a gamekeeper. When Seth wasn’t working at Home Farm he could usually be found supping a pint in the Woolie.
Seth was written out of the show in 2003 and his character was killed off two years later.
We like to think Seth is sitting on a cloud, beer in hand, watching the drama continue in his beloved village.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page@emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter@emmerdaleinside
Fans of Emmerdale have grown upset following the latest scheduling announcement from broadcaster ITV. In a massive shake-up to TV schedules, the soap will now be streaming on ITVX from 7am on weekdays – starting with next week’s episodes.
Along with fellow ITV soap Coronation Street, Emmerdale will be part of an all-new soaps destination feature on streaming service ITVX. This means that all-new episodes will be made available ahead of their usual transmission time during the week.
“This is great news for soap fans! Having the ability to catch your favourite show at a time that suits you fits perfectly with people’s busy days and flexible lives. And who doesn’t love the idea of watching the latest Dingle drama in the Dales or calamity on the Cobbles on the tram to work, or over a brew after dropping the kids at school! As a soap nerd, I should also say that the new soap page is an absolute treat. It’s a one-stop shop for fans of Coronation Street and Emmerdale and it will now be so easy to enjoy your favourite shows, and delve into their illustrious histories and beyond,” agreed Iain MacLeod, Executive Producer for Continuing Drama at ITV.
Good news for early-risers hoping for an early fix of their favourite soap. However, others aren’t quite so happy…
Next week’s episodes sees Cain and the Dingles learn of Zak’s death (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale fans unhappy at early release
Writing on X as the announcement landed, fans shared their disappointment – with many fearing that spoilers would be even harder to avoid than usual now.
“Hate this as for people who work the spoilers are out before they get home to watch,” wrote one fan.
“Note to self then to avoid social media, as spoilers will be more visible if episodes are shown on ITVX before the normal time,” said another.
“Why would I want to do that? I leave for work at 7.45am three days a week and wouldn’t have time to watch them,” complained a third.
“Not a fan of this,” said a fourth, simply enough.
Viewers won’t have to wait until 7pm to find out how the Dingles react to Zak’s death (Credit: ITV)
… and here’s why it’s a good thing
It’s not all doom and gloom though. Emmerdale following EastEnders’ lead in dropping the episode on the morning of broadcast makes it more accessible than ever for viewers, allowing them to watch in their own time.
Spoilers may be harder to avoid, but it’s a positive move for Emmerdale and Corrie, making the soaps less beholden to terrestrial television and helping viewers to watch on their own terms.
Emmerdale’s all-new streaming schedule starts from next Monday, October 14. Viewers can stream from 7am on ITVX as the Dingles learn the shocking news that family patriarch Zak has passed away.
The new dedicated Soap area on ITV can be accessed through the “Dive Deeper into ITVX…” section in the new Soap collection area.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page @emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter @emmerdaleinside
Fans of Emmerdale have reacted with glee to the news that Hollyoaks star Twinnie-Lee Moore will be joining the soap as ruthless boxing promoter Jade. Viewers have watched as hard-up Billy Fletcher has joined an underground fight club so as to make ends meet.
This earned him a pounding in Wednesday night’s episode, in which he turned to Mack and John for help. As John helped stitch him up, Billy revealed that he had joined an underground boxing club.
Billy’s story continues in tonight’s episode (Friday, October 11), in which boxing promoter Jade pays Billy a visit, hoping to talk him into fighting again.
Jade is played by musician and former Hollyoaks star Twinnie-Lee Moore. Twinnie played Porsche McQueen on the Channel 4 soap opera between November 2014 and December 2015.
In swapping one village for another, Twinnie’s casting has Emmerdale fans excited for the prospect of a new female villain.
Twinnie plays Billy’s boxing promoter, Jade (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale fans rejoice as Twinnie-Lee Moore joins the soap
Reacting to news of Emmerdale’s newest villain, fans shared their enthusiasm on X.
“I wanted Emmerdale to have a new female villain! Hoping this is gonna make this Billy storyline actually interesting and she’s iconic,” wrote one excited viewer.
“Very excited for her! Great casting!” said another.
“It’s actually her it’s actually her I’m not crying I’m not crying (I’m violently sobbing and shaking o cannot believe this is happening to me),” a third exclaimed.
Indeed it is – and she makes her Emmerdale debut tonight!
Billy continues to keep his fighting a secret from Dawn (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale spoilers tonight: Jade pays a visit as Billy hides his secret
As Billy continues to hide his injuries from wife Dawn, he’s determined not to fight again. But when boxing promoter Jade swings by for a visit, he finds himself tempted by the money on offer.
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 will continue to explore Billy’s boxing secret with the introduction of ruthless boxing promoter Jade, played by Twinnie-Lee Moore.
Soap fans will recognise Jade, as actress Twinnie played Porsche McQueen in Hollyoaks.
Swapping one village for another, Twinnie will make her first appearance as Jade in Friday’s episode (October 11).
Will Billy regret getting involved with Jade? (Credit: ITV)
Jade arrives in Emmerdale
Emmerdale viewers have seen Billy continue to hide a secret from wife Dawn. He has been participating in unlicensed boxing matches in order to earn some extra cash for their family.
The arrival of ambitious and ruthless boxing promoter Jade in Friday’s episode will see Billy drawn into this world even further. But callous Jade has an agenda – and Billy’s safety is nowhere on that agenda.
However, money talks and Billy is tempted by the financial promises despite the trouble it may bring.
Over the coming months, will Billy come to regret getting involved with Jade and putting his family in danger?
Billy has been hiding a boxing secret (Credit: ITV)
Twinnie-Lee Moore on joining Emmerdale
Since leaving Hollyoaks, Twinnie has forged a career as a country music singer, performing in her own sold out shows and spending a lot of time in Nashville.
Speaking about being back on screen, she said: “My life has been a bit crazy recently juggling music and acting with lots of back and forth between Nashville and Yorkshire but I’ve been loving it!
“I’ve loved being back on screen, especially as the show is shot in Yorkshire. Being able to be home with family and go to work on such an iconic show has been nothing short of amazing! The whole team has been so welcoming and really supportive.
“My character is so much fun to play and I can’t wait to see how the audience reacts to her.”
Jade is ruthless and ambitious (Credit: ITV)
Who did Twinnie-Lee Moore play in Hollyoaks?
Twinnie was part of the iconic McQueen family. She played Porsche McQueen – sister to Celine and Cleo, and cousin to Mercedes McQueen.
Porsche arrived in Hollyoaks in 2014 just as her fiancè Lockie was telling her cousin John-Paul that he wanted him. The wedding went ahead anyway, but ultimately failed due to Lockie’s numerous affairs.
Twinnie was also involved in a child abuse storyline. She was praised for her performance, which saw Porsche reveal that stepfather Pete had sexually assaulted her when she was 15.
The storyline saw Porsche emotionally reveal that she’d told her mum about the abuse, but her mum chose to believe Pete.
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
With classic characters such as Cindy Beale, David Wicks and Chrissie Watts making a return to EastEnders, Emmerdale fans are hoping for something similar.
Last month, it was revealed that Ross Barton would be returning to Emmerdale. He was very popular during his time in the Dales, but fans want some older nostalgia.
Following a post on X, fans of the soap listed which old school characters they want to see again. Here’s a selection of the most popular choices.
Fans would love to see Lady Tara again (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Lady Tara Thornfield
Played by Anna Brecon, Lady Tara made her first appearance in Emmerdale in 1997. Fans warmed to her because, despite being somewhat uppity, there was comedy to her character.
During her time in the Dales, she upset the residents when she evicted a lot of them – fair enough. As like most people, she also had a rivalry with Kim Tate.
However, she was no stranger to a bit of rough and embarked on an affair with her driver Biff Fowler, before leaving the village with Sean Reynolds – who she later married.
Kim betrayed Steve (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Steve Marchant
Another character who got on the wrong side of Kim Tate was Steve Marchant. He appeared in the soap for a few years in the late 90s.
Steve became the second husband of Kim Tate. He left the village after being framed by Kim and sentenced to 10 years in prison. Though, to be fair, the sentence was mainly for the attempted murder of Kathy – which he was guilty of.
Actor Paul Opacic has recently been seen in Coronation Street as the villainous Stefan. But Emmerdale fans are eager for Steve to return to the village and get revenge on Kim for stabbing him in the back. One fan said on X: “Steve could team up with Will and Caleb to try and take down Kim, but of course they would fail.”
Chris Tate was one of Kathy’s husbands (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Emmerdale return: Kathy Glover
Talking of Kathy, she is also a popular choice amongst fans for an Emmerdale return. Kathy was a mainstay in Emmerdale throughout the late 80s and the 90s before moving to Australia.
Aside from being run over by Steve, Kathy had many other near death experiences. She was in a car suspended on the edge of a cliff and was involved in the bus crash that killed Butch Dingle.
She was also famous for her many weddings – most famously to Chris Tate and Dave Glover. Not all the weddings ended in marriage, mind. After Dave died, she hooked up with his former brother-in-law Biff, but he jilted her at the alter.
On a potential return, one fan said: “She could speak about Butch, Seth, Alan and of course come face to face with Kim Tate again.” Viewers will remember that Kim had an affair with Dave, because of course she did.
Zoe’s daughter Jean will be grown up now (ITV/Shutterstock)
Emmerdale return: Jean Tate
Jean only appeared in Emmerdale as a small child, but fans are eager to see what the dynamic would be like with Kim Tate. One fan wrote on X: “It needs to happen. Wouldn’t have her being anti-Kim, she could be an ally for her. Could be an interesting legacy character to have around.”
Named after her grandmother – and Frank Tate’s first wife – Jean was the daughter of Zoe Tate and Scott Windsor following a one night stand – which Zoe didn’t initially remember.
Zoe had a strained relationship with her step mum Kim, but fans think Jean could bridge that gap. It would certainly be interesting.
Biff left the Dales on his motorbike (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Biff Fowler
The previously mentioned Biff is another blast from the past Emmerdale fans want to catch up with. He first appeared in the soap in 1994 as a biker.
Biff was happily married to Linda – but that was torn apart when she died in a car crash.
Following flings with Kelly Windsor and Lady Tara, Biff was all set to marry Kathy, but decided to ride off on his motorbike into the sunset instead.
Vic was killed in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Who else would Emmerdale fans like to see return?
Other names mentioned included Josh Lewis, who only actually appeared on screen for a few months – Emmerdale fans do not forget! He had an affair with Kathy, but departed following the 1993 plane crash. After Kathy’s husband Chris was paralysed, Josh knew Kathy wouldn’t leave him.
Other names mentioned were characters who are in fact dead – though a small detail like that hasn’t stopped a soap before. One fan suggested Vic Windsor, saying: “A weird choice I know, but he was a real character.” Fans also want Viv Windsor resurrected, as well as Joe Sugden.
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
Last month, it was confirmed that Ross Barton would be making an explosive return to Emmerdale, as Michael Parr reprises his role.
Ross left the Dales in 2018 to start a new life with Rebecca White in Liverpool following the horrific acid attack.
He’ll soon be rubbing shoulders with the villagers again, but why exactly is he returning?
Speaking about his return, Michael said: “I can’t wait for the audience to see what’s in store. One thing I can say is Ross’s return will no doubt create fireworks.”
Fans have been speculating about what – or who – his return could be about. Here are our top theories!
Ross Barton is on his way back to Emmerdale (Credit: ITV)
A source told the publication that Leyla will exit in a ‘blaze of glory.’ Writing on X, a viewer asked: “Who thinks Ross’s return could have something to do with Leyla’s death in Emmerdale?”
Leyla and Ross do have a link as she was previously engaged to his brother Pete, so could Ross’s return and Leyla’s exit overlap?
Billy has got involved in illegal fighting (Credit: ITV)
2. Is Ross’s return linked to Billy’s fighting?
Another fan wrote on X: “Why do I get the feeling Billy’s fighting story is going to be the story that involves Ross‘ return?”
Recently, Billy has been keeping a secret from Dawn. He has been participating in illegal, unlicensed boxing matches in order to make extra money for his family.
Could Ross somehow be involved in this? Back in 2015, Ross got involved in bare knuckle fighting, so it’s certainly possible that he could have entered the world of boxing.
Ella arrived in Emmerdale earlier this year (Credit: ITV)
3. Could Ross team up with Ella?
Ella arrived in the village hiding a secret. When it was revealed that she’d killed her best friend when she was 11, the other villagers turned against her.
But she’s stuck around and even formed a bond with Dr Liam Cavanagh. However, fans are eager to see Liam get back with Chas, so have suggested Ella could move on with someone else – namely Ross.
“Maybe when Ross comes back, Ella could get with him,” one fan wrote on X, with another adding: “Ella needs to cop off with someone interesting. Roll on Ross returning, I could see that.”
Last time we saw Ross, he was in a relationship with Rebecca. But perhaps he returns because his relationship has broken down – could Ella be his next partner?
Why is Ross returning? (Credit: ITV)
4. Mystery guest at funeral
Emmerdale recently confirmed that a mystery person will show up at Zak’s funeral.
Jeff Hordley, who plays Cain, teased: “It’s someone you might know. They’re not going to make things go smoothly for the Dingles. Could it be someone back from the dead?”
Writing on X, a fan said: “I wonder if this major return for Zak’s funeral will be Ross Barton. We know that he’s returning to the village and he’ll probably appear by Zak’s graveside on Debbie’s behalf.”
However, the mystery person is described as being a long-lost relative, so this theory is less likely as despite having links to the Dingles through his aunt Moira and son Moses, Ross doesn’t quite fit that description.
Emmerdale: 5. Ross back for Moira?
Last month, following lots of health concerns, Moira Dingle was diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Ross could be returning to support his aunt. Moira was previously married to John Barton, who was the brother of Ross’s dad, James.
One fan wrote on X: “Hope that Emmerdale remember that him and Moira were on good terms ‘cos she helped him catch his attacker.”
Aaron was questioned by the police (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale: 6. Is Ross involved in Aaron’s side hustle?
Aaron recently had his car searched by the police after they – rightly – suspected he was involved in the theft of some smart watches.
Could Ross return and take Mack’s place? Fans certainly hope so, with one joking on X: “I was wondering if Aaron’s sudden urge to thieve somehow involves Ross as those two were a pair back in the day.”
While Ross and Aaron certainly clashed at times, they did team up to rob a warehouse. Could Ross be back to his old ways?
There is also a link in the form of Rebecca and her son Sebastian. Seb’s dad is Aaron’s former husband Robert. It’s a messy situation and certainly lots of scope for stories upon Ross’s return.
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
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