With Aaron ready to watch on, John arrives and stops the fight by revealing that the police are on the way.
Deano then goes to grab the money but ends up punching Aaron. Aaron then struggles for breath before collapsing onto the floor, with John tending to him.
5. Cain makes his feelings clear
During a conversation with Ross, Cain makes it clear that he wants rid of him from the village. Will Ross simply accept this and leave?
Tom’s targeted on Bonfire Night in Emmerdale spoilers
6. Tom wants Laurel’s help
Laurel finds Tom outside of the church in a bad way. He makes out that he’s been attacked but doesn’t want to go to A&E… Do we believe him? Does Laurel?
7. Tom’s humiliated on Bonfire Night
With Jimmy believing that Sam attacked Tom, Tom heads to the village Bonfire and is disgusted when the Dingles each taunt him over the ‘Guy’ on the fire looking like him.
Realising how much Ella is struggling following her split with Liam, Liam and Chas decide to keep their relationship private for now. The truth always comes out one way or another though…
Tina blackmails Mandy
9. Mandy betrays her family in Emmerdale spoilers
With Tina staying next to Wishing Well and still claiming her right to the house, Sam realises that Zak’s will has been taken.
He’s unaware that Mandy took this after Tina blackmailed her over Vinny’s true biological mum secret.
10. Paddy gives Mandy a pep talk
Mandy’s not impressed with the way in which oblivious Vinny is defending Tina.
Mandy then opens up to Paddy as he gives her some advice on what to do going forward. Will she listen?
Aaron opens up to John in Emmerdale spoilers
11. Aaron confides in John
Aaron sits down with John and opens up to him about Robert. However, John presses too much and sends Aaron running. Awks!
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page @emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter @emmerdaleinside
In Emmerdale spoilers for next week, Tina Dingle’s blackmail of cousin Mandy continues. Mandy is desperate to keep Vinny’s parentage a secret – allowing herself to be blackmailed by Tina to ensure her silence. As the pressure grows, she confides in husband Paddy.
This comes following Tina’s return to the village. Demanding what she believes is hers – the Dingle home – Tina has blackmailed Mandy, threatening to reveal that she is Vinny’s birth mother.
Can Paddy help Mandy find a way out of her blackmail hell? And how will the Dingles react when they learn that Zak’s will has been stolen?
Mandy’s desperate to keep Tina quiet (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale spoilers
Mandy hands over the will
Tina is still living next door to Wishing Well, stubbornly maintaining her claim over the house. Already shocked by Tina’s audacity, he grows horrified when he learns that someone has stolen Zak’s will.
Having stolen the will in an attempt to pacify Tina, Mandy is desperate to keep the truth about Vinny’s parentage a secret. She reluctantly hands over the will, putting on a brave face in front of the Dingles.
However, she’s left frustrated when Vinny sticks up for Tina, telling them that she’s here to get to know here family rather than run off with Zak’s money.
Paddy consoles his conflicted wife (Credit: ITV)
Mandy seeks advice from Paddy
Tina tries to convince Sam to sell the house. After getting drunk, Sam accidentally reveals that Vinny has got Liv’s inheritance.
Then, Mandy makes a confession to Paddy. Feeling bolstered after a pep talk from her husband, she begins to feel better about the situation.
But can she continue to hide the truth about Vinny – or her own guilt in the theft of Zak’s will?
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 Michael Parr made his shock comeback to the famous village tonight (October 28) as Ross Barton
Michael Parr first joined the soap in 2013, playing Ross – and he quickly became a hit with fans. In 2018 though, Michael said his goodbyes. However, this week Ross was back on screens after five years away.
But which Emmerdale co-star did Michael date? What was his ‘normal’ job before TV fame? And what was the real reason he left the ITV soap in the first place? Keep on reading to find out…
Ross is back in the Dales (Credit: ITV)
Who is Michael Parr
Michael Parr is best known for playing Ross Barton on Emmerdale. As well as his Emmerdale stint, Michael has starred in the likes of Hollyoaks and Casualty.
Michael was born in Saint Helens in Merseyside – but he has a dual nationality as his mum’s side of the family hails from the USA. Back in 2015 he appeared on Lorraine and spoke talk about his family history. He shared: “My grandad fought in Vietnam and came to the UK where he met my nan.
“They moved back to America and because he was in the airforce they moved around a lot and my mum was born in Oregon. I still have an uncle living in New York who I try to visit every summer.”
He was involved in several big storylines (Credit: ITV)
Michael Parrr on Emmerdale
Michael became a firm favourite with Emmerdale viewers over the years as Ross, after joining in 2013.
Ross is the son of James and Emma Barton. He is the brother of Pete and Finn, and half-brother of Adam Barton. Ross is father to Moses Dingle, who he shares with Charity Dingle.
Ross left the Dales in 2018 to start a new life with Rebecca White in Liverpool following a horrific acid attack. And it’s fair to say the actor’s exit left fans gutted.
Michael said on his X account at the time: “Yes I’ll be leaving the soap soon. Have had the best few years at Emmerdale but it’s time to move on and explore other avenues.”
In an interview with Digital Spy in 2018, Kate Brooks addressed Michael’s decision. She said: “Michael Parr will leave Emmerdale later this year at the end of his current contract. His decision to pursue other acting opportunities has given the writing team the opportunity to create an intriguing storyline for his exit.”
Michael has an American family (Credit: ITV)
Michael Parr’s job before acting fame
Prior to becoming an actor, Michael worked as teaching assistant in a school for teenagers with learning difficulties.
Michael spoke about his past job in 2015. revealing he “learned a lot” from it. He told Digital Spy: “Playing Ross is a walk in the park compared to that job.
“Working with kids with special needs required a lot of patience. Every day is new to those guys, but I learned a lot from them.”
What is Michael Parr doing now
Following his Emmerdale exit, Michael went on to star in a 2020 episode of Bulletproof, as well as the 2021 movie Evan Wood. He also played Paul Hughes in the ITV drama The Long Shadow.
In 2018, he revealed his huge career change and plans to land acting roles stateside.
He told the St Helens Star: “My mum’s family are from Brooklyn and I have two passports, so I thought now is the right time to give it a go. I will be heading to LA but I’ll be spending time between there and New York.”
Michael also set the record straight about his exit and said: “The nature of the beast is that I don’t know what’s coming, but I’m excited to see what could happen.
“I would like to do more character acting like Gary Oldman who completely transforms into the people he is cast as.”
Michael Parr’s jaw-dropping transformation
In 2022, Michael revealed his incredible fitness transformation which he achieved after “quitting the gym”.
As seen in Express, the actor shared a before and after snap to Instagram and revealed he managed to achieve it after “quitting the gym” and now feels “stronger than ever”.
He said at one point in the caption: “I quit the gym and now have just been working out with dumbbells at home and I feel better and stronger than ever. Good diet. Fasting. Cold showers and just everything in moderation.”
He made his soap comeback this week (Credit: ITV)
Michael Parr returning to Emmerdale
In September, it was confirmed that Michael was heading back to Emmerdale to reprise his role as Ross. And this week, the soap hunk made his comeback to the ITV soap.
Ross’s return has tied in with Billy Fletcher’s new storyline about illegal fighting. During Monday’s episode (October 28), released early on ITVX, Ross was revealed as Billy’s opponent in a fight.
Victoria actress Isabel and Michael previously dated (Credit: ITV)
Michael Parr ‘secret’ romance with Isabel Hodgins
Michael found love on Emmerdale as he ended up dating his on-screen sister-in-law Isabel Hodgins, who plays Victoria Sugden.
The pair kept their relationship a secret but went Instagram official for the first time in 2015 on a romantic trip to Paris. However, as Hello reports, a year later, he was quizzed on his ‘secret’ girlfriend and if she would miss him, following his soap exit.
“Maybe. But I’m not saying who she is. It’s no one else’s business. Social media for relationships can be detrimental.
“We’re happy so we don’t need to show off. But if we were to break up it would only be worse when the papers get hold of it,” he told The Mirror.
However, later in the interview, Michael slipped up when answering another question. He was quizzed about his diet and he said: “I keep it controlled. But I had two Pop-Tarts for my breakfast. Izzy bought me some.” He then added: “Oops. I mean, my good friend Isabel.”
Michael and Isobel split
In 2019, Michael and Isabel split after three years of dating. A source at the time told The Sun: “They drifted apart and felt it was better to be mates.
“He has been throwing himself into his social life and has just been on a lads’ hol and she is focusing on work, they’re both young and want to follow their dreams.”
Michael is now in a relationship with Isabelle Du Plessis. The couple went public in a sweet Instagram post from July this year of the pair posing during a holiday to Santorini.
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!
Mack tried to talk Billy out of the fight (Credit: ITV)
Billy got cold feet in Emmerdale tonight
The episode started with a guilty Billy trying to hide his aches and pains…
Dawn was suspicious but buried her thoughts after Billy gave a smile and a few good excuses. Later on, Aaron encouraged Mack to put a stop to Billy’s fighting before it’s too late. While Mack had – as usual – made a few sharp jokes, he tried to talk Billy down.
It didn’t work…
Later, he met with unrelenting Jade to try and get more information. When she wouldn’t give in, Billy tried to back out of the fight.
However, he underestimated the people he got involved with. Later on, Mack was aghast to see Billy on Main Street, being escorted to the fight by Jade.
Billy and Ross prepared to fight (Credit: ITV)
Ross Barton is back!
He tried again to talk Billy down but Billy insisted he had to fight for his own safety. Mack threatened to call Dawn, but he stopped him.
Soon Aaron was convinced by Mack to go with Mack to Billy’s fight and try to help him.
Meanwhile at Butlers Barn, Jade unpacked the dangerous rules of the unlicensed fight and the penny dropped for Billy that Aaron was right about the nature of the event.
Billy realised he made a big mistake, but Mack offered some last minute advice.
Much to his shock, he was faced with Ross Barton… And, we’re so glad he’s back!
Nicola got to the bottom of Carl’s strange mood (Credit: ITV)
Nicola clocks onto Tom
After much worry and observation, Nicola realised Carl was clamming up every time Tom was mentioned or in the room. The suspect headed off with Rodney to accompany him at work.
After some coaxing, Nicola almost got the truth out of Carl, but they were interrupted by Tom. Nicola was left frustrated after Carl refused to say anything. She called Jimmy to try and hash out her ideas, but he was not convinced.
Later on, she dug out a binned remote control car from the bin, and Carl got scared in case Tom would find out. Nicola managed to get some information, but Carl refused to tell the whole truth.
Tom was grilled by Nicola and soon Jimmy was concerned by what he was hearing as Tom tried to cover up his lies.
Nicola threatened Tom with the police… And, we all breathed a huge sigh of relief!
Cain and Moira opened up about her health decision (Credit: ITV)
Moira was caught out in Emmerdale tonight
Moira had to face up to her actions tonight.
She tried to strike up conversation with an angry Cain. After he wouldn’t respond, he revealed he had heard her conversation with Ness about ‘living well,’ which revealed she would like to not be resuscitated if the worst happened to her.
Cain was angry and annoyed she did not tell him. And, we don’t blame him!
Moira reasoned with him and said she thought he had too much family stuff on, what with Zak passing away and Belle getting mental health support.
Cain eventually relented. His biggest fear is Moira’s death, and he hugged her to let her know.
Gail picked up a new hobby (Credit: ITV)
Gail’s new hobby
Elsewhere, Gail was frustrated with Ryan after a conversation about celebrity crushes. We reckon she was angry because she holds a vendetta against Lara Croft and Jessica Rabbit. She was very vocal about her jealousy over Carol Vorderman too!
She unravelled her woes to Mary and Bob. They comforted her and suggested she needed something new and exciting in her life. We agree…
She was soon roped into joining the book club. Bob picked this month’s book, and the women were left speechless…
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
Tonight’s episode of Emmerdale (Monday, October 28) saw the return of former fan favourite Ross Barton as he prepared to fight Billy. Eek!
Billy failed to back out of a bare knuckle fight as he finally faced his opponent.
Mack’s jaw then dropped as he informed Billy that his opponent was Ross… It’s fair to say he made QUITE THE ENTRANCE!
Ross is back and ready to fight! (Credit: ITV)
Ross Barton is back
Tonight in the Dales, Billy spoke to Jade and tried to get out of his fight. She made it clear though that this wasn’t going to happen.
With Billy realising that severity of the situation, Mack turned up at Butlers Barn with Billy to support him. He also got Aaron to come with him in case anything went wrong. Actually a good idea from Mack for once!
Later on, as Billy found out that the fight would be live streamed and would be a knockout, he got ready to face his opponent.
Mack put huge fear into him though, announcing that his ‘beast’ of a competitor was Ross Barton.
Ross is Billy’s opponent! (Credit: ITV)
Mike Parr reveals all on Ross Barton return
Teasing what’s to come in Emmerdale for Ross Barton, Mike Parr has teased all on what’s in store for the character now he’s back in the village.
On the circumstances of Ross’ return, Mike explained: “Ross is an unsavoury character, and it’s always going to be a bit of trouble when he comes back. But Billy gets himself involved in some unlicensed Bare-Knuckle boxing, and this is where Ross Barton makes his return.
“I don’t think we’re actually going to give away just yet why he’s in the predicament that he is. But Ross is a very feckless character, and he’s always got an eye open for a quick buck, and there’s money to be made in this Bare Knuckle thing.
“And I also have to think about somebody with the psyche of Ross, somebody who’s lost his mum, lost his dad, lost his brother. What kind of mind frame are you in when you’ve lost all those people? So it’s all going to be revealed, but you just see him make his entrance being quite a prominent figure in the underground boxing world, and this is where he meets his match in Billy.”
Is something still in the air for Charity and Ross? (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale: What’s next for Ross?
And, could Ross’ return to Emmerdale also involve a potential romantic reunion with Charity?
On Charity’s relationship with Ross, Mike hinted: “I think she’s definitely softened. She doesn’t seem to be the troublemaker that she was. I know that that could change at any minute, but he’s grateful to her for doing such a good job with Moses. And you really can’t hate somebody who’s doing a great job of raising your most beloved possession.
“But it’s Ross, and it’s Charity. There’s always going to be fireworks. They’ve got the history, but is there still a spark there? And does Ross want to rekindle? Or is he just doing it because there’s a stepfather role in Moses’ life now, and that is obviously not going to play well with Ross.” Exciting!
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 spoilers tonight see Nicola confront Tom King after realising that he’s the reason young Carl Jr. has been acting so oddly recently. Noticing that Carl is scared stiff of his cousin, Nicola does some digging – and soon realises that Tom is the problem.
As she confronts Tom, Nicola threatens to call the police. How will Tom react as his lies start to unravel?
Elsewhere, Billy realises that he’s in big trouble as he prepares to fight again. And, having made a big decision about her future, Moira opens up to Cain.
Read all these Emmerdale spoilers for Monday, October 28 and more below.
Emmerdale spoilers tonight
Nicola’s determined to get some answers (Credit: ITV)
1. Nicola threatens Tom with the police
Having guessed that Carl’s recent behaviour is related to Tom, Nicola sits the youngster down for a chat. However, he refuses to open up once Tom returns home unexpectedly.
Frustrated that Carl can’t talk to her, Nicola calls Jimmy and tells him that his mood is down to Tom. She grows even more suspicious when she spots the remote-controlled car in the bin. Questioning her son about the toy, she manages to get some information out of him – but he’s too scared to reveal the full truth.
Later, Nicola confronts Tom. As their argument escalates, Jimmy grows concerned as Tom tries to lie his way out of trouble. Frustrated, Nicola threatens to call the police.
Billy realises he’s made a big mistake (Credit: ITV)
2. Billy’s out of his depth
Continuing to lie to Dawn, Billy attempts to bury his guilt. Meanwhile, Aaron tries to convince Billy to stop fighting before it’s too late. However, Billy is adamant that he needs the money and can’t back down now.
Meeting with Jade, his attempts to back out fail, and he’s escorted down Main Street to the fight with Jade and her thugs. Mack tries once again to talk Billy out of fighting, but he reveals he has to go through with it for his own safety.
Later, Mack convinces Aaron to join him at the fight and help out. Back at the warehouse, Jade reveals the rules of the unlicensed fight to a horrified Billy.
Too late, he realises that he’s made a huge mistake. Can Billy escape in one piece?
Moira tells Cain the truth (Credit: ITV)
3. Moira opens up to Cain in Emmerdale spoilers tonight
After making a big decision about her future – telling Vanessa that she didn’t want to be resuscitated if anything were to go wrong during her surgery – Moira has some explaining to do. As she and Cain discuss her future, he’s forced to confront his deepest fear.
Gail’s frustrated with Ryan (Credit: ITV)
4. Gail has had enough
Frustrated with Ryan, Gail unloads on Mary and Bob. Soon enough, they manage to convince her to join the book club.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page @emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter @emmerdaleinside
In Classic Emmerdale spoilers for episodes airing on ITV3 on Monday October 28, Dawn’s heartbroken by Scott’s betrayal, Noreen’s hurt, and Katie’s moving on.
These episodes originally aired on March 12 and 13, 2006.
Who’s the snitch?
With Dawn in trouble for benefit fraud, Viv’s convinced it was Kelly who snitched on her. She tells Rodney who’s positive Kelly wouldn’t do such a thing. Kelly tells him that it was Scott.
When Dawn approaches Kelly later, it’s Rodney who steps in to stop things getting out of hand – and drops Scott right in it!
Fuming, Dawn tracks Scott down. He tries to deny it but he’s bang to rights and soon the Hope family turn their backs on him. They ask him to move out, and Scott’s broken.
Dawn’s furious that Scott was the one who reported her (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Family reunion?
Katie’s mum Caroline arrives at the hospital, but their reunion is a little awkward at first. As they begin to bond, though, Caroline tells Katie about her life in Greece and the reality of just how far away it is, begins to sink in.
The next day, Katie’s reluctance to move away becomes more obvious and it’s best mate Chas who twigs that it’s because she still has feelings for Andy.
She warns Katie that their relationship didn’t work last time so why would it be any different this time round and urges her to make a new start in Greece.
Wrong decision in Classic Emmerdale?
When Andy visits later, he tells Katie she can stay with him while she makes a decision about her future, but Katie – with Chas’s warning in her ears – turns him down.
Later, though, as Chas chats to Carl about the situation, he comments that you can’t help who you fall in love with, and Chas begins to wonder if she’s given Katie the wrong advice!
Andy’s upset when Katie tells him she’s not going to move in – she’s going to live with her mum (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Noreen’s hurt in Classic Emmerdale
Noreen’s upset about the Hotten Courier’s criticism of her appearance, pointing out that her hair and makeup helps her feel happy – something she didn’t feel until she was 60. She tells Val she’s pulling out of the election, and Val, annoyed by Eric strutting about, announces she’s going to run instead.
Ashley wants his house back
Ashley tells Jasmine he’s not sure how much longer Debbie can stay with them, but Jasmine begs for more time.
DIY SOS!
Sam wants him and Alice to find a place of their own to rent, but Alice isn’t keen on moving. She wants the family around them to help with baby Samson and her illness.
When she tells Zak that Sam wants to be more independent, Zak comes up with a solution. He works all day, and converts their bedroom into a self-contained bedsit and Sam is delighted.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page @emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter @emmerdaleinside
In Emmerdale, characters come and characters go and while many have low-key departures, others are given blockbuster exits that go down in soap history.
We’ve looked back through the years and come up with the 10 best Emmerdale exits, ever.
These departures of icons range from tragic goodbyes to spectacular send-offs. So here they are, the most unforgettable farewells from the Dales…
Zoe Tate blew up Home Farm on her way out of the village (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Best Emmerdale exits: Zoe Tate
As far as Emmerdale exits go, Zoe Tate’s has to come out top for being pure dynamite.
The soap legend bowed out back in 2005 after a memorable 16 years. As the only daughter of Frank Tate, village vet Zoe broke boundaries by becoming the first lesbian character in a British soap.
She had a passionate affair with her brother’s wife Charity Dingle, and battled schizophrenia. But Zoe’s real stand out moment was her last one.
After getting off an attempted murder charge for injecting Scott Windsor with ketamine, Zoe planned to run away to New Zealand. Scott discovered her plan and held her hostage at Home Farm, threatening to take their daughter, Jean.
Zoe was able to escape his clutches, and Estate manager Callum Rennie helped her prepare a parting gift. The pair broke a gas pipe at Home Farm, to ensure maximum carnage for the incoming King family. So as the clan arrived at their new abode, a timer set off an explosion, and Zoe drove away watching in the rear-view mirror as her former home went up in flames.
Now that’s how you leave in a blaze of glory!
Carl was killed off during the 2012 live episode (Credit: ITV)
Carl King
Emmerdale delivered fans a shock blow when they killed off baddie Carl King in the soap’s 40th anniversary live episode.
Carl was one of the soap’s most central characters. He was best known for his toxic on/off romance with Chas Dingle and killing his own father, Tom. But more on that later.
Having got away with murder, there was always a sense Carl would get his comeuppance. And boy, did he get that.
After discovering Chas was having an affair with Cameron Murray, he blackmailed the pair. Events reached a dramatic climax on October 18, 2012 during a showdown between Carl and Chas. He attempted to rape her, and she defended herself by whacking Carl over the head with a brick.
His body was discovered the next day, and Chas feared she’d murdered him. But in fact, Carl was killed by Cameron, who delivered the fatal blow.
Carl’s final ironic words “I’m indestructible” have gone down in Emmerdale history.
Laurel was left heartbroken when Ashley passed away (Credit: ITV)
Ashley Thomas
There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when much-loved vicar Ashely met a tragic end in 2017. He’d been part of the soap since 1996 and fans had taken him into their hearts.
Ashley’s sad demise started in 2015 when he was diagnosed with early-onset vascular dementia after experiencing memory loss. News of his terminal condition prompted Ashley to make the most of what time he had left. He remarried his soulmate, Laurel, and they welcomed baby Dotty into their lives.
By late 2016, Ashley’s condition had begun to rapidly deteriorate and he was placed in a care home. In March 2017, Laurel was informed her husband hadn’t long to live, so she brought him home.
Ashley passed away at his beloved Mulberry Cottage in peace and comfort, and with Laurel by his side. Days later, after Ashley’s funeral he appeared in Laurel’s dream as the couple said their final farewells to one another.
Seven years on, and Ashley is still sorely missed by his family and friends.
Butch got to marry his beloved Emily before he passed away (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Emmerdale exits: Butch Dingle
Butch’s deathbed wedding to Emily Wylie made the character’s exit even more tearjerking.
When Zak’s second son arrived in the village, he was a notorious bully and troublemaker. But underneath the mean exterior Butch was a softie with a genuine heart of gold.
After a disastrous first marriage to cousin Mandy – who only wanted his money – Butch fell for farmer’s daughter, Emily. The couple were set to wed, but then came a tragic twist in their love story.
In March 2000, Butch was travelling in a bus which collided with a lorry, causing him to suffer life-threatening injuries. He was rushed to hospital, but the doctors revealed he wouldn’t make it. Butch got his dying wish and exchanged marriage vows with his Emily.
He was laid to rest next to his brother, Ben, with a headstone inscribed ‘Dead but still Dingles.’
Tom’s murder sparked a huge whodunnit (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Tom King
Soap fans love a good old whodunnit, which is what they got with the death of Tom King.
It was Christmas Day 2006, and Tom had just married gold-digging Rosemary Sinclair. Guests had returned to Home Farm for the wedding reception, and the party was in full swing. But danger was lurking when Tom was confronted by a mystery figure in one of the upstairs bedrooms.
A fight broke out, Tom was struck over the head and came crashing through the window to the ground below. And that’s where he died.
Due to Tom’s ruthless and unpleasant nature there was a long list of suspects in the frame. But in the end it turned out Tom had been murdered by his own son, Carl.
He followed his father six feet under in 2012.
Aaron assisted in Jackson’s suicide (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Jackson was the guy who helped Aaron come to terms with his sexuality. They had an on/off romance, but tragedy struck during a night out when Jackson crashed his van into a railway line and was hit by an oncoming train.
The impact of the crash left Jackson paralysed from the neck down and unable to lead an independent life.
After weeks of struggling to come to terms with his disability, Jackson came to the devastating realisation he no longer wanted to live. Aaron pleaded with him to find a reason to carry on, but he wouldn’t change his mind.
Unable to do it himself, Jackson persuaded Aaron and mum Hazel to administer a fatal overdose. They helped him die with dignity, and Jackson left behind a video explaining it had been his own choice to end it all.
Moira discovered her daughter Holly dead in bed (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale exits: Holly Barton
The Barton family have given us some incredible exits. We’ve had John dying in a car crash, James falling off a bridge, Finn getting shot, Emma being pushed off a viaduct, but none of them were quite as shocking as the unexpected tragedy of Holly’s overdose.
Moira’s daughter had a long history of heroin abuse, but it seemed to viewers she’d finally turned a corner and got clean.
Viewers were given no pre-warning of what was to come as the episode began on September 29, 2016. Moira took a cup of tea up to Holly, who she thought was sleeping after a night out. But it was only later when she returned to check on her that Moira realised Holly had succumbed to an overdose in her sleep.
What made Holly’s sad departure even more gut-wrenching was the incredible performance given by Natalie J Robb (aka Moira). We felt every inch of her pain.
Andy Sugden fled the village to escape prison (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Andy Sugden
Actor Kelvin Fletcher grew up on Emmerdale, bringing fans 20 years of drama as troubled Andy Sugden. So it was only right his character was given a great exit.
In March 2016, Andy began seeing Chrissie White, who was the former wife of his brother and long-time nemesis, Robert. But when he cheated on her with Bernice Blackstock, Chrissie vowed it was the last time she was screwed over by a Sugden.
She framed Andy for the shooting of her father, Lawrence, and he was sent to prison. On the day of his court hearing, Andy busted out and made his way back to the village – but the police were closing in on him.
In a rare act of brotherly love, Robert agreed to help Andy escape the country. He fixed him up with a fake passport, and Andy set off for a life on the run.
The fugitive farmer is still running as far as we know, but there a lot of people who’d love to see him return one day.
Donna’s tragic exit was both sad and shocking (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Emmerdale exits: Donna Windsor
When Donna Windsor revealed she was dying of terminal lung cancer in 2014, viewers thought they knew how her story would end. But they were wrong.
As a local police officer, Donna was a pillar of the community. But she was harbouring a huge secret. It turned out she’d been working as a bent cop, a discovery which local bad boy Ross Barton found a huge turn on.
The pair began a romance and hatched a plan to bring gangster Gary North to justice. Events reached a dramatic climax on the roof of a multi-storey car park. Donna went to arrest Gary, but he threatened to shoot Ross and harm her young daughter, April.
Knowing she was already on borrowed time, Donna made the brave/crazy decision to jump off the roof of the car park and she pulled Gary over the edge with her.
Donna was killed on impact (as was Gary) and died a hero, with her fellow colleagues non-the-wiser about her dodgy dealings.
Only Kim would leave Emmerdale in a helicopter (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Kim Tate
Kim is a woman who knows how to make an entrance. And exit!
Her ‘original’ departure from the Dales back in 1999 is still one of the best ever. And here’s why.
After a memorable 10 years which included affairs, rivalries, faking her own death and having a hand in her husband Frank’s demise, Kim decided it was time to go.
With the police on her tail for a robbery, Kim paid one last visit to Home Farm. There she had a final showdown with her stepson Chris, and took great delight in telling him she’d watched his father die in the same spot.
Chris was knocked out of his wheelchair, and Kim poured a glass of whisky over his face before turning to leave. She, and young son James, jumped in a waiting helicopter. And as Chris came crawling out on the drive, he could only watch on as Kim took off into the skies.
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
There must be something in the water at Emmerdale, given the number of real-life couples that the soap has produced. Love has blossomed between several of the soap’s co-stars over the years.
Although some have just been short-term relationships, others have developed into marriage and babies!
Here’s a look at 10 couples whose eyes first met across the famous village…
Chris Chittell and Lesley Dunlop have been married for eight years (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Emmerdale couples: Chris Chittell and Lesley Dunlop
Who knew Eric and Brenda were a real-life couple? Chris Chittell is Emmerdale’s longest-serving actor, and has been entertaining audiences with his portrayal of scheming Eric Pollard since 1986. Lesley Dunlop joined the soap in 2008 as Brenda Walker, and it wasn’t long before she and Chris became an item.
The couple, who both have two children each from their previous marriages, got hitched in June 2016. Their wedding took place at St Peter’s Church in the coastal village of Coverack in Cornwall.
Despite living and working together, Lesley and Chris have a policy not to talk about Emmerdale once they get home. But that might have been broken a few times over the years seeing as their characters have had an on/off romance.
We think they make such a gorgeous pair.
Zoe Henry and Jeff Hordley are childhood sweethearts (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Jeff Hordley and Zoe Henry
Jeff Hordley is known to millions as Emmerdale bad boy Cain Dingle, who’s bedded just about every woman in the village. But there’s only one woman for Jeff – his co-star, Zoe Henry, who plays Rhona Goskirk.
This handsome couple go way back. They first met in 1994 when they were students at drama school. Jeff proposed after Zoe won Best Actress in a Leading Role at the Manchester Evening News’ theatre awards. They got married in 2003.
Two years later, Zoe and Jeff welcomed their daughter, Violet, who was followed by son Stan in 2008. The family live in Yorkshire and are keen gardeners, who grow their own produce at their allotment.
Zoe and Jeff have been a couple for 30 years and have spent the last 14 of them both working at Emmerdale. However, don’t expect to see a Rhona/Cain storyline any time soon because they rarely have scenes together.
Charley Webb and Matthew Wolfenden announced their split in 2023 (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Charley Webb and Matthew Wolfenden
Despite the fact they’re no longer together, Charley and Matthew are still Emmerdale’s most well-known real-life pairing.
Their love story started back in 2007, a year after Matthew joined the soap as David Metcalfe. Charley was already established in her role as Debbie Dingle.
In September 2009 the couple announced they were expecting their first baby, and welcomed son Buster the following spring. Charley and David went on to have two more sons – Bowie, in December 2015, and Ace came along in July 2019.
The couple gave their friends and family an unforgettable surprise in 2018 when they invited them to Charley’s 30th birthday, which turned out to be a secret wedding. Lucy Pargeter, who plays Charley’s on-screen aunt, Chas Dingle, acted as their bridesmaid.
Sadly after five years of marriage Matthew and Charley announced their separation in 2023. In a joint statement on Instagram they said:
“It is with love and respect that we have decided to separate. We remain friends and our priority is the love for our children.”
Chelsea Halfpenny and James Baxter are proud parents to a daughter (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
She was the first actress to play Amy Wyatt, between 2010-2013 before Natalie Ann Jamieson took over the role. While James played the character of Jake Doland from 2007 to 2009.
The couple went Instagram official back in October 2018 and shared some adorable shots with their pet dog.
An engagement announcement followed on June 13, 2021, and in 2023 Chelsea and James revealed they were expecting their first baby. Their little daughter arrived last June.
Emmerdale real-life couples: Natalie J Robb and Johnny McPherson
Natalie and Johnny, who play Moira Dingle and Dr Liam Cavanagh respectively, enjoyed a whirlwind romance.
They went from colleagues to lovers after spending time together doing a charity trip to Lapland in December 2019. Just three months later the world was plunged into lockdown due to the Covid pandemic. Natalie and Johnny decided to fast forward their relationship by moving in together.
The couple managed to keep their love under wraps until June 2020 when they appeared on a Zoom chat together.
Johnny and Natalie stayed together for a year before deciding they were better off as friends. The exes have appeared in Emmerdale scenes together since their split, but have both said there’s no awkwardness there.
Dominic Brunt and wife Joanne Mitchell are both in the business (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Emmerdale real-life couples: Dominic Brunt and Joanne Mitchell
Paddy’s love life has been chaotic to say the least, but thankfully that’s not the case for his alter-ego, Dominic Brunt. The popular Emmerdale star is happily loved up with wife, Joanne Mitchell – who also happens to be an actor.
Dominic has portrayed village vet Paddy since 1997, but Joanne has played no fewer than four different Emmerdale characters.
Her first role was as DS Karen Barnborough, who investigated Zoe Tate’s rape allegation against Scott Windsor in 2003. Three years on, Joanne played Midwife Yeo and this was followed up by two stints as CAFCASS officer, Susan Davies.
But fans will probably remember her best as Liv’s mum, Sandra Flaherty, who she played intermittently from 2016 to 2022.
Dominic and Joanne met when they were both students at The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. They married in 2003 and are parents to their sons, Mickey-Joe and Danny Lee.
It was love at first sight for Fiona Wade and her former co-star Simon Cotton (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Fiona Wade and Simon Cotton
People often meet their other-halves at work, and that’s what happened for Fiona Wade.
The actress, who is best known for playing Priya Sharma between 2011 and 2023 met her husband, Simon Cotton on the set of Emmerdale. Simon had a short stint as Home Farm Estate client Hugh Bryant in August 2017 and says it was love at first sight.
The couple got engaged at the end of 2018 and married in December 2019. Fiona and Simon exchanged vows in a Bahá’à Faith ceremony at Euridge Manor and Orangery, surrounded by their family and several Emmerdale co-stars.
Since leaving Emmerdale, Fiona has gone on the road in a touring production of 2:22 A Ghost Story.
Emmerdale real-life couples: Max Parker and Kris Mochrie
Max Parker and Kris Mochrie were another couple who fell in love on the set of the ITV soap.
On-screen, the actors played brothers Luke (Parker) and Lee Posner (Mochrie). The day they first met was actually Kris’s last filming on the set of Emmerdale. Max was instantly attracted to his co-star, and decided to slide into Kris DMs after spotting his profile on Tinder.
They got together in July 2020, and were engaged by January 2022 after Max popped the question.
Mark Jordon and Laura Norton have been a couple since 2015 (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Laura Norton and Mark Jordon
Laura is best known for playing Emmerdale motormouth Kerry Wyatt, while Mark played Daz Spencer. Some viewers may also remember him for his iconic role of PC Mark Bellamy in the ITV teatime drama, Heartbeat.
They’ve been together since 2015, and met on the set of Emmerdale.
Laura and Mark are parents to three-year-old son Jesse, and daughter Ronnie, two, both of whom have been diagnosed with Usher Syndrome. The rare genetic condition affects hearing and vision and can lead to blindness.
The couple are united in their mission to help find a cure for the disease, and are working hard to raise both awareness and funds.
The Emmerdale couple are married with two children (Credit: SplashNews.com)
Emmerdale real-life couples: Michelle Hardwick and Kate Brooks
Love isn’t just amongst the actors on Emmerdale. Michelle Hardwick, who plays vet Vanessa Woodfield, is married to Coronation Street producer Kate Brooks.
The couple first met when Michelle was working as a producer on Emmerdale, and went public with their romance on National Coming Out Day in September 2017.
The following year, Michelle popped the question to Kate. They had an intimate wedding at Elvis Presley’s iconic Graceland home in Memphis, followed by a big party back home for their family and friends.
They are now parents to son, Teddy, who Michelle gave birth to in October 2020. And they completed their family with the arrival of daughter Betty in November 2022.
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 is a mix of hope and disappointment.
Emmerdale is a real rollercoaster right now with moments of pure brilliance, whether that’s the emotions of the aftermath of Zak’s death, or the tension of Tom’s cruelty.
But there have been some other times this week where we’ve been left confused or just downright disappointed!
Here’s what we thought of it all in our Emmerdale review.
Tina is Vinny’s mum (Credit: ITV)
Tina is Vinny’s mum! Whaaaaat?!
The big news of this week is that Tina Dingle is Vinny’s mum. The reveal was delivered in such a throwaway fashion that despite being life-long Emmerdale fans who never miss an episode, we thought we’d missed this.
We totally understand why Mandy’s worried about Vinny finding out after keeping this secret for so long.
But what we don’t understand is why it was a secret in the first place?! Why wouldn’t Vinny know who his mum is? Has he never asked? Did he not sneak a look at his birth certificate at any point? Perhaps when he was getting married, or applying for a passport, or a driving licence… you see our point.
And there’s more to this story too – read on for the rest of our questions in our Emmerdale review!
Who’s Vinny’s dad?
When Tina left Emmerdale, it was due to Frank Tate’s relentless sexual harassment. That’s led to some fans speculating that Vinny could be Frank’s son. It’s unlikely, given that Tina was not into Frank, but we’re not hating this theory – mostly because it might finally put an end to Caleb’s big old tantrum about the dad he never met.
Eden Taylor-Draper is doing a great job portraying Belle’s torment (Credit: ITV)
Belle’s mental health crisis
Sometimes when an actor’s been in a soap for yonks you start taking them for granted a bit. But there was a moment this week – when Belle was talking to her dead dad beside his grave – when we were flooded with admiration for Eden Taylor-Draper, who’s played Belle since 2005.
She is smashing it out of the park every episode and we think she’s great.
Have a word with yourself, Amelia (Credit: ITV)
Amelia is the worst in our Emmerdale review
Meanwhile, back in the village, Amelia continued her unquestioning support of Tom, despite all the evidence to the contrary. Her glee at Belle being admitted to the mental health ward was decidedly un-Christian and frankly, we’re disappointed in her.
Is Nicola about to realise what Tom’s really like? (Credit: ITV)
Putting two and two together
But elsewhere, Nicola’s Spidey-senses have FINALLY kicked in as she’s realised something’s up with son Carl. Will she be the one member of the King family to work out that Tom’s not the victim? Let’s hope so.
And then there’s Sam who made everything a lot worse when he launched himself at Tom, but who did remember that Tom stalked Chas back when he was a troubled teen.
Perhaps if any of the Dingles had remembered that sooner and raised some concerns, Belle wouldn’t be in this mess now, eh?! Just saying.
Billy can go where he wants but not poor Clemmie and Lucas (Credit: ITV)
Make it make sense in our Emmerdale review
So, Billy’s spending his days training with Mack and John, and his evenings in crowded venues fighting in unregulated boxing matches.
Visitors come and go at the family’s new home – whether it’s Will, Kim, or others.
But despite all that Clemmie and Lucas are still being home-schooled – half-heartedly because Dawn’s always focusing on the laundry basket rather than anyone’s lessons – due to Evan’s illness? It makes no sense to us. Send the poor kids back to school, for everyone’s sake!
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
