Following Belle reporting Tom for abusing her, Tom has managed to fool many people – including his uncle Jimmy and Jimmy’s wife Nicola – that his estranged wife has an agenda and is lying about him as revenge.
However, next week, Nicola gets suspicious and questions Carl about the toy car Tom gave him. Viewers will know that Carl was recently threatened by Tom. He then witnessed Tom smashing up his tablet, which contained evidence of his abusive behaviour towards Belle. Tom then subsequently bribed his cousin into keeping quiet by buying him a toy car.
With Nicola determined to get to the bottom of why Carl is scared of Tom, are Tom’s days numbered?
Nicola tries to get Carl to open up (Credit: ITV)
Nicola King questions Carl
Carl previously told Tom that Tom had scared him. Next week, Nicola is – rightly – convinced that Carl is upset due to Tom, but when she tries to talk to her son, Tom unexpectedly returns to the house and Carl clams up.
She becomes frustrated that Carl can’t be honest with her and discreetly calls Jimmy to share her suspicions. Nicola is then intrigued when she spots Carl’s radio-controlled car in the bin. She questions her son about the toy and finally manages to get some information from him, but he’s scared about telling her the whole truth.
Tom tries to defend himself (Credit: ITV)
Tom is grilled by Nicola in Emmerdale spoilers
Nicola gives Tom a grilling and Jimmy becomes concerned by what he hears. Tom tries to cover up his lies, but Nicola threatens him with the police. Will Tom be able to stop her?
Later in the week, Nicola takes action, but the situation creates an issue for her and Jimmy.
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 tonight (Monday, October 21), Tina Dingle returned and dropped a huge bombshell, causing Mandy to be fearful.
Tina returned to the village last week during Zak Dingle’s funeral. Her stay was short, however, as she was hauled off by the police for breaching her release conditions.
But now, a tag-free Tina is back. Here’s what else happened in Emmerdale tonight.
Tina returned to the Dales (Credit: ITV)
Tina dropped a bombshell
As the Dingles attempted to get on with their lives following Zak’s funeral, Mandy received an unwanted visitor at the salon.
Tina greeted Vinny and questioned him about his love life. After he left, Mandy shouted at Tina that she’d told her to stay away.
Tina snapped: “You don’t get to tell me where I can and can’t go, especially now I’ve got interests round here.”
Suspecting that Tina was after the house again, Mandy reiterated that Tina isn’t included in Zak’s will and can’t have a share of the house, but Tina replied: “Prove it. It belongs to family. And I’m family. And who says we’re just talking about the house?”
This caused a nervous reaction from Mandy, as Tina continued: “I’ve come for everything that’s mine. Vinny is such a sweet boy. Do you know, it makes me sad, thinking about everything I’ve missed out on. What’s mine is mine. My house. My son.”
While Vinny knows Mandy is not his biological mum, he is unaware of his true parentage. Will Tina reveal all to him?
Ruby discovered Caleb’s money lie (Credit: ITV)
Caleb’s lies were exposed in Emmerdale tonight
Caleb tried to convince Ruby to let him deal with her mum’s will as he desperately tried to keep the secret that Ruby’s mum had given him £100,000 before she died. Ruby was adamant she wanted to be involved though.
During the reading of the will, Ruby was incensed to discover that Helen had left everything to Ruby’s daughter Stephanie and questioned whether Helen and Steph had been meeting up.
“I did everything to keep them apart. I didn’t want any of my mum’s poison rubbing off on her,” Ruby remarked, before leaving to get some air.
Caleb then pleaded ignorance when the solicitor asked him about the mystery payment from Helen’s bank account, Caleb tried to keep this from Ruby, but the solicitor bumped into Ruby in the village and mentioned the £100,000.
Back at home, Ruby screamed at Caleb to “Stop lying to me,” before he eventually relented and admitted that he had the money and wanted to invest it in the haulage yard. Ruby was angry and chastised Caleb for never being honest.
Belle was angry with her family for talking about her (Credit: ITV)
Belle was angry at Mandy’s revelation
Feeling down about not visiting her dad during his last days, Mandy tried to make Belle feel better but let it slip that Zak had been aware about her situation with Tom.
Belle was furious when Mandy shared that Cain and Sam had told Zak about Tom’s abuse. Belle hit out at Sam, but soon calmed down when Sam explained that Zak sensed something was up and they couldn’t lie to him. Sam shared that Zak wanted to “rip Tom’s head off.”
Later, Sam stuck a handmade cross into Zak’s burial site engraved with the words “Our dad”. There was a nice moment as Sam chatted to his dad about the mundane things going on in the village.
Elsewhere in Emmerdale tonight
Gabby was worried that Mandy thought she was a snob. She was right to share that view as Mandy told Belle that Gabby was from another planet.
Elsewhere, Jimmy reminisced about his brothers, the haulage company and Edna (!) Will told him that even if he sells up to Caleb, he’ll always have the memories. But will Jimmy be able to let go?
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 for tonight see Ruby make a discovery during the reading of her mum’s will. She is shocked by what she finds out, leaving Caleb feeling nervous.
Elsewhere, Belle is upset when she discovers her family has been talking about her behind her back
Tonight sees the reading of Ruby’s mum’s will after she died last month. Caleb is nervous, worried that his secret will be revealed.
Before Helen died, she tried to reach out to her estranged daughter, but Caleb demanded £100,000 to set the meeting up. Helen paid the money, but died before the meet could take place. Caleb has kept the secret ever since.
Tonight, Ruby is shocked over one of the documents and Caleb thinks he has been rumbled. But Ruby has discovered that Helen was secretly in touch with Ruby’s daughter Steph. Caleb enjoys a moment of relief as he realises his secret is still safe. For now, at least.
Ruby feels isolated (Credit: ITV)
2. Ruby opens up to Chas
Feeling isolated and vulnerable, Ruby opens up to Chas and tells her that she is grateful to Caleb for giving her the close-knit Dingle family when her own family is so estranged.
Belle is angry at what Mandy shares with her (Credit: ITV)
3. Belle struggles with her family in Emmerdale tonight
Belle gets upset when Mandy inadvertently shares the news that Cain told Zak Dingle about Tom’s abuse. Zak passed away last week, and it hurts Belle to know her dad was aware of her situation.
She also struggles with the idea that her family was talking about her behind her back.
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 week in Emmerdale, the Dingles got a big surprise when Tina Dingle returned during Zak Dingle‘s funeral. Jacqueline Pirie, who played Tina during the 90s, has responded to the role being recast.
Now played by Brassic star Samantha Power, Tina caused a stir with her cutting remarks and eagerness to get her hands on the Dingle house.
But viewers were left wondering why the original actress hadn’t returned and now Jacqueline has had her say.
Tina arrived during Zak’s funeral (Credit: ITV)
Tina Dingle returns
During Thursday’s episode, the Dingles came together to say goodbye to patriarch Zak. Returning to the house to bury Zak, the family were shocked to see Tina.
Tina, who is the daughter of Zak and Nellie Dingle, hadn’t been seen in the Dales since 1996. But it emerged that she has stayed in contact with Mandy over the years.
The returning Dingle went in for the kill as she proceeded to insult her family – labelling most of them “ex-cons” and calling her brother Sam, thick.
For the latter crime, Sam’s partner Lydia pushed Tina into the mud, resulting in cheers from the rest of the family.
It also came to light that Tina was after a share of the Dingle property, but Lydia informed her that the house had been left to Belle, Sam and Cain.
A furious Tina ended up being carted away by police, as she was wearing an ankle tag and was in breach of her release conditions.
Tina Dingle was involved with Frank Tate when Jacqueline played her (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Taking to X, Jacqueline wrote: “So many questions regarding Tina Dingle’s return. Great character, great show. I wish @sampower_sam all the best, I loved playing her, I’m sure she will too, great cast to be a part of  and, no… they didn’t ask me #emmerdale#tinadingle#dingle.”
Samantha Power responded to the tweet and wrote: “Thanks so much Jacqueline! Very kind xxx.”
Fans added their disappointment at the news, with one writing: “No disrespect to the actor taking over here at all, but if it’s a big return (one off) like this – as a fan we all really want to see the original actor – more impact – Jacqueline you were amazing. Sad that you didn’t get asked to at least do a cameo.”
Another fan added: “I assumed they’d asked you, can’t understand their reasons as to why they didn’t as it would have made much more sense.”
Tina is now played by Samantha Power (Credit: ITV)
Samantha Power speaks out
Asked if she ever watched the original Tina, Samantha replied: “Yes! I absolutely do remember Jaqueline who played Tina. She was absolutely fantastic, I remember her character vividly. So I am very lucky to get the chance to pick up where she left off.
“My husband said he had never known me to be this nervous! My first scene on my first day was at the graveside with all the Dingles. That’s a lot, right? Luckily everyone was so nice and welcoming.
“I have to say a special shout out to Lisa Riley, the nicest human being. When I met her at the screen test I felt so safe. She couldn’t have been more giving and supportive and encouraging and that continued daily on set. I loved working with her.”
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 21, Nicola makes a move on a shocked Ivan, and Chas and Carl celebrate their engagement. These episodes originally aired on March 7 and 8, 2006.
Ivan is completely unimpressed with Nicola’s seduction routine (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Nicola makes a move on Ivan
Paul apologises to Ivan for getting angry, but admits he was hurt. The couple tentatively start to make up. Ivan then receives a call from an upset Nicola. Realising that she needs support, he heads off.
Nicola over plays the victim card and snuggles into Ivan. As Nicola downs her wine, she says Ivan is too good for Paul. Ivan thinks she is joking and is amused.
A drunk Ivan decides to take a shower and then get an early night, but Nicola has other ideas and calls out to him. Worried about the urgency, Ivan heads downstairs dressed in a towel. Dressed in only saucy underwear, Nicola seizes her opportunity and makes a move on Ivan.
Ivan is mortified and tells Nicola he loves Paul, but Nicola refuses to believe it. However, Ivan is firm with Nicola and urges her to leave.
Meanwhile, arriving home, Leslie spots Nicola and a partially dressed Ivan through the window. Nicola hides her humiliation and lets Lesley think that she and Ivan are having an affair.
Later Ivan cruelly blasts Nicola when she tries to apologise. Lesley demands an explanation from Nicola and threatens to tell Paul unless she hands over Mulberry Cottage to Simon. However, Nicola refuses to be blackmailed and tells Lesley to tell anyone she wants.
Lesley shares the news with Rodney. When he confronts his daughter, Nicola expertly plays the victim card again and lets Rodney think Ivan took advantage of her.
Chas and Carl happily celebrate their engagement with the Dingles (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Tom gives Carl and Chas a deadline
The Dingles and Kings celebrate Carl and Chas’s engagement. The Dingles are chuffed as Tom gets a round in. Carl then invites the whole clan up to Home Farm for a proper do.
At Home Farm, as Chas and Carl happily agree to a long engagement, Tom jovially informs Chas they he expects his third grandchild in eight to nine months. Chas laughs him off, but soon realises that Tom in completely serious in his desire for more heirs. Chas, however, doesn’t share Tom’s enthusiasm.
Hari tries to play matchmaker
Jo is miffed when Hari suggests her outfit isn’t appropriate for the office and hints that a uniform will soon be compulsory.
Toni moons over Hari and in the bar she makes a beeline for him and asks if he fancies a night out. Hari’s not keen, but Toni persists and Hari reluctantly agrees.
Jo is not impressed with Toni’s flirting and says Hari is more uptight than hunky. Toni is undeterred though, but is later disappointed when Hari says he has changed his mind about a night on the town.
Jo is scathing of Toni’s desperation and is relieved when Hari sits tight. As the girls leave, Hari is confused by Paddy’s insistence that they follow. Seeing Paddy’s mooning face as he watches Toni, Hari realises that Paddy is in love.
Hari becomes convinced that Paddy has feelings for Toni so tries to mould him into her perfect man.
Elsewhere in Classic Emmerdale
Scott admits to Kelly that Dawn has been really helpful and he regrets reporting her to the Benefit Fraud Office.
Elsewhere, Andy visits Katie in hospital and is surprised to learn that she recently split up with her boyfriend.
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 certainly knows how to deliver when it comes to explosive affairs. When a two characters embark on a lust-fueled fling, we all get drawn into the drama.
There have been countless illicit entanglements in the village over the years. From saucy one-night stands to full blown love affairs that have ripped families apart.
But there are those affairs that stand out above the rest for being totally addictive. Let’s take a trip down memory lane as we look back at the 10 most memorable affairs in Emmerdale…
Dave and Kim’s passionate affair ended in tragedy (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Emmerdale affairs: Kim Tate and Dave Glover
Kim and Dave’s affair started out as a purely physical attraction. She was bored in her marriage to Tate patriarch Frank, and farmhand Dave was, well, irresistible.
In Dave, Kim found the excitement she’d been craving. The insatiable lovers got it on all over the place – rolling around in the hay at the stables of Home Farm, to spending nights in swanky hotels.
But what began as a bit of fun soon developed into something more. Kim and Dave fell in love, but were busted when Frank planted hidden cameras in Dave’s cottage. Shortly afterwards, Kim discovered she was pregnant and hoped the baby was Dave’s. She gave birth to a son, who she named James, and was devastated to learn he was actually Frank’s.
Dave went on to marry Kathy Bates in secret, but his heart was still with Kim. The pair made plans to run away together, but their affair came to a tragic end when Dave was killed rescuing James from a fire at Home Farm.
Kim was devastated by Dave’s death, and many fans still believe he was the love of her life.
The chemistry between Tara and Biff was electric (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Lady Tara Oakwell and Biff Fowler
Lady Tara was another posh lass who liked a bit of rough. Who remembers her romance with Biff Fowler?
The unlikely couple grew close after Tara, who’d been stripped of her licence for drink driving, asked Biff if he’d be her chauffeur. But it wasn’t long before they were driving each other wild.
After weeks of keeping their fling under wraps, it became public knowledge. But when Tara, who was lady of Home Farm at the time, was forced to evict several locals from their homes, Biff finished with her.
Tara moved on and accepted a marriage proposal from Michael Thornfield, a wealthy Lord who was a friend of her late father’s. But he was no Biff. The night before the wedding, Tara ended up back in bed with her former lover. She told Biff they could carry on their affair behind Michael’s back, but he wasn’t willing to be second best.
In the end Tara chose money over love and went ahead with marrying Michael. And in case, you’re wondering, it didn’t last.
Zoe and Charity’s lusty fling took everyone by surprise (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Charity Dingle and Zoe Tate
Charity kept it in the family when she cheated on Chris Tate with his sister, Zoe.
Zoe was horrified when she found out her brother was dating a Dingle. The thought of the former prostitute getting her mitts on Home Farm did not sit well, so Zoe tried to bribe Charity into dumping Chris.
The truth of it was Zoe was jealous because she had the hots for Charity. And it turned out Charity felt the same when she put the lips on Zoe during a heated row.
The ladies started sleeping together, but Charity ended their lesbian fling when Zoe started getting too clingy. Zoe got her revenge by recording Charity confessing to their affair and used it to blackmail her with.
Charity was forced to come clean to Chris, but he forgave her betrayal.
The Robert/Katie/Andy love triangle was iconic (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Emmerdale affairs: Robert Sugden and Katie Addyman
Back when Robert Sugden had a different face (played by actor Karl Davies), he set his sights on Katie Addyman.
His initial motive for seducing Katie was good old fashioned revenge. She was engaged to his adoptive brother, Andy, who Robert blamed for the death of their mother, Sarah.
But as their affair continued, Robert caught feelings for Katie, and vice versa. The lovers couldn’t keep their hands off one another and even slept together the night before Katie’s wedding to Andy.
Katie tried to make her marriage work, but she and Robert soon resumed relations. Andy discovered what had been going on after finding a goodbye note from his wife. He confronted Katie and Robert, who admitted everything.
Next it was Andy’s turn for revenge. He plotted to shoot Robert, but ended up gunning down their dad, Jack, who thankfully survived. Katie and Robert stayed together for a while, and even got engaged. But it all came to a messy end when Katie discovered Robert had cheated with Sadie King. She left him – and the village.
Angie and Cain’s love affair turned very dangerous (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Angie had resisted Cain’s come on for months, but after finding out her own husband was cheating, Angie decided to get her own back. Sleeping with a notorious criminal gave Angie a buzz, but the excitement soon wore off.
Angie dumped Cain, but he got his own back by bedding her teenage daughter, Ollie. Ew.
In revenge, Angie made Cain believe she wanted him back, then set him up for a robbery. The idea was that Cain would be arrested in possession of stolen goods, but the plan went horribly wrong when Angie was fatally injured in a car chase.
She died in Cain’s arms, as he pleaded with her to tell him she loved him. But those three little words never came.
Debbie and Ross couldn’t keep their hands off one another (Credit: Shutterstock)
Debbie Dingle and Ross Barton
There’s something about bad boy Ross Barton that gets women going. Just ask Debbie Dingle.
In 2015, mum-of-two Deb was engaged to Pete Barton. But that didn’t stop her slipping into the sack with his younger brother. Yes, we’ve got another love triangle involving siblings.
Ross and Debbie fell head over heels and decided to run away before her wedding. But Cain ruined their plan by announcing Ross was the father of Debbie’s half-brother, Moses.
Debbie went ahead with marrying Pete, and Cain kidnapped Ross to stop him outing the affair. But the truth always finds a way of coming out, and as the newlyweds took to the floor for their first dance, Aaron accidentally played a recording of Ross and Debbie discussing their betrayal.
Pete proceeded to beat Ross to a pulp, and dumped his body in the woods. Ross returned months later and tried to have Pete killed, but his unhinged behaviour was a wake-up call for Debbie. She took her kids and got as far away from Ross as possible.
Robron mania is still a real thing (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale affairs: Robert Sugden and Aaron Dingle
Robron still has to be the most talked about affair in Emmerdale history.
A whole decade has passed since Robert and Aaron’s first kiss on that country lane, but it could have been yesterday. Fans were caught up in the thrill of watching the forbidden lovers sneaking around the village as they tried to keep their fling under wraps.
Robert, who was engaged, then married, to millionairess Chrissie White, went to great lengths to protect his secret. He killed sister-in-law Katie Sugden, and tried to bump off Aaron’s stepdad, Paddy Kirk.
In the end, Aaron couldn’t take any more lies. He exposed their deception to Chrissie, who showed Robert the door.
After a lot of make ups and breaks ups, Robron went on to marry – twice. But their great love story came to a sad end when Robert was jailed for manslaughter and told Aaron not to wait for him.
Their loyal followers are still holding out hope for a reunion one day.
Paddy cheated on Rhona with teaching assistant Tess (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Paddy Kirk and Tess Harris
Village vet Paddy shocked everyone (and himself) when he cheated on wife Rhona during a lad’s night out. At the time it seemed Paddy was an unlikely adulterer. But he did have previous form. Hands up who remembers his icky fling with postmistress Viv Windsor when he was married to second wife, Emily?
Anyway, the lady who Paddy got jiggy with in a back seat of a car was Tess Harris. She was also married, and as it later turned out the teacher of Paddy’s stepson Leo. What a small world!
Afterwards, Paddy and Tess regretted what they’d done. But they couldn’t deny the attraction between them and embarked on a full blown affair. After weeks of sneaking about, Tess grew tired of being the ‘other woman’. She decided to tell Rhona everything, but was run over by a drunken Kirin Kotecha enroute.
Paddy and Rhona found Tess dying in the middle of the road. And as Rhona rung for an ambulance, Tess confessed her love to Paddy before losing consciousness.
Days after Tess’s death, Paddy finally admitted they’d been seeing each other. His betrayal ended up pushing Rhona into the arms of Tess’s wicked widower, Pierce. But that’s a whole other story.
Cain and Moira’s love story started out as an extramarital affair (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale affairs: Moira Barton and Cain Dingle
Coira have been raising temperatures in Emmerdale since 2011.
At the time Moira was married to her childhood sweetheart, John, but couldn’t resist the lure of a certain mechanic. Cain and Moira first got it on in his garage, then wherever else the mood took. Even in her marital bed at Butlers.
Despite Moira pleading him not to, Cain told John what they’d been up to. The Barton marriage was thrown into crisis, but just as Moira and John started to work things out he was killed in a car crash.
After John’s death, Moira resumed her affair with Cain, who proposed in October 2013. The couple got hitched the following year, but Cain quickly forgot his vow to be faithful by having affairs with Charity Dingle and Harriet Finch.
Let’s not pretend Moira has been a saint though. Her sordid fling with Nate Robinson (who turned out to be Cain’s long-lost son) tore the family apart. But despite all the betrayals, Coira are still together and in it for the long run.
Just no, Al and Chas (Credit: ITV)
Chas Dingle and Al Chapman
Chas has always had lousy taste in men, but she really lost the plot when she decided to jump into bed with shady Al Chapman.
There was a time that Chas couldn’t stand Al, but that loathing ended up turning to lust. Chas couldn’t get enough of the rogue as she became swept up in their affair. She fell for Al and made plans to leave her marriage to Paddy and run away with him.
But Chas’s selfish actions had catastrophic repercussions. She ended up missing her mum Faith’s final moments due to being in bed with her lover, which left her heartbroken.
It also proved to be Al’s undoing, and he was shot dead during an altercation with Chas’s brother, Cain. But in a shock twist, it turned out Cain’s young son, Kyle was the killer.
Even after his death, Chas carried on lying to Paddy about her involvement with Al, but he worked it out for himself. Chas begged for forgiveness, but there was no going back. Paddy filed for divorce, and she was disowned by her disgusted family.
Was it all worth it for a bit of rumpy pumpy? Nah!
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 bit tearful! Give us a minute while we recover after this week’s super emotional episodes.
The Dingles did Zak proud didn’t they? It was the perfect send-off for the original Dingle, with lots of memories, a family member coming out of the woodwork and even an impromptu rendition of Hillybilly Rock.
Here’s what we thought about the whole emotional week in our Emmerdale review.
Understated but emotional – we were in bits over Zak’s death (Credit: ITV)
Zak’s death
There is, of course, a place in soap for the big stunts, the dramatic episodes, and the over-the-top action. But there’s also a place for the quieter moments and that was proved brilliantly by this week.
Cain sharing the news that his dad had died with the family – while music played over the top so we didn’t hear what he said, nor how they reacted, was understated and so very effective, we’re choking up all over again just thinking about it.
Zak’s send-off was unconventional but perfect (Credit: ITV)
And Zak’s funeral
Zak was never one to be conventional in life, and his plans for his send-off were just as different! He had left strict rules about what he wanted and the family did as he asked. He was brought back from Aberdeen, drummed through the village, and buried at home. Just as he’d asked.
We especially loved the Dingles getting the villagers to cough up for Zak’s celebration, and PC Swirling showing up to pay his respects. Perfect!
Tina’s back! (Credit: ITV)
Tina’s arrival
Back in the day (and it really was way, way back in the day) we loved Tina Dingle so we were equally excited and nervous about her returning. Turns out, we needn’t have been nervous at all because she was perfect.
Newcomer Samantha Power captured just enough of original actress Jacqueline Pirie‘s mannerisms to the role to remind us who Tina was. And she brought some of her own too. And we cheered when Lydia shoved her in the mud! Don’t mess with Lyds, Tina.
You’ll learn.
Some of the extended Dingle family were at the funeral. Some of them didn’t bother to turn up *hard stare at Rhona* (Credit: ITV)
Missing Dingles in our Emmerdale review
The only thing that didn’t sit quite right with Zak’s family funeral was well, the missing members of the family. Where was Rhona? Or Mack? The kids weren’t there either – no April or Leo, Kyle or Isaac, nor Moses. It seemed odd for them not to be there, no matter how quickly the funeral had been arranged. We definitely missed Debbie, too.
We’re still hoping Nate’s alive! (Credit: ITV/EI)
The Nate mystery continues in our Emmerdale review
Right, we’re sorry to keep going on about this, but the whole Nate thing is really odd, and we’re still not entirely convinced he’s alive. It sounds silly – and the fly in the ointment of this theory is the message he supposedly sent Tracy saying he was settling into life in Shetland – but go with us here.
His exit was so unsatisfactory, the barn fire was RIGHT THERE, and it’s pretty odd that he didn’t even reply to Tracy’s message telling him his grandad was dead.
Maybe Tracy’s holding him hostage, like Pierce did with Vanessa. Or perhaps he’s hiding in the cellar like Harriet Finch did, or maybe he did die in the barn fire, and it’s just no one has thought to look for him. Or maybe this is all just wishful thinking!
Give it a rest, Caleb (Credit: ITV)
Caleb’s relentless vendetta
Caleb keeping Ruby from her dying mum, lying about it, taking a huge chunk of money from his mother-in-law, lying about that too, and generally acting in an unforgiveable fashion is awful. Awful!
We can’t see how Ruby can possibly get over this. Caleb has done a terrible thing. And for what exactly? For some weird vendetta against Kim who barely knows he exists. Get over it, Caleb. Time to move on!
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook 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 tonight was the last farewell to Zak Dingle as Cain, Sam and Belle reminisced over their dad in a near-perfect three-hander episode (with a bit of Lydia thrown in!).
Each Dingle sibling had their issues to air and each needed reassurance from their relatives. But with flashbacks to scenes featuring Steve Halliwell, it felt like a fitting end to the week’s episodes.
Here’s a rundown of Emmerdale tonight, Friday October 18.
Cain is scared of living up to Zak’s name (Credit: ITV)
Cain confessed
As the revelries continued in the Woolpack, Cain returned to Wishing Well to find Sam and Belle waiting to get through to him. Cain made to leave, but Belle locked them all in. Sam then pulled a bottle of whiskey out of Zak’s secret stash and their evening began.
The three siblings talked and reminisced and Sam said Zak saw Cain as head of the family. Cain insisted it was rubbish and didn’t mean anything. He declared he couldn’t do it and confided Moira had cancelled her operation because she knew he couldn’t cope.
Sam then gave his brother a hug, which Cain did not take too well and called him a fat egg! That Dingle charm, eh?!
Cain said he knows he can’t cope when things get real – he runs or lashes out. But Sam and Belle insisted Cain was the man for the job – Zak knew it, they all knew it.
Sam’s afraid of letting everyone down (Credit: ITV)
Sam was sad in Emmerdale tonight
It was Sam’s turn to lament his failures next. He felt he had let Lydia and Samson down and he was a joke. He was sure Zak could have handled it all better than him.
But Cain insisted they couldn’t sit there and pretend Zak could do no wrong. He referenced the time Zak had almost killed him and Belle lost it at Cain for ruining their dad’s memory.
But Cain told how he had forgiven Zak because he knew how sorry he was. He said Zak didn’t always have the answers, but he never stopped trying – and Sam was just like him, a great dad. Belle soon forgave Cain and all was okay again. Phew.
What Belle’s been through is not her fault (Credit: ITV)
Belle’s fears
Belle also worried about what Zak would have thought about her not getting away from Tom sooner, but Cain assured her Zak thought she was the strongest person he knew.
Then a rendition of the absolute banger Hillbilly Rock will have put a smile on fans’ faces after many felt it was missing from Zak’s send-off episode last night.
Cain eventually read out the speech that he had been unable to give at the graveside due to being overwhelmed by his grief. And in amidst it we were treated to old footage of Zak – when Cain discovered he was his dad, offering comfort to Sam and arguing with teenage Belle. There were also more jovial clips of him with the family, smiling, laughing, joking and of course, fighting – the true Dingle way! Zak was even heard talking about love.
Sam, Belle and Cain toasted goodbye to Zak (Credit: ITV)
A final decision in Emmerdale tonight
All three of them woke up on the sofa having fallen asleep, with Cain in Zak’s chair – symbolising, perhaps, he had taken up his place as head of the family.
Sam certainly believed so as when they then went to Zak’s grave, Sam placed Zak’s hat on Cain’s head. But Cain took it off (although he plans to keep it!) and decided the three of them should split the head of the family role. Because no one person can ever replace Zak Dingle.
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
Nate Robinson was mentioned in last night’s Emmerdale and, as one fan put it, it was quite frankly ‘weird’. Cain’s son failed to turn up to the funeral of his grandad Zak – and in fact hadn’t even responded to any messages about Zak’s death.
Cain did not seem to think this was odd in any way, shape or form. But we certainly do. Something doesn’t add up here…
Where’s Nate? (Credit: ITV/EI)
Where is Nate Robinson in Emmerdale?
When Moira was in the midst of her brain tumour symptoms she leaned in for a kiss with Nate, which was witnessed by Caleb, who revealed all to Cain. Cain went mad, beat Nate up and disowned him. Tracy, who had rekindled things with Nate, dumped him again and Nate was left with nothing.
He decided to take a job in Shetland and made plans to leave immediately. However, in his last scene before he left he told John Sugden he wouldn’t be going quietly. But then he did exactly that… and we haven’t seen him since.
Meanwhile, the barn he was heading off to to confront Moira in caught fire and no one saw Nate.
Then on Monday, September 15, Tracy received a text message from Nate, which read: “Settling in, head’s a mess, don’t call me, I’ll call you when I’m ready.”
So Nate is apparently in Shetland… Or is he?
The residents gathered for Zak’s funeral – but not Nate (Credit: ITV)
Why Nate didn’t come to Zak’s funeral in Emmerdale
In scenes inside the Woolpack Caleb suggested to Cain he was the reason for Nate’s no-show. Cain dismissed his brother and told him Nate hadn’t even replied to Tracy’s text about Zak dying.
WHY WOULDN’T HE EVEN REPLY? Zak did nothing wrong to him! This doesn’t stack up.
Hints Nate is dead in Emmerdale
It was such an odd mention of Nate last night that it got us – and some viewers – thinking. Why not say he couldn’t make it? Or it was too short notice? Why mention him at all and comment that he just hadn’t replied. Surely that’s a huge hint there is more to this?
“Nate still missing in action then? Weird,” wrote one fan on social media. Another queried: “Hang on! Do we still not technically know where Nate is?”
“Is Nate dead? Did he die from his injuries somewhere and nobody knows?” mused a third.
The evidence is adding up – is Nate dead?
This was the last time anyone saw Nate – when he was talking John (Credit: ITV)
1. No one has heard from him
In the month since he left, he’s supposedly sent one message to Tracy. He hasn’t called now he knows about Moira’s brain tumour. He didn’t respond to a message telling him his family member was dead and he didn’t come to the funeral. Has he even checked in on his beloved daughter Frankie? The one he couldn’t bear to be parted with? Come on.
2. He just disappeared
There’s no doubting Nate’s exit was really strange. Either actor Jurell Carter really annoyed someone and was given the worst exit ever, or there’s more to it.
The barn fire was happening as he was on his way to said barn to confront Moira. So why didn’t he make it? Why did he change his mind? So many unanswered questions that hint he’s actually dead.
3. John’s shifty behaviour
John was actually the last person to see Nate alive. He also informed Tracy Nate had just upped and gone. But at the time he was standing very closely guarding his van and making sure the door was firmly shut. He looked shifty. Was that what we now know to be his general demeanour? Or was he hiding something?
Things weren’t exactly peachy last time they met (Credit: ITV)
4. No one cares about Nate in Emmerdale!
Cain’s reaction to his son’s absence at the funeral could not have been less bothered. Tracy hasn’t got a clue where he is and despite one or two tears at the start of his disappearance, she’s not been fussed since. Frankie doesn’t see her dad either. It’s like Nate never existed. Or he’s actually dead somewhere…
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page@emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter@emmerdaleinside
The late, great Zak Dingle took his final journey through Emmerdale village last night for his funeral and was laid to rest at home. The episode was moving and emotional as friends and family gathered to say their final farewells to the soap icon.
It comes after actor Steve Halliwell died in December 2023. Emmerdale waited to pay tribute to the man who was so synonymous with the ITV soap.
However, although the scenes were beautifully written and played out – and it was quite right that only the Dingles were around his graveside as he was buried, we – along with other viewers – were left wondering: where exactly was everyone?
Zak’s funeral procession leaves the Woolpack (Credit: ITV)
Zak’s funeral in Emmerdale
The whole week has been a tribute to Zak as we first learned the news he had died on Monday and then Cain and Sam brought his body home on Wednesday. It was revealed he wanted to be buried within 48 hours. So that’s what the Dingles did.
On Thursday October 17, Cain and Sam drove Zak’s body in the rusty old van to the village. Some of the residents gathered to pay their respects and even PC Swirling made an appearance. Which is more than can be said for a lot of the village. But more on that later.
Zak’s coffin was then carried into the pub for one last pint, where memories were shared and stories swapped. Fair play to the production team here, they made the Woolpack seem far far busier than it actually was!
After a good-old sing song in the Woolie, Zak was drummed up the road to his final resting place. The Dingles gathered around his graveside and Tina Dingle then arrived to cause trouble. The less said about that, the better.
Cain couldn’t cope with giving a speech and rushed off, but Belle stepped up with a lovely touch of burying Zak with Lisa’s ashes so they could be together.
It was, all in all, a beautiful, perfect tribute to the character – and the actor – so many loved. Every single Dingle played their part and gave loving and subtle performances (except Tina, obviously!)
But there was just one thing missing: people. Where was everybody?
Mack and Matty weren’t there (Credit: ITV)
Those missing from Zak’s funeral in Emmerdale
Let’s start with the family – the Dingles are huge, but so many of them weren’t there. We get the plot device of Zak wanting to be buried within 48 hours meaning people couldn’t get there in time, but what about the ones who do live in the village? And more importantly those actually related?!
Where was Mack? He’s Charity’s husband, Moira’s brother and basically a Dingle in all-but name. And given he’s involved in just about every single other storyline, why was he not there for this? Too busy helping Billy train for his boring boxing matches maybe?
Marlon’s wife Rhona was also absent, along with kids April and Leo. Vanessa could probably have coped at the vets for a couple of hours on her own, no?
Moira’s son Matty didn’t make an appearance, nor did his wife Amy. Neither Kyle nor Isaac were there to say goodbye to their grandad.
Don’t even get us started on Debbie not turning up – if ever a recast was called for, this was the time. Nate was at least mentioned as was Ryan, but their excuses were poor.
Others in the village also didn’t bother. Nicola, who said she was going to pay her respects, didn’t. Will, who couldn’t even put his plotting against Kim aside for one hour to attend the Woolpack revelries and nod his head. Victoria Sugden didn’t show, Laurel, Charles (although Zak had stipulated no vicars!), Jimmy, Liam to support best friend Cain, Manpreet, Jai. The list goes on.
All of these people have lived beside Zak in the village for a number of years, some have been family through marriage, and yet did any of them pay their respects? Nope.
Faith and Liv’s funeral had a huge turnout (Credit: ITV)
Faith’s funeral
When Faith died and Liv left us days later in October 2023, they were given a joint funeral. And in an Emmerdale first, the entire adult cast lined the village as their bodies processed through.
Yes, this was done in the 50th anniversary year, so it required something special. However, did the great Zak Dingle not warrant the same treatment? Surely the entire village should have turned out for him as well?
In this 30th year of the Dingles, it seems only right that everyone should celebrate them – and bid their farewells. So why were so many people missing?
Fans also felt the absences with many asking on social media: “Where was Rhona, Mack, Matty….?”
Another wrote: “Although this episode was sad and had tears in my eyes I’m not ashamed to say, but I felt there was a lack of farewell respect to the legend Steve Halliwell.”
“I think someone as iconic as Zak Dingle, and for an actor who gave such longevity to the soap, he deserved something more special. I was expecting more returns like Delilah Dingle, Emily Dingle, Bernice, Kathy. Rhona, Mack and Matty weren’t even there,” added one more.
Tina turned up at Zak’s funeral (Credit: ITV)
The Dingles that were there did Zak proud!
Despite the surprisingly poor turn out, there is no denying the Dingles that were there did Zak proud. They made sure he got the send off he deserved and wanted.
The writers pitched each moment and line perfectly and the scenes around the grave were just lovely (minus Tina’s interruption). It was classic Dingle.
It was just a shame more people didn’t turn out to see it.
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
