It was reported over the weekend that Roxy Shahidi is leaving her role as Leyla Harding on Emmerdale after 16 years.
According to The Sun, the actress wants to ‘spread her wings’ and Leyla will be killed off in a ‘meaty exit storyline.’
But how exactly will she die? Fans have speculated that perhaps Tom might have something to do with her exit.
Leyla has been involved in a lot of drama in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV)
Leyla’s time in Emmerdale
She arrived in Emmerdale in 2008 before leaving in 2011. She returned for a brief stint in 2013 before reprising her role permanently in 2014.
During her time on the show, the character has been involved in plenty of storylines.
She quickly started a relationship with David, but it wasn’t plain sailing. At one point he believed she was having an affair with her sister Alicia’s husband. It was later revealed she was just visiting Alicia and Justin’s son Jacob, who was in fact really her son.
Leyla was also caught pole dancing by her sister, and a deep storyline saw her support Jacob following the revelation that paedophile teacher Maya Stepney had been grooming him.
She later married Dr Liam, but the relationship broke down following her drug addiction.
Leyla and David had an on/off relationship (Credit: ITV)
Leyla to leave Emmerdale
A source told The Sun: ‘Roxy has adored her time on the soap and has made so many happy memories since first joining when she was 17.
‘The cast have become like family to her and she has grown so much as an actress, but now feels like the perfect time to spread her wings and try something new.
‘She is really excited about her meaty exit storyline, which will see her character Leyla die on screen. She’d rather go out in a blaze of glory and be remembered.’
Outside of Emmerdale, Roxy is a trained yoga instructor and wellbeing influencer. Earlier this year, she took part in Dancing on Ice as well as the reality documentary series Drama Queens.
Coule Tom have something to do with Leyla’s death? (Credit: ITV)
Will Tom kill Leyla?
In recent Emmerdale scenes, Belle reported Tom to the police for the abuse he has inflicted on her.
With Leyla working at Take a Vow alongside Belle, could she become involved in the couple’s messy split? Fans certainly think so.
‘I am actually shocked that it’s been confirmed that Leyla Harding is set to get killed in Emmerdale, does anyone think they could make Meena come back or is it something to do with Tom?,’ asked one curious fan on X.Â
Another fan agreed, writing: ‘She could get in Tom’s way with Belle,’ with a third shocked viewer asking: ‘Leyla’s gonna die? How? Does Tom kill her?’
Over on Reddit, fans are also on board with this theory, with one writing: ‘Think it’s tied in with Tom & Belle storyline and he actually kills Leyla. I was wondering if she finds out something about Tom and wants to help Belle and he kills her to shut her up or Tom on rampage trying to kill Belle and accidently kills Leyla.”
Another added: ‘We know Belle and Tom’s storyline will come to a head around Christmas time. Leyla doesn’t have that many ties to the village any more except for Suzy and Belle through the business. It would tie up the loose ends quite nicely for both.”
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
Former Emmerdale star Jenna Coleman has welcomed her first child with her boyfriend Jamie Childs, with the new parents being spotted taking their baby for a walk in London.
The 38-year-old actress, who played Jasmine Thomas in Emmerdale, first showed off a baby bump in June. She later showed off her bare bump on Instagram, writing: ‘Spent summer cooking.’
Jenna and Jamie have not officially announced the baby’s birth, but they looked the perfect happy family during their stroll.
Jenna has welcomed her first child! (Credit: BBC/ Composite EI!)
Emmerdale star announces pregnancy
Jenna met Jamie while filming Netflix’s Sandman – a series adapted from Neil Gaiman’s comic book series – and the couple have been together for four years.
There were rumours that the actress had tied the knot with Jamie, after she was spotted with a ring on her wedding finger. However, she has since appeared without the ring.
Jenna previously told Harper’s Bazaar: ‘Half of my friends have babies, and half don’t, so it doesn’t feel like a pressure. I want to take my time.’
She also joked about the amount of times she has given birth on screen within her role as Queen Victoria. She told Jonathan Ross: ‘I have had many a labour scene now, I’m running out of noises for labour scenes.
‘I’m sure one day maybe if I ever give birth I’ll realise I was totally wrong.’
Earlier this year she arrived at a celebratory dinner with a growing bump. She later commented on the pregnancy when she added a picture to Instagram showing her bare bump. She wrote: “‘pent summer cooking,’ and was inundated with messages of congratulations from fans.
Jenna Coleman has a baby
Over the weekend, news broke that Jenna had given birth to her first child with her director boyfriend Jamie.
Looking glam in jeans, a red top and black sunglasses, Jenna was seen pushing a pram in North London, while Jamie walked beside her with the newborn strapped to his chest in a baby carrier.
The tot’s bright pink socks could be seen poking out from the sling – leading fans to speculate that the baby is a girl.
Jenna played Jasmine Thomas (Credit: Photo by ITV/Shutterstock (1083159hd))
Who was Jasmine Thomas in Emmerdale?
Jasmine arrived in Emmerdale in June 2005 as the niece of Ashley Thomas. She was sent to stay with Ashley and her grandfather Sandy after she was suspended from school.
One of her big stories saw her form a close bond with Debbie Dingle, with the pair soon starting a relationship. Debbie’s dad Cain was not happy about this development and he seduced Jasmine.
In her job as a reporter, Jasmine investigated criminal gang the McFarlanes and discovered that local policeman Shane Doyle was on their payroll.
After Shane caught her looking for evidence, he tried to rape Jasmine, but Debbie came to her rescue. Shane turned his focus to Debbie, resulting in Jasmine attacking Shane and killing him.
The body was buried in the lake, but was later discovered. Jasmine planned to run away, but she returned to face the music and was sentenced to four years in prison.
Jasmine would have been released from prison by now, but her location is unknown.
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
Classic Emmerdale spoilers for episodes airing on ITV3 on Monday October 7 reveal Bob disappears on his stag do, as Marlon has doubts about his own impending marriage. These episodes originally aired on February 14 and 15 2006.
Bob cheers as he wins big at the casino (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Bob disappears
It’s the night of the joint stag do for Marlon and Bob. They head to a casino and Bob’s luck is in.
As the lads celebrate, Bob heads off into the night and claims there’s something he has to do. His mysterious departure leaves the stags confused – and worried. Where has he gone?
The stags later return to the village and are forced to confess to Viv that Bob has gone missing. As she panics her desire for a baby has forced him away, will he return in time for the wedding?
Marlon has doubts in Classic Emmerdale
As they leave the casino, Marlon steels himself and is honest with Paddy. He admits he’s having doubts about the wedding. Paddy feels Marlon needs to talk to Donna about this not him, so calls the bride-to-be.
Donna finds him at Smithy Cottage, but will they have an honest conversation about how they are both feeling?
The double wedding in jeopardy
Things take another disastrous turn when the reception venue cancels at the last minute. Donna has to try and find a replacement.
However her idea of The Woolpack doesn’t go down well with Marlon. He insists he’ll find a better alternative, but with such a short amount of time, does he really have any chance at all?
Tom steps up for the Dingles in Classic Emmerdale
Sam asks the Kings for help by sponsoring Alice’s wing walk. Tom gives generously and remembers his own wife’s cancer battle. He tells Carl Sam will need all the help he can get.
Tom later gifts Sam a video camera to film the wing walk, wanting to help in any way he can.
Samson’s coming home
Sam is thrilled when the doctors reveal Samson can come home on Friday. Alice however is concerned.
Back at the Dingles’ she airs her fears, believing Samson isn’t ready to be at home. As she gets upset, the family worry for her fragile mental state as it’s clear everything is getting on top of 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 spoilers tonight see Tom unknowingly make a huge blunder, which could come back to haunt him. He finally gets his hands on his tablet and wastes no time in destroying the device. But, somebody’s watching…
Meanwhile, Will and Jimmy enjoy a boozy lads night but are soon interrupted by Kim and her date. Also, Charles and Jai have a very public bust-up, which leads to an unexpected break-up.
Tom manage to get his hands on his tablet (Credit: ITV)
Tom makes a big mistake in Emmerdale spoilers
1. Has Tom been caught out?
In tonight’s Emmerdale spoilers, Tom keeps an eye on Isaac, who still has his tablet. He eventually catches Isaac alone, who says the tablet is at home.
He tells Tom where the spare key is hidden, allowing him to retrieve the device himself. Tom lets himself into Butlers Farm to get the tablet but is forced to hide when Matty walks in.
Elsewhere, Belle bumps into Moira and quizzes her about the voicemail she left her. However, Moira still doesn’t recall anything.
Later on, Belle bumps into Tom, who remains confident he will be triumphant in court. Once alone, Tom begins to smash up his tablet to ensure any evidence is destroyed. But, Carl is secretly watching…
Jai and Charles have a public bust-up (Credit: ITV)
Charles and Jai are feuding in Emmerdale spoilers
2. Charles’ run-in with Jai causes chaos
Eagle-eyed Manpreet spots tension brewing between Charles and Jai. It doesn’t take long for the pair to square up to one another, but Charles is left embarrassed when Manpreet berates him and storms off.
Later on, Charles tells Laurel about his clash with Jai. Laurel is eager to talk about it, but Charles stands firm and informs her their relationship is done.
Has Laurel and Charles’ romance finished before it’s started?
Will and Jimmy’s boozy night is interrupted… (Credit: ITV)
Will and Kim continue to bicker in Emmerdale spoilers
3. Jimmy and Will’s boozy night
Having been feeling guilty about pressuring Jimmy into selling his shares in the haulage, Will decides to invite Jimmy over for a few drinks at Home Farm. He promises there will be no business talk.
Jimmy is glad to have a distraction from the investigation surrounding Tom. He and Will enjoy a beer together, but Kim soon comes back and is furious at the state of the house.
Kim enjoys rubbing Will’s nose in it (Credit: ITV)
4. Kim’s revenge
Following their earlier clash, Kim opts for the ultimate revenge against Will. She comes downstairs looking stunning ready for a dinner date with her financial advisor, Peter.
Jimmy is stunned by what he sees while Will is left absolutely seething. Has Kim pushed Will too far?
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 had more than its fair share of brilliant episodes. So many in fact, that it’s hard to pick a favourite. So instead we picked 12 of the best! Here are what we think are the best episodes of Emmerdale, ever.
The plane crash transformed Emmerdale as a soap (Credit: ITV)
The plane crash 1993
Emmerdale’s plane crash may have happened more than 30 years ago, but it’s still legendary among soap fans. The Beckindale Air Disaster marked the beginning of a new era for Emmerdale in many ways -Â the renaming of the village from Beckindale to Emmerdale, the end of several storylines and the start of many more!
Four characters were killed – Mark Hughes, Elizabeth Pollard (Eric’s wife), Archie Brooks and Leonard Kempinski – while Chris Tate was badly injured and left unable to walk.
The storyline was quite controversial at the time because it came just five years after the real-life Lockerbie disaster. But it was a hit with viewers and it transformed Emmerdale from a quiet countryside soap into the must-see television it is today.
Kim came back from the dead and shocked Frank into a heart attack! (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Kim leaves Frank to die 1997
Kim Tate‘s marriage to Frank was dead and buried by 1997. She had cheated on him with Dave Glover, and thought for a while that baby James was Dave’s, only to discover that Frank was his dad.
When Dave was killed in a fire, rescuing little James, Kim well and truly went off the rails! She hired a lookalike to drive her car round the village, so everyone thought she was still there, then ran off to the Caribbean. But tragedy struck when the lookalike crashed the car into the lake and died. Frank identified the body as Kim and was arrested for murder!
When Kim returned, the shock of seeing his ‘dead’ wife caused Frank to have a heart attack. Kim coldly watched him die, without going for help. And as he breathed his last she checked for signs of life with the mirror from her handbag – then reapplied her make-up and left him on the floor.
Sarah didn’t make it out of the barn fire (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Sarah Sugden dies in the barn fire 2000
The Sugdens were were struggling with money, and Sarah Sugden had been having a steamy secret affair with farmhand Richie.
Adopted son Andy was determined to help them out of their financial hole and he came up with the idea of burning down a barn so dad Jack could claim on the insurance.
But he didn’t know that Sarah and Richie were inside when he lit the match. Richie made it out, but Sarah died in the flames.
Tricia was rescued by Marlon but died in hospital (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Best Emmerdale episodes: Tricia’s death 2003/4
Another dramatic death! Tricia Dingle was super popular with the Emmerdale residents and viewers alike. But on New Year’s Eve 2003, she was outside when a huge storm hit the village.
Lightning struck the Woolpack and the chimney collapsed, burying poor Tricia. Husband Marlon found her and called for help but though Tricia made it to hospital, she later died of her injuries. SOB!
The live episode in 2012 featured two weddings, two births and a murder! (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
The 40th anniversary live episode 2012
One of the best live episodes of a soap, ever! The live episode to celebrate Emmerdale’s 40th anniversary featured the weddings of Chas Dingle to Dan Spencer, and Katie Sugden to Declan Macey, and the births of Molly Sharma, and Jack Sugden Jr. AND a murder!
When Carl King tried to rape newly wed Chas she whacked him with a brick and believed she’d killed him. But actually Carl was finished off by future Dales serial killer Cameron Murray.
Cameron escaped from jail and held up the Woolpack at gunpoint (Credit: ITV)
The Woolpack siege 2013
Cameron’s killing spree that began with the live episode in 2012 came to an end a year later with a dramatic siege at the Woolpack. In one of the most tense episodes of soap ever, he held drinkers at gun point, shot Alicia Metcalfe and then pursued Chas and Debbie through the flooded pub cellar. Cameron was electrocuted and his murderous rampage in the Dales came to an end.
Emma pushed James from the road bridge and started a tragic chain of events (Credit: ITV)
The Hotten by-pass crash 2016
FIVE storylines came together in the thrilling crash that took place in October 2016. Emma Barton had been holding estranged husband James hostage in a Misery-style revenge plot.
When he escaped, she tracked him down to the road bridge – wearing her wedding dress, of course! – and shoved him off.
James plummeted on to the by-pass and on to a car driven by dementia-sufferer Ashley Thomas. Ashley’s car flipped and caused Pierce Harris to collide with a lorry, which then caused Robert Sugden and Aaron Dingle‘s car to leave the road and plunge into a lake. Oh, and they just happened to have kidnapped Lachlan White and put him in the boot.
Just seconds later, Rhona and Paddy drove straight into the carnage and flipped their van as they tried to avoid it. It was one of the most impressive stunts in Emmerdale history!
Holly’s death was quietly devastating (Credit: ITV)
Best Emmerdale episodes: Holly Barton’s death 2016
Sometimes the best episodes are the huge stunts and sometimes it’s the quiet, devastating episodes that hit hardest. Holly Barton’s death from a drug overdose definitely fits the latter category.
Holly lay dead in bed, while mum Moira pottered around at home. And when she finally went to check on her daughter and found her dead, the shock was real. It’s almost a decade since Holly died, but her tragic demise still affects her family.
In 2018 Charity bravely faced her abuser in court (Credit: ITV)
Charity faces Bails in court 2018
Charity Dingle has been through a lot in her time in Emmerdale but perhaps the most heart-wrenching was when she finally faced her past. Charity revealed that she’d been sexually exploited by crooked cop DI Bails, and had a baby boy.
With the help of her new-found son, Ryan, she bravely faced her abuser in court in a very emotional episode.
Chas and Paddy said a sad goodbye to baby Grace (Credit: ITV)
Best Emmerdale episodes: Grace dies 2018
Chas and Paddy Dingle knew their baby Grace was going to die almost as soon as she was born, but that didn’t make the loss any easier. In a devastatingly sad episode, the new parents cuddled their little girl – who lived for just 29 minutes – as they imagined the future she might have had.
Meena was cold and remorseless as she killed Leanna (Credit: ITV)
Meena murders Leanna 2021
There’s very little we enjoy more than an Emmerdale serial killer and Meena Jutla was one of the best! Her utter lack of remorse as she stalked her prey made her super scary.
When birthday girl Leanna Cavanagh twigged that Meena wasn’t the caring nurse she pretended to be, Meena pursued her through the graveyard. The chase ended up on the bridge, where Meena pushed Leanna. When the fall didn’t kill the teenager, Meena climbed down and finished her off. It was brutal but gripping stuff.
Marlon was looking for the engagement ring he’d bought Rhona when he had his stroke (Credit: ITV)
Best Emmerdale episodes: Marlon’s stroke 2022
When Marlon proposed to a delighted Rhona, he rushed home to find the ring – only to suffer a stroke. Marlon’s experience as he lay helpless on the floor, waiting for help to come, was praised for raising stroke awareness. And his long recovery won actor Mark Charnock praise, too.
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 mostly just admiration – at Belle’s fearlessness, at Tom shrugging off an axe wound, at DS Foy’s interrogation techniques, and at Liam finding another fancy dress costume.
Here’s what we thought of this week’s episode in our Emmerdale review.
Belle’s bravery
We have to be honest, we were a bit disappointed when Belle went to see Tom in the hospital. Surely she wasn’t going to do as he asked, we thought. SURELY no matter how scared she was, she wouldn’t give in and make a deal?
But NO! We had underestimated the steely strength of Ms Dingle, who is most definitely down but not out. Belle brilliantly double-crossed evil Tom!
She dug up the murder weapon, marched into the police station with it, and announced she was a victim of domestic violence.
She’s got a long road ahead of her, but we are cheering her on.
Belle marched into the police station with the axe (Credit: ITV)
DS Foy as bad cop
HOW good is it to see someone giving Tom a hard time? We are LOVING DS Foy‘s obvious dislike and suspicion of Tom King. We’re so used to everyone being nice to Tom, or tiptoeing around him, it’s refreshing to see someone really asking him to account for his actions. More of this, please! We want to see him sweat!
Go on, DS Foy! Do your worst! (Credit: ITV)
Tom’s miraculous recovery
Speaking of Tom, we are once again amazed and impressed by the miraculous treatment Emmerdale residents receive at Hotten General. One minute they’re out cold having been stabbed in the back with an axe, or gored by a bull, or dragged from a burning barn, the next they’re FINE.
Just a couple of days after being whacked by Belle, Tom was wandering round the village with only an occasional twinge. Whatever they’re prescribing at that hospital, we’d like some!
One minute at death’s door, the next feeling strong enough to torment poor Belle some more (Credit: ITV)
Brilliant youngsters in our Emmerdale review
Hot on the heels of Isaac Dingle stealing every scene he’s in, comes little Carl Holliday – Jimmy King’s son. We’ve not seen him for yonks, but suddenly him helping himself to Tom’s tablet and then lending it to buddy Isaac, is an important plot twist. Young actors can be unpredictable, but Charlie Joyce, who plays Carl, knocked it out the park this week.
Handsome AND medically trained? What more could we ask for? (Except an answer to the whole Aidan Moore thing).
A John Sugden mystery
We thought that John being all quiet and prickly and brooding would be a bit irritating, but somehow it’s not. In fact, we love his extreme Sugden-ness. It’s like Jack has been reborn. We’re such fans, we don’t even care who Aidan Moore is or why John has his dog tag (actually, no, this is a lie – we do care).
WHO is Aidan Moore? (Credit: ITV)
No thanks to a love triangle in our Emmerdale review
Ella’s so sweet, and eager to please but now her secret’s out, and the dust has settled, it seems like the powers that be don’t know what to do with her. And absolutely the wrong thing to do with her is to stick her back with Liam, in some weird off-screen romance that we’ve only just found out about.
Liam is lovely – we adore him – but let’s be honest, he is an old dog who’s been round the village and back again. He’s too jaded for Ella – but he’s perfect for Chas, who’s a bit jaded herself. And the thought of another love triangle involving Liam in fancy dress makes us feel a bit jaded too. Please make it stop.
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
When you think of Emmerdale, you think of Eric Pollard and his family. As the longest-serving character in the soap, Eric has been a resident of the village for nearly 40 years.
He arrived in the Dales on September 30, 1986, and quickly made his mark as a villainous schemer.
Over the years, Eric’s family have entered the picture. To date, Eric has been married five times. His fifth wife, and one true love Valerie Pollard, left him a widower after she died in 2015.
Eric’s son, David Metcalfe, also spent 17 years in the Dales, and gave Eric his two grandchildren, Amba and Theo.
Here’s all you need to know about the Pollard clan.
Eric Pollard is loved by millions (Credit: ITV)
Eric Pollard – head of the family in Emmerdale
The Pollard family is headed by the one and only, Mr Eric Pollard. The village veteran is played by Chris Chittell, who’s the longest-serving actor on Emmerdale.
Eric was introduced to the soap in 1986 and was only meant to stay for 12 episodes. However, his immoral antics were an instant hit with viewers and he was soon made a permanent character.
From the off, Eric made himself unpopular with the locals. The sly and cunning schemer was always up to no good, whether it was committing theft, fraud, or even bigamy!
Eric has always had a taste for alcohol and an eye for the ladies. He’s had five marriages, and plenty of flings in between. One of these resulted in his son David, who was born in 1981. Eric knew nothing of David’s existence until he rocked up in the village in 2006.
The pair made up for lost time and grew close. Whilst far from a model parent, Eric has proved himself to have a paternal instinct. As well as being there for David, he and wife number five, Val, took in wayward teen Amy Wyatt (now Barton).
Time has mellowed Eric, that and his ailing health. In 2023, Eric was dealt a shattering blow when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Thankfully, there’s still life in the old dog yet, and Eric is being supported by his friends and neighbours.
David Metcalfe – the son of Eric Pollard
David Metcalfe is the son of Eric Pollard, father to Amba and Theo Metcalfe, and stepfather to Jacob Gallagher.
He was the product of an affair between Eric and a lady called Lydia. Eric had walked out on Lydia when she was pregnant, but didn’t know about David’s existence. When David revealed his true identity, Eric demanded he take a DNA test. This confirmed he was his son.
David settled in the Dales and went on to open David’s Shop, which is located in the heart of the village. Much like his father, David was a ladies’ man. The David Beckham doppelganger’s conquests included Delilah Dingle, Jasmine Thomas, Nicola King (before she was married to Jimmy) and Leyla Harding.
David was married three times. Twice to Leyla’s sister Alica Harding, and once to Tracy Shankley, who supported him through his battle against testicular cancer in 2015.
He has three children. His stepson, Jacob came into David’s life in 2010 after he started dating his biological mum, Leyla.
His daughter Amba was conceived during a fling with her mum, Priya Sharma. And David’s son Theo is the product of his ill-fated romance with schoolteacher Maya Stepney.
Maya was sent to prison for grooming Jacob, and baby Theo arrived on the doorstep on Christmas Day 2019. The paternity of the tot was in question, but a DNA test confirmed David was the daddy.
David started an on/off relationship with Victoria Sugden, but was heartbroken to discover she’d fallen for Jacob. Devastated by the betrayal, David quit the village in November 2023, taking Amba and Theo with him.
The Pollard family in Emmerdale: Eric’s wives
Eric’s first – and secret – wife, Eileen (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Eileen Pollock
Eileen Pollock was Eric’s first wife. They married in 1964 and had already split by the time Eric came to Emmerdale. She appeared in seven episodes of the soap in 1994 and was played by actress Arbel Jones.
During their time together, Eileen and Eric had had a son, Edward, who was tragically stillborn. Eric and Eileen parted ways a few years after Edward’s passing but never actually divorced. Eric then changed his surname to Pollard in a deliberate move to stop Eileen from finding him.
However, Eileen discovered Eric’s whereabouts after reading about the death of his new wife, Elizabeth Feldmann, in the plane crash of December 1993.
In March 1994, Eileen turned up in the village. She threatened to expose Eric as a bigamist unless he paid her off. Eileen got what she wanted and left the village, never to be seen again.
Tragedy struck for Pollard with second wife, Elizabeth (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Elizabeth Pollard
Elizabeth Pollard (nee Jeffries) was the second wife of Eric. She came to the village in 1990 along with her two children from a previous marriage – Michael and Elsa.
A love triangle formed between Elizabeth, Eric and Alan Turner, but it was Pollard who won her heart. The couple became husband and wife in October 1992, but Elizabeth had no idea that Eric was still married to Eileen.
Elizabeth thought she was the woman who could tame Eric. But she then found out he was planning to commit fraud and frame her son for the crime. She threatened to report Eric to the police, but didn’t get the chance after being killed when an airliner exploded over the village.
Speculation was rife amongst the locals that Eric had murdered his wife. It was concluded in 2011 Elizabeth had died after being struck by falling debris.
Eric and Dee got hitched after meeting on holiday (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Dee de la Cruz
Diwata Margharita ‘Dee’ de la Cruz (previously Pollard) was the third wife of Eric Pollard. The couple met when Eric made a trip to the Far East in 1997 and ended up falling for Filipino student Dee.
Following a whirlwind romance, Eric popped the question and then Dee followed him back to the village. Their unlikely courtship raised a few eyebrows amongst the locals, but it seemed like the real deal when Eric and Dee married in May 1997.
Their union didn’t last long due to Eric’s possessive behaviour. When a letter arrived saying Dee’s mother was ill, Eric thought it was a scam to get money out of him. He hid the letter, preventing Dee from getting the chance to see her mother – who died shortly afterwards.
When Dee discovered what Eric had done she left him and the Dales. Their marriage was annulled.
Gloria betrayed Eric and left him high and dry (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Gloria Weaver
Eric’s fourth wife was veterinary surgery receptionist Gloria Weaver. She was introduced to Emmerdale in May 2000 as a member of Reverend Ashley Thomas’s congregation. Gloria disapproved of Ashley’s relationship with Bernice Blackstock and was very vocal in making it known.
Eric and Gloria became involved when he purchased some of her old antiques and the pair hit it off. After their marriage in 2002, Gloria set her sights on a career in politics.
Her ruthless nature became apparent when she told Eric to bed fellow councillor Glynis Hardy to increase his chances of becoming mayor.
Eric did as he was told and was duly elected, but when his dalliance with Glynis became public knowledge, Gloria refused to stand by her man.
She stood for election and won her own seat, then relocated to London and began an affair with her young male colleague.
Gloria was caught out by Steph Stokes and forced to tell Eric she’d been unfaithful. He responded by throwing her out on the street. As a final act of revenge, Gloria faked her own death and went off to start a new life elsewhere.
Val was really the true love of Pollard in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Val Lambert
The love of Eric’s life was his fifth wife, the late Valerie ‘Val’ Pollard (nee Lambert), played by Charlie Hardwick.
Val was an irrepressible force – outspoken, opinionated, with a huge lust for life and tendency for troublemaking. She was the younger sister of Diane Sugden and mother of Paul and Sharon Lambert.
Eric more than met his match in Val and their chemistry was an instant hit with the viewers. The couple set up their own fabrics company, but their relationship ran into trouble when Eric started putting his political career ahead of Val.
They reconciled, married in 2008 and purchased The Grange B&B. Two years on, Val and Eric took on teenage tearaway Amy Wyatt.
The Pollards’ marriage hit the rocks not long after and Val fled to Portugal. She returned with a little more than a suntan after finding out she’d contracted HIV from her holiday fling, Ian Chamberlain.
Val’s diagnosis caused her and Eric to split up for a while, but they found their way back to one another and soon started cooking up new scams.
In 2015, Val planned to fake her own death after she helped Carly Hope and her dad Bob commit fraud. The idea was for Val to ‘die’ to avoid going to prison, then she and Eric could start a new life abroad together.
Unfortunately Val never got that far when she was one of the villagers killed off in the Summer Fete storyline of August 2015.
Val met her maker in the Hall of Mirrors after being impaled by a shard of glass – a gloriously gothic exit for her character. She rose from the dead a few days later, appearing as a ghost to bid a final farewell to Eric.
The Pollard family in Emmerdale: Eric’s grandchildren
Jacob betrayed dad David, but Pollard forgave him (Credit: ITV)
Jacob Gallagher
Although not biologically Eric’s grandson, for all intents and purposes these two are close family. Jacob, played by Joe-Warren Plant is the adopted son of David and calls Pollard grandad.
Eric has been by Jacob’s side supporting him through lives ups and downs – including his affair with teacher Maya Stepney. Although Pollard and Jacob fell out when the young Gallagher started dating Victoria Sugden, they have reconciled.
Jacob is now supporting Eric through his Parkinson’s diagnosis and is there for his grandad every step of the way.
Priya and David’s daughter Amba (Credit: ITV)
Amba Metcalfe
Amba Metcalfe is David Metcalfe’s daughter from his relationship with Priya Kotecha and Eric Pollard’s granddaughter. The character was played by Ava Jayasinghe.
She was born in May 2014 on the back seat of a car after Priya went into labour six weeks early. Amba was rushed to hospital and diagnosed with sepsis, but thankfully made a full recovery.
The youngster left the Dales in January 2023 when Priya accepted a job offer in London. Dad David went to join the family when he departed the village in November 2023.
Little Theo in Emmerdale was fortunately not hurt by killer Meena (Credit: ITV)
Theo Metcalfe
Theodore Eric ‘Theo’ Metcalfe is the son David fathered with his ex-girlfriend Maya Stepney. He’s the half-brother of Amba Metcalfe and Eric Pollard’s grandson.
Maya gave birth to Theo in November 2019 and gave him the name, Alex. On Christmas Day she abandoned her baby son on David’s doorstep with a note asking to look after him. Theo now lives with David full time.
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 saw Arthur spiral further out of control as he boasted about his sex life – and was caught out. But as he refused to admit he was lying, all hell broke loose in the pub.
Meanwhile, Tom’s threatening behaviour intimidated Carl and then he turned his attentions to young Isaac.
Everything that happened in Emmerdale tonight right here.
Laurel was furious at John and confronted him (Credit: ITV)
Arthur told a sex lie
Laurel and Charles were still playing flirty Mcflirty pants and Arthur was trying to ignore it. He had other things on his mind, mainly John Sugden. Arthur has completely convinced himself John has the hots for him and is trying to get into his pants by fawning over his camper van. That van’s seen a lot of action!
Arthur then made out to April that he and John had sex in the back of the van. She was pretty disgusted – and Laurel overheard everything and she was disgusted too.
Laurel immediately confronted John in front of everyone in the Woolpack (where else?!) and John denied everything. When he called Arthur a kid, Arthur lost it and revealed Laurel’s fling with Charles to the pub. And yes, Jai did hear everything.
A confrontation between Laurel and Jai ensued and he accused her of sleeping with anyone. She has been rather flighty recently – what is with this overly sexual Laurel, she hasn’t always been like that, has she?
Tom made more threats in Emmerdale tonight
The mask is well and truly beginning to slip for Tom King. Thank the Lord.
After an axe in his back a week ago, Tom was up and about and driving Carl to the dentist. Tom was soon showing his scary side as he confronted Carl over the missing tablet. The terrified lad owned up about Isaac having it.
Tom then started manipulating Carl suggesting he could end up in jail for stealing it. He played the hero and said he’d keep the secret and then turned on the charm and offered to buy him a milkshake. Carl was pretty confused – and scared – but how long before he admits Tom’s terribly behaviour to Nicola and Jimmy?
Tom then told Carl he would deal with Isaac when he decides to. If he touches a hair on that child’s head we will not be responsible for our actions, that’s all we’re saying.
Also in Emmerdale tonight…
Moira made friends
Moira was still worried about Isaac’s remaining sheep (fortunately we later found out she’s going to be okay). Ruby was on babysitting dutire and they went for a walk in the countryside.
Frustratingly, Moira still can’t remember what happened yesterday and feels totally out of control. Ruby was surprisingly understanding and then revealed it was her mother’s cremation today. These two being friends is fast becoming an Emmerdale highlight.
The soap also seems to have remembered Moira and Vanessa were once great friends as well. We are liking all this female solidarity, long may it continue!
Liam and Chas exchange a look (Credit: ITV)
Liam longed for Chas, but Ella’s still there
Ella and Liam are awkwardly getting on with their relationship and Chas was forced to cover for Liam in front of Ella about their afternoon together yesterday. He later apologised in the pub and it was clear they are far more comfortable together and have much more in common than Ella and Liam – compounded by Ella’s arrival and the awkwardness that descended.
How much longer before Ella and Liam ends? It’s clear they only have sex in common, so just get him with Chas and be done with 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
Ever since he got back from Australia there has been a change in Arthur Thomas in Emmerdale. He’s mean, moody and miserable.
So, is this just a typical teenage rebellion or are their signs this is about to turn into something much, much darker?
We have a sinking feeling it’s the latter and as he causes chaos with his lies about John on Friday October 4, his relationship with mum Laurel is going to hit breaking point. But just how far will things go? It looks like Arthur is about to go off the rails – here’s all the evidence.
It’s been a packed young life for Arthur (Credit: ITV)
1. Arthur’s grown up a lot
It’s fair to say young Arthur has dealt with a lot in his life. Although he wouldn’t have known about it, he was swapped at birth, then given back to his rightful parents Laurel and Ashley after the other baby died. Laurel then struggled to bond with him.
He then lost his dad in heartbreaking circumstances when Ashley was diagnosed with early onset dementia. On top of that loss, he was manipulated by evil Emma Barton not long after his father’s death.
Arthur realised he was gay last year and after coming out to his family, tried to help his friend Marshall deal with his own sexuality. Marshall’s father was very religious and Marshall came to live with Laurel and co. It was a case of too much too soon for Arthur and Marshall and they called time on their relationship.
Arthur then went to Australia to see his grandad over the summer and has come back a completely different person. He’s trying to step up and be the man of the house following Jai and Laurel’s split and his mum’s heart attack, and he’s drinking, dating and boosting about his love life.
All typical teenage behaviour one might argue. But is it really? Or has everything Arthur’s been through forced him to grow up too quickly and now it’s going to come tumbling out in a bad way?
Laurel is furious with Arthur over the John situation (Credit: ITV)
2. Arthur is telling lies in Emmerdale
After setting his sights on John Sugden Arthur has been flirting and making everyone cringe with his attempts to seduce the grumpy paramedic. He has made out to April he left a string of broken hearts in Australia and is far more experienced than he clearly is.
And then he lies that he and John have slept together like it’s no big deal. Except that would be a really big deal. If it were true.
Laurel overhears the lies and all hell breaks loose when she believes them and confronts John. But will Arthur’s humiliation at his mum treating him like a kid spill over into something more?
Things are far from good between Laurel and Arthur (Credit: ITV)
3. Emmerdale: Arthur has a temper
Spoiler pictures for next week show Arthur laying into mum Laurel screaming and shouting at her. And it’s not the first time we’ve seen a glimpse of his temper.
He has been giving Jai a very hard time over the divorce from Laurel – rightly so, perhaps, but being rude to him in the street and shutting down any attempts at a reconciliation seem very unlike Arthur to us. And all this pent up rage has to come out at some point…
Laurel was upset when Arthur tearfully confessed what he’d done (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
4. He’s got form
Let’s not forget that Arthur wasn’t always the sweet, studious boy we now know. When Archie first came to live with dad Jai and Laurel in 2019, Arthur didn’t take it well.
He felt pushed out and jealous of the attention Archie got, so started to viciously bully him. Things soon turned violent and he left bruises on Archie – but blamed Jimmy King!
When his grandad Sandy died, Arthur believed it was his fault and he was being punished for what he’d done to Archie. He confessed to his mum, who was furious, but kept it secret from Jai. However the truth came out when Archie was hurt and Arthur was blamed – although this time, he hadn’t actually done anything.
The bad behaviour culminated in a fire that almost killed his sister Dotty. Could history be about to repeat itself?
Laurel was heartbroken when she caught Ashley abusing Sandy (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
5. It runs in the family
Arthur isn’t the only one with a history of violence in his family. In fact, his dad, Ashley used to abuse his elderly father Sandy. The revelation of the abuse was so bad it ended his first marriage to Laurel.
Is it a case of like father like son? In times of stress, will Arthur start to lash out like his dad did?
Things are still tense next week (Credit: ITV)
So where is the Arthur storyline going in Emmerdale?
Next week, things are so bad between Laurel and Arthur Nicola has to step in. They are arguing constantly and the tension is palpable. Nicola manages to get Arthur to confess to his lies, and offers him comfort and advice.
But Laurel is hurt and furious that he has confided in Nicola and not her. She lets rip once again and things are right back to square one.
With tension at an all-time high and Arthur clearly on a destructive path, just how far could this go? Is this really a teenage rebellion? Or is Arthur going down the Tommy Moon route in EastEnders?
All the evidence suggests Arthur’s heading for something big as his behaviour worsens. Does Laurel just need to loosen the leash? Or is there more to this?
It’s just a hunch on our part for now and we really, really hope we’re wrong. Come on kind Arthur, come back to us!
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
Carl King in Emmerdale is about to get his first major role as he becomes embroiled in cousin Tom King’s abuse of Belle Dingle.
But there appears to be some confusion between young Carl King and old Carl King. Because Tom’s evil dad was also called Carl and he is dead.
So as spoilers reveal Carl witnesses Tom destroying evidence on Monday October 7, no, Carl King Senior has not come back from the dead. It is in fact Carl King Jnr.
Still confused? We’ve got you! Here’s everything we know about Carl King Jnr.
Nicola helped Juliette give birth to Jimmy’s accidental baby Carl (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Carl Holliday’s parents in Emmerdale
Despite being Jimmy King’s son, Carl is actually a Holliday. His mum is Juliette Holliday and Carl was born after a mix-up at a fertility clinic.
Juliette had been impregnated with Jimmy’s sperm instead of her chosen donor’s. She arrived in Emmerdale in 2014 asking Jimmy to sign paperwork to waive his rights to the unborn child. But then she went into labour at Jimmy’s and gave birth to a baby boy assisted by Nicola.
Juliette named their son Carl, having no idea it was the same name as one of Jimmy’s dead brothers.
Jimmy was granted access to baby Carl, but then Juliette’s estranged husband Greg came back to her and wanted to be a family. Juliette told Jimmy he could have no more contact and upset Nicola took the baby and ran away. Jimmy brought them home and Juliette agreed not to press charges before leaving with her husband and son.
The King family were happy together and Nicola even enjoyed raising Carl (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Juliette and Carl return
By 2015, Juliette was back in the village. Greg had left her again and she was struggling to be a single mum. By January 2016 she decided she couldn’t copy any more and left Carl with Jimmy while she got her life back together.
By February it was clear Juliette wasn’t returning so Jimmy called her to get parental rights put in place. She agreed and Nicola was worried about her, so gave her some food before she left to ensure she was looking after herself. See, Nicola does have a heart!
That was the last we saw of Juliette for some years and little Carl settled into life with Nicola and Jimmy.
Juliette Holliday meant business when she returned to Emmerdale (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Juliette comes back for Carl in Emmerdale
In 2021, Juliette had decided she’d got her life together and wanted her son back. She rented a flat nearby and started the process of getting custody of Carl again. Jimmy and Nicola were devastated, but argued over how best to proceed.
Juliette proved she was serious when she set out to sabotage their business so they’d have no money for a solicitor. Tensions were at an all-time high between Jimmy and Nicola so Juliette pounced and asked for Carl to stay with her more often. However, secretly she had hired a private investigator to get all the dirt on the couple so she could use it against them.
But by August 2021, things changed dramatically. Juliette announced she was moving to New York – and she wasn’t taking Carl with her. Apparently her new boyfriend Allister didn’t like children and Juliette still didn’t like being a mother.
Carl remained in Jimmy and Nicola’s care and is fully part of the family now.
Who plays Carl in Emmerdale?
Carl is played by Charlie Joyce who took over the role from Dexter Ansell in 2016. Charlie is 10 years old, the same as his alter ego, Carl.
Carl has Tom’s tablet (Credit: ITV)
Carl’s next storyline
In Emmerdale next week, Tom King is desperate to get his hands on his missing tablet. It contains vital evidence that could prove Belle’s claims of his coercive behaviour.
Carl had the tablet, but it was pinched off him by Isaac Dingle. Moira got her hands on it and saw the incriminating video footage, rushing to show Belle. Unfortunately, she had a seizure on her way and has forgotten everything.
The tablet now sits on a shelf in Butlers with no one paying any attention to it. But Tom wants it back and when he finds out from Carl Isaac has it, he gets into the farm to find it.
And he does get his hands on it before smashing it to smithereens and destroying the evidence. However, Carl has seen everything.
Will Carl now be the key to bringing Tom down? Can he help Belle get justice at last?
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
