In Classic Emmerdale spoilers, Eric and Val’s relationship hits the rocks, and Steph makes her feelings known in no uncertain terms. These episodes originally aired on November 13 and 14, 2005.
Classic Emmerdale spoilers: Eric and Val’s rocky road
Eric finds himself in a tight spot. Val’s court case threatens his ambitions of joining the planning committee. In a desperate bid to save his reputation, Eric ends their relationship.
Val doesn’t take the news well, so Eric suggests they pretend to have fallen out. This attempt to placate Val only stirs the pot further. It leads to more tension and heartbreak.
Steph’s bold move
Steph and Adam feel disappointed when rain cancels their day at the races. Adam seizes the moment and leans in for a kiss.
Val interrupts with a tale of woe. Not one to be trifled with, Steph later corners Val and delivers a stark warning. She grabs Val’s hair and tells her to stay away from the doctor. Will Val listen?
Dawn jumps to conclusions about Danny and Jo (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Dawn, Danny, and Jo’s mix-up
Over at Connelton View, Dawn walks in on Jo and Danny crashed out on the sofa. She jumps to the wrong conclusion.
After Jo sets the record straight, she realises Dawn’s feelings for Danny. Jo decides to play matchmaker. But does Danny like Dawn? And will they get together at last?
Classic Emmerdale spoilers: Factory girls’ silent protest at Eric
Meanwhile, things get worse for Eric when the factory girls get upset after they learn how cruelly Eric has treated Val. Led by Del, they band together to give Eric the cold shoulder.
When he tries to explain himself at the factory, they stay silent. Eric, faced with their icy silence, retreats. The community won’t tolerate his behaviour. Will he apologise and put Val first?
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.
Newcomer John Sugden is ruffling feathers amongst the locals in tonight’s Emmerdale spoilers. Victoria’s long-lost brother finds himself stranded in the village and confronted by a vengeful Mack.
Also in Emmerdale on Friday August 9, cash-strapped Mandy transforms herself into financial dominatrix, Madame Diamante Dales. And Jimmy is hit with a hefty fine from a haulage inspector.
Emmerdale spoilers: John is causing a stir
John hasn’t exactly made friends since his arrival (Credit: ITV)
1. John is making waves in Emmerdale
John Sugden is a man who knows how to make an entrance. First he has a roadside romp with Aaron and robs him blind. Then he unveils himself as the love child of Emmerdale legend, Jack Sugden.
Yes, it’s been a busy week for the handsome newcomer. And it seems there’s plenty more drama to come.
But while Victoria is hopeful her sibling will stick about in the village, it’s not a feeling shared by Aaron – or Mack!
2. John makes an enemy of Mack
John remains trapped at Barton and Dingle Automotives as he waits for his broken down van to be repaired. And it’s clear he’s not here to engage in friendly chit chat.
Tensions are already high between John and Aaron, who’s still raging over the humiliating theft. But will John show any remorse? Early indications suggest not.
Meanwhile, Mack takes an instant dislike to John’s standoffish behaviour. And he’s definitely someone you don’t want to make an enemy of. Could this be the start of a fresh rivalry in the Dales?
Mandy makes money in Emmerdale spoilers
Mandy’s new career begins (Credit: ITV)
3. Mandy transforms into a financial dominatrix
Mandy decides there’s only one way to fix her cashflow crisis, and that’s by becoming a sex worker! We’re not talking turning tricks, rather the practise of findom – aka financial domination.
After getting the low down on what being a financial dominatrix entails, Mandy decides she’ll give it a whirl. Tracy reckons it’s a crazy idea, but Mandy’s got a honeymoon to pay for. Desperate times call for desperate measures and all that.
Mandy sets herself up an online profile and slips on a masquerade mask as disguise. The transformation is complete – say hello to Mand’s new alter ego, Madame Diamante Dales.
Later, she logs online, hoping to find admirers who will lavish her enough money to solve her problems. Will the risky move pay off?
Jimmy’s money troubles in Emmerdale spoilers
Rodney caused Jimmy problems yesterday – but it wasn’t actually his fault! (Credit: ITV)
4. Jimmy is fined
Jimmy’s bad luck continues when he’s hit with a whopping fine.
The King’s latest crisis occurs after an inspector arrives at Home James Haulage to do a spot check on the vehicles. Unfortunately the lorries don’t meet the expected standard and horrified Jimmy is fined thousands.
How will he explain this to business partner Will Taylor? And will Jimmy be able to find the money to pay it off?
We know Caleb is out to ruin Jimmy’s business, so could he have anything to do with this?
Emmerdale tonight revealed who John Sugden really is and while Victoria was full of the joys of spring about it, Aaron was not. Not at all. Well, you wouldn’t be would you?
Meanwhile, Moira continued acting strangely and we still don’t know why, but we don’t like it. And Caleb has a new target in yet another plot of his.
Here’s a recap of Emmerdale on Thursday August 8.
John’s not really interested in the family thing (Credit: ITV)
John Sugden met Victoria tonight
Victoria drove Eric to a funeral of an old friend and outside the church got chatting to a young man. After a severe case of foot-in-mouth, the man introduced himself to Eric as John Sugden. Vic looked shocked as the cogs started whirring and Pollard confirmed he could well be her half-brother.
When Vic introduced herself to John, he said he knew Jack was his dad and made it clear he wanted nothing to do with the Sugdens. He wasn’t interested in family life or Victoria and refused to accept her number. Cheery soul is John – and very like half-brother Robert: miserable and moody.
John then broke down again and called a garage to fix it. Obviously it was Mack who arrived and he towed John back to Emmerdale – where Aaron was waiting. Turned out John hadn’t officially robbed him, he’d just driven off without giving his things back. Thank goodness Aaron got his beloved hoodie back.
And Victoria was thrilled to see him again. She immediately revealed Aaron was Robert’s ex-husband and things got very awkward indeed. We love awkward.
John went back to Victoria’s and her very perky full-on behaviour really put him off. But he did begrudgingly agree to stay for one night.
Meanwhile, Aaron was convinced John was up to something. And he got a punch in the stomach for his questioning. Is this a feud? It is sexual tension? Is it the next great love story? Who knows.
We still don’t know what’s wrong with Moira (Credit: ITV)
Moira, Moira, give us an answer, do
If, like us, you’re getting a bit fed-up of Moira’s weird behaviour, tonight’s Emmerdale wouldn’t have filled you with joy. She was acting like nothing had happened yesterday as Matty confronted her over her comments. She seemed to almost have forgotten she’d been so cruel, then claimed it just came out wrong.
She said she was sorry and blamed it on always working, cooking or washing. Matty forgave pretty easily.
But later she laid into Cain again, saying she was keeping the family afloat. She said he wasn’t earning enough to support his kids and left it all to her. Ouch.
Moira continued to give him a hard time, she was under pressure and felt he never had her back. He then advised she talk to Liam as she “might need some pills”. Subtle as a brick, but he does have a point. And he left Moira staring into space. We are now as confused as Cain.
Moira then fell asleep on the sofa and Matty woke her up. She seemed confused and unable to remember what had really happened.
Cain later confided in Sam, while Moira poured herself a whiskey at home, before taking the bottle with her. Is it alcohol causing her to act strangely? Or is that what she’s using to feel better and something else is really wrong? Either way, Emmerdale needs to answer quick smart before they ruin Moira like they did Chas.
Poor Rodney took the blame (Credit: ITV)
Caleb plotted against Jimmy in Emmerdale tonight
Rodney was tasked with driving a lorry for Jimmy, something he was very excited about, while Jimmy was not. Two boxes of goods went missing between packing the van and delivery, leaving furious Jimmy accusing Rodney of flogging them on the side.
Turned out Caleb actually had them. He now has Jimmy in his sights as his latest target as he sets up his empire. Caleb was trying to make Home James Haulage look useless, so he could take over. He needs trucks apparently and Jimmy is collateral damage.
Caleb also thinks his dimples will get him everything he wants – he does have nice dimples to be fair.
Mandy needs money, quick (Credit: ITV)
Also in Emmerdale tonight…
Charity was not happy to hear that Amelia and Noah had split especially as Esther is still set to inherit all of Noah’s trust fund. Noah then confessed why and Charity realised what he had done. HE BROKE THE DINGLE CODE.
Charity couldn’t believe it and Noah told her he was jealous. Charity called her son a ‘prawn’ and promised to keep quiet.
A random chat with Gail led Mandy to look into becoming a financial dominatrix. Gail tried to persuade her she’d be great at insulting men for cash. But things didn’t go well when Gail tried to demonstrate on Eric – turns out he’s not the kinky type.
Mandy was nervous and unsure, but when she got home and got an offer to pop Paddy’s blisters, she realised it might not be the most disgusting thing she’d done all day and decided to go for it.
Emmerdale bride-to-be Mandy Dingle is secretly working as an online financial dominatrix in a desperate bid to raise money. It’s a risky move, but one which Mandy hopes will solve her financial woes.
Months of slow business at PampaManda have left Mandy firmly in the red. She has maxed out several credit cards and got people on her case.
Mandy tried various ways to make the cash back – including defrauding her own friends. But none of that has worked – quelle surprise!
Mandy’s latest money-making scheme has seen her transform into financial dominatrix, Miss Diamante Dales. Concealing her identity with a blue masquerade mask, Mandy has been using her charms to entice online admirers.
There is also a financial benefit to the flirting, and Mandy hopes to raise enough to settle her debts so that Paddy will be none the wiser.
But what actually is financial domination, also known as findom? Is Mandy’s saucy side hustle actually going to pay off? And can she make a decent living out of it? We have all the answers here.
Mandy’s money troubles are causing her many sleepless nights (Credit: ITV)
What is financial domination?
Financial domination is a fetish lifestyle of dominance and submission. It’s whereby a financially submissive individual desires to give money or gifts to a financial dominant (findom).
Participants can be of any gender, but the dominant is often a woman and the submissive is likely to be a man. These male admirers will lavish their financial dominatrixes with expensive items and seemingly want nothing in return. For them, it’s all about surrendering power and feeling as if they are being controlled. It’s a form of escapism in a money centric world.
Financial domination is nearly always done on the Internet. Communication between the two parties, including the transfer of funds, happens online. Financial dominatrixes sometimes create their own websites to conduct conversations on.
Fortunately for Mandy it’s all done online (Credit: ITV)
Mandy in Emmerdale will not meet her admirers
This will be a big relief for Mandy, who doesn’t want anyone to know she’s Madame Diamante Dales.
Since findom is usually a form of ‘distance domination’ it’s highly unlikely the submissive and dominant will ever meet. Although findom is often sexually motivated, physical contact is not expected.
In extreme cases, the submissive will hand over full control of their finances to the dominant. This is referred to as a total power exchange.
It might help her now, but when Paddy finds out, will it destroy her marriage? (Credit: ITV)
So is this actually going to help Mandy in Emmerdale make a lot of money?
That all depends on how much the submissive is willing to pay the dominant.
Some findom partnerships consist of a one-off payment. These can be big or small. Others can lead to the regular transferring of money.
There are some men who are willing to go one step further. These individuals will hand over passwords and logins to their bank accounts.
This gives the dominant full control of their finances, allowing themselves access to their funds whenever they want. Crikey!
Will Madame Diamante Dales find herself one of these fellas? Now that certainly would be the answer to all her money woes.
The Sugdens are Emmerdale’s longest-running family and have been there since the very beginning.
Created by Kevin Laffan – the writer who dreamt up the idea of Emmerdale – the Sugdens were introduced during the first episode and quickly established themselves as the show’s central family.
In fact during the first two decades of Emmerdale being on air, the majority of storylines were focused around them.
The family was originally made up of widowed farmer Annie Sugden and her three grown up children, Jack Sugden, Peggy Skilbeck and Joe Sugden.
The clan came from a generation of agricultural workers. They resided in Emmerdale Farm, which was located on the outskirts of the village, then called Beckindale.
The size of the family has changed a lot since then. Now only three Sugdens remain in Emmerdale – Victoria, her son Harry and niece Sarah. However, John Sugden is on his way!
Here’s a look at the Sugdens past and present and the part they’ve played in village life.
She put up with a lot, did Annie (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Annie and Jacob Sugden – heads of the Sugden family in Emmerdale
Annie Sugden was Emmerdale’s first matriarch and branded by many as a ‘heroine’.
The popular character was played by actress Sheila Mercier. She remains the longest-serving female character in the soap’s history.
Annie was the long-suffering wife of farmer Jacob Sugden, who she married in 1945.
Jacob died in 1972 from liver failure, and his funeral took place in the first episode.
By all accounts Jacob was a neglectful alcoholic who’d left Annie to juggle the responsibilities of looking after the farm with raising a young family.
Annie and Jacob had three children – Jack, Peggy and Joe – and tragically, she outlived them all.
During her life Annie overcame financial woes, an addiction to painkillers, and was left in a coma for three months after being injured in the 1993 Emmerdale plane crash – which also claimed the life of her second husband, Leonard Kempinski.
In July 1994, Annie left the Dales to start a new life in Spain. The following year she married her old friend and former Woolpack landlord Amos Brearly.
Annie popped back several times over the years. She was last seen on screen in February 2009 when she attended the funeral of her son, Jack.
She remained living in Spain until her death in August 2020, aged 100.
He was quite the ladies’man, Jack! (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Jack Sugden
John Jacob ‘Jack’ Sugden was the son of Annie and Jacob Sugden.
One of Emmerdale’s original characters, Jack was first played by actor Andrew Burt, before Clive Hornby took over the role in 1980.
Jack was the father of Jackie Merrick, Robert and Victoria Sugden and adoptive dad to Andy Sugden.
He was a valued member of the community, and probably best remembered for his love of plaid shirts and flat caps.
Growing up, Jack had little interest in following in his parents’ farming footsteps and moved to London to pursue a career as an author.
He returned on the day of his father’s funeral in October 1972 to claim his inheritance, but was met with opposition from his siblings, Joe and Peggy.
Jack’s return to the Sugden family in Emmerdale
Jack lived in Italy between 1976 and 1980 before returning to live permanently in the village.
In the years that followed he discovered he’d fathered a son – Jackie – with childhood sweetheart Ruth Harker, who went by the name of Pat.
Jack and Pat went on to marry and welcomed son Robert in April 1986. But tragedy struck four months later when she died in a car crash. Three years later, Jack was dealt another crushing loss when Jackie was killed in a shooting accident.
Jack eventually married librarian Sarah Connolly. They had a daughter, Victoria.
The couple adopted troubled youngster Andy Sugden and moved their family to a new farm, but affairs tore their marriage and family unit apart.
After Sarah died in a fire that was started by son Andy, Jack started a romance with Woolpack landlady, Diane Blackstock. The couple got hitched in 2004 and remained together until Jack’s sudden death.
Jack passed away in February 2009 while visiting mum Annie in Spain. His body was brought back to England and he was laid to rest in the village cemetery.
Matt’s wife Peggy also met a tragic end (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
She was played by Jo Kendall and the first character to speak a line of dialogue in Emmerdale.
Peggy worked as an accountant for her family’s farm, in which she also had shares.
She was married to labourer Matt Skilbeck, but had dreams of quitting the countryside for suburbia. Peggy fell pregnant in 1972 and gave birth to twins Sam and Sally in the April of the following year.
Sadly, just months after giving birth, Peggy collapsed and died from a brain haemorrhage. She was buried in the village churchyard next to her father, Jacob.
After Peggy’s death, Matt sent Sam and Sally to live with his aunt Beattie Dowton. But in January 1976, the children and Beattie were killed when a train struck their car on a level crossing.
The youngest Sugden sibling (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Joe Sugden
Joseph Sugden was the youngest of Annie and Jacob Sugden’s children.
He was played by actor Frazer Hines and appeared in over 1500 episodes of the soap.
Despite an often tricky relationship with his brother Jack, Joe was incredibly loyal to the Sugdens and had worked tirelessly to keep Emmerdale Farm going when it fell on hard times as a result of Jacob’s alcoholism.
He was briefly married to Christine Sharp and then set up home with old friend, Kathy Gimbel – a move which was considered something of a scandal in 1977.
After a period living in France, Joe returned to Emmerdale in 1986 and beat local businessman Alan Turner to the post of regional manager for NY Estates.
In 1988, Joe became the co-owner of Home Farm with Alan, but the pair were conned out of the property by bent businessman Denis Rigg.
Joe went on to marry divorcee Kate Hughes, and took on her two teenagers Rachel and Mark as his own. The marriage turned sour in 1991 and Kate left, but Joe remained close to his stepchildren.
Mark’s death in a car crash broke Joe’s heart. He fled to Spain to see mum, Annie.
He was killed in a road traffic accident the following year.
The Sugden family in Emmerdale: Jack’s family
Jack’s first wife was also actor Clive Hornby’s real-life wife (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Pat Sugden
Jack’s first wife, Pat was also known by her middle name of Ruth. Her maiden name was Harker. Pat was Jack’s ex and he had no idea he was the father of her son, Jackie Merrick.
When Pat and Jack reconnected in 1972, she was married to alcoholic Tom Merrick. who was violent towards her. But as she grew closer to Jack again, she knew she had to leave and the Merrick family moved away.
But Pat and Tom divorced and in 1980 she and her children returned to Emmerdale. She and Jack were married and their relationship was fiery to say the least. Jack even had an affair with Karen Moore.
In real life Jack actor Clive Hornby married Pat actress Helen Weir and she fell pregnant. So they wrote the pregnancy into the storylines and Robert was born.
However Helen had a dispute with producers over her real-life son playing her on-screen son. She didn’t want to call him by another name, but as he was called Thomas, the name of her abusive ex, show bosses couldn’t agree. Helen decided to leave the show.
Pat was killed in a car accident when Robert was just four months old.
Jackie didn’t even know he was Jack’s son for years (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Jackie Merrick
John Jacob ‘Jackie’ Merrick was the son of Pat Merrick (originally Ruth Harker) and Jack Sugden.
He was played by Ian Sharrock and featured in over 700 episodes.
Jackie was the half-brother of Robert and Victoria Sugden.
Jackie had grown up believing his dad was Ruth’s husband Tom Merrick. He was 17 when he discovered Jack was actually his biological father. He didn’t take the news well and it was a good five years before Jackie acknowledged Jack as being part of his life.
Jackie moved back to the village with his mum Pat and sister Sandie in 1980 and took up a job as a farm labourer, before becoming a gamekeeper’s assistant. Jackie possessed a rebellious streak and set fire to a caravan, which put paid to his dream of pursuing a career in the army.
The character settled down in 1988 and married Kathy Bates, but the couple didn’t even make it to their first wedding anniversary.
Jackie died the following year in a freak accident when he accidentally shot himself with his own gun. The last mention of him was in 2005 when Jack remarked to Tom King about his dead son.
Troublemaker Robert was forced to flee (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Robert Sugden
Robert Jacob Sugden is the son of the late Jack and Pat Sugden, adoptive son of Sarah Sugden, and brother of Jackie, Tommy and Sandie Merrick, Victoria Sugden and adoptive brother of Andy Sugden.
He’s also the estranged husband of Aaron Dingle and father of Sebastian White.
The character has been played by four different actors over the years, most recently Ryan Hawley.
Ruthless, charming, cunning and manipulative, Robert remains to this day one of Emmerdale’s most complex characters.
The brothers’ feud resulted in the death of Max King. Robert fled the village to avoid being arrested.
Robert and Aaron’s love story is an Emmerdale fan favourite (Credit: ITV)
Robert’s return to the Sugden family in Emmerdale
He returned five years later, engaged to wealthy Chrissie White, the heiress of Home Farm. Robert soon began an explosive affair with Aaron Dingle, and they were dubbed ‘Robron’ by their adoring fanbase.
All hell broke loose when the truth about Robron’s affair was exposed, and weeks later Robert was shot by Ross Barton (on the orders of Andy) – but survived.
In 2017, Robert and Aaron married in an unofficial ceremony before Aaron was sent to prison on a GBH charge. Whilst Aaron was behind bars, Robert cheated with Chrissie’s half-sister Rebecca White. She then fell pregnant with son Sebastian.
Aaron was devastated, but eventually forgave Robert and the couple legally wed in 2019.
However, their happy ever after wasn’t to be.
When Robert discovered his sister Victoria had been the victim of rape, he set out to get revenge on her attacker, Lee Posner. He killed him in a fit of rage. Robert pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 14 years in prison.
Jack’s second wife, Sarah Sugden (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Sarah Sugden
The second wife of Jack, mother to Victoria and adoptive mother of Robert and Andy Sugden, Sarah was played by Madeleine Howard from 1988-1994 and then Alyson Spiro from 1994 to 2000.
Librarian Sarah fell for Jack and eventually he decided he liked her to. By January 1994 Jack proposed to her and she gave birth to their daughter Victoria in March of the same year. They married in May.
Jack had an affair with Rachel Hughes and Sarah threw him out. But eventually she forgave him and they gave their marriage another shot.
Financial struggles caused problems between the pair with Sarah reluctant to work on the farm. Jack sold her car without her consent and when she was involved in a bus crash, it left her bed-bound for several weeks.
During this time she started to confide her marriage woes in lodger Richie Carter. They had an affair and eventually she left Jack and moved in with Richie. But they had problems as he wasn’t interested in her children, and money also became an issue.
She considered going back to Jack. When she and Richie were in a barn discussing their relationship, Andy set fire to it, in order to claim on the insurance. But he had no idea Sarah was in there.
Richie escaped, but Sarah was killed. Jack was arrested for her murder, but was found not guilty at the trial and was free to return to his family.
Jack and Sarah had one daughter together (Credit: ITV)
Victoria Sugden
Victoria Sugden is the only daughter of the late Jack and Sarah Sugden, and sister to Jackie Merrick, Robert Sugden and adoptive sister of Andy Sugden.
She is Emmerdale’s current on-screen longest-serving female character, having been part of the show since her birth in March 1994, and is played by actress Isobel Hodgins.
Victoria has been through a lot in her 30 years!
As a baby she had to undergo life-saving surgery when it was discovered she had a hole in her heart and dealt with the heartbreaking loss of her mum when she was just six years old.
Following Sarah’s untimely demise, Victoria was raised by dad Jack and his wife Diane, who Vic considered a mother figure.
The character’s other storylines include being bullied at school, a stint in psychiatric care, nearly drowning after falling through an icy lake, and causing a near-fatal explosion.
Victoria had a childhood romance with troublemaker Daz Eden. She then found love with famers’ son Adam Barton, who she married in 2015. Adam fled the country three years later after taking the rap for a murder he didn’t commit, which left Victoria completely distraught.
But worse was to come in April 2019 when Victoria became the victim of rape. Her horrific attack resulted in pregnancy. Victoria gave birth to her son Harry in 2020.
She’s currently juggling motherhood with her busy job at the HOP.
Love-life wise, Victoria recently raised a few eyebrows by embarking on a romance with Jacob Gallagher, who is the stepson of her former lover, David Metcalfe. However they split up when Vic realised Jacob was putting his life on hold for her.
Things weren’t always easy for Andy though he was a good guy at heart (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Andy Sugden
Andrew ‘Andy’ Sugden (previously Hopwood) is the adoptive son of Jack and Sarah Sugden, adoptive brother of Robert and Victoria and half-brother of Darren ‘Daz’ Eden. He was played by actor Kelvin Fletcher from 1996 to 2016.
Andy’s upbringing was dysfunctional and difficult. His birth mum, Trisha died when he was little and he was placed in the care of his grandmother while his dad Billy was serving time in Strangeways Prison.
After his grandmother’s death, Andy was fostered – and later adopted in 2000 – by Jack and Sarah Sugden.
When his parents’ marriage and the family farm ran into trouble, Andy set fire to a barn to claim on the insurance. However, he accidentally killed Sarah in the blaze.
But that wasn’t the only time Andy committed manslaughter.
After discovering Robert had been having an affair with his wife, Katie, Andy plotted to have his revenge. He lay in wait with gun, but unwittingly pulled the trigger on Jack, almost killing him.
After his split from Katie, Andy moved on with Debbie Dingle, who fell pregnant with his daughter, Sarah. They went on to have another child, Jack, seven years later.
Andy’s crimes did finally catch up with him. He was sentenced to three years in prison for Sarah’s murder, but was released after only a few weeks.
He married second wife, Jo Stiles, but subjected her to terrible abuse and she eventually left him. After suffering a complete mental breakdown, Andy was forced to sell his beloved farm to the Barton family.
The beginning of the end for Andy
By 2014, Andy was back with his first love, Katie and the couple got married. Months later, Katie was accidentally killed by Robert after she threatened to expose his affair with Aaron. When Andy discovered the truth he arranged for Ross Barton to shoot Robert – but he lived to tell the tale.
Andy’s time in the village came to a dramatic end when he was framed for shooting Lawrence White. Forced to go on the run, Andy fled with the help of Robert and former flame Bernice Blackstock.
Still a fugitive, his whereabouts remain unknown.
Jack’s widow has since moved to Portugal (Credit: ITV)
The character, played by Elizabeth Estensen, starred in over 2800 episodes of Emmerdale between 1999 and 2021, and was landlady of The Woolpack pub.
Diane was a tower of strength for Jack as she helped him come to terms with the death of his wife, Sarah. The pair’s friendship eventually blossomed into romance.
The couple married on September 21 2004. But a dark shadow loomed over their big day as Diane was diagnosed with cancer just weeks before.
She went on to make a full recovery. However, she found her new life as stepmum to Robert, Andy and Victoria was rather more demanding than she’d anticipated.
The strain of managing their rowdy brood led Diane and Jack to temporarily split up.
They reconciled, but tragedy struck in 2009 when Jack passed away while visiting his mum, Annie, in Spain.
Diane stayed living in the village for another 13 years and continued to play an important part in the Sugden kids’ lives.
She finally bid farewell to the Dales in October 2021 and has only popped back once since – for the show’s 50th anniversary episodes in 2022.
Named after her adoptive gran, Sarah Sugden Jr (Credit: ITV)
Sarah Sugden Jr
Sarah Sugden is the daughter of Andy Sugden and Debbie Dingle and the older sister of Jack Sugden.
Born in June 2005, she was named after Andy’s late adoptive mother, who had died five years earlier.
Debbie and Andy split up when she was only a month old, and struggled with the responsibility of parenthood, which meant Sarah spent the first few years of her life being pushed from pillar to post.
In 2009, Debbie was awarded full custody of her daughter and they moved to Jersey.
Two years later Sarah came home to the village and was diagnosed with Fanconi anemia – a rare genetic disorder which required a bone marrow transplant to save her life.
No one was a match so Debbie and Andy made the decision to conceive a saviour sibling for Sarah. Her baby brother Jack – who was thankfully a match – was born in October 2012, and Sarah underwent a successful bone marrow transplant the following month.
Four years later, Debbie made the decision to take Sarah and Jack to live with her in France. Whilst there, Sarah was diagnosed with throat cancer. She came back to the Dales and underwent surgery, chemotherapy, followed by a heart transplant.
When Debbie made the decision to move to Scotland, Sarah opted to stay behind in the village.
She’s been kept under the watchful eye of her grandparents Charity and Cain. But that hasn’t stopped Sarah rebelling, getting mixed up in the wrong crowd and dabbling in drugs.
With those difficult teenage years now behind her, Sarah seems to have finally settled down. She has just started working as Barton and Dingle Automotives new apprentice mechanic.
Jack Sugden Jr
Jack Sugden Jr is the son of Andy Sugden and Debbie Dingle and was named after his grandfather, the late Jack Sugden.
He was conceived as a saviour sibling for his sister Sarah, who was diagnosed with rare blood disease Fanconi anaemia and needed a bone marrow transplant.
Jack was born on October 17 2012 and was a match for Sarah, enabling doctors to harvest cells from his bone marrow and transplant them to Sarah.
The character, who was played by actor Seth Bell, was last seen in August 2019 when he left the village with Debbie to start a new life in Scotland.
Sebastian White
Robert’s child with Rebecca White, Sebastian was born as the result of an affair between the two while Aaron was in prison. Aaron accepted Sebastian and became like a father to him as well.
However, when Robert was sentenced to 14 years, Rebecca decided it would be better if Seb no longer saw Aaron. He was devastated.
Sebastian lives in Liverpool with mum Rebecca and her partner Ross Barton.
Harry Sugden – the newest member of the Sugden family in Emmerdale
Harry is Victoria’s son, conceived after she was raped in 2019. Despite the trauma of how she fell pregnant, Vic had always wanted to be a mum and decided to keep the baby.
Newcomer John is a secret Sugden (Credit: ITV)
So how does John fit into the Sugden family in Emmerdale?
Newcomer John was first seen on screen on Wednesday August 8. He met Aaron on a roadside where he had broken down. It turned out the two were actually supposed to be going on a date after meeting online.
It wasn’t long before they were ripping each other’s clothes off, but then John drove off with Aaron’s keys, wallet and hoodie. Aaron hadn’t even got his name, so had no idea he is John Sugden, half brother of his imprisoned husband!
Victoria meets John on Thursday August 8. She drives Eric Pollard to a funeral and ends up chatting to the son of the dead woman. He then introduces himself as John Sugden and Eric explains how the whole thing fits together.
So John is the son of Jack, who had a fling with his mum some years ago. It makes him the half-brother of Victoria, Robert and Jackie and adoptive half-brother of Andy.
When his van breaks down again, John will end up in the village. But something tells us he’s going to cause a whole lot more trouble!
John proved to be quite the charmer when he bedded Aaron then robbed him. Tonight (Thursday August 8) Victoria will meet John and find out he’s her half-brother.
But as the Sugdens are beefed up, could other brother Robert also return to cement the clan’s iconic status in the village? And what would this mean for Aaron and John?
Aaron was immediately attracted to John (Credit: ITV)
John Sugden arrives in Emmerdale
Last night (Wednesday August 9) Aaron headed off for a date he’d met online. He didn’t know the guy’s name, nor had he seen his face, only his torso. So when he stopped to a broken down van at the side of the road, Aaron had no idea who it was.
It turned out this was his date and although Aaron never found out his name, viewers recognised him as John Sugden. Aaron wasted very little time in getting jiggy with John. He requested a repeat performance, went to relieve himself in a bush, and then was stunned as John drove off with his keys, wallet and, most shockingly, his favourite black hoodie.
So John has robbed Aaron – which some might call justice after Aaron robbed Robert the first time they met on a roadside too.
Tonight Victoria – and Aaron – will discover who John really is. Vic attends a funeral with Eric and is stunned when the bereaved son introduces himself as John Sugden. Eric confesses he is probably Victoria’s half-brother. And when John’s van breaks down he is forced to head to the village after calling Mack’s breakdown service.
So how will Aaron react when he sees John again? Is he out for revenge? Or will they get together?
A Robert comeback would through Aaron’s world upside down (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale fans predict Robert return
Plenty of Emmerdale viewers have decided it’s the latter – and then Robert will return. After all, what’s the point of bringing in Robert’s half-brother if Robert himself isn’t coming back to square up to him? And getting him together with Robert’s husband? It’s just too perfect – isn’t it?
“If this new storyline isn’t setting up for a Robert return, then I don’t want it. The whole scene was as dry as the Sahara. Even Danny’s acting chops couldn’t make up for it,” declared one fan.
Another added: “Yes! Bring on the messy and complicated Aaron and John storyline! I’m guessing they couldn’t get Ryan Hawley back so they went this direction. I’m totally fine with it because Aaron is best when his life gets messy and complicated. With any luck…Robert will return in a year or so and then we will have a very messy and complicated love triangle. John/Aaron/Robert.”
“Ha I totally see a Robert/Aaron/John triangle by the beginning of 2025,”said a third.
A fourth agreed: “He’s out to set up Aaron…haven’t even seen it yet but anyone can see they’re gonna throw a spanner in and then Robert will magically reappear to mess Aaron up!”
Aaron was devastated when Robert was given 14 years in prison (Credit: ITV)
Where is Robert in Emmerdale?
Currently Robert is serving 14 years in prison for manslaughter. He attacked sister Victoria’s rapist Lee Posner, who died. Robert pleaded guilty, was sent down and cut all ties with Aaron.
It was later discovered Robert might not have been responsible after Lee’s brother Luke confessed he had also hit his sibling. But for some reason, everyone decided it would be too hard to prove, so let Robert rot inside! However, if they did want to bring Robert back, the story is there for the taking.
Should Emmerdale bring Robert back? It would certainly make an epic love triangle, that’s for sure!
In tonight’s Emmerdale spoilers, Victoria is left stunned after meeting a man named John Sugden at the church. She is keen to find out more about John, especially after Pollard confirms he could be related to her.
Meanwhile, Mandy is searching for ways to make cash quickly and with some help from Gail, comes up with a new plan. Also, Rodney’s first day driving for the haulage firm doesn’t quite go to plan.
It’s all happening in Emmerdale on Thursday August 8.
Victoria is introduced to John Sugden at a funeral (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale spoilers: Victoria meets John Sugden
1. Victoria helps Pollard
Pollard becomes frustrated as he’s told his car won’t be ready, but Victoria comes to his rescue and offers him a lift to the funeral.
They arrive at the church, where Victoria awkwardly puts her foot in it while chatting with a bereaved son at his mum’s funeral.
Back in the Dales, Mack receives a call from a nearby breakdown and heads off to sort it out. Shortly after, Pollard and Victoria show up at the garage, where they find John with Mack and Aaron.
Who is John? And will he stick around to get to know Victoria?
Is John here to stay? (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale spoilers: Mandy’s plan
3. Mandy’s money-making plot
Mandy is drowning in debt but is determined she will not involve Paddy in her money problems. So she begins thinking up new ways to make cash quickly.
Following a chat with Gail, Mandy is intrigued. She wonders if becoming a financial dominatrix could be the answer to all of her problems.
4. Rodney sparks concern
Elsewhere in tonight’s Emmerdale spoilers, Rodney is thrilled to be driving for the haulage firm. However, Jimmy is hoping he doesn’t regret his decision.
Later on, Jimmy is concerned when he’s told Rodney’s arrived but the delivery was missing items. As a result, Jimmy jumps to the conclusion that his father-in-law is to blame.
Was Rodney really to blame or is somebody else involved?
In Classic Emmerdale spoilers for episodes airing on ITV3 on Thursday August 8, Rodney and his love life hit a snag, and Eric faces a tough ultimatum. These episodes originally aired on November 10 and 11 2005.
Rodney requires Kelly’s help after a mix up with Leslie (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Classic Emmerdale spoilers: Rodney makes a romantic misstep
Rodney feels horrified when Lesley still doesn’t get the message that he’s not interested. Things escalate when Lesley declares herself Rodney’s significant other for an upcoming council event.
Rodney enlists Kelly’s help in a desperate bid to escape, leading Lesley to flee in tears. Though Rodney thinks he’s solved his problem, Simon’s wrath for his callous treatment of Lesley soon follows.
The council event doesn’t lack drama either! Councillor Harry, drunk and missing his wife, makes an outrageous pass at the new Mayor, Angela. Unbeknownst to him, Angela is a lesbian. Val misleads him, adding more chaos. Eric and Val find the situation hilariously entertaining.
Classic Emmerdale spoilers: Rodney and Kelly’s newfound infamy
The village buzzes with gossip as Rodney and Kelly‘s new relationship becomes public. Paul feels especially disgusted when Kelly emerges from Rodney’s home after spending the night.
Rodney revels in the attention and tells Paul he plans to enjoy his time with Kelly. The villagers are disgusted.
Eric’s dilemma
Eric aims to join the committee but hits a roadblock. Mayor Angela informs him that Val, his partner, is a liability due to her criminal conviction.
Angela delivers a harsh ultimatum: choose between Val or the committee. Eric feels devastated, torn between Val and his committee seat.
Sparks fly between Danny and Dawn (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Dawn’s new roommate and a motocross adventure
Dawn invites Jo to move into Connelton View, bringing more changes to the household. Meanwhile, Donna takes Lisa’s newly refurbished bike for a test ride. Dawn, Jo, Andy, and Danny gather to watch. Jo notes a spark between Danny and Dawn, though Andy insists they’re just friends.
Excitement brews as the group plans to chip in for the bike so Donna can keep it. They eagerly anticipate a motocross event but worry about transport.
Marlon arranges to view Dale View but feels frustrated when Donna misses their appointment. Is she getting cold feet?
Classic Emmerdale spoilers: Moving day for Jimmy
Jimmy moves out of Dale View and into Home Farm with Carl’s help. Elsewhere, Eric seeks Matthew’s support to secure a spot on the planning board, hoping to gain a strategic advantage.
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.
Emmerdale tonight introduced a newcomer in the form of John Sugden – only no one except us knows he’s John Sugden yet.
Aaron certainly didn’t when he got jiggy with him in a layby. And that’s definitely something he’s going to live to regret!
Here’s everything that happened in Emmerdale on Wednesday August 7.
Aaron got jiggy, then got robbed! (Credit: ITV)
Aaron was robbed
No, that’s not a football chant, it actually happened: Aaron Dingle was once again robbed by his online date.
After spending yesterday with his phone pinging and beeping constantly, Aaron finally went to meet the guy he’d been messaging. Only he’d lost his car keys, so ‘borrowed’ Pollard’s car from Mack at the garage where it was waiting for a service without Eric actually knowing.
On his way to the hotel, he was flagged down by someone why had broken down. We recognised him as John Sugden following press pictures that were released, but Aaron didn’t know him – and soon enough he revealed he was actually Aaron’s date. Apparently Aaron had only seen his torso, so hadn’t recognised him. Think we probably need to see his torso now too, to make it fair.
As Aaron fixed his van, it wasn’t long before the pair started kissing. Then they fell into the back of the van and did the deed. Afterwards Aaron wanted an immediate repeat performance, but while he went for a wee in a bush (classy), John drove off – with Aaron’s keys, wallet and hoodie in the back of his van! (Seriously, though, who wears a hoodie on a date to a hotel?!)
As Aaron reported back to Mack and got him to tow him back, furious Mack insisted Aaron had to sort this fast. But the guy had blocked Aaron on the dating app and disappeared.
Poor Aaron doesn’t have much luck with internet dating as Victoria reminded him yesterday, the last guy robbed him too!
Victoria threatened Jai in Emmerdale tonight
Victoria was still mulling over what to do about Jai. Once thing she was certain of though, she’s going to take him to the cleaners.
She soon gave him a choice: give her her job back with a raise or she would hire a ruthless lawyer and expose everything to the papers. Victoria kept pushing Jai for what she wanted and he eventually agreed.
She also took steps towards forgiving Eric. So all in all, it looks like things won’t work out too badly for Vic.
Seriously though, what is wrong with Moira? (Credit: ITV)
Moira lashed out at Matty
So instead of taking her anger out on Cain, Moira turned her attention to Matty. As she played the caring mother, worrying her son was hiding from the world, Matty asked if she called the police on Noah. Moira insisted she didn’t and also insisted Matty didn’t need to worry about her and Cain as they were good. Not sure what she thinks a good relationship is, but anyway!
Matty was worried about Samson, knowing how terrifying prison is. But Moira was adamant they needn’t give him a second thought. She then turned on Matty, aggressively telling him to “man the hell up, you can’t play the victim card all of your life”.
Will’s pained expression didn’t change as he said again he wanted to fix things with Kim. She wants to be anywhere rather than with him, though, so is off to Dubai. Kim just couldn’t forgive the fact he’d believed Rose over her and fallen for Rose’s lies. “If I’m honest Will, I’m not sure there’s anything left worth fixing,” she told him before leaving. And he’s only got himself to blame.
Elsewhere, Noah was officially dumped by Amelia who has a “new perspective” on life, apparently. Noah decided to confess the truth to Lydia hoping Amelia would take him back if he was honest. Surprise, surprise, she didn’t.
Meanwhile, Mandy tried to overcharge Tracy by £20 for her nails, but Tracy refused to pay. Mandy broke down and confessed her debt problems. She’s maxed out several credit cards. Tracy advised her to speak to a debt management company, Paddy and her family. Nope, Mandy will not do that. So just how will Mandy solve her debt crisis
Oliver Farnworth plays the role of newcomer John Sugden in Emmerdale. He’s described as a complex individual with a military background.
John is the long-lost son of Emmerdale icon, Jack Sugden. He’s half-brother to Victoria, Robert and Andy, which also makes him Sarah’s uncle.
Viewers first meet John on the side of the road getting jiggy with Aaron. But they only find out who he really is the following night at the funeral of his late mother, Barbara, who had a fling with Jack in the 1980s. Victoria is also there by chance, and is stunned to discover she’s got a sibling she never knew about.
Vic is desperate to get to know her big brother, but John isn’t the easiest of people to get along with.
“He is very much a loan wolf,” Oliver has said of John. “I think over the years, he’s really put walls up and not let anyone in. He doesn’t like people getting close to him. He’s very self-sufficient – he lives off grid in his van. Doesn’t need anyone, doesn’t need family.”
Andy was locked in a basement by villainous Pat Phelan in Coronation Street (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Who did Oliver Farnworth play in Hollyoaks and Coronation Street?
Soap fans will probably recognise Oliver for his previous roles in Hollyoaks and Coronation Street.
Oliver made his TV debut on Hollyoaks, playing creepy predator Will Hackett between September 2006 and May 2007.
Will was a former child prodigy who’d attended Oxford university, but he also harboured a sinister side. He manipulated his flat mates and terrorised girlfriend Zoe Carpenter by stalking her. Will’s crimes were eventually uncovered and he was sectioned under the mental health act.
Oliver also had a three-year stint on Coronation as Andy Carver – a role that made him a household name.
Andy was first introduced as Gavin Rodwell, the ‘long-lost son’ of Michael Rodwell. It was later revealed Andy was masquerading as Gavin, but he and Michael’s wife Gail Platt continued to conceal the truth. Michael was heartbroken to discover Andy had been conning him, but he eventually forgave him.
Andy’s downfall came when he wound up getting involved with Pat Phelan. The serial killer held Andy hostage in a basement for months before finishing him off with a single bullet. His brutal murder has gone down as one of Corrie’s most explosive exits.
Victoria will get a shock in Emmerdale when she meets John (Credit: ITV)
What else has Oliver been in?
Oliver’s acting CV includes a number of popular ITV dramas.
He appeared in three episodes of 1960s medical series The Royal, and also episodes of Mr Selfridge and Endeavour.
Oliver’s theatre credits include The London Plays, Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, as well as Shakespeare productions, Midsummer
Night’s Dream and The Merchant of Venice.
In April 2010 he trod the boards of the West End in Holding the Man at the Trafalgar Studios.
Oliver is happily settled with Sam Womack (Credit: SplashNews.com)
Emmerdale newcomer Oliver Farnworth has a famous soapstar girlfriend
Oliver has been in a relationship with former EastEnders star Samantha Womack since 2021.
The couple met in 2019 when they starred opposite one another in the stage adaptation of The Girl On The Train, and currently live together in Spain.
Samantha is of course known to millions for her role as Walford’s Ronnie Mitchell. She was previously married to actor Mark Womack, who played Emmerdale villain DI Mark Malone. It’s a small world in soap!
The blended family get on like a dream. Oliver is close to Samantha and Mark’s two grown up children, Benjamin and Lily. The trio enjoy cooking together in their Spanish kitchen. Oliver is also good friends with Mark, who was on-hand to offer his support when he landed his role in Emmerdale.
Oliver told The Mirror: “Mark told me it (Emmerdale) was a great job. He was full of praise for the place, saying it was such a gorgeous place to work. And it is great!”
