Viewers were left shell-shocked by last night’s episode (airing Wednesday, November 20) as Cain marked the occasion of wife Moira undergoing brain surgery by, uh, cheating on her with his sister-in-law, Ruby.
Cain’s messed up big time (Credit: ITV)
Cain cheats on Moira with Ruby
Soap fans watched aghast as Cain fell into bed (or the back of a car?) with Ruby after an argument turned unexpectedly steamy.
He then rushed to the hospital where Moira was recovering from surgery, and in good spirits after dreaming up a comforting conversation with dead daughter Holly. Her good mood surely won’t last though – the truth will always come out, and Moira is bound to learn what Cain and Ruby did sooner or later.
But what does this mean for Moira and Cain?
Moira survived her operation… but what is she waking up to? (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale star Natalie J Robb reveals what’s next for Cain and Moira
Speaking on Cain and Moira’s future, actor Natalie J Robb – who plays Moira on the soap – recently told Emmerdale Insider and other media: “I think it’s really important that they stay together.”
She continued: “Marriages go through things. There’s temptation. There’s things that can happen. If everybody just gave up after the first hurdle of a marriage, people would just not get married now. It’s so easy to get out of marriages now.
“A lot of people do go through things, affairs, different things, financial problems. There could be lots of things that happen that pull you apart but then things can push you together again, which I think is nice to play.”
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
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
Last night’s episode of Emmerdale shocked viewers with scenes in which Cain cheated on Moira with Ruby – while she was in hospital undergoing surgery for her brain tumour.
As Cain wrestled with his fear of losing Moira, he sunk into old habits – drinking, fighting and making some, ah, questionable romantic choices. This culminated in Ruby appearing in the garage, where the pair gave in to mutual attraction and embraced in a steamy kiss.
Viewers were horrified to see Cain cheat on Moira, and baffled by how out of left-field the moment seemed to be. Earlier in the episode, Moira had dreamed of daughter Holly, reuniting with her late daughter.
Well, if Moira could dream of Holly, then why not Ruby and Cain too?
A heated argument turned steamy (Credit: ITV/YouTube)
Emmerdale fans clutching at straws as Cain cheats on Moira
As the episode aired, fans took to social media to talk themselves out of what they’d apparently just seen. Did Cain really just cheat on Moira?
“Is the Ruby and Cain thing genuine or is it going to turn out as not actually happening?!” asked one fan.
“Did nobody but me think it was just a scenario,” suggested another.
“Why do this, it was so random why did she turn up? First part of the episode so beautiful. Second part vile, doing that to Moira. Hopefully it was dream,” said a third.
“Yes but has Cain actually had sex with Ruby?? That’s the question. I don’t think so,” another wrote.
As it is, it seems as though Cain’s actions were all too real – meaning that he did indeed cheat on his wife with Ruby.
Is there any coming back from this one? (Credit: ITV/YouTube)
Oh Emmerdale, what have you done?
The fallout of their actions remains to be seen – with Moira in recovery and in good spirits as the episode ended.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
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
In a twist that nobody saw coming (or wanted), Cain Dingle cheated on his wife while she was in brain surgery – with his sister-in-law Ruby Fox-Miligan.
Viewers were left shocked at the end of last night’s episode (November 20), as Emmerdale’s Cain and Ruby slept together. Many took to social media to display their anger at the storyline.
Cain and Moira have always been one of the biggest and strongest power couples in Emmerdale, but with this latest twist, everyone can’t help feeling very let down.
Throwing a cheating storyline in the middle of a powerful health storyline has upset fans. Not only that, but after all Cain and Moira have faced, and her previous affair with Nate, was it really necessary?
But it seems fans weren’t the only ones surprised by it, as Ruby actress Beth Cordingly has spoken out about her reaction.
Emmerdale’s Cain and Ruby sleep together (Credit: ITV/YouTube)
As Emmerdale’s Cain and Ruby sleep together – actress speaks out
Taking to her Instagram after the episode aired, Beth posted a video to her followers. In the video she has a fearful expression on her face and admits: “I know. It’s really bad.”
She continued by worrying: “What’s going to happen when Moira finds out? I’m scared.”
Beth also mentioned Caleb’s reaction won’t be good, but admitted “Moira is probably more scary” between the pair.
The Emmerdale star went on to tell her followers what it was like when she first heard the news.
“When they told me in the storyline meeting that was going to happen, I literally went like this [Screaming]”, she confessed.
In the caption for the post, Beth wrote: “Tonight’s episode. I KNOW. Not a good idea.”
So it looks like even the cast weren’t too joyous of the storyline, and fans were quick to comment on her post letting her know what a shock it was.
One commented: “I’m actually unwell over it.”
Another predicted Moira’s reaction: “Hope you’re ready for a gift from Glasgow!”
Moira was in brain surgery when Cain cheated on her (Credit: ITV)
How will Moira react?
It wasn’t long ago Moira accidentally tried to kill Ruby when she was hallucinating Emma Barton, so when she finds out what happened between her and Cain, the reaction could be even worse.
Both Emmerdale’s Cain and Ruby have been involved in huge storylines recently. Cain has been trying to deal with Moira’s brain tumour (Not very well). Last night was a Cain and Moira special, and although fans were angry with the ending, the first half, with the return of Moira’s dead daughter Holly, served as an emotional treat.
Elsewhere, Ruby’s daughter Steph, and her father, Anthony, have arrived in the Dales. While she is keen for Steph to stay, she’s determined to get rid of Anthony.
But with this latest Emmerdale twist, what does the future hold for Coira? Could she ever forgive Cain? And how will Caleb react when he hears his wife has slept with his brother?
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.Â
Classic Emmerdale usually airs weekdays on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.Â
Visit our Facebook page @EmmerdaleInsider for all the latest Emmerdale spoilers, news and gossip. Let us know what you think! Or follow us on Twitter @Emmerdaleinside
In Classic Emmerdale spoilers for episodes airing on ITV3 on Thursday, November 21, Terry and Jean are feeling the love for one another, Val and Eric are plotting their election strategy and Perdy and Hari hit it off.
These episodes originally aired on April 30 and May 1, 2006.
Val and Pollard cook up a plan for Val to lose the election (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Campaign of cruelty!
Val and Eric are delighted when the newspaper carries the staged photos of her ‘kicking’ Bolan the dog. Surely this will ruin her election campaign?
Terry and Jean declare their love in Classic Emmerdale
Tom tries to take Jean’s mind off Dawn’s predicament by inviting her out for a drink. But Terry’s left feeling a bit disgruntled as he watches them get to know one another. And later, when he’s on his own with Jean, Terry reveals his jealousy.
And his persistence pays off, when he and Jean finally admit their feelings for one another!
Keeping secrets in Classic Emmerdale
Terry and Jean are both convinced that Dawn won’t react well to their romance. Nah, surely she’d be totally fine with her ex-husband and her mum getting together?!
Wary about how Dawn will take the news, Terry and Jean decide to keep things quiet until Dawn’s out of jail.
When Jean visits Dawn at the prison, she asks after Terry. What will Jean say?
Grayson invites Hari to play golf oblivious to his chemistry with Perdy (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Flirty Perdy!
Meanwhile at Oakwell Hall, Perdy’s flirting up a storm with Hari. When Grayson arrives he’s totally oblivious and invites Hari and Paddy to join him at a golf tournament.
Later, Hari bumps into Perdy and the chemistry between them sparks!
Private investigator
In an attempt to find some dirt on election rival Irvin Ward, Eric calls in a favour from private investigator Colin Matthews.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
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
In Emmerdale spoilers for tonight (Thursday, November 21), a desperate Kim attempts to buy Will out of their marriage, offering him a massive sum of money to get out for good. It’s a shock to Will, who had hoped that things with his wife were just getting back on track.
Will he accept Kim’s offer?
Elsewhere, Ross and Jai conspire to steal from the depot. Sneaking in while Jai runs distraction, Ross steals one of Caleb’s trucks. However, he gets more than he bargained for when Steph gets involved – and demands to know what he’s up to. How will she react when she learns that he’s stealing from her dad?
Will feels hopeful that he might get his marriage on track by going to mediation with Kim Tate. However, his wife has other ideas – and offers him £100,000 to get out of her life as quickly as possible.
Later, when Dawn tells Will about her and Billy’s money woes, he promises her that she won’t have to worry about money ever again – standing firm in his ground in his battle with Kim. Will he take Kim’s money?
Ross hadn’t reckoned on Steph (Credit: ITV)
2. Ross gets more than he bargained for
As they set their plan into action, Jai tells Ross Barton about some merchandise that’s coming into the depot. While Jai distracts Kerry, Ross sneaks in and steals one of the vans.
He pulls into a barn to unload the loot – and is horrified to see Steph in the back of the van, demanding to know what he’s up to. Can Ross talk his way out of this one?
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
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
Emmerdale tonight had us crying and screaming in equal measure. Holly Barton’s return was sweet and moving, but Cain sleeping with Ruby was possibly the most crazy decision the soap has ever made. Why? Just why?
Here’s all that happened in Emmerdale on Wednesday November 20.
Moira’s tale in Emmerdale tonight
Things were tense as the medical team prepped Moira for her operation (Credit: ITV)
Moira went in for surgery
As Moira was waiting with Cain for her surgery, he was still in denial over the situation. Moira demanded he go home, she was worried about him being aggressive with the doctors and nurses.
They shared a tearful hug before Moira was taken away, but Cain couldn’t tell her he loves her. He then went to work, despite Sam’s protests he couldn’t just ‘bog off’. Sam insisted Cain was going to do something stupid, but Cain stormed off.
Moira was overwhelmed to be near her daughter again (Credit: ITV)
Holly ‘returned’ for Moira
As Moira went under she went into a dream state and found herself lying on the sofa with Kyle and Isaac playing beside her. She was then transported outside as the boys played football and she walked out into the sunlight (beautifully reflecting Moira’s new blonde highlights, we must say!)
Then came shock twist number one: Holly Barton returned. Moira’s daughter Holly died in a heartbreaking overdose in 2016, but here she was sitting next to her mum. They shared a tearful catch-up as the doctor’s voiceover discussed the tumour being a higher grade than they thought. Holly apologised for leaving her and making her mum so sad. But then the doctor’s voice burst again in saying Moira was having a seizure and had lost a lot of blood.
It seemed like Holly was encouraging her mum to let go and be with her, but as they walked off, Moira couldn’t go with Holly, she needed to check on the boys, meaning Holly had to go alone. Moira was not ready to leave her boys yet.
Moira was then seen alive and in recovery, being woken up by the nurse. The operation went well and it’s all over.
Cain then arrived at the hospital and was actually grateful to the doctors and nurses for saving Moira’s life. He finally told Moira he loved her, but it was clear something was troubling him…
Cain’s tale in Emmerdale tonight
Jimmy got a beating – and we can’t say he didn’t deserve it! (Credit: ITV)
Jimmy got a beating
And then we cut to Cain‘s experiences over the last four hours. We saw him slugging whiskey with bloodied hands where Caleb found him and went nuts.
The clock then wound back to Cain drinking and Jimmy approaching him. Jimmy laid into him over the Tom and Belle situation. Talk about timing, Jimmy! So Cain then did what Cain does and beat him up!
Cain and Ruby was all kings of wrong and we do not approve (Credit: ITV)
Cain and RUBY??!!
We went back again in time again, with Cain closing up the garage and Caleb approaching, they rowed and then we went back another hour. And then can shock twist number two: Cain was doing up his shirt – and Ruby was there putting her own clothes back on.
Back we went another 45 minutes to see Cain sulking and drinking in a car at the garage when Ruby came in. It sort of came out of nowhere: they argued and Cain brought up her dad – before they suddenly kissed passionately. WHAT THE HELL?!
We then went forward to Cain arriving at the hospital to see Moira and find out how the operation went. The doctor said the tumour was out and she was confident the surgery went well. Cain was so relieved, but couldn’t see her – the guilt overwhelming him. Ruby then texted him telling him today had never happened.
Oh Emmerdale, what have you done? This was a bad, bad move. Not one single viewer will be happy about this, we can guarantee it. Why can’t you leave couples alone?
Whoever thought up this storyline twist? Off with their heads!
Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale? All the cast exits, arrivals and returns
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page@emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter@emmerdaleinside
In Emmerdale, Cain Dingle and Ruby slept together tonight (Wednesday, November 20) in a twist that left us feeling sick to our stomachs as Moira had brain surgery.
Unable to cope as Moira Dingle headed for the operating table, Cain let his rage build up. He then let all of the energy out in… a way we’re sure he’ll live to regret.
Cain was a rather naughty boy (Credit: ITV)
Cain cheated on ill Moira with Ruby in Emmerdale tonight
A special episode of Emmerdale aired this evening that saw both of Cain and Moira’s perspectives as Moira had her brain surgery to remove her tumour.
During Moira’s half of the episode, we saw her dream about seeing her late daughter Holly Barton.
Cain’s half of the ep though wasn’t quite as peaceful – eek! He struggled to deal with the possibility that he could lose Moira.
To distract himself, he then did the worst possible thing he could’ve ever done… He slept with Ruby Fox-Miligan. Here’s why we think that Emmerdale has made the worst possible decision ever in this single episode as we ask – “Emmerdale, what have you done?”
No, just no (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale: Cain and Ruby – A big no no
In Moira’s biggest hour of need, Cain strayed away from home, literally whilst his wife faced a life or death situation.
How low could Cain possibly go? Well, tonight we found out and we’re not sure we’ll ever forgive Cain for this one.
Coira were one of the only couples still going strong in the Dales until now. We all know how much Cain condemned Moira for cheating on him with Nate in the past (it literally destroyed their marriage for a bit) and now… he’s just as bad.
And, not only has Cain cheated but he’s cheated with his half-brother’s wife. So, not only has he just potentially ruined his relationship with Moira, but he’s done the same with Caleb too.
Let’s not even go into how hypocritical Cain was to tear strips into Caleb for cheating with Tracy last year…
Never remind us of these scenes again (Credit: ITV)
Cain and Ruby – ‘The worst decision ever made’
Our jaws were on the floor when we first saw Cain and Ruby getting it on with each other. It was a twist we certainly weren’t expecting.
Whilst the episode was brilliantly done, the whole idea of Cain and Ruby makes us want to gag. It’s just wrong on a hundred different levels. It doesn’t work on paper and it doesn’t work in the ‘reality’ of Soapland either. No, just no.
We can’t even begin to imagine how Moira will feel when the truth come out (and we know the truth ALWAYS comes out in the end in soap.) We expect fireworks and argument after argument. And, we wouldn’t blame Moira for a second.
Cain and Ruby together is something we shouldn’t even be discussing… yet here we are. And, honestly, we reckon it’s the worst decision the soap has ever made. A retcon is needed. Please tell us it was all a dream. Please?!
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
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 aired unthinkable scenes tonight as Cain Dingle slept with sister-in-law Ruby Fox-Miligan while his wife Moira was having brain surgery.
Viewers around the country – and indeed at Emmerdale Insider – gasped in horror at the shocking twist and it’s fair to say they were not happy at all.
Moira survived her operation, but Cain has messed up big time (Credit: ITV)
What happened in Emmerdale tonight?
Moira was scared as she waited for the operation to remove her tumour, but Cain was rude and aggressive. Moira sent him away so he didn’t insult all the doctors and nurses while she was under.
He stomped off while Moira was put to sleep and she went into a parallel universe where she was reunited with dead daughter Holly. As Holly tried to persuade Moira to be with her, in the real world, the operation became more complicated.
But not allowing herself to be led off by Holly, Moira chose to stay with her boys, Kyle and Isaac, and survived the operation. Phew!
But it was when Ruby arrived at the garage, hiding from her dad, that things got really bad. She and Cain started trading insults then out of nowhere started kissing. There was barely even any sexual tension, it was just anger from both of them.
After sleeping together they both insisted it had never happened and no one could ever find out – which means everyone will find out before too long, this is Emmerdale after all.
Is there any coming back from this for Cain? (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale fans blast Cain and Ruby cheating decision
So tonight’s episode begs the question: What was Emmerdale thinking? Why on earth would they have Cain do the unthinkable and cheat on Moira when she is so vulnerable?
And just as Ruby is starting to become likeable and have more to her than just her plotting and sharp tongue, she goes and sets herself back. So far back, in fact, she’s almost too far gone.
Fans definitely agree! They felt the soap had hit just the right notes with the first half – and then totally ruined it with the second.
“First half of that episode was brilliant, Natalie is truly phenomenal. The second half of that episode was the biggest [bleep] storm ever to grace our tv screens. Protect Moira at all costs now,” said one on X.
Another addressed the soap directly: “Dear Emmerdale, how can you do something as lovely as the first half of tonight’s episode and then do something as horrible, inexplicable and utterly out of character as in the second? Who thought that was a good idea? Because it wasn’t.”
“I’ve just watched Emmerdale and I legit cannot focus on anything else. What the actual [bleep] have I just watched? What is going on? Who am I? What planet is this?” raged one more.
Cain and Ruby was all kings of wrong and we do not approve (Credit: ITV)
‘Completely unnecessary’ slam fans
A fourth said: “Completely unnecessary and ruined an otherwise brilliant and emotional episode.”
“Have no words for the second half of tonight’s Emmerdale. Well done EDHQ for ruining such an important story with a pathetic plot device!!!!!” added a fifth.
A sixth wrote: “I am genuinely so mad about tonight’s Emmerdale. So unnecessary and unrealistic. Why have they had to do this in what was such a beautiful episode?”
“It’s such a shame because it was an episode of two halves. A lovely first half with a nice twist and then a horrible second half with a twist that didn’t need to happen whatsoever.”
No one is happy – can Emmerdale ever redeem themselves – and Cain after this?
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
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
Sophie Powles is best known for playing Holly Barton in Emmerdale from 2009 to her on-screen death in 2016.
Despite her short on-and-off appearances, Sophie was embroiled in some very hard-hitting storylines during her time on Emmerdale.
These ranged from heroin addiction to a huge car crash which ended up killing off her on-screen father, John Barton.
But who is the woman behind the character? And what has Sophie Powles been up to since she left Emmerdale?
Holly Barton left the soap in 2016 (Credit: ITV)
Sophie Powles in Emmerdale
Holly Barton was the daughter of John Barton and Moira Dingle, the sister of Matty Barton, and the half-sister of Adam Barton and Isaac Dingle.
In July 2009, Holly and her family became the new tenants of Butlers Farm as they arrived in the Dales. She got a job at Home Farm, where she met Maisie Wylde. The pair grew close, and Maisie gave Holly drugs while on a night out.
Her dabble in the substance world led to a long storyline of drug abuse, which she got from Roz Fielding.
After a scary overdose, Holly fell into addiction. When Holly refused to stop doing drugs, John disowned her. Holly disappeared and was homeless for sometime, before she reunited with her parents.
Both John and Moira were having affairs, which rocked her world. Later, however, a car crash left her father dead. Blaming herself, Holly then she left for London.
In 2016, she returned to the Dales and fell into another bad episode of heroin addiction. After an uphill battle, Moira found Holly dead in her room after a heroin overdose.
The star had only been back on Emmerdale for six months, but quit suddenly. The death remains one of the most shocking and tragic Emmerdale has ever screened given no press was done before it.
Holly Barton actress Sophie in 2016 (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Who is Sophie Powles?
Sophie is a British television actress who has starred over a variety of shows on the silver screen.
She is originally from a seaside town in North East Lincolnshire Cleethorpes. She is most known for her role as Holly Barton, but has branched out of soaps into other areas.
How old is Sophie Powles?
Sophie is currently 36 years old (born September 16 1988). She started acting in 2008, when she was just 15.
Emmerdale is Sophie’s best-known role, but not her only one (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
What else Sophie Powles been in?
Sophie has appeared in a host of other shows. Firstly, she had a role in the unsuccessful ITV drama series Britannia High.
She played Ronnie, and was the only one of the main cast who was not a student at the fictional school of performing arts. The character was created especially for Powles, as all the main cast were already in place.
Just one year later it was announced she’d be starring in Emmerdale as Holly Barton.
She has also guest-starred in dramas such as Holby City and Dalziel and Pascoe.
Post-Emmerdale and most recently, Sophie is currently working on a comedy film called Sober, which is expected to be released in March 2025. It is being written by Matthew Cooper, Tom Gibbons and Dean Smith, who worked across titles such as Hollyoaks and EastEnders.
She is expected to play Daisy and the film centres around a man who goes for a swift pint with his mates the day his first child is born.
The star now frequently models and works on behind-the-scenes projects including producing and directing. She also had a small role in ITV drama series The Long Shadow.
Sophie has two daughters (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Sophie Powles’ relationship and children
Having been off screens for around eight years, Sophie has been enjoying a quiet life with her friends and family.
She is in a relationship with Mark Waters, who is best known for his roles behind the camera. He is a director and producer, known for Mean Girls (2004), 500 Days of Summer (2009) and He’s All That (2021).
Sophie has also been working behind the camera on project with her partner.
While it is not known how long the pair have been together, they often shared pictures of beach holidays on social media.
Earlier this year, she announced the birth of her second child. Her first child was a daughter called Marli Ocean. She gave birth to her second daughter just before Christmas in 2023. They have not released her name to the public.
Sophie is also a keen poet and sells her poetry in the form of art prints online.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
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
Holly Barton and her family arrived in Emmerdale in 2009 and moved into Butlers Farm.
She recently got a namecheck when her mum Moira was feeling concerned about her brain tumour diagnosis and upcoming operation. Visiting Holly’s tree, she opened up to Matty about her fears. With Matty telling his mum that Holly would have wanted her to have the operation.
And tonight (Wednesday November 20) Holly appears to Moira as she goes under the knife.
Holly’s life ended tragically, but what was her story?
Holly dated Aaron for a while (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
The arrival of Holly Barton and her relationship with Aaron in Emmerdale
Holly settled into village life quickly, securing a job at Home Farm, making friends with Maisie Wylde and starting a college course in Art. She soon met Aaron, who she was immediately attracted to.
When Aaron accused Holly’s father of assault, she tried to seduce Aaron in an attempt to get him to drop the charges against John. Aaron told Holly he’d drop the charges if she had sex with him. Holly was disgusted and walked out. But the two did end up dating.
It soon became obvious that Aaron was struggling with his sexuality and was using Holly to convince everyone that he wasn’t gay. Aaron tried to kiss Holly’s brother Adam. When Adam relayed this information to Holly, she didn’t believe him, but she did eventually break up with Aaron.
Drugs took over Holly’s life (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Drug addiction
Holly’s main storyline throughout her time in Emmerdale was her battle against drug addiction. She begun by using drugs recreationally and was sacked from Home Farm after giving Maisie cocaine on a night out.
Things spiralled for Holly and she spent her time with her friend Roz – who supplied her with the drugs. She was eventually thrown out of college.
Holly tried to get clean, but temptation was never too far away. On a night out with Aaron and Jackson, she bumped into Roz and once against took cocaine. Things got worse when she started flirting with a stranger to secure more drugs and took ecstasy, leading to her overdosing in the toilet. Fortunately, Aaron found her in time.
Holly’s addiction saw her stealing ketamine from vet Rhona and money from Scarlett’s purse. She stole Valium pills and items such as MP3 players that she could sell for more drug money.
When her parents demanded answers, Holly blamed Roz, but Roz told the truth – Holly had a serious drug problem. They tried to help her, but Holly ran away, only returning when she was tracked down or needed money.
John and Moira locked Holly in a room in an attempt to stop her taking drugs, but the withdrawal became too difficult and Moira ended up purchasing heroin for her daughter in order to wean her off drugs slowly.
Moira and Holly were heartbroken over John’s death and Holly blamed herself (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
John’s death and exit
Holly was devastated when she discovered that her mum was having an affair with Cain Dingle. Holly was determined to get her parents back together and was delighted when the plan worked. Along with her siblings Hannah and Adam, Holly booked a hotel room for their parents.
The trio were later devastated to learn that John and Moira had been involved in a car accident and John hadn’t survived. Holly tried to be strong for her mother, but couldn’t help feeling guilty, believing that her dad’s death was her fault.
She purchased some drugs, but was caught by Alex Moss before she could take them. However, on another occasion she did go through with it, but she convinced her family it was a one off.
Needing a clean break, Holly decided to leave the Dales in 2012 for London to live with Roz. Holly secured a job in designing and said goodbye to her family. Adam was upset, believing the family should stick together, but Holly was adamant and Hannah decided to go with her.
Holly just couldn’t beat her drug habit (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
How did Holly Barton die in Emmerdale?
In 2016, Holly returned to Emmerdale, but it soon became clear that she had been taking drugs again. When her ex-boyfriend Dean turned up demanding cash for the drugs he supplied, she tried to bribe Charity into giving her the cash.
Holly was later attacked by Dean and found by Cain. Holly became attracted to Cain and tried to split him and her mum up, but it didn’t work and Moira told Holly to leave the farm.
After taking drugs again, Holly was found by her cousins Pete and Ross Barton and rushed to hospital. Moira promised to be there for her and help her through her addiction. Moira told Holly she didn’t want her to die and Holly promised to get clean again.
Holly found support from fellow drug addict Jai after meeting him at a support group and the two of them attended a wedding together.
The next day, Moira took some tea to Holly’s room, but seeing she was still asleep she left it there. Later, when Holly was still not up, Moira went to her daughter’s room once again and spotted a heroin wrapper on the floor. She struggled to wake Holly and it was later revealed that Holly had died from a heroin overdose.
Holly’s death was devastating (Credit: ITV)
Who played Holly Barton in Emmerdale?
Holly was played by Sophie Powles. Before landing the part of Holly Barton in Emmerdale, Sophie appeared in Holby City and Dalziel and Pascoe. She also had a main role in teen musical drama Britannia High.
Since leaving Emmerdale, Sophie has taken a step back from acting, although she did appear in one episode of The Long Shadow in 2023.
In 2021, Sophie gave birth to her first child, Marli, and she often writes poetry, which she sells in the form of art prints online.
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.
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