Mack is sad about his estranged son Reuben in tonight’s episode of Emmerdale and mentions Reuben’s mum, Chloe Harris too.
The little lad – who is now about 18 months old – got two mentions in today’s ep (Tuesday December 3), with Mack sharing his despair at not having contact with his son.
So as it’s almost a year since Reuben and his mum Chloe left the village, we thought it was time to recap everything that happened in their time in the Dales and where they’ve gone.
Chloe left the village with Reuben (Credit: ITV)
Chloe’s arrival
Everything about Chloe’s arrival in Emmerdale was a little bit odd!
She turned up first of all because her late sister, Gemma, was Sarah Sugden‘s heart donor. She and Sarah struck up a friendship, and it became clear that Chloe had a strange home life. She lived in a big house, but was all alone and despite having lots of cash, was lonely and sad.
In a strange twist, as viewers got to know Chloe better, it was revealed that her housekeeper was Kerry Wyatt! She was taking care of Chloe while her dad Damon was in prison. Not only that, but Damon had a team of creepy henchmen who were watching Chloe’s every move.
Noah stalked Chloe (Credit: ITV)
Escape to Emmerdale
Eventually Chloe managed to flee her weird prison and moved to Emmerdale to live with Kerry and her daughter Amy. She struck up a romance with Noah Dingle, and the pair were quite cute for a minute, before Noah got – well – a bit dark.
When Chloe lost interest in Noah and turned her attention to older man Nate Robinson, Noah wasn’t happy. He started being more than a little sinister, snooping through Chloe’s things – including her underwear – and taking hundreds of photos of her. He even held her hostage!
Not surprisingly, Chloe was not happy about this turn of events and Noah ended up going to prison for three months.
Another twist for Chloe Harris in Emmerdale
In 2022, Mack had a one-night stand with a mystery person while he was on a break from then girlfriend Charity after she had a miscarriage. What a gem he is, eh?
Fans were convinced it could have been Aaron Dingle but disappointingly his secret lover turned out to be Chloe.
And when Chloe inevitably turned out to be pregnant, things got even messier.
Chloe didn’t want Mackenzie to know at first, and planned to leave. Kerry was desperate for her to stay and revealed that she was actually Chloe’s real mum. Whaaaaat?!
Chloe told Mack the truth (Credit: ITV)
Baby blues
Chloe eventually told Mack the news but he’d reconciled with Charity and didn’t want to know. Things got tricky, though, when Charity took Chloe under her wing and even invited her to live with them for a while.
There was a lot of to-ing and fro-ing between Mack and Chloe as he struggled to secretly support her through her pregnancy and during Reuben’s birth.
But of course, Charity eventually found out. She was FUMING. She and Mack broke up and he tried to make a go of it with Chloe.
Mack chose to save Charity from the car crash (Credit: ITV)
Clifftop plunge for Chloe Harris
But the dream of playing happy families fell apart when Mack cheated on Chloe with Charity. Chloe worked it all out and plotted to leave, but actually ended up in the car with Mack and Charity too. And in dramatic scenes, the car plunged off the road. As it teetered on the edge of a cliff, Mack chose to save Charity, leaving Chloe to die when the car crashed down.
Except she didn’t die. In fact, she was fine! But out for revenge.
Chloe, Damon, Charity Mack Christmas 2023
Harry Harris
Criminal Harry had been seen on screen before, getting close to Chas Dingle in order to take revenge on her brother Caleb. But it turned out he was actually Chloe’s dad, Damon! Who was also called Harry!
Harry was sinister and abusive, and when he found out about the car accident he decided to take revenge on Mackenzie. Except Harry went a bit too far and held Mack hostage. When Chloe, and then Charity worked it out, they tried to rescue him. A struggle happened and Charity accidentally shot and killed Harry!
Chloe saw a chance to make this work to her advantage and said she’d cover up Charity’s crime and back up her story, if Mack let her and baby Reuben go without a fight.
Mack agreed, though he was heartbroken. He said a tearful goodbye to his son, and off they went, never to be seen again.
Chloe has kept in touch with her sister Amy and mum Kerry. In today’s episode, Amy reported that both Chloe and Reuben were “thriving”.
Who played Chloe Harris in Emmerdale?
Chloe was played by television newcomer Jessie Elland.
Talented Jessie is also a writer and her debut novel The Ladie Upstairs – described as a feminist horror story – will be published next year.
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
What would Emmerdale be without Charity Dingle? The iconic Woolpack landlady is an irrepressible force of nature who’s been part of our lives for nearly 25 years.
Best known for her penchant for illegal scams, wealthy men and her tumultuous on/off romance with cousin Cain, Charity’s one of the strongest characters in the village. Played to perfection by the amazing Emma Atkins, Charity has evolved from a scheming money-hungry minx to a slightly more responsible mum and wife, determined to do anything to protect her brood.
In a life that’s had so many incredible moments, it’s almost impossible to narrow them down. But here are 11 of Charity’s best bits…
Charity had a risky affair with Zoe Tate (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Emmerdale Charity Dingle’s best moments: Her entanglement with the Tates
Charity burst onto our screens on March 30, 2000. She came to the village for the funeral of her cousin, Butch, and from the word go was a force to be reckoned with.
Feisty and fearless, Charity oozed sex appeal and caught the eye of Home Farm owner Chris Tate. The millionaire was on the lookout for his next bride, but his sister Zoe Tate did not approve of Chris’s choice.
Zoe made out she had an issue with the fact Charity used to be a prostitute. But that wasn’t the problem. The truth of it was that Zoe harboured feelings for her future sister-in-law. Wily Charity soon figured this out for herself. She made a move on Zoe and the pair embarked on a lust-fueled lesbian affair.
Charity eventually came clean to Chris after Zoe turned all bunny boiler. And to her surprise he forgave the betrayal and went ahead with their wedding.
Charity was shocked when her birth daughter Debbie arrived in the Dales (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Reuniting with daughter Debbie
As Charity’s backstory began to be explored it was revealed she’d had a baby at 13, the result of a brief fling with her second cousin, Cain. Charity’s daughter, Debbie Dingle had been given up for adoption to a lady called Pat Jones. But fate brought them back together.
When Pat fell ill (and later died), Debbie was placed in the foster care of Paddy and Emily Kirk – who just so happened to live in the same village as her birth mum. What are they chances, eh?
After realising who Debbie was, Charity kept the discovery to herself. But when Debbie spilled the beans to Cain it was a secret no more. After a tricky start, Charity made up for lost time and bonded with the baby she’d been forced to give up.
Charity and Cain have a long and complicated past (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Charity’s relationship with Cain goes way, way back. Aged 13 and 14 respectively, they had a fling, which resulted in pregnancy.
They were brought back together as adults, got engaged, and nearly made it down the altar. But Charity had last-minute doubts and decided she’d rather be Cain’s girlfriend than his wife.
With so many amazing moments, it’s hard to choose one that stands out from the rest. But we are big fans of Charity and Cain’s troublemaking schemes – whether it’s stealing flash motors or swindling folk out of money.
Charity has given birth in prison more than once (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Emmerdale: Charity Dingle’s best moments – her prison births
Charity’s a woman who knows about giving birth in prison – she’s done it twice!
Her first stint behind bars was thanks to Chris Tate. He wanted revenge over Charity’s affair with Cain and the perfect opportunity presented itself when Chris discovered he was dying of a brain tumour. After plotting to take his own life, Chris lured Charity to Home Farm and made it look as if she’d deliberately poisoned him.
Charity was sent down while pregnant with Chris’s baby, and delivered son Noah in March 2004.
Fast forward 11 years and Charity was jailed for a second time after being found guilty of perverting the course of justice. Six months later, Debbie visited her mum on the inside and was shocked when Charity suddenly went into labour. She gave birth to little Moses, whose father later turned out to be village bad boy Ross Barton.
And sparks have been flying again between Charity and Ross after they shared a shock kiss behind her husband Mack’s back. Are they headed for another steamy affair?
Sadie King wrecked Charity’s chance of happiness with Tom King (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Bitter rivalry with Sadie King
Once upon a time, Charity was engaged to marry multimillionaire Tom King (the late grandfather of Belle’s evil ex). Tom was decades older than Charity but worshipped the ground she walked on. And for someone who’d grown up with nothing, the idea of a life of luxury rather suited Charity. Her future looked bright. But Tom’s scheming daughter-in-law Sadie King had other ideas.
Fearful that her position in the King family tree was under threat, Sadie plotted to stop Charity and Tom’s wedding. In order to do this she paid Cain (who she was bedding) to make a move on Charity and photograph the clinch.
Cain did as he was told, and Sadie showed the incriminating snaps to Tom on his wedding day. Tom jilted Charity at the altar, leaving her feeling humiliated.
Sadie had underestimated who she was dealing with though. Charity got her payback by seducing Sadie’s husband, Jimmy, and recording him confessing to Sadie’s sins!
Charity’s marriage to Declan Macey took a very deadly turn (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Charity and her disastrous marriage to Declan Macey in Emmerdale
After her tumultuous marriage to Jai Sharma ended in divorce, Charity made the near-fatal error of getting involved with Declan Macey. The pair became husband and wife, which meant Charity finally got the chance to be lady of Home Farm.
However, the union was littered with lies and betrayals. Charity fell pregnant but had an abortion behind Declan’s back. She then made out she’d suffered a miscarriage during an altercation with his sister, Megan.
When Declan found out the truth he decided to murder Charity. Events reached an explosive climax in the middle of a lake when Declan tried to shoot Charity with a flare gun. He accidentally shot and killed his nephew Robbie instead. Charity fought back and seemingly killed Declan, but he made a spectacular return.
As payback, he informed the police about all the criminal activities he had and Charity had got up to.
Charity showed great bravery when she faced her abuser Bails in court (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Emmerdale Charity’s best moments: Getting justice against Bails
Charity’s teenage years were traumatic and unstable. After giving birth to Debbie at 13 she ended up living – and working – on the streets as a prostitute. It was there Charity first met corrupt copper, Mark Bails.
He repeatedly abused and raped Charity, holding her hostage and pimping her out to his mates. Charity then fell pregnant. Aged 14, she gave birth to son Ryan, but fled the hospital after believing the baby was dead. She reported Bails for beating her up, which resulted in him losing out on a big work promotion. He never forgave Charity for ‘stalling’ his career.
Years later, their paths crossed again when DI Bails tried to have Charity convicted for insurance fraud. Realising she couldn’t allow him to harm any other vulnerable women, Charity found the courage to report Bails to the police.
She took him all the way to court, where Bails was found guilty on multiple counts and given 30 years in prison.
Charity is very protective of her eldest son Ryan (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Reconnecting with Ryan
Charity’s past returned to surprise her in 2018 when she discovered her son Ryan was actually alive. He had been adopted by Irene Stocks, one of the nurses who worked in the hospital where he was born.
When mum and son finally met it was a difficult reunion. Ryan was heartbroken to learn he’d been the product of rape and that Charity hadn’t even told the Dingles of his existence.
But after a rocky start things smoothed themselves out and Charity welcomed Ryan into her family. She’s incredibly protective of her lad, who has cerebral palsy, and did not approve of Ryan’s relationship with Dawn Taylor.
Vanity’s beautiful love story captured hearts (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Charity and Vanessa in Emmerdale
Charity has always identified as bisexual. Most of her relationships have been with men, but in 2017 she embarked on a romance with local vet Vanessa Woodfield.
Unlike her previous partners, Vanessa was kind and caring and showed Charity real love and support. Finally feeling safe, Charity’s barriers came down and she was able to truly be herself.
She proposed to Vanessa twice, and on the second time her girlfriend said yes. They remained happy for a while, Charity supported Vanessa through her battle against cancer and officially adopted her young son, Johnny. But as trust issues started to creep in, paranoid Charity ended up snogging a stranger she’d met on the side of the road. As you do.
When Vanessa found out about the betrayal, she dumped Charity and left the village. She later returned, but there was no going back for her and Charity as a couple. Which is a shame because we loved them together.
Charity has been landlady of The Woolpack since 2021 (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Charity Dingle’s best moments in Emmerdale: Becoming landlady of The Woolpack
Charity’s work ethic (or lack thereof) didn’t make her an obvious choice for landlady of The Woolpack. But eight years on she’s still running the show, so she must be doing something right.
She first came on board as co-owner to help cousin Chas run the village boozer. But Charity’s lazy antics drove Chas to despair and the landladies frequently clashed.
In 2021, the pub went up in flames after shady Al Chapman torched it in an insurance scam. Chas was broke, so The Woolie was put up for auction. And the highest bidders were Charity and her son Ryan.
Second time round, Charity seemed more at ease with being front of house. She recruited Chas to work as manager and Ryan deals with the financial side of the business, which is probably for the best.
Charity murdered evil Damon Harris to save Mackenzie (Credit: ITV)
Killing Damon Harris
Last Christmas Charity became a killer after she put a bullet in gangster Damon ‘Harry’ Harris.
Harry was holding Charity’s husband Mackenzie Boyd hostage. Mack had been having an affair with Harry’s daughter, Chloe, and when he chose Charity over her, Harry did not like it!
Charity tailed Harry to the derelict warehouse where he was keeping Mack and realised he was intending to kill him. She jumped in to protect her other half, there was a wrestle for the gun and it suddenly went off, killing Harry.
In the aftermath, Charity was haunted by nightmares over what she’d done to Harry as well as traumatic events from her past. In her confused and agitated state she almost ended up committing another murder after stabbing Mack. Thankfully he lived to tell the tale.
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 spoilers next week, Ross Barton is shocked when he realises son Moses is scared of him, leading to him making a big decision.
Ross returned to Emmerdale in October after six years away. He wasted no time in trying to get back with former flame Charity – who is the mother of Moses.
Ross attempted to kiss Charity and told her he wanted to move in with her and Moses. Charity, however, was adamant that her heart was with Mack and she only cared about Ross for Moses’ sake.
Ross has become determined to be a good dad to his son, but next week he is stopped in his tracks to learn that Moses is petrified of him. How will he deal with it?
Full Emmerdale spoilers for this story are below.
Ross realises Moses is scared of him (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale spoilers: Ross’s realisation
Since returning to Emmerdale, Ross has tried to be a good father to his son Moses. Having been involved in illegal underground fighting, Ross tried to give it up at Charity’s request.
However, it’s still not been plain sailing and next week Ross realises that Moses is actually petrified of him.
Knowing that he’s made Moses not want to be near him, Ross is defeated. But Charity is resolute as she sends him packing.
Charity sends Ross away (Credit: ITV)
Ross makes a decision
During Ross’s time away, Mack was been a father figure to Moses. Since being back, this has wound Ross up and the two men have shared plenty of angry words. Ross even punched Mack on one occasion.
Next week, following on from the realisation that his son is scared of him, Ross decides he has to make things right.Â
However, when he once again observes the close bond between Mack and Moses, he decides to abandon his plans to reconcile with his son.
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 tonight saw Tom King vow to keep fighting in his battle against Belle, with him instructing his solicitor to get Amelia back on side.
Meanwhile, Anthony returned and shared some sad news with his family, but Ruby refused to believe a word of it.
Here’s everything that happened in Emmerdale on Friday November 29.
Amelia is struggling with what she’s put Belle through (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale tonight: Amelia did something stupid
No, she hasn’t taken Tom back, thank God… The episode opened with Jimmy attempting to scrub the word “scum” from the front door. While Angelica wondered if it was about her, Nicola was quick to insist that it “was done by someone who hates Tom”. So that narrows it down then…
As Charity and Belle stopped by to say it wasn’t them, Jimmy took the opportunity to apologise to Belle for not seeing through Tom’s lies sooner. Charity said they didn’t blame him. She was soon distracted by Amelia in the distance and followed her to the church.
Sitting in the church, Charity was quick to realise that Amelia had been the one to spray ‘Scum’ on the door. Amelia said she knew it was stupid as Tom is not even there! Amelia just wanted to do something to make herself feel better as she felt so guilty for what she’d put Belle through by believing all of Tom’s lies.
Charity reassured Amelia that none of it was her fault, telling her Tom did a number on her – he saw a young, single mum with no family, someone vulnerable who he could use. Amelia agreed, saying: “He was so lovely at first, then I saw the mean side to him and he was so clever at explaining that away.”
Later, Amelia confessed to Jimmy that she had been behind the graffiti and offered to help clean it off. She also apologised to Belle, who told her she forgave her and that they could all move on.
Tom’s not giving up (Credit: ITV)
Tom continued to plot from behind bars
In prison, Tom phoned his solicitor mate Ollie and threatened him to keep representing him. “Maybe the police need to know about you…” he snidely told him. He instructed Ollie to keep trying to get hold of Amelia.Â
Later, Ollie visited Tom and informed him that Amelia still won’t answer his calls and they haven’t been able to add her to his approved caller list. Tom was adamant that they had to keep trying though, and said: “Amelia is just upset, so capitalise on that. Say that I’m missing her, I don’t care, say anything. I just need her to be sat in that court supporting her innocent boyfriend, preferably with her daughter.” The twisted mind of Tom…
Ollie told Tom that he might get a reduced sentence if he pleads guilty, but Tom said he’d do no such thing and he vowed to keep fighting Belle. “It’s me against Belle – and a jury,” he said. “Think about it. My wife is a complete nut-job and she’s just come out of the loony bin. She’s not going to make a good impression on the jury and we’re going to make sure of it.” What has Tom got over Ollie and how long will Tom keep deluding himself for?
Steph was shocked by her grandad’s news (Credit: ITV)
Anthony shared some bad news
Ruby’s dad Anthony recently arrived to a hostile reception from his daughter. He returned in tonight’s episode and informed granddaughter Steph that he had prostate cancer and didn’t know how much longer he had left.
Steph told him him they’d make the most of every moment, with Anthony agreeing and saying, “now I really must make peace with your mother.”
However, Ruby was not pleased to see her dad back. After Steph revealed all about the prostate cancer, Ruby responded that she didn’t believe a word of it and walked off.
Later, Caleb and Steph tried again to encourage Ruby to clear the air with her dad, but she remained reluctant. What has happened between them that Ruby can’t get over?
Brenda is excited about the wedding (Credit: ITV)
Elsewhere in Emmerdale tonight
Eric continued to play dangerously
Following the engagement party, Brenda confirmed that her and Eric’s wedding will be taking place in January. She revealed that Eric is being super generous – wedding of her dreams followed by a round the world cruise.Â
Following the revelation that Eric had invested his money in cryptocurrency, Leyla encouraged him to quit while he was ahead. However, later, he phoned “Mikey” and asked for a short term loan, using his property as collateral. Uh oh, this one isn’t going to end well.
Chas got the sharp end of Ella’s tongue (Credit: ITV)
Ella didn’t hold back
Meanwhile, Chas and Ella met up. Chas informed Ella that her and Liam were going to go public with their relationship. Ella was angry as she told Chas that she would miss sneaking around. “It’s what you do best, secret affairs, you love it,” she said. She then went on to say: “You’ve got form as long as your arm, which means you’ll probably get bored of Liam and cheat on him too. I hope he breaks your heart first, if you’ve even got one.” Don’t hold back, Ella…
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
Cain Dingle has been at the heart of the action in Emmerdale for nearly quarter of a century. Next year, will mark the character’s 25th anniversary in the Yorkshire based soap, and what an incredible journey he’s had.
One of the show’s all time greats, Cain Dingle has seen and done it all. He’s schemed and cheated, spent time in prison, survived countless attempts on his life, and seduced a lot of ladies into bed.
Now he’s moved into a new chapter in his life as the new head of the Dingle clan, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds. As we prepare for the wild ride ahead we thought we’d look back on some of his biggest moments.
So here are Cain Dingle‘s best bits – the good, bad and ugly…
Cain was horrified to discover Uncle Zak was actually his dad (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Best Cain Dingle moments in Emmerdale: Discovering Zak was his real dad
Cain arrived in Emmerdale on March 30, 2000 for the funeral of his cousin, Butch. Being the designated black sheep of the family, Cain had grown up believing his father was Shadrach. But in fact, he was the fruit of his Uncle Zak’s loins.
On Valentine’s Day 1974, Zak had a one-night stand with his sister-in-law, and Cain’s mother, Faith, which resulted in her falling pregnant. Nine months later Cain was born, and it was assumed he was Shadrach’s son.
The truth came out in 2001 during a heated exchange between Zak and Cain. The angry duo were about to come blows when Cain uttered those familiar words: “You can’t tell me what to do”. Zak’s wife Lisa, who was trying to pull them apart cried, “Tell him”, and with that Zak revealed he was Cain’s real father. Cain did not take the news well and branded Zak a ‘dirty liar’. He eventually came round and accepted Zak as his dad, with the pair even becoming close.
With Zak’s sad passing in October 2024, Cain has now assumed his role as head of the Dingle family.
Cain and Angie’s dangerous romance ended in tragedy (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
He’d had his eye on Angie for months, and it was clear her ‘disdain’ for him was masking a secret desire. So when Angie found out her husband Sean had cheated she decided to do the same.
Bedding the local criminal gave Angie a real thrill, but the excitement soon wore off. Cain got pied and was devastated. But instead of fighting for the woman he’d grown to love, Cain went down the seedy route and slept with Angie’s teenage daughter, Ollie, in revenge.
Sickened by Cain’s actions, Angie decided to frame him for a robbery, but the plan went disastrously wrong. Angie was fatally injured in a car chase and died in Cain’s arms as he pleaded with her to tell him she loved him.
These emotional, raw scenes proved Cain was capable of loving someone other than himself.
Cain and Charity have a whole lotta history (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
His escapades with Charity
Cain’s closet is full of skeletons, so it came as little surprise to the viewers when it was discovered he’d had a fling with his second cousin, Charity.
The pair’s explosive romance was a huge part of Cain’s early years in the village. Charity was undoubtedly his first love and together they created one of Emmerdale’s strongest ever partnerships. But it’s not all been hearts and flowers – Cain and Charity have loved and hated each other in equal measures.
It all started as a dalliance when they were underage teens, but the spark was still there as adults. After being reunited with their daughter Debbie Dingle, Cain and Charity resumed their affair. Fans couldn’t get enough of the couple’s antics. Not only were Cain and Charity compatible in the bedroom, they also made formidable partners in crime. With their penchant for illegal scams, these two became the Dales’ answer to Bonnie and Clyde.
In 2009, Cain decided he wanted to make an honest woman out of Charity. He popped the question with a plastic engagement ring – who said romance was dead?
They almost made it down the aisle, but then Charity decided she wasn’t ready for marriage. She and Cain split shortly afterwards.
In the years since, there have been a few steamy liaisons, as well as a brief affair in 2016. But whether they’ll ever get it on again is anyone’s guess!
Cain and Sadie mixed business with pleasure (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Best Cain moments in Emmerdale: Scheming with Sadie King
Cain always works best when he’s teamed up with a strong woman, who will give him as good as she’s got.
Scheming Sadie King (Jimmy’s first wife) enlisted his services to prevent Charity from marrying her millionaire father-in-law, Tom King. Sadie, who was already sleeping with Cain, asked her lover to seduce Charity and take photos.
He did as he was told and Sadie stopped the wedding by showing Tom the incriminating snaps. He jilted Charity at the altar and Sadie was victorious.
Having no further purpose for Cain, Sadie dumped him. And how did he respond? By killing her beloved pet dog, Damon, that’s how!
But Cain wasn’t done there. After pretending to shoot Sadie – which was all part of a scam to extort money from the Kings – Cain made off with the money and left Sadie with nothing!
Cain is fiercely protective of his family (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Fathering four kids
Less of a moment, but more of a journey. Cain’s development from selfish singleton to devoted dad has been an interesting one to watch.
Cain is a four by four – meaning he’s got four kids with as many women.
First up is Debbie, his only daughter, who was the product of his teenage fling with Charity. Debbie came back into Cain’s life when she was a preteen and over the years they were able to establish a close bond.
Cain’s next child was Nate Robinson. He came to the village out for revenge on the man who abandoned him, and set about seducing Cain’s wife, Moira. When the affair and Nate’s true identity was revealed it turned out Cain never even knew of Nate’s existence. Nate is now living in Shetland, and he and Cain aren’t on speaking terms.
His other two lads are Kyle Winchester, who was conceived after Cain seduced a young Amy Wyatt, and Isaac, from his marriage to Moira.
Cain and Moira’s chemistry has always been on point (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
At the time their fling started, Moira was married to farmer John Barton. But if there’s one thing that gets Cain going then it’s the thrill of the chase. Passions first ignited in Cain’s garage, then the lusty duo couldn’t keep their hands off one another.
Moira dumped Cain after he outed their betrayal to John, and the fans were gutted. They wanted more, and their wish was granted when Coira resumed their romance after John’s death in 2012.
They became husband and wife in 2014, but thankfully Cain and Moira haven’t turned into a boring married couple. Their ten-year union has been littered with betrayals (on both sides), and full of drama.
Now they’re facing their toughest challenge yet as Moira has been diagnosed with a brain tumour. And while she was on the operating table, Cain had a bunk-up with sister-in-law Ruby Fox-Miligan. Not his finest hour and the less said about that, the better.
Cain was nearly killed by one of his many enemies (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Who Attacked Cain in Emmerdale?
Cain was the centre of a huge whodunnit (aka Judgement Day) when he was bludgeoned with a crowbar and left for dead.
The attack took place in December 2011, at a time where Cain had stacked up a rather large enemy count. Those in the frame for the attack included Moira and her husband John, Cain’s 17-year old baby mumma Amy Wyatt, and Charity’s boyfriend, Jai Sharma.
But in the end it turned out the mystery assailant was Cain’s own dad, Zak. He’d grown tired of his son’s continual bad behaviour and felt Cain needed to be taught a lesson for disgracing the Dingle family name.
Zak finally ‘fessed up after realising Cain’s love rival Jai had been charged with the crime.
Cain was horrified, but eventually forgave his dad and went on to make a full recovery.
Cain has been at death’s door many, many times (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
His other brushes with death
Cain is Emmerdale’s own Lazarus – seriously, the guy is indestructible!
He survived having his skull smashed in by Zak, but that’s not the only time Cain has cheated death.
In revenge for destroying his parent’s marriage, Adam Barton set fire to Cain’s garage with him inside – but he somehow live to tell the tell. A couple of years later, Cain was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm and nearly drowned in a freezing river after refusing to have it operated on.
What else? Well. Cain survived an explosion after trying to have Nate killed for sleeping with Moira. He suffered a near-fatal brain injury during a violent punch up with nephew Aaron, and most recently he cheated death rescuing Moira from a burning burn.
How does he do it?!
Cain’s been to bed with a vicar too (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)Â
Best Cain moments in Emmerdale: An unlikely romance with Harriet
What’s the one about the local bad boy seducing the village vicar?
Cain started a scandalous affair with police-officer-turned-clergywoman, Harriet Finch in 2017 after he and Moira temporarily split. After enjoying secret romps in the church vestry, Harriet, like many women before her, found herself falling for Cain.
While things were good, Cain and Harriet made an exciting couple. But deep down Harriet, and everyone else, knew Cain was still in madly love with Moira.
Their relationship eventually fizzled and Cain went back to his wife.
Cain was by Faith’s side when she passed away (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Losing Faith
One of Cain’s most heartbreaking and human moments came in 2022 with the death of his mum, Faith.
The pair had a complicated history due Faith walking out on Cain when he was 12-years-old. Faith turned up in Emmerdale in 2017 to make amends, but Cain wasn’t interested in getting to know her.
They eventually made their peace after Faith was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Deciding she wanted to die on her own terms, Faith planned to end her own life with an overdose of morphine.
Cain was by Faith’s side in her final moments. Cradling his mum in his arms, Cain apologised for his past behaviour and told Faith he loved her – three words that she’d longed to hear.
These highly emotional scenes won praise amongst viewers and showed a tender side to Cain we rarely see.
Cain went to jail to save Kyle (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Taking the rap for Kyle
Family loyalty is everything to Cain and he proved it when he made the ultimate sacrifice for his son, Kyle.
Al Chapman’s murder was one of those great OMG moments in Emmerdale. At first, it seemed Cain had killed his nemesis in revenge for his affair with Chas. But it turned out Al was gunned down by timid 10-year-old, Kyle.
In the aftermath of the shocking crime, Cain vowed to protect his son. He ‘confessed’ and was sent to prison for a crime he didn’t commit. He’d still be there if Kyle hadn’t done the right thing by owning up.
Cain reunited with Caleb in Emmerdale
Imagine a slightly younger Cain, but with all the same bad boy traits. Well, that’s his younger brother, Caleb Miligan.
Despite their similarities, the Dingle brothers did not grow up together. While Cain was raised by his family, Caleb was brought up in the care system and had a miserable time.
His arrival to the Dales in Christmas 2022 came as a huge shock for Cain. It had been three decades since they’d crossed paths and it turned out Cain had lied to Caleb by telling him Faith had died years previously.
After a rocky start, the pair finally started to get along. It’s been up and down, but Cain and Caleb have forged a strong bond. We think he’s going to prove a useful ally in the future.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page@emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter@emmerdaleinside
The Dingles have been at the heart of some of Emmerdale‘s biggest storylines for three decades.
Whether it’s babies, weddings, affairs, scams, shocks and even sieges, the Dingles have been involved.
The Dingles and Emmerdale are so intertwined that it’s hard to think of a favourite storyline from the last 30 years that they weren’t part of.
Until now.
Everyone hates Cain and Ruby, even Cain and Ruby (Credit: ITV/YouTube)
Are the Dingles broken?
Because though the Dingles are still part of the show’s biggest storylines currently, the fans aren’t liking it. Not one bit.
In fact, many Emmerdale fans have taken to social media to accuse the soap’s bosses of ruining the whole family.
What is it that’s got the viewers’ backs up? And what needs to change? Well, where do we start?!
You should feel guilty, Cain (Credit: ITV)
Cain and Ruby destroy the Dingles
Of course there was this week’s shock twist when Cain slept with his sister-in-law Ruby while his wife Moira was having a life-saving brain tumour operation.
The fans didn’t like that one bit (nor did we!).
Cain , Ruby? you’re expecting too much of your loyal viewers.
Belle’s ordeal is coming to an end but the fans don’t like the way the story has gone (Credit: ITV)
Ruining the whole family
Once the Cain and Ruby storyline hit, it was as though that had been the final straw for those loyal viewers. Because suddenly, everyone was complaining about the Dingles!
“Do the writers just hate the Dingles now?” asked one disgruntled viewer.
“They messed up the Belle storyline, now this,” complained another.
Do the writers just hate The Dingles now, how they handled Belle’s DV storyline, having Aaron be with his ex-husbands long lost half brother, sending Seb to live with someone else and now Cain betraying Moira with Ruby??? #Emmerdale
I dont get this at all. All the character building with Cain, especially this year, to then do this? They messed up the Belle storyline, now this. Absolute bs#emmerdale
Belle reported Tom – and herself – to the police but was that a twist too far? (Credit: ITV)
Belle and Tom needs to finish
While Belle’s domestic abuse storyline started well, with actors Eden Taylor Draper and James Chase being applauded for their acting, the interest in Belle’s ordeal has begun to drop off.
Fans didn’t like Belle being the one to lash out when she hit Tom with the axe. They’re fed up with Amelia simpering over Tom, with Tom’s unrepentant swagger around the village, and frankly they want to see the manipulative abuser behind bars already.
The perfect couple or uncomfortable viewing? (Credit: ITV)
Uncomfortable viewing?
Viewers, who were devoted to Aaron and Robert as a couple, aren’t impressed with Aaron starting a romance with John – Robert’s long-lost half-brother.
“It’s just uncomfortable,” one fan shuddered.
If John was not Robert’s brother, I wouldn’t mind this relationship, I think he could be good for Aaron. But for me, it’s just uncomfortable it’s clear Aaron still loves Robert.#Emmerdale
@emmerdale Tom/Belle storyline finishing, no storylines happening with anyone else (get writing) but, when this happens you always pick Cain and Moria they’re well suited and we all love them together, we know this will come out it always does, why them we don’t like this story. https://t.co/QE3o17TnPd
Not a lot of love for Mack and Charity. They don’t even have a name. Marity? Chack? See it doesn’t work (Credit: ITV)
No love for Mack and Charity!
Fans also hate Charity and Mack together, with a LOT of viewers wishing they’d been the relationship chosen to be put under stress rather than the fan fave Coira!
“You destroy one of the best partnerships but yet Mack and Charity…are still together,” one fan pointed out.
Literally emmerdale…you will happily possibly destroy one of the best partnerships but yet Mack and charity & Suzy & Vanessa are still together 🙃
Tina’s back! And she’s Vinny’s real mum! And it’s all fine now! (Credit: ITV)
Tina’s a disaster for the Dingles
And there’s more!
Viewers were also unimpressed with the return of Tina Dingle. And that was before she was revealed to be Vinny’s real mum in a twist that we still don’t completely understand.
But while they weren’t loving the storyline, they also weren’t loving the fact that it was done and dusted in a couple of episodes
i’m really glad we had the twist that tina is vinny’s mother, i bet it’s going to give us months of stor- oh it’s already been resolved and vinny loves mandy as his mother #emmerdalepic.twitter.com/xPpXkuONtR
Tina’s gone – and perhaps, for the sake of the Dingles, she should stay gone!
What next for the Dingles?
With things looking bleak for just about every Dingle, it’s hard to know what can be done to make things better. Like all fans, we love to look back on the good old days and think fondly of Robron, or Vanity. We go misty eyed over the glory days of Emmerdale, like last month before the whole Vinny fiasco, or last week before Cain had slept with Ruby.
Hopefully, this is just a bad patch for the Dingles and they’ll be back on top of their game soon and for another 30 years!
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
Ross only returned to the Dales himself last month, but has already made his mark. He kissed former flame Charity Dingle and made an enemy of Mack in the process.
But as Ross flirts with Steph, does that mean a reunion with Charity is completely off the table?
What will happen between Ross and Steph? (Credit: ITV)
Ross’s history with Charity
The history between Ross and Charity is pretty messy. The pair enjoyed a couple of one night stands before Ross then started an affair with her daughter Debbie Dingle – who was engaged to his brother Pete. Keeping up?
Charity was sentenced to two years in prison for perverting the course of justice. While in jail, she gave birth to son Moses. She refused to say who the father was, but when Moses became sick, it was revealed that Ross was Moses’ father.
Upon her release, Charity tried to sell Moses to Ross’s parents – Emma and James, and Moses ended up living with them and Ross.
Charity and Ross continued to scheme together and shared another kiss, but she was in love with Cain. Following the acid attack, Ross turned to cocaine and ultimately left the Dales with girlfriend Rebecca to sort himself out.
When Ross told her he’d cancelled a rematch, Charity remarked that she liked “the new, mature Ross”. They later spent some time alone together and Ross was on full flirt alert.
After telling Charity he wanted to live with her and Moses he moved in for a kiss. Charity pushed him away and insisted she loved Mack. But the spark was there for all to see.
Ross told Charity: “I know you want me.” And it certainly looked that way to us. But with Steph now on the scene, are all hopes of a Charity and Ross reunion crushed?
Charity pushed Ross away, but was she tempted? (Credit: ITV)
Will Charity and Ross reunite in Emmerdale?
Despite not knowing each others’ names – and not wanting to – Steph and Ross went back to the B&B together.
Whatever happens, the chemistry between Charity and Ross will always be off the charts, so it’s fair to say a reunion between the pair is never off the table.
Michael Parr, who plays Ross, previously teased in an interview with The Sun: “You really can’t hate somebody who’s doing a great job of raising your most beloved possession.
“But it’s Ross, and it’s Charity. There’s always going to be fireworks.”
Not to mention, despite Mack’s recent redemption arc – he did still cheat on Charity and had a baby with someone else. Ross might not be The One for Charity, but he could be The One to show her she deserves better than Mack. We’re here for 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
The Dingles have been part of the Emmerdale furniture for 30 years and are one of TV’s most iconic families. But it’s fair to say, they’re not the best behaved bunch, with many serving time in prison.
Following on from Tom King‘s snide comment that prison is a ‘rite of passage for the Dingle men,’ we take a look back at all the Dingles who have spent time behind bars.
Cain has turned his life around (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale Dingles in prison: Cain Dingle
Resident bad boy Cain has spent less time in jail than he perhaps should have.
However, he has served jail time. Most recently, he spent time behind bars for a crime he didn’t even commit. After son Kyle shot Al Chapman, Cain decided to take the rapt.
Cain admitted that the thought of doing 20 years in prison was killing him. Fortunately, Kyle decided to come clean and all charges were eventually dropped.
Sam spent time behind bars (Credit: ITV)
Sam Dingle
When he arrived in the Dales, Sam Dingle had just been released from a young offenders institute. He obviously hadn’t learnt his lesson though as he continued to get involved in his family’s dodgy schemes.
One such scheme saw him take part in an armed robbery with his uncle Albert in 1998. They were caught and served time in prison. Sam was released after two years.
However, that wasn’t the only time he spent time in jail. He served another short stint behind bars for accidentally knocking over Edna Birch in 2004.
She has also served time (Credit: ITV)
Charity Dingle
Charity has been in prison on more than one occasion. In 2004, she was sentenced to life in prison after Zoe Tate testified in court that Charity had killed Chris Tate.
The truth was that Chris had ended his own life. After Charity gave birth to Chris’s baby while behind bars, Zoe struck a deal with her – she wanted custody of Noah in return for handing the police evidence that Chris ended his own life.
Charity was acquitted and released from jail and was eventually reunited with her son.
In 2015, to fit in with Emma Atkins’ maternity leave, Charity was sent to prison for two years for perverting the course of justice. She was released just over a year later.
Marlon has seen the inside of a cell (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale Dingles in prison: Marlon Dingle
In 2020, poor Marlon was arrested and charged for the murder of Graham Foster.
Eventually, Marlon was made a free man as the truth came out about who really killed Graham – Pierce Harris.
Lisa Dingle
One Dingle you wouldn’t expect to have served time in prison is devoted mum and wife Lisa.
But back in 2010 she was arrested for punching a policeman and was sentenced to three months imprisonment.
Belle accidentally killed her friend (Credit: ITV)
Belle Dingle sent to prison
Zak and Lisa’s daughter Belle famously ended up behind bars after accidentally killing her best friend, Gemma Andrews.
Belle and Gemma had been involved in an argument over a boy they both liked. After Gemma slapped Belle, Belle retaliated by pushing Gemma to the ground. Gemma hit her head on a rock and later died from the injuries.
Belle was remorseful for her actions and won an appeal reducing her sentence from three years to just one.
Aaron served his time (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale Dingles in prison: Aaron Dingle
Another member of the Dingle family who has often flirted on the wrong side of the law is Aaron. He was eventually sentenced to 1 year in prison in 2017 for the brutal attack on Kasim Sabet.
He struggled behind bars and one particular scene where Aaron faced homophobia from fellow inmates sparked hundreds of complaints from viewers.
Aaron was released after just a few months but he struggled with his demons following the violent and psychological abuse he suffered while inside.
Noah was sent to prison for stalking (Credit: ITV)
Noah Dingle
Back in 2022, Noah was sentenced to three months in jail for stalking and spying on ex-girlfriend Chloe Harris.
Noah installed a tracker onto Chloe’s phone, installed microphones in her house and used a drone to spy on her while she was sleeping.
He served around half his time before being released for good behaviour. Upon his release, he shunned his mum Charity due to her being the one to report him to the police – which is usually a big Dingle no no.
Samson made the mistake of teaming up with local thug Josh Cope. The pair of them carried out a robbery at The Hide. Samson ended up being accidentally stabbed in the scuffle, but lied that waiter Matty Barton had done it on purpose.
Matty was subsequently jailed for the crime, before Samson eventually came clean and faced the music.
Tina was wearing an ankle tag when she returned (Credit: ITV)
Other Dingles who have misbehaved
Debbie Dingle has come close to jail on numerous occasions. She was originally arrested over the murder of Shane Doyle, before Jasmine Thomas handed herself in. In 2018, Debbie was arrested again for her part in the acid attack that scarred Ross Barton, but she was found not guilty in court.
Earlier this year, Tina Dingle returned to the Dales for the first time in nearly 30 years. It was soon revealed that she was wearing an ankle tag, meaning she’d recently been released from prison. Though it’s unknown for what.
Back in the 1970s, Cain, Caleb and Chas’s mum Faith Dingle served a short stint behind bars and actually gave birth to son Caleb while in prison.
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 have given us some fantastic, and unforgettable couples over the years. From red-hot romances, to toxic marriages, and lifelong friendships, here are our 11 of all time favourite pairings. Let’s see if your favourite has made our list…
Moira and Cain have been married for 10 years (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Cain and Moira Dingle
With 10 years of marriage under their belt, Cain and Moira have achieved iconic couple status. What started as a lusty affair has developed into a deep love, but it’s frankly a miracle Mr and Mrs D are still together given what the last decade has thrown at them.
Coira have overcome terrible tragedy (the loss of Moira’s daughter Holly to a heroin overdose), affairs (on both sides, including Moira’s icky fling with Cain’s long lost son, Nate), a stint in prison (him), and an alcohol addiction (her).
But despite all this they’ve been able to create a life together and have worked hard raising their blended family.
The couple are now faced with an uncertain future since Moira’s brain tumour diagnosis. We’re keeping everything crossed Moira will make a full recovery, and Cain has vowed to be by her side, no matter what.
Emmerdale just wouldn’t be the same without them together.
Emmerdale fans are still praying for a Robron reunion (Credit: ITV)
Best Emmerdale couples: Robert Sugden and Aaron Dingle
Robron definitely win the award for Emmerdale’s most shipped couple. Fans could not get enough of this handsome duo.
Aaron and Robert’s love story started on a country lane back in 2014, where they shared their first kiss. At the time, Aaron was out and proud, but Robert was engaged to heiress Chrissie White and still in the closet.
Their affair quickly turned toxic as Robert refused to leave Chrissie, and ended up killing Katie Sugden to keep his secret safe. Aaron eventually snapped and outed Robert, causing his life to implode.
Even when the couple finally made it official, they were faced with obstacle after obstacle. Robert supported Aaron after he revealed he’d been abused by his father, Gordon. And Aaron forgave Robert for fathering a baby with Rebecca White while he was in prison.
Their wedding in 2018 remains one of the soap’s most memorable occasions. The couple, who looked dapper in their matching suits, wrote their own vows which they exchanged in front of their family, friends and millions of viewers.
But after everything, Aaron and Robert never did get their happy ever after. A year after their nuptials Robert was jailed for murdering his sister Victoria’s rapist, Lee Posner. Instead of expecting Aaron to wait for him, Robert decided to set his husband free and filed for divorce.
Will he come back for Aaron once those 14 years are up? We can only hope!
Cain and Charity go way, way back (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Cain Dingle and Charity Dingle
Before Moira there was only one woman for Cain – his second cousin, Charity. Partners in crime and in the bedroom, Emmerdale fans know these two share a whole lotta history.
They had their first fling when they were just 14 and 13, which resulted in the birth of the daughter, Debbie. Charity and Cain gave her up for adoption and the trio weren’t reunited until Debbie came to the village years later.
Shortly after Debbie’s return, Charity and Cain got back together. They had an on/off relationship and got engaged in 2009. However, the wedding never happened because Charity decided she wasn’t ready for marriage.
Despite their red-hot chemistry, Charity and Cain’s romantic union finally ran its course and they split. Over the years they’ve had the odd cheeky bunk-up. In 2016, Cain nearly wrecked his marriage to Moira by getting jiggy with Charity.
But these two have never been able to resist one another, and we reckon they’ve got another affair in them!
Chas and Paddy have decided they’re better off as friends (Credit: ITV)
Paddy Kirk and Chas Dingle
Chas has always had a thing for bad boys, but changed type when she got together with Paddy.
Unlike her previous toxic exes, including the likes of Carl King and killer Cameron Murray, Paddy was a true gent. He treated Chas with care and respect and made her feel secure.
The unlikely duo really were happy for a while. They supported one another through the devastating loss of their daughter Grace in 2018, and the arrival of little Eve the following year gave them reason to smile again.
In 2020, the couple cemented their union with a gorgeous Christmas Day wedding.
But then along came Al Chapman. Chas ended up breaking Paddy’s heart when she strayed with the sleazy businessman. The discovery of his wife’s betrayal drove Paddy into a deep depression and he contemplated taking his own life.
Chas begged for forgiveness, but there was no going back. Post-divorce, Paddy and Chas are back on friendly terms, but she definitely lost a good guy there.
The Tates in happier times (Credit: ITV)
Frank and Kim Tate
Kim and Frank were the ultimate power couple in the days when they were lord and lady of Home Farm.
Frank had made his fortune in haulage, and everyone (including him) probably knew Kim had only married him for the money. Kim had previously worked as Frank’s secretary, but had managed to seduce her way into his bed.
Their marriage was volatile and littered with betrayals. Frank had a drink habit and violent temper, while Kim had an appetite for younger lovers. Her affairs with gamekeeper Neil Kinkaid and farmhand Dave Glover made for addictive viewing.
In 1996, Kim and Frank welcomed a son, James, although there was a question over the tot’s parentage for a while. Kim had hoped James was her lover Dave’s, but he turned out to be Frank’s.
Just months after James’s arrival, Frank tried to have Kim killed. She responded by faking her own death and framing Frank for the ‘murder’. It wasn’t your average tit-for-tat with these two!
When Kim ‘returned from the dead’, the shock of seeing her again caused Frank to suffer a fatal heart attack. Kim stood by and watched as Frank died on the living room floor at Home Farm. Then as a final insult she used her compact mirror to check whether he was still breathing.
With Frank a goner, Kim finally got her greedy mitts on Home Farm. Well, you can’t say she didn’t play the long game.
Val was the love of Eric’s life (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Best Emmerdale couples: Eric Pollard and Val Lambert
Clearly fans of mixing business with pleasure, Eric and Val set up their own fabrics company together. That particular venture proved unsuccessful, so the couple decided to try their luck at being hoteliers.
Shortly after their 2008 wedding, they purchased The Grange B&B, and two years later Val and Eric became foster parents when they took in teenage runaway, Amy Wyatt (now Barton).
Their marriage hid the skids after Val cheated on Eric while they were on a break and contracted HIV. Eric left Val after he found out what she’d done, but they found their way back to one another.
By 2015, Val was facing a prison sentence after committing fraud. She and Eric hatched a plan to fake her death so they could run away abroad together. But the scheming duo never got that far when Val became one of the victims of the village helicopter crash.
A few days after her passing, Val appeared as a spirit and bid Eric a final goodbye. It was fitting ending for such an iconic partnership.
It was second time lucky for Seth and Betty (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Seth Armstrong and Betty Eagleton
Emmerdale golden couple Seth and Betty showed us all the joys of good old fashioned romance.
The pair had been sweethearts when they were young, before going their their separate ways. Betty went on to marry Walter, while Seth made a life with his wife, Meg.
Following Wally’s death in 1994, Betty came to the village in search of Seth. He too had also been recently widowed. It was second time lucky for the former lovebirds, who reconciled and threw the locals a 1940s Christmas party.
Betty definitely was the boss in their relationship, but Seth was her rock. When her no-good ex Reggie Wilkie came to the village looking to cause trouble, Seth saw him off. Shortly afterwards, Seth was the victim of a mugging and Betty nursed him back to health.
Yes, they had their fallings out – who remembers when Betty dumped Seth after discovering he was broadcasting her to the village via a secret webcam – but their love always won over.
Seth and Betty left the Dales together to start a new life in Australia. Homesick Betty soon returned and Seth was set to join her, but died on his flight home.
Lisa and Zak were blissfully happy together until tragedy struck (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Zak Dingle and Lisa Clegg
Soulmates Zak and Lisa were the heart of the show for many years.
She was brave enough to take on his crazy family, and Zak worshipped the ground she walked on. The couple survived an attempt by Lisa’s ex-husband, Barry Clegg to split them up, and went on to marry on January 28, 1998.
Eleven months later, the couple experienced their very own Christmas miracle when Lisa gave birth to daughter, Belle, in a pigsty. Belle’s shock arrival made Zak faint, which is hardly surprising given he and Lisa didn’t even know she was expecting.
There were ups and down in the marriage, but Zak and Lisa always found a way to work through things. But in 2015, the Emmerdale writers caused uproar by making Zak have an affair with their lodger, Joanie Wright. Fans were aghast over Zak’s betrayal and felt the show had destroyed its strongest marriage.
Zak divorced Lisa and married Joanie, but it didn’t last. After Joanie was killed off, Zak and Lisa fell in love again. When Lisa became terminally ill, she and Zak decided to remarry. The couple exchanged vows in a tearjerking ceremony, but just hours later Zak returned home to find Lisa had peacefully slipped away on the sofa. Sob!
Jack and Diane made a great team (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Best Emmerdale couples: Jack and Diane Sugden
Jack and Diane were a refreshingly normal couple, whose stable partnership we really miss.
The pair had been friends for many years before romance blossomed after Woolpack landlady Diane supported Jack through the death of his second wife, Sarah. They married on September 21 2004, but the day was bittersweet as Diane was undergoing treatment for cancer.
She went on to make a full recovery, but life was rather stressful dealing with Sugden kids, Robert, Andy and Victoria. Their constant drama drove a wedge between Jack and Diane and caused them to break up for a bit.
The couple did reconcile and were happy again, but their life together was about to be cut short. In 2009, Jack died while in Spain visiting his elderly mum, Annie. The character was written out of the soap after the passing of real-life actor Clive Hornby.
Diane was devastated at the sudden loss of her husband, but soldiered on in her usual stoic way. She remained living in the village for another 13 years before leaving for a new life.
Katie and Andy on their second wedding day (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Andy Sugden and Katie Addyman
Andy and Katie first locked eyes during a detention session at school. The teens fell hard and fast for one another, and at 16 decided they were mature enough to start a family. Katie fell pregnant, but sadly lost the baby. When Andy took over the tenancy at Butlers, farming started to take over his life. Katie was left feeling neglected and started a secret affair with Andy’s brother, Robert.
The love triangle kept viewers gripped. Katie went ahead and married Andy, but couldn’t deny her love for Robert. When Andy found out about their betrayal he tried to kill Robert, then divorced Katie. It was no surprise that Katie and Robert’s relationship also ended very badly.
In the years that followed Andy and Katie both married again – he to Jo Stiles, her to Declan Macey, but they never forget their first love.
In 2014, a decade after their first trip down the aisle, Andy and Katie said I do again. But sadly they never even made it to their one year anniversary. Katie reignited her bitter feud with Robert and threatened to out his affair with Aaron Dingle. Robert responded by pushing Katie to her death through the floor of a derelict barn, leaving poor Andy a widower.
Paddy and Marlon are the ultimate double act (Credit: ITV)
Best Emmerdale bromance: Marlon Dingle and Paddy Kirk
Okay, so Paddy and Marlon aren’t a romantic couple, but they are inseparable.
The Dales double act have one of the most enduring friendships in all of soap – 27 years and still going strong. These two have shared everything – including the ladies – yes, Rhona, we’re looking at you!
There have been plenty of laughs and comedy capers, but also darker times. When Marlon suffered a stroke, Paddy was instrumental in his recovery, and the chef returned the favour when his best mate battled depression.
But whatever life throws at them, we know these guys have always got each others’ backs. Long live their bromance.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page @emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter @emmerdaleinside
The famous Woolpack pub is at the centre of Emmerdale village life. It’s the second home to many of the locals and the place of dramas, affairs and fights. Those four walls have seen and heard it all!
There’s rarely a dull moment to be had in The Woolie, and the boozer wouldn’t be the same without the powerhouse landlords and landladies at the helm.
The iconic pub has changed hands several times over the years, but what names have been above the door?
Let’s take a trip down memory lane and have a look at the licensees, now and then….
The owners of the Woolpack pub in Emmerdale
Mr Wilks and Amos – the original Woolpack landlords in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Amos Brearly and Mr Wilks 1972–1991
In the beginning there was Amos Brearly and his trademark bushy sideburns.
Amos became landlord of The Woolpack way back in 1948. He had already been at the helm for almost quarter of a century by the time viewers met him in 1972. He was a terrible gossip, prone to moodiness and something of a loner.
In 1973, Henry Wilks – who Amos always referred to as Mr Wilks – joined Amos behind the bar. The men went into business together and created an iconic partnership.
Henry first came to live with Amos after his own house was destroyed by a fire, but ending up staying on.
Although they frequently bickered and Amos’s most used catchphrase was “Nay, Mr Wilks” the pair managed to stick it out for 19 years.
The Woolpack changed premises in 1976 after the original building was found to have subsidence. Henry and Amos purchased a new site for the pub, where it remains to this day.
Having survived being held hostage in an armed robbery, a stroke and subsequent fall ended Amos’s days as landlord.
Henry stayed on for a while, but didn’t see eye to eye with the pub’s new owner, Alan Turner, and left shortly afterwards.
Turner didn’t make himself popular at first, but locals grew to love him (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Alan Turner 1991-1999
Ruthless businessman Alan Turner was one of the most unpopular men in the village when he bought The Woolpack in 1991.
However, running the local boozer actually mellowed Alan and the punters grew to love him.
He was joined behind the bar by his wife, Shirley, who was sadly shot and killed just months after they had married.
After Shirley’s untimely demise, Alan employed a series of locals of manage his pub, including Terry and Britt Woods and Bernice Blackstock.
Alan suffered a heart attack in 1999, after which he decided to sell up to his close friend and Bernice’s mum, Diane Blackstock.
In the years that followed he remained living the village and would frequently prop up the bar.
The first female Woolpack owner in Emmerdale
Diane and her daughter Bernice worked in the Woolpack together (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Diane Sugden 1999-2010
The first female owner of The Woolpack was Diane Sugden, who was a complete natural behind the bar. Her firm but fair approach meant that the locals always knew where they stood.
The gregarious Geordie originally co-owned the pub with her daughter, Bernice. After that Aussie Louise Appleton became her new partner and there was a brief (and tumultuous) time that Diane’s sister Val came on board.
It was also during the Diane years that The Woolie’s chef Marlon Dingle served up his first bar snacks.
Diane put the pub on the market in 2010 after planning to relocate to France with her then-partner Charlie Haynes. She wasn’t gone long though…
Diane sold to Nicola and Jimmy, but their reign was short lived (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Jimmy and Nicola King – 2010
Jimmy and Nicola King‘s time in charge of The Woolpack was brief to say the least.
The couple took over the business from Diane, but were never really cut out for managing a busy pub.
Affable Jimmy did a better job of charming the customers, but the locals couldn’t really warm to his spiky wife.
Nicola quickly realised she had quite enough on her plate caring for their young daughter Angelica, so with that the Kings reign was over.
Fortunately Diane was back behind the bar before you knew it with Chas beside her (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Diane Sugden (again) 2010-2016
Diane hotfooted it back from France after discovering Charlie was a conman and reclaimed her rightful place behind the bar.
Realising she couldn’t do it alone, Diane accepted an offer from long-serving barmaid Chas Dingle to buy into the business and the ladies proved to be a formidable duo.
Diane very nearly quit the UK for Oz in 2013. She was on the brink of giving Chas the whole pub, but ended up changing her mind at the last minute.
Then three years later she received the shattering news she was suffering from cancer. The shock diagnosis made Diane look at her priorities in life. She decided it was time to step down and sell her share of The Woolie to Chas. Which she did.
The Dingles take charge of the Woolpack in Emmerdale
Chas and Marlon were forced to accept Al’s help – and it ended in disaster (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Chas Dingle 2016-2021
Once Diane retired, Chas was finally able to make the Woolpack her own. Her cousin, Charity Dingle, bought into the business, but their partnership was far from harmonious.
While Chas was a natural with her punters, Charity was rude and abrupt and made it evident she couldn’t be bothered to put in the hard graft.
After growing sick of Charity’s attitude, Chas persuaded her to sell her share to Marlon, the pub’s long-standing chef.
Marlon proved to be a much more reliable partner. However, tough financial times resulted in Chas agreeing to allow Al Chapman into the business. It was disastrous mistake and one that cost Chas dearly.
Bent Al went on to torch The Woolpack as part of an insurance scam and Chas was forced to sell up.
Ryan and Charity now own the Woolpack in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
2022-present day: Charity Dingle and Ryan Stocks
The Woolpack is currently co-owned by mum and son team, Charity Dingle and Ryan Stocks.
After Al’s plans to convert The Woolpack into swanky flats went up in the flames (quite literally), the pub was put up for auction.
In a shock twist, the highest bidders – and new owners – were revealed to be Charity and Ryan.
This time, Charity seems more willing to get stuck into the day to day running of the watering hole, while Ryan manages the financial side of things.
And Chas still has her hand in, working as the Woolpack’s bar manager.
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