In Classic Emmerdale spoilers for episodes airing on ITV3 on Friday October 18, Carl’s setting a trail for Chas, and Alice is struggling with her unexpected 15 minutes of fame. These episodes originally aired on March 5 and 6, 2006.
Chas looks at a video camera with a smile on her face (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
A romantic treasure hunt!
Chas finds a cryptic poem, and intrigued she heads out into the woods where she’s confused when she finds a camcorder.
She presses play and watches as Carl proposes on screen! When she turns round, he’s there in the flesh – holding a diamond ring.
Chas is delighted! But will she say yes?
Is Matthew really over Sadie?
Elsewhere, Matthew is disgruntled when he does some digging into Alasdair and finds out he’s a multi-millionaire. Later, when his dad quizzes him about Sadie being at the dinner, Matthew tells Tom that he and Sadie are history.
Flying high?
Meanwhile, Alice is worrying about the wing walk, and when the journalist tells her she’s getting fan mail after the article, she feels even more pressure!
The next day, it’s time for Alice to take to the skies! But she’s still having doubts – will she go through with it?
Both Carl and Alice are having doubts about the wing walk! (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Will Chas say yes?
Chas isn’t surprised when there’s no sign of Carl, knowing how frightened he is. So when Alice’s plane takes off, Chas is shocked to see Carl following!
When he lands, he’s so shaken he can barely speak, but he manages to declare his love for Chas, and ask her to marry him again.
Paul’s upset with Ivan (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Dramatic tension
There’s tension between Paul and Ivan when Paul admits he knows about Ivan’s aunt’s wedding. He can’t understand why Ivan won’t introduce him to his family.
Ivan reveals because they’ve not been together long, he’s not ready to come out to his family. Paul’s annoyed. Fed up with the drama, Ivan turns to Nicola for support.
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 pay tribute to Zak in Emmerdale spoilers
1. Zak’s family pay their respects
Chas turns the Woolpack into a place of mourning as the Dingles remember the much-loved Zak.
Later on, at Wishing Well, the family gathers to raise a glass to Zak in his memory. Get those tissues ready…
2. Matty worries about Moira’s decision
With Cain grieving, Moira has decided to delay her operation. Tonight, Matty questions Moira’s decision to delay her surgery. Can he get her to change her mind?
Ruby wants answers (Credit: ITV)
Ruby confronts Caleb in Emmerdale spoilers
3. Chas gives Ruby some advice
Ruby is taken aback when she receives her mum’s ashes unexpectantly, making an impulsive decision on how to dispose of them.
Heading to the pub to have a drink, Ruby then seeks advice from Chas who suggests that she contact the hospital to find out what Helen’s last words were.
4. Ruby wants answers
Ruby sets out to do just this and realises that her mum wanted to see her and make peace with her before she died. Quite the bombshell…
She then discovers that Caleb visited Helen at the hospital, confronting her husband over this secret. Can Caleb explain himself?
Billy wants to bring in the cash (Credit: ITV)
Dawn’s money worries in Emmerdale spoilers
5. Will offers to help Dawn
Kim and Will share another tender moment at Home Farm before Will offers some money to Dawn, offering to help her get a decent loan.
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 feel like part of the furniture in Emmerdale. Their numbers keep growing and their storylines keep getting more dramatic, and it’s hard to remember a time when there wasn’t at least one Dingle in the village!
It’s 30 years since the family burst on to our screens, and they’re right at the heart of storylines this week as the family get the sad news that Zak – the head of the Dingles and Belle, Sam and Cain’s dad – had died.
Emmerdale is celebrating the whole Dingle clan this week, so we decided to join in by remembering some of the best Dingle moments!
It’s strange to remember this now but when the Dingles first arrived on-screen, they were often the butt of jokes! Their scams and money-making schemes were the talk of the village – remember these?!
Barry Clegg built the rocket and Butch planned a space trip (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Butch in space
In 1997, Lisa’s ex-husband Barry Clegg built a rocket that ran on pig waste. So of course the Dingles decided to build a rocket and send Butch into space. Mark Charnock, who plays Marlon, says it was his favourite Dingle moment. It won’t surprise anyone to know their attempt to send Butch into space failed!
Hillbilly rock
It’s a bit of a cheat as it wasn’t just Dingles, and it wasn’t just in Emmerdale but the Woolpackers – a country music band – had some chart success back in the late 90s.
Steve Halliwell, aka Zak Dingle, was joined by fellow Emmerdale stars Alun Lewis (Vic Windsor) and Billy Hartman (Terry) as well as Jane Cox (Lisa Dingle), and reached number five in the charts with Hillbilly Rock!
Babies for the Dingles in Emmerdale
We’ve seen five generations of Dingles on our screens and some very memorable births!
Baby Belle’s arrival was a surprise for her parents! (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
A Christmas miracle
Lisa didn’t know she was expecting when she gave birth to baby Belle. She felt a bit peculiar while she was out in the pen, helping Paddy look after a poorly pig. Lisa gave birth to baby Belle with Paddy’s help, on Christmas Day in 1998.
Chas and Paddy said a sad goodbye to baby Grace (Credit: ITV)
Heartbreak for Chas
There was heartbreak for Chas Dingle when she found out her unborn baby wouldn’t survive for long after she arrived. Chas chose to continue her pregnancy and when she gave birth to baby Grace, she and dad Paddy, imagined their daughter’s future. Baby Grace only lived for 29 minutes.
Debbie’s surprise
Teenager Debbie Dingle got pregnant after a brief affair with Andy Sugden. She kept her pregnancy a secret from just about everyone and eventually gave birth to little Sarah in the woods. Debbie struggled with motherhood at first, but she’s now devoted to Sarah and her son Jack.
Weddings for the Dingles in Emmerdale
Robron finally tie the knot
Everyone had waited a long time for Robert Sugden and Aaron Dingle to tie the knot. They finally got their shiz together and planned their big day, only for Aaron’s mum Chas give birth to tragic baby Grace the day before. But with Chas’s blessing the pair finally walked down the aisle and made Robron official.
Tina’s revenge
Tina Dingle played a long game of revenge when she seduced brother Ben’s killer, Luke McAllister. She wooed Luke, convincing him and everyone else they had a future, she pretended to be pregnant, planned a wedding and manipulated Luke into selling his family heirlooms. And then she jilted him at the altar. Ouch!
Chas took revenge on cheating Carl on their wedding day (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
If we’re after the most dramatic wedding in Emmerdale, then Debbie Dingle’s big day with Pete Barton definitely fits the bill. Not only was the bride’s affair with the groom’s brother revealed at the reception, but thanks to a chain of events involving Robert Sugden, Chrissie White and Adam Barton, a helicopter crashed into the party, killing Val Pollard!
Lisa passed away on her wedding day (Credit: ITV)
Lisa’s tragic big day
After finally rekindling her relationship with Zak, Lisa was thrilled when they walked down the aisle for a second time. The pair had a perfect wedding day – the Woolpackers even made an appearance at the reception – and then Lisa headed back to Wishing Well Cottage to change her dress. She sat down next to loyal pooch Monty and passed away peacefully. SOB!
Deaths for the Dingle family in Emmerdale
Of course, with the births and the marriages, there has to come the deaths. It’s the circle of life, as Elton John would say. Here’s the best ones:
Cain gave Faith a memorable ‘trip’ to the seaside before she died (Credit: ITV)
Faith makes her mark
Yes Faith wasn’t the best mum to Chas and Cain, and she didn’t even know newcomer son Caleb, but everyone loved her just the same. From her arrival in Emmerdale to her final days spent on a trip to the seaside (sort of), she stole the show, and her peaceful death with son Cain at her side, was perfect.
Gennie’s tragic demise
It was YEARS ago but we’re still reeling at Genesis Walker’s brutal death at the hands of Dales killer Cameron Murray. Gennie had worked out Cameron was the killer, but he chased her down and killed her. It was a shocking soap moment and one Emmerdale fans will remember forever.
Drama for the Dingles in Emmerdale
Where there’s a Dingle, there’s always drama! It’s hard to pick the most dramatic Dingle moments but here’s a few that got our hearts racing.
Charity bravely faced her abuser in court (Credit: ITV)
Charity v Bails
Brave, bold Charity confronted her past, literally and metaphorically, when she took on her one-time abuser, DI Mark Bails. Not only did Charity face the rapist police officer in court, she also discovered the son she thought had died – Ryan Stocks – was alive and well, and reconnected with him.
Chas and Debbie Vs Cameron
Emmerdale killer Cameron Murray went to jail, only to escape and come back to the village to torment his former lovers Chas and Debbie. In tense scenes, unhinged Cameron held the whole pub at gunpoint, shooting Alicia Metcalfe in the process. And then he pursued a terrified Debbie and Chas through the flooded pub cellar before he was electrocuted and died.
The tension was high as Tom tracked Belle down (Credit: ITV)
Belle and Tom’s axe-wielding confrontation
It’s hard to pick a moment from this ongoing tale, but just a few weeks ago, Belle lashed out and stuck an axe in Tom’s back – and who could blame her?! The moment when a frantic, screaming Belle was on one side of the door, with Tom smashing his way through, Jack Nicholson style, will go down in Emmerdale history!
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page @emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter @emmerdaleinside
Emmerdale has been on our screens since 1972, and has seen thousands of characters come and go over the years. Some stay in the soap for just a short stint, and for others it becomes a forever home.
But who are the soaps’ best ever characters? It’s a hard job, but we’ve whittled it down to 13 of our all time favourites, both past and present. So here they are…
Cain has been delivering us drama since 2000 (Credit: ITV)
Cain Dingle
Emmerdale OG bad boy, Cain is always top of the list. We can’t get enough of the sexy rogue.
Always central to any Dingle drama, Cain is the son of former lovers, Zak and Faith, but grew up thinking Shadrach was his father.
He arrived in 2000 as the black sheep of the family and delighted fans with his corrupt carry on.
Cain has had a lot of romantic entanglements during his 20 plus years in the Dales. These include high-stakes affairs with police officer Angie Reynolds and vicar Harriet Finch and a questionable dalliance with teen Amy Wyatt.
But two relationships have shaped him most. The first being his on/off one with cousin, Charity, and the other his passionate marriage to Moira.
Cain is a father of four, by four different women. He and Charity share daughter Debbie. Nate Robinson is Cain’s long-lost son who came into his life as an adult, Kyle Winchester was the result of his fling with Amy, and he has young Isaac with Moira.
The character is Emmerdale’s answer to the terminator. Seriously, the guy is indestructible! Cain has survived attempts on his life, near drowning and a brain tumour. And he’s endured a few stints in prison, the most recent being when he took the rap for Kyle killing Al Chapman.
It’s certainly been an action-packed two decades, we can’t wait to see what the next bring.
No one messes with Kim Tate and gets away with it (Credit: ITV)
Best Emmerdale characters: Kim Tate
Ruthless, scheming and ever so sexy, Kim is a goddess and we worship at her altar.
The legendary lady of the manor was introduced in December 1989 as Frank Tate’s gold-digging missus. Frank might have had money, but it was excitement Kim craved. Her affair with farmhand Dave Glover gave her that, plus a ‘who’s the daddy’ storyline when Kim gave birth to son James. The tot turned out to be Frank’s, and tragedy struck when Dave was killed in a fire.
After Dave’s demise, Kim’s marriage to Frank collapsed. He tried to have her killed, but Kim took revenge by faking her own death and framing Frank for murder. Her ‘return’ from the dead caused Frank to suffer a fatal heart attack. In shocking scenes, Kim put her compact mirror up to Frank’s mouth to check he’d stopped breathing before reapplying her powder.
Kim’s second husband was Steve Marchant, but that marriage also ended badly. She set him up for a crime she’d committed and fled the village in a helicopter.
Fast forward to 2018 and Kim made a dramatic return. She was thrust straight back into the action after ordering her third hubby Graham Foster to dispose of her step-grandson Joe Tate. Kim also got pushed off a balcony by Faith Dingle.
Kim was reunited with her son, Jamie Tate, and let’s just say the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. Just like his mum, Jamie faked his own death.
Now Kim is onto husband number four, Will Taylor, and proved once again she’s not a woman to be messed with. When Will cheated with his ex Queen Kim got her revenge.
Eric Pollard is the king of illegal scams (Credit: ITV)
The village veteran, who’s the longest-serving character in Emmerdale, has been played by actor Chris Chittell for 38 years.
Eric was first introduced in 1986 and was only meant to stay for 12 episodes. But viewers loved his immoral antics, even if the other villagers didn’t.
The former antique dealer’s list of crimes include theft, fraud and even bigamy. Eric has always had an eye for the ladies and has five wives – two of which he was married to at the same time. His second wife, Elizabeth was one of the victims of the 1993 plane crash.
Eric was tracked down by his long-lost son. David, in 2006 and the pair forged a close relationship.
The other most important person in Eric’s life was his fifth wife and soulmate, Val Lambert. Their union was a very popular one, and fans felt Eric’s heartbreak when he lost his ‘Valerie’ in 2015.
He’s also had a relationship with Brenda Walker, who’s played by Chris’s real-life wife, Lesley Dunlop.
Time has certainly mellowed Eric, and he’s been forced to slow down following after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s last year. But there’s still life in the old dog yet, so expect more scams in the future.
Chas in her natural habitat behind the Woolpack bar (Credit: ITV)
Chas Dingle
Who remembers the moment Chas, short for Chastity, arrived in the village dressed as a nun for her cousin Marlon’s stag do? Talk about making an entrance!
A proper chip off the old Dingle block, Chas is the daughter of Faith and Shadrach and sister to Cain.
She’s also mum to Aaron. Chas gave birth to Aaron when she was 14, but the pair have a complicated relationship. Chas abandoned Aaron and was devastated to learn years later he’d been sexually abused by his father, Gordon. The guilt over abandoning her son has never really left her.
Chas has lived in Emmerdale since 2002 and has spent most of those years working at The Woolpack. She went from barmaid to landlady, before she was forced to sell her beloved pub. She’s now holds the position of manager.
Chas’s biggest weakness in life has always been men. She had a tempestuous relationship with Carl King. They almost got married, but Chas jilted Carl at the altar after discovering he’d been sleeping with Eve Jenson.
Then came her ill-fated affairs. First with Cameron Murray, who turned out to be a killer. Then Al Chapman, which resulted in Chas losing it all – including her husband, Paddy.
Fans loved Chas and Paddy together. The couple were dealt a cruel blow with the death of their first daughter Grace in 2018. But little Eve arrived the year after to help heal some of their pain.
Chas is a survivor, and has recently endured a battle against triple negative breast cancer. She underwent a double mastectomy and is currently in remission from the disease. Things are looking up on the love life front too, with a potential romance blossoming between her and Dr Liam Cavanagh.
Paddy’s been saving the village animals since 1997 (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Best Emmerdale characters: Paddy Kirk
Loveable Paddy is one of Emmerdale’s most cherished characters. He was introduced to viewers in 1997 as a locum vet.
Paddy is the son of Barbara and Bear Wolf, a former wrestler, who Paddy was estranged from until adulthood. He has a daughter, Eve, from his marriage to ex-wife Chas Dingle. He’s also been a father figure to Chas’s son, Aaron, over the years.
In 2024, Paddy married wife Mandy Dingle – for a second time, and his fifth in total. He and Mandy got hitched first time round in 1999, but split soon afterwards. Paddy’s also gone down the aisle with Emily Dingle, Rhona Goskirk, and of course, Chas. He’s also had a couple of extramarital affairs, with postmistress Viv Hope and teaching assistant Tess Harris. Don’t be fooled by the bumbling nature – Paddy can be a naughty boy when he wants to!
Paddy’s most enduring relationship is his bromance with best mate, Marlon Dingle. The pair’s silly antics have given viewers a lot of laughs over the years.
There have been incredibly sad times too. Paddy’s world was shattered by the loss of his daughter, Grace, who passed away moments after she was born. He also endured a battle with depression after his marriage split from Chas and contemplated ending his life.
Supported by his loved ones, Paddy found a way through, and his future is looking bright once more.
Charity Dingle is a classic Emmerdale icon (Credit: ITV)
Charity Dingle
Landlady Charity has been at the centre of the action in Emmerdale since 2000, except when she took a break from the village between 2005-2009.
Feisty and fearless, Charity’s life story is one hell of a read!
As a young teen she spent time on the streets working as a prostitute. During that dark period Charity was groomed and abused by corrupt cop DI Bails, which resulted in her falling pregnant at 14.
Charity’s second child, Debbie, was the product of a fling with her cousin, Cain. Charity and Cain’s on/off love affair has been central to the soap and provided one of its most popular partnerships. They’re also famed for their illegal scams. Charity is a mistress of disguise and loves a wig!
Charity has had four husbands. Her first marriage to Chris Tate ended with him committing suicide and framing her for murder. Husband number two, Declan Macey tried to have her killed, and her third marriage to Jai Sharma also turned sour. Vanessa Woodfield almost became Charity’s fourth spouse, but she then fell for Mackenzie Boyd.
Charity and Mack have weathered a few storms – including him fathering a baby behind her back, and her stabbing him, but they remain together.
These days, Charity is landlady of The Woolpack, which she co-owns with son, Ryan Stocks. She’s also mum to Noah and Moses, as well as grandmother to Sarah and Jack Sugden.
Sometimes Aaron is moody, other times he’s only a little bit moody (Credit: ITV)
Aaron Dingle
Aaron is one of the most complex and compelling characters Emmerdale has ever had.
He’s the son of Chas Dingle and Gordon Livesey. Chas gave birth to Aaron when she was only 14 and placed him into care. He had a difficult upbringing and suffered abuse at the hands of his father.
Aaron came to live in the village permanently in 2008 and was a troublemaker from the word go.
Early on, Aaron realised he fancied boys. After coming out to his family, Aaron fell for builder Jackson Walsh. But tragedy struck when Jackson was paralysed in a horrific accident, and Aaron helped him die.
By some miracle, Aaron and Robert got married. They split for good after Robert was jailed for murder.
Aaron moved on with Ben Tucker, but he was bumped off by serial killer Meena Julta. Shortly afterwards, Aaron left the village for a new life abroad.
He made a brief return the following year, but tragedy struck again he lost his half-sister Liv Flaherty in Emmerdale’s 50th anniversary storm.
Aaron’s now back in the Dales for good. His time now is mainly spent masterminding illegal activities with partner-in-crime/best mate Mackenzie Boyd. And there’s also a new man on scene in the form of former army medic, John Sugden, who just happens to be Robert’s brother.
Has Aaron met ‘the one’? Only time will tell…
Val Pollard was a true one-off (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Best Emmerdale characters: Val Pollard
Vivacious Val Pollard left us nearly ten years ago, but her memory lives on.
The gobby Geordie was Eric Pollard’s fifth wife, and Diane Sugden’s younger sister. She had to two children, Sharon and Paul. Val’s son Paul was the product of her affair with Diane’s husband, Rodney Blackstock.
Val, or Valerie as Eric often used to call her, was larger than life and had a penchant for causing trouble. Her and Eric were both as bad as each other, aka the perfect match.
The couple married in 2008 and purchased The Grange B&B, which they ran together. They took teen tearaway Amy Wyatt (now Barton) under their wing and ended up adopting her.
Val and Eric’s marriage hit the rocks after she cheated on him on holiday in Portugal and contracted HIV. The couple reconciled, but Val got in trouble with the police for committing fraud.
She planned to fake her own death, but didn’t get that far after becoming one of the victims in the 2015 helicopter crash. Val met a grisly end when she was impaled by a shard of glass. She rose from the dead a few days later and appeared as a ghost to say goodbye to Eric.
An unforgettable character, who’s truly missed.
We miss Andy Sugden (Credit: ITV)
Andy Sugden
Andy wasn’t born into the Sugden brood, but was adopted by his best friend Robert’s parents Jack and Sarah in 2000. Their act of kindness gave Andy hope of a stable future, but life turned out to be anything but.
First Andy accidentally killed Sarah after setting fire to a barn at the family farm, not realising she was inside. Then came the discovery that Robert had been sleeping with his wife, Katie. Andy decided to shoot Robert in revenge, but accidentally pulled the trigger on Jack, nearly killing him.
Andy fathered a daughter, Sarah, with next partner Debbie Dingle. They also went on to have a son, Jack, seven years later.
His second marriage to Jo Stiles saw Andy turn into a violent abuser. And when Jo found the courage to leave him, Andy suffered a complete mental breakdown.
Andy and Katie remarried, but she died weeks later after a confrontation with Robert. Andy then arranged for Ross Barton to shoot Robert (what’s his obsession with guns?) – but his brother survived.
20 years in the village came to a dramatic end for Andy after his vengeful ex Chrissie White framed him for a crime he didn’t commit. Andy went on the run and as far as we know is still running.
Bring him back, please!
Moira has made her mark on the village (Credit: ITV)
Moira Dingle
Feisty farmer Moira is another one of Emmerdale’s power-houses and the woman who finally tamed Cain Dingle.
Moira and Cain are one of soaps’ most adored couples. Their love story started as a steamy affair but has gone the distance. They have survived betrayals on both sides, including Moira’s fling with Cain’s son, Nate. Well, they don’t call her Mucky Moira for nothing!
Moira arrived in the village with her first husband, and childhood sweetheart, John Barton, and their kids Adam, Holly and Hannah (now Matty). Her affair with Cain finished her marriage and Moira was heartbroken when John died in a car crash. Tragedy struck again in 2016 when Holly died of a heroin overdose.
Moira’s other memorable moments include her pushing her sister-in-law and nemesis Emma Barton to her death off a viaduct, and giving birth to baby Isaac without knowing she was pregnant.
The past few months have been particularly brutal for Moira after being diagnosed with a non-cancerous brain tumour. We’re keeping everything crossed she makes it through because we need Moira in our lives.
Best Emmerdale characters: Zak Dingle
Zak was the patriarch of the most iconic family in Emmerdale – the Dingles – for almost 30 years.
A pig farmer by trade and former bare-knuckle boxer, Zak arrived in the village in October, 1994. Zak’s first wife was Nellie Lynch, and they had five kids. Their four sons were Nathan, Sam, Butch and Ben. Zak and Nellie also had a daughter, Tina.
Zak also fathered son Cain during an affair with his brother’s wife, Faith.
After Zak and Nellie divorced, Zak found love again with Lisa Clegg. They welcomed daughter, Belle into their lives on Christmas Day 1998 after Lisa (who didn’t know she was pregnant) gave birth in a pigsty.
Zak had a disastrous third marriage to Joanie Wright, which left fans in uproar over his betrayal of Lisa. But thankfully the Emmerdale writers saw the error of their ways and reunited Zak and Lisa. They remained together until her death in May 2019.
After losing his Lisa, Zak was a bit of a lost soul, although remained fiercely protective of his family.
Actor Steve Halliwell, who played Zak for three decades, passed away in December 2023. Zak was quickly written out and viewers were told he was visiting family in Scotland.
Zak’s family are soon to receive the sad news he’s passed away. The Dingles bring him home and lay Zak to rest in the village.
Seth and Betty were the beating heart of Emmerdale village (Credit: ITV)
Betty Eagleton
Lovely Betty was the heart and soul of the village during her 21 years there.
She had a habit of being nosey and interfering, but Betty always meant well. She was a friend to many.
Betty came to the Dales in 1994 and discovered her former partner, Seth Armstrong was living there. The golden couple rekindled their romance and hosted a 1940s theme night for the villagers.
They remained together until Seth died on an airplane travelling back from Australia. Betty brought his body back to Emmerdale and had him buried in the woods surrounding Home Farm.
Betty remained in the village for several years after Seth’s passing and dealt with the loss of other dear friends, including Alan Turner. She went to live in Australia with new partner Reuben Archibald in 2015.
Sadly actress Paula Tilbrook died in December 2019, but Betty remains alive and well.
Seth Armstrong
We can’t have Betty, without her lovely Seth. He was one of Emmerdale’s all time greats. Seth first appeared on screen in 1978. He was a temporary character to begin with, but was popular with the fans. By 1980, Seth was a full time regular.
After Seth’s wife, Meg, passed away, he went on to rekindle his relationship with former flame, Betty.
He also landed his dream job as a gamekeeper. When Seth wasn’t working at Home Farm he could usually be found supping a pint in the Woolie.
Seth was written out of the show in 2003 and his character was killed off two years later.
We like to think Seth is sitting on a cloud, beer in hand, watching the drama continue in his beloved village.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page@emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter@emmerdaleinside
Emmerdale has had more than its fair share of brilliant episodes. So many in fact, that it’s hard to pick a favourite. So instead we picked 12 of the best! Here are what we think are the best episodes of Emmerdale, ever.
The plane crash transformed Emmerdale as a soap (Credit: ITV)
The plane crash 1993
Emmerdale’s plane crash may have happened more than 30 years ago, but it’s still legendary among soap fans. The Beckindale Air Disaster marked the beginning of a new era for Emmerdale in many ways -Â the renaming of the village from Beckindale to Emmerdale, the end of several storylines and the start of many more!
Four characters were killed – Mark Hughes, Elizabeth Pollard (Eric’s wife), Archie Brooks and Leonard Kempinski – while Chris Tate was badly injured and left unable to walk.
The storyline was quite controversial at the time because it came just five years after the real-life Lockerbie disaster. But it was a hit with viewers and it transformed Emmerdale from a quiet countryside soap into the must-see television it is today.
Kim came back from the dead and shocked Frank into a heart attack! (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Kim leaves Frank to die 1997
Kim Tate‘s marriage to Frank was dead and buried by 1997. She had cheated on him with Dave Glover, and thought for a while that baby James was Dave’s, only to discover that Frank was his dad.
When Dave was killed in a fire, rescuing little James, Kim well and truly went off the rails! She hired a lookalike to drive her car round the village, so everyone thought she was still there, then ran off to the Caribbean. But tragedy struck when the lookalike crashed the car into the lake and died. Frank identified the body as Kim and was arrested for murder!
When Kim returned, the shock of seeing his ‘dead’ wife caused Frank to have a heart attack. Kim coldly watched him die, without going for help. And as he breathed his last she checked for signs of life with the mirror from her handbag – then reapplied her make-up and left him on the floor.
Sarah didn’t make it out of the barn fire (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Sarah Sugden dies in the barn fire 2000
The Sugdens were were struggling with money, and Sarah Sugden had been having a steamy secret affair with farmhand Richie.
Adopted son Andy was determined to help them out of their financial hole and he came up with the idea of burning down a barn so dad Jack could claim on the insurance.
But he didn’t know that Sarah and Richie were inside when he lit the match. Richie made it out, but Sarah died in the flames.
Tricia was rescued by Marlon but died in hospital (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Best Emmerdale episodes: Tricia’s death 2003/4
Another dramatic death! Tricia Dingle was super popular with the Emmerdale residents and viewers alike. But on New Year’s Eve 2003, she was outside when a huge storm hit the village.
Lightning struck the Woolpack and the chimney collapsed, burying poor Tricia. Husband Marlon found her and called for help but though Tricia made it to hospital, she later died of her injuries. SOB!
The live episode in 2012 featured two weddings, two births and a murder! (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
The 40th anniversary live episode 2012
One of the best live episodes of a soap, ever! The live episode to celebrate Emmerdale’s 40th anniversary featured the weddings of Chas Dingle to Dan Spencer, and Katie Sugden to Declan Macey, and the births of Molly Sharma, and Jack Sugden Jr. AND a murder!
When Carl King tried to rape newly wed Chas she whacked him with a brick and believed she’d killed him. But actually Carl was finished off by future Dales serial killer Cameron Murray.
Cameron escaped from jail and held up the Woolpack at gunpoint (Credit: ITV)
The Woolpack siege 2013
Cameron’s killing spree that began with the live episode in 2012 came to an end a year later with a dramatic siege at the Woolpack. In one of the most tense episodes of soap ever, he held drinkers at gun point, shot Alicia Metcalfe and then pursued Chas and Debbie through the flooded pub cellar. Cameron was electrocuted and his murderous rampage in the Dales came to an end.
Emma pushed James from the road bridge and started a tragic chain of events (Credit: ITV)
The Hotten by-pass crash 2016
FIVE storylines came together in the thrilling crash that took place in October 2016. Emma Barton had been holding estranged husband James hostage in a Misery-style revenge plot.
When he escaped, she tracked him down to the road bridge – wearing her wedding dress, of course! – and shoved him off.
James plummeted on to the by-pass and on to a car driven by dementia-sufferer Ashley Thomas. Ashley’s car flipped and caused Pierce Harris to collide with a lorry, which then caused Robert Sugden and Aaron Dingle‘s car to leave the road and plunge into a lake. Oh, and they just happened to have kidnapped Lachlan White and put him in the boot.
Just seconds later, Rhona and Paddy drove straight into the carnage and flipped their van as they tried to avoid it. It was one of the most impressive stunts in Emmerdale history!
Holly’s death was quietly devastating (Credit: ITV)
Best Emmerdale episodes: Holly Barton’s death 2016
Sometimes the best episodes are the huge stunts and sometimes it’s the quiet, devastating episodes that hit hardest. Holly Barton’s death from a drug overdose definitely fits the latter category.
Holly lay dead in bed, while mum Moira pottered around at home. And when she finally went to check on her daughter and found her dead, the shock was real. It’s almost a decade since Holly died, but her tragic demise still affects her family.
In 2018 Charity bravely faced her abuser in court (Credit: ITV)
Charity faces Bails in court 2018
Charity Dingle has been through a lot in her time in Emmerdale but perhaps the most heart-wrenching was when she finally faced her past. Charity revealed that she’d been sexually exploited by crooked cop DI Bails, and had a baby boy.
With the help of her new-found son, Ryan, she bravely faced her abuser in court in a very emotional episode.
Chas and Paddy said a sad goodbye to baby Grace (Credit: ITV)
Best Emmerdale episodes: Grace dies 2018
Chas and Paddy Dingle knew their baby Grace was going to die almost as soon as she was born, but that didn’t make the loss any easier. In a devastatingly sad episode, the new parents cuddled their little girl – who lived for just 29 minutes – as they imagined the future she might have had.
Meena was cold and remorseless as she killed Leanna (Credit: ITV)
Meena murders Leanna 2021
There’s very little we enjoy more than an Emmerdale serial killer and Meena Jutla was one of the best! Her utter lack of remorse as she stalked her prey made her super scary.
When birthday girl Leanna Cavanagh twigged that Meena wasn’t the caring nurse she pretended to be, Meena pursued her through the graveyard. The chase ended up on the bridge, where Meena pushed Leanna. When the fall didn’t kill the teenager, Meena climbed down and finished her off. It was brutal but gripping stuff.
Marlon was looking for the engagement ring he’d bought Rhona when he had his stroke (Credit: ITV)
Best Emmerdale episodes: Marlon’s stroke 2022
When Marlon proposed to a delighted Rhona, he rushed home to find the ring – only to suffer a stroke. Marlon’s experience as he lay helpless on the floor, waiting for help to come, was praised for raising stroke awareness. And his long recovery won actor Mark Charnock praise, too.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page @emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter @emmerdaleinside
Arthur has the hots for John, and in tonight’s Emmerdale spoilers he makes out they’ve hooked up. But his lie sets in chain a motion of events that results in Laurel and Charles’s affair being outed to The Woolpack. Including Jai!
Also, Moira and Ruby share their woes with one another, and will it be third time lucky for Liam and Chas?
It’s all going on in Emmerdale on Friday October, 4.
Laurel overhears Arthur revealing he slept with John (Credit: ITV)
Arthur tells a huge lie in Emmerdale spoilers
1. Arthur pretends he’s slept with John
After flirting with John in front of April yesterday, foolish Arthur takes things one step further. He makes out to his friend that he and John have gone all the way.
April’s shocked, as is Laurel, who overhears every word of Arthur’s confession.
Appalled at the thought of her son bedding a man old enough to be his father, Laurel decides to have it out with John. But will Arthur set her straight and admit he made the whole thing up?
John hasn’t got a clue what Laurel is on about (Credit: ITV)
2. Laurel confronts John
John’s quiet lunch in The Woolpack is interrupted when Laurel storms in shouting the odds about him and Arthur.
Of course, John hasn’t got a clue what she’s on about and denies any wrongdoing.
Meanwhile, Arthur arrives at the pub to witness his mum laying into John and wants the ground to swallow him up.
Jai is horrified to discover his wife has been sleeping with Charles (Credit: ITV)
3. Arthur outs Laurel’s affair with Charles
As tensions continue to rise, Laurel refuses to lay off John. But she’s stopped in her tracks when Arthur lets slip she’s been having it away with Charles.
Jai, who’s standing nearby, is stunned to discover his soon-to-be-ex-wife (who he still loves!) has been sleeping with his so-called mate.
Moira and Ruby bond over their shared woes (Credit: ITV)
Moira finds a friend in Emmerdale spoilers
4. Moira and Ruby comfort one another
A few weeks ago, Moira was nutting Ruby in the nose after accusing her of sleeping with Cain. But the ladies have since called a truce following Moira’s brain tumour diagnosis.
It’s been a brutal week for Moira. Her forgetfulness led to the death of most her sheep and she’s been forced to step away from work to concentrate on her health.
Catching up with Ruby, Moira admits her fears for the future. Ruby, who’s also going through a tough time following the sudden death of her mum, shares her worries about the cremation.
Chas and Liam can’t deny their feelings for one another (Credit: ITV)
Sparks fly between Liam and Chas in Emmerdale spoilers
5. Liam and Chas share a look
There’s sexual tension in the air at The Woolie when Chas and Liam exchange a look over the bar.
The doc has found himself drawn back to Chas, but has been lying to Ella about them spending time together.
Is Liam going to admit where his heart really lies, and break Ella’s?
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
Laurel and Charles’s affair is back on, but in tonight’s Emmerdale spoilers the lusty duo are rumbled by Arthur. Can Laurel convince her son to keep quiet about her new relationship?
Elsewhere in Emmerdale on Thursday October 3, Chas and Liam are drawn back together after she suffers a health scare. And John attracts the attention of a much younger admirer.
Charles shows Laurel how to unbutton her blouse (Credit: ITV)
Laurel and Charles are back together in Emmerdale spoilers
Yesterday, Laurel came clean to best mate Nicola and admitted she’d bedded the local vicar. Nicola questioned why the fling had come to an end, which left Laurel questioning her feelings.
She and Charles later met up and agreed to end whatever was going on between them. But their pact to ‘just be friends’ lasts less than a day when Charles pays Laurel a visit…
Arthur gets more than he bargained for (Credit: ITV)
2. Arthur busts Laurel and Charles
Unable to resist their animal urges, Laurel and Charles give into temptation again.
But their passionate clinch is interrupted when Arthur suddenly arrives back at Mulberry and catches his mum in a state of undress. We’re cringing for him.
Arthur is horrified to realise what’s been going on, but Laurel begs him to keep schtum. She doesn’t want anyone knowing about her new romance – particularly her vengeful ex Jai. But will Arthur agree to protect her secret?
Chas turns to Liam for help when she suffers a health scare (Credit: ITV)
Chas makes a worrying discovery in Emmerdale spoilers
3. Liam is there for Chas
Chas confides in ex-fling Liam she’s discovered a rash on her body.
She goes straight to Liam and asks if he can examine her. The exes are still on friendly terms after their split and Liam was a tower of strength for Chas during her cancer ordeal.
Liam examines Chas, but soon finds himself lying to Ella about spending time with her love rival. Which woman will he choose?
Teenage rebel Arthur doesn’t want to be seen as a kid anymore (Credit: ITV)
Arthur acts the big man in Emmerdale spoilers
4. Arthur puts the moves on John
There’s a lot of Arthur action tonight!
As well as rumbling Laurel’s saucy secret, the teen makes a fool of himself by flirting with John. Arthur is desperate to prove to mate April that he’s sooo mature.
He reckons he can pull a much older man, no problem, and starts making eyes at John. But how will the surly Sugden respond to his new admirer?
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page @emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter @emmerdaleinside
Classic Emmerdale spoilers for episodes airing on ITV3 on Thursday October 3 reveal Aaron breaking his mum’s heart when he tells her something she really didn’t want to hear, and blows her whole life apart! These episodes originally aired on 8 and 9 February 2006.
Aaron lashes out!
Angry that his mum won’t let him visit Shadrach and Del, Aaron hits poor Chas right where it hurts – in her heart. He tells her he’s heard Carl and Del slept together. Furious, Chas marches over to the factory and confronts her cousin as Val calls Carl to come and break the women apart.
Del does her best to convince Chas that nothing happened but just as she’s getting through Carl arrives and announces they only slept together once and it meant nothing. Oops!
Back home, Chas and Carl continue their row and Chas throws her fella out. When he’s gone, she accuses Aaron of deliberately humiliating her.
Carl lets slip that he and Del slept together and Chas is fuming! (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Nasty words in Classic Emmerdale
Aaron decides he’s leaving, so he calls his dad Gordon to come and collect him. Chas is hurt and warns him he’ll soon be playing second fiddle to his dad’s new baby with wife Sandra.
Aaron snaps back that he’s happy living with them and points out Chas is the one who ruined his life – not Sandra.
He even says he’s not surprised Carl found someone else and poor Chas is devastated.
Bob’s shocked when his ex-wife Jean arrives instead of son Jamie (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Uninvited guest
Viv and Bob are expecting Bob’s son Jamie, but instead they get a shock when his ex-wife Jean shows up! Viv’s convinced she’s there to cause trouble but Jean promises she’s just there to wish them well. Is she telling the truth?
Debbie’s causing trouble
Ashley tells Lisa that Debbie stayed at the vicarage last night but he’s shocked when Lisa announces she doesn’t care – she’s had enough of the teen’s bad behaviour. Jasmine convinces Ashley to let Debs stay another night.
Del tells Chas some home truths in Classic Emmerdale
Carl’s desperate to talk Chas round, worried she’ll head off back to the army if he doesn’t. Meanwhile, Delilah has her say, telling her cousin that she’d be a fool to let Carl go. Will Chas listen?
How many more?!
Bob’s in for another shock when his ex-wife Barbara shows up with kids Josh and Carly in tow. She tells Val and Viv she felt guilty about denying Bob time with his kids, when his eyesight is failing – a lie Bob has told her.
Bob’s worried to realise he’ll have to pretend to be blind but Viv and Val instead tell Barbara that Bob’s been cured! What a miracle!
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page @emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter @emmerdaleinside
In tonight’s Emmerdale spoilers, Amelia is still standing by her man as she defends evil Tom to Belle and Chas. The teen’s family are concerned about her loyalty towards the abuser and fear she’s still seeing him. But can they find a way to cut contact before Amelia becomes Tom’s next victim?
All this and more in Emmerdale on Wednesday September, 25!
Amelia gives Chas and Belle what for after hearing them talking about Tom (Credit: ITV)
Tom has a hold over Amelia in Emmerdale spoilers
1. Tom is controlling Amelia from afar
No one has heard a peep from Tom since he got dismissed from his job at the vets. But his campaign of cruelty against Belle has become the talk of the village. Most people are firmly Team Belle, but there are a brainwashed few – yes, Jimmy, we’re looking at you – who still think Tom is innocent.
Amelia is also refusing to believe the man she’s fallen in love with could be capable of such things. The naive barmaid has been completely taken in by Tom, and has been paying him secret visits. Amelia has also agreed to carry on getting ‘justice’ for Tom and prove Belle is on a mission to ruin his life.
Will she ever realise what kind of a man he is?
Can Belle and Chas make Amelia see the truth? (Credit: ITV)
2. Amelia lashes out at Belle and Chas
Meanwhile, Belle fears Tom is lurking somewhere, biding his time and planning his next attack.
She discusses her concerns with Chas in the back room of The Woolpack, as they try and figure out what to do. But Amelia walks in and overhears the tail end of the conversation.
Misunderstanding what they’re saying, angry Amelia jumps to Tom’s defense. She rails at Belle and Chas, accusing them of waging a war against him – oh seriously, girl, you’re getting on our nerves now.
Can Belle and Chas find a way to make Amelia understand she’s being played?
Kerry and Amy decide it’s time to take action (Credit: ITV)
Fears grow for Amelia in Emmerdale spoilers
3. Amy and Kerry make an alarming discovery
Word of Amelia’s outburst soon reaches Kerry and Amy, who are troubled by her refusal to back down.
Both ladies have had little success in being able to convince Amelia that Tom’s a wrong’un. They’ve tried both the direct and softly-softly approach. But have they worked? Have they heck!
Concerned about Amelia’s latest tirade, Amy and Kerry suspect she’s still in contact with Tom. They decide to do some digging to get to the truth. But will they discover Tom’s whereabouts? And can they help Amelia before it really is too late?
In Classic Emmerdale spoilers for episodes airing on ITV3 on Tuesday September 24, Steph’s changing her mind, Pearl is spilling the beans, and Carl’s giving Chas parenting advice. These episodes originally aired on January 27 and 29, 2006.
Steph changes her mind
Betty manages to convince Steph to stay in the village. Betty tells Steph that if she’s telling the truth about abusive Terence then he’ll have won if she runs away. Steph realises that Betty has her doubts about Terence and draws strength from her discovery.
She approaches Terence and tells him his charm is wearing thin – Betty has already seen through him and soon others will too. She says that if he doesn’t leave the village, she will tell everyone what he did. But Terence says it was a long time ago, and she needs to get over it.
Terence causes chaos
Terence approaches Steph in the shop and whispers a threat to her. Viv notices the tensions between them and mentions it to Alan, who talks to Terence about it. Terence takes the opportunity to blame it all on Betty. So Alan storms off to confront her. She tells him she thinks there could be something in Steph’s claims but Alan is furious. He tells Betty he’s going to move out as soon as he can.
Nicola’s counting the pennies
Nicola arranges a budget-friendly evening for her and Simon – watching a DVD at home. And she tells him she’s hopeful their relationship has turned a corner.
Budget backfires!
Simon’s fuming when he finds out Nicola paid Louise £20 to make herself scarce before their movie night.
Back home, Nicola’s cooking a slap-up dinner when Simon confronts her about the money and tells Nicola she’s got no idea how to save. He storms out and Nicola’s left upset. She pours her heart out to his mum Lesley, admitting she equates fun with spending money. Lesley urges her not to give up.
Pearl decides it’s time to tell grandson Owen the truth (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Pearl’s got something to say
Pearl decides it’s time to tell grandson Owen the truth about his dad, Frank. She explains that he was in and out of prison and that Owen’s mum lied to stop Owen getting bullied in school.
Chas is gloomy about her parenting skills (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Playing mum!
Chas enjoys spending time with Carl’s kids, Thomas and Anya. But after a successful day, she tells Carl that she’s good with other people’s kids, but her own son, Aaron, still hates her.
Carl suggests she asks Aaron to come and stay, pointing out that she has to keep trying because otherwise they will become more estranged.
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!
