It seems Emmerdale is having a hard time keeping young men on their cast list as latest reports have suggested Jurell Carter is leaving the soap as Nate Robinson.
Hot on the heels of Ethan Anderson’s death, and the rumoured departure of both Suni Sharma and Nicky Miligan, Nate’s absence would leave a bloke-shaped hole in the village.
However, after the reveal of his wife Tracy’s affair with his uncle Caleb and the subsequent breakdown of his marriage, there’s really very little keeping Nate in the Dales.
Is it such a sad loss?
Nate Robinson will leave Emmerdale after a glum year (Credit: ITV)
‘Explosive exit’ for Jurell Carter from Emmerdale
According to The Sun Jurell – and therefore Nate – will leave the soap later this year and a big exit is planned.
“Nate has been at the centre of some huge storylines and his exit will be no different,” a source told the publication.
“It will be dramatic and explosive and will go down in Emmerdale history. It won’t be one to miss.
“Jurell has loved being on the soap but he’s a young actor and it’s understandable he wants to spread his wings. Five years is a good run but he feels it’s time.”
Emmerdale has been contacted for comment.
Happily ever after did not last long for Nate and Tracy (Credit: ITV)
Nate’s time on Emmerdale
Nate’s mysterious arrival in the Dales in 2019 immediately ruffled feathers. He kissed Rhona Goskirk and then embarked on an affair with Moira Dingle.
A major twist then confirmed that Nate was in fact the estranged son of Moira’s husband Cain Dingle. He had seduced Moira as an act of revenge for Nate being neglected by his father.
But it then turned out Cain never even knew Nate existed. His mum, Faith had intercepted all correspondence because Cain’s stepdad, Shadrach, was racist.
Nate and his dad finally made up. Wanting to get to know him, Nate settled down in the village. He had a baby with Tracy Metcalfe, supported her through post natal depression – and then cheated on her. They got back together and got married last year, but she quickly embarked on an affair with Caleb.
It seems the drama of village life could have got too much for Nate. But how will he leave?
Could Tracy be involved in his departure? Or is their marriage definitely over for good?
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Emmerdale star Adam Thomas could return to the soap one day – news which will certainly delight fans who have long been calling for a comeback.
The Adam Barton actor, who is currently starring in Waterloo Road, recently gave an interview indicating he’s not done with the soap yet! And when he heard the news his on-screen brother Matty is in prison, Adam cried: “I need to get back!”
Adam was a fan favourite (Credit: SplashNews.com)
Adam Thomas teases Emmerdale return
Speaking to Metro UK, Adam revealed how much he loved his time on the soap.
“It was such a big part of my life and being able to work with some of my close friends who I’m still in touch with today, that was such a fun job,” he said.
He added: “I’m lucky that I get to do this for a living. I’d like to go back one day. It’ll always hold a special place in my heart.
“I was a kid when I joined so I had some amazing memories there and I’d love to go back one day. I think my mum and my family are still in it and they’ve left the door open for me… you never know,” he hinted.
We reckon ex-wife Victoria could also do with a new storyline (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Adam Barton’s Emmerdale exit
A part of the Barton family, Adam was the eldest son of John and Moira. Although he later discovered his real dad was actually his uncle, James Barton. This news gave him three more brothers in the form of Pete, Ross and Finn Barton.
After Hannah’s departure (and subsequent return as Matty) and Holly’s death, Adam was Moira’s rock. However he left the soap after confessing to murder to protect his mum.
Moira had offed crazed Emma Barton by pushing her off a bridge. But knowing his mum wasn’t responsible for her actions and wanting to protect her, Adam confessed to the crime himself.
Stepdad Cain Dingle helped Adam escape the country in the back of a van. He is currently thought to still be on the run in France.
But if Adam’s keen, the fans are keen and we’re keen, surely Emmerdale can find a way to make a return happen? Stranger things have happened in Soapland!
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.
Former Emmerdale actress Jenna Coleman has revealed she is pregnant with her first baby. She debuted her growing bump on the red carpet last night (June 19).
The Jasmine Thomas actress was at a celebratory dinner for the opening of Imaginary Conversations: An ERDEM Collection Inspired by Duchess Deborah at Chatsworth House.
In pictures published by Hello Jenna was definitely glowing! She was wearing a green, black and white floral dress and looked happy and content.
Jenna Coleman is happy with boyfriend Jamie Childs (Credit: Jordan Crosby / SplashNews.com)
Jenna’s other half and the desire to have kids
The actress is in a relationship with director Jamie Childs. The pair met whilst filming Netflix’s Sandman – a series adapted from Neil Gaiman’s popular comic book series.
But it seemed Jenna wasn’t in a rush to have a baby, having previously told Harper’s Bazaar: “Half of my friends have babies, and half don’t, so it doesn’t feel like a pressure. I want to take my time.”
Jenna added: “There’s a whole lot more of the world for me to see first.”
Jenna Coleman on baby experience
Joking about playing Queen Victoria, who had nine children, Jenna added: “I’d love to have children one day. But not nine of them. I can tell you that as a fact.”
However Queen Victoria’s nine children have seen Jenna give birth on screen multiple times. She told Jonathan Ross: “I have had many a labour scene now, I’m running out of noises for labour scenes.”
She then quipped: “I’m sure one day maybe if I ever give birth I’ll realise I was totally wrong.”
Only time will tell on that one!
A prison sentence was Jasmine’s Emmerdale goodbye (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Jenna Coleman in Emmerdale
The actress appeared in Emmerdale as Jasmine Thomas from June 2005 until March 2009. She was the niece of Ashley Thomas, sent to live with her uncle and grandfather, Sandy Thomas after being suspended from school.
She befriended Debbie Dingle and it wasn’t long before the girls realised their feelings for each other ran deeper than friendship. But Debbie’s dad Cain wasn’t happy about it and seduced Jasmine to get back at Debbie.
Jasmine worked as a journalist and her investigative instincts got her in a lot of trouble. Not least when she started looking into criminal gang the McFarlanes and found policeman Shane Doyle was in bed with them.
After he caught her hunting for evidence, Shane tried to rape Jasmine. Debbie arrived and saved her, but Jasmine finished Shane off by hitting him repeatedly with a chair leg.
Despite Debbie and Eli going to great lengths to help her dispose of the body, Jasmine eventually ended up confessing and was sentenced to four years in prison for manslaughter. That’s the last we saw of her on screen.
Jenna went on to have a successful career starring in Waterloo Road, Doctor Who and Victoria among other things. Her latest project, The Jetty, hits BBC in July.
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.
Danny Miller is best known for playing Emmerdale bad boy Aaron Dingle. He joined the soap in 2008 and has appeared on and off since then.
Danny has been embroiled in some very hard-hitting storylines during his time on Emmerdale.
These include Aaron’s struggle to accept his homosexuality, the horrifying abuse he suffered at the hands of his father Gordon Livesy, a prison sentence and his marriage to Robert Sugden.
The fans fell hard for Robron, and they ended up becoming one of the most popular partnerships the Dales has ever had.
Aaron also has a notoriously difficult relationship with his mum, Chas.
But who is the man behind Aaron’s mask? Danny Miller is a former I’m A Celebrity winner, a dad of two and even has a famous father.
He’s a good boy a heart (Credit: ITV)
Aaron Dingle in Emmerdale
Danny plays tortured scrapyard worker Aaron Dingle. He’s the son of Chas Dingle, who walked out on Aaron as a child, and the pair have a notoriously stormy relationship.
Aaron had a traumatic upbringing and suffered terrible abuse at the hands of his father, Gordon Livesey.
There have been many dark moments in Aaron’s life.
These include an attempt on his life after coming to terms with his homosexuality, dealing with the suicide of his first boyfriend, Jackson Walsh, covering up the death of Katie Sugden, watching husband Robert Sugden go to prison and finding boyfriend Ben Tucker murdered.
Aaron was reunited with estranged half-sister Liv Flaherty, but tragedy struck when she was killed off during the show’s 50th anniversary episodes.
Danny is the second actor to play the character of Aaron and has been in the role since 2008. One of soap’s most decorated stars, Danny has won Best Actor at the British Soap Awards on three separate occasions.
Danny Miller is much more joyous than his alter ego (Credit: Splashnews.com)
Who is Danny Miller?
Daniel Benedict Miller is a British actor best known for playing Emmerdale’s Aaron Dingle. He joined the Yorkshire-based soap when he was 17-years-old, having previously made his TV debut on BBC drama series, Grange Hill.
Danny has previously stated he would have quit acting if he’d not landed the role of Aaron.
How old is Danny Miller?
Danny Miller was born on 2 January 1991 , making him 33-years-old. He grew up in Stockport, Greater Manchester.
He’s the youngest child of Andrea and Vince Miller.
Danny isn’t the first famous member of his family. His dad, Vince Miller, was known as the ‘king of comperes’ back in his heyday.
Vince worked as the VIP host at Manchester United Football Club for 29 years, interviewing legends such as Sir Alex Ferguson on matchdays.
Danny Miller was 2021’s winner (Credit: ITV)
Winning I’m A Celebrity
Danny was crowned the winner in the 2021 series of ITV’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! He beat fellow finalists Coronation Street star Simon Gregson and singer Frankie Bridge for the coveted crown.
The series that Danny starred in took place at Gwrych Castle in north Wales, after the Covid-19 pandemic prevented filming in Australia.
Speaking after his victory, Danny described the I’m A Celebrity experience as being “the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
What else has Danny Miller been in?
Danny’s first television role was playing Kyle Brown in eight episodes of Grange Hill.
He’s proved himself to be a versatile talent with roles in big ITV dramas such as Lightfields, Scott & Bailey and Jamaica Inn.
Danny also starred in a feature film titled Cruel Summer.
Aaron’s last exit was in 2021 (Credit: ITV)
Danny Miller leaves Emmerdale
Danny’s quit Emmerdale twice since he started in 2008. He first left in 2012 to pursue other acting ventures, before making a comeback in 2014.
Seven years later, Danny left Emmerdale again at the same time he was confirmed as part of the line-up on I’m A Celebrity.
Fans didn’t have to wait long to see Aaron again though as Danny made a dramatic return during the show’s 50th anniversary episodes.
He then made a full-time comeback in 2023.
Danny is married to midwife Steph (Credit: Splashnews.com)
He’s married to his childhood sweetheart
Danny married midwife Steph Jones in the summer of 2022. The couple first met when they were pupils at the same primary school.
Danny popped the question during a romantic holiday to St Lucia, which Steph had booked to celebrate his 30th birthday.
The couple exchanged vows in the picturesque Nunsmere Hall Hotel in Cheshire in front of 140 of their friends and family.
Danny and Steph have their very own family of four. In 2021 the couple discovered they were expecting just as they were about to start IVF treatment.
In October that year Steph gave birth to a baby boy, who they called Albert. And their little girl, Edith, joined the family in August 2023.
The couple introduced little Edith during an interview on ITV’s Loose Women. During the broadcast Danny praised Steph for breastfeeding on live television.
Danny’s new venture
In 2023, Danny announced he’d turned to narrating audio books – which are his son Albert’s favourite.
In a post on his X account, Danny said: “Myself & @nigewingmanclucas are delighted to finally announce the release of ALBERTS BOOKSHELF!! Please watch the video as it explains the bigger picture behind releasing our very own audiobooks of some of Albert’s Favourite books read by his Dad.”
Friends Danny and Daniel set up a charity together (Credit: SplashNews.com)
Charity work
Alongside fellow actor Daniel Jillings, Danny founded children’s bereavement charity Once Upon A Smile in August 2011. The organisation provides emotional and practical support to bereaved families.
They opened Sidley House, Manchester’s first dedicated Children’s bereavement centre in 2019.
Every year the charity hosts the Grand Ball to raise funds. Danny and his Emmerdale co-stars are always in attendance. Last year they raised £35,000.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.30pm and 2.05pm.
Lucy Pargeter has played the part of Emmerdale landlady Chas Dingle for over two decades. She joined the cast of the Yorkshire-based soap back in 2002 and has been at the centre of some of its biggest storylines.
Chas is the landlady of The Woolpack, has a famously fractious relationship with on-screen son Aaron Dingle, and a history of doomed romances.
In 2019 Lucy scooped Best Actress at the British Soap Awards for her heartbreaking portrayal of baby loss.
But what other shows has Lucy Pargeter starred in? And is she luckier in love than her on-screen alter ego?
The actress feels right at home in Emmerdale (Credit: SplashNews.com)
Who is Lucy Pargeter?
Lucy Pargeter is a British actress best known for playing Emmerdale’s Chas Dingle.
She has been in the acting business for over 25 years and appeared in a number of popular TV dramas.
Lucy got her big break in 2002 when she joined Emmerdale’s iconic Dingle family.
She made her first on-screen appearance in the October of that year and Chas now one of the Dale’s longest-serving characters.
How old is Lucy Pargeter?
Lucy Pargeter was born on March 1, 1977, which makes her 47-years-old.
The actress was born and raised in Nottingham, and trained at the Central Junior Television Workshop and New College.
Chas has had a hard year (Credit: ITV)
Chas Dingle in Emmerdale
Lucy plays feisty Woolpack manager and mum-of-three, Chas Dingle. Chas has lived in the Dales for over 20 years and spent most of those at the helm of the village pub.
She went from barmaid to co-owner to landlady, but was forced to sell her beloved boozer after being swindled by ex-lover Al Chapman.
Chas’s love life is a soap in itself.
She was married to loveable village vet Paddy Kirk, but messed it up by sleeping with Al.
The character clearly has a thing for killers as her exes include the dangerous (and now deceased) Carl King and Cameron Murray.
Chas is a proud mum of three, although far from the model parent – particularly with son, Aaron. The status of their on/off relationship is currently estranged, but working their way towards reconciliation following her cancer diagnosis.
Chas suffered the worst possible heartbreak in 2018 when her baby daughter Grace died from a rare kidney condition. However, happiness followed when she and Paddy welcomed little Eve the following year.
2024 looks set to be another tough year for Chas, who is recovering from a double mastectomy following a triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis, the same cancer that claimed her mum Faith’s life.
The actress has quite the voice (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Lucy Pargeter used to be a popstar
That’s right!
Before becoming a soap actress, Lucy was a member of girl group, Paperdolls. The trio toured with Irish boy band Boyzone in the 1990s.
Paperdolls also released a single called Gonna Make You Blush’, which made it to number 65 in the charts.
Lucy took part in the celebrity version of Stars In Their Eyes as Spice Girl Emma Bunton. And in 2006 she featured in reality singing competition, Soapstar Superstar.
Lucy wowed audiences with her performances – which included belting out Bonnie Tyler’s Holding Out For A Hero.
Crossroads was pre-Emmerdale for Lucy (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
What else has Lucy Pargeter been in?
Lucy’s first professional acting gig was in the 1996 TV movie The Bare Necessities. She starred opposite her future Emmerdale on-screen brother, William Ash (who plays Caleb Miligan).
The actress also has had small parts in a number of popular dramas, including Dalziel and Pascoe and Soldier Soldier.
Prior to landing her role in Emmerdale, Lucy was best known for playing Helen Raven in the re-make of iconic soap Crossroads.
Fans of Lucy will also remember her appearance in the thirteenth series of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here. Lucy survived the whole jungle experience and finished in a very respectable third place.
She’s undergone breast surgery
Lucy underwent two boob jobs – the first aged 21 and her second aged 32.
But a botched operation left Lucy suffering from years of ill health, including rashes and breathing difficulties. She made the decision to have her implants removed in 2019 after discovering they’d turned toxic.
Lucy made a before-and-after surgery video as part of a Channel 4 Dispatches documentary, investigating women who claimed their implants were making them ill.
In the footage she recorded, Lucy said: “Four days until I get these toxic bags out of my body. This current set have been in for just over 11 years.
“I know that everything is going to be much better – but what am I going to look like?”
Thankfully, Lucy’s surgery was a success and she made a full recovery.
The couple share three daughters, but split in 2019 (Credit: SplashNews.com)
Lucy’s sad love split
Lucy was in a long-term relationship with football coach, Rudi Coleano. The couple were engaged to be married, and almost tied the knot while holidaying in Dubai – but decided against it.
In 2019, Lucy and Rudi announced they’d mutually agreed to separate.
A statement released by the pair at the time read: “Lucy Pargeter has confirmed she has separated from her long-term partner, Rudi Coleano, and, while no longer together, their main priority is raising their three daughters.”
“I’m in a new relationship now. Exclusive. Don’t say anything,” she said.
Lucy bravely confessed she’d felt nervous about dating again following her breast surgery.
“Massive fear for me being a single mother of three, possibly finding someone else to spend the rest of my life with and thinking, ‘oh my god, the first thing I’m going to have to say is I’ve got no tits.”
She continued: “I constantly find myself apologising for having no tits, but he’s like, ‘I don’t give a [bleep] if you’ve got tits or not. It’s you that I love and it’s you who I want to be with.”
Lucy had IVF to fall pregnant again (Credit: ITV)
Does Lucy Pargeter have children?
Lucy has three daughters, who she shares with her former partner Rudi Coleano. Their eldest, Lola, was born in 2005 and is currently 18-years-old.
In April 2017, Lucy gave birth to twin girls, called Missy and Betsy.
Lucy’s twins were conceived via IVF after the actress struggled to fall pregnant naturally, something which she openly discussed at the time.
Lucy returned to work on Emmerdale five months after welcoming Missy and Betsy and has been on our screens ever since.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.30pm and 2.05pm.
William Ash is best known for playing the part of Emmerdale businessman and love cheat Caleb Miligan. The character has been in the thick of the action since his dramatic Christmas Day arrival in 2022.
Caleb’s storylines have included his bid to destroy Kim Tate, feud with brother Cain and a steamy affair with his nephew’s wife, Tracy Robinson.
But it’s all just a day’s work for William, who’s been in the acting game since he was 10 years old. Here is everything you need to know about the soap star.
Caleb has been on the show since 2022 (Credit: ITV)
Who is Emmerdale star William Ash?
William Ash is a British actor who plays Emmerdale’s Caleb Miligan. A familiar face to millions, William was bitten by the performing bug at a young age.
The star has enjoyed a very steady career, with roles in several popular TV dramas.
William made his first TV appearance in Coronation Street, playing a character called Spike.
How old is William Ash?
William Ash was born on January 13, 1977, making him 47-years-old. He originated from Chadderton, a town near Oldham in Greater Manchester.
William’s parents were not in the showbiz world, his dad worked as an engineer and his mum was a police civilian.
He has a sister, who works as a teacher.
Caleb’s certainly made his mark on the village (Credit: ITV)
William Ash as Caleb Miligan in Emmerdale
William plays Caleb Miligan, a businessman with a roving eye. Caleb is the long-lost son of Faith Dingle and conceived during her affair with Frank Tate.
He was born while Faith was in prison and then abandoned by his mum. Caleb was placed in the foster system and experienced a difficult upbringing.
Caleb is the younger half-brother of Chas and Cain Dingle and was estranged from them both for years.
His relationship with Cain has been particularly stormy, although the brothers are thick as thieves for now.
Caleb’s wife Ruby recently arrived in the village and the pair enjoyed a passionate reunion which proved they’re still very much an item.
Ruby quickly discovered Caleb had been having an affair with his nephew Nate’s wife Tracy and outed the pairs’ infidelity at Belle Dingle’s wedding.
The couple’s son Nicky was aware of his dad’s betrayal, but is used to Caleb’s selfish behaviour. In fact, Nicky once tried to kill Caleb after tiring of his wicked ways.
Will Ash is a former Coronation Street star
Soap fans may remember William once had a brief role in rival soap Coronation Street. He made his Street debut back in 1987.
William was 10-years-old at the time and played a character called Spike. Spike attended a charity fete on the Street.
He then returned in 2002, this time playing criminal Johnny James. Johnny had raided a post office and tried to hijack Rita Tanner’s car to get away.
Children’s Ward was one of William’s first roles (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
What else has William Ash been in?
William’s CV is rather impressive. He was a regular in TV dramas such as Making Out and Where the Heart Is.
The actor has also appeared in Clocking Off, Children’s Ward, Burn It, All the King’s Men, Shameless, Doctor Who, Death in Paradise, Wanderlust and Moving On.
Between 2009 and 2011, William played deputy headteacher Christopher Mead in the popular BBC series Waterloo Road.
His stage credits include Presence at the Royal Court Theatre and Of Mice and Men at the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh.
In 2011, William had a lead in the BBC comedy drama, Lapland, and reprised the role of Ray in a new series, Being Eileen.
He also portrayed Manchester United footballer Albert Scanlon, in the BBC series Surviving Disasters, which retold the story of the Munich air disaster of 1958, which Scanlon survived.
He starred alongside Pam Ferris in Where The Heart Is (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
He’s a dad of two
William prefers to keep his personal life private.
He’s a dad of two children, but chooses not to discuss his family.
Peter plays Tragic Paul in Corrie (Credit: ITV)
Relation to Peter Ash
William’s acting talent clearly runs in the family. His cousin is Peter Ash, who plays Coronation Street’s Paul Foreman.
Tragic Paul is currently living out his final months as he battles motor neurone disease.
Proud William recently praised his cousin’s performance saying: “He’s been fantastic. It’s a shame, actually, that he’s going to have to eventually leave because he’s been brilliant in it. And he’s a top lad.”
And when William joined Emmerdale, Peter was made up for his family member. He tweeted: “Yes! This is my cousin Will. He’s an absolutely fantastic actor, and was one of my big inspirations for getting into acting myself.
“Can’t wait to see him do his stuff in Emmerdale.”
On-screen brother Jeff is a former alumni of Will (Credit: ITV)
Will went to school with his co-star
William was a pupil of North Chadderton comprehensive in Oldham, which was the same school his on-screen brother Jeff Hordley (Cain Dingle) attended.
There’s a six-year age gap between the actors, meaning Jeff was already in the sixth form when William started at the school.
Prior to Emmerdale the actors also worked together on a play called Another Country, and William openly stated Jeff was one of the reasons he said yes to his Emmerdale job.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.30pm and 2.05pm.
Emma Atkins is best known for playing Emmerdale troublemaker Charity Dingle. The actress joined the cast in 2000, and has been involved in several high-profile storylines.
Charity is legendary for her illegal scams, multiple affairs, being framed for murder and ending up behind bars.
The character of Charity is also best known for her on/off fiery romance with cousin Cain, who’s often acted as her partner in crime.
She’s been married four times and has as many children. Charity is also an accidental murderer after taking the life of gangster Damon Harris, who was holding her husband, Mackenzie Boyd hostage.
In comparison, actress Emma’s life is far less chaotic. Here’s everything we know about her.
Emma has played Charity Dingle in Emmerdale since 2000 (Credit: SplashNews.com)
Who is Emma Atkins?
Emma Atkins is a British actress who plays Emmerdale’s Charity Dingle. She made her first appearance on the soap back in March 2000.
Actress Suranne Jones also auditioned for the part of Charity. She went on to play Karen McDonald in Coronation Street.
How old is Emma Atkins?
Emma Atkins was born on 31 March 1975, making her 48-years-old. She grew up in the small village of Silverdale in Lancashire.
Emma’s mother worked in Wakefield Prison and her sister Jillian Atkins is a fashion designer.
After school, Emma went to study at the University of Salford then pursued a career in acting.
Charity in Emmerdale is force to be reckoned with (Credit: ITV)
Emma Atkins as Charity Dingle in Emmerdale
Emma plays Charity Dingle – the irrepressible landlady of The Woolpack.
She’s been married four times, and her current husband is Mackenzie Boyd, aka Mack.
Charity has four biological children – daughter Debbie Dingle, and sons Ryan Stocks, Noah Dingle and Moses Dingle. She also has an adopted son, Johnny, from her relationship with his mum, Vanessa Woodfield.
Charity is a true survivor.
Following the death of her mother by suicide when she was just a child, Charity ended up living on the streets and fell into prostitution.
At the age of 14, Charity was raped by police officer Mark Bails, the product of which was her son Ryan. She believed Ryan had died at birth, but years later found out he had survived and was adopted by the midwife Irene Stocks.
When Bails came back on the scene, Charity bravely managed to have him convicted and he was sentenced to 30 years in prison.
Charity has recently been in the grips of PSTD, after shooting dangerous criminal Harry dead while trying to protect Mack.
The actress has also won plenty of awards (Credit: ITV)
Emma Atkins, award winner
Emma has been nominated for numerous awards over the years – including Best Actress at the British Soap Awards and Serial Drama Performance at the National Television Awards.
She’s scooped the Best Actress gong at the TV Choice Awards, Inside Soap Awards and Daily Star Soap Awards.
A part in Heartbeat (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
What else has Emma Atkins been in?
Emma is of course most recognised as Emmerdale’s Charity.
She’s also featured in episodes of BBC series Dalziel and Pascoe, Mayo, I’m with Stupid, New Street Law, Doctors and Casualty.
In 2008, she starred in the seventeenth series of Heartbeat, playing the part of Lesley Ashton.
Charity bid farewell to the Dales in 2004 (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Emma Atkins’ Emmerdale exit
Emma announced she was leaving Emmerdale in 2004 to explore other opportunities.
She worked as a jobbing actress for the next five years before announcing her return to soap in March 2009.
Emma took a second, but shorter, break in 2015 after giving birth to her son, Albert.
She’s a real-life mum
Emma is a proud mum of one to her son, Albert. The actress kept her pregnancy a secret from viewers at the time.
Emmerdale bosses cleverly wrote Charity’s stint in prison to coincide with Emma’s maternity leave.
The actress welcomed her baby boy just before her 40th birthday in March 2015. She called Albert “the best present” in an interview with The Sun.
Her partner Tom (pictured with Emma in 2014) stays away from the spotlight (Credit: Shutterstock)
Emma keeps her personal life private
Emma is in a long-term relationship with her partner, Tom. The actress’s other-half isn’t famous and is reported to be a businessman.
The couple have made a red carpet appearance together, but on the whole Emma prefers to keep her life away from the spotlight.
She chooses not to share snaps of either Tom or their son, Albert on social media.
On Emma’s Instagram – followers will instead find a stunning array of arty outdoors shots (mainly trees) from her walks in nature.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.30pm and 2.05pm.
Natalie J Robb is best known for playing Emmerdale’s feisty farmer Moira Dingle. A former child star, the actress joined the long-running soap in 2009.
Natalie was cast as the matriarch of the Bartons – a modern farming family who were brought in by former series producer, Gavin Blyth to spice things up.
And Moira has definitely been caught up in a few scandals.
The sexy Scot has a weakness for a bad boy, and her affairs with Cain Dingle, brother-in-law James Barton and stepson Nate Robinson certainly got the fans talking.
But it’s not all been about rolling around in the haystacks.
Moira also has faced terrible tragedy, with the loss of her first husband John and the shocking death of their daughter Holly to a heroin overdose.
But what is there to know about the woman who plays one of the Dales’ strongest women?
Natalie is a fan favourite (Credit: SplashNews.com)
Who is Natalie J Robb?
Natalie J Robb is a British actress who plays Emmerdale’s Moira Dingle.
Now in the fortieth year of her career, Natalie has been professionally acting since the tender age of nine.
Fans may also remember her for playing Trish McDonald in Scottish soap Take the High Road and Jude Carlyle in Doctors.
How old is Natalie J Robb?
Natalie Joy Robb was born on December 3, 1974, making her 49-years-old. She grew up in Bellshill, which is located in North Lanarkshire, Scotland.
Natalie is the youngest of three children and has an older brother and sister.
She started acting classes at a young age, which is where she was discovered by director Alan Macmillan. Natalie went on to attend the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama.
Things are not good for Moira right now (Credit: ITV)
Moira Dingle in Emmerdale?
Natalie plays the vivacious Moira Dingle. She’s been married to mechanic Cain Dingle since 2014, but things haven’t always been plain sailing for the couple.
Moira’s first husband, John, who she cheated on with Cain, tragically died in a car accident.
The character is mum to her three sons Adam Barton, Matty Barton and Isaac Dingle. Adam’s father was revealed to be his uncle James, who Moira had an affair with.
Tragedy struck in 2016 when Moira discovered her daughter Holly dead in bed, after a long addiction to heroin.
Moira also has a dark secret – she’s a killer!
She pushed her psychotic sister-in-law Emma Barton off the Hotten Viaduct to her death, and Adam took the rap for her.
Adam went to prison, but ended up breaking out and is still on the run.
Natalie was in videos for her music (Credit: YouTube)
Natalie is a former popstar
Prior to finding fame as a soap star, Natalie had a stab at a singing career. In the 90s she was a member of a band called The Kinky People.
Despite their memorable name, the group failed to have any chart success and eventually split.
In 1997, Natalie released a single called Keep Your Love with dance group Partizan.
She also lent her vocals to trance track I Will Be There, with artist Absolutely.
As Andrea in The Bill (Credit: Fremantle Media/Shutterstock)
What else has Natalie J Robb been in?
Quite a bit as it turns out!
The actress made her screen debut at the tender age of nine, starring in an STV drama alongside esteemed actor Tom Conti.
At 13, Natalie was awarded the BBC Young Entertainer of the Year award on popular children’s TV show, Going Live!
Then Soapland came calling.
As well as her roles in Take the High Road, Doctors and The Bill, Natalie also had a brief stint in EastEnders as Max Branning’s mistress, Gemma Clewes.
Jonny plays Liam in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV)
She dated her Emmerdale co-star
Natalie previously enjoyed a romance with her co-star Jonny McPherson, who plays the Dales resident doctor, Liam Cavanagh. The couple met on the set of the Yorkshire-based soap and were smitten.
They even lived together for a while after Jonny moved into Natalie’s home during the first Covid lockdown of 2020.
Unfortunately Natalie and Jonny agreed to go their separate ways the following summer after deciding they were better off as friends rather than lovers.
Speaking for the first time about her split, Natalie told The Sun in 2023: “Unfortunately, it was Covid times, so there was this added pressure.
“He moved in with me during the first lockdown and it was just too intense, too soon. And if you’re not used to that, which I hadn’t been for a while, we realised pretty quickly that we were better off as friends.”
Natalie J Robb on having children
The actress also opened up about being questioned over not having children in The Sun interview, explaining people judge her for it.
She said: “I used to get judged for not having children. People would be like: ‘What? You don’t have any kids and you’re single? You must be crazy.’ But I just never had that feeling of: ‘Oh my god, I’ve got to have a baby.’ It has to be the right situation – I didn’t want to go and do something like that on my own.”
Mack and Moira are brother and sister, but not related in real life (Credit: ITV)
Natalie is not related to Lawrence Robb
Eagle-eyed viewers will have spotted Natalie shares the same surname as her co-star Lawrence Robb.
The actors are on-screen siblings as Lawrence plays Moira’s younger brother, Mackenzie Boyd.
But despite having the same last name and both being Scottish, the duo are not related.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.30pm and 2.05pm.
Jeff Hordley has played Emmerdale Cain Dingle for nearly 24 years. Cain arrived in the village back in 2000 and his wicked ways made an instant impression with fans.
The moody mechanic has a weakness for beautiful women – in particular ones that are already taken.
He’s currently happily married to farmer Moira, but the list of his past conquests is extensive.
Cain’s character means he makes enemies easily. His past foes include his sister Chas’s late lover, Al Chapman and even his own family members.
But what about actor Jeff Hordley? What’s his life like away from the village? And which Emmerdale co-star does he get to go home to every night?
Jeff Hordley plays Cain Dingle (Credit: ITV)
Who is Jeff Hordley?
Jeff Hordley is a British actor best known for playing Emmerdale’s Cain Dingle. He’s been acting since he was a teenager and has also appeared in well known dramas such as Heartbeat.
Jeff joined the cast of Emmerdale at the start of the millennium and has gone on to become one of the soap’s best-loved characters.
How old is Jeff Hordley?
Jeff Hordley was born on March 7, 1970, which means he’s 53-years-old. A proud Mancunian, Jeff grew up in Oldham and is still to this day a passionate Manchester City football fan.
He attended North Chadderton Comprehensive before graduating from Manchester Metropolitan University School of Theatre with a BA (Hons) degree in Theatre Acting.
Cain is Emmerdale’s most popular character (Credit: ITV)
Who does Jeff Hordley play in Emmerdale?
Jeff plays the one and only Cain Dingle – Emmerdale’s resident bad boy, mechanic and all round soap legend.
Cain was introduced as the black sheep of the Dingle family, and the illegitimate son of Zak Dingle and his sister-in-law, Faith.
Arriving in 2000, Cain’s early years were spent shocking viewers with his illegal antics and also bedding a string of married women.
There’s been two loves of Cain’s life.
First up his cousin Charity, with whom he’s had a tumultuous on/off love affair (currently off).
Then there’s Moira. What started out as a steamy fling resulted in Cain finding his soulmate and their marriage has certainly been the making of him.
Cain’s had several brushes with death, including being attacked in a gripping whodunit storyline.
He’s a dad of four to Debbie Dingle, Nate Robinson, Kyle Winchester and Isaac Dingle.
Cain would do anything for his brood and even went as far as taking blame for Al Chapman’s murder to protect son Kyle, who was the real killer.
He’s a popular DJ outside of his acting (Credit: SplashNews.com)
Jeff is a DJ on the side
Jeff isn’t just a talented actor, he’s also a pro at spinning the decks. His side career of DJ-ing has seen him play at venues across the country.
Speaking on ITV’s Lorraine, Jeff described his playlist as being a mix of “soul, funk, reggae, old 60s stuff and lots of great beats.”
He added: “That (DJ-ing) has been my out-of-work acting job, you always need something else. And DJ-ing was always mine. Still might be…”
What else has Jeff Hordley been in?
Jeff’s first TV appearance was in an episode of the kids’ hospital drama Children’s Ward.
And interestingly, Emmerdale wasn’t his first rodeo in Soapland.
Jeff starred in two episodes of Coronation Street – first as a nightclub manager in 1997, then as a character called Wayne the year after.
Jeff Hordley leaves Emmerdale
Fans were shocked in 2006 when Jeff announced he was quitting Emmerdale to pursue other acting projects.
He then swapped television for treading the boards and appeared in a string of theatre productions – including playing Napoleon in Animal Farm.
But after three years out, Jeff decided to step back into Cain’s shoes and has remained ever since.
Zoe and Jeff have been together for 30 years (Credit: SplashNews.com)
He’s married to his Emmerdale co-star Zoe Henry
Jeff’s romantic history certainly couldn’t be more different to his on-screen alter ego.
In real life, the actor is happily married to his Emmerdale co-star Zoe Henry, who plays vet Rhona Goskirk. The famous pair have been colleagues for 22 years, and a couple for 30!
They met in 1994 when they were students at drama school and smitten Jeff said he knew straight away Zoe was the one.
Jeff proposed on the day Zoe won Best Actress in a Leading Role at the Manchester Evening News’s theatre awards and they then got hitched in 2003.
Zoe Henry and Jeff Hordley’s children
Jeff is a dad-of-two.
He and wife Zoe Henry welcomed their daughter Violet Percy into the world in 2005. Three years later, in April 2008, their son Stan Percy arrived, completing their family.
Jeff and Zoe are also parents to two beloved fur babies – their pet dogs!
Zoe and Jeff taught others about growing their own veg (Credit: BBC)
He rehauled his life after major surgery
Jeff was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at the age of 26. Tragically he lost his own mum to the same disease in 1979 after she suffered post-surgery complications.
After undergoing an operation to have part of his bowel removed, Jeff then rehauled his lifestyle by quitting cigarettes and adopting a home-grown diet.
He and wife Zoe have their own allotment, where they grow a huge range of fresh produce.
Speaking on CBBC’s Lockdown Learning series Celebrity Supply Teacher in 2020, Jeff said: “We find that getting our hands in the earth and growing our own fruit and vegetables is a great way to connect with nature.”
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.30pm and 2.05pm.
Emmerdale viewers have been rightly outraged over Tom King‘s abusive behaviour – but some have been more concerned about Piper the dog than victim Belle!
Physically abusive and emotionally controlling and manipulative, we’re all agreed Tom is not a nice guy. But Belle is continuing to stay in the marriage – we’re not sure whether it’s out of love or fear, but she is determined not to let her mask slip.
However, having now discovered she’s pregnant, Belle is devastated. Knowing there are so many reasons they can’t bring a baby into their lives, Belle has decided on a termination. But isn’t planning to tell Tom who is happily delivering the ‘good’ news to anyone who will listen.
Step away from Piper the dog, Tom! (Credit: ITV)
Tom hurts Piper in Emmerdale
Viewers have watched in complete horror as Tom used Piper to exert even more control over his wife. He didn’t like the fact his plot to make Belle think her mental health was at risk went wrong.
Tom managed to convince her she had forgotten to take her meds, but instead of him then controlling her pills, she decided to check into a mental health unit for support. She also refused to let him visit or call.
This obviously made him furious and he decided there was only one way he could get her back under his thrall – hurt Piper.
Fans were aghast – far more so than over anything he’d done to Belle – as he injected Piper with medication that made it seem like she was very sick. When Lydia saw the poor pup, she revealed to Belle that it didn’t look like Piper would pull through.
Belle, of course, immediately checked herself out of hospital then rushed home to find Piper had miraculously made a full recovery. Tom then manipulated Belle into believing it was due to her absence that Piper was so sick and now she was home, the dog felt better.
He is EVIL.
Even the look on his face is evil (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale fans complained in their hundreds
The scenes saw more than 850 horrified fans complain about the storyline’s dark twist. However the soap used their social media to assure viewers that Minnie, who plays Piper, was fit and well!
And the complaints haven’t been enough of a warning for show bosses to back off Piper as producer Laura Shaw has said the pooch is still in the firing line.
“Piper will definitely have a future role in the story,” Laura has warned when speaking to Entertainment Daily! and other media.
“It’s research-led,” she explained. “One of the things that we’ve found was that that is what abusers use. They will use family pets, people that you love, they will use them as weapons against you. So, this is all based on research. I promise you it’s not just us being mean to the dog for the sake of it.”
Doesn’t make it okay though! Poor Piper.
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.
