Viv Hope is at the centre of the drama in the episodes of Classic Emmerdale currently airing on ITV3.
She’s just found out she’s expecting a baby. The timing isn’t great, because her stepdaughter Dawn just died in the King’s River explosion. Bob had announced he didn’t want a baby after all, just as Viv discovered she was pregnant – awks.
Viv thought her only option was to terminate, despite her longing for another child.
Thankfully on screen now Bob’s found out about the pregnancy and together he and Viv have decided to go ahead and have the baby.
But watching the scenes where Bob and Viv, along with Viv’s kids Scott and Donna, Donna’s husband Marlon, and Bob’s ex-wife Jean, all gathered together at the clinic, got me thinking.
The Hope family were at the heart of the action (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Viv was in the middle of the action in Classic Emmerdale
Back in the noughties, the Hopes and their various children were right at the heart of Emmerdale. And at the centre of it all was Viv.
Brash and gobby she may have been, but she had a good heart. She was devoted to her family and weathered their (many!) storms. Actress Deena Payne, who played Viv, was brilliant at bringing humour to the show, but also handled tragedy deftly.
Whether Viv was getting stuck in a wheelie bin, booking a rabbit to be her wedding planner, or grieving for husband Vic, she always stole the show.
Viv died in a fire in 2011 – alongside Dawn’s ex-husband, Terry Woods.
Once the Hope/Windsor family were a proper dynasty (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
A real asset to Emmerdale
She was such an asset to Emmerdale and every time I see her on screen in Classic episodes I am reminded all over again that it was a mistake to kill her off.
Even actress Deena agrees! She’s pointed out that no one ever saw Viv’s body, so perhaps she’s still out there somewhere!
Bob needs more family!
With Viv gone, the Hopes fell apart. Bob’s son Jamie left the village. Viv’s daughter Donna returned with her daughter April, then died. Bob’s daughter Carly came to the village for a while, then moved on. Son Heath was killed a year ago, and now there’s only Bob, daughter Cathy, and granddaughter April left.
“It was quite a dynasty,” says Tony Audenshaw, who plays Bob. “That has been eroded a bit and I’ve got a much smaller family.”
I can’t help thinking that the lack of Hopes in the village is another mistake. There are so many of Bob and Viv’s families who could add some interest to Emmerdale. I’d love to see his American daughter Roxy return. Or could Scott Windsor come back to the village? Recast if necessary.
Tony Audenshaw is a great actor and giving him a family again would help keep him in the middle of the action, where he belongs.
Of course we love the Dingles, but there are a lot of them, and they just keep coming. And that means Emmerdale feels a bit unbalanced in my view. I’ve long argued for more Sugdens – the family that once held Emmerdale together is down to Victoria and newcomer John. And more Hopes would be the icing on the cake!
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
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In today’s Classic Emmerdale spoilers airing on ITV3 on Tuesday, December 17, Daz warns Katie he’s keeping an eye on her, and Katie doesn’t react well, Cain’s making demands, and there’s baby joy for Viv. Sort of!
These episodes originally aired on June 10 and 12, 2006.
Daz makes threats
Now he’s back living with Katie and Andy, Daz has an ulterior motive. He’s planning to keep a close eye on Katie! He tells her she has to get used to him being around because he isn’t going anywhere. And then he makes a dig about how many men she’s had. Furious, Katie slaps him!
Baby news!
Elsewhere, Viv is delighted to discover Buffy the rabbit has unexpectedly given birth to a litter of baby bunnies. She takes this is a positive sign and decides she’ll do whatever it takes to get pregnant.
Eric’s hollow victory in Classic Emmerdale
Meanwhile, Eric’s election victory starts to feel a bit hollow as he watches a happy Rodney spending time with Paul and Kelly.
Bob suggests he and Viv try surrogacy (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Viv’s got plans
Later, Bob suggests to Viv that they try surrogacy. Meanwhile, Donna and Marlon are upset that their mortgage application has been turned down – and that gives Viv an idea! She offers to give Donna the money she needs, if Donna lets her use her womb!
Daz is upsetting everyone (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Classic Emmerdale: Daz makes a phone call
At Butler’s, Andy is upset when he finds Daz shouting at Katie, and then Daz gets upset too. Unable to reach Jasmine, he calls his mum instead…
Cain makes demands
Meanwhile, Jasmine’s with Cain, who tells her she has to end her relationship with Debbie. Will Jasmine do as he says?
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page @emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter @emmerdaleinside
In today’s Classic Emmerdale spoilers for episodes airing on ITV3 on Monday, December 16, Rodney proves he can play just as dirty as Eric, Del and Paddy get closer, and could Viv be pregnant?
These episodes originally aired on June 8 and 9, 2006.
Throwing punches!
Rodney’s horrified when a story appears in the Hotten Courier containing salacious rumours about his son Paul, and making out that girlfriend Kelly is a porn star.
Kelly and Paul are hurt and feel Rodney’s let them down. When a photographer suggests they pose for a photo together they reluctantly agree. But Eric is lurking and can’t resist a cutting remark – earning himself a punch from Rodney! And of course the photographer has captured the whole thing!
Del and Paddy get closer but Toni’s about to interrupt their romantic evening… (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Paddy gets romantic in Classic Emmerdale
Elsewhere, Marlon prepares a special aphrodisiac meal for Del and Paddy and then makes himself scarce. But just as the lovebirds are about to take things upstairs, a jealous Toni comes home and hangs around.
Steph sticks to her story
Meanwhile, Alan goes to visit Steph and braves asking her outright if she killed Terence. But she sticks to her story and tells him Adam was the one who killed her brother.
Classic Emmerdale: Is Viv pregnant?
Viv thinks she’s pregnant and announces her good news at a family dinner. But her family aren’t convinced and insist she goes to see Dr Adam for a test. Viv’s confused when the test is negative and reels off her symptoms. Adam suggests it could be the menopause and Viv is horrified!
Rodney tells Kelly he was looking out for her (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Rodney’s on top!
Rodney explains he hit Eric to protect Kelly’s honour but it’s probably cost him his seat on the council. When Kelly hears what Eric’s been saying, she whacks him too! The photographer is too slow to capture the moment – so Kelly does it again!
Rodney tells Eric that he’s realised family is more important and even if he is elected, he’s going to resign immediately. He adds that he’s bought Holdgate Farm, which will be opening as a spa and health club, managed by Kelly and Paul.
When the votes are counted, Eric smugly reveals he’s won and tells Rodney not to be too confident about converting Holdgate into a business.
But Rodney has the last laugh when he points out that Val won’t be impressed if he tells her Eric humiliated her son and wants his business plans ruined!
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page @emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter @emmerdaleinside
In Classic Emmerdale spoilers for episodes airing on ITV3 on Friday October 25, Dawn’s out for revenge, Louise is crushed and Noreen’s giving up politics!
These episodes originally aired on March 16 and 17, 2006.
Dawn celebrates!
It’s celebration time for Dawn as she passes her driving test, and heads to the pub for congratulatory drinks. When Jo arrives to join in the fun, she brings two letters for Dawn. One is an offer of a place on the college course she’s been aiming for and Dawn’s delighted.
But the other is from the DHSS letting Dawn know she is being investigated for fraud. Bob tells his daughter not to worry but Jo – thinking out loud – says with all the jobs Dawn has on the side, perhaps she’s in trouble.
Kelly catches Scott and quizzes him about what he’s done – Scott says he reported Dawn ages ago because he was angry with her, but now he regrets it. Kelly says it’s too late for him to be sorry, and she just hopes Dawn doesn’t find out who shopped her.
There’s good news and bad news for Dawn (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
It’s curry-oke night in the Woolpack and Louise takes to the stage as Olivia Newton John. But after singing just a few lines, she’s laughed off and crushed, she hurries away. Diane is sympathetic but reminds Louise that she’s tried to tell her she can’t sing several times. Louise snaps back, but ends up in floods of tears.
Sabotage in Classic Emmerdale spoilers
Marlon and Toni are butting heads in the Woolpack kitchen. So Marlon takes matters into his own hands and decides to sabotage Toni’s cooking.
Dawn wants revenge!
The next day, Dawn’s nervous as she attends her fraud interview and discovers the investigator is Philippa Reed. She tells Dawn someone reported her and Dawn’s fuming. She admits she’s done a bit of extra work but didn’t think it was enough to cause a problem. But as Philippa produces video recordings and print-outs of Dawn’s bank statements, things start to look bleak.
Meanwhile, another officer is quizzing Ashley and Viv, and gathering evidence, and Dawn’s shocked to discover she could end up with a custodial sentence.
Back in the village she’s determined to find out who shopped her, and Kelly’s her first suspect. When it seems Kelly’s hiding something, Dawn’s on to her and Bob has to hold her back!
Kelly’s furious with Scott and when he says he had no idea things would get this serious, points out that even he can’t be that stupid.
Katie tells Andy she’ll be going to her aunt’s when she’s out of hospital (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Political thinking in Classic Emmerdale
Eric’s fretting after hearing several people say they’re going to switch their vote to Noreen. But, after a bruising interview with the Hotten Courier, Noreen decides her political career is over.
Katie tells Andy that the police have found her mum and they’ll be staying at her aunt’s together when she is out of hospital. Daz is delighted to know Katie will be out of their lives.
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 Classic Emmerdale spoilers for episodes airing on ITV3 on Thursday October 24, Bob’s got bad news for Viv, Dawn’s determined to get behind the wheel, and Val and Noreen are making plans.
These episodes originally aired on March 14 and 15, 2006.
Bob catches Jamie doing a runner with his money (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Jamie comes clean in Classic Emmerdale
With Bob’s money in his account, Jamie makes plans to leave the village but Bob catches him mid-flit and demands to know what’s going on. Jamie is forced to admit that he’s locked in a custody battle with his ex-girlfriend over their dog, Snoop.
Bob’s dubious about Jamie’s tall tale but Jamie begs him to believe him, piling on the emotional blackmail. When Bob admits he’s finding it hard to trust his son, Jamie lashes out, telling his dad he’s a terrible role model.
Hurt, Bob offers the money, but tells Jamie if he takes it, that’s goodbye. Jamie takes the cash.
Later Bob tells Viv that he can’t risk being a rubbish dad again – he announces the babymaking is off!
With Jamie on his way to the station, Viv begs Dawn to help her – she wants Bob and Jamie to make up so babies are back on the agenda! Dawn agrees on condition Viv lets her drive to the station. Viv’s impressed with Dawn’s driving.
Jamie decides to stay in Emmerdale. He apologises to Bob and returns the money. Bob’s pleased. Jamie’s worried about Snoop and Viv tells him he’ll have to earn the money for the dog the proper way.
Dawn’s driven to succeed in Classic Emmerdale
Desperate to pass her driving test, Dawn goes out to practise with Jo, but she ends up scratching Cain’s car when she’s trying to park. When Cain confronts her about it, Dawn stands up to him and he’s amused – and flirty!
Dawn’s worried when she accidentally scrapes Cain’s car (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Money woes
Nicola’s cancelled her standing order for the mortgage and though Simon’s pleased she’s gone he realises he and his mum need to boost their finances somehow. Lesley asks Ivan to move back in, and he makes it very clear that’s not happening!
But the next day, Ivan has a change of heart and Simon’s relieved!
Val and Noreen plot against Eric
Val suggests to Noreen that she stands as an independent candidate in the election against Eric but Noreen says no.
Val and Noreen are trying hard to hide their affection for one another, but Val’s chuffed when Noreen agrees to run in the election.
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 Classic Emmerdale spoilers for episodes airing on ITV3 on Tuesday October 22, Nicola’s lying but Rodney’s suspicious, and Viv’s got plans for Bob.
These episodes originally aired on March 9 and 10, 2006.
Nicola’s crush on Ivan has caused even more trouble (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Nicola’s lies lead to Paul and Ivan splitting up
Disgusted by what Nicola has told him, Rodney tells Paul about Ivan’s infidelity. Of course, Paul’s livid and confronts Ivan, but when he protests his innocence, Paul doubts him.
So Ivan marches off to speak to Nicola about what she’s been saying and tells her to admit it’s not true.
But manipulative Nicola pretends to be hurt and lambasts Ivan for denying they’ve been together. Rodney sends Ivan away and comforts his daughter.
Making things worse in Classic Emmerdale
Later, Laurel speaks to Nicola, wanting to know what’s going on, and Nicola even lies to her, saying she and Ivan slept together.
The next day, Rodney’s beginning to wonder if Nicola’s being totally truthful. But when Paul comes to speak to her, Nicola ramps up the lies and tells him she and Ivan were having an affair.
And when Rodney seeks her out to get the lowdown, she keeps on lying and even makes out Ivan took advantage of her.
Rodney, though, knows Nicola’s got a history of bending the truth, and he heads off to make things up with Paul.
Nicola won’t admit she’s lying, even when Ivan confronts her (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Rodney’s choice
Paul admits he’s thinking of leaving Emmerdale. When Rodney asks him to move back in he says he can’t live under the same roof as his sister, forcing Rodney to choose between his children.
When he chooses Paul, Nicola’s furious!
Later, she admits to Laurel that she lied about sleeping with Ivan. Shocked, Laurel gives her an ultimatum – either Nicola tells Paul, or she will!
Toni’s hurt in Classic Emmerdale
Elsewhere, Toni misreads the signs and she’s angry when Hari rejects her. But later at home, her anger turns to upset and she turns to Paddy for comfort.
Baby making
Desperate for a baby, Viv asks Hari for advice and implements a new regime to make sure she gets pregnant.
And Simon and Lesley try to erase any signs of Nicola from Mulberry Cottage.
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 Tuesday October 8 reveal it’s the day of the double wedding and after the grooms had a wobble it’s time for the brides to have second thoughts! These episodes originally aired on February 16 and 17 2006.
Donna’s got something to tell a shocked Marlon (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Donna’s doubts in Classic Emmerdale spoilers
It’s the day of the double wedding and it’s time for the brides to start struggling with their big commitment.
Bob’s still missing and Viv’s starting to think the wedding’s off, while Donna’s concerned she’s not been completely honest with Marlon. So she heads off to the Dingles’ cottage where she admits she’s had wobbles about marrying him since day one, and reveals that she was in love with Max King.
Luckily, Marlon’s in a forgiving mood!
Jean kidnaps Bob!
Meanwhile Jean picks Bob up for the wedding, but when he notices she’s driven past the turn-off for Emmerdale, she slams on the brakes, locks the doors, and demands he gives their relationship another try! She tells him she won’t let him out until he agrees to go to Spain with her.
Trapped in the car, Bob’s forced to wrestle his way out and leg it! But as Jean drives off, he realises he’s in the middle of nowhere!
Viv’s fuming as the wedding’s off in Classic Emmerdale
Back in the village, a distraught Viv has decided that the wedding’s off and trudges off to the bridge alone – she’s startled when Bob jumps out of a car and tells her he was abducted!
Viv’s not impressed. She chucks her bouquet at him and shoves him into the river! But as she turns to leave, Bob announces he disappeared because he’s been having his vasectomy reversed!
Moving on?
As the dust from the wedding settles, Viv’s sad that Donna will be moving out. She convinces her and Marlon to stay with her to save money.
Alice frets over Samson
At the Dingles’ place, everyone’s celebrating Samson’s homecoming, but Alice can’t relax. She’s worried the baby will stop breathing.
It’s a busy couple of days for Jean! (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Shock for Dawn!
And there’s a shock for Dawn when she finds her mum in bed with her ex-husband Terry! Needing help in the cafe, she ropes in Jamie, who thinks the whole thing is hilarious – but Dawn’s much less impressed.
Betty’s on the case in Classic Emmerdale
Terence has been borrowing money from his dad Alan, saying it’s for his ex-wife. Betty’s sceptical, so she puts on her Miss Marple hat and calls Terence’s ex. But as soon as Betty mentions Terence’s name, his wife hangs up! What’s all that about?!
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 Monday October 7 reveal Bob disappears on his stag do, as Marlon has doubts about his own impending marriage. These episodes originally aired on February 14 and 15 2006.
Bob cheers as he wins big at the casino (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Bob disappears
It’s the night of the joint stag do for Marlon and Bob. They head to a casino and Bob’s luck is in.
As the lads celebrate, Bob heads off into the night and claims there’s something he has to do. His mysterious departure leaves the stags confused – and worried. Where has he gone?
The stags later return to the village and are forced to confess to Viv that Bob has gone missing. As she panics her desire for a baby has forced him away, will he return in time for the wedding?
Marlon has doubts in Classic Emmerdale
As they leave the casino, Marlon steels himself and is honest with Paddy. He admits he’s having doubts about the wedding. Paddy feels Marlon needs to talk to Donna about this not him, so calls the bride-to-be.
Donna finds him at Smithy Cottage, but will they have an honest conversation about how they are both feeling?
The double wedding in jeopardy
Things take another disastrous turn when the reception venue cancels at the last minute. Donna has to try and find a replacement.
However her idea of The Woolpack doesn’t go down well with Marlon. He insists he’ll find a better alternative, but with such a short amount of time, does he really have any chance at all?
Tom steps up for the Dingles in Classic Emmerdale
Sam asks the Kings for help by sponsoring Alice’s wing walk. Tom gives generously and remembers his own wife’s cancer battle. He tells Carl Sam will need all the help he can get.
Tom later gifts Sam a video camera to film the wing walk, wanting to help in any way he can.
Samson’s coming home
Sam is thrilled when the doctors reveal Samson can come home on Friday. Alice however is concerned.
Back at the Dingles’ she airs her fears, believing Samson isn’t ready to be at home. As she gets upset, the family worry for her fragile mental state as it’s clear everything is getting on top of her.
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 Post Mistress and resident gossip Viv Hope has long-since been remembered by fans despite her untimely demise in a fire. In fact, her legs still feature in the opening credits 13 years after she died!
As she takes centre stage with her double wedding in Classic episodes currently, here’s the lowdown on Viv.
Viv and Vic Windsor and their kids arrive in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Viv and Vic Windsor in Emmerdale
Iconic Viv Windsor arrived in what was then Beckindale in 1993. She and her husband Vic, plus her son Scott, his daughter Kelly and their daughter together, Donna, bought the Post Office after deciding to leave London due to increasing crime rates.
Not long after the family moved, Viv’s ex-husband, Reg Dawson, father of Scott, turned up having been released from prison. He immediately took Viv and a woman called Shirley Turner hostage. He tried to shoot Viv, but Shirley was hit and killed instead. Reg was then shot by police and he died. He left £30k to Viv in his will as long as she divorced Vic, but she turned the money down and stayed with her husband.
Viv and Vic did split up for a while in 1995 when she had an affair with Terry Woods, but she went back to him for the sake of the kids. Things eventually got better for Viv and Vic, but then tragedy struck. He was shot and killed during a robbery at the Post Office on Christmas Day, 1998.
A whirlwind romance with Bob Hope swept Viv off her feet (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Viv and Bob Hope
After a turbulent few years, during which she fell out with stepdaughter Kelly and son Scott, Viv was swept off her feet by Bob Hope, a tights salesman in 2000! He very quickly moved in with her and they married in 2001.
However, they were rocked by the revelation Bob had another wife, Barbara. They got past it, but cracks were starting to show and they eventually divorced. She moved on, seducing Paddy Kirk, which resulted in the end of his marriage to Emily.
Bob wanted all of his children to attend the wedding and Viv contacted them. She became upset to discover he had kids with all of his ex-wives, but not her. He disappointed Viv when he told her kids were off the cards due to his vasectomy.
But the night before the wedding, he had the op reversed and spent the night in a hotel. Viv had no idea and when he didn’t turn up, assumed he’d jilted her. In fact, ex-wife Jean had taken him hostage in the hotel room and was begging him to get back with her. Bob managed to get away and he and Viv married for a second time.
Bob’s daughter Dawn was then killed in an explosion at a show home, thanks to the Kings. On the day of her funeral, Viv discovered she was pregnant with twins Cathy and Heath, who arrived on February 9, 2007.
After she began raising money for children’s charities, Viv got into a trouble when she gave the money to a man named Freddy Yorke who took it and ran away. When Viv admitted she was moving money around she ended up implicating herself. She was charged with conspiracy to defraud.
Although she attempted to clear her name, Freddy threatened her children’s lives and then planted stolen money on her, which only served to make matters worse. Viv pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years in prison.
She refused to let Bob visit, but determined to stand by his wife, Bob devised several plans to get into the prison. Viv eventually wrote to him in 2009 and asked him to come and see her, but he felt things were over, so decided to have sex with Gennie Walker instead!
It turned out Viv was actually being released and when she turned up in the village the next day, Brenda mistook her for a thief! Brenda was now co-owner of the business, which Viv struggled with and they clashed a lot.
Viv fell asleep on the sofa as a fire raged through the flat (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
The death of Viv in Emmerdale
When Viv then found out about Bob’s fling with Gennie, she called time on their marriage. However, it soon became clear she hoped the split wasn’t permanent. She began faking burglaries to play the damsel in distress and get Bob’s help and also tried to make him jealous. Eventually former lover Terry advised her to move on and she did try.
Terry supported her, but she mistook his kindness for something more and made a move. He gently knocked her back, insisting he was now with Brenda.
One more rejection hit Viv hard and she drunk a bottle of wine before passing out on the sofa. But a fire had been started at neighbouring Victoria Cottage and it soon spread to the shop. Terry broke in to rescue her and the twins. Bob got Heath and Cathy to safety, while Terry tried to get Viv.
However the Post Office exploded and Terry and Viv were both killed. Viv’s funeral was then held in her hometown of Essex, off screen.
Deena Payne smiling on the red carpet in 2008 (Credit: Cover Images)
Deena Payne and the controversy surrounding Viv’s exit
Viv was played by actress Deena Payne for 18 years, which made her one of the longest-serving show characters. Although she has admitted she was ready to leave as Viv, Deena has been very open about her disappointment over the way things were handled.
She gave an interview to the Distinct Nostalgia podcast in 2022 and explained: “18 years was enough. It was at a time when I wasn’t quite sure. If they tempted me to stay, I would’ve stayed and I would have preferred to have given in my notice. I was bitterly disappointed with the storyline exit I had as well after all the years I had been in.”
She went on to say: “I was hurt quite deeply and I did enjoy playing the character. I still miss that, absolutely, it did hurt, that’s for sure because it was a life and a person I had been playing for 18 years.”
Deena also spoke out about the storyline and how she didn’t want her character to die. “I not only didn’t have a storyline building up to it, but I also didn’t even have a grave in Emmerdale.
“They just sent my bits down south and I didn’t have any family left there so I did feel all of a sudden gone.
“And yes, in an ideal world it would have been fantastic to keep coming back in and muddying the waters and upsetting everybody and then back out as if nothing had happened.”
What is Deena Payne doing now?
Following her Emmerdale demise, Deena went back to the theatre. She has appeared on stage in Calendar Girls as well as in several pantomimes.
She has done some more TV, including True Crime and Doctors. It’s also reported she runs a dance school.
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 Friday October 4 reveal Viv’s baby plan as she tells Bob she wants to give him the chance to be a good father. These episodes originally aired on 10 and 13 February 2006.
Viv flies through the air on her activity hen do in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
The joint hen party gets underway in Classic Emmerdale spoilers
Viv is horrified when she discovers that Donna has booked an outward bound centre for their hen do. Her mood is even further dampened when she sees that Jean has joined them.
Things go from bad-to-worse as the two brides-to-be fall out. Donna then blurts out that she wishes she wasn’t getting married.
Meanwhile, Jean continues to wind up Viv and mentions that she’s married Bob twice. Viv is left feeling flat as she realises that she is just the latest in a long line of conquests for Bob.
Later, the miserable hen party returns to the village and as if Viv’s mood couldn’t sink any lower, she is informed by a reporter that readers have lost interest in Buffy and they will no longer be doing a feature on the wedding.
Viv is determined to make the wedding more appealing to the press, so she sacks Belle as ring bearer, and gives the role to the rabbit.
Viv’s baby plan
Bob apologises to Josh for lying to him about going blind, and tries to convince his son that he does care about him. Bob is gutted when Josh refuses to forgive him and returns home convinced he’s the worst dad ever.
Later, as Bob talks to Josh again, Viv watches on. Seeing how happy Bob looks she comes up with a plan.
Viv tells Bob that she would like to give him the chance to be a good father and says that she wants them to have a baby. Bob is shocked and explains that it can’t happen because he’s had the snip. Viv wants him to have it reversed, but Bob says no.
Vic argues with everyone at the wedding rehearsal and Marlon has had enough (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Marlon’s had enough in Classic Emmerdale spoilers
Marlon is sick of Viv’s demands and he and Donna attend the wedding rehearsal, but it turns into a row. The Dingles end up leaving in a huff, with Marlon trying to make it up to them.
Viv later interferes again and tells Marlon they’re moving the stag do to the following night. This upsets Marlon as it’s the date of his and Tricia’s wedding anniversary, but Viv isn’t fazed.
However, Donna is more understanding. When she finds out about the date change, she worries for Marlon and tries to speak to him. Marlon has had enough though and tells Donna he doesn’t want to talk about anything wedding related.
Alice plans a wing-walk
Alice takes control of her life and vows to do a wing-walk to raise money for chemo patients. Sam is shocked and worried when Alice announces the news. He tries to talk her out of it, but Alice remains determined.
Elsewhere, Dawn goes to an adult learning centre to look into courses. She realises that she’ll need to pass her driving test in order to get herself to and from college as some of the lessons don’t finish until 9.30pm.
