Alan Turner, his wives and children: the life and death of Emmerdale's iconic Woolpack landlord

Womaniser, former Woolpack landlord and father to iconic soap villain Steph Stokes – Alan Turner was a member of Emmerdale royalty. The character appeared on the soap for over 30 years, and was a part of such major storylines as the 1999 plane crash and the murder of Shelley Williams.

In today’s episode of Classic Emmerdale (Friday, October 11), Alan learns the extent of son Terence’s evil, as he admits to raping sister Steph as a child. During the ensuing fallout, Terence grows violent and punches his father unconscious.

But who was Alan Turner exactly?

Alan Turner was one of Emmerdale’s most recognisable residents (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

Who played Alan Turner on Emmerdale?

Alan Turner moved to the village in 1982 with wife Jill and two children, Terence and Steph (formerly Mary). He was a major player on the soap from 1918 – 2013, and was played by actor Richard Thorp.

Alan spent much of his time as an estate manager for NY Estates, doing deals with local businesses and council work. During this time, he clashed with rivals Joe Sugden and Seth Armstrong. Alan was also one of the village’s most renowned ladies’ men, dating secretary Caroline Bates, re-marrying Shirley Foster and, later, striking up a relationship with his daughter’s best friend!

Alan Turner behind the bar on Emmerdale — Alan became the Woolpack’s landlord in 1991 (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

Running the Woolpack

In 1991, after hearing that then-landlord Amos was selling up, Alan took over ownership of the Woolpack. As a shrewd businessman, Alan tried to modernise the country pub by opening a wine bar, installing a jukebox and even tried doing away with ales in favour of an all-new and fancy gourmet menu.

Alan’s wine bar was short-lived – being destroyed during the plane crash of 1993. Alan also helped out the emergency services in the aftermath of the disaster.

During this time, granddaughter Tricia Stokes arrived in the village – burning his beloved pub down when she let off fireworks behind the bar while he was on holiday. Although he had it rebuilt, Alan sold up the following year, in 1999. He then bought the Grange B&B.

The return of daughter Steph

In 2002, Alan’s daughter (and Tricia’s mother) returned to the village, now calling herself Steph. While their relationship was a volatile one, they bonded over Tricia’s tragic death in 2003, growing closer as a result.

Alan Turner with Steph and Tricia on Emmerdale — Alan with daughter Steph and granddaughter Tricia (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

Relationship to Shelley

Not long afterwards, Alan fell for Steph’s best friend, Shelley. Steph became instantly jealous, and her relationship with her best friend and father began to sour. Growing fed up of Steph’s constant bullying, Shelley left the village, causing Alan to start drinking heavily.

During his recovery, Steph developed a plan to take her father’s money and businesses for her own – drugging him into a docile state as she attempted to control him and his finances. Alan managed to extricate himself from Steph’s control, only barely managing to stop her from killing them both by driving to a quarry edge.

Meanwhile, evidence emerged that Steph had been holding Shelley hostage in the basement of the B&B. Alan believed that Steph had gone through with murdering Shelley – only for her to turn up from beyond the grave, at her own memorial service. Shelley’s return was short-lived, however, with Steph pushing her former best friend off a ferry and into a watery grave.

Terence was not who Alan thought he was (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

Son Terence and Steph’s arrest

In 2006, Alan’s son Terence arrived in the village, amid claims that he’d sexually abused his sister as a child. Disbelieving Steph’s claims, Alan moved in with Terence. The truth was eventually revealed when Terence admitted to raping Steph later that year. During the ensuing fallout, Terence was killed, and Steph imprisoned for her brother’s murder.

Emmerdale pays tribute to Alan Turner star with commemorative episode

In July 2013, Alan announced that he was going travelling around France with his old biker friends. He returned off-screen in October that year – dying in his sleep before he could reunite with old friend Betty. He was aged 78 when he passed.

An hour-long episode was aired in June 2013, paying tribute to Alan and actor Richard Thorp, who had died in May that year.

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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