As Alice decides to stop cancer treatment in Classic Emmerdale 8 other times Emmerdale emotionally destroyed us

Friday’s episode of Classic Emmerdale sees Alice come to terms with her decision to stop the treatment for her cancer. In some of the most devastating scenes ever aired on Emmerdale, a heartbroken Alice tries to record a video for baby Samson to help him remember her – but she can’t stop crying.

And neither could we. As these scenes air again, here are a look back at some more of the most tear-jerking Emmerdale moments ever. Tissues at the ready!

Faith dies in Cain’s arms

Dingle matriarch Faith passed away in her son’s arms after being diagnosed with terminal breast cancer in 2022. The pair shared a tumultuous relationship over the years, but reconciled enough to break Cain’s heart when she died – having taken a fatal overdose so as to go out in her own terms.

Cain was left devastated as he bid his mother farewell, leading to one of the saddest soap deaths ever seen.

Goodbye Zak and Lisa

In scenes which aired last month, there was more heartbreak in store for the Dingles as they learned that Zak had died. As the family came together for a poignant funeral for the mighty Dingle, viewers were reminded of an earlier sad death – Lisa, who passed away at home, on the day of her wedding to Zak in 2019.

Zak returned home to find Lisa unresponsive on the sofa – his heart breaking as he realised that Lisa had died. A sad end for one of the soap’s most iconic couples.

Eric’s Parkinson’s diagnosis

Soap legend Eric Pollard hasn’t always been one of Emmerdale’s most sympathetic figures – playing the part of conniving businessman, scheming husband and out-and-out villain. He’s mellowed a lot in recent years – especially since the death of wife Val – and has recently shown a new vulnerability since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

Scenes this week have seen Pollard attempt to come to terms with his condition, struggling as it derailed his feud with Caleb. In unexpectedly sweet scenes, Caleb came to Pollard’s aid on Wednesday, giving him an unlikely frenemy to confide in. While the Pollard of old is never far from the surface, his struggle with his own vulnerability and mortality has been quietly devastating. Still wouldn’t trust him as far as we can throw him though.

Holly’s drug overdose

Holly Barton died in 2016, following a fatal heroin overdose. This followed a lengthy struggle with addiction. During this time, she had gotten clean, and then relapsed again. Returning home after making a new life for herself in London, Holly’s addiction came back harder than ever.

Once again, viewers were led to believe she was clean so when she died, it came as a shock not just to mum Moira, but to fans too. After all, actress Sophie Powles’ exit hadn’t even been advertised prior to the episode’s transmission. We’re still reeling from the shock.

Jackson’s assisted suicide

Becoming a quadriplegic after a train accident, Jackson struggled to adjust to his new living situation. And, while Aaron and mum Hazel did their best to change his mind, he quickly became set on ending his life.

As Jackson’s story ended, he took his own life via overdose, with Aaron handing him a fatally-dosed cup after mum Hazel was unable to do so. Aaron hasn’t been the same since. Us neither.

Paddy’s depression

Following wife Chas’s affair with sleazy Al Chapman, Paddy hit rock bottom. After months of struggling, he decided to end his own life – taking a rifle and heading out into the wilderness where he planned on ending it all. Thankfully, Paddy’s friends and family managed to catch up with him in time, and were able to get Paddy the help he needed.

The soap’s depiction of men’s mental health issues was one of its most effective storylines. All beautifully acted by star Dominic Brunt.

Ashley’s dementia

Beloved village vicar Ashley Thomas discovered that he had stroke-related vascular dementia in 2015. A special episode of the soap followed Ashley’s perspective as he left the hospital and attempted to make his way home – wandering the streets in a confused state.

Alzheimer’s charities praised the episode, saying at the time: “I understand there has to be a certain element of dramatic licence, but Emmerdale have been so flexible about getting things like the language right, and last night I think they smashed it.”

Belle’s mental health struggles

Young Belle Dingle hasn’t had an easy time of it. Diagnosed with schizophrenia at a young age, she managed to get her condition under control – only to fall for a controlling monster years later. This year’s Emmerdale has followed the fallout of Belle and Tom’s marriage, with Belle questioning her own sanity as Tom attempted to control every aspect of her life.

Things came to a head following dad Zak’s death, as Belle struggled to keep on an even keel. As Belle attempted to comprehend the extent of Tom’s abuse, her mental health suffered again. Scenes in which Belle wept at her dad’s grave, begging to be with him again, had viewers praising star Eden Taylor-Draper’s mighty performance.

Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale? All the cast exits, arrivals and returns

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.

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