From ‘no chemistry’ Vinny and Gabby to creepy Aaron and John, all the Emmerdale couples that just don’t work
It’s not us, it’s them
Who do we talk about when we talk about Emmerdale couples? Between such beloved pairings as Cain and Moira, and Zak and Lisa Dingle, Emmerdale has contributed to some of the greatest soap romances of all time.
And, with Sarah and Kammy growing close as Ruby and Caleb take their marriage to a whole new level of honesty, the village has some great couples even today. They can’t all be winners though.
And, between the likes of bullying Liam and Chas, and Aaron’s relationship to ‘creepy’ maybe-serial-killer John, there are a few pairings who have us scratching our heads.
The worst Emmerdale couples:
Gabby and Vinny have ‘no chemistry’ slam fans
Following the death of the love of his life, Liv, in 2022, Vinny was left desolate and distraught. However, he was able to move on eventually, and is now in a committed relationship with Gabby.
And, after a bust-up with Kim, Gabby is now out of Home Farm and living with the Dingles. But for many, Vinny and Gabby’s relationship doesn’t ring true, lacking the warmth and chemistry of when he was with Liv. They say opposites attract, but in this case, they’re worlds apart.
“Vinny and Gabby have no chemistry whatsoever,” wrote one fan on X as recent scenes aired.
“Gabby and Vinny together is like oil and water. They won’t mix no matter how much the writers want them to. He’s the yes dear type and when he tries to be assertive it comes off as comedic,” another agreed.
It’s a shame that the soap has now confirmed that Vinny is a blood relative to aunt Belle – to many, they’d have made the perfect pair.
Emmerdale fans worry for Aaron amid ‘controlling’ John
No sooner had the mysterious John Sugden arrived in the village than he clashed with Aaron. The fireworks were immediately evident, and the pair soon began seeing each other officially.
We gave John and Aaron a chance, but those niggling doubts have continued to grow, especially where John’s secrets are concerned. He was keen to make himself look like the perfect boyfriend by helping Aaron to cover up Anthony’s murder, but to many, his behaviour came across as ‘controlling’ and sinister.
“John is so unreadable. He gave me creepy vibes when he said he’d do anything for Aaron, but maybe that’s cos I think he killed Nate or just wishful thinking. Either way why has he never mentioned his mother who died recently and so many more questions…” wrote one fan on social media.
Aaron and John are now engaged, but questions surrounding his true motives are only growing. Did he kill Nate? What’s he done with Anthony’s body? And did he poison Chas? The soap has yet to confirm what John’s up to, but there’s no smoke without fire…
Dawn and Billy’s marriage is on the rocks
The once strong marriage of Dawn and Billy has come under pressure in recent months, between Billy’s wandering eye and her wandering, uh, hands. Both stressed about money and a sick child, they’ve let their marriage suffer to the point where it’s almost falling apart.
And the viewers have taken note too, with many demanding that Billy divorce Dawn and find someone more worthy of his affections instead. But who would you like to see Billy with?
Dawn and Joe are one of the grossest couples in Emmerdale
Much of the reason for Dawn and Billy’s turmoil is living with them – Joe Tate. For the past few months, Dawn has been carrying on with Joe behind her husband’s back, sneaking off upstairs (or to Home Farm’s cabin in the woods) for a little alone time.
This would perhaps be understandable if it were true love, but Dawn is effectively throwing away her marriage for a man who cares not a jot for her – lying about his life-threatening illness, brushing her off when he can’t be bothered, and generally treating her either (a) with distain (b) with disinterest, or (c) like a piece of meat when the mood strikes. Or when it doesn’t, as it were.
Mack is holding Charity back
Do Charity and Mack not work, or do the fans (sorry, stans) just really want to see her with another? Between the Charity and Vanessa shippers (‘Vanity,’ to you and I) and the Charity and Ross lovers (Rarity? Choss?) there’s only one thing that they can agree on – the mighty Charity Dingle can do better than love rat Mack.
Liam and Chas are one of the most toxic couples in Emmerdale history
After months of dancing around their attraction to each other, Liam finally made his choice last year – and dumped Ella for Chas. Their relationship has gone from strength to strength ever since, and Liam proposed to her on Valentine’s Day.
They then spent the next few weeks, determined to drive Ella out of town, accusing her of poisoning Chas. Sure, Ella did steal the engagement ring, and went a bit far in her determination to clear her name, but the pair’s nastiness in their accusations and subsequent personal remarks were way out of line.
“The wedding is tainted more by it being chas and liam’s wedding. What a dreary couple,” wrote one fan on X.
“Of all the mis-matched couples on this show, Liam and Chas are the least convincing to me,” said another.
Do Liam and Chas deserve each other, or are they simply bringing out the worst?
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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