{"id":12960,"date":"2024-11-10T06:00:52","date_gmt":"2024-11-10T06:00:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/emmerdale-insider.com\/?p=12960"},"modified":"2024-11-08T21:18:36","modified_gmt":"2024-11-08T21:18:36","slug":"longest-serving-emmerdale-characters-all-time-eric-pollard-kim-tate-charity-dingle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/characters\/longest-serving-emmerdale-characters-all-time-eric-pollard-kim-tate-charity-dingle\/","title":{"rendered":"The 20 longest-serving Emmerdale characters of all time &#8211; Eric Pollard, Kim Tate, Charity Dingle and more!"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Emmerdale has been on air for an incredible 52 years and the village has been home to thousands of characters, but who are the longest-serving? While there are no original characters still in the show, there are others who have on screen for a significant number of years.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle-1st\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/10\/05\/the-pollard-family-tree-emmerdale-eric-pollard-wives\/\">Eric Pollard<\/a> comes out on top with 38 years of service, but which locals, past and present, have clocked up decades in the Dales?<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s a rundown of the 20 longest-serving Emmerdale characters of all time. Is your favourite on there?<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1557\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1557\" style=\"width: 1200px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1557\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/07\/eric_pollard.jpg\" alt=\"Eric Pollard smiles in Emmerdale publicity shot\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/07\/eric_pollard.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/07\/eric_pollard-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/07\/eric_pollard-120x150.jpg 120w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/07\/eric_pollard-768x960.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1557\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Eric Pollard has been on our screens for 38 incredible years (Credit: ITV)<\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:min-h-[300px]\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"ad-slot1\"><\/div><\/div>\n<h2>Longest-serving Emmerdale characters: 1. Eric Pollard<\/h2>\n<p>The award for the longest-serving character in Emmerdale history goes to the one and only Eric Pollard. It\u2019s been 38 \u2013 yes, 38 \u2013 years since the former antiques dealer stepped foot in the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/all-about-emmerdale\/emmerdale-tour\/\"> famous village<\/a>. He was only meant to stay for 12 episodes, but now has over 3300 under his belt.<\/p>\n<p>Chris Chittell, who is also Emmerdale\u2019s longest-serving actor, quickly won fans over with his portrayal of immoral Eric. He made his first appearance on September 30, 1986 and soon became a permanent fixture.<\/p><section class=\"widget block-30 widget_block mb-4\"><div class=\"mb-3 stories-slider-container overflow-hidden w-[100%] max-sm:w-[108%] max-sm:ml-[-15px]\" data-items-visible=\"2\">\n  <h3 class=\"w-full text-center mb-5 uppercase\">article continues below<\/h3>  <div class=\"grid md:grid-cols-5 grid-cols-6\">\n          <a class=\"!no-underline col-span-4 mr-5 cursor-pointer mb-3 hover:!bg-[var(--color-v-white)] hover:!text-[var(--color-v-primary)] block [-webkit-tap-highlight-color:transparent] uppercase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/category\/spoilers\/\">\n        <h2 class=\"font-[var(--font-v-font)] text-[var(--color-v-primary)] font-bold !text-2xl flex flex-row place-content-baseline !mb-0 max-sm:ml-[10px]\">\n          <span class=\"flex-initial mr-2 transition-all duration-300 hover:-translate-y-1 ease-in-out !leading-[var(--title-line-height)]\">Read all the latest spoilers<\/span>\n          <span class=\"mt-auto mb-2 self-baseline h-1 bg-[var(--color-v-primary)] block w-[100%] flex-1\"><\/span>\n        <\/h2>\n      <\/a>\n    \n\n\n\n\n    \n    <div class=\"rounded-tl-xl md:rounded-tr-xl bg-[var(--color-v-footer)] flex flex-row gap-4 md:col-span-1 col-span-2 justify-center pt-2\">\n      <button class=\"prev-btn h-8 w-8 rounded-full bg-[var(--color-v-white)] hover:bg-[var(--color-v-primary)] hover:text-[var(--color-v-white)] items-center justify-center text-sm transition delay-50 duration-100 cursor-pointer\" href=\"#\" alt=\"right\">\n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"w-5 h-5 justify-self-center inline\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"3\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M15 19l-7-7 7-7\"><\/path><\/svg>\n      <\/button>\n      <button class=\"next-btn h-8 w-8 rounded-full bg-[var(--color-v-white)] hover:bg-[var(--color-v-primary)] 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                      <div class=\"story-item flex-none slide\">\n              <div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:mpu-container dbxgas:hidden dbxgas:md:block dbxgas:mb-0!\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle-desktop\"><\/div><\/div>            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\" md:ml-3  w-[200px] max-sm:w-[180px] story-item flex-shrink-0\">\n            <a class=\"!no-underline relative h-[100%] block !text-[var(--color-v-text-gray)] hover:!text-[var(--color-v-primary)] transition delay-150 duration-150 ease-in-out\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/spoilers\/cain-sets-out-hammer-revenge-robert-todd-wants-10k-from-charity\/\">\n              <div class=\"relative\">\n                <img class=\"rounded-xl !my-0 md:w-[200px] md:h-[133px] max-sm:w-[180px] max-sm:h-[120px] object-cover mb-3\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/05\/News-split-2026-04-30T115615.768.jpg\" alt=\"Cain sets out with a hammer for revenge on Robert and Todd wants \u00a310k from Charity\">\n                                                   <span class=\"!text-[var(--color-v-white)] text-xs rounded-xl px-2 py-1 absolute bg-[var(--color-v-primary)] bottom-3 left-3\">May 11 - 15<\/span>                <\/div>\n              <h4 class=\"!font-semibold !text-sm md:!text-base !leading-[var(--title-line-height)] mt-2 max-sm:line-clamp-5 line-clamp-4 text-base font-semibold\">Cain sets out with a hammer for revenge on Robert and Todd wants \u00a310k from Charity<\/h4>\n              <span class=\"text-xs text-[var(--color-v-primary-dark)] align-baseline absolute bottom-2\">2 hours ago<\/span>\n            <\/a>\n          <\/div>\n                            <div class=\" ml-3  w-[200px] max-sm:w-[180px] story-item flex-shrink-0\">\n            <a class=\"!no-underline relative h-[100%] block !text-[var(--color-v-text-gray)] hover:!text-[var(--color-v-primary)] transition delay-150 duration-150 ease-in-out\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/spoilers\/bear-could-blow-everything-as-he-takes-to-the-stand\/\">\n              <div class=\"relative\">\n                <img class=\"rounded-xl !my-0 md:w-[200px] md:h-[133px] max-sm:w-[180px] max-sm:h-[120px] object-cover mb-3\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DATE-standard-2026-05-01T163329.213.jpg\" alt=\"Bear could blow everything as he takes to the stand\">\n                                                   <span class=\"!text-[var(--color-v-white)] text-xs rounded-xl px-2 py-1 absolute bg-[var(--color-v-primary)] bottom-3 left-3\"> Tue, May 5<\/span>                <\/div>\n              <h4 class=\"!font-semibold !text-sm md:!text-base !leading-[var(--title-line-height)] mt-2 max-sm:line-clamp-5 line-clamp-4 text-base font-semibold\">Bear could blow everything as he takes to the stand<\/h4>\n              <span class=\"text-xs text-[var(--color-v-primary-dark)] align-baseline absolute bottom-2\">13 hours ago<\/span>\n            <\/a>\n          <\/div>\n                            <div class=\" ml-3  w-[200px] max-sm:w-[180px] story-item flex-shrink-0\">\n            <a class=\"!no-underline relative h-[100%] block !text-[var(--color-v-text-gray)] hover:!text-[var(--color-v-primary)] transition delay-150 duration-150 ease-in-out\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/spoilers\/paddy-bear-dylan-face-jury-on-trial\/\">\n              <div class=\"relative\">\n                <img class=\"rounded-xl !my-0 md:w-[200px] md:h-[133px] max-sm:w-[180px] max-sm:h-[120px] object-cover mb-3\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Emm-Banners-ExclusiveOp-Templates-11.jpg\" alt=\"Paddy, Bear and Dylan face the jury as they go on trial\">\n                                                   <span class=\"!text-[var(--color-v-white)] text-xs rounded-xl px-2 py-1 absolute bg-[var(--color-v-primary)] bottom-3 left-3\"> Mon, May 4<\/span>                <\/div>\n              <h4 class=\"!font-semibold !text-sm md:!text-base !leading-[var(--title-line-height)] mt-2 max-sm:line-clamp-5 line-clamp-4 text-base font-semibold\">Paddy, Bear and Dylan face the jury as they go on trial<\/h4>\n              <span class=\"text-xs text-[var(--color-v-primary-dark)] align-baseline absolute bottom-2\">4 days ago<\/span>\n            <\/a>\n          <\/div>\n                            <div class=\" ml-3  w-[200px] max-sm:w-[180px] story-item flex-shrink-0\">\n            <a class=\"!no-underline relative h-[100%] block !text-[var(--color-v-text-gray)] hover:!text-[var(--color-v-primary)] transition delay-150 duration-150 ease-in-out\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/spoilers\/kevs-comeback-dawn-exit-return-sadie-king\/\">\n              <div class=\"relative\">\n                <img class=\"rounded-xl !my-0 md:w-[200px] md:h-[133px] max-sm:w-[180px] max-sm:h-[120px] object-cover mb-3\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/04\/News-split-2026-04-10T172033.421.jpg\" alt=\"Kev's comeback, Dawn's exit and the 'return of Sadie King'\">\n                                                   <span class=\"!text-[var(--color-v-white)] text-xs rounded-xl px-2 py-1 absolute bg-[var(--color-v-primary)] bottom-3 left-3\">Upcoming<\/span>                <\/div>\n              <h4 class=\"!font-semibold !text-sm md:!text-base !leading-[var(--title-line-height)] mt-2 max-sm:line-clamp-5 line-clamp-4 text-base font-semibold\">Kev's comeback, Dawn's exit and the 'return of Sadie King'<\/h4>\n              <span class=\"text-xs text-[var(--color-v-primary-dark)] align-baseline absolute bottom-2\">4 days ago<\/span>\n            <\/a>\n          <\/div>\n                            <div class=\" ml-3  w-[200px] max-sm:w-[180px] story-item flex-shrink-0\">\n            <a class=\"!no-underline relative h-[100%] block !text-[var(--color-v-text-gray)] hover:!text-[var(--color-v-primary)] transition delay-150 duration-150 ease-in-out\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/spoilers\/joe-exposes-dawn-big-secret-paddy-faces-his-last-night-village\/\">\n              <div class=\"relative\">\n                <img class=\"rounded-xl !my-0 md:w-[200px] md:h-[133px] max-sm:w-[180px] max-sm:h-[120px] object-cover mb-3\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DATE-split-2026-04-30T131946.383.jpg\" alt=\"Joe exposes Dawn's big secret and Paddy faces his last night in the village\">\n                                                   <span class=\"!text-[var(--color-v-white)] text-xs rounded-xl px-2 py-1 absolute bg-[var(--color-v-primary)] bottom-3 left-3\"> Fri, May 1<\/span>                <\/div>\n              <h4 class=\"!font-semibold !text-sm md:!text-base !leading-[var(--title-line-height)] mt-2 max-sm:line-clamp-5 line-clamp-4 text-base font-semibold\">Joe exposes Dawn's big secret and Paddy faces his last night in the village<\/h4>\n              <span class=\"text-xs text-[var(--color-v-primary-dark)] align-baseline absolute bottom-2\">5 days ago<\/span>\n            <\/a>\n          <\/div>\n                            <div class=\" ml-3  w-[200px] max-sm:w-[180px] story-item flex-shrink-0\">\n            <a class=\"!no-underline relative h-[100%] block !text-[var(--color-v-text-gray)] hover:!text-[var(--color-v-primary)] transition delay-150 duration-150 ease-in-out\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/spoilers\/moira-recruits-dawn-todd-beds-hope-bear\/\">\n              <div class=\"relative\">\n                <img class=\"rounded-xl !my-0 md:w-[200px] md:h-[133px] max-sm:w-[180px] max-sm:h-[120px] object-cover mb-3\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Fan-theory-Split-36.jpg\" alt=\"Moira recruits Dawn, Todd beds in and hope for Bear\">\n                                                   <span class=\"!text-[var(--color-v-white)] text-xs rounded-xl px-2 py-1 absolute bg-[var(--color-v-primary)] bottom-3 left-3\"> Thu, Apr 30<\/span>                <\/div>\n              <h4 class=\"!font-semibold !text-sm md:!text-base !leading-[var(--title-line-height)] mt-2 max-sm:line-clamp-5 line-clamp-4 text-base font-semibold\">Moira recruits Dawn, Todd beds in and hope for Bear<\/h4>\n              <span class=\"text-xs text-[var(--color-v-primary-dark)] align-baseline absolute bottom-2\">6 days ago<\/span>\n            <\/a>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"story-item mx-auto flex-none md:hidden sm:block w-[300px]\">\n    <div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden dbxgas:mb-0!\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle-mpu\"><\/div><\/div>    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p>Pollard has certainly packed a lot into his nearly four decades in the Dales. He\u2019s been married five times, committed fraud, bigamy and discovered he had a son he never knew existed.<\/p>\n<p>Eric may be a pensioner living with Parkinson\u2019s every day, but don\u2019t be fooled \u2013 there\u2019s still life in the sly old fox!<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div><div data-ad-slot=\"ad-slot2\"><\/div>\n<figure id=\"attachment_13232\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13232\" style=\"width: 1500px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13232\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_editorial_8858811dr-e1730385806833.jpg\" alt=\"Annie Sugden in Emmerdale\" width=\"1500\" height=\"949\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-13232\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Annie Sugden was Emmerdale\u2019s original matriarch (Credit: ITV\/Shutterstock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>2. Annie Sugden<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/08\/08\/the-sugden-family-emmerdale-annie-jack-joe-newcomer-john\/\">Sugden matriarch<\/a> Annie was the beating heart of the village, particularly in the early days of Emmerdale.<\/p><div class=\"my-5 boxout\"><div><h2 class=\"!text-2xl p-3 !my-0 bg-[var(--color-v-primary)]\">Don't miss a single story! Add us as a Preferred Source in Google for all your Emmerdale news<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"p-3 bg-[var(--color-v-primary)]\/50 text-base\">It's important to us that you never miss our articles when searching for stories! We have all the latest TV news &amp; schedules to share with our community of loyal readers.\r\n\r\nClick\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=tvguide.co.uk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q%3Dtvguide.co.uk&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1771925084739000&amp;usg=AOvVaw26YBpjtwUOaDOV8IYgQAmD\" data-track=\"preferred-source\" data-placement=\"article_body\"><b>here<\/b><\/a>\u00a0and tick\u00a0<strong><a href=\"http:\/\/tvguide.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http:\/\/tvguide.co.uk\/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1771925084739000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Uu9xte1Ig7bDiZNlkPjpu\">TVGuide.co.uk<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0to ensure you see stories from us first in Google Search.<\/div><\/div>\n<p>Annie was introduced back in the first episode, which aired on October 16, 1972. She was portrayed by actress Sheila Mercier, and remains the longest-serving female character in the soap\u2019s 52-year history.<\/p>\n<p>The Sugdens were Emmerdale\u2019s central family and headed up by Annie, who was a real heroine. She had practically raised her three children \u2013 Jack, Peggy and Joe \u2013 singlehandedly, while managing to run a busy farm.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p>Annie was also a true survivor, and overcame financial troubles, addiction battles, and even nearly being killed in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/10\/06\/the-12-best-emmerdale-episodes-ever-crashes-deaths-weddings-bravery\/\">1993 plane crash<\/a>. She left the village in July 1994 to start a new life in sunny Spain.<\/p>\n<p>She popped back a few times over the years, making her last appearance on February 2009, in what was her 1595th episode. Annie died off screen in August 2020, aged 100.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_13230\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13230\" style=\"width: 997px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13230\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_editorial_683200do-e1730385788254.jpg\" alt=\"Jack Sugden in Emmerdale\" width=\"997\" height=\"1500\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-13230\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Jack Sugden was the life blood of the village (Credit: ITV\/Shutterstock)<\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<h2>3. Jack Sugden<\/h2>\n<p>Another member of the OG Emmerdale gang, Jack Sugden became one of the show\u2019s most important characters.<\/p>\n<p>He was originally played by actor Andrew Burt on and off between 1972 and 1976. In 1980, Jack made a permanent return to the village, and the role was taken over by Clive Hornby.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p>For the next 28 years, Jack was a staple of village life. An experienced and hard-working farmer, he was a respected pillar of the community. He lost his first two wives in tragic circumstances, but found happiness with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/07\/31\/the-woolpack-emmerdale-history-beloved-village-boozer-including-landlords-landladies-tricias-death-camerons-siege\/\">Woolpack landlady<\/a>, Diane Blackstock.<\/p>\n<p>The biggest headache in Jack\u2019s life were his children \u2013 particularly his sons Robert and Andy, who formed a long-running rivalry.<\/p>\n<p>Following Clive Hornby\u2019s sad death in July 2008 the decision was made to kill Jack\u2019s character off. He died the following February while visiting his mum, Annie in Spain. Jack\u2019s body was returned to his beloved village and laid to rest in the local cemetery.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p>In total, Jack was in Emmerdale for 35 years and four months.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1421\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1421\" style=\"width: 1500px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1421\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/07\/29_07_emm_kim_02.jpg\" alt=\"Kim Tate in Emmerdale stares menacingly\" width=\"1500\" height=\"942\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/07\/29_07_emm_kim_02.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/07\/29_07_emm_kim_02-1024x643.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/07\/29_07_emm_kim_02-150x94.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/07\/29_07_emm_kim_02-768x482.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/07\/29_07_emm_kim_02-1200x754.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1421\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kim has been delivering the drama since 1989 (Credit: ITV)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>4. Kim Tate<\/h2>\n<p>Coming in at fourth place for years in service, is the indomitable lady of the manor, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/08\/02\/7-times-emmerdale-let-us-believe-character-dead-kim-tate-ross-barton\/\">Kim Tate<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>As the glamorous gold-digging wife of millionaire Frank, Kim made her debut on December 12, 1989. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/06\/26\/tate-family-emmerdale-frank-kim-jamie-history-iconic-dynasty\/\">The Tates<\/a> arrival in the village marked the dawn of a new \u2018sexier\u2019 era for the soap. And Kim had sex appeal galore!<\/p>\n<p>Played by the brilliant Claire King, Kim is best known for her steamy love affairs, criminal capers and the moment she stood and watched Frank die and did nothing. She\u2019s entertained millions for over 1500 episodes.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p>Kim was away from the Dales between 1999 and 2018, but has now been back on the throne of Home Farm for six years. And long may she reign!<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3581\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3581\" style=\"width: 784px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3581\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Robert-in-court.jpg\" alt=\"Robert looks sombre as he appears in court to be sentenced\" width=\"784\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Robert-in-court.jpg 784w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Robert-in-court-535x1024.jpg 535w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Robert-in-court-78x150.jpg 78w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Robert-in-court-768x1469.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 784px) 100vw, 784px\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3581\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Robert has been off our screens for five long years (Credit: ITV)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Longest-serving Emmerdale characters: 5. Robert Sugden<\/h2>\n<p>The time between Robert Sugden\u2019s first and last appearances is an impressive 33 years and seven months.<\/p>\n<p>The son of the late Jack and Pat Sugden, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/11\/06\/robert-sugden-emmerdale-relationship-aaron-why-prison-ever-return\/\">Robert<\/a> made his first appearance on the day of his birth \u2013 April 22, 1986. Since then, the character has been played by four different actors, most recently Ryan Hawley.<\/p>\n<p>Robert\u2019s one of Emmerdale\u2019s most popular, yet flawed, figures. His standout storylines include the love triangle between him, Katie Addyman and his adoptive brother, Andy. And of course, his iconic affair with Aaron Dingle. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/09\/03\/emmerdale-robron-2-0-every-reason-john-never-replace-robert\/\">Robron forever<\/a>!<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p>The character\u2019s last episode on-screen was November 1, 2019, when he was sentenced to 14 years in prison for manslaughter. Here\u2019s hoping they let him out for good behaviour so the fans can get the comeback they\u2019re craving.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_13231\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13231\" style=\"width: 994px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13231\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_editorial_674711kj-e1730385795593.jpg\" alt=\"Alan Turner in Emmerdale\" width=\"994\" height=\"1500\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-13231\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Alan Turner was another fan favourite in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV\/Shutterstock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>6. Alan Turner<\/h2>\n<p>Many fans will remember <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/10\/11\/alan-turner-his-wives-children-life-death-emmerdale-iconic-woolpack-landlord\/\">Alan Turner<\/a> as the iconic and kind-hearted landlord of The Woolpack. But he wasn\u2019t always a cuddly grandfather figure.<\/p>\n<p>When Alan arrived on March 18, 1982 he was a ruthless and pompous businessman who made his fair share of enemies. But time mellowed him and and Alan ended up becoming a highly respected local and friend to many.<\/p>\n<p>Actor Richard Thorp, who was previously known for his roles in British films such as The Dambusters and The Barrets of Wimpole Street, played Alan for 2696 episodes until his death in June 2013. The character was written out of the show, and died off-screen in October 2013, with the village mourning his passing.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3186\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3186\" style=\"width: 1500px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-3186 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/17_11_emm_david_victoria_02-scaled-e1667294383656.webp\" alt=\"Victoria Sugden in Emmerdale in The Hide\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/17_11_emm_david_victoria_02-scaled-e1667294383656.webp 1500w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/17_11_emm_david_victoria_02-scaled-e1667294383656-1024x576.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/17_11_emm_david_victoria_02-scaled-e1667294383656-150x84.webp 150w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/17_11_emm_david_victoria_02-scaled-e1667294383656-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/17_11_emm_david_victoria_02-scaled-e1667294383656-1200x675.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3186\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Victoria has lived her whole life in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>7. Victoria Sugden<\/h2>\n<p>This year marked Victoria Sugden\u2019s 30th on Emmerdale \u2013 and what a journey it\u2019s been!<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p>Born to Jack and Sarah Sugden on March 31, 1994, Vic has lived in the village her entire life. She was originally played by Jessica Heywood, then Hannah Midgley, before Isabel Hodgins took over the part in 2006.<\/p>\n<p>Victoria has had an eventful life so far. She underwent emergency surgery as a baby, lost both her parents at a young age, had a stint in psychiatric care, split from husband <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/06\/21\/could-adam-barton-return-emmerdale-adam-thomas-not-ruled-out\/\">Adam Barton<\/a> and was the victim of a rape attack that resulted in the birth of her son, Harry. After a short-lived romance with toyboy Jacob Gallagher, Victoria is focusing her energies on getting to know her long-lost half-brother, John.<\/p>\n<p>Her character has been without a big storyline for a while, but being part of such an iconic brood, we think Vic will always have a home in Emmerdale.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10627\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10627\" style=\"width: 1500px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10627\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Sam.jpg\" alt=\"Poor Sam has coped with a lot (Credit: ITV)\" width=\"1500\" height=\"784\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Sam.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Sam-1024x535.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Sam-150x78.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Sam-768x401.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10627\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sam is now the longest-serving Dingle (Credit: ITV)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>8. Sam Dingle<\/h2>\n<p>Sam\u2019s staying power is pretty impressive. Next year, the much-loved Dingle, and actor James Hooton (who\u2019s played Sam from the start) will be celebrating their 30th anniversaries on the show. This means Sam is the longest-serving Dingle.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p>Zak\u2019s third son arrived in Emmerdale on Valentine\u2019s Day 1995 straight from a Young Offenders Institution. Sam\u2019s always been the most gentle and naive of the Dingle clan, but has toughened up with age. That\u2019s what life in the Dales does to you!<\/p>\n<p>He\u2019s experienced terrible heartache, losing his first love, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/07\/29\/alice-dingle-emmerdale-marriage-sam-welcoming-son-samson-tragic-death\/\">Alice<\/a> to cancer when their son Samson was a few months old. But Sam has since found his happy ending with wife <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/09\/24\/lydia-dingle-and-her-terror-at-the-hands-of-craig-reed-in-emmerdale\/\">Lydia<\/a>, and the arrival of his granddaughter, Esther.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3342\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3342\" style=\"width: 1500px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3342\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/21_08_emm_ella_mandy_02.jpg\" alt=\"Mandy Dingle points in excitement\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/21_08_emm_ella_mandy_02.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/21_08_emm_ella_mandy_02-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/21_08_emm_ella_mandy_02-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/21_08_emm_ella_mandy_02-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/21_08_emm_ella_mandy_02-1200x675.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3342\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">There\u2019s never a dull moment when Mandy is around (Credit: ITV)<\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<h2>9. Mandy Dingle<\/h2>\n<p>Bubbly, brash and a bit bonkers \u2013 there\u2019s no mistaking Mandy Dingle. She\u2019s been bringing her own brand of craziness to Emmerdale on and off for over 29 years. Wow!<\/p>\n<p>We first clapped eyes on Mand on July 20, 1995 when she came to live with her Uncle Zak after being kicked out of home. The character turned actress Lisa Riley into a household name.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p>After two disastrous marriages \u2013 the first to her own cousin, Butch, then local vet Paddy Kirk \u2013 Mandy left the village in 2000. She returned 19 years later with son Vinny in tow (although it\u2019s now transpired <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/10\/22\/emmerdale-tina-dingle-vinnys-mum-timeline-vinny-parental-history-explained-fans-speculate-frank-tate-dad\/\">he\u2019s actually Tina Dingle\u2019s offspring<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p>Mandy is now happily re-married to Paddy, but for how long?<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8764\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8764\" style=\"width: 1145px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8764\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/09\/EMMERDALE_ZAK-scaled-e1718972998458.webp\" alt=\"Zak Dingle in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV)\" width=\"1145\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/09\/EMMERDALE_ZAK-scaled-e1718972998458.webp 1145w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/09\/EMMERDALE_ZAK-scaled-e1718972998458-782x1024.webp 782w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/09\/EMMERDALE_ZAK-scaled-e1718972998458-115x150.webp 115w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/09\/EMMERDALE_ZAK-scaled-e1718972998458-768x1006.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1145px) 100vw, 1145px\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8764\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Zak Dingle is sorely missed by everyone (Credit: ITV)<\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<h2>Longest-serving Emmerdale characters: 10. Zak Dingle<\/h2>\n<p>Zak was the strong-willed head of the Dingle family and a staple on our screens for 28 years and eight months.<\/p>\n<p>A former notorious bare-knuckle boxing champ, Zak was introduced on October 20, 1994. Over the years, more and more members of the Dingle clan were introduced \u2013 from children, to cousins and other distant relatives.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p>The man behind Zak Dingle was Bury born actor <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/10\/16\/emmerdale-steve-halliwell-multiple-health-struggles-stint-prison-homelessness-actors-life-farewell-zak-dingle\/\">Steve Halliwell<\/a>. He starred in 2929 episodes, but was forced to step down in June 2023 due to ill health. Steve sadly died on December 15, 2023 at the age of 77.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/10\/18\/zak-funeral-moving-emotional-perfectly-fitting-where-was-everybody-emmerdale\/\">Zak\u2019s own passing occurred in October 2024<\/a> and he was brought home to be laid to rest in Dingle soil.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7404\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7404\" style=\"width: 1500px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-7404\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/09\/27_11_emm_marlon_ryan_03-scaled-e1668504739314.jpg\" alt=\"He often looks worried, but is the stalwart of the Dales (Credit: ITV)\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/09\/27_11_emm_marlon_ryan_03-scaled-e1668504739314.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/09\/27_11_emm_marlon_ryan_03-scaled-e1668504739314-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/09\/27_11_emm_marlon_ryan_03-scaled-e1668504739314-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/09\/27_11_emm_marlon_ryan_03-scaled-e1668504739314-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7404\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Marlon has been entertaining audiences since 1996 (Credit: ITV)<\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<h2>Longest-serving Emmerdale characters \u2013 No. 11. Marlon Dingle<\/h2>\n<p>Just missing out on a place in the top 10 (for now) is everyone\u2019s favourite chef, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/09\/12\/marlon-dingle-emmerdale-five-marriages-tricia-rhona-all-the-loves-of-marlons-life\/\">Marlon Dingle<\/a>. Played by Mark Charnock, he\u2019s been a permanent fixture since his arrival on October 17, 1996. That means he\u2019s been on our screens for 28 years.<\/p>\n<p>Although not an obvious Romeo, Marlon has been married five times. His current missus is<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/06\/20\/rhona-goskirk-emmerdale-vet-former-addict-domestic-violence-survivor\/\"> Rhona Goskirk<\/a>, but arguably the real love of Marlon\u2019s life is his best mate, Paddy, who\u2019s lived in the village nearly as long as he has.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p>Mark was recognised for his incredible soap career in May 2023 when he received the British Soap Award for Outstanding Achievement. In his acceptance speech the actor joked his almost three decades on the show was \u2018the longest streak of luck in television history\u2019!<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10604\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10604\" style=\"width: 1500px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10604\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/05_05_emm_paddy_01-scaled-e1681813255473.jpg\" alt=\"Things are finally getting better for Paddy (Credit: ITV)\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/05_05_emm_paddy_01-scaled-e1681813255473.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/05_05_emm_paddy_01-scaled-e1681813255473-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/05_05_emm_paddy_01-scaled-e1681813255473-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/05_05_emm_paddy_01-scaled-e1681813255473-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10604\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Paddy has been on one heck of a journey (Credit: ITV)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>12. Paddy Dingle<\/h2>\n<p>There\u2019s only one man that could follow on from Marlon \u2013 his bestie,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/07\/16\/paddy-kirk-emmerdale-loveable-vets-troubled-love-life-mental-health-battle\/\"> Paddy Dingle<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>We bet when actor Dominic Brunt\u2019s first episode aired on February 20, 1997, he wouldn\u2019t have dreamed he\u2019d still be here 27 years later. And like Marlon, Paddy has never had any time out from the village.<\/p>\n<p>The local vet started out as a locum before settling in the Dales and opening his own practice. Unlike his professional job, Paddy\u2019s personal life has been rather more chaotic. He\u2019s been married five times to four different women, had a few steamy affairs, and battled crippling depression.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p>So after more than 3200 episodes, we\u2019re wondering what the writers have in store next for Paddy?<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_13235\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13235\" style=\"width: 1500px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-13235 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/EmmerdaleLisa.png\" alt=\"Lisa Dingle in Emmerdale\" width=\"1500\" height=\"959\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/EmmerdaleLisa.png 1500w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/EmmerdaleLisa-1024x655.png 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/EmmerdaleLisa-150x96.png 150w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/EmmerdaleLisa-768x491.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-13235\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lisa was brave enough to take on Zak\u2019s family (Credit: ITV\/Shutterstock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>13. Lisa Dingle<\/h2>\n<p>Oh lovely Lisa, she was another great character who left us too soon.<\/p>\n<p>Zak\u2019s kind-hearted second wife and mum to Belle, Lisa was the glue that held<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/06\/25\/dingle-family-tree-emmerdale-biggest-family-zak-cain-chas-charity\/\"> the Dingles<\/a> together. She came to the Dales on August 13, 1996 and viewers quickly took her into their hearts.<\/p>\n<p>Fans were outraged when Zak left Lisa for Joanie Wright, but he soon came to his senses. The soulmates wed in a tear-jerking ceremony on May 24, 2019, but by this point Lisa was dying. She slipped away peacefully at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/06\/28\/emmerdale-where-dingles-live-history-wishing-well-cottage\/\">Wishing Well Cottage<\/a> just hours after saying \u2018I do\u2019, marking the end of a 23 year stretch on the soap.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p>Lisa\u2019s last appearance was via voice in February 2024 when Belle read a letter from her late mum.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_13384\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13384\" style=\"width: 1020px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13384\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/11\/shutterstock_editorial_674317ju-e1730454874254.jpg\" alt=\"Seth Armstrong in Emmerdale\" width=\"1020\" height=\"1500\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-13384\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Seth\u2019s character was originally intended to stay for a few episodes (Credit: ITV\/Shutterstock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>14. Seth Armstrong<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/08\/01\/seth-armstron-emmerdale-home-farm-gamekeeper-love-betty-friend-kim-tate\/\">Gamekeeper Seth<\/a> is no longer with us, but he will always be remembered as one of the all time greats.<\/p>\n<p>Identifiable by famous handlebar moustache and woolly beanie hat, Seth was what you might call a loveable rogue. He was introduced on May 16, 1978, but was only meant to be for a few episodes. He stayed for 26 years, seven months.<\/p>\n<p>However, the fans really took to actor Stan Richards\u2019 portrayal of Seth and by 1980 he was a full-time regular. In total, he featured in 1862 episodes.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p>Seth is probably best remembered for his<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/10\/12\/13-best-emmerdale-characters-ever-heartthrobs-schemers-cheats-and-living-legends\/\"> romance with Betty Eagleton<\/a>. The golden oldies had been sweethearts when they were young, but proved to us all love has no age.<\/p>\n<p>Seth was written out of the show in 2003 due to Stan Richards\u2019 ailing health. The character made his last appearance on December 24, 2004 via a video call with Betty. Stan died in February 2005 and Seth was given an off-screen death in October of the same year.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_11809\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-11809\" style=\"width: 1868px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11809\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Belle.png\" alt=\"What Belle's been through is not her fault (Credit: ITV)\" width=\"1868\" height=\"1055\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Belle.png 1868w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Belle-1024x578.png 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Belle-150x85.png 150w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Belle-768x434.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Belle-1536x867.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1868px) 100vw, 1868px\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-11809\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Belle has become one of Emmerdale\u2019s most important characters (Credit: ITV)<\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<h2>Longest-serving Emmerdale characters: 15. Belle Dingle<\/h2>\n<p>Like Victoria Sugden, Belle Dingle is another Dales lifer.<\/p>\n<p>The character made a memorable entrance into the show on Christmas Day 1998 when she was born in a pigsty. Belle was originally played by twins Emily and James Mather (the latter of whom stopped appearing in 2000). From 2005, she\u2019s been portrayed by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/06\/26\/eden-taylor-draper-child-star-family-heartache-besties-emmerdale-cast-mates-boyfriend\/\">Eden Taylor-Draper.<\/a><\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p>Belle\u2019s been through a lot for a lass her age. She\u2019s survived falling down a mineshaft, she accidentally murdered her best friend, had an affair with a married man and has battled schizophrenia. 2024 has been beyond hellish for Belle with the ordeal she\u2019s suffered at the hands of her abusive husband, Tom King.<\/p>\n<p>Now approaching her 26th birthday, Belle has featured in over 1960 episodes.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3117\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3117\" style=\"width: 1500px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3117\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Jamie-Tate.jpg\" alt=\"Jamie is shocked his mum is dead\" width=\"1500\" height=\"784\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Jamie-Tate.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Jamie-Tate-1024x535.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Jamie-Tate-150x78.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Jamie-Tate-768x401.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Jamie-Tate-1200x627.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3117\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kim Tate\u2019s son Jamie was a chip off the old block (Credit: ITV)<\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<h2>16. Jamie Tate<\/h2>\n<p>Surprising as it seems, but Jamie Tate makes it into the top 20 of Emmerdale\u2019s longest-running characters.<\/p>\n<p>Kim gave birth to her only child on September 24, 1996 at Hotten General Hospital. He was at the centre of a \u2018Who\u2019s the Daddy\u2019 storyline, as Kim wasn\u2019t sure if Jamie was Frank\u2019s or her lover Dave Glover\u2019s son. It later transpired he was Frank\u2019s. During his first three years Jamie was portrayed by no fewer than five different actors.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/10\/27\/10-best-exits-emmerdale-explosive-ends-grisly-murders-heatbreaking-goodbyes\/\">Jamie left the village via helicopter<\/a> in 1999, and spent two decades away. He returned in 2019 (this time played by Alexander Lincoln), a qualified vet, with a wife and daughter in tow. Jamie soon proved he had inherited his mother\u2019s appetite for adultery and general manipulation.<\/p>\n<p>After causing chaos for a couple of years, Jamie did the off again in September 2021 and faked his own death. So far, Jamie has starred in 472 episodes, and the door has been left open for his return.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_13234\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13234\" style=\"width: 1500px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-13234 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/09_11_emm_bernice-scaled-e1698137507939.jpg\" alt=\"Bernice Blackstock in Emmerdale\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/09_11_emm_bernice-scaled-e1698137507939.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/09_11_emm_bernice-scaled-e1698137507939-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/09_11_emm_bernice-scaled-e1698137507939-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/09_11_emm_bernice-scaled-e1698137507939-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-13234\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bernice always made an impression wherever she went (Credit: ITV\/Shutterstock)<\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<h2>17. Bernice Blackstock<\/h2>\n<p>She may have been a bit of a Marmite character, but Bernice Blackstock clocked up a lot of years in Emmerdale.<\/p>\n<p>Work brought the redhead to the Dales, and she was introduced to viewers on November 25, 1998 as the new barmaid of The Woolpack. Bernice rose through the ranks and actually ended up becoming landlady. She\u2019s also best remembered for her marriage to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/07\/24\/bad-vicars-emmerdale-ethan-ashley-harriet-charles-rogue\/\">Reverend Ashley Thomas<\/a>, and running the Grange B&amp;B with Bob Hope.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p>Bernice had several stints in the village, the longest being seven years, but in 2023 actress Samantha Giles announced she was quitting the soap. The character left under a cloud of shame after being exposed for tax fraud.<\/p>\n<p>Bernice\u2019s last episode aired on November 14, 2023, marking her 1630th appearance. She\u2019s now currently living in exile on the Costa del Sol, and no doubt getting up to mischief.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_11806\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-11806\" style=\"width: 1885px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11806\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Cain1.png\" alt=\"Cain is scared of living up to Zak's name (Credit: ITV)\" width=\"1885\" height=\"1062\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Cain1.png 1885w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Cain1-1024x577.png 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Cain1-150x85.png 150w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Cain1-768x433.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Cain1-1536x865.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1885px) 100vw, 1885px\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-11806\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Cain is the new head of the Dingle family (Credit: ITV)<\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<h2>18. Cain Dingle<\/h2>\n<p>It\u2019s almost been a quarter of a century since Cain came into our lives. And how glad we are he did.<\/p>\n<p>The Dingle bad boy, first showed up at his cousin Butch\u2019s funeral on March 30, 2000. And he\u2019s been here ever since, bar when actor <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/06\/20\/emmerdale-star-jeff-hordley-real-life-romance-co-star-dj-healthy-living\/\">Jeff Hordley<\/a> took a three year hiatus between 2006 and 2009.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p>Cain is one of the show\u2019s most popular characters and it\u2019s not hard to see why. His criminal capers and affairs of the heart are legendary, as is his loyalty towards his beloved brood. With Zak now dearly departed Cain has assumed the role as head of the village\u2019s most iconic clan, and we reckon he\u2019ll do a brilliant job at it.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10125\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10125\" style=\"width: 1500px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10125\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/12_05_emm_charity-scaled-e1682497774792.webp\" alt=\"Charity Dingle is a classic Emmerdale icon (Credit: ITV)\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1119\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/12_05_emm_charity-scaled-e1682497774792.webp 1500w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/12_05_emm_charity-scaled-e1682497774792-1024x764.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/12_05_emm_charity-scaled-e1682497774792-150x112.webp 150w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/12_05_emm_charity-scaled-e1682497774792-768x573.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10125\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Charity Dingle is a classic Emmerdale icon (Credit: ITV)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>19. Charity Dingle<\/h2>\n<p>Another big fan favourite, Charity Dingle has been shaking things up since she got here on March 30, 2000. Yes, she arrived on exactly the same day Cain did \u2013 which was quite fitting given the pair\u2019s history.<\/p>\n<p>Much like her cousin, Charity has had a very colourful life. She\u2019s lived on the streets as a prostitute, been the victim of abuse, served time in jail, been married four times and managed to find the time to have four children.<\/p>\n<p>Played by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/06\/20\/emmerdale-star-emma-atkins-award-winner-mum-kids-great-outdoors\/\">Emma Atkins<\/a>, Charity is the current landlady of The Woolpack, which she runs with son Ryan Stocks. She\u2019s now under 100 episodes shy of the 3000 mark.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<figure id=\"attachment_9386\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-9386\" style=\"width: 1122px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-9386\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/bob_hope.jpg\" alt=\"bob_hope\" width=\"1122\" height=\"1323\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/bob_hope.jpg 1122w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/bob_hope-868x1024.jpg 868w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/bob_hope-127x150.jpg 127w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/bob_hope-768x906.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1122px) 100vw, 1122px\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-9386\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bob has given us some good laughs over the years (Credit: ITV)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Longest-serving Emmerdale characters: 20. Bob Hope<\/h2>\n<p>Cheeky chap <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/10\/02\/bob-hope-and-his-wives-and-kids-emmerdale-most-married-man-and-his-seven-children\/\">Bob Hope<\/a> has providing entertainment in Emmerdale for 24 years. That\u2019s a lot of laughs!<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p>He made his debut on September 19, 2000. Back then Bob was working as a stocking salesman and made an instant impression on postmistress <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/10\/04\/viv-hope-in-emmerdale-marriage-to-bob-fiery-death-and-actress-deena-paynes-deep-hurt-over-exit\/\">Viv Windsor<\/a>. The flirty pair went on to marry, and Viv became the fourth Mrs Hope. She wasn\u2019t the last though, Bob was also hitched to Brenda Walker for about five minutes until she found out he was sleeping with Laurel Thomas. Yes, despite his cringey character, Bob is quite the ladies\u2019 man.<\/p>\n<p>Actor Tony Audenshaw will be celebrating his quarter of a century on the show next year, and is approaching his 3000th episode. Now that calls for a double celebration!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Read more:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/10\/10\/emmerdale-cast-2024-charles-anderson-dingles-kerry-wyatt-complete-list-whos-who-dales\/\"> A complete list of who\u2019s who in the Emmerdale cast<\/a><\/strong><\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src-consent=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/pNNmsALOd4Q?si=TEpzeF0dvYReFX5s\" data-consent-required=\"true\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><b>Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.<\/b><\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p><b><i>Visit our Facebook page<\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/profile.php?id=61563250212838\"> <b><i>@emmerdaleinsider<\/i><\/b><\/a><b><i> for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter<\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/EmmerdaleInside\"> <b><i>@emmerdaleinside<\/i><\/b><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Longest serving Emmerdale characters of all time<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":249734182,"featured_media":13362,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_focuskw":"longest-serving Emmerdale characters","_yoast_wpseo_title":"The 20 longest-serving Emmerdale characters of all time - Eric Pollard, Kim Tate, Charity Dingle and more!","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Emmerdale has been on air for 52 years and the village has been home to thousands of characters, but who are the longest-serving?","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-noindex":"","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-nofollow":"","_yoast_wpseo_canonical":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-title":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-description":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-title":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-description":"","_yoast_wpseo_schema_page_type":"","_yoast_wpseo_schema_article_type":"","_secondary_title":"","secondary_post_title":"","dbc_origin_post_id":0,"dbc_origin_site_url":"","homepage_headline":"","excerpt":"","dbc_special_tags":"","_yoast_wpseo_focuskeywords":"","_yoast_wpseo_keywordsynonyms":"","_yoast_wpseo_primary_category":"1359","slider_placement":"","_slider_placement":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1359],"tags":[1367,1368,1385,1401,1391,1400],"coauthors":[],"class_list":["post-12960","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-characters","tag-belle-dingle","tag-cain-dingle","tag-charity-dingle","tag-eric-pollard","tag-kim-tate","tag-victoria-sugden"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.4 (Yoast SEO v25.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>The 20 longest-serving Emmerdale characters of all time - Eric Pollard, Kim Tate, Charity Dingle and more!<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Emmerdale has been on air for 52 years and the village has been home to thousands of characters, but who are the longest-serving?\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/characters\/longest-serving-emmerdale-characters-all-time-eric-pollard-kim-tate-charity-dingle\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The 20 longest-serving Emmerdale characters of all time - Eric Pollard, Kim Tate, Charity Dingle and more!\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Emmerdale has been on air for 52 years and the village has been home to thousands of characters, but who are the longest-serving?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/characters\/longest-serving-emmerdale-characters-all-time-eric-pollard-kim-tate-charity-dingle\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Emmerdale Insider for spoilers, breaking news, first-look pictures, previews and fan theories\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/profile.php?id=61563250212838\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-11-10T06:00:52+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Eric-Charity.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1500\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"784\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Laura Morgan\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@EmmerdaleInside\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@EmmerdaleInside\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Laura Morgan\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"19 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"NewsArticle\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/characters\/longest-serving-emmerdale-characters-all-time-eric-pollard-kim-tate-charity-dingle\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/characters\/longest-serving-emmerdale-characters-all-time-eric-pollard-kim-tate-charity-dingle\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Laura Morgan\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/#\/schema\/person\/06b7c93ccfbb7becbf125f3bc499a81a\"},\"headline\":\"The 20 longest-serving Emmerdale characters of all time &#8211; 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