{"id":9300,"date":"2024-10-12T06:00:14","date_gmt":"2024-10-12T05:00:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/emmerdale-insider.com\/?p=9300"},"modified":"2024-10-11T16:06:12","modified_gmt":"2024-10-11T15:06:12","slug":"13-best-emmerdale-characters-ever-heartthrobs-schemers-cheats-and-living-legends","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/news\/13-best-emmerdale-characters-ever-heartthrobs-schemers-cheats-and-living-legends\/","title":{"rendered":"13 best Emmerdale characters &#8211; EVER! Heartthrobs, schemers, cheats and living legends!"},"content":{"rendered":"<div>\n<div><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">Emmerdale has been on our screens since 1972, and has seen thousands of characters come and go over the years. Some stay in the soap for just a short stint, and for others it becomes a forever home.<\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>But who are the soaps\u2019 best ever characters? It\u2019s a hard job, but we\u2019ve whittled it down to 13 of our all time favourites, both past and present. So here they are\u2026<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5925\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5925\" style=\"width: 1500px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-5925\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Cain-Emmerdale.jpg\" alt=\"Cain looks aghast\" width=\"1500\" height=\"784\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Cain-Emmerdale.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Cain-Emmerdale-1024x535.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Cain-Emmerdale-150x78.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Cain-Emmerdale-768x401.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5925\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Cain has been delivering us drama since 2000 (Credit: ITV)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><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<h2>Cain Dingle<\/h2>\n<p>Emmerdale OG bad boy, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/06\/20\/cain-dingle-crimes-cheating-death-moira-love\/\">Cain<\/a> is always top of the list. We can\u2019t get enough of the sexy rogue.<\/p>\n<p>Always central to any Dingle drama, Cain is the son of former lovers, Zak and Faith, but grew up thinking Shadrach was his father.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:min-h-[300px]\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"ad-slot1\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p>He arrived in 2000 as the black sheep of the family and delighted fans with his corrupt carry on.<\/p>\n<p>Cain has had a lot of romantic entanglements during his 20 plus years in the Dales. These include high-stakes affairs with police officer Angie Reynolds and vicar Harriet Finch and a questionable dalliance with teen Amy Wyatt.<\/p>\n<p>But two relationships have shaped him most. The first being his on\/off one with cousin, Charity, and the other his passionate marriage to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/10\/02\/moira-dingle-emmerdale-murder-affairs-deaths-brain-tumour\/\">Moira.<\/a><\/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)] hover:text-[var(--color-v-white)] font-bold items-center justify-center transition delay-50 duration-100 cursor-pointer \" href=\"#\" alt=\"left\">\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=\"M9 5l7 7-7 7\"><\/path><\/svg>\n      <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  \n  \n  <div class=\"px-[10px] bg-[var(--color-v-footer)] rounded-none md:rounded-l-xl md:rounded-br-xl max-sm:pb-3\">\n    <div class=\"stories-slider-viewport group overflow-x-auto relative scroll-smooth\">\n      \n      <div class=\"invisible md:block slide\">\n        <img class=\"h-[250px]\" src=\"https:\/\/placehold.co\/1x250\" alt=\"placeholder\">\n      <\/div>\n      \n      <div class=\"stories-slider-track top-[10px] max-sm:h-[233px] absolute flex flex-row flex-nowrap transition-all duration-300 ease-in-out\">\n                              <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\/jacob-trapped-dr-todd-mandy-makes-big-confession\/\">\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-split-2026-05-05T124904.081.jpg\" alt=\"Jacob trapped by Dr Todd and Mandy makes a big confession\">\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\"> Wed, May 6<\/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\">Jacob trapped by Dr Todd and Mandy makes a big confession<\/h4>\n              <span class=\"text-xs text-[var(--color-v-primary-dark)] align-baseline absolute bottom-2\">9 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\/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\">22 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\">1 day 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>\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>Cain is a father of four, by four different women. He and Charity share daughter Debbie. Nate Robinson is Cain\u2019s long-lost son who came into his life as an adult, Kyle Winchester was the result of his fling with Amy, and he has young Isaac with Moira.<\/p>\n<p>The character is Emmerdale\u2019s answer to the terminator. Seriously, the guy is indestructible! Cain has survived attempts on his life, near drowning and a brain tumour. And he\u2019s endured a few stints in prison, the most recent being when he took the rap for Kyle killing Al Chapman.<\/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<p>It\u2019s certainly been an action-packed two decades, we can\u2019t wait to see what the next bring.<\/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<div>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2938\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2938\" style=\"width: 1500px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2938\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Kim-Tate.jpg\" alt=\"Kim Tate looks wild eyed in Emmerdale\" width=\"1500\" height=\"784\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Kim-Tate.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Kim-Tate-1024x535.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Kim-Tate-150x78.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Kim-Tate-768x401.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Kim-Tate-1200x627.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-2938\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">No one messes with Kim Tate and gets away with it (Credit: ITV)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Best Emmerdale characters: Kim Tate<\/h2>\n<p>Ruthless, scheming and ever so sexy, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/09\/19\/emmerdale-kim-tate-wills-blackmailer-other-times-queen-kim-proved-no-one-match-for-her\/\">Kim is a goddess<\/a> and we worship at her altar.<\/p>\n<p>The legendary lady of the manor was introduced in December 1989 as Frank Tate\u2019s gold-digging missus. Frank might have had money, but it was excitement Kim craved. Her affair with farmhand Dave Glover gave her that, plus a \u2018who\u2019s the daddy\u2019 storyline when Kim gave birth to son James. The tot turned out to be Frank\u2019s, and tragedy struck when Dave was killed in a fire.<\/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 Dave\u2019s demise, Kim\u2019s marriage to Frank collapsed. He tried to have her killed, but Kim took revenge by faking her own death and framing Frank for murder. Her \u2018return\u2019 from the dead caused Frank to suffer a fatal heart attack. In shocking scenes, Kim put her compact mirror up to Frank\u2019s mouth to check he\u2019d stopped breathing before reapplying her powder.<\/p>\n<p>Kim\u2019s second husband was Steve Marchant, but that marriage also ended badly. She set him up for a crime she\u2019d committed and fled the village in a helicopter.<\/p>\n<p>Fast forward to 2018 and Kim made a dramatic return. She was thrust straight back into the action after ordering her third hubby Graham Foster to dispose of her step-grandson Joe Tate. Kim also got pushed off a balcony by Faith 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>Kim was reunited with her son, Jamie Tate, and let\u2019s just say the apple didn\u2019t fall far from the tree. Just like his mum, Jamie faked his own death.<\/p>\n<p>Now Kim is onto husband number four, Will Taylor, and proved once again she\u2019s not a woman to be messed with. When Will cheated with his ex <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/09\/20\/about-time-declare-fans-kim-tate-returns-emmerdale\/\">Queen Kim got her revenge<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><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\"><\/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>Eric Pollard is the king of illegal scams (Credit: ITV)<\/p>\n<h2>Eric Pollard<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/09\/17\/emmerdale-spoilers-john-saves-pollards-life\/\">There\u2019s only one Eric Pollard<\/a>, and we love him!<\/span><\/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><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The village veteran, who\u2019s the longest-serving character in Emmerdale, has been played by actor Chris Chittell for 38 years.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eric was first introduced in 1986 and was only meant to stay for 12 episodes. But viewers loved his immoral antics, even if the other villagers didn\u2019t.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The former antique dealer\u2019s list of crimes include theft, fraud and even bigamy. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/10\/05\/the-pollard-family-tree-emmerdale-eric-pollard-wives\/\">Eric has always had an eye for the ladies<\/a> and has five wives \u2013 two of which he was married to at the same time. <\/span>His second wife, Elizabeth was one of the victims of the 1993 plane crash.<\/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>Eric was tracked down by his long-lost son. David, in 2006 and the pair forged a close relationship.<\/p>\n<p>The other most important person in Eric\u2019s life was his fifth wife and soulmate, Val Lambert. Their union was a very popular one, and fans felt Eric\u2019s heartbreak when he lost his \u2018Valerie\u2019 in 2015.<\/p>\n<p>He\u2019s also had a relationship with Brenda Walker, who\u2019s played by Chris\u2019s real-life wife, Lesley Dunlop.<\/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>Time has certainly mellowed Eric, and he\u2019s been forced to slow down following after being diagnosed with Parkinson\u2019s last year. But there\u2019s still life in the old dog yet, so expect more scams in the future.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2791\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2791\" style=\"width: 1500px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2791\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Emmerdale-Chas.jpg\" alt=\"Chas in Emmerdale looks inquisitively at Marlon in the Woolpack\" width=\"1500\" height=\"784\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Emmerdale-Chas.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Emmerdale-Chas-1024x535.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Emmerdale-Chas-150x78.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Emmerdale-Chas-768x401.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Emmerdale-Chas-1200x627.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-2791\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Chas in her natural habitat behind the Woolpack bar (Credit: ITV)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Chas Dingle<\/h2>\n<p>Who remembers the moment <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/06\/20\/chas-dingle-emmerdale-husbands-children-affairs-cancer-diagnosis\/\">Chas<\/a>, short for Chastity, arrived in the village dressed as a nun for her cousin Marlon\u2019s stag do? Talk about making an entrance!<\/p>\n<p>A proper chip off the old Dingle block, Chas is the daughter of Faith and Shadrach and sister to Cain.<\/p>\n<p>She\u2019s also mum to Aaron. Chas gave birth to Aaron when she was 14, but the pair have a complicated relationship. Chas abandoned Aaron and was devastated to learn years later he\u2019d been sexually abused by his father, Gordon. The guilt over abandoning her son has never really left her.<\/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>Chas has lived in Emmerdale since 2002 and has spent most of those years working at <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\/\">The Woolpack<\/a>. She went from barmaid to landlady, before she was forced to sell her beloved pub. She\u2019s now holds the position of manager.<\/p>\n<p>Chas\u2019s biggest weakness in life has always been men. She had a tempestuous <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/08\/14\/emmerdale-carl-king-love-life-chas-dingle-really-the-one\/\">relationship with Carl King<\/a>. They almost got married, but Chas jilted Carl at the altar after discovering he\u2019d been sleeping with Eve Jenson.<\/p>\n<p>Then came her ill-fated affairs. First with Cameron Murray, who turned out to be a killer. Then Al Chapman, which resulted in Chas losing it all \u2013 including her husband, Paddy.<\/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>Fans loved Chas and Paddy together. The couple were dealt a cruel blow with the death of their first daughter Grace in 2018. But little Eve arrived the year after to help heal some of their pain.<\/p>\n<p>Chas is a survivor, and has recently endured a battle against triple negative breast cancer. She underwent a double mastectomy and is currently in remission from the disease. Things are looking up on the love life front too, with a potential romance blossoming between her and Dr Liam Cavanagh.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4675\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4675\" style=\"width: 1500px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4675\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ClassicEmmerdalePaddy1.jpg\" alt=\"Classic Emmerdale Paddy perplexed\" width=\"1500\" height=\"784\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ClassicEmmerdalePaddy1.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ClassicEmmerdalePaddy1-1024x535.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ClassicEmmerdalePaddy1-150x78.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ClassicEmmerdalePaddy1-768x401.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4675\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Paddy\u2019s been saving the village animals since 1997 (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>Best Emmerdale characters: Paddy Kirk<\/h2>\n<p>Loveable Paddy is one of Emmerdale\u2019s most cherished characters. He was introduced to viewers in 1997 as a locum vet.<\/p>\n<p>Paddy is the son of Barbara and Bear Wolf, a former wrestler, who Paddy was estranged from until adulthood. He has a daughter, Eve, from his marriage to ex-wife Chas Dingle. He\u2019s also been a father figure to Chas\u2019s son, Aaron, over the years.<\/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 2024,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/08\/16\/fans-offer-thanks-emmerdale-writers-over-mandy-paddy-wedding-episode\/\"> Paddy married wife Mandy Dingle<\/a> \u2013 for a second time, and his fifth in total. He and Mandy got hitched first time round in 1999, but split soon afterwards. Paddy\u2019s also gone down the aisle with Emily Dingle, Rhona Goskirk, and of course, Chas. He\u2019s also had a couple of extramarital affairs, with postmistress Viv Hope and teaching assistant Tess Harris. Don\u2019t be fooled by the bumbling nature \u2013 Paddy can be a naughty boy when he wants to!<\/p>\n<p>Paddy\u2019s most enduring relationship is his bromance with best mate, Marlon Dingle. The pair\u2019s silly antics have given viewers a lot of laughs over the years.<\/p>\n<p>There have been incredibly sad times too. Paddy\u2019s world was shattered by the loss of his daughter, Grace, who passed away moments after she was born. He also endured a battle with depression after his marriage split from Chas and contemplated ending his life.<\/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>Supported by his loved ones, Paddy found a way through, and his future is looking bright once more.<\/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>Charity Dingle<\/h2>\n<p>Landlady Charity has been at the centre of the action in Emmerdale since 2000, except when she took a break from the village between 2005-2009.<\/p>\n<p>Feisty and fearless, Charity\u2019s life story is one hell of a read!<\/p>\n<p>As a young teen she spent time on the streets working as a prostitute. During that dark period Charity was groomed and abused by corrupt cop DI Bails, which resulted in her falling pregnant at 14.<\/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>Charity\u2019s second child, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/09\/30\/emmerdale-who-debbie-dingle-look-at-her-turbulent-life-dales\/\">Debbie<\/a>, was the product of a fling with her cousin, Cain. Charity and Cain\u2019s on\/off love affair has been central to the soap and provided one of its most popular partnerships. They\u2019re also famed for their illegal scams. Charity is a mistress of disguise and loves a wig!<\/p>\n<p>Charity has had four husbands. Her first marriage to Chris Tate ended with him committing suicide and framing her for murder. Husband number two, Declan Macey tried to have her killed, and her third marriage to Jai Sharma also turned sour. Vanessa Woodfield almost became Charity\u2019s fourth spouse, but she then fell for Mackenzie Boyd.<\/p>\n<p>Charity and Mack have weathered a few storms \u2013 including him fathering a baby behind her back, and her stabbing him, but they remain together.<\/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>These days, Charity is landlady of The Woolpack, which she co-owns with son, Ryan Stocks. She\u2019s also mum to Noah and Moses, as well as grandmother to Sarah and Jack Sugden.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10123\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10123\" style=\"width: 1500px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10123\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/01_04_emm_aaron_chas_03.jpg\" alt=\"Sometimes Aaron is moody, other times he's only a little bit moody (Credit: ITV)\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/01_04_emm_aaron_chas_03.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/01_04_emm_aaron_chas_03-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/01_04_emm_aaron_chas_03-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/01_04_emm_aaron_chas_03-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10123\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sometimes Aaron is moody, other times he\u2019s only a little bit moody (Credit: ITV)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Aaron Dingle<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/10\/03\/aaron-dingle-in-emmerdale-from-troubled-kid-bolshy-adult-everything-we-know-including-original-actor-danny-webb\/\">Aaron<\/a> is one of the most complex and compelling characters Emmerdale has ever had.<\/p>\n<p>He\u2019s the son of Chas Dingle and Gordon Livesey. Chas gave birth to Aaron when she was only 14 and placed him into care. He had a difficult upbringing and suffered abuse at the hands of his father.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron came to live in the village permanently in 2008 and was a troublemaker from the word go.<\/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>Early on, Aaron realised he fancied boys. After coming out to his family, Aaron fell for builder Jackson Walsh. But tragedy struck when Jackson was paralysed in a horrific accident, and Aaron helped him die.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/09\/03\/emmerdale-robron-2-0-every-reason-john-never-replace-robert\/\">Aaron then began a secret affair with Robert Sugden<\/a>. Fans went crazy for the pairing, who they dubbed \u2018Robron\u2019, but their lying and cheating led to the death of Katie Sugden.<\/p>\n<p>By some miracle, Aaron and Robert got married. They split for good after\u00a0Robert was jailed for murder.<\/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>Aaron moved on with Ben Tucker, but he was bumped off by serial killer Meena Julta. Shortly afterwards, Aaron left the village for a new life abroad.<\/p>\n<p>He made a brief return the following year, but tragedy struck again he lost his half-sister Liv Flaherty in Emmerdale\u2019s 50th anniversary storm.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron\u2019s now back in the Dales for good. His time now is mainly spent masterminding illegal activities with partner-in-crime\/best mate Mackenzie Boyd. And there\u2019s also a new man on scene in the form of former army medic, John Sugden, who just happens to be Robert\u2019s brother.<\/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>Has Aaron met \u2018the one\u2019? Only time will tell\u2026<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3820\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3820\" style=\"width: 1507px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3820\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/shutterstock_editorial_673490cd.jpg\" alt=\"Val in the courtroom in Classic Emmerdale\" width=\"1507\" height=\"2400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/shutterstock_editorial_673490cd.jpg 1507w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/shutterstock_editorial_673490cd-643x1024.jpg 643w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/shutterstock_editorial_673490cd-94x150.jpg 94w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/shutterstock_editorial_673490cd-768x1223.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/shutterstock_editorial_673490cd-964x1536.jpg 964w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/shutterstock_editorial_673490cd-1286x2048.jpg 1286w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/shutterstock_editorial_673490cd-1200x1911.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1507px) 100vw, 1507px\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3820\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Val Pollard was a true one-off (Credit: ITV\/Shutterstock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Best Emmerdale characters: Val Pollard<\/h2>\n<p>Vivacious Val Pollard left us nearly ten years ago, but her memory lives on.<\/p>\n<p>The gobby Geordie was Eric Pollard\u2019s fifth wife, and Diane Sugden\u2019s younger sister. She had to two children, Sharon and Paul. Val\u2019s son Paul was the product of her affair with Diane\u2019s husband, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/08\/07\/the-very-chequered-love-life-rodney-blackstock-emmerdale\/\">Rodney Blackstock<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Val, or Valerie as Eric often used to call her, was larger than life and had a penchant for causing trouble. Her and Eric were both as bad as each other, aka the perfect match.<\/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 couple married in 2008 and purchased <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/07\/02\/emmerdale-the-grange-bb-owners-alan-turner-eric-pollard-bob-hope\/\">The Grange B&amp;B<\/a>, which they ran together. They took teen tearaway Amy Wyatt (now Barton) under their wing and ended up adopting her.<\/p>\n<p>Val and Eric\u2019s marriage hit the rocks after she cheated on him on holiday in Portugal and contracted HIV. The couple reconciled, but Val got in trouble with the police for committing fraud.<\/p>\n<p>She planned to fake her own death, but didn\u2019t get that far after becoming one of the victims in the 2015 helicopter crash. Val met a grisly end when she was impaled by a shard of glass. She rose from the dead a few days later and appeared as a ghost to say goodbye to Eric.<\/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>An unforgettable character, who\u2019s truly missed.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3544\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3544\" style=\"width: 2008px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-3544 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/shutterstock_editorial_8965315aa.jpg\" alt=\"We miss Andy Sugden (Credit: ITV)\" width=\"2008\" height=\"1130\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/shutterstock_editorial_8965315aa.jpg 2008w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/shutterstock_editorial_8965315aa-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/shutterstock_editorial_8965315aa-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/shutterstock_editorial_8965315aa-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/shutterstock_editorial_8965315aa-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/shutterstock_editorial_8965315aa-1200x675.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2008px) 100vw, 2008px\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3544\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">We miss Andy Sugden (Credit: ITV)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Andy Sugden<\/h2>\n<p>Andy wasn\u2019t born into the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/08\/08\/the-sugden-family-emmerdale-annie-jack-joe-newcomer-john\/\"> Sugden brood<\/a>, but was adopted by his best friend Robert\u2019s parents Jack and Sarah in 2000.\u00a0 Their act of kindness gave Andy hope of a stable future, but life turned out to be anything but.<\/p>\n<p>First Andy accidentally killed Sarah after setting fire to a barn at the family farm, not realising she was inside. Then came the discovery that Robert had been sleeping with his wife, Katie. Andy decided to shoot Robert in revenge, but accidentally pulled the trigger on Jack, nearly killing him.<\/p>\n<p>Andy fathered a daughter, Sarah, with next partner Debbie Dingle. They also went on to have a son, Jack, seven years later.<\/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>His second marriage to Jo Stiles saw Andy turn into a violent abuser. And when Jo found the courage to leave him, Andy suffered a complete mental breakdown.<\/p>\n<p>Andy and Katie remarried, but she died weeks later after a confrontation with Robert. Andy then arranged for Ross Barton to shoot Robert (what\u2019s his obsession with guns?) \u2013 but his brother survived.<\/p>\n<p>20 years in the village came to a dramatic end for Andy after his vengeful ex Chrissie White framed him for a crime he didn\u2019t commit. Andy went on the run and as far as we know is still running.<\/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>Bring him back, please!<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2690\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2690\" style=\"width: 1500px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2690\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/07\/moira_barton-e1722341668235.jpg\" alt=\"Moira Dingle aka Natalie J Robb in Emmerdale\" width=\"1500\" height=\"2008\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-2690\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Moira has made her mark on the village (Credit: ITV)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Moira Dingle<\/h2>\n<p>Feisty farmer Moira is another one of Emmerdale\u2019s power-houses and the woman who finally tamed Cain Dingle.<\/p>\n<p>Moira and Cain are one of soaps\u2019 most adored couples. Their love story started as a steamy affair but has gone the distance. They have survived betrayals on both sides, including Moira\u2019s fling with Cain\u2019s son, Nate. Well, they don\u2019t call her Mucky Moira for nothing!<\/p>\n<p>Moira arrived in the village with her first husband, and childhood sweetheart, John Barton, and their kids Adam, Holly and Hannah (now Matty). Her affair with Cain finished her marriage and Moira was heartbroken when John died in a car crash. Tragedy struck again in 2016 when Holly died of a heroin overdose.<\/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>Moira\u2019s other memorable moments include her pushing her sister-in-law and nemesis<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/09\/10\/emmerdale-so-how-did-moira-actually-kill-emma-barton-timeline-everything-that-went-between-them\/\"> Emma Barton<\/a> to her death off a viaduct, and giving birth to baby Isaac without knowing she was pregnant.<\/p>\n<p>The past few months have been <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/09\/19\/emmerdale-fans-work-out-moira-death-twist-drops-bombshell-cain-tumour\/\">particularly brutal for Moira <\/a>after being diagnosed with a non-cancerous brain tumour. We\u2019re keeping everything crossed she makes it through because we need Moira in our lives.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1145\" height=\"1500\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8764\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/09\/EMMERDALE_ZAK-scaled-e1718972998458.webp\" alt=\"&lt;yoastmark class=\" 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\"><\/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<h2>Best Emmerdale characters: Zak Dingle<\/h2>\n<p>Zak was the patriarch of the most iconic family in Emmerdale \u2013 <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> \u2013 for almost 30 years.<\/p>\n<p>A pig farmer by trade and former bare-knuckle boxer, Zak arrived in the village in October, 1994. Zak\u2019s first wife was Nellie Lynch, and they had five kids. Their four sons were Nathan, Sam, Butch and Ben. Zak and Nellie also had a daughter, Tina.<\/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 also fathered son Cain during an affair with his brother\u2019s wife, Faith.<\/p>\n<p>After Zak and Nellie divorced, Zak found love again with Lisa Clegg. They welcomed daughter, Belle into their lives on Christmas Day 1998 after Lisa (who didn\u2019t know she was pregnant) gave birth in a pigsty.<\/p>\n<p>Zak had a disastrous third marriage to Joanie Wright, which left fans in uproar over his betrayal of Lisa. But thankfully the Emmerdale writers saw the error of their ways and reunited Zak and Lisa. They remained together until her death in May 2019.<\/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 losing his Lisa, Zak was a bit of a lost soul, although remained fiercely protective of his family.<\/p>\n<p>Actor Steve Halliwell, who played Zak for three decades, passed away in December 2023. Zak was quickly written out and viewers were told he was visiting family in Scotland.<\/p>\n<p>Zak\u2019s family are soon to receive the sad news he\u2019s passed away. The Dingles bring him home and lay Zak to rest in the village.<\/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_3073\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3073\" style=\"width: 1500px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3073\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/shutterstock_editorial_10597375ge-e1722604747628.jpg\" alt=\"Seth and Betty smile and cheers happily\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1002\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3073\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Seth and Betty were the beating heart of Emmerdale village (Credit: ITV)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Betty Eagleton<\/h2>\n<p>Lovely Betty was the heart and soul of the village during her 21 years there.<\/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>She had a habit of being nosey and interfering, but Betty always meant well. She was a friend to many.<\/p>\n<p>Betty came to the Dales in 1994 and discovered her former partner, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/08\/01\/seth-armstron-emmerdale-home-farm-gamekeeper-love-betty-friend-kim-tate\/\">Seth Armstrong<\/a> was living there. The golden couple rekindled their romance and hosted a 1940s theme night for the villagers.<\/p>\n<p>They remained together until Seth died on an airplane travelling back from Australia. Betty brought his body back to Emmerdale and had him buried in the woods surrounding Home 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>Betty remained in the village for several years after Seth\u2019s passing and dealt with the loss of other dear friends, including Alan Turner. She went to live in Australia with new partner Reuben Archibald in 2015.<\/p>\n<p>Sadly actress Paula Tilbrook died in December 2019, but Betty remains alive and well.<\/p>\n<h2>Seth Armstrong<\/h2><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>We can\u2019t have Betty, without her lovely <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/08\/01\/seth-armstron-emmerdale-home-farm-gamekeeper-love-betty-friend-kim-tate\/\">Seth<\/a>. He was one of Emmerdale\u2019s all time greats. Seth first appeared on screen in 1978. He was a temporary character to begin with, but was popular with the fans. By 1980, Seth was a full time regular.<\/p>\n<p>After Seth\u2019s wife, Meg, passed away, he went on to rekindle his relationship with former flame, Betty.<\/p>\n<p>He also landed his dream job as a gamekeeper. When Seth wasn\u2019t working at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/06\/28\/home-farm-list-everyone-whos-lived-there-tates-whites\/\">Home Farm<\/a> he could usually be found supping a pint in the Woolie.<\/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 was written out of the show in 2003 and his character was killed off two years later.<\/p>\n<p>We like to think Seth is sitting on a cloud, beer in hand, watching the drama continue in his beloved village.<\/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\/\">Emmerdale\u2019s complete cast list for 2024<\/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\/D4XteJ7rbwQ?si=SRXeKcWpMik68qrF\" 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\/entertainmentdaily.co.uk\"> <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<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Emmerdale&#8217;s best ever characters<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":249734182,"featured_media":9905,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_focuskw":"Emmerdale","_yoast_wpseo_title":"13 best Emmerdale characters - EVER! 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