The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the British soap opera ''
Emmerdale
''Emmerdale'' (known as ''Emmerdale Farm'' until 1989) is a British television soap opera that is broadcast on ITV (TV network), ITV. The show is set in Emmerdale (known as Beckindale until 1994), a List of fictional towns and villages, fict ...
'' in 2007, by order of first appearance. All characters were introduced by the soap's executive producer, Keith Richardson.
Charlotte Beecham
Charlotte Beecham is a new police recruit who joins up alongside
Donna Windsor-Dingle
Donna Windsor (also Windsor-Dingle) is a fictional character from the British ITV (TV network), ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale''. She was originally played by Sophie Jeffery until 1997. Actress Verity Rushworth took over the role in 1998. She made h ...
(
Verity Rushworth
Verity Charlotte Rushworth (born 15 August 1985) is an English actress. She is known for portraying the role of Donna Windsor in the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'' from 1998 to 2009, with a guest appearance in 2014. She has played many theatre r ...
) and they receive their warrant cards at the same time. Charlotte has a casual relationship with Emmerdale resident and colleague Ross Kirk ( Samuel Anderson). Another officer,
Shane Doyle
The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the British soap opera ''Emmerdale'' in 2008, by order of first appearance. All characters were introduced by the soap's executive producer, Keith Richardson (television executive), Kei ...
( Paul McEwan), makes a pass at her. In December 2008, Shane goes missing and Donna, who Shane knew was having an affair with Ross, convinces Charlotte to go to Shane's flat with her to investigate. They find evidence which suggests he is in
Malta
Malta, officially the Republic of Malta, is an island country in Southern Europe located in the Mediterranean Sea, between Sicily and North Africa. It consists of an archipelago south of Italy, east of Tunisia, and north of Libya. The two ...
, and take it to Sgt. Andrew Drake (Steven Hillman). Charlotte believes that Donna knows more than she is saying, but Donna keeps quiet.
In January 2009, Charlotte and a colleague search Ross's bedroom, shortly before he is arrested for Shane's murder. Later that month, she searches the Dingles' house after Donna tells her superiors that she believes
Eli Dingle
Eli Dingle is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Joe Gilgun. He first appeared on screen in the episode which aired on 13 July 2006 and made his last appearance on 30 April 2010. He is the younger br ...
(
Joseph Gilgun
Joseph William Gilgun (born 9 March 1984) is an English actor and producer known for several roles, including that of Vinnie O'Neill in the Sky Max series '' Brassic'', which he also co-created, Marcus in ''Hollyoaks'', Eli Dingle in the ITV ...
) may have been involved with the murder. On 27 January 2009, PC Beecham is one of the police officers who find
Jasmine Thomas
Jasmine Thomas is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Jenna-Louise Coleman. She made her first screen appearance in the episode broadcast on 30 June 2005 and her last appearance on 26 March 2009.
C ...
Debbie Dingle
Debbie Dingle (also Jones and Barton) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Charley Webb. Webb has taken maternity leave three times, with the first time being in 2010, and the second in 2016, with ...
(
Charley Webb
Charlene Joanne Webb (born 26 February 1988), commonly known as Charley Webb, is an English actress. From 2002 to 2021, she portrayed the role of Debbie Dingle in the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale''. In 2014, she was nominated for Best Female ...
), who Eli has admitted were involved in Shane's murder. In March, she and a colleague visit after a supplier alleges
Bob Hope
Leslie Townes "Bob" Hope (May 29, 1903 – July 27, 2003) was an American comedian, actor, entertainer and producer with a career that spanned nearly 80 years and achievements in vaudeville, network radio, television, and USO Tours. He appeared ...
(
Tony Audenshaw
Antony Audenshaw (born 13 January 1965) is an English actor and singer. Audenshaw appeared in the Channel 4 soap opera '' Brookside'' from 1994 to 1996). Then in 2000, he began portraying the role of Bob Hope on the ITV soap opera '' Emmerdale ...
) stole his money. In May, Charlotte investigates a burglary at Holdgate Farm and arrests
Cain Dingle
Cain Dingle is a fictional character from the British soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Jeff Hordley. Cain made his first appearance on 30 March 2000, and in 2006, he was written out of the series when Hordley left the soap; however, the opt ...
( Jeff Hordley).
Charlotte returns in November 2015, investigating
Diane Sugden
Diane Sugden (also Blackstock) is a fictional character from the British soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Elizabeth Estensen. Since her first appearance in 1999, she has been involved in several high-profile storylines, including her marria ...
's (
Elizabeth Estensen
Elizabeth Estensen (born 10 August 1949) is an English actress, known for portraying the role of Diane Sugden on the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'' from 1999 to 2021, with a guest stint in 2022. She has also made appearances in various British t ...
) stabbing. She goes to Wishing Well Cottage, looking for
Chas Dingle
Chastity Dingle (also Livesy and Spencer) is a fictional character from the British soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Lucy Pargeter. More commonly known as Chas, she made her first appearance during the episode broadcast on 16 October 2002. ...
(
Lucy Pargeter
Lucy Kate Pargeter (born 1 March 1977) is an English actress, known for her roles as Helen Raven in ''Crossroads'' (2002–2003) and Chas Dingle in ''Emmerdale'' (2002–present). She also finished third in the 13th series of the ITV reality ...
) but she isn't there so Charlotte tells
Aaron Livesy
Aaron Dingle (also Livesy) is a fictional character from the British soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Danny Miller. The character was originally played by Danny Webb and appeared in a recurring capacity. Aaron made his first appearance duri ...
( Danny Miller) to inform her if Chas shows up and leaves. She later returns to tell the Dingles that Chas has been arrested after confessing to stabbing Diane.
Cathy Hope
Catherine "Cathy" Hope is the daughter of
Bob Hope
Leslie Townes "Bob" Hope (May 29, 1903 – July 27, 2003) was an American comedian, actor, entertainer and producer with a career that spanned nearly 80 years and achievements in vaudeville, network radio, television, and USO Tours. He appeared ...
(
Tony Audenshaw
Antony Audenshaw (born 13 January 1965) is an English actor and singer. Audenshaw appeared in the Channel 4 soap opera '' Brookside'' from 1994 to 1996). Then in 2000, he began portraying the role of Bob Hope on the ITV soap opera '' Emmerdale ...
) and
Viv Hope
Viv Hope (also Dawson and Windsor) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera '' Emmerdale''. Portrayed by Deena Payne, the character first appeared on 10 August 1993, and remained until 13 January 2011, becoming one of the lo ...
(
Deena Payne
Diane Margaret "Deena" Payne (born 29 August 1954) is an English actress and former singer. She is best known for playing Viv Hope in the long-running ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale''.
Life and career
Payne was born in Orpington, Kent. She used ...
). She first appeared in February 2007.
Since Bob and Viv's remarriage in 2006 they had both wanted a child together. However, plans changed when Bob's daughter
Dawn Woods
Dawn Hope (also Woods) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Julia Mallam. She made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 16 February 2003 and her last on 14 July 2006.
Storyli ...
(
Julia Mallam
Julia Mallam (born 1 August 1982) is an English actress. She is best known for the roles of Dawn Woods in the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'' and Tracy Trickster in the CITV series '' Captain Mack''.
Career
Mallam made her professional acting ...
) died in a show home explosion in July 2006. On the day of Dawn's funeral, Viv collapses and was found by her daughter
Donna Windsor
Donna Windsor (also Windsor-Dingle) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale''. She was originally played by Sophie Jeffery until 1997. Actress Verity Rushworth took over the role in 1998. She made her first appeara ...
(
Verity Rushworth
Verity Charlotte Rushworth (born 15 August 1985) is an English actress. She is known for portraying the role of Donna Windsor in the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'' from 1998 to 2009, with a guest appearance in 2014. She has played many theatre r ...
). At the hospital, doctors revealed that Viv was pregnant. News spread quickly as Donna tells her brother and Viv's son
Scott Windsor
Scott Windsor (also Dawson) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale''.
From 1993 to 1996, Scott was played by Toby Cockerell. In 1996, Scott left the village to join the army and when he returned in 1998, Ben Free ...
(
Ben Freeman
Benedict Freeman (born 8 April 1980) is an English actor, known for portraying the role of Scott Windsor in the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale''. After leaving ''Emmerdale'' in 2007, he embarked on a career in musical theatre, and has since playe ...
) and her husband
Marlon Dingle
Marlon Dingle is a fictional character from the British television soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Mark Charnock. He made his first appearance during the episode broadcast on 17 October 1996. Following the departure of Zak Dingle ( Steve H ...
(
Mark Charnock
Mark Charnock (born 28 August 1968) is an English actor. He is best known for his role in ITV (TV channel), ITV's ''Emmerdale'' as Marlon Dingle, a role he has played since 1996. Charnock and ''Emmerdale'' co-star Dominic Brunt, who plays Paddy ...
) and Scott tells Dawn's ex-husband
Terry Woods
Terence Woods (born 4 December 1947) is an Irish folk musician, songwriter/singer and multi-instrumentalist.
He is known for his membership in such folk and folk- rock groups as the Pogues, Steeleye Span, Sweeney's Men, the Bucks, Dr. St ...
(
Billy Hartman
Billy Hartman (born 1957) is a Scottish actor, well known for playing the part of Terry Woods on ITV's ''Emmerdale'' from 1995 until his character was killed off in 2011.
Career
Together with ''Emmerdale'' co-stars Steve Halliwell and Al ...
). Both Terry and Scott told Bob while his ex-wife Jean Hope (
Susan Penhaligon
Susan Penhaligon (born 3 July 1949) is a Cornish actress and writer known for her role in the drama series '' Bouquet of Barbed Wire'' (1976), and for playing Helen Barker in the sitcom '' A Fine Romance'' (1981–1984).
She appeared in the s ...
) with Terry and Dawn's son
T.J. Woods
The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the British soap opera ''Emmerdale'' in 2003, by order of first appearance.
Jean Tate
Jean Tate is the daughter of Zoe Tate (Leah Bracknell) and Scott Windsor (Ben Freeman). She ap ...
(Connor Lee) was inside. In August 2006, Viv was ready to have an abortion when Bob, Jean, Scott and Donna stopped her.
In February 2007, Viv went into labour, and gave birth to twins. Bob helps deliver a daughter while her twin brother is delivered by
Paddy Kirk
Paddy Dingle (also Kirk) is a fictional character from the British soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Dominic Brunt. He has been married five times: to Mandy Dingle (Lisa Riley) in 1999 and 2024, to Emily Kirk, Emily Dingle (Kate McGregor) in ...
(
Dominic Brunt
Dominic Adam Brunt (born 15 April 1970) is an English actor, director and producer, best known for portraying the role of Paddy Kirk in the ITV (TV channel), ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale''. For his role as Paddy, Brunt has been nominated in variou ...
). Having been born in a shed on the moors, Viv and Bob decide to name the children Cathy and Heath, with their actual names being Catherine and Heathcliff.
Cathy and Heath are baptised in May 2007, with nine godparents; Terry, Donna, Marlon, Paddy, Paddy's ex-wife
Emily Kirk
Emily Kirk (also Wylie and Dingle) is a fictional character from the British television soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Kate McGregor. She made her first appearance in the episode broadcast on 5 May 1999. Initially portrayed as nervous and n ...
(
Kate McGregor
Kate McGregor (born 1972) is an English actress known for her portrayal of the character Emily Kirk in British soap opera ''Emmerdale''.
Early life
Born in Yorkshire, England, McGregor attended the since defunct Bretton Hall College of Educ ...
), Bob's two children
Jamie Hope
Jamie Hope is a fictional character in "''Emmerdale''", a British soap opera broadcast on ITV, portrayed by actor Alex Carter. The character debuted on the show on 16 February 2006 and made his final appearance on 21 May 2010. Carter's depa ...
Eddie Hope
The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the British soap opera ''Emmerdale'' in 2003, by order of first appearance.
Jean Tate
Jean Tate is the daughter of Zoe Tate (Leah Bracknell) and Scott Windsor (Ben Freeman). She app ...
(
Nigel Betts
Nigel Betts is an English actor, who from 2003 to 2007 appeared on the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'' as Eddie Hope. He also portrayed Tony in the BBC Two sitcom '' Boy Meets Girl'' and had a recurring role as Mr Armitage in the eighth series of ...
Adele Silva
Adele Silva (born 19 November 1980) is an English actress. She played the role of Kelly Windsor in the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'' on and off from 1993 to 2011. In 1989, she had a minor role in the final classic series ''Doctor Who'' story ' ...
). In July 2007, they are entered in a "Cute Kids" competition, which Heath wins.
In 2008, Viv begins raising money for children's charities, however, the man she entrusts with the charity money takes it and vanishes. By a series of mishaps, Viv implicates herself and is charged with conspiracy to defraud. With the help of a private investigator, she finds the man, but he threatens Cathy and Heath and gets away. In August 2008, Viv pleads guilty in court and is later sentenced to three years imprisonment. Her voice is later heard on a recording she makes of a bedtime story for Bob, Cathy and Heath.
In July 2009, Viv is released but is heartbroken when Cathy and Heath don't recognise her. Viv soon reveals that she had not been in touch with Bob, Cathy and Heath because she had been appealing against the length of her sentence. In January 2011, Viv, Cathy and Heath are inside the Post Office when it is set on fire by Nick Henshall (
Michael McKell
Michael McKell (born 10 February 1959) is an English actor and singer. His career began in music, co-writing various songs for Toyah Willcox, Dollar and Julien Clerc, as well as embarking on a brief solo career. McKell then focused on acting and ...
). Bob rescues Cathy and Heath and makes it out alive and Terry attempts to rescue Viv. The Post Office explodes and Viv and Terry are killed.
In late 2012, Bob starts dating Brenda Walker (
Lesley Dunlop
Lesley Jane Dunlop (born 10 March 1956) is an English actress, known for her role as Brenda Walker in the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'' (2008-2025). Her other roles include Anna Kirkwall in '' Where the Heart Is'' and Zoë Angell in ''May to D ...
Carly Hope
''Emmerdale'' is a British soap opera first broadcast on 16 October 1972. The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the show in 2001, by order of first appearance. All characters were introduced by series producer Steve Frost.
...
(
Gemma Atkinson
Gemma Louise Atkinson (born 16 November 1984) is an English influencer, radio presenter, and former actress and glamour model. She played Lisa Hunter in ''Hollyoaks'' (2001–2005, 2022) and in three spin-off series, '' Hollyoaks: After Hours ...
) arrives in the village. In August 2015, Cathy and Heath stay with Brenda when Bob is sent to prison for fraud. However, he is released in September 2015, when Carly admits the truth about how she was fully involved in the fraud crime.
In December 2017, Brenda is devastated to find out Bob has been cheating on her with another woman. However, she decides to put it aside during Christmas for Cathy and Heath's sake. After Christmas Brenda tells Cathy and Heath that she and Bob are splitting up but decides to leave out the reason behind it so they won't hate their father. However, they overhear that he cheated on her and refuses to speak to him.
Despite the affair, Bob and Brenda reconcile and Brenda accepts when Bob proposes to her. After the wedding ceremony in May 2018, Brenda leaves Bob realising she won't settle for second best and Bob moves out of their home whilst Cathy and Heath stay with Brenda. However, Cathy is convinced they'll make up and questions Bob about returning home. Bob explains he isn't as he has done a selfish thing and Brenda deserves better. When Brenda realises Bob is still with Laurel Thomas (
Charlotte Bellamy
Charlotte Bellamy (born 19 March 1973) is an English actress. She is known for her long-running role as Laurel Thomas in ''Emmerdale'' on ITV (TV network), ITV. Other television roles included Sue Taylor in ''EastEnders'' (1997), and Harriet Pot ...
), she informs Cathy and Heath of her and Bob's relationship. Bob tries to explain himself to Cathy and Heath and says he is sorry. The next day, a furious Cathy insults Laurel.
In May 2018, Cathy and Heath set fire to a pile of Bob's belongings. When Bob confronts Brenda, thinking she was responsible, Cathy admits she and Heath did it. Bob sits them down and reminds Cathy and Heath that he loves them but states if they ever do anything like that again, they will be in a whole heap of trouble but Cathy and Heath walk out. Brenda finds them at the playground and Cathy expresses that she believes Bob no longer loves her and Heath. Brenda promises them that he does and assures them it is okay to be angry and upset but states it is never okay to start fires. Bob soon suggests it is better Cathy and Heath stay with him and Laurel. Despite Cathy and Heath's refusal to leave Brenda, Bob insists they'll just have to get used to it. In June 2018, Cathy and Heath continue to act up as they adjust to the new living arrangements and miss Brenda.
In November 2018, Cathy and Heath move back in with Brenda as Bob and Laurel's relationship starts to break down. Approaching Christmas 2018, Bob struggles to get enough money to buy Cathy and Heath their Christmas presents, disappointing them when he buys the wrong video games. In late January 2019, Bob's financial troubles gets so bad that he has to spend the night outside on a bench. He is found the next day and taken to hospital, suffering from severe hypothermia. He soon gets discharged and moves back in with Brenda, Cathy and Heath.
In March 2020, Cathy and Heath make a vegan cake in school which Brenda decides to give out to customers in the cafe in an attempt to stay on top of trends and not lose customers to the outdoor pursuits. However, she is horrified when the cake gives
Dan Spencer
Dan Spencer (born September 10, 1965) is an American college baseball coach. He currently serves as the head coach for the Linfield College Wildcats. He previously served as head coach at Green River Community College (1992–1996), Oregon State ...
(
Liam Fox
Sir Liam Fox (born 22 September 1961) is a British politician who served as Secretary of State for International Trade from 2016 to 2019 and Secretary of State for Defence from 2010 to 2011. A member of the Conservative Party (UK), Conservative ...
) an allergic reaction as he is allergic to almonds and Cathy and Heath reveal they used
almond flour
Almond meal, almond flour or ground almond is made from ground sweet almonds. Almond flour is usually made with blanched almonds (no skin), whereas almond meal can be made with whole or blanched almonds. The consistency is more like corn meal t ...
. They manage to sort things out but afterwards when Brenda tries the cake she is impressed by how good it is.
Over summer 2021, Cathy gets jealous of all the attention her niece
April Windsor
''Emmerdale'' is a British soap opera first broadcast on 16 October 1972. The following is a list of characters that first appeared or will appear during 2014, by order of first appearance. William Makepeace (Dudley Sutton) and his grandson, Se ...
(
Amelia Flanagan
Amelia Flanagan (born 6 June 2008) is an English actress who has appeared as April Windsor in the ITV (TV network), ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'' since 2014.
Early and personal life
Flanagan was born in Leeds, West Yorkshire, to parents Rachel a ...
) is receiving on her memorial page for Donna. Cathy trolls April on a social media account about Donna and spreads her phone number all while pretending to be on April's side by giving her support. In September 2021, Cathy starts to regret her actions, but it's too late as other children have also started to troll April. Cathy confesses what she has done to April, and after a frosty reception from April, Cathy spends the night in the Cricket Pavilion. The next day Cathy is found by Rhona Goskirk (
Zoe Henry
Zoe or variants may refer to:
People
* Zoe (name), including a list of people and fictional characters with the name
** Zoë (British singer) (Zoë Pollock, born 1969)
** Zoë (Austrian singer) (Zoë Straub, born 1996)
Arts and entertainment F ...
), who has found out about the bullying, Rhona forces Cathy to confess to Bob and Brenda, which leads to a scuffle between Rhona and Brenda, in which Brenda is pushed to the ground.
For her role as Cathy, Dowling was longlisted for "Best Young Performer" at the 2024 ''Inside Soap'' Awards.
Heath Hope
Heathcliff "Heath" Hope is the son of
Bob
Bob, BOB, or B.O.B. may refer to:
People, fictional characters, and named animals
*Bob (given name), a list of people and fictional characters
* Bob (surname)
* Bob (dog), a dog that received the Dickin Medal for bravery in World War II
* Bob t ...
(
Tony Audenshaw
Antony Audenshaw (born 13 January 1965) is an English actor and singer. Audenshaw appeared in the Channel 4 soap opera '' Brookside'' from 1994 to 1996). Then in 2000, he began portraying the role of Bob Hope on the ITV soap opera '' Emmerdale ...
) and
Viv Hope
Viv Hope (also Dawson and Windsor) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera '' Emmerdale''. Portrayed by Deena Payne, the character first appeared on 10 August 1993, and remained until 13 January 2011, becoming one of the lo ...
(
Deena Payne
Diane Margaret "Deena" Payne (born 29 August 1954) is an English actress and former singer. She is best known for playing Viv Hope in the long-running ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale''.
Life and career
Payne was born in Orpington, Kent. She used ...
). He first appeared in February 2007. Dowling made an unannounced departure when his character was killed off in a car accident on 1 January 2024.
Since Bob and Viv's remarriage in August 2006, they had wanted a child. When Viv finally found out she was pregnant, Bob did not want another child because of the death of his daughter
Dawn Woods
Dawn Hope (also Woods) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Julia Mallam. She made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 16 February 2003 and her last on 14 July 2006.
Storyli ...
(
Julia Mallam
Julia Mallam (born 1 August 1982) is an English actress. She is best known for the roles of Dawn Woods in the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'' and Tracy Trickster in the CITV series '' Captain Mack''.
Career
Mallam made her professional acting ...
). She was ready to have an abortion when Bob stopped her. Heath and twin sister Cathy Hope are born in February 2007 in a shed on the moors, hence their names, delivered by
Paddy Kirk
Paddy Dingle (also Kirk) is a fictional character from the British soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Dominic Brunt. He has been married five times: to Mandy Dingle (Lisa Riley) in 1999 and 2024, to Emily Kirk, Emily Dingle (Kate McGregor) in ...
(
Dominic Brunt
Dominic Adam Brunt (born 15 April 1970) is an English actor, director and producer, best known for portraying the role of Paddy Kirk in the ITV (TV channel), ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale''. For his role as Paddy, Brunt has been nominated in variou ...
). Heath is the younger of the twins. They are baptised in May 2007, with nine godparents; Paddy, Dawn's estranged husband
Terry Woods
Terence Woods (born 4 December 1947) is an Irish folk musician, songwriter/singer and multi-instrumentalist.
He is known for his membership in such folk and folk- rock groups as the Pogues, Steeleye Span, Sweeney's Men, the Bucks, Dr. St ...
(
Billy Hartman
Billy Hartman (born 1957) is a Scottish actor, well known for playing the part of Terry Woods on ITV's ''Emmerdale'' from 1995 until his character was killed off in 2011.
Career
Together with ''Emmerdale'' co-stars Steve Halliwell and Al ...
),
Marlon Dingle
Marlon Dingle is a fictional character from the British television soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Mark Charnock. He made his first appearance during the episode broadcast on 17 October 1996. Following the departure of Zak Dingle ( Steve H ...
(
Mark Charnock
Mark Charnock (born 28 August 1968) is an English actor. He is best known for his role in ITV (TV channel), ITV's ''Emmerdale'' as Marlon Dingle, a role he has played since 1996. Charnock and ''Emmerdale'' co-star Dominic Brunt, who plays Paddy ...
), Marlon's wife and Viv's daughter
Donna Windsor-Dingle
Donna Windsor (also Windsor-Dingle) is a fictional character from the British ITV (TV network), ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale''. She was originally played by Sophie Jeffery until 1997. Actress Verity Rushworth took over the role in 1998. She made h ...
(
Verity Rushworth
Verity Charlotte Rushworth (born 15 August 1985) is an English actress. She is known for portraying the role of Donna Windsor in the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'' from 1998 to 2009, with a guest appearance in 2014. She has played many theatre r ...
), Bob's two children
Jamie Hope
Jamie Hope is a fictional character in "''Emmerdale''", a British soap opera broadcast on ITV, portrayed by actor Alex Carter. The character debuted on the show on 16 February 2006 and made his final appearance on 21 May 2010. Carter's depa ...
Emily Kirk
Emily Kirk (also Wylie and Dingle) is a fictional character from the British television soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Kate McGregor. She made her first appearance in the episode broadcast on 5 May 1999. Initially portrayed as nervous and n ...
(
Kate McGregor
Kate McGregor (born 1972) is an English actress known for her portrayal of the character Emily Kirk in British soap opera ''Emmerdale''.
Early life
Born in Yorkshire, England, McGregor attended the since defunct Bretton Hall College of Educ ...
), Bob's brother
Eddie Hope
The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the British soap opera ''Emmerdale'' in 2003, by order of first appearance.
Jean Tate
Jean Tate is the daughter of Zoe Tate (Leah Bracknell) and Scott Windsor (Ben Freeman). She app ...
(
Nigel Betts
Nigel Betts is an English actor, who from 2003 to 2007 appeared on the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'' as Eddie Hope. He also portrayed Tony in the BBC Two sitcom '' Boy Meets Girl'' and had a recurring role as Mr Armitage in the eighth series of ...
Adele Silva
Adele Silva (born 19 November 1980) is an English actress. She played the role of Kelly Windsor in the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'' on and off from 1993 to 2011. In 1989, she had a minor role in the final classic series ''Doctor Who'' story ' ...
). In July 2007, Cathy and Heath are entered in a "Cute Kids" competition, which Heath wins.
Paul Lambert
Paul Lambert (born 7 August 1969) is a Scottish professional football manager and former player who was most recently the manager of Ipswich Town.
Lambert played as a midfielder and won the Scottish Cup in 1987 with St Mirren as a 17-year-o ...
(
Mathew Bose
Mathew Bose (born 3 July 1973) is a British actor. He is best known for his role as Paul Lambert in the soap opera ''Emmerdale'' from 2004 to 2010 and again in 2015.
Life and career
Rajat Mathew Bose was born 3 July 1973 in South East London ...
). She appeared in 2007 and 2008.
Sharon arrives in the village in February 2007. With her upcoming wedding to footballer Dan McHerron (Patrick Molyneux), she sends invitations to her brother Paul and her aunt
Diane Sugden
Diane Sugden (also Blackstock) is a fictional character from the British soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Elizabeth Estensen. Since her first appearance in 1999, she has been involved in several high-profile storylines, including her marria ...
(
Elizabeth Estensen
Elizabeth Estensen (born 10 August 1949) is an English actress, known for portraying the role of Diane Sugden on the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'' from 1999 to 2021, with a guest stint in 2022. She has also made appearances in various British t ...
) but not her mother. Paul and Diane wonder whether to accept the invitations, partly as Paul also has issues with Sharon. Val sees in a magazine that Sharon is getting married and goes to meet Sharon at Skipdale Hall, the venue chosen for the wedding. Val gets drunk with Dan and she has an argument with Sharon after it is revealed that Val had slept with Sharon's first boyfriend when she was 15 and the boyfriend 17. Val is thrown out and goes for drinks with local journalist John McNally (Steven Farebrother). The following morning, the whole story is in the ''Hotton Courier''. Sharon and Dan's wedding day does not go well and they do not marry as Sharon is revealed as a gold digger.
Sharon returns to the village on 2 June 2008 for Val's wedding to
Eric Pollard
Eric Pollard (also Pollock) is a fictional character from the British soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Chris Chittell. He made his first appearance in the soap on 30 September 1986. Having appeared continuously since, he is currently the lon ...
(
Chris Chittell
Christopher John Chittell BEM (born 19 May 1948) is an English actor, known for his role as Eric Pollard in the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale''. He has portrayed the role since 1986, making him the longest-serving cast member in the soap's histo ...
) and seems a reformed character. After the ceremony, she ends up kissing Eric's son,
David Metcalfe
David Metcalfe is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Matthew Wolfenden. It was reported in August 2023 that he was set to leave the soap after 17 years, due to a lack of "gritty" storylines. David's ...
(
Matthew Wolfenden
Matthew Wolfenden (born 5 May 1980) is an English actor and screenwriter, known for his role as David Metcalfe in the British soap opera ''Emmerdale''.
Early and personal life
Wolfenden was born in Norwood Green, West Yorkshire. He was educa ...
), and while she only sees it as bit of fun, he seems to take things more seriously. David and Nicola De Souza (
Nicola Wheeler
Nicola Wheeler (born 4 April 1974) is an English actress. After appearing in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' in the recurring role of Melanie Tindel in 1999, Wheeler began portraying the role of Nicola King in the ITV soap opera ''Emm ...
), who is close to him, overhear Sharon telling a friend that she does not really care about David and is only staying until she has another celebrity party to go to. Nicola and Sharon later get into a fight in the Woolpack when Nicola tells her that David is leaving her. Val is furious that Sharon has gone back on her offer to take her to her next big party and washes her hands of Sharon, who then leaves Emmerdale, saying she wants nothing to do with any of them.
In September 2015, Sharon is unable to attend her mother's funeral as she is looking after her young daughter, Alice. She rings Paul after the service to ask how it went.
, first appeared on 20 February 2007. She was introduced as the former nurse of Tom King's wife Mary. It was subsequently revealed that she was the mother of his illegitimate daughter. It was announced on 28 September 2007 on ITV's ''
This Morning This Morning may refer to:
* ''This Morning'' (TV programme), a British daytime television programme
* ''This Morning'' (radio program), a Canadian radio show which aired from 1997 to 2002
* ''CBS This Morning'', an American morning show, succes ...
'' that Lusardi had quit the role and would leave in early 2008.
Matthew King (Matt Healy) tries to get rid of Carrie and her daughter, Scarlett ( Kelsey-Beth Crossley), by cutting all financial ties so Carrie would sell them Scarlett's shares. Carl King ( Tom Lister) also wants to get rid of Carrie - it is later revealed that they had had a brief fling when Carl was a teenager. He seemed angry that she took his virginity and later rejected him. Scarlett refuses to sell her shares and insists that she and Carrie move to the village, buying Mill Brook Cottage. When the King brothers face prison sentences,
Jimmy King
Jimmy Hal King (born August 9, 1973) is an American former professional basketball player. King played in the NBA and other leagues. He is most famous for his time spent on the famed University of Michigan Wolverines Fab Five along with Ray J ...
(
Nick Miles
Nick Miles (born 15 December 1962) is an English actor. He is best known for his portrayal of Jimmy King in the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale''. Prior to appearing on ''Emmerdale'', he made appearances in various television series such as ''Casu ...
) suggests that Carrie be named a director of King & Sons so that she can run the business in their absence. The Kings are later cleared but Carrie stays within the business. It is later revealed that Carrie is Lexi Nicholls' (
Sally Oliver
Sally Oliver (born 26 December 1983) is an England, English actress who appeared in United Kingdom, British soap opera ''Emmerdale'' from July 2007 to August 2009, playing the character of Lexi King, Lexi, the daughter of Carrie Nicholls (pla ...
) mother, not her sister. Carrie gave birth to Lexi when she was 14. She confides in Jimmy, and after eventually declaring her love to Jimmy, she realises that her feelings are unreciprocated. Carrie then receives a job offer from an ex-boyfriend, Nick Barrie ( Sam Kane). The job is in Canada and she decides to take it and rekindle her relationship with Nick.
For her role as Carrie, Lusardi was nominated for "Best Newcomer" at the 2007 ''Inside Soap'' Awards.
Jonny Foster
Scarlett Nicholls
Douglas Potts
Douglas "Doug" Potts, played by
Duncan Preston
Duncan Preston (born 11 August 1946) is a retired English actor. He is known for his appearances in television productions written by Victoria Wood, including his role in the soap opera parody sketches '' Acorn Antiques'' and as Stan in the s ...
, made his first appearance on 30 April 2007. He was introduced as Laurel Thomas's (
Charlotte Bellamy
Charlotte Bellamy (born 19 March 1973) is an English actress. She is known for her long-running role as Laurel Thomas in ''Emmerdale'' on ITV (TV network), ITV. Other television roles included Sue Taylor in ''EastEnders'' (1997), and Harriet Pot ...
) father, alongside
Paula Wilcox
Paula Wilcox (born 13 December 1949) is an English actress. She played Chrissy Plummer in the ITV sitcom '' Man About The House'' from 1973 to 1976, and also had roles in TV shows such as '' The Lovers'', '' Miss Jones and Son'', '' The Queenâ ...
as her mother Hilary Potts. Bellamy commented "I was so honoured when I found out they'd be playing my mum and dad. I've grown up with Duncan on TV, so it's great to be working alongside him." In July 2010, Preston announced that he was taking a break from the show, initially temporarily for several months to allow him to do some theatre work. However, it was later announced by Executive Producer,
Steve November
Steve November (born Steven Frost) is a British television producer and executive. Originally known as Steve Frost during his early career, he became a writer for the Sky One drama '' Dream Team''. He also took roles as an assistant director unti ...
, that a return for the character of Doug wasn't definite. November stated that the door would remain open for Preston to come back to the show but that it was in the actor's hands if and when he decides to discuss a return. On 30 July 2014, it was announced that Preston has reprised the role and Doug is returning to the show as a regular character from September. During a December 2016 episode of the show, Doug was recast temporarily to provide an alternative physical appearance from the viewpoint of dementia patient
Ashley Thomas
Ashley Thomas is a fictional character from the British soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by John Middleton. He made his first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 5 December 1996. It was announced on 22 October 2015 that Middleto ...
( John Middleton). On Doug's most memorable moment; a writer from
Holy Soap
Holy Soap is a UK television and entertainment website founded in June 2009 by the British television company Channel 5. The website is the official UK home of the Australian soap operas '' Home and Away'' and '' Neighbours'', which are broadcast ...
said that "despite bringing some real gravitas to the soap, he's best remembered for when he caught an unfortunate STD ..and was arrested for indecent behaviour in a public place because he was scratching himself."
Doug is Laurel Thomas' father. He and Laurel's mother, Hilary Potts, come to the village to visit their daughter but after they leave, they are involved in a car accident. Doug suffers minor injuries but Hilary is comatose for several weeks. Laurel immediately goes to look after her father despite being heavily pregnant. Doug tells Hilary after she recovers that Laurel had moved in to take care of him and the house while she was ill. Doug returns with Hilary to meet their grandson,
Daniel
Daniel commonly refers to:
* Daniel (given name), a masculine given name and a surname
* List of people named Daniel
* List of people with surname Daniel
* Daniel (biblical figure)
* Book of Daniel, a biblical apocalypse, "an account of the acti ...
. Daniel dies of cot death and Hilary asks a devastated Doug to contain his grief for Laurel's sake, and he confides his true feelings to
Pearl Ladderbanks
Pearl Ladderbanks (also Hartbourne) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Meg Johnson. She first appeared on the show in episode 3500 on 30 July 2003. Pearl's storylines included defending her rapis ...
(
Meg Johnson
Meg Johnson is an American poet and lecturer. Her poems have appeared in numerous literary magazines, including '' Midwestern Gothic'', '' Slipstream Magazine'', '' Word Riot'', ''Hobart'', and many others. Her first collection of poems, ''Ina ...
). Hilary and Doug leave the village after Laurel bans Hilary from attending a memorial service for Daniel. They return a couple of weeks later. Laurel and Hilary resolve things and Hilary and Doug move in with Laurel and her husband,
Ashley Thomas
Ashley Thomas is a fictional character from the British soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by John Middleton. He made his first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 5 December 1996. It was announced on 22 October 2015 that Middleto ...
( John Middleton).
Hilary discovers that Daniel was not Laurel and Ashley's son and when she confides her suspicions to Doug, he is reluctant to believe her but she is later proved to be right. Hilary falls out with Laurel over this and leaves but Doug stays to support Laurel, and gets a job at
Eric Pollard
Eric Pollard (also Pollock) is a fictional character from the British soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Chris Chittell. He made his first appearance in the soap on 30 September 1986. Having appeared continuously since, he is currently the lon ...
's (
Chris Chittell
Christopher John Chittell BEM (born 19 May 1948) is an English actor, known for his role as Eric Pollard in the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale''. He has portrayed the role since 1986, making him the longest-serving cast member in the soap's histo ...
) furniture factory. Doug makes plans to reunite with Hilary, but she telephones him and asks for a divorce. Doug begins suffering a
midlife crisis
A midlife crisis is a transition of identity and self-confidence that can occur in middle-aged individuals, typically 45 to 65 years old. The phenomenon is described as a psychological crisis brought about by events that highlight a person's grow ...
and buys himself a new sports car and has sex with Bonnie Drinkwater (
Sue Jenkins
Susan Elizabeth Jenkins (born 31 July 1958) is an English actress. She is most widely known for her roles as Gloria Todd in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' (1985–1988) and as Jackie Corkhill in the Channel 4 soap opera ''Brookside ...
Lesley Dunlop
Lesley Jane Dunlop (born 10 March 1956) is an English actress, known for her role as Brenda Walker in the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'' (2008-2025). Her other roles include Anna Kirkwall in '' Where the Heart Is'' and Zoë Angell in ''May to D ...
) notices him scratching his crotch, and assuming he is a pervert, calls the police. Doug is arrested but released without charge when it is revealed he had an STI, passed on to him by Bonnie. The news spreads around the village and Doug feels humiliated. Laurel reassures him that they would both laugh about the event sometime in the future. Doug disagrees but laughs with her.
Doug begins building a relationship with Brenda but her daughter, Gennie (
Sian Reese-Williams
Sian Reese-Williams (born 18 November 1981) is a Welsh actress, best known for playing detective Cadi John in three series of '' Hidden''.
Early life
Reese-Williams was born in Glanamman, South Wales. She lived in Swansea until the age of 4, ...
), realises that Brenda has feelings for
Bob Hope
Leslie Townes "Bob" Hope (May 29, 1903 – July 27, 2003) was an American comedian, actor, entertainer and producer with a career that spanned nearly 80 years and achievements in vaudeville, network radio, television, and USO Tours. He appeared ...
(
Tony Audenshaw
Antony Audenshaw (born 13 January 1965) is an English actor and singer. Audenshaw appeared in the Channel 4 soap opera '' Brookside'' from 1994 to 1996). Then in 2000, he began portraying the role of Bob Hope on the ITV soap opera '' Emmerdale ...
). Brenda initially denies it but eventually ends her relationship with Doug, and begins dating
Terry Woods
Terence Woods (born 4 December 1947) is an Irish folk musician, songwriter/singer and multi-instrumentalist.
He is known for his membership in such folk and folk- rock groups as the Pogues, Steeleye Span, Sweeney's Men, the Bucks, Dr. St ...
(
Billy Hartman
Billy Hartman (born 1957) is a Scottish actor, well known for playing the part of Terry Woods on ITV's ''Emmerdale'' from 1995 until his character was killed off in 2011.
Career
Together with ''Emmerdale'' co-stars Steve Halliwell and Al ...
) instead. Brenda and Doug continue to be friends, and they form Emmerdale Explorers, a playgroup for the local children. They receive some funding from
Natasha Wylde
Natasha Wylde is a fictional character from the British soap opera ''Emmerdale'' played by Amanda Donohoe. She made her first appearance, along with her husband Mark Wylde (Maxwell Caulfield), on 15 January 2009. It was announced in July 2010 t ...
(
Amanda Donohoe
Amanda Donohoe (born 29 June 1962) is an English actress. She first came to public attention at age 16 for her relationship with pop singer Adam Ant, appearing in the music videos for the Adam and the Ants singles " Antmusic" (1980) and " Stan ...
), but they disagree repeatedly over her son,
Will
Will may refer to:
Common meanings
* Will and testament, instructions for the disposition of one's property after death
* Will (philosophy), or willpower
* Will (sociology)
* Will, volition (psychology)
* Will, a modal verb - see Shall and will
...
(
Oscar Lloyd
Oscar Lloyd (born 16 September 1997) is a British actor best known for his role as Will Wylde in '' Emmerdale''.
Career
Lloyd started his acting career by appearing in television commercials. He was cast as David in the 2008 BBC drama, '' Hanc ...
), attending the group. Eventually, Doug returns her money. Doug begins to resent Terry's involvement in the Explorers project, and his jealousy is further increased when he learns that Brenda intends to buy half of Bob's business. Doug convinces Terry and Bob that Brenda only wants to buy into the business to try to win Bob's heart. When Bob reneges on the deal, a furious Brenda pours a pint over Doug's head. Doug later apologises for interfering.
Doug loses his job when Eric closes his factory as a result of the credit crunch. Doug soon begins running the Home Farm Fayre shop in the village with
Leyla Harding
Leyla Harding (also Cavanagh) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Roxy Shahidi. She made her first on-screen appearance on 11 August 2008 and was introduced by series producer, Anita Turner. The ...
(
Roxy Shahidi
Rokhsaneh Ghawam-Shahidi (; born 14 March 1983) is an English actress and screenwriter. She is known for portraying from 2008 to 2011 and from 2013 to 2025 the role of Leyla Harding in ITV (TV channel), ITV soap ''Emmerdale''. In 2024, she was a ...
). Doug becomes attracted to
Diane Sugden
Diane Sugden (also Blackstock) is a fictional character from the British soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Elizabeth Estensen. Since her first appearance in 1999, she has been involved in several high-profile storylines, including her marria ...
(
Elizabeth Estensen
Elizabeth Estensen (born 10 August 1949) is an English actress, known for portraying the role of Diane Sugden on the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'' from 1999 to 2021, with a guest stint in 2022. She has also made appearances in various British t ...
) and asks her out but she turns him down. Doug is unhappy when Charlie Haynes (
George Costigan
George J. Costigan (born 8 August 1947) is an English actor who is best known for portraying Bob in the 1987 film ''Rita, Sue and Bob Too'' and for roles in TV series such as '' Happy Valley'' and '' So Haunt Me''.
Early life
Born in Portsmouth ...
), a friend of Diane's ex-husband,
Rodney Blackstock
Rodney Blackstock is a fictional character from the British television soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Patrick Mower. He made his first appearance during the episode broadcast on 24 October 2000. He was introduced as the estranged father o ...
(
Patrick Mower
Patrick Mower (born Patrick Archibald Shaw; 12 September 1938) is an English actor. He is often known for his portrayal of Rodney Blackstock in the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'', a role he first played in 2000. Mower has extensively appeared ...
), arrives in the village and begins a relationship with Diane. Fearing Charlie is a con-artist, Doug informs Diane of his suspicions, but Diane does not believe him. Diane later discovers that Charlie has fled the village with her money and she forgives Doug for not believing him, but tells him she does not want a romantic relationship. Diane and Doug remain good friends and Doug offers Diane a loan when she faces financial problems as a result of Charlie's actions. Diane is reluctant to accept at first but eventually does so and Doug is pleased to have helped her.
Doug tells Diane that he is seeing a woman, but does not reveal details. Doug eventually tells Diane that his new girlfriend is Hilary. He asks Diane to not tell Laurel and explains that he wants to give his marriage another go. On 11 February, Doug tells Laurel that he is going on a cruise with Hilary. He also tells Laurel that he intends to move back in with her at their old home. Laurel is reluctant at first but eventually accepts her father's decision. At the same time Diane realises that she does have feelings for Doug after all and invites him to a romantic meal at The Woolpack. He tells her of his plans and she is disappointed. On Valentine's Day, as Doug is about to leave, Laurel and Diane's sister, Val, arrange for Doug to meet Diane at the pub. Diane tells Doug that she regrets turning him down, and pleads with him to stay and give her another chance. But Doug is dismissive, telling Diane that had Charlie not been a conman then she would have gone to Spain with him and that he was not the sort of man she wanted and that he did not want to settle for second best. Doug then leaves and says farewell to Laurel, Ashley, Leyla and Ashley's father
Sandy
Sandy may refer to:
People and fictional characters
*Sandy (given name), including a list of people and fictional characters with the given name or nickname
* Sandy (surname), a list of people
* Sandy (Iranian music band), Iranian singer, comp ...
(
Freddie Jones
Frederick Charles Jones''Births, Marriages & Deaths Index of England & Wales, 1916-2005.''; at ancestry.com (12 September 1927 – 9 July 2019) was an English actor who had an extensive career in television, theatre and cinema productions for ...
). As he is leaving the pub, Diane follows him outside and wishes him well. They embrace and bid each other farewell, parting on good terms. Doug then gets into his waiting taxi and is driven out of the village.
Doug returns to the village for Laurel's wedding to
Marlon Dingle
Marlon Dingle is a fictional character from the British television soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Mark Charnock. He made his first appearance during the episode broadcast on 17 October 1996. Following the departure of Zak Dingle ( Steve H ...
(
Mark Charnock
Mark Charnock (born 28 August 1968) is an English actor. He is best known for his role in ITV (TV channel), ITV's ''Emmerdale'' as Marlon Dingle, a role he has played since 1996. Charnock and ''Emmerdale'' co-star Dominic Brunt, who plays Paddy ...
), and he moves in with the couple and their children for a while. He reveals to Laurel and Marlon that Laurel's mother, Hilary, has begun a relationship with an Italian man named Alberto. He rekindles his relationship with Diane, and his friendship with Leyla. He starts a
vlog
A vlog (), also known as a video blog or video log, is a form of blog for which the medium is video. Vlog entries often combine embedded video (or a video link) with supporting text, images, and other metadata. Entries can be recorded in one ta ...
about gardening and builds up a fan base, however other residents find this silly, which humiliates Doug. In early 2015, Doug notices that Laurel is drinking more than normal, and soon realises that she has descended into
alcoholism
Alcoholism is the continued drinking of alcohol despite it causing problems. Some definitions require evidence of dependence and withdrawal. Problematic use of alcohol has been mentioned in the earliest historical records. The World He ...
. He tries to stop Laurel from drinking, but his actions result in Laurel throwing Doug out, forcing him to move in with Diane. Doug's worries for Laurel's health grow when she is hospitalised after choking on her own vomit after drinking two bottles of wine. He mentions his concerns regarding Laurel's drinking to Diane numerous times. Doug is upset to hear that Hilary has died from heart failure, but is furious at her funeral when Alberto acts as if he knew Hilary for longer than he did, despite Doug's almost fifty-year marriage to Hilary. Doug is later heartbroken to learn that Diane has stomach cancer. He supports Diane as she decides to sell her share of The Woolpack.
Doug finds out that Laurel is remarrying Ashley, which concerns him as Ashley has dementia. Laurel later miscarries her and Ashley's baby, and Doug realises he does not agree with Ashley and Laurel's marriage, and tried to talk Laurel out of it, but this only results in a rift in their relationship. They later reconcile on Laurel's hen night party, where Doug also discovers Laurel is still pregnant, and Doug witnesses Laurel and Ashley wedding the following day. Their happiness is short lived as Ashley suffers a "mini-stroke" which results in him losing months from his memory, leading him to believe he is still dating Harriet Finch (Katherine Dow Blyton). Doug gives Laurel a shoulder to cry on, but Ashley suddenly and miraculously remembers his wedding. Diane and Doug invest in Eric's B&B becoming co-owners alongside Eric. At the same time, Diane sells her share of the pub to Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins), however, Doug does not trust her. He later serves behind the bar whenever he can, before going to Spain to help Diane look after an ill Annie Sugden (Sheila Mercier).
Hilary Potts
Hilary Potts, played by
Paula Wilcox
Paula Wilcox (born 13 December 1949) is an English actress. She played Chrissy Plummer in the ITV sitcom '' Man About The House'' from 1973 to 1976, and also had roles in TV shows such as '' The Lovers'', '' Miss Jones and Son'', '' The Queenâ ...
, made her first screen appearance on 30 April 2007.
Hilary and her husband, Douglas Potts (
Duncan Preston
Duncan Preston (born 11 August 1946) is a retired English actor. He is known for his appearances in television productions written by Victoria Wood, including his role in the soap opera parody sketches '' Acorn Antiques'' and as Stan in the s ...
), arrived on 30 April, for a meal with their daughter Laurel Potts, Laurel Thomas (
Charlotte Bellamy
Charlotte Bellamy (born 19 March 1973) is an English actress. She is known for her long-running role as Laurel Thomas in ''Emmerdale'' on ITV (TV network), ITV. Other television roles included Sue Taylor in ''EastEnders'' (1997), and Harriet Pot ...
). All went well, but after they left, they were involved in a Traffic collision, car accident. Both survived the crash and returned to the village to see their new grandson, #Daniel Thomas, Daniel. Tragically, Daniel died in February 2008 from sudden infant death syndrome. Hilary and Doug stayed until the funeral but a devastated Laurel told Hilary she blamed her for Daniel's death, as Hilary convinced Laurel not to check on Daniel when they heard him crying, believing that he was just having a bad dream. Hilary tried to work out their problems but Laurel asked her to leave. Hilary and Doug went home but visited again several weeks later. Laurel and Hilary reconciled and Hilary and Doug moved in with Laurel and her husband Ashley Thomas, Ashley ( John Middleton).
The family began to move on from the tragedy of Daniel's death, but Daniel's postmortem revealed that he had been a carrier for cystic fibrosis. Ashley, Laurel and her parents were puzzled as neither family knew of any relative with that condition. Hilary became concerned when she learned #Melanie Doland, Melanie Doland (Caroline Strong), whose son, #Arthur Thomas, Arthur (Alfie Clarke), who was born the same day as Daniel, said her sister had died of cystic fibrosis. A few weeks later, #Greg Doland, Greg Doland (Shaun Prendergast) told Hilary that Arthur was allergic to seafood. This was common in Hilary's family. Hilary became convinced that Daniel was not Laurel and Ashley's son, and despite Douglas, Ashley and Laurel thinking what Hilary was saying was due to her grief, she convinced the doctor to check the blood types again. This proved what Hilary had been saying - that Daniel was not Ashley and Laurel's son. Laurel was devastated and slapped Hilary for adding to their agony. Hilary felt guilty for what her daughter had gone through, but told Doug she knew the Dolands were raising Laurel's and Ashley's son.
When Hilary found out the Dolands were going on holiday to Spain, she vanished with Arthur. They were soon found, but Ashley told the Dolands about the possible baby mix-up. Greg and Mel attempted to emigrate with Arthur, but Ashley stopped them. Hilary called the police, who said they could not intervene, but fearing she would lose her son, Mel ran away with Arthur. Laurel refused to accept that Arthur might be her son. Hilary told Laurel she could not watch her ignore her son and went home. Seven years later, Hilary dies after suffering heart failure. Doug informs Laurel by telephone. Laurel, her current husband
Marlon Dingle
Marlon Dingle is a fictional character from the British television soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Mark Charnock. He made his first appearance during the episode broadcast on 17 October 1996. Following the departure of Zak Dingle ( Steve H ...
(
Mark Charnock
Mark Charnock (born 28 August 1968) is an English actor. He is best known for his role in ITV (TV channel), ITV's ''Emmerdale'' as Marlon Dingle, a role he has played since 1996. Charnock and ''Emmerdale'' co-star Dominic Brunt, who plays Paddy ...
), Ashley, Doug, and his partner
Diane Sugden
Diane Sugden (also Blackstock) is a fictional character from the British soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Elizabeth Estensen. Since her first appearance in 1999, she has been involved in several high-profile storylines, including her marria ...
(
Elizabeth Estensen
Elizabeth Estensen (born 10 August 1949) is an English actress, known for portraying the role of Diane Sugden on the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'' from 1999 to 2021, with a guest stint in 2022. She has also made appearances in various British t ...
) attended Hilary's funeral.
Caroline Swann
Caroline Swann (also Potts) is the sister of Laurel Thomas (
Charlotte Bellamy
Charlotte Bellamy (born 19 March 1973) is an English actress. She is known for her long-running role as Laurel Thomas in ''Emmerdale'' on ITV (TV network), ITV. Other television roles included Sue Taylor in ''EastEnders'' (1997), and Harriet Pot ...
). Caroline first appeared on 25 May 2007, at the hospital when her mother Hilary Potts, Hilary (
Paula Wilcox
Paula Wilcox (born 13 December 1949) is an English actress. She played Chrissy Plummer in the ITV sitcom '' Man About The House'' from 1973 to 1976, and also had roles in TV shows such as '' The Lovers'', '' Miss Jones and Son'', '' The Queenâ ...
) woke up from a coma caused by a car crash. The elder of Douglas Potts, Doug (
Duncan Preston
Duncan Preston (born 11 August 1946) is a retired English actor. He is known for his appearances in television productions written by Victoria Wood, including his role in the soap opera parody sketches '' Acorn Antiques'' and as Stan in the s ...
) and Hilary's two children, Caroline was always her mother's favourite as a child, even in adult life, causing some resentment from Laurel. Caroline returns on 2 December 2007 when her parents return to their home after staying with Laurel and Ashley Thomas, Ashley ( John Middleton) in Emmerdale. Caroline says that her husband, Ben, has been made redundant and they have lost their house, so without asking they had moved into Doug and Hilary's house. Doug and Hilary then decide to move back to Emmerdale.
Caroline is seen again on 8 December 2009 when Doug and Ashley turn up at Hilary's house to see Laurel, following Ashley and Laurel's separation. During the visit, Caroline reveals that she was also having marriage issues with her husband Ben. In July 2015, Caroline appears again attending her mother's funeral. She hosts the wake at her house, assuming Laurel is pregnant when she wonders why she is not drinking alcohol. This causes Laurel to lash out at Caroline and reveal that she is an alcoholic and is splitting up with her husband Marlon Dingle, Marlon (
Mark Charnock
Mark Charnock (born 28 August 1968) is an English actor. He is best known for his role in ITV (TV channel), ITV's ''Emmerdale'' as Marlon Dingle, a role he has played since 1996. Charnock and ''Emmerdale'' co-star Dominic Brunt, who plays Paddy ...
). Caroline also reveals to Doug that she feels resentful at Laurel's lack of contact with Hilary in the previous years. Laurel later leaves to stay with Caroline for a few weeks to deal with alcoholism.
Duke Woods
Percy "Duke" Woods, played by Dicken Ashworth, made his first appearance on 20 June 2007. Ashworth's casting and character details were announced a month ahead of his character's on-screen debut. Duke is introduced as the father of established character
Terry Woods
Terence Woods (born 4 December 1947) is an Irish folk musician, songwriter/singer and multi-instrumentalist.
He is known for his membership in such folk and folk- rock groups as the Pogues, Steeleye Span, Sweeney's Men, the Bucks, Dr. St ...
(
Billy Hartman
Billy Hartman (born 1957) is a Scottish actor, well known for playing the part of Terry Woods on ITV's ''Emmerdale'' from 1995 until his character was killed off in 2011.
Career
Together with ''Emmerdale'' co-stars Steve Halliwell and Al ...
). Ashworth told ITV.com: "Duke is Terry's estranged father. Basically they've not been in contact for a long time. But when Terry sees him on TV he thinks his dad might be in a bit of trouble and goes to see him, but he almost doesn't. Duke's wife died when he was very young and then he brought Terry up alone, He tried to push him too hard into sport, especially boxing, and live his own life though his son, so they don't speak – though I think there were other big issues as well."
Duke departed on 28 January 2008. Of his character's departure, Ashworth said: "I would have been quite happy to stay, but basically a lot depends in soap on the writers and storylines, and my storyline came to a natural end." He also said that as his character did not die, he had the opportunity to return.
Terry invites his father to the village after watching him confront some teenagers on television. He believes that Duke will do better in the Dales. Duke and
Pearl Ladderbanks
Pearl Ladderbanks (also Hartbourne) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Meg Johnson. She first appeared on the show in episode 3500 on 30 July 2003. Pearl's storylines included defending her rapis ...
(
Meg Johnson
Meg Johnson is an American poet and lecturer. Her poems have appeared in numerous literary magazines, including '' Midwestern Gothic'', '' Slipstream Magazine'', '' Word Riot'', ''Hobart'', and many others. Her first collection of poems, ''Ina ...
) vandalise Jacob's Fold and get arrested. An article in the ''Hotten Courier'' reveals that his first name is actually Percy. Duke leaves the village to help Ryan Hayworth (Reece Noi) with his football training.
Lexi King
Brenda McFarlane
Brenda McFarlane is married to #Colin McFarlane, Colin McFarlane (Michael Melia). She first appears looking for
Chas Dingle
Chastity Dingle (also Livesy and Spencer) is a fictional character from the British soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Lucy Pargeter. More commonly known as Chas, she made her first appearance during the episode broadcast on 16 October 2002. ...
(
Lucy Pargeter
Lucy Kate Pargeter (born 1 March 1977) is an English actress, known for her roles as Helen Raven in ''Crossroads'' (2002–2003) and Chas Dingle in ''Emmerdale'' (2002–present). She also finished third in the 13th series of the ITV reality ...
), who was sleeping with her husband Colin when he died. Chas thinks that Brenda wants revenge so she and Lexi Nicholls (
Sally Oliver
Sally Oliver (born 26 December 1983) is an England, English actress who appeared in United Kingdom, British soap opera ''Emmerdale'' from July 2007 to August 2009, playing the character of Lexi King, Lexi, the daughter of Carrie Nicholls (pla ...
) prepare to run away. However, the following day they meet her when she turns up at Chas's house. To their surprise, Brenda hands them some money to thank them for killing her husband - although Colin died of natural causes.
Brenda reappears on 17 March 2008, when Chas goes to her to ask for her help. Chas and
Debbie Dingle
Debbie Dingle (also Jones and Barton) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Charley Webb. Webb has taken maternity leave three times, with the first time being in 2010, and the second in 2016, with ...
(
Charley Webb
Charlene Joanne Webb (born 26 February 1988), commonly known as Charley Webb, is an English actress. From 2002 to 2021, she portrayed the role of Debbie Dingle in the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale''. In 2014, she was nominated for Best Female ...
) are trying to help Jo Stiles (Roxanne Pallett) get rid of List of Emmerdale characters (2008)#Charlie Sellers, Charlie Sellers (Michael Keogh), a former prisoner who is staying in Jo's house and threatening her. Brenda agrees to allow Charlie and Chas to rob one of her nightclubs, and let him then get caught by the police. However, the following day things go wrong when Charlie holds the bar manager hostage with a gun. He and Chas escape, but Brenda later comes after Charlie with a "heavy". She tells Charlie to leave and he has no choice but to agree.
Daniel Thomas
Daniel Thomas was the biological son of #Greg Doland, Greg (Shaun Prendergast) and #Melanie Doland, Melanie Doland (Caroline Strong), although during his short life, he is the son of Ashley Thomas, Ashley ( John Middleton) and Laurel Thomas (
Charlotte Bellamy
Charlotte Bellamy (born 19 March 1973) is an English actress. She is known for her long-running role as Laurel Thomas in ''Emmerdale'' on ITV (TV network), ITV. Other television roles included Sue Taylor in ''EastEnders'' (1997), and Harriet Pot ...
). He appeared from 2007 to 2008.
Born on 26 August 2007, an accidental baby-swap in the hospital saw Daniel given to Ashley and Laurel Thomas, while their biological son #Arthur Thomas, Arthur (Alfie Clarke) is given to the Dolands. He is christened in December 2007, with Shadrach Dingle (Andy Devine (actor), Andy Devine) acting as godfather, who surprises people by caring very much for Daniel and promising to teach him things when he is older. On 21 February 2008, Daniel dies in his sleep of cot death, leaving Laurel and Ashley devastated. Laurel's mother Hilary Potts (
Paula Wilcox
Paula Wilcox (born 13 December 1949) is an English actress. She played Chrissy Plummer in the ITV sitcom '' Man About The House'' from 1973 to 1976, and also had roles in TV shows such as '' The Lovers'', '' Miss Jones and Son'', '' The Queenâ ...
) soon starts to think that Daniel is not Laurel and Ashley's son, and eventually DNA tests prove this, and that Daniel was Greg and Mel's son. Greg and Mel leave the village in July 2008, after Laurel and Ashley are awarded custody of Arthur.
Melanie Doland
Melanie "Mel" Doland is married to #Greg Doland, Greg Doland (Shaun Prendergast) and former biological mother of #Daniel Thomas, Daniel Thomas. She appeared from 2007 to 2008.
Mel first appears along with Greg when she is giving birth at the same time as Laurel Thomas (
Charlotte Bellamy
Charlotte Bellamy (born 19 March 1973) is an English actress. She is known for her long-running role as Laurel Thomas in ''Emmerdale'' on ITV (TV network), ITV. Other television roles included Sue Taylor in ''EastEnders'' (1997), and Harriet Pot ...
). Unbeknown to either couple, their babies are accidentally swapped at the hospital, and Mel's biological son, #Daniel Thomas, Daniel, goes home with Laurel and
Ashley Thomas
Ashley Thomas is a fictional character from the British soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by John Middleton. He made his first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 5 December 1996. It was announced on 22 October 2015 that Middleto ...
( John Middleton), while Laurel's biological son, #Arthur Thomas, Arthur (Alfie Clarke), goes home with the Dolands. The couples become friends and their children are baptised at the same time by Bishop George Postlethwaite (Peter Cartwright (actor), Peter Cartwright). The Dolands become more frequent visitors to Emmerdale village when Greg, a builder, and Jack Sugden (Clive Hornby) come to an arrangement for the redevelopment of Annie's Cottage. When Jack later sells Annie's Cottage, the Dolands buy it and move to the village.
On 21 February 2008, Daniel dies of cot death. Soon after, Laurel's mother Hilary Potts (
Paula Wilcox
Paula Wilcox (born 13 December 1949) is an English actress. She played Chrissy Plummer in the ITV sitcom '' Man About The House'' from 1973 to 1976, and also had roles in TV shows such as '' The Lovers'', '' Miss Jones and Son'', '' The Queenâ ...
) starts to suspect Arthur may be the Thomas' son not Greg and Mel's. They try and flee the country, but Ashley stops them. The police await their return, although they are not charged. Mel later runs away with Arthur on her own, but is later found. In June, the courts award custody of Arthur to his biological parents, Ashley and Laurel, leaving Mel particularly devastated. Over the coming weeks, Laurel has problems bonding with Arthur and Mel makes frequent visits to see Arthur. When Laurel finally bonds with Arthur, Greg and Mel leave the village as Mel realises there is no place for them anymore.
Greg Doland
Gregory "Greg" Doland is the husband of #Melanie Doland, Melanie Doland (Caroline Strong), father of #Jake Doland, Jake Doland (James Baxter (actor), James Baxter) and former biological father of #Daniel Thomas, Daniel Thomas. He appeared from 2007 to 2008.
Greg first appears along with Mel when she is giving birth at the same time as Laurel Thomas (
Charlotte Bellamy
Charlotte Bellamy (born 19 March 1973) is an English actress. She is known for her long-running role as Laurel Thomas in ''Emmerdale'' on ITV (TV network), ITV. Other television roles included Sue Taylor in ''EastEnders'' (1997), and Harriet Pot ...
). Unbeknown to either couple, their babies are accidentally swapped at the hospital, and Mel's biological son, #Daniel Thomas, Daniel, goes home with Laurel and
Ashley Thomas
Ashley Thomas is a fictional character from the British soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by John Middleton. He made his first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 5 December 1996. It was announced on 22 October 2015 that Middleto ...
( John Middleton), while Laurel's biological son, Arthur Thomas (Emmerdale), Arthur, goes home with the Dolands. The couples become friends and their children are baptised at the same time by Bishop George Postlethwaite (Peter Cartwright (actor), Peter Cartwright). The Dolands become more frequent visitors to Emmerdale village when Greg, a builder, and Jack Sugden (Clive Hornby) come to an arrangement for the redevelopment of Annie's Cottage. When Jack later sells Annie's Cottage, the Dolands buy it and move to the village.
On 21 February 2008, Daniel dies of cot death. During a period when Laurel is estranged from Ashley, Greg tries to comfort her and she kisses him. A guilt-ridden Laurel returns to her husband and she and Greg promise to keep quiet about what had happened. Soon after Daniel's death, Laurel's mother Hilary Potts (
Paula Wilcox
Paula Wilcox (born 13 December 1949) is an English actress. She played Chrissy Plummer in the ITV sitcom '' Man About The House'' from 1973 to 1976, and also had roles in TV shows such as '' The Lovers'', '' Miss Jones and Son'', '' The Queenâ ...
) starts to suspect Arthur may be the Thomas' son not Greg and Mel's. They try and flee the country, but Ashley stops them. The police await their return, although they are not charged. Mel later runs away with Arthur on her own, only telling her stepson Jake Doland (James Baxter (actor), James Baxter) where she is. After a few weeks, Greg persuades her to come home. At a court hearing on 5 June, a judge decides to award custody of Arthur to his biological parents, Laurel and Ashley. Over the coming weeks, Laurel has problems bonding with Arthur and Mel makes frequent visits to visit him. Greg, however, does not visit Arthur, causing arguments between the couple. When Laurel finally bonds with Arthur, Greg and Mel leave the village as Mel realises there is no place for her anymore.
Arthur Thomas
Arthur Thomas (also Doland) is the son of
Ashley Thomas
Ashley Thomas is a fictional character from the British soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by John Middleton. He made his first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 5 December 1996. It was announced on 22 October 2015 that Middleto ...
Charlotte Bellamy
Charlotte Bellamy (born 19 March 1973) is an English actress. She is known for her long-running role as Laurel Thomas in ''Emmerdale'' on ITV (TV network), ITV. Other television roles included Sue Taylor in ''EastEnders'' (1997), and Harriet Pot ...
). He has appeared since 26 August 2007.
Born in August 2007, Arthur is the biological son of Ashley and Laurel. However, an accidental baby-swap sees him being given to #Greg Doland, Greg (Shaun Prendergast) and #Melanie Doland, Melanie Doland (Caroline Strong), who gives birth nearby on the same day. Their biological son, #Daniel Thomas, Daniel Doland, dies of cot death in February 2008. Laurel's mother Hilary Potts (
Paula Wilcox
Paula Wilcox (born 13 December 1949) is an English actress. She played Chrissy Plummer in the ITV sitcom '' Man About The House'' from 1973 to 1976, and also had roles in TV shows such as '' The Lovers'', '' Miss Jones and Son'', '' The Queenâ ...
) soon starts to think that Arthur is not Greg and Melanie's son, and eventually DNA tests prove this. After a court decision, Arthur is handed over to Ashley and Laurel in June 2008. Arthur then refuses to eat and Melanie comes round and helps out. Eventually, Laurel bonds with Arthur, and Greg and Melanie leave the village. Arthur is last seen in December 2009 after Laurel believes that Sally Spode (Siân Reeves) has abducted him but is humiliated when he turns up with her and Ashley having gone out for a trip. Off-screen, he leaves with Laurel and Ashley's daughter Gabby Thomas (fictional character), Gabby Thomas to Hilary's house although Gabby later returns. Arthur returns to the village with Laurel and she and Ashley reconcile after Sally is arrested.
In early 2016, Arthur and Gabby (now Rosie Bentham) learn Ashley has dementia. When Ashley builds a pirate ship play house for Arthur, Arthur cuts himself with a saw and Ashley takes him to hospital. Arthur is left alone when Ashley wanders off and ends up at Laurel's baby scan. Laurel and Ashley are told that Ashley isn't to be left on his own with Arthur and Laurel tries to hide it from him. In September 2016, Laurel gives birth to hers and Ashley's daughter, Dotty Thomas, who is Arthur's younger sister. In December 2016, Laurel tells Gabby and Arthur that they are looking at full time care for Ashley following a stroke he has. Laurel struggles to cope, so she decides to move Ashley into full time care, upsetting Gabby and Arthur. Arthur visits Ashley with Laurel and Gabby and sees Ashley with a woman he has developed a bond with. After Gabby has a hard time at school, Laurel takes her and Arthur out of school on compassionate leave. In April 2017, Ashley is diagnosed with pneumonia when he coughs up blood and Arthur blames himself, after visiting Ashley and being sick. Laurel is told that Ashley is not responding to treatment and that the family should start saying goodbye, which she tells Gabby and Arthur. Laurel brings Ashley home for his final days and he later passes away. At Ashley's funeral, Arthur reads a poem, but runs off and tells Laurel he will never be able to make new memories with Ashley. Arthur overhears Laurel and her father Douglas Potts (
Duncan Preston
Duncan Preston (born 11 August 1946) is a retired English actor. He is known for his appearances in television productions written by Victoria Wood, including his role in the soap opera parody sketches '' Acorn Antiques'' and as Stan in the s ...
) talking about Gabby going to Australia with her mother, Bernice Blackstock, Bernice White (Samantha Giles), to visit her half-sister, Dee Dee. Arthur is upset with Gabby and thinks Dee Dee will take his place, but Gabby reassures him that won't happen. Arthur is troubled when he finds a video of Emma Barton (Emmerdale), Emma Barton (Gillian Kearney) talking to Ashley about a car crash that occurred months before Ashley remembers Emma was present.
Laurel starts dating Jai Sharma (Chris Bisson) in 2019. Not long afterwards, Jai's son Archie Breckle (Kai Assi) comes to live with Jai after losing his mother. Arthur begins to resent Archie and starts bullying him. Their differences come to a head when they accidentally cause a fire whilst out camping and putting Arthur's younger sister Dotty in danger. Laurel has the police interrogate Arthur to teach him a lesson.
In December 2022, Arthur comes out as gay to Nicola King (
Nicola Wheeler
Nicola Wheeler (born 4 April 1974) is an English actress. After appearing in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' in the recurring role of Melanie Tindel in 1999, Wheeler began portraying the role of Nicola King in the ITV soap opera ''Emm ...
), Laurel's friend. He is supported by Nicola, Laurel, and his friends, although Elliot Windsor (Luca Hoyle) reveals Arthur's sexuality to the rest of the school. Arthur becomes attracted to schoolmate Marshall Hamston (Max Fletcher), who tricks Arthur into thinking he is attracted to him. Consequently, Arthur records a video commentary calling Marshall out for his behaviour. Marshall tries to talk to Arthur, but Arthur's friend
April Windsor
''Emmerdale'' is a British soap opera first broadcast on 16 October 1972. The following is a list of characters that first appeared or will appear during 2014, by order of first appearance. William Makepeace (Dudley Sutton) and his grandson, Se ...
(
Amelia Flanagan
Amelia Flanagan (born 6 June 2008) is an English actress who has appeared as April Windsor in the ITV (TV network), ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'' since 2014.
Early and personal life
Flanagan was born in Leeds, West Yorkshire, to parents Rachel a ...
) hits him, and Laurel orders Marshall to stay away from her son. However, it emerges that Marshall really is attracted to Arthur, and is being abused by his homophobic father Colin Hamston (Mark Noble). Marshall escapes from Colin with Laurel's help and moves in with Arthur. However, their relationship does not work out and Marshall moves away to live with relatives, leaving Arthur heartbroken. When Arthur's friend Heath Hope (Sebastian Dowling) is killed in an accident in 2024, Arthur mourns him and organises a tribute for him.
In August 2017, Clarke was longlisted for Best Young Actor at the Inside Soap Awards, ''Inside Soap'' Awards. He made the viewer-voted shortlist. On 6 November 2017, Clarke won the "Best Young Actor" accolade.
Patricia Foster
Patricia Foster is the mother of Jonny Foster (Richard Grieve). She appeared in 2007, 2008 and 2009.
Patricia first arrives in the village in 2007 to present a £5000 cheque to her son, local farrier Jonny Foster, which he can invest in his future with his partner
Paul Lambert
Paul Lambert (born 7 August 1969) is a Scottish professional football manager and former player who was most recently the manager of Ipswich Town.
Lambert played as a midfielder and won the Scottish Cup in 1987 with St Mirren as a 17-year-o ...
(Matthew Bose). She returns in 2008 for Jonny's commitment ceremony to Paul, who had already married Jonny hours beforehand in a Civil partnership in the United Kingdom, civil partnership. On 12 January 2009, Patricia returns to the village and argues with Paul outside "The Woolpack" during a divorce party being held for him by his mother, Val Pollard (
Charlie Hardwick
Claire Elizabeth Hardwick (born 3 November 1960) ''
Viv Hope
Viv Hope (also Dawson and Windsor) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera '' Emmerdale''. Portrayed by Deena Payne, the character first appeared on 10 August 1993, and remained until 13 January 2011, becoming one of the lo ...
(
Deena Payne
Diane Margaret "Deena" Payne (born 29 August 1954) is an English actress and former singer. She is best known for playing Viv Hope in the long-running ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale''.
Life and career
Payne was born in Orpington, Kent. She used ...
) for fraud. He appeared in 2007 and 2008.
Freddie meets Viv in late 2007 and persuades her to work with the "Happy Smile Fund", his children's charity. After she has too much to drink, he kisses her. Viv works hard to raise money for the charity, but in early 2008 she realises that the money is not going to the charity. She makes it up with her own money, but fails to get in contact with Freddie. In March 2008, Viv is arrested for fraud and finds that her names have been put down on many pieces of incriminating paperwork. In July, a private investigator finds Freddie and records on tape saying what he had done. However, when the investigator is handing it over in a park, Freddie takes the tape off Viv after a tussle. He leaves her some of the stolen money and without her knowledge plants it in her babies pram. The police then find this and it further incriminates her. The day before the start of Viv's trial, her daughter
Donna Windsor-Dingle
Donna Windsor (also Windsor-Dingle) is a fictional character from the British ITV (TV network), ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale''. She was originally played by Sophie Jeffery until 1997. Actress Verity Rushworth took over the role in 1998. She made h ...
(
Verity Rushworth
Verity Charlotte Rushworth (born 15 August 1985) is an English actress. She is known for portraying the role of Donna Windsor in the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'' from 1998 to 2009, with a guest appearance in 2014. She has played many theatre r ...
) and Ross Kirk ( Samuel Anderson) see Freddie on a surveillance tape and find out where he lives. They try to talk to him, but he flees. A car chase follows, and while Freddie gets away Donna and Ross are seriously injured in a crash. Viv, guilt-ridden about what happened to her daughter, pleads guilty to fraud, and is sent to prison.
Jake Doland
Jake Doland is the son of #Greg Doland, Greg Doland (Shaun Prendergast). He appeared from 2007 to 2009, when his character was axed.
A writer from
Holy Soap
Holy Soap is a UK television and entertainment website founded in June 2009 by the British television company Channel 5. The website is the official UK home of the Australian soap operas '' Home and Away'' and '' Neighbours'', which are broadcast ...
described Jake's most memorable moment as being the scenes in which he witnessed his stepmother realise her baby was dead.
Jake first appears when visiting the village for the infant baptism, christening of his half brother List of Emmerdale characters#Arthur Thomas, Arthur (Alfie Clarke) in November 2007. He is also Arthur's godfather.
Jake's mother died when he was a child and Greg married #Melanie Doland, Melanie (Caroline Strong). He returns in January 2008 to help his father re-build Annie's Cottage. Jake does not take to building so when Jack Sugden (Clive Hornby) offers him a job on Butler's Farm, while Andy Sugden (Kelvin Fletcher) was in jail, Jake agrees. Victoria Sugden (Isabel Hodgins) takes a liking to him but he only sees her as a friend. With Andy in prison, Jake is more interested in Jo Stiles (Roxanne Pallett), but Sam Dingle (James Hooton) tells him to leave her alone. Jake continues to work there until Andy fires him in June 2008.
In early 2008, Greg and Mel learn that Arthur may not be their son as the hospital are investigating a possible baby swap. Convinced it is the Thomases' grief talking, Jake helps Greg and Mel go on the run. When thwarted at the airport, Mel disappears with Arthur but keeps in touch with Jake. Greg later finds out and convinces her to come home. Weeks later, DNA test results prove Arthur is Ashley and Laurel's son and custody of him is awarded to the Thomases. Daniel, the Dolands' biological son, died in February 2008. They leave town several weeks later to live in Spain, but Jake decides to stay in Emmerdale.
Jake takes over as head chef at The Woolpack after
Marlon Dingle
Marlon Dingle is a fictional character from the British television soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Mark Charnock. He made his first appearance during the episode broadcast on 17 October 1996. Following the departure of Zak Dingle ( Steve H ...
(
Mark Charnock
Mark Charnock (born 28 August 1968) is an English actor. He is best known for his role in ITV (TV channel), ITV's ''Emmerdale'' as Marlon Dingle, a role he has played since 1996. Charnock and ''Emmerdale'' co-star Dominic Brunt, who plays Paddy ...
) quits in a huff and starts dating
Jasmine Thomas
Jasmine Thomas is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Jenna-Louise Coleman. She made her first screen appearance in the episode broadcast on 30 June 2005 and her last appearance on 26 March 2009.
C ...
(Jenna Coleman, Jenna-Louise Coleman). Marlon is convinced to return and Jake returns to being assistant chef. In October 2008, Jake throws a party in an attempt to help his flagging romance with Jasmine. Unfortunately for Jake, List of Emmerdale characters (2008)#Shane Doyle, PC Shane Doyle (Paul McEwan (actor), Ppaul McEwan) wants Jasmine and ends the party by claiming that there have been complaints about noise and whispers to Jake that he'd slept with Jasmine. A furious Jake attacks him and is arrested. Jasmine tells him she has had enough and ends their relationship. Jake becomes close friends with Daz Eden (Luke Tittensor) and he moves in with Daz when Daz didn't want his girlfriend Scarlett Nicholls ( Kelsey-Beth Crossley) to join him.
In mid-2009, Greg asks Jake to join him and Mel in Spain and finds him a job. In August, Lizzie Lakely (Kitty McGeever), who is blind, asks him to scratch a scratchcard for her and tell her if she has won anything – she wins £500 but
Eli Dingle
Eli Dingle is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Joe Gilgun. He first appeared on screen in the episode which aired on 13 July 2006 and made his last appearance on 30 April 2010. He is the younger br ...
(
Joseph Gilgun
Joseph William Gilgun (born 9 March 1984) is an English actor and producer known for several roles, including that of Vinnie O'Neill in the Sky Max series '' Brassic'', which he also co-created, Marcus in ''Hollyoaks'', Eli Dingle in the ITV ...
) convinces him to keep quiet and they split the money. Initially Jake agrees and cashes in the scratchcard, but feeling guilty, Jake confessed to Lizzie. Pleased at Jake's honesty, Marlon gave him the money for his flight to Spain.
Other characters
References
{{Emmerdale characters, year
Lists of Emmerdale characters, 2007
Television characters introduced in 2007, *, Emmerdale