Andy Sugden (
Kelvin Fletcher
Kelvin Warren Fletcher (born 17 January 1984) is an English actor, model, racing driver, presenter and farmer. He played Andy Sugden in the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'', a role he played from 1996 until 2016. In 2019, Fletcher won the sevent ...
). However,
Debbie Dingle (
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 ...
), begins leaving her kids with Andy and Kerry which Kerry soon becomes annoyed about. One night, Kerry gets drunk and drops a cigarette on the rug, setting Andy's house on fire, nearly killing herself and baby Jack. She and Jack are saved by Andy, Amy, and
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
Jeff Hordley (born 7 March 1970) is an English actor, best known for portraying the role of Cain Dingle in the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale''. For his portrayal of Cain, he has been nominated for the British Soap Award for Best Actor at three c ...
), after Andy's daughter, Sarah, raises the alarm. Andy nearly attacks Kerry and ends their relationship. After getting into a fight with Debbie in the street over the situation, Kerry goes on holiday for a few weeks. Kerry returns but is horrified to see Andy and Amy kissing and tells them she is pregnant. However, it is revealed she is lying when she asks a pregnant woman to use a pregnancy test. Kerry shows it to Andy and he buys her another one but the pregnant woman also urinated in a little cup and Kerry tricks Andy into believing she's pregnant. However, he is not convinced and Andy tells her to have an abortion because he will not support her. When drowning her sorrows with a can of beer, Kerry is run over by
Adam Barton (
Adam Thomas
Adam Gordon Thomas (born 11 August 1988) is an English actor, known for his roles as Donte Charles in the BBC One school-based drama series ''Waterloo Road (TV series), Waterloo Road'' (2006–2009, 2023–present) and Adam Barton (Emmerdale), ...
) driving a stolen car. Kerry is rushed to hospital and Cain helps Adam dispose of the stolen car.
When
Bernice (
Samantha Giles
Samantha Elizabeth Giles (born 2 July 1971) is an English actress and author. She is best known for portraying the role of Bernice Blackstock in the ITV (TV channel), ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale''. She had also portrayed Sally Boothe in the ITV ...
) announces her plans to open up a salon in the village, Kerry is eager to be involved and proves her skills by giving
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 ...
) and
Betty Eagleton
Betty Eagleton is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Paula Tilbrook. She made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 12 April 1994. Betty is characterised as the village gossip w ...
(
Paula Tilbrook
Paula Tilbrook (16 January 1930 – 1 December 2019) was an English actress who played Betty Eagleton in the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'' from 1994 to 2015.
Career
Born in Salford, Lancashire, Tilbrook begun her career performing on stage acr ...
) makeovers. Kerry is desperate to marry boyfriend
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), but he is reluctant to propose, so pretends that her diabetes is being treated as a terminal illness in order to win a free wedding. However, Dan proposes to Kerry when he and
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 ...
) do a skydive with a banner asking Kerry to marry him. Despite the wedding up in arms thanks to her sleazy brother-in-law-to-be,
Daz Spencer
''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 ...
(
Mark Jordon
Mark Jordon (born 25 January 1965) is an English actor, best known for playing PC Phil Bellamy in the British television series '' Heartbeat'', until he left the role in 2007. A documentary, ''Heartbeat – Farewell Phil'', was broadcast on Chri ...
), Kerry is devastated that the wedding might not go ahead. Thankfully Chas makes Dan realise Kerry is the best thing to happen to him and when he rushes to the church, he and Kerry marry. As the reception unfolds in the Woolpack, a man arrives in the village looking for Kerry. Inside the Woolpack, Dan's best mate
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 ...
) is asking the guests to say something about Dan or Kerry. The man reveals himself as
Kev
In physics, an electronvolt (symbol eV), also written electron-volt and electron volt, is the measure of an amount of kinetic energy gained by a single electron accelerating through an electric potential difference of one volt in vacuum. When us ...
(Christopher Connel), and tells the guests that he married Kerry in
Las Vegas
Las Vegas, colloquially referred to as Vegas, is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nevada and the county seat of Clark County. The Las Vegas Valley metropolitan area is the largest within the greater Mojave Desert, and second-l ...
and he has tried to track down Kerry so he could end the marriage, and he would be able to marry his new partner, Edith. A scuffle ensues, with Kerry, Dan, Daz, and Kev all ending up being arrested, Kerry for
bigamy
In a culture where only monogamous relationships are legally recognized, bigamy is the act of entering into a marriage with one person while still legally married to another. A legal or de facto separation of the couple does not alter their mar ...
, and the men for
affray
In many legal jurisdictions related to English common law, affray is a public order offence consisting of the fighting of one or more persons in a public place to the terror (in ) of ordinary people. Depending on their actions, and the laws ...
.
In 2024, Gary Gillatt from ''
Inside Soap'' praised Kerry working in ''
The Woolpack'', writing that "Putting Kerry behind the Woolpack bar is ''Emmerdales best idea this year. Reet class, bonnie lass."
Jack Sugden
Jack Sugden, played primarily by Seth Ball is
Andy Sugden (
Kelvin Fletcher
Kelvin Warren Fletcher (born 17 January 1984) is an English actor, model, racing driver, presenter and farmer. He played Andy Sugden in the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'', a role he played from 1996 until 2016. In 2019, Fletcher won the sevent ...
) and
Debbie Dingle's (
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 ...
) son, who was born during the 40th anniversary live episode.
He was conceived in a bid to save the life of their young daughter,
Sarah
Sarah (born Sarai) is a biblical matriarch, prophet, and major figure in Abrahamic religions. While different Abrahamic faiths portray her differently, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all depict her character similarly, as that of a pious woma ...
(Sophia Amber Moore) after she was diagnosed with fanconi anaemia. Jack was named after Andy's late
adoptive father.
Jack left the series in January 2016, when his mother, Debbie moved away, however returned a year later with his mother and sister, but departed again with Debbie in 2019.
Molly Sharma
Molly Sharma, played by Maria Rose Smith is
Nikhil Sharma
Nikhil Sharma is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Rik Makarem. He made his first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 11 September 2009. Makarem's departure from the soap was announced ...
(
Rik Makarem
Rik Makarem (born 18 January 1982) is an English actor most famous for playing Nikhil Sharma in ''Emmerdale''.
Classically trained he is a graduate of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music & Drama. He won a Laurence Olivier Bursary in 2004 in a ...
) and
Gennie Walker
Genesis "Gennie" Walker is a fictional character from the British television soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Sian Reese-Williams. She made her first appearance during the episode broadcast on 1 April 2008. Reese-Williams announced her depart ...
's (
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, ...
) daughter, who was born at The Grange B&B during the 40th anniversary live episode.
Following her mother's death, Nikhil left the village with Molly for
Toronto
Toronto ( , locally pronounced or ) is the List of the largest municipalities in Canada by population, most populous city in Canada. It is the capital city of the Provinces and territories of Canada, Canadian province of Ontario. With a p ...
. She is later seen when
Brenda
Brenda is a feminine given name in the English language.
Origin
The overall accepted origin for the female name Brenda is the Old Nordic male name ''Brandr'' meaning both ''torch'' and ''sword'': evidently the male name Brandr took root in areas ...
(
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 ...
) is talking to her via
Skype
Skype () was a proprietary telecommunications application operated by Skype Technologies, a division of Microsoft, best known for IP-based videotelephony, videoconferencing and voice calls. It also had instant messaging, file transfer, ...
on 26 December 2013. Her grandmother, Brenda, is later seen showing photos of her from Nikhil on the anniversary of her mother's death. Brenda also visits Molly and Nikhil for a day when Nikhil visits London on business.
Molly returns on 29 October 2015 when Nikhil visits his dad,
Rishi
In Indian religions, a ''rishi'' ( ) is an accomplished and enlightened person. They find mention in various Vedic texts. Rishis are believed to have composed hymns of the Vedas. The Post-Vedic tradition of Hinduism regards the rishis as "gre ...
(Bhasker Patel), however she returns to Canada with her father on 19 February 2016.
Steve Harland
Steve Harland, played by
Tom Mannion
Tom Mannion is a Scottish actor. He was trained at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow.''Cyrano de Bergerac'' theatre programme, Communicado Theatre Company in association with the Royal Lyceum Theatre Company, Edinburgh, A ...
, made his first screen appearance on 6 December 2012.
The character and Mannion's casting was announced on 25 October 2012.
David Brown from the ''
Radio Times
''Radio Times'' is a British weekly listings magazine devoted to television and radio programme schedules, with other features such as interviews, film reviews and lifestyle items. Founded in September 1923 by John Reith, then general manage ...
'' reported that Mannion and
Michelle Hardwick
Michelle Hardwick (also known as Michelle Brooks, born 26 February 1976) is an English actress. She is known for her roles as hospital receptionist Lizzie Hopkirk in the ITV drama series ''The Royal'' and Vanessa Woodfield in the ITV soap oper ...
(
Vanessa Woodfield
''Emmerdale'' is a British soap opera first broadcast on 16 October 1972. The following is a list of characters that first appeared during 2012, by order of first appearance. All characters were introduced by the soap's executive producer, Steve ...
) had already filmed their first scenes.
Of his casting, Mannion commented "I'm really looking forward to the adventure that is ''Emmerdale''."
Mannion revealed that he undertook research for his character's occupation as a horse trainer, saying "I had a few conversations with a couple of trainers - in particular one of which used to train for the Queen - just really to get the lay of the land of what Steve's life might have been like. It's good to know, just to have in the background."
Steve is
Bernice Blackstock
Bernice Blackstock (also Thomas and White) is a fictional character from the Television in the United Kingdom, British ITV (TV network), ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Samantha Giles. She made her first on screen appearance on 25 Novem ...
's (
Samantha Giles
Samantha Elizabeth Giles (born 2 July 1971) is an English actress and author. She is best known for portraying the role of Bernice Blackstock in the ITV (TV channel), ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale''. She had also portrayed Sally Boothe in the ITV ...
) "charismatic" married lover.
He is described as being "a passionate, optimistic man who likes to get the most out of life."
Daniel Kilkelly from
Digital Spy
Digital Spy (DS) is a British-based entertainment, television and film website and brand and is the largest digital property at Hearst UK. Since its initial launch in 1999, Digital Spy has focused on entertainment news related to television pro ...
revealed that the traits that attracted Steve to Bernice may end up driving him mad.
During an interview with Kilkelly, Mannion stated that Steve arrives in Emmerdale to see Bernice and reveals that he has not yet broken up with his wife.
However, Bernice's sister,
Nicola (
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 ...
), later calls Steve's wife to let her know about the affair.
On Steve's past and the affair with Bernice, Mannion explained "This is presumption and assumption on my part, but from what I suspect, this is the first time this has happened to Steve. I don't think he has done this before - he's not a practised philanderer. An affair is not the norm for him. I think Steve has been totally swept up by this gorgeous, attractive woman who has come into his life. He's just gone, 'Wow this is really different'. I don't think he expected it to go the way it has, and now he's terrified about his marriage break-up. He has found himself in a situation he isn't prepared for."
Steve is forced into making a fresh start and Mannion told Kilkelly that he has a bit of money and will pay his way by working with horses.
Steve arrives and announces to Bernice that his wife has left him. Bernice and Steve have an ill-fated relationship during his long stay at the village. He turns his attentions to her sister,
Nicola King
Nicola King (also Blackstock and De Souza) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale''. She has been played by Nicola Wheeler since she joined the soap in 2001. Wheeler left the role in January 2006, with her on-scr ...
, and even funds for her daughter Angelica's education. Steve then announces to Nicola that he will not continue funding for Angelica's education unless she sleeps with him. Nicola tells Bernice about Steve's indecent proposal. Bernice tearfully tells Steve that she walked out on her marriage for him and throws him out the house. Steve then leaves the village.
Vanessa Woodfield
Vanessa Woodfield, played by
Michelle Hardwick
Michelle Hardwick (also known as Michelle Brooks, born 26 February 1976) is an English actress. She is known for her roles as hospital receptionist Lizzie Hopkirk in the ITV drama series ''The Royal'' and Vanessa Woodfield in the ITV soap oper ...
, made her first screen appearance on 10 December 2012. The character and Hardwick's casting was announced on 25 October 2012.
Hardwick stated "As a local girl and a fan of the show, ''Emmerdale'' is my dream job. After only 2 days I am starting to feel at home already and Vanessa is such a fun character I can't wait to see what's in store for her."
Vanessa is "a wild friend" of
Rhona Goskirk
Rhona Goskirk (also Dingle) is a fictional character from the British television soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Zoë Henry. She made her first appearance during the episode broadcast on 17 September 2001. The character was introduced by ...
's (
Zoë Henry
Zoë Henry (born 3 September 1973) is a British actress, known for her roles in four soap operas on British television; ''Emmerdale'', ''Doctors'', ''Coronation Street'', and ''EastEnders''. She has also made appearances in various other televis ...
) from college. Vanessa has been described as being "a self-assured party girl" and "a breath of fresh air".
She is plain-speaking and initially clashed with Rhona's husband,
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 ...
) when she arrived at the vets' practice.
Hardwick announced her pregnancy in 2020 and that she would be taking maternity leave from ''Emmerdale''. As a result of the
COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom
The COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom is a part of the worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In the United Kingdom, it has resulted in confirm ...
, Vanessa did not get a proper exit storyline and last appeared on 3 June 2020. She made guest appearances on 12, 27, 29 and 30 October. The character reappeared on a regular basis from 29 December 2021, with Hardwick having returned to work full-time. Vanessa left again on 30 November 2022, when Hardwick went on a second maternity leave, returning on 9 February 2024.
Rhona invites Vanessa to Emmerdale after she fires her locum vet. Paddy becomes jealous of Vanessa and Rhona's friendship. Vanessa later humiliates him in front of
Edna Birch
Edna Birch is a fictional character from the British ITV (TV network), ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Shirley Stelfox. She made her first appearance during the episode first broadcast on 25 May 2000. Edna is characterised as a proud an ...
(
Shirley Stelfox
Shirley Rosemary Stelfox (11 April 1941 – 7 December 2015) was a British actress, known for her portrayal of the character Edna Birch, a moralising busybody in the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'', and as Rose, the vampy sister of the snobby an ...
), when they discuss payment for her dog's treatment.
In the local pub, Vanessa eyes up
Andy Sugden (
Kelvin Fletcher
Kelvin Warren Fletcher (born 17 January 1984) is an English actor, model, racing driver, presenter and farmer. He played Andy Sugden in the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'', a role he played from 1996 until 2016. In 2019, Fletcher won the sevent ...
) at the bar and suggests that she and Rhona go on a night out. When Vanessa goes to Butler's Farm, she walks in on
Moira Barton (
Natalie J. Robb) and
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
Jeff Hordley (born 7 March 1970) is an English actor, best known for portraying the role of Cain Dingle in the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale''. For his portrayal of Cain, he has been nominated for the British Soap Award for Best Actor at three c ...
) kissing. She returns the next day and apologizes to Moira. They sit down together and tell each other about their pasts. Vanessa is distraught when
Katie Addyman's (
Sammy Winward
Samantha Kate Winward (born 12 October 1985) is an English actress. She is best known for playing Katie Sugden in the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'' between 2001 and 2015.
Early life
Winward was born in Bolton, Greater Manchester, England. Sh ...
) horse dies whilst in her care. Katie threatens to sue Vanessa but Rhona helps calm the situation down.
Paddy later helps Vanessa look for a flat but she is distracted by a fire across the road. Vanessa learns that Rhona is addicted to painkillers, after becoming hooked after having trouble with back ache. She tries to help Rhona but it just gets worse. When Rhona and Paddy go on a weekend away with friends
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
Laurel Thomas
Laurel Thomas (also Potts and Dingle) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Charlotte Bellamy. She debuted on screen during the episode airing on 3 September 2002. Laurel has been off-screen at vario ...
(
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 ...
), Rhona buys painkillers and takes them. As a result, Rhona misses
Leo
Leo is the Latin word for lion. It most often refers to:
* Leo (constellation), a constellation of stars in the night sky
* Leo (astrology), an astrological sign of the zodiac
* Leo (given name), a given name in several languages, usually mas ...
's first steps and tells Paddy that she does not feel well, asking him to take her home but then go back to the cabin while Vanessa looks after her. Vanessa confronts her about stealing painkillers from
Sandy Thomas
Sandy Thomas is a fictional character from the British soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Freddie Jones. Sandy was introduced as the father of Ashley Thomas ( John Middleton). He made his first appearance during the episode broadcast on 6 No ...
(
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 ...
), leaving him in severe pain. Rhona denies it until Vanessa says she can have more painkillers if she admits it and she does. Vanessa then refuses to give her anything and Rhona slaps Vanessa. Vanessa then tells Rhona that she needs professional help for her addiction. Vanessa realizes that she has feelings for Rhona and tries to help Rhona wean herself off the painkillers. Eventually, Vanessa realizes what she is doing and warns Rhona that if she doesn't stop, she will end up in hospital or even worse dead. Rhona ignores this and pushes Vanessa to give her drugs. Vanessa eventually tells Rhona how she feels but Rhona rejects her, claiming her feelings are "wrong". Vanessa is distraught but continues to give her the painkillers. Rhona eventually visits a drug dealer for more drugs but starts coughing up blood, so Vanessa takes her to hospital. On their return, Paddy confronts Rhona as he thinks she is cheating on him. When he tries to look at her phone, Rhona lashes out and hits him repeatedly but Vanessa supports Rhona and wanting more drugs, Rhona reveals that she is in love with Vanessa and kisses her passionately. Vanessa and Rhona begin a brief affair but are rumbled when Paddy catches them kissing. Paddy refuses to believe Rhona is a lesbian and stays with Marlon and Laurel. Rhona tells Vanessa that she was only using her to get painkillers, insulting her and throws her out. Vanessa stays with Moira and learns that Rhona has overdosed and meets Marlon and Paddy at the hospital. There, Vanessa tells Marlon, Paddy and Moira that Rhona is addicted to painkillers and why she lied to Paddy. Paddy attacks Vanessa but Marlon and Moira restrain him. Rhona wakes up and Paddy tells her that he knows about her addiction before throwing Vanessa's belongings out on the street. Angrily, Vanessa tells
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 ...
) that she and Rhona kissed, making Pearl wonder if Rhona is a lesbian before moving in with Moira, Cain and Moira's son
Adam Barton (
Adam Thomas
Adam Gordon Thomas (born 11 August 1988) is an English actor, known for his roles as Donte Charles in the BBC One school-based drama series ''Waterloo Road (TV series), Waterloo Road'' (2006–2009, 2023–present) and Adam Barton (Emmerdale), ...
). Moira tells her that Rhona will be released from hospital soon.
Rhona is discharged and decides to go "
cold turkey
"Cold Turkey" is a song written by John Lennon, released as a single in 1969 by the Plastic Ono Band on Apple Records, catalogue Apples 1001 in the United Kingdom, Apple 1813 in the United States. It is the second solo single issued by Lennon ...
", rather than go to rehab. Vanessa learns of this and is concerned for Rhona's welfare. Paddy threatens to sack Vanessa but she reminds him that she is a partner, so he cannot and buys
Nikhil Sharma
Nikhil Sharma is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Rik Makarem. He made his first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 11 September 2009. Makarem's departure from the soap was announced ...
's (
Rik Makarem
Rik Makarem (born 18 January 1982) is an English actor most famous for playing Nikhil Sharma in ''Emmerdale''.
Classically trained he is a graduate of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music & Drama. He won a Laurence Olivier Bursary in 2004 in a ...
) house. Following
Cameron Murray's (
Dominic Power
Dominic Power (born 5 May 1973) is an English actor. Power has portrayed Leon Taylor in the ITV police drama ''The Bill'' (2008–2010), Cameron Murray in the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'' (2011–2013), and Dave Chen-Williams in the Channel ...
) hostage siege at The Woolpack,
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
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 ...
) stay with her until the pub is complete. When
Declan Macey (
Jason Merrells
Jason Scott Merrells is an English actor, known for his roles in ''Casualty'', '' Queer as Folk'', ''Cutting It'', '' Waterloo Road'' and ''Emmerdale''.
Early life and education
Merrells was born in Epping, Essex. His brother Simon Merrells ...
) evicts
Dom Andrews (
Wil Johnson
Wilbert Charles Johnson (born 18 April 1965) is an English actor, who has had notable television roles in '' Waking the Dead'' and '' Babyfather'', and on stage in ''Othello''. He played Dom Andrews in ''Emmerdale'' from 2012 to 2014.
Early ...
) and his daughter,
Gemma (Tendai Rinomhota), Vanessa gives them a place to stay. Vanessa accompanies Dom to the hospital when Gemma is found unconscious and is upset when Gemma dies. She attends Gemma's funeral and helps Dom through the day. In May 2014, Vanessa helps Moira prepare for her wedding day to Cain. After Moira's nephew,
Pete Barton
''Emmerdale'' is a British soap opera first broadcast on 16 October 1972. The following is a list of characters that first appeared during 2013, by order of first appearance. Ross Barton (Michael Parr) made his debut in July. Joanie Wright (Denis ...
(
Anthony Quinlan
Anthony Quinlan (born 16 October 1984) is a British actor from Salford, England, known for his roles as Gilly Roach in the Channel 4 soap opera ''Hollyoaks'' and Pete Barton in the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale''.
Career
Quinlan played Gilly R ...
) has a bust-up with his girlfriend,
Debbie Dingle (
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 ...
), he confides in Vanessa and they kiss. They both regret it but Debbie sees them hugging.
After visiting Moira, Vanessa panics when she notices the
ketamine
Ketamine is a cyclohexanone-derived general anesthetic and NMDA receptor antagonist with analgesic and hallucinogenic properties, used medically for anesthesia, depression, and pain management. Ketamine exists as its S- (esketamine) a ...
is missing from her vet bag as Adam, has stolen it and taken a large dose. Paddy urges Vanessa to call the police and Moira is questioned. Vanessa goes on a night out and has a one-night stand with a young man, who appears to be in his 20s. She boasts to
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 ...
) about her new boyfriend and realizes it is
Priya Sharma
Priya Kotecha (also Sharma) is a fictional character from the British television soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Fiona Wade. The character was introduced along with her brothers Jai (Chris Bisson) and Nikhil ( Rik Makarem) by series pro ...
's (
Fiona Wade
Fiona Sarah Wade (born 20 March 1979) is an English actress, known for playing Priya Sharma in ''Emmerdale'' from 2011 to 2023.
Career
In 2008, Wade played Mamta in a play called ''Alaska'' by DC Moore at the Royal Court Jerwood Theatre Upstai ...
) soon-to-be 17-year-old stepson,
Kirin Kotecha
''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, S ...
(
Adam Fielding Adam Fielding may refer to:
* Adam Fielding (musician)
* Adam Fielding (actor)
{{hndis, Fielding, Adam ...
). She visits Kirin and they agree to continue their relationship in secret but are caught by Priya and Leyla. Priya demands Vanessa and Kirin end their relationship for good but Vanessa and Kirin are caught again by Paddy. Kirin later tells Priya and Rakesh about his relationship with Vanessa, angering Priya. After months of dating Kirin, Vanessa decides to end their relationship, fearing being subjected to gossip. Kirin goes out drinking and while driving his father's car home, he collides with Moira's van and sends her sliding off the road. She is rushed to hospital and Kirin faces Moira's husband, Cain. Vanessa is furious with Kirin but forgives him and they reconcile. On his birthday, Kirin notices a lump on one of Vanessa's breasts and they both fear it could be cancer. Kirin promises to support her and Vanessa books a hospital appointment but fails to do so. This leads to Rhona supports Vanessa but gets the all clear.
While taking a break from her relationship with Kirin, Vanessa has a drink with Adam as they are both upset with their respective partners and have a drunken one-night stand. They agree to keep it a secret, not wanting to risk hurting Kirin and Adam's girlfriend,
Victoria Sugden
Victoria Sugden (also Barton) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played since 12 October 2006 by Isabel Hodgins. As a young child, Victoria was played by Jessica Heywood until 1997, followed by Hannah Midg ...
(
Isabel Hodgins
Isabel Hodgins (born 23 November 1993) is an English actress, known for portraying the role of Victoria Sugden in the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'' from 2006.
Career
Hodgins made an appeal in the '' Salford Advertiser'' for funding to allow he ...
), and try to carry on with their lives. However, Vanessa learns that she is pregnant and isn't sure who is the father. She tells Rhona, who tells her that if she keeps the baby, she has to tell Kirin and Adam. Kirin is ecstatic at the thought of becoming a father but Adam is terrified. Kirin and Vanessa tell Rakesh that she is pregnant and he demands Vanessa have an abortion. Vanessa refuses and Adam tells Moira that the baby could be his, which strains her friendship with Vanessa. Unable to deal with the stress, Vanessa books a DNA test with Adam present. However, when the nurse leaves, Kirin arrives and Adam hides upstairs. When Adam's mobile phone rings, Kirin realizes that he is upstairs and believes that they are having an affair. Vanessa tells him that it is not an affair but Adam could be the baby's father. Kirin then tells Victoria, leaving her disgusted. The following day, Victoria slaps Vanessa but Rhona intervenes. Not wanting his son to be a father yet, Rakesh steals the test results which show that the baby is Kirin's and edits them to make everyone believe that Adam is the father. Adam fails to arrive at Vanessa's scan, which angers her and she makes the decision to leave Emmerdale because she does not want Adam involved in the upbringing of Vanessa's baby.
When Jai gets into a scuffle with Rakesh at a party, he pushes Rakesh into Vanessa, knocking her to the floor. On the way home, she goes into labor prematurely gives birth to a son named
Johnny Woodfield
''Emmerdale'' is a British soap opera first broadcast on 16 October 1972. The following is a list of characters that first appeared, by order of first appearance. The first character to be introduced was Emma Barton (Gillian Kearney) in January. ...
(Luca Hepworth) at the hospital. Johnny has respiratory issues is placed in intensive care. Vanessa fears for her baby's health, snapping at her friends and eventually hiding in her house, afraid to see him. Victoria convinces Vanessa to come to the hospital and be there for Johnny. Vanessa suspects Johnny's paternity after finding a birthmark on him that she is told is normal for mixed-race babies to have. She takes another DNA test which shows that Kirin is the father instead of Adam. Adam is devastated at the news and briefly kidnaps Johnny before being convinced by Victoria to return him to his mother. Kirin takes over parenting duties from Adam. He is unable to handle the stress and tells Vanessa that he doesn't love Johnny before fleeing the country.
Vanessa then goes on to begin a relationship with
Charity Dingle
Charity Dingle (also Tate, Sharma and Macey) is a fictional character from the British television soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Emma Atkins. Suranne Jones originally auditioned for the role of Charity prior to Atkins being cast in the r ...
. Vanessa prepares to marry Charity, however, it is cancelled because Charity's son
Ryan Stocks
''Emmerdale'' is a British soap opera first broadcast on 16 October 1972. The following is a list of characters that first appeared during 2018, by order of first appearance. Leanna Cavanagh ( Mimi Slinger) and Maya Stepney (Louisa Clein) were ...
(James Moore) was locked into a shed by
Graham Foster Graham Foster may refer to:
* Graham Foster (American football), American football player and coach
* Graham Foster (''EastEnders''), a character from the British soap opera ''EastEnders''
* Graham Foster (''Emmerdale''), a character from the Br ...
(
Andrew Scarborough
Andrew Scarborough (born 1973) is an English actor, most widely known for his starring role on screen as Tim Drewe in the multi BAFTA and Emmy award-winning ''Downton Abbey''. He also co-starred as Colonel Fielding in the film ‘’ The War Be ...
). Vanessa and Johnny are taken hostage by
Pierce Harris
''Emmerdale'' is a British soap opera first broadcast on 16 October 1972. The following is a list of characters that appeared in 2016, by order of first appearance. Pierce Harris (Jonathan Wrather), the husband of established character Tess Har ...
(Jonathon Wrather) and are imprisoned for weeks, she then learns that she has developed stage 3 bowel cancer. Three months later, Vanessa leaves the village to stay with her mother. While Vanessa is away, she ends her relationship with Charity after discovering Charity kissed
Mackenzie Boyd
''Emmerdale'' is a British soap opera first broadcast on 16 October 1972. The following is a list of characters that first appear during 2020, by order of first appearance. All characters are introduced by the soap's executive producer, Jane Huds ...
(Lawrence Robb). A few months later, Vanessa returns to stay with her sister
Tracy Metcalfe
''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 ...
(Amy Walsh) over the New Year period. On arrival, Vanessa witnesses Charity telling Mackenzie she loves him.
Archie Breckle
Archie Breckle, originally played by Aadam Wahab Shahzad and Liyana Shahzad is
Rachel Breckle (Gemma Oaten) and
Jai Sharma's (
Chris Bisson
Christopher Paul Bisson (born 21 July 1975) is a British actor, known for portraying the roles of Vikram Desai in ''Coronation Street'' (1999–2002), Kash Karib in '' Shameless'' (2004–2007, 2009), and Jai Sharma in ''Emmerdale'' (2009– ...
) son. He was born prematurely and had to stay in a
NICU Nicu is both a masculine Romanian given name and a Romanian surname. Notable people with the name include:
Given name:
*Nicu Ceaușescu (1951–1996), Romanian communist
*Nicu Constantin (1938–2009), Romanian actor
* Nicu Constantinescu (1840–1 ...
. He lives with Rachel and the Dingle's. Jai's wife
Charity
Charity may refer to:
Common meanings
* Charitable organization or charity, a non-profit organization whose primary objectives are philanthropy and social well-being of persons
* Charity (practice), the practice of being benevolent, giving and sha ...
(
Emma Atkins
Emma Jayne Atkins (born 31 March 1975) is an English actress, best known for her role as Charity Dingle in the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale''.
Early life
Atkins grew up in the village of Silverdale, Lancashire, and then went to study at the Un ...
) was suspicious about how close Jai and Archie were so Jai's father
Rishi
In Indian religions, a ''rishi'' ( ) is an accomplished and enlightened person. They find mention in various Vedic texts. Rishis are believed to have composed hymns of the Vedas. The Post-Vedic tradition of Hinduism regards the rishis as "gre ...
(Bhasker Patel) told Charity that he was the father of Archie. Charity later discovers that Jai fathered Archie, not Rishi, and their marriage breaks down.
Archie leaves the village with Rachel in January 2014. Jai hires a private detective to try to find Rachel and Archie, but he is unsuccessful. Archie returned to the village in November without his mother Rachel when his father Jai pays a mystery man money to bring his son back to the village. However, in January 2015, Rachel returns and claims that she has had Archie all along which means that the baby that Jai and his wife
Megan Macey
''Emmerdale'' is a British soap opera first broadcast on 16 October 1972. The following is a list of characters that first appeared during 2012, by order of first appearance. All characters were introduced by the soap's executive producer, Steve ...
(
Gaynor Faye
Gaynor Kay Mellor (born 26 August 1971), known professionally as Gaynor Faye, is an English actress and writer. She played Judy Mallett in television soap opera ''Coronation Street'' from 1995 until 1999 and Megan Macey in ''Emmerdale'' fro ...
) were given was in fact not Archie. A custody battle began for Archie, with Jai gaining custody until the hearing. However, at the hearing, Archie was awarded to Rachel. The following week, Rachel decided to move to
Liverpool
Liverpool is a port City status in the United Kingdom, city and metropolitan borough in Merseyside, England. It is situated on the eastern side of the River Mersey, Mersey Estuary, near the Irish Sea, north-west of London. With a population ...
with her sister
Ali
Ali ibn Abi Talib (; ) was the fourth Rashidun caliph who ruled from until his assassination in 661, as well as the first Shia Imam. He was the cousin and son-in-law of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. Born to Abu Talib ibn Abd al-Muttalib an ...
(
Kelli Hollis
Kelli Hollis (born 29 June 1976) is an English actress, known for playing Tina Crabtree in the three Channel 4 related films, shop owner Yvonne Karib in Channel 4's comedy-drama '' Shameless'' and then as Ali Spencer in ITV's long-running soap ...
), taking Archie with them.
In 2019 Archie returns, now played by Kai Assi, as Rachel dies. Archie is given to Jai by his uncle
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 ...
) but at first, Archie won't talk until his step-brother
Arthur Thomas (
Alfie Clarke) talks about video games, which encourages him to start talking. Since his return, Archie has lived with Jai, his partner, and later wife,
Laurel Thomas
Laurel Thomas (also Potts and Dingle) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Charlotte Bellamy. She debuted on screen during the episode airing on 3 September 2002. Laurel has been off-screen at vario ...
(
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 ...
), and her two children Arthur and
Dotty Thomas
''Emmerdale'' is a British soap opera first broadcast on 16 October 1972. The following is a list of characters that appeared in 2016, by order of first appearance. Pierce Harris ( Jonathan Wrather), the husband of established character Tess Ha ...
(Tilly-Rue Foster). However, in 2022, Jai and Laurel split up for a while, so Archie moved in with his grandfather, Rishi alongside Jai. When Jai and Lauren reconciled, Archie didn't want to move out of his grandfather's home as he didn't want Rishi to be alone.
Dominic Andrews
Dominic "Dom" Andrews, played by
Wil Johnson
Wilbert Charles Johnson (born 18 April 1965) is an English actor, who has had notable television roles in '' Waking the Dead'' and '' Babyfather'', and on stage in ''Othello''. He played Dom Andrews in ''Emmerdale'' from 2012 to 2014.
Early ...
, made his first screen appearance on 27 December 2012.
The character and Johnson's casting was announced on 25 October 2012.
The actor stated "I can't wait to get started. I am looking forward to an exciting journey. I've been told anything could happen with my character."
Dominic is a mechanic and the father of a teenage daughter,
Gemma (Tendai Rinomhota).
He is "still finding his feet as a single dad."
On 23 February 2014, it was announced Johnson had decided to leave ''Emmerdale''.
The actor commented "I've had a wonderful time playing Dom Andrews but, like with most things, you have to know when it's time to leave the building, hopefully on a high note. I'm fortunate to be leaving the show off the back of a gripping storyline which I hope the audience will appreciate and have empathy for."
Dom's departure occurred as part of a storyline involving the death of Gemma and he departed on 13 June 2014.
Immediately upon his arrival, Dom has a
one-night stand
A one-night stand is a single sexual encounter in which there is no expectation that there shall be any further relations between the sexual participants. It draws its name from the common practice of a one-night stand, a single night performanc ...
with
Debbie Dingle (
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 ...
), but learns that she simply wants information on his boss Pete, who does regular drugs runs. Dom's daughter, Gemma, discovers she is pregnant after a one-night stand with
Sean Spencer (Luke Roskell). Gemma is not happy when her father begins dating
Alicia Metcalfe (
Natalie Anderson
Natalie Jane Anderson (born 24 October 1981) is an English actress, singer and television presenter. She is known for her roles as Stella Davenport in the medical drama ''The Royal'' from 2005 to 2008 and Alicia Metcalfe in the ITV soap oper ...
). Gemma tells Dom that she is not feeling well and he allows her to stay off school. While looking through the rubbish, Dom discovers a pregnancy test and rages at Gemma. The argument spills into the street, but Alicia claims the pregnancy test is hers. Alicia and Gemma go off to talk. When they return, Gemma runs upstairs, while Dom confronts Alicia and ends their relationship. Gemma later tells Dom that she is pregnant and Dom supports her when she chooses to have an abortion.
Belle Dingle
Belle Dingle (previously King) is a fictional character from the British soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Eden Taylor-Draper. Belle made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 25 December 1998, originally played by twins ...
(
Eden Taylor-Draper
Eden Elenor Taylor-Draper (born 28 October 1997) is an English actress. She portrays Belle Dingle in the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'', a role she took over from Emily Mather in 2005.
Career
In 2005, at the age of eight, Taylor-Draper was cas ...
) decides to get revenge on Gemma for sleeping with Sean and writes about her abortion on a school whiteboard, causing a fight. Dom goes round to the Dingles' cottage and vows that he is not going to rest until Belle is expelled.
Dom remains outside The Woolpack when
Cameron Murray (
Dominic Power
Dominic Power (born 5 May 1973) is an English actor. Power has portrayed Leon Taylor in the ITV police drama ''The Bill'' (2008–2010), Cameron Murray in the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'' (2011–2013), and Dave Chen-Williams in the Channel ...
) holds several people hostage inside at gunpoint.
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 ...
) later emerges, carrying Alicia who has been shot by a stray bullet and goes with Dom in the ambulance to the hospital. At this point, Dom and Alicia had reconciled but Alicia being shot made David realise that he is in love with her.
Declan Macey (
Jason Merrells
Jason Scott Merrells is an English actor, known for his roles in ''Casualty'', '' Queer as Folk'', ''Cutting It'', '' Waterloo Road'' and ''Emmerdale''.
Early life and education
Merrells was born in Epping, Essex. His brother Simon Merrells ...
) makes Dom and Gemma homeless after evicting them from their house which he owned, following a fire at Home Farm. Dom gets extremely angry with Declan but he and Gemma move in with
Vanessa Woodfield
''Emmerdale'' is a British soap opera first broadcast on 16 October 1972. The following is a list of characters that first appeared during 2012, by order of first appearance. All characters were introduced by the soap's executive producer, Steve ...
(
Michelle Hardwick
Michelle Hardwick (also known as Michelle Brooks, born 26 February 1976) is an English actress. She is known for her roles as hospital receptionist Lizzie Hopkirk in the ITV drama series ''The Royal'' and Vanessa Woodfield in the ITV soap oper ...
).
Gemma, Belle and Sean go to a party which, unknown to them, Dom is DJing at. After the party, Dom begins to get close to new vicar
Harriet Finch
''Emmerdale'' is a British soap opera first broadcast on 16 October 1972. The following is a list of characters that first appeared during 2013, by order of first appearance. Ross Barton (Michael Parr) made his debut in July. Joanie Wright (Denis ...
(Katherine Dow Blyton), and finally kisses her. He thinks Gemma is at a sleepover with Belle, but unknown to him, she is unconscious after a fight with Belle (caused by the fact that both girls like Sean) and Gemma fell, hitting her head on a rock. Although a remorseful Belle offered to help her, Gemma refused and stormed off, before collapsing. Dom rushes to the hospital with Vanessa and Harriet when Harriet and Zak found Gemma and Dom sits by her bedside. When Zak and Dan arrive, Dom is told Gemma may have a brain haemorrhage. He pushes everyone away until Belle, Sean and Lisa arrive and Dom is told that Gemma is braindead, devastating everyone. Dom must decide whether or not to turn off her machines and Zak tells Dom about when Butch died, as the nurses push Dom for answers about organ donation. After listening to Zak, Dom decides to donate Gemma's organs although her brain isn't available. Dom cries, as Gemma is wheeled away to the operating room. Dom returns home and barely talks to anyone. Belle visits, bringing a scrapbook of photos and quotes about Gemma made by the school, which he is very happy about and proud of. In late March, without Dom knowing, Belle tells Zak that she believes she is responsible for Gemma's death and Zak takes her to the police station to confess. Belle is charged with murder and Zak visits Dom. Dom is devastated and confused, demanding he be allowed to visit Belle and confront her. He punches Zak in the face and Zak tells him to take it out on him rather than Belle. The following week, Cain visits and tells him that Belle plans to plead guilty. Dom gets very angry, accusing the Dingles of harassing him and tells Cain that he hopes Belle rots. Dom's mood improves when he is sent a considerable amount of money anonymously. Initially, Dom thinks Vanessa is responsible but she tells him it wasn't her. Dom then thinks it was
Betty Eagleton
Betty Eagleton is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Paula Tilbrook. She made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 12 April 1994. Betty is characterised as the village gossip w ...
(
Paula Tilbrook
Paula Tilbrook (16 January 1930 – 1 December 2019) was an English actress who played Betty Eagleton in the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'' from 1994 to 2015.
Career
Born in Salford, Lancashire, Tilbrook begun her career performing on stage acr ...
) and kisses her in the cafe as a means of saying thank you but Harriet is convinced it wasn't her as it isn't in her nature. Later, Harriet realises that it was
Edna Birch
Edna Birch is a fictional character from the British ITV (TV network), ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Shirley Stelfox. She made her first appearance during the episode first broadcast on 25 May 2000. Edna is characterised as a proud an ...
(
Shirley Stelfox
Shirley Rosemary Stelfox (11 April 1941 – 7 December 2015) was a British actress, known for her portrayal of the character Edna Birch, a moralising busybody in the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'', and as Rose, the vampy sister of the snobby an ...
) who sent the money, which she had won on a scratch card that
Sandy Thomas
Sandy Thomas is a fictional character from the British soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Freddie Jones. Sandy was introduced as the father of Ashley Thomas ( John Middleton). He made his first appearance during the episode broadcast on 6 No ...
(
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 ...
) gave her for her birthday. Edna had previously been against claiming the money, as she is a devout Christian and believes gambling is sinful, but makes an exception to help Dom. At Belle's trial, he tells the judge that he does not want her sent down for murder after realising it was an accident. Dom departs from the village with his money and goes to live in
London
London is the Capital city, capital and List of urban areas in the United Kingdom, largest city of both England and the United Kingdom, with a population of in . London metropolitan area, Its wider metropolitan area is the largest in Wester ...
where his brothers and nephews live.
Gemma Andrews
Gemma Andrews, played by Tendai Rinomhota, made her first screen appearance on 28 December 2012.
The character and Rinomhota's casting was announced on 25 October 2012.
Gemma is the "wayward" teenage daughter of
Dominic
Dominic, Dominik or Dominick is a male given name common among Roman Catholics and other Latin-Romans. Originally from the late Roman-Italic name "Dominicus", its translation means "Lordly", "Belonging to God" or "of the Master".
The most promi ...
(
Wil Johnson
Wilbert Charles Johnson (born 18 April 1965) is an English actor, who has had notable television roles in '' Waking the Dead'' and '' Babyfather'', and on stage in ''Othello''. He played Dom Andrews in ''Emmerdale'' from 2012 to 2014.
Early ...
).
She is best friends with
Belle Dingle
Belle Dingle (previously King) is a fictional character from the British soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Eden Taylor-Draper. Belle made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 25 December 1998, originally played by twins ...
(
Eden Taylor-Draper
Eden Elenor Taylor-Draper (born 28 October 1997) is an English actress. She portrays Belle Dingle in the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'', a role she took over from Emily Mather in 2005.
Career
In 2005, at the age of eight, Taylor-Draper was cas ...
).
On 23 January 2014, Sophie Dainty from
Digital Spy
Digital Spy (DS) is a British-based entertainment, television and film website and brand and is the largest digital property at Hearst UK. Since its initial launch in 1999, Digital Spy has focused on entertainment news related to television pro ...
reported that the character would be killed off as part of a "shocking" storyline, which would see Belle kill Gemma during an argument.
She made her final appearance on 4 March 2014, after she dies in hospital.
Gemma discovers she is pregnant, after spending the night with
Sean Spencer (Luke Roskell). Gemma is not happy when her father begins dating
Alicia Metcalfe (
Natalie Anderson
Natalie Jane Anderson (born 24 October 1981) is an English actress, singer and television presenter. She is known for her roles as Stella Davenport in the medical drama ''The Royal'' from 2005 to 2008 and Alicia Metcalfe in the ITV soap oper ...
). She reveals to Dom that she is not feeling too good so he allows her to stop off school. While looking through the rubbish for something, Dom discovers a pregnancy test kit and rages at Gemma. The argument spills into the street, but when Alicia arrives, she tells Dom that the pregnancy test is hers. Alicia then has a heart to heart with Gemma, and she reveals to a stunned Alicia that she is in fact pregnant, and does not know what to do. Alicia advises Gemma to tell her father, but Gemma seems terrified of doing so. She then confides in Alicia about her mother and how she ran out on her and Dom. When they return, Gemma runs upstairs, while Dom confronts Alicia. He then ends the relationship, devastating Alicia. Upset of what happened between Sean and Gemma, Belle decides to get her own back so at school she writes about Gemma's abortion on one of the school's whiteboards this causes a fight between the two but the fight is broken up by their headmaster who has Belle suspended.
Gemma starts to feel jealous over Belle and Sean getting closer and storms out of a party. Belle tries to reason with her but Gemma calls her a selfish cow and a rubbish friend. Belle retorts that Sean would not be interested in her, so Gemma slaps her. Belle retaliates by pushing her to the ground. She hits her head on a rock and starts bleeding. Belle storms off, leaving Gemma alone. As she walks home, Gemma collapses to the ground, unconscious. A day later, she is found by
Harriet Finch
''Emmerdale'' is a British soap opera first broadcast on 16 October 1972. The following is a list of characters that first appeared during 2013, by order of first appearance. Ross Barton (Michael Parr) made his debut in July. Joanie Wright (Denis ...
(Katherine Dow Blyton) and immediately rushed to hospital. The doctors tell Dom that Gemma has a subarachnoid hemorrhage and has severe brain damage and tells him that Gemma is
brain dead
Brain death is the permanent, irreversible, and complete loss of brain function, which may include cessation of involuntary activity (e.g., breathing) necessary to sustain life. It differs from persistent vegetative state, in which the person i ...
. Dom is told that there is nothing that they can do for Gemma and her life support machine is switched off, and she dies. The rest of her organs are not damaged and are donated, Gemma's funeral was held on 13 March 2014 and she is cremated. Dom later scatters her ashes.
On 15 January 2015, Gemma's voice is heard on a voice-over in Belle's mind, as she instructs Belle to run down her father,
Zak Dingle
Zachariah Bartholomew "Zak" Dingle is a fictional character from the British soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Steve Halliwell. He first appeared on 20 October 1994. Halliwell initially joined the show as part of the Dingle family and was onl ...
(
Steve Halliwell
Stephen Harold Halliwell (19 March 1946 – 15 December 2023) was an English actor, best known for portraying the role of Zak Dingle in the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'', which he played from 1994 until his death in 2023.
Early life
Stephen H ...
), in
Katie Sugden
Katie Sugden (also Addyman and Macey) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Sammy Winward. She made her first screen appearance on 18 July 2001 and Winward's casting was announced a week prior. The c ...
's (
Sammy Winward
Samantha Kate Winward (born 12 October 1985) is an English actress. She is best known for playing Katie Sugden in the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'' between 2001 and 2015.
Early life
Winward was born in Bolton, Greater Manchester, England. Sh ...
) car, but Belle breaks down and stops the car. Zak and Lisa take Belle home and they discover she has been hearing Gemma's voice in her head for over several weeks.
Other characters
References
External links
Megan Maceyat
itv.com
itv.com is the main website of ITV plc, the UK's largest commercial television broadcaster which operates 13 out of 15 regions on the ITV network under the ITV1 brand. The website offers the ITVX streaming service, with sections for ITV News, ...
Robbie Lawsonat
itv.com
itv.com is the main website of ITV plc, the UK's largest commercial television broadcaster which operates 13 out of 15 regions on the ITV network under the ITV1 brand. The website offers the ITVX streaming service, with sections for ITV News, ...
Kerry Wyattat
itv.com
itv.com is the main website of ITV plc, the UK's largest commercial television broadcaster which operates 13 out of 15 regions on the ITV network under the ITV1 brand. The website offers the ITVX streaming service, with sections for ITV News, ...
Vanessa Woodfieldat
itv.com
itv.com is the main website of ITV plc, the UK's largest commercial television broadcaster which operates 13 out of 15 regions on the ITV network under the ITV1 brand. The website offers the ITVX streaming service, with sections for ITV News, ...
Dom Andrewsat
itv.com
itv.com is the main website of ITV plc, the UK's largest commercial television broadcaster which operates 13 out of 15 regions on the ITV network under the ITV1 brand. The website offers the ITVX streaming service, with sections for ITV News, ...
Gemma Andrewsat
itv.com
itv.com is the main website of ITV plc, the UK's largest commercial television broadcaster which operates 13 out of 15 regions on the ITV network under the ITV1 brand. The website offers the ITVX streaming service, with sections for ITV News, ...
{{Emmerdale characters, year
2012
2012 was designated as:
*International Year of Cooperatives
*International Year of Sustainable Energy for All
Events January
*January 4 – The Cicada 3301 internet hunt begins.
* January 12 – Peaceful protests begin in the R ...
*, Emmerdale