A long-lost Dingle member rocked up to Emmerdale this week leaving the rest of the clan stunned – and it’s fair to say fans had a lot to say about their comeback
Emmerdale fans have been left floored after the returning Dingle member was finally revealed – and she looks completely different.
Over in the Dales this week, soap legend Zak Dingle (Steve Halliwell) died off-screen. In real life, actor Steve sadly passed away in December last year, aged 77.
Due to Steve’s death, soap bosses have written in a death storyline. The news of Zak’s death was confirmed this week – leaving the Dingle clan heartbroken.
In a heartbreaking montage, classical music played out as Cain (Jeff Hordley) told Belle (Eden Taylor-Draper) and Sam (James Hooton) that their father had passed away at his home in Scotland earlier that morning.
Due to Zak living in Scotland, Cain and Sam headed up to collect his body and bring him home to the village. And during Thursday’s episode (October 17) Zak’s funeral took place.
However, things took a dramatic turn when a long-lost relative appeared at the graveside, shocking the Dingle family. The returning Dingle’s identity was kept a secret from fans – but during the latest instalment, it was revealed to be Tina Dingle, Zak’s daughter.
After a memorial at the Woolpack, the Dingles brought Zak’s coffin back to Dingle land to be buried, just as he had requested. The burial was interrupted though, by the arrival of Sam, Cain and Belle’s sister, Tina.
But the character was looking entirely different to when fans last saw her on screen in 1996. Tina is no longer played by Jacqueline Pirie; instead, she has been recast, and Samantha Power is now taking on the role.
Fans were quick to share their thoughts on Tina’s return. Rushing over to X, formerly known as Twitter, one person said: “Just watched Zak’s funeral episode. The big return was brilliant – one I didn’t see coming. A proper traditional Dingle funeral. Happy 30th Anniversary to the Dingle.”
Someone else added: “Couldn’t believe who it was when I saw them. They’ve been in another drama before which I also loved..” A third wrote: “Seen it wow wasn’t expecting that return at all it’s a good one though.”
Another chimed in on a Reddit thread and said: “As for THE return, I’m really, really happy about it. It’s long overdue. There’s so much potential to mine there. I do kind of wish it was the OG, but you can’t have everything I guess.”
New Tina actor Samantha Power has previously starred in the likes of Brassic and BBC’s Doctors. She also appeared in Channel 5 drama Cold Call, fronted by Sally Lindsay, as well as Coronation Street and Holby City.
Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm
