It was one of the biggest Emmerdale stories of 2024

Emmerdale legend Claire King has opened up on the acting star she wanted to return for a recent major storyline.

As part of saying goodbye to Zak Dingle, following the death of acting star Steve Halliwell, the Dingle clan were shocked to see Tina appear. Not seen in the soap for many years, the character’s appearance came as something of a shock.

There was a change with Tina being recast. Original acting star Jacqueline Pirie reportedly turned down the chance to return. Instead Brassic’s Samantha Power took on the part.

The Sun reported why the recast was needed. A source said: “Jacqueline loved her time on Emmerdale and life as an actress but it was a long time ago and she’s moved on.

“She lives in Canada now and has a new career as a novelist and while she’ll always be fond of the show, a return isn’t something she’s interested in. These things happen, people move on and recasts happen all the time.”

Appearing at a recent Emmerdale press event, Claire King, who plays soap icon Kim Tate, stated she’d have liked to see Jacqueline Pirie return while praising her replacement.

Jacqueline Pirie played Tina Dingle between 1994 and 1996. Reflecting on scenes together, Claire said: “It would have been really nice if Jacqueline Pirie had been back. I remember working with Jacqui and she was the one who pushed Kim down the stairs. Originally, in the old days.

“But I don’t think she’s acting anymore and that’s the reason.”

Jacqueline, 49, was born in Scotland before moving to Birmingham as a young girl and found fame years later on the ITV soap as Tina Dingle.

However, she has swapped the limelight for a quieter life as an author in recent years. The mum-of-two is married to her husband Simon Chadwick and the family resides in Canada.

Based in Vancouver, the former soap star now goes by the name of Jacqueline Chadwick and is known for her successful crime novels. She has written three thriller books, titled In The Still, Briefly Maiden, and Silent Sisters.

All the books centre around her ex-pat character Ali Dalglish, who is an ex-forensic psychologist turned housewife who finds herself embroiled in murder cases.

Jacqueline is also a woman of business after setting up successful drama schools including Jacqueline Chadwick Academy of Performing Arts.