Emmerdale’s Tina Dingle made her return on the ITV soap this week after decades away, but who plays her now and why did she leave the show amid original actress Jacqueline Pirie not returning

Emmerdale’s Tina Dingle returned to the ITV soap for the first time in 28 years, but who is she and who plays her now?

There’s been a recast, with original actress Jacqueline Pirie not returning to the role after her last onscreen appearance in 1996. As Zak Dingle’s funeral got under way on Thursday night, the Dingles gathered to say goodbye – as shown on Thursday morning on ITVX.

They were left reeling when a woman suddenly gatecrashed the event, and it was clear she was a relative. Soon fans learned the truth as Chas Dingle identified the mystery woman as being Tina Dingle.

But who exactly is Tina, and how is she related to Zak and the rest of the Dingle family? Who plays Tina now, and where has she been all this time? Here’s where you will recognise the new actress from including her previous TV roles, as well as a recap on who the character is…

Tina is now played by actress Samantha Power (Image: Channel 4)

Who is Tina Dingle and when was she on the show?

Tina Dingle is the daughter of Zak, and sister to Sam and Cain Dingle. She had other siblings on the show including Butch Dingle.

She was an original member of the family, debuting 30 years ago in 1994 before she left two years later in 1996. Tina featured in a revenge storyline as she targeted the killer of her older brother Ben Dingle.

The character worked at Home Farm with Kim and Frank Tate at one point too, with her confiding in Mandy Dingle about harassment by Frank. Tina left for London and wasn’t heard from after, with it teased she had lost touch with her family including her father Zak.

Who plays Tina Dingle now?

Tina has been recast, with the role originally played by actress and author Jacqueline Pirie between 1994 and 1996. Tina is now played by actress Samantha Power, who will be a familiar face to viewers no doubt.

Samantha has previously starred on shows including Ackley Bridge and Brassic. Her other TV roles include Doctors, two roles on Coronation Street, Holby City, Prisoners Wives, Heartbeat and Waterloo Road.

Former Tina star Jacqueline is reported to have turned down the chance to return. A source told The Sun: “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.”

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays.