Legendary Emmerdale character returns after 28 years as original star turns down comeback
The iconic character was last seen on screen in 1996 but now they have a new face after the original star turned down the chance to return
EMMERDALE bosses have recast iconic character Tina Dingle after original actress Jacqueline Pirie turned down the chance to return.
The legendary character made a shock arrival in the village in today’s episode for dad Zak Dingle’s funeral – but this time she has a new face.
Brassic actress Samantha Power has taken over the role – but will only appear for a short stint.
Scottish actress Jacqueline Pirie played Tina for her original stint between 1994 and 1996.
And The Sun can exclusively reveal that she was approached to return – but declined.
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.”
Fans of the show watched instead as a mysterious woman arrived in the village in today’s episod while the Dingles held Zak’s funeral.
They took his coffin to the Woolpack before raising a glass with the entire village befor carrying his coffin to his final resting place at Wishing Well.
And it was there as they laid him to rest that the woman revealed herself as Tina much to the family’s shock.
“Dear God, this family couldn’t organise its way out of a paper bag,” she said.
“I don’t know what you’re all staring at – did you seriously think I wouldn’t come?”
She received a typically barbed response from the family – but gave as good as she got using gossip Mandy gave her.
“I’m here to pay my respects, like the rest of you,” she said as the service got back on track.
The Dingles played Zak’s favourite songs before burying him and saying goodbye in their own way, and Belle scattered Lisa’s ashes with the coffin to reunite the couple.
However it soon emerged that Tina was planning on taking the house – but her plan was foiled when Lydia produced the will and revealed she’d been cut out.
She promptly shoved Tina into the mud and exposed her ankle tag just in time for the police to arrive to take her away.
Tina vowed she would be back and actress Lisa Riley has teased that she’s got a big storyline involving Mandy and Vinny coming up.
She recently teased: “It was emotional to film but there is going to be someone coming from the past who will have repercussions for Mandy and Paddy and Vinny especially moving forward.”