The death of a parent always hits devastatingly hard and, for fans of Emmerdale and the cast playing the characters, Zak Dingle’s passing is a double blow given the real-life loss of beloved Steve Halliwell.
The village is awash with emotional tributes as the soap’s core family reflects together on Zak – and a further surprise then comes when a face from the past makes an unexpected arrival to cause a stir!
Ruby Fox-Miligan (Beth Cordingly) is also grieving after the death of her mum, and she has another shock in store when she learns that her mother asked for her before she died.
As she confronts Caleb (William Ash), how will he respond?
In other developments, Kim Tate (Claire King) and Will Taylor (Dean Andrews) continue to navigate their mixed feelings, but a clash pushes Will back towards his thirst for revenge.
Monday October 14
Moira has a seizure while cooking. She receives news of an available operation slot the next day but keeps it from Cain. Cain returns home unexpectedly and Moira avoids telling him her operation news. As Cain goes for a shower Moira answers a call from Debbie – revealing the tragic news Zak has passed away.
Cain and Moira reel from the news (Picture: ITV)
Billy admits to Mack he’s going to have to take another fight but begs Mack to keep it a secret. Mack says not only will he not say anything; he wants to help.
Tom and Amelia meet up at the café, and Amelia is thrilled when Tom organises to go on a date that evening. Later, Tom and Amelia arrive at the Woolpack for their date, seemingly back on track.
Tuesday October 15
Cain informs the family about Zak’s death. It’s a sad day for the Dingles and the village at large. The bereft family take comfort in being with each other.
Soon Cain and Sam find Belle outside, looking out over the field and the trio reminisce about their late father, knocked for six by Zak’s passing.
The villagers gather on Main Street to wave Sam and Cain off, as they poignantly leave for Scotland to bring Zak home.
Wednesday October 16
It’s a jarring moment for Ruby when she receives an unexpected delivery of her mum’s ashes. She soon makes a defiant, impulsive decision on how to dispose of them.
Later drowning her sorrows in the pub Chas advises her to find out Helen’s final words from the hospital, in the hope to get closure.
After finding her mum was asking for her and hanging on for a deathbed reconciliation, Ruby is stunned to hear that Caleb paid Helen a secret visit on the hospital ward before her death.
Kim’s wrongfooted after another tender moment with Will at Home Farm. Will’s gradual rapprochement with Dawn continues as he gives her cash and promises to negotiate her a loan.
Meanwhile secretive Billy’s even more determined to go ahead with his next unlicensed boxing match and provide a better life for Dawn and the kids.
Thanks to Chas, the Woolpack becomes a space for mourning. Matty questions Moira’s decision to delay her operation. Later at Wishing Well, the Dingles gather and raise a glass to Zak’s memory
Thursday October 17
On the day of Zak’s funeral, a long-lost relative appears at the graveside, shocking the family.
Caleb’s under increasing pressure from the bank. Soon Will and Caleb spur each other on in their plan to take down Kim. Caleb’s operating on a wing and a prayer as he’s lied to the bank.
When Kim asks Gabby to move back in at Home Farm, Will questions her motives and is put in his place spurring him on to talk to Caleb about bringing Kim down soon.
Friday October 18
Zak’s send off continues in the Woolpack as emotions run high, while the unexpected guest causes a stir.
