Heartbroken Emmerdale fans were left devastated and in "floods of tears" as Faith Dingle tragically died in her son Cain's arms on Thursday night.
In incredibly moving scenes, fans praised Faith's son Cain, played by actor Jeff Hordley, for his 'crucial' last words to his mother as he cradled her during her final moments. Not only did the usual hard-man call Faith "mummy", when he realised she had taken an overdose of her medication, but he also finally told her "I love you" - the three words Faith had been desperate to hear.
Apologising for his stubborn behaviour over the years and turmoil he had caused, Cain lay down in bed next to Faith and told her: "It's okay I've got you." He carried on: "I am sorry for being like that, I am sorry. I love you mum."
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Viewers watched as Faith smiled at her son and tried to talk to him, but couldn't get her words out. Cain responded by telling her: "Rest easy. I have got you. You just need to go to sleep. It's okay, it's okay."
Cain then told his mum she had given him the perfect day the previous day when they had arranged a seaside event in the village and that was to be Faith's final moment.
Earlier in the episode viewers had seen Faith, played by actress Sally Dexter, decide to spend her final moments alone. She had attempted to send Cain away to buy a stick of rock hours away, but Moira realised something was wrong and the pair rushed to be by her side.
Faith had also sent Chas away on a spa day as a special 'thank you' for organising her surprise seaside day - but to the anger of fans, Chas was joined by Al, who she has been having an affair with behind husband Paddy's back. It was at the spa that Al announced he had bought a house for the pair. They then went to share a bath, with Chas missing desperate calls from Paddy telling her Faith was in her final moments.
Emmerdale viewers rushed to social media to share their heartache at Faith's death and applaud those involved in creating such incredibly moving scenes. One Twitter user said: "@HordleyJeff incredible Emmerdale tonite .. im a puddle of tears."
Another said: "A stunning episode. Brilliant performances from Sally, Jeff, Lucy and others. I liked how it was done with Faith getting to speak to so many loved ones and hearing those crucial words from Cain."
Twitter user @fluffyhairben said: "Cain waking her up shouting “mum” “mummy” has ruined me #Emmerdale." Another said: "What an emotional rollercoaster. One minute getting p****d off at Chas then the next weeping at Cain calling Faith "mummy"....#Emmerdale."
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