Looks like there are big changes afoot at Emmerdale’s Woolpack after Charity Dingle and Ryan Stocks became its new owners.
The mum and son outbid Kim Tate at an auction to buy the village’s boarded up boozer in scenes screened last night.
It went on sale after Chas Dingle and cousin Marlon were unable to pay for the repairs caused by a Christmas Day explosion and insurers would not cough up.
James Moore, 29, who plays Ryan, said he was delighted by the latest turn of events.
He added: “I was excited to hear Ryan would be one of the new owners. It’s a big step for him and cements his part in Emmerdale history.
“I imagine Ryan would have some very good ideas about changing the vibe and energy in the pub and bring a modern touch.”
But James is hoping Marlon, played by Mark Charnock, will stay on in some role.
He said: “He is integral to the pub. I can’t imagine the place without him so I hope he is involved.”
Emma Atkins, 46, who stars as Charity, is looking forward to more scenes with Chas (Lucy Pargeter).
She said: “I was over the moon. Knowing they’re going to put Charity and Chas together again, it’s a dream.”
Lucy this week admitted losing her decade-long role as Woolpack landlady left her gutted. She said: “When I found out I no longer owned it, my heart sank.
“It made me feel even more insecure about my job.”
The Woolpack has had a number of landlords since its first, Amos Brearly.
He was played by Ronald Magill between 1972 and 1995, with a three-year break from 1991. Ronald died in 2007 aged 87.
