Emmerdale fans were quick to angrily flock to social media to put out an issue with PC Switling's attempts at being Father Christmas. The latest trip to the Dales on Thursday night (December 22) saw the villagers heading out to support vicar Charles Anderson's festive event.
As well as the children being able to see Santa, there was also plenty of mulled wine on offer for the adults, which a heartbroken Paddy Kirk took full advantage of, and also performances from the village choir. As well as it bringing together the residents of Emmerdale ahead of Christmas, it was also a fundraiser for a stroke charity following Marlon Dingle's ill health this year.
However, Charles did have a bit of a nightmare when it came to his Santa and a rather bah humbug PC Swirling took on the gig. But viewers of the ITV soap weren't impressed with his efforts.
READ MORE: ITV Emmerdale fans 'work out' what's wrong with Cathy Hope after soap boss teases big storyline
@spartacus2963 tweeted: "Santa Swirling destroying Christmas for the kiddies by removing his beard… What a berk! #emmerdale." @Trojanmaru said: "What the hell kind of santa takes the beard n hat off around kids?! #emmerdale." @MattZeeMiller commented: "Can't be a***d to even wear the beard now!!! #emmerdale And the award for worse Santa ever ...goes to...."
@DionPetrie posted: "Sorry Swirling you aren’t a good Santa #Emmerdale." @itzzzo_ quipped: "Santa Claus is coming to town… he sees you when you’re murdering, he knows when you are cheating #Emmerdale." @EnfieldGarry added: "Their Santa is the policeman, oh my god! #Emmerdale."
Elsewhere during the episode, Amy Wyatt was full of panic when she headed to the event with her son, Kyle, Moria Dingle, and her son Isaac in an attempt to get into the festive spirit. As they hide the secret that Kyle is a killer after he shot Al Chapman, the pair were worried when they managed to lose sight of Kyle and saw him talking to PC Swirling about Cain.
Moira was able to swoop in as Swirling started to talk about Kyle's dad Cain being in prison, as he takes the wrap for his son, but it didn't stop the cop from appearing suspicious by Kyle's comments and Moira's behaviour. But there was also more drama for Chas and Paddy.
As mentioned, Paddy made an effort to prop up the mulled wine stall after he told Chas that he wanted to take their daughter Eve to the village event to meet Santa for the first time. While she reluctantly agreed in the wake of her affair with Al being exposed, she still ended up at the event under Marlon's request to help with the mulled wine.
This further fuelled Paddy's anger - and drinking - and when Eve ended up being watched by Ethan Anderson, she rushed to see Santa leading to Chas diving in and trying to get her to wait for her dad. But PC Swirling wasn't playing ball and Paddy looked on, distraught, leading to another row between the separated pair.
READ NEXT:
- ITV Emmerdale first look at 'new' Cain Dingle as younger version is cast for special episode
- Real life of ITV Emmerdale's Matty Barton actor Ash Palmisciano - transition, stunning partner and heartbreaking loss
- ITV Emmerdale's Mack star stuns fans as he unveils hidden talent as co-stars including Mark Charnock share plea
- Where ITV Emmerdale fans may have seen Nicky actor Lewis Cope before as he reveals what happened when he got job
- ITV Emmerdale's Cain Dingle star Jeff Hordley feared he was being 'replaced' when his long-lost brother was revealed
