Emmerdale has been applauded by fans as it 'replaced' the icon that is Cain Dingle. As viewers of the ITV soap know, the character, played by Jeff Hordley, is currently banged up in prison after being charged with the murder of Al Chapman.
But as fans also know, Cain isn't actually responsible for his former enemy's death, despite luring him to a barn and threatening him with a shotgun after discovering the shady businessman's affair with his younger sister, Chas. It was actually Cain's son, Kyle, who accidentally pulled the trigger when he rushed in on his dad and Al's nasty confrontation.
And as he spent Christmas behind bars, Cain had an extra special visitor - his long-lost brother, Caleb. The new character, played by Will Ash, had been trying hard to get in touch with his older brother after discovering their mum, Faith, had died. And Cain finally relented but it wasn't a happy family reunion.
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Cain told Caleb that he needed to stay away and made it clear that he means nothing to him. But Caleb appeared to still be keen to get to know his family and headed to the village where he found Chas letting off the firework containing her mum's ashes after being cast out at Christmas over her affair with Al.
Then, during the Boxing Day episode on Monday night, Emmerdale fans got to learn more about Cain and Chas' home life when Caleb first showed up and revealed himself as Faith's other son to Cain. Interspersed between scenes of Cain in prison and Chas talking to Caleb in The Woolpack, a flashback scene aired showing a younger version of him along with Chas.
The pair were shown to be living together after escaping their abusive family home with Shadrach. Later, viewers saw a young Cain, played by Aiden Kane, working at a garage where he was found by Caleb and told they were brothers.
Cain didn't believe him at first but a young Caleb, played by Riccardo Drayton, showed him his birth certificate which showed Faith had given birth to him while in prison, and before Chas arrived into the world.
And while Cain lied and said their mum was dead, which he told everyone after she walked out on him and Chas and left them with their abusive dad, he did appear to start bonding with Caleb and said he could meet his younger sister.
However, all that changed when Chas told Cain she was pregnant, with who we now know to be as Aaron Dingle, and everything changed. As Cain struggled with his sister's news as he already battled to put food on the table and keep a roof over their head, he told Caleb he couldn't meet Chas and to stay away.
Gutted, he jumped into one of the cars at the garage and sped off, before being caught by the police. Cain told him he'd be fine as it's his first offense but Caleb revealed it wasn't and that he'd go to prison. Cain instead took the blame and unbeknownst to him, his boss was up to no good leading to Cain's first hefty prison sentence.
As the truth about Cain's first meeting with Caleb came to light, Emmerdale fans were flocking to social media to praise young Cain actor Aiden and young Chas actress Maddy Barker. But it was Aiden in particular who really blew viewers away thanks to he uncanny likeness to Jeff.
@viennaxharrison said: "A massive well done to all the young actors playing teenage Cain, Chas and Caleb. The actor who played teenage Cain was incredible." @diharrison_66 commented: "Big shout out to young Cain, he had definitely studied older Cain's mannerisms! Excellent acting."
@debdallow shared: "Can’t get over the young lad playing Cain , the mannerisms, everything unbelievable acting ! Well done too all three!!!" @nicola_dawn wrote: "Young Cain was absolutely amazing. He did brilliantly."
@annmari12don echoed: "Young Cain is a perfect match. Brilliant casting." @LauraPa79602511 tweeted: “The actor who played young Cain in Emmerdale tonight was bloody outstanding! Had Cain's mannerisms and voice down! #Emmerdale.” @RileyCo10852974 added: "#emmerdale That young Cain… does anyone know his name/other things he’s worked in? That man is going places."
However, eagle-eyed fans couldn't help but spot an error in the scenes between the young stars. @paulgregs asked: "Anyone else notice the license plate on the golf in the garage change between scenes?" @SARamsay1 tweeted: "Slightly random, but did anyone else notice something funny/a bit suspicious about the number plates on 2 of the cars in the garage during the flashback scenes in #Emmerdale ?! I did!"
@Marcus_The_Man posted: "#emmerdale Odd that they red Volkswagen Golf GTI that Cane was working on in the garage went from being an ‘F’ to a ‘J‘ registration during tonight’s episode. Lol. The number plate miraculously changed! Slight production error me thinks!" @trician05316825 added: "#emmerdale continuity c**k up on emmerdale tonight, red car in garage had 2 different number plates."
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