Emmerdale fans knew it was coming but it didn't stop the death of Faith Dingle from being any less heartbreaking. In emotional scenes during Thursday night's (October 13) edition of the ITV soap, viewers watched the dying character take her own life months after being told her cancer was back and that it was terminal.
Earlier this week, the Dingle's pulled out all the stops to give Faith a special day at the seaside. After planning a trip to Filey, a determined Faith was adamant she wanted the trip to go ahead despite suffering a fall and her health taking a turn. And after promising his mum that they'd go through with her plans, Cain actually enlisted the help of Faith's family and friends to bring the beach to her.
Faith was thrilled to bits and there were many poignant moments in the scenes as Faith took everything in, while watching her family revel in the fun. And Faith still managed to keep a smile on her face when her young grandson Isaac asked her, in that way only a child can, what it's like to die.
But before long, there was one last surprise in store, courtesy of Chas and Rodney Blackstock as an ice cream van parked up and as Faith was guided over to it, Diane Sugden appeared through the window. Then, when Chas reminded Cain that he had shared a dance with their mum on their childhood holiday, the usual grumpy Dingle asked his mum to dance again to the same song.
Faith told her son just how much she loved him, and Cain was emotional as he began to return the sentiment, only to be rudely interrupted. But he finally got the chance to tell his mum how he really felt as he comforted in her final moments after finding her in bed having taken an overdose.
Moira sprung into action after being suspicious of Faith, despite her promising she wasn't going to do anything that day. She rushed to The Woolpack with Cain in close pursuit. As they rushed to her room, they quickly realised what she had done and managed to wake her. But as Cain instructed his wife to phone an ambulance, Faith refused and so he sat and made her comfortable as she prepared to take her final breaths.
The usual hard-faced character then fell apart as his mum slipped away, while sister Chas wasn't there for her mum's final moments as she enjoyed time in a hotel with Al Chapman amid her sordid affair. As heartbroken viewers flocked to social media to share their upset over the scenes, and losing Sally from the soap, the actress had a message to share.
A video was shared on Emmerdale's social channels in which Sally could be seen reflecting on her time in the Dales. Thanking the viewers who have stood by her character since her arrival in 2017, Sally said: "I want to thank the viewers and the people who come up to me in the street and say 'hello'.
"It’s only been a few short years that I’ve been here, but I’ve loved it and I’ve loved sharing it with all of you." Reflecting on her recent storyline she added: "These stories, especially this last one, is something that really matters to me. As sad as it’s been, it’s also been a real pleasure and a privilege." She ended the video: "Thank you," with a smile and little giggle.
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