There wasn't a dry eye among Emmerdale fans as they tuned in to the latest episode. The ITV soap returned to screens on Friday night (October 28) and it was time for Faith and Liv Dingle's joint funeral.
Viewers have been left sobbing at their TV screens in recent weeks following the death of the Dingle matriarch and the shock end for Liv. Before the devastating storm hit the Yorkshire village, terminally ill Faith decided to take her own life. The much-loved character, played by Sally Dexter, decided to die alone in her room after her family surprised her by bringing the seaside to the village in a poignant, yet fun-filled day. In emotional scenes, her son Cain managed to get to her in time to hold her as she passed.
Meanwhile, Vinny was left in pieces when his wife died as a result of the terrifying windstorm that swept the Yorkshire village. Liv, played by Isobel Steele, lost her life after she was unable to be saved from being crushed underneath Sam and Lydia Dingle's caravan which came loose in the adverse weather before being blown in the couple's direction.
And the latest trip to the Dales saw the Dingle clan and other village residents say their final farewells to Faith and Liv in tearjerking scenes. As they arrived in the church, it was revealed that Faith had written her own eulogy to be read out by her 'beat friend' Eric Pollard.
As Eric read out Faith’s letter, revealing she had "loads of regrets", things took a surprise twist as Sally was seen reprising her role as Faith as she was seen writing the letter which was being read out before her death. "I’ve not always been the best mum to my two," she was heard saying as she put pen to paper.
"I get that from my mother, who got it from her evil old witch of a mother, who though I hate to speak ill of the dead, probably got it from hers as well. But thankfully my two are the best parents a child could ever wish for. They broke the mould and I ain’t half proud of them for it. So to my kids Cain and Chas, I salute you and I love you more than I can say. And I’m sorry that in the great lottery of parents, you got me."
Aaron was then up to share a few words about his younger sister, saying she 'deserved better', referencing her parents and himself who he feels failed her when he left the village whilst she was wrongly being accused of the murder of his boyfriend, Ben Tucker. The character, played by Danny Miller, then broke down leaving Vinny to take over and share his love for his late wife.
But there was a moment shortly after, as Aaron, Vinny, and his mum followed Liv's horse-drawn hearse and Chas, Cain, and Moira followed Faith's, that was flooded with praise from viewers. Family members and other villagers placed white flowers on the pathway to the graveyard as the coffins passed.
It was a moment that featured every adult cast member of the ITV soap, which Vinny actor Bradley Johnson said was a “rare sight” following the pandemic. And Emmerdale fans were quick to share their applause for the beautifully sombre moment. @amyclarrke said: "Thought this was beautifully done, so emotional and heartbreaking but so moving and so well done, amazing acting from everyone."
@mikepriestley13 tweeted: "Wow seeing all the villagers line up in the street with their white rose #Emmerdale that was amazing well done to all @emmerdale cast and crew." @lynger2000 posted: "Just watched tonight’s episode and as soap funerals go, you couldn’t fault it. I can safely say, Faith & Liv got a cracking send off!! The village coming together with a single rose was a beautiful touch!! #Emmerdale."
Helen Barker wrote on Facebook: "That definitely was Emmerdale at it's very best. The whole cast in one place, only Emmerdale that could pull that off. Definitely a lump in the throat moment." Madge Walker added: "Absolutely sobbing after tonight's episode. Beautiful seeing all the villagers laying the roses down, breath-taking. What a great episode."
But there were some questions. The first being about Harriet Finch who also tragically lost her life in the storm earlier this month. @felixw1 asked: "Has the villagers forgotten about Harriet? Heck have they even retrieved her body yet? #Emmerdale." @shirlpuzz echoed: "Why is no one bothered that Harriet is still laying out there in the woods may I ask? #Emmerdale." @UpinSpaceMan added: "That was a nice episode but - WHY DOES NO ONE GIVE A S**T THAT HARRIET’S DEAD TOO?!!! It’s not like she was a VICAR! #Emmerdale."
Another question that was raised was the whereabouts of Debbie Dingle. While the character hasn't been seen in the soap since 2019, some Emmerdale fans felt she should have returned for her grandmother's funeral and supported her daughter, Sarah. @ChurchieBoy1986 tweeted: "Why ain't Debbie at her Nan's funeral #Emmerdale."
@tamlizann said: "I'm still annoyed nothing from Debbie, Faith gave money to sick Sarah #Emmerdale." @griannedoherty3 wrote: "Not so much as a single mention of Debbie on a double family Funeral really? Even Zak appeared via video link courtesy of Sam & isn't he actually meant to be with her right now? #Emmerdale." But @buckland_emma replied: "Chas did mention Debbie but we just didn't see her."
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