Emmerdale icon, who died in 2022, makes a poignant return for an emotional scene.
Emmerdale has delivered a surprising return of a soap legend as Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) recounted his time behind bars.
The gripping episode of the ITV drama aired on Wednesday (November 12), exploring the history between Robert and his husband, Kev Townsend (Chris Coghill).
Flashbacks revealed Robert’s six-year prison sentence, serving 14 years for the murder of Lee Posner (Kris Mochrie), while shedding light on the events that unfolded during his incarceration.
Robert’s ex, Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller), had believed Robert was serving time on the Isle of Wight, but he has now revealed that he was actually transferred back to Hotten during the pandemic.
In the episode, Robert grew closer to his cellmate Kev, and the two decided to marry, which shifted Robert’s focus away from pursuing parole.
He was then visited by the late Faith Dingle (Sally Dexter), who urged him to mend his relationship with her grandson, Aaron.
Faith revealed that she had stopped all cancer treatment and was nearing the end of her life, encouraging Robert to apply for release after new evidence suggested Lee might have died from a brain injury caused by his brother.
She said: “The family doesn’t know yet, but I’ve decided to stop treatment, which is why I’ve come to you. I’ve come to make a deal. I won’t tell Aaron about how close you two have been if you start your appeal.”
After Robert expressed his confusion, Faith added, “He’s run off somewhere and doesn’t look like he’s coming back. Sweetheart, a lot has happened, I won’t sugarcoat it — it’s been bad, really bad.”
Faith then encouraged Robert to reach out to Aaron to bring him back to the village, as Robert admitted he still loved him.
Who was Faith Dingle in Emmerdale?
Faith was the former wife of Shadrach Dingle (Andy Devine) and the mother of Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley), Caleb Miligan (William Ash), and Chas Dingle (Lucy Pargeter).
At 16, Faith had an affair with Shadrach’s brother Zak Dingle (Steve Halliwell) and became pregnant with Cain. For years, everyone believed Cain was Shadrach’s son until it was later revealed that Zak was his biological father.
Faith made her first on-screen appearance in 2000 and appeared in recurring roles until her death on the show in 2022.
How did Faith Dingle die in Emmerdale?
Faith passed away in October 2022, spending her final moments in the arms of her devoted son, Cain, after being diagnosed with terminal breast cancer just months earlier.
Her condition worsened quickly, and she confided in her daughter-in-law Moira (Natalie J. Robb) that she intended to end her own life rather than let the illness take control. Moira promised to stay by her side when the time came, while Cain, unaware of her intentions, arranged a special day for his mother, recreating the seaside in the village.
Faith enjoyed the day thoroughly but later decided to carry out her heartbreaking plan the next day.
Viewers watched Faith share a heartfelt moment with her daughter Chas, sending her off for a spa day at a luxury hotel.
She was later visited by her great-granddaughter Sarah Sugden (Katie Hill) and asked Cain to bring her a stick of rock from their favourite holiday spot. As she embraced him, Cain held her tightly, overcome with emotion.
When Moira learned from Sarah that Faith had given the teen the meaningful necklace she had promised her for after her passing, she sensed something was wrong and rushed to find Cain.
The pair rushed to the Woolpack, and when they entered Faith’s bedroom, Cain discovered evidence that she had taken a lethal dose.
Faith was still alive, but she pleaded with them not to call for help as Cain insisted that Moira summon an ambulance. Moira went to inform Paddy (Dominic Brunt) so he could contact Chas, while Cain remained by his mother’s side, holding her tightly and weeping.
Cain expressed his love for Faith and reminisced about the joyful moments from the previous day. Eventually, Faith passed away, with Cain placing a final kiss on her head.
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