Emmerdale Family Trees
A new series narrated by Gaynor Faye (who played Megan Macey in the soap) looking back at different generations of three of Emmerdale’s most popular families – The Tates, The Sugdens and The Dingles
The series will be a mixture of archive footage and new talking heads by cast members past and present. Below is a reminder of who’s who in the families from the Dales.
The Sugdens: This episode will look at the farming family that’s been at the heart of the soap since it launched in 1972, with Annie Sugden at the helm. Over almost five decades, they’ve endured heartbreak, feuds and sibling rivalry like no one else. We hear from actress Alyson Spiro, who married into the Sugden family as Jack’s wife Sarah, and who quickly became embroiled in some of the biggest storylines, until her dramatic death in a barn fire. Frazer Hines, who played Joe Sugden, looks back at his time as the son of Annie and shares stories about becoming part of the soap’s most famous farming family.
The Tates: In the late ’80s, the Tates burst on the scene, bringing glamour, money and power to the farming community. Alongside
Frank, his wife Kim and his children Chris and Zoe, they quickly became embroiled in some of the soap’s most memorable storylines; from the plane crash that left Chris paralysed, to the paternity battle over Kim’s son Jamie. Alexander Lincoln, who plays Jamie Tate, spills the beans on being the son of the village villain Kim Tate, while Claire King, who plays Kim, shares why she relishes being part of the family that brought glamour to the sleepy village in Yorkshire.
The Dingles: The Dingles hit our screens in the mid ’90s and fast became one of the soap’s most loved families. The older generation soon made their mark, with Zak leading the pack. This special weaves its way through the life, loves, scams and antics of Zak, his three wives and his seven children. James Hooton, who plays
Sam Dingle, reveals how the whole family got behind one of the Dingles’ bests scams – creating a medieval theme park. Lisa Riley ( Mandy Dingle) shares stories of why the Dingle code doesn’t always keep the whole family in check.
These episodes on the Dingles divide into two parts, with one episode concentrating on the younger generation of the family. It takes a look at the family shenanigans of the latest Dingles who are made up of loveable rogues, heartbreakers and surprise siblings. From
Aaron’s destructive streak to Liv’s battles with alcoholism, it’s all there to be enjoyed again. Danny Miller, who plays Aaron Dingle, describes how the Dingle family name can be a blessing and a curse. And surprise son of Cain,
Nate Robinson, played by Jurell Carter, talks about his explosive affair with his father’s wife. Tom McLennan, Director of ITV Studios Entertainment North said “It has been a joy and a privilege to delve into the archives of the nation’s favourite soaps. The characters and storylines are as gripping today as they were then and it is the perfect opportunity to celebrate them.”