Debbie faces Christmas behind bars

CHRISTMAS could be anything but a jolly affair surrounded by family for Debbie Dingle.

She faces jail following her arrest over the murder of Joe Tate.

And Charley Webb, who plays Debbie, says tensions are running high.

“Debbie is really apprehensive about the court date and has been really worried for quite a while now.

“She just wants an end to this whole thing. The night of the acid attack has haunted her since it happened and she just wants to move on.

“But she is prepared for the fact the judge might make an example of her.

“As she heads off to court she’s worried she is waving goodbye to her family, her friends and the village for a long time.”

And while the family are trying to get behind her, Debbie knows they are just as worried.

“Faith in particular is trying to put a positive spin on it and she’s insisting she will be returning home,” says Charley.

“But Debbie knows underneath the bravado the family are anxious too.

“Cain, her dad, is really worried and I think he feels helpless.

“But in front of Debbie he’s doing his best to keep strong.

“I think the family have a concern she may not be back for a very long time.

“The Dingles don’t have much faith in the justice system.”

Charley reckons that, strong though she may seem, prison would break her character.

While it could be all doom and gloom for Debbie, things are unsurprisingly happier for Charley who’ll be teaming up over the festive period with a big Emmerdale pal.

“I’m spending Christmas with my family and Lucy Pargeter’s family. “There’s loads of us we all love it.” So, is there is one Christmas present that Charley would wish for after her tough filming schedule for this big storyline?

“Yes, a lovely long stretch of days off to spend with family and friends,” she laughs.