Emmerdale has issued a major update on Tina Dingle in the latest episode and it’s not good news for the character

Emmerdale has delivered a significant update regarding Tina Dingle – and it’s rather grim news.

Tina was an original Dingle family member, first appearing three decades ago in 1994, portrayed by Jacqueline Pirie. Throughout her time on the show, Tina featured in numerous dramatic storylines.

Among these was her quest for justice following the killing of her elder brother Ben Dingle (Steve Fury). The character subsequently left in 1996, heading off to London.

Jump to 2024, however, and Tina resurfaced in the village, this time portrayed by Samantha Power. Tina made her surprising return to attend her father Zak Dingle’s (Steve Halliwell) funeral.

Zak tragically passed away off-screen and was transported back from Scotland to the Emmerdale village, allowing the clan to bid farewell to their patriarch, reports the Daily Star.

Sam Dingle, as played by James Hooton, Tina Dingle, as played by Jacqueline Pirie, and Butch Dingle, as played by Paul Loughran

Tina made her debut in 1994 (Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Throughout her latest appearance, Tina coerced cousin Mandy Dingle (Lisa Riley) into surrendering Zak’s will, and a bombshell later emerged revealing Tina is in fact the biological mother of Mandy’s adopted son Vinny Dingle (Bradley Johnson).

Tina ultimately made her last appearance in November 2024 – and hasn’t been spotted since. Yet, in Monday’s episode (December 29), the soap provided a crucial update.

Within the instalment, Mandy told Dylan (Fred Kettle) she was travelling to Ireland after Tina “got into a bit of bother” with the police, and wished to bring Dylan along. Mandy explained: “She’s [Tina] in a bit of bother with the police, on remand.

“Anyway the Donegal Dingles, they’ve asked me if I’ll go and help and look after the kids for a bit, save them from going into care. I mean our Tina is a lost cause.”

 

Two women, one wearing a leopard print jacket and the other in a fur vest, are engaged in an intense confrontation, standing in

Mandy has revealed some news about Tina (Image: ITV)

Samantha Power assumed the role of Tina upon her return last year. Jacqueline, who previously portrayed Tina, reportedly turned down the chance to return to the character.

A source told The Sun: “Jacqueline loved her time on Emmerdale and life as an actress but it was a long time ago and she’s moved on.”

She now resides in Canada and has embarked on a new career as a novelist, and whilst she retains affection for the programme, returning isn’t on her agenda. These situations arise, people progress in their lives and recasting occurs regularly.