Who was Debbie Dingle? A look at her turbulent life in the Dales

In recent Emmerdale scenes, Cain temporarily left the Dales to go stay with his daughter Debbie and father Zak, after learning about Zak’s deteriorating health.

Debbie moved to Scotland in 2019, with Zak following in 2023 after suffering mobility issues.

But who was Debbie Dingle and what did she – or rather, what didn’t she – get up to while in the village?

Debbie Dingle arrives in Emmerdale

A young Debbie arrived in the village in 2002 as a foster child for Paddy and Emily Kirk after her adoptive mother Pat fell ill. She was 13 at the time.

When Pat died, the move became permanent. Debbie soon befriended the Dingle family and gave Cain a big shock when she showed him a picture of her biological mum. He recognised her – it was Charity.

Charity remained in denial at first and kept Debbie a secret from her husband Chris Tate. But they soon bonded and Debbie moved in with Charity and Chris.

Later in 2003, Charity admitted that Cain was Debbie’s father, leading to the three of them growing close. This angered Chris and he became aggressive towards Debbie resulting in her moving in with the Dingles.

Teenage pregnancy

Debbie started a secret relationship with Andy Sugden and lost her virginity to him in 2004. Debbie later discovered she was pregnant at 15. She hid the pregnancy from everyone and planned to abandon the baby after giving birth.

However, after giving birth in a shed, assisted by Emily and Daz, Debbie had a change of heart. But she didn’t initially take to motherhood and constantly left daughter Sarah with Emily.

Later that year, Debbie shocked her family when she gave Sarah to Emily, who was leaving the area. Debbie felt Sarah would have a better life with Emily and showed no remorse for her actions, which angered the Dingles.

It was 10 months before Sarah was returned to her family. But Debbie didn’t want to be a mum, so Sarah went to live with Andy.

Relationship with Jasmine

Debbie became close to Jasmine Thomas and later realised she liked her as more than a friend.

After confessing her love for Jasmine, the two started dating. But, in order to hurt his daughter, Cain seduced Jasmine, who was confused about her sexuality, resulting in Debbie and Jasmine breaking up.

They later reconciled and Debbie got her revenge on Cain by telling him that Jasmine had had an abortion.

Debbie was also involved in the killing of Jasmine’s boyfriend Shane Doyle. Shane attempted to rape Jasmine, and upon hearing her screams, Debbie came to her rescue and knocked Shane unconscious. But he woke up and grabbed Debbie. Jasmine then beat him repeatedly, resulting in his death.

Debbie and Jasmine decided to go on the run together, but Debbie was caught and charged with Shane’s murder. Jasmine later returned and admitted to the crime, though Debbie was still charged with perverting the court of justice.

Relationships with Michael and Cameron

Debbie started a relationship with a man named Michael, but was dismayed to discover he was engaged. He told Debbie that he loved her and had called off the wedding.

However, Cain discovered this wasn’t true and Cain and Debbie turned up at the wedding to discover the bride was her mum Charity!

Debbie later met Cameron, but their relationship faced many tests – notably because Sarah was ill and needed a bone marrow transplant.

Debbie and Andy decided to try and have a baby together in order to create a donor for Sarah. This idea didn’t thrill Cameron. And he was furious when he later discovered that it wasn’t done via artificial insemination, but rather conventional methods.

Cameron went on to have an affair with Chas and was responsible for the murders of Carl King and Gennie Walker.

The end result was the Woolpack Siege, which saw Cameron threaten to shoot anyone who dared leave.

Pete and Ross Barton

Debbie started a relationship with Pete Barton and even proposed to him. But she later started an affair with his brother Ross.

Debbie planned to run away with Ross, but when she discovered he was the father of her mum’s baby, she ordered Cain to get rid of him.

She later married Pete, but he discovered her affair with Ross.

Following a helicopter crash, which saw Debbie end up in intensive care, she tried in turn to have a relationship with both Pete and Ross, but ultimately ended up leaving the village for France alone.

She returned the following year, before leaving for Scotland for good in 2019.

Who played Debbie Dingle?

Charley Webb has played Debbie since the character was introduced.

The actress was married to fellow Emmerdale star Matthew Wolfenden for 15 years before the couple announced their split last year. They have three children together.

Since leaving Emmerdale, Charley has appeared in a few TV shows. Most notably The Long Shadow, in which she starred in four episodes.

Read now: Belle Dingle: Killer, mental health crisis and domestic violence victim

Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.

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