What happened in Emmerdale tonight: Soap airs beautiful episode as the Dingles learn of Zak's death

Emmerdale tonight was all about the Dingles as news of Zak’s death spread. In poignant and moving scenes we saw a family in trauma pull together and be there for each other. Not a scene was out of place and thankfully, Emmerdale got this just right.

Here’s a recap of what happened in Emmerdale tonight, Tuesday October 15.

Zak's death news hit the Dingles hard (Credit: ITV) — Zak’s death news hit the Dingles hard (Credit: ITV)

The Dingles found out about Zak

Tonight was the night the Dingles discovered Zak had died. The family gathered at the homestead as the news broke and each other them dealt with it differently. But one thing was for sure: they all supported each other in the way only Dingles can.

Cain stepped up in Emmerdale tonight

News of Zak’s death was slowly sinking in with Cain, who was silent and struggling. More details emerged as Moira revealed Debbie said Zak had been out poaching that morning and had had “the best morning ever” before falling asleep in his chair with a grin on his face. But he never woke up.

Cain knew he had to break the news to everyone in person and set out across the village to deliver the worst. In a beautiful sequence of scenes, we didn’t hear him telling each family member, we just saw it accompanied by solemn piano music. It was emotional, tears flowed, but there was a lovely sense of calm. Bravo Emmerdale for making the best of this heartbreaking story.

And even Monty the dog got his moment, as both Belle and Cain hugged him. Aw!

As the village arrived at Wishing Well to send their condolences to the family, Zak and Cain drove away in the rickety old van to bring Zak home where he belonged.

Sam, Belle and Cain reminisce over their dad in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV) — Sam, Belle and Cain reminisced over their dad in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV)

Sam and Belle bonded

Before they discovered what had happened, Sam wanted to get Belle out in the fresh air – he was taking her animal snaring. They went out to their dad’s favourite place, which was poignant since news hadn’t yet reached them of Zak’s death. But Belle wasn’t best pleased when she discovered they were trapping rabbits and tried to rescue them!

She the confided in Sam that she was worried Zak would be disappointed in her – they way she let Tom control her and grind her down. Sam insisted she had not let her dad down – she never could.

As they were walking back from the fields, Cain was waiting to tell them the awful news.

Belle later disappeared and Sam and Cain found her outside. The three siblings looked out over the view and talked about Zak, drawing strength from each other. Sam felt Zak had been with them in the forest while they were snaring. But will that help him make peace with the situation?

Tearful Chas was comforted by Liam (Credit: ITV)

Chas struggled to cope

It was Chas who took the news particularly hard. Unable to be in the room with the family while they grieved, Chas pretended she was going back to work, but she was also unable to be in the Woolpack with all the hustle and bustle there. Liam found her crying at the allotment and insisted on taking her for a walk.

She confided about how fierce Zak was when he was young, how they all went to him when they needed anything and how he was like a dad to her.

Liam was desperate to support Chas, but then Ella called and he didn’t answer. The moment got confused as Liam announced he wanted to be with Chas – but it was unclear how he meant it (or very clear depending on how you look at it!). Chas couldn’t handle it though and told him to go to Ella. WHEN will these two just admit how they feel?

Also in Emmerdale tonight…

Kim was distraught over Zak's death (Credit: ITV) — Kim was distraught over Zak’s death (Credit: ITV)

Will and Kim grew closer

Will had arrived to ask for a loan, but he found Kim in tears over Zak’s death. He offered her a comforting hug and she melted into Will’s arms. They talked about Zak and he stayed, hugging her some more. He even had the good sense not to ask for the money he’d come crawling for.

Moira made a decision in Emmerdale tonight

She has decided she is not having the operation tomorrow. Matty was horrified, but Moira insisted she couldn’t risk Cain losing his wife less than 24 hours after Zak. Is she making the right decision?

Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.

Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.

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