What happened in Emmerdale tonight: Zak was laid to rest and there's a new (old) Dingle in town

Emmerdale tonight said a final farewell to the legendary Zak Dingle as he was laid to rest at home. But things were fraught as Cain spiralled and Belle struggled. Not to mention Tina Dingle turning up wanting her cut of the will!

As the Dingles try to hold it together, here’s everything that happened in Emmerdale tonight, Thursday October 17.

The residents gather for Zak's funeral (Credit: ITV) — Zak’s funeral brought up emotions (Credit: ITV)

The village gathered for Zak’s funeral in Emmerdale tonight

As the Dingles prepared to give Zak the send off he very carefully planned, it was clear Cain was struggling more than the others. But Belle was also not coping and stayed with her dad alone when the others went to pick flowers.

Cain and Sam drove Zak’s body in the rusty old van to the village with the sounds of Rhinestone Cowboy blaring out of the stereo. The residents turned out – we wouldn’t say in force because there were more than a few missing – with even PC Swirling making an appearance to pay his respects. Zak was then carried into the pub for one last pint. At the pub everyone shared stories of Zak and fondly remembered him.

Things were tough for Cain as he struggled with his new role in the family (Credit: ITV)

Cain found it hard

At the Woolie, Cain was reminded he was now official head of the family and he had to lead the way. But making any sort of speech was too much for him and all he could do was raise a toast to his dad.

One by one all the missing Dingles were mentioned, including Nate, who had never got back to anyone – suspicious, us? Yes! But we’ll save that for another time!

After a good-old sing song in the Woolie, Zak was drummed up the road to his final resting place. The Dingles gathered around his graveside and that’s when a mystery blonde, who had earlier been taking photos of Wishing Well, arrived, swigging whiskey.

Tina Dingle made no friends out of her family at the funeral (Credit: ITV)

Tina turned up

“The one and only Tina Dingle,” Chas declared to the shock of the surrounding family. And Tina made no bones in making her presence felt, throwing insults at all of them one by one. She didn’t even recognise Belle! But it turned out she’s kept in touch with Mandy all these years.

Cain couldn’t cope with giving a speech at the graveside and rushed off. The other Dingles did their best to stay composed as they said their final goodbyes. And Belle decided to bury Zak with Lisa’s ashes so they could be together.

Meanwhile, Mandy had found out Tina’s secret: she’d been taking photos of the house because she’s there for her share. And she was determined she was going to get it. But when she started laying into Sam, Lydia stepped up – and pushed her into a puddle of mud! It was revealed Zak did make a will and left the house to Belle, Cain and Sam. And the fall exposed Tina’s ankle tag – so she’s definitely not whiter than white!

She was then taken away by the police, but declared: “This isn’t over.” So is that the last we’ll see of Tina? Or is another Dingle heading to the village to cause chaos? Whatever your thoughts, there’s no denying she’s brilliant casting – and definitely a Dingle.

Moira ‘fessed up as Cain spiralled

Moira admitted to Cain she had cancelled her operation because of the funeral. She insisted she needed to protect him, but Cain lost it and said he was failing everyone. When Sam referred to him as head of the family again, Cain broke down and said he couldn’t live up to that title.

Sam and Belle then sat together and were upset that the funeral hadn’t given them any closure. But they reasoned they had to sort Cain out, they had to keep the family together.

They question is, without Zak, can they?

Also in Emmerdale tonight…

Caleb and Will continued to plot (Credit: ITV)

Ruby bought Caleb’s lies as he continued to plot

After spending the night in the B&B, Caleb was still struggling to appease Ruby. He also had other troubles as his business deal was set to fall apart. Jai was in his ear and we were left wondering why Emmerdale chose to bother with this storyline on tonight of all nights (or at all, if we’re honest).

After being sent off by Cain to make amends with Ruby, Caleb once again apologised – with a few more lies thrown in about what actually happened, of course. He accused Helen of calling Ruby all sorts of names and said he was protecting her from the insults. Oh Caleb, if ever there was a time to tell the truth, it’s now and you blew it. This will come back to bite you on the bum, mark our words.

The solicitor then called and flagged a payment made the morning Helen died. She’s looking into it and will report back – see, Caleb, we warned you now was the time to be honest…

Will and Kim continued to bicker in Emmerdale tonight

Will was avoiding Kim, who was feeling lonely. She asked Gabby to move back in, that’s how desperate she is!

Back at Home Farm there was more bickering between Kim and Will. We don’t know how many times we have to say it’s boring, but it really is.

Will decided to push Caleb a bit harder to get one over on Kim, but honestly this weird vendetta holds no interest at all.

Read more: Complete Emmerdale cast list 2024

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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