Emmerdale Charity and Vanessa: 'Vanity' relationship timeline

Charity and Vanessa – Vanity – are still a huge fan-favourite couple despite not being together in Emmerdale for years.

The ITV soap broke fans’ hearts when the couple split for good and Vanessa temporarily left the village. But she returned in 2021 and the pair stayed friends. And now, Vanessa has just discovered the truth about Suzy and Mary.

And it seems no matter what happens in the show, viewers are holding on hope to their reunion. Every time they are in a scene together fans go wild.

But what was their relationship actually like? Well lets have a look back at the iconic love story of Emmerdale’s Charity and Vanessa.

Charity and Vanessa share their first kiss in Emmerdale — The beginning of Vanity (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

2017: First kiss

At the funeral of Finn Barton, Vanessa followed Charity to the Woolpack because she was annoyed at her. But she actually accidentally locked them in with no sign of a way out.

The pair started chatting and it wasn’t long before they shared a kiss. But Vanessa went back the next morning to tell Charity that it was a one off. Until Charity cut her off by kissing her again.

However at the time Vanessa was determined to prove that she wasn’t gay and went on a date with Daz Spencer. But it didn’t take long before Charity outed her in front of the whole pub.

And after a lot of back and forth for a while, Vanessa came to realise she did enjoy being around Charity.

2018: Making things official

For a while, Charity and Vanessa were trying to keep things casual between them. But both were evidently scared to tell the other how the truly felt.

This resulted in numerous arguments between the pair. But then when Vanessa was heading for a night out at a gay bar, Charity followed her there to make sure she didn’t leave with anyone else.

Vanessa was ecstatic to spot her, and the pair confessed their feelings and made a proper go of it.

Vanessa tries to help Charity through her abuse ordeal in Emmerdale — Vanessa was there for Charity (Credit: ITV / Shuttershock)

April 2018: Abuse horror

Charity’s life was thrown into chaos as it was revealed DI Marl Bails has abused her as a teenager. Struggling with his reappearance, Charity confided in Vanessa, who implored her to go to the police. And when she refused, Vanessa called them herself.

Charity was extremely angry at Vanessa and even broke up with her over it. After Charity then went on nights out and lied about sleeping with a man, Vanessa was determined to get her back. She again apologised and told Charity how amazing she is – and the pair reconciled.

Not long later, Charity took her abuse public and Vanessa supported her through the whole ordeal, as well as helping her reconnect with her long-lost son Ryan. The pair eventually moved in together, combining their families.

Vanessa and Charity standing in Vanessa's house in Emmerdale — Vanessa and Charity declare their love for each other (Credit: ITV / Shuttershock)

2019: Engagement

After Vanessa got stabbed, Charity realised she couldn’t live without her and made the decision to propose. But instead of doing it her own way, she hijacked a proposal that was happening for a client at Home Farm. And when Vanessa realised it wasn’t really for her – she turned Charity down.

But after some motivation from Tracy, Charity went back to Vanessa and proposed again when they were alone. And this time she said yes!

Vanessa is supported by Charity during her chemotherapy in Emmerdale — Vanessa and Charity’s relationship had a lot of ups and downs (Credit: ITV / Shuttershock)

2020: Cancer diagnosis

Vanessa was taken hostage in February 2020 by Rhona’s abusive ex-husband Piers Harris. And when he went through her bag, he saw a letter from the hospital confirming she had bowel cancer.

The hostage situation came to an end and Vanessa knew she had to tell Charity the truth. Initially when she heard the news, Charity was in shock. But she soon realised she needed to be there for her.

Vanessa then began her journey to recovery, with chemotherapy and many hospital visits. Charity was by her side throughout it all. And even accepted when Vanessa requested she adopt Johnny in case she dies.

In July, Vanessa then left the village to look after her mum who had had a bad fall. This paved the way for actress Michelle Hardwick to go on her maternity leave.

Vanessa angry at Charity in Emmerdale — Vanessa broke up with Charity and left the village (Credit: ITV)

2020: Cheating scandal

Vanessa began acting distant, and Charity panicked that she was going to leave her. This fear led Charity to kiss Mackenzie, who she had literally just met.

But in reality, Vanessa was only acting distant as she wanted to surprise Charity with the happy news she had been given the all clear and was coming home.

However, Tracy had sent Vanessa a picture of Charity kissing Mackenzie, and Vanessa believed she had been having an affair. Despite Charity trying to make things right, Vanessa ended their relationship and stayed at her mum’s.

2021 – present: Vanessa returns and they become friends

Vanity have not been in a romantic relationship at all since Vanessa returned. By the time she came back to the village, Charity was in a serious relationship with Mackenzie – the guy she cheated on Vanessa with.

Over the years, they have shared some scenes together, and remain friendly. But fans have not given up hope that one day Vanity will be back together.

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Emmerdale usually airs weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV, with an early release at 7am on ITVX.

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

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