Emmerdale fans briefly saw Debbie Dingle (played by Charley Webb) grace the village last month when she was revealed as Al Chapman’s (Michael Wildman) mystery woman. Official spoilers for the rest of the month have confirmed which storyline she will be confirmed in and it seems, a confrontation is going to occur with her wayward mother, Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins).
During an interview with Express.co.uk and other press, the actress who has played Debbie since 2002, spoke about the reasons for her character’s return.
“Sarah has got herself into a little bit of trouble and that’s what initially brings Debbie back to deal with that, and make sure she’s ok and not getting into anything she shouldn’t be,” Charley explained.
“Obviously when she gets back and realises Sarah is in quite a bit of trouble and Al’s there, it becomes a more permanent thing.”
So what has Charity got to do with all this?
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Well, Sarah Sudgen (Katie Hill) has been in the care of Charity while Debbie was in Scotland and the tearaway teenager has found herself dabbling in drugs deals as Danny makes a comeback following his stint in juvinile prison.
Charity has been too busy drowning her sorrows after Vanessa Woodfield (Michelle Hardwick) broke off their engagement, then turning her attention to newcomer Mackenzie (Lawrence Robb) before finding herself in a real pickle when son, Noah Tate (Jack Downham) ended up in handcuffs for the crime she committed.
When asked whether Debbie will be cross with Charity for being irresponsible, Charley replied: “Oh yes, she’s always cross with somebody.
“Obviously Cain and Debbie are thick as thieves – it’s not often those two fall out.
“But Moira, she’s not speaking to Moira since she had her affair [with Nate], which is ridiculous because Debbie’s had about 20 affairs, but she’s not speaking to Moira.
“And Zak’s obviously been in Scotland with her so that’s all fine. Chas absolutely fine – it’s just Charity really that she’s fuming with,” Charley commented.
As for whether Debbie feels guilty for being apart from her daughter to so long, Charley said: “In terms of Sarah, quite honestly, when she gets back – Sarah is – and says she really needs her mum and has been missing her.
“So Debbie has that whole guilt thing about not being there for her and not realising Sarah needed her etc.
“In terms of Charity and Vanessa, there’s not much that is mentioned of that element while I’m there.
“She obviously knows they’ve split up, her mind is so focussed on Sarah and what’s been going on with her, and because she’s so angry with her mum, they don’t have that much about that situation,” she added.
Emmerdale airs tonight at 7pm on ITV.