EMMERDALE CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF THE DINGLES, NEXT WEEK'S SYNOPSIS REVEALED

the Dingle family first appeared on screen in 1994. Since then, Emmerdale's largest family, with 11 generations of known family members, have had their fair share of drama causing chaos as soaps' most garish and close knit family.

Thirty years later, the Dingles are saying farewell to their patriarch Zak. Despite their sadness, the Dingle family are doing what they do best, pulling together. The Dingles may be social outcasts in the village of Emmerdale, but off screen the soap family are multi award winning with many stories left to tell.

In next week's episodes (w/c 14th October), the DIngles have recieved bad news. Moira has a seizure whilst cooking breakfast. She receives news of an available operation slot the next day. Cain returns home unexpectedly and Moira avoids telling him her operation news.

As Cain goes for a shower Moira answers a call from Debbie - revealing the tragic news Zak has passed away. Cain informs the family about Zak's death. It’s a sad day for the Dingles and the village at large.

The bereft family take comfort in being with each other. Soon Cain and Sam find Belle outside and the trio reminisce about their father, all knocked for six by his passing. Soon the villagers gather on Main Street to wave Sam and Cain off as they poignantly leave for Scotland to bring Zak home. Thanks to Chas the Woolpack becomes a space for mourning.

Meanwhile Matty questions Moira's decision to delay her operation. Later at Wishing Well, the Dingles gather and raise a glass to Zak’s memory. On the day of the funeral, a long-lost relative appears at the graveside, shocking the family.

Emmerdale continues weekdays at 7:30pm on ITV1.