DADDY DEAREST ‘Is this for real?’ say Emmerdale fans as they rip into upcoming prison storyline

EMMERDALE fans were left fuming over scenes involving Samson Dingle’s upcoming prison storyline last night.

Samson (Sam Hall) is facing a hefty prison sentence and will be leaving his daughter Esther (Florence Mae Dyson) behind in the village.

Emmerdale fans have ripped into the soap’s upcoming prison storylineCredit: ITV

Samson will be sentenced confirming his exit from the soapCredit: ITV

But viewers were shocked when Amelia offered to come and visit himCredit: ITV

In scenes on Thursday night (1 August), Esther’s mum, Amelia Spencer (Daisy Campbell), came to Samson and appealed for him to spend some time with his daughter before it’s too late.

Samson is facing time behind bars after he revealed the truth about being stabbed by Matty (Ash Palmsiciano). After the ordeal, Josh (Osian Morgan) told Samson to lie so they didn’t go to prison. He followed Josh’s orders and watched as an innocent Matty was taken from the village and put in prison.

But Samson finally found the courage to stand up to Josh and confessed the truth about Matty’s innocence. However, he must now face the consequences.

As he faces the reality of going to prison, Samson has been disengaging from his life and pushing Amelia and Esther further away.

Amelia and Samson’s relationship is a complicated one, and while they’re not together, it’s clear the beauty salon assistant cares deeply about her daughter’s father.

Trying to prove it to him, she encouraged him to spend time with Esther before promising to visit him in prison.

Finding Samson moping on the swings, she tells him: “Well, maybe you could invite Ester next time. Swings are her favourite thing right now, too.”

She added: “And honestly, when you hear her laugh…”

But Samson cut her off: “No! Alright, the less she has to do with me, the better. I’m gonna be locked up soon, anyway.”

“All the more reason to spend time with her while you still can. You are still her dad, Samson,” Amelia tried to reassure him.

But Samson said he’d failed Esther as a dad.

Amelia continued: “Never too late to do something about that. Prison won’t be forever, you know. And it’s not like we won’t be able to come visit you.”

They were quickly interrupted and Samson didn’t get to respond to Amelia’s promise – but Emmerdale fans did.

Fuming about the scene, viewers took to X, formerly Twitter, to discuss why Amelia suddenly wants Samson to be involved in Esther’s life.

“Give it up, Amelia. Samson doesn’t care if he ever sees his kid,” one viewer said bluntly.

“I didn’t think Samson ever saw his daughter, anyway?! So why would he want to see her in prison?” wrote another.

While a third questioned Amelia’s statement. “Esther needs to see her dad? Is Amelia for real? Did I blink & miss Samson giving a damn about Esther?” they fumed.

These scenes came as a shock for viewers, given that Samson and Amelia have had a difficult relationship in the past.

When Esther was first born, Samson tried to convince Amelia to give her up for adoption and when she refused, he tried to see her lose custody of their daughter by calling social services.

Amelia might be trying to put the past behind them and help Samson have a relationship with his daughter, but with actor Sam Hall reportedly leaving Emmerdale for good, is it already too late?

Will Samson save his relationship with Esther?Credit: ITV