Emmerdale have reintroduced classic character Tina Dingle to the soap – though the role has been recast.
Tina originally appeared in the ITV soap for 179 episodes between 1994 and 1996, and was played by actress Jacqueline Pirie.
The daughter of Zak and Nellie Dingle (Steve Halliwell and Sandra Gough), the character departed the Dales after declining Frank Tate’s (Norman Bowler) proposal and quitting her job.
After leaving for a new life in London, Tina became estranged from her family and Zak later admitted that he didn’t even know if she went by the same name.
The character made a huge return yesterday, although Jacqueline has not reprised her role.
After a stint playing Linda Baldwin in Coronation Street, she emigrated to Canada and began a new career path as an author.
Now going by the name Jacqueline Chadwick, the former actress continues to live in Victoria, Canada, and has written multiple crime novels.
The books centre around a character called Ali Dalglish, an ex-forensic psychologist turned housewife, who finds herself involved in murder cases. The titles include In the Still, Briefly Maiden and Silent Sisters.
Former Ackley Bridge star Samantha Power has since taken over the part, having made her first appearance at Zak’s funeral.
Tina is a changed woman – quite literally! (Picture: ITV)
Jacqueline reportedly declined the opportunity to return (Picture: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
The new Tina, now sporting a head full of blonde hair, was seen taking photos outside of Wishing Well Cottage before crashing the burial – and causing a huge shock to her family.
In true soap opera exposition, the other Dingles addressed the recast by exclaiming her name, before Belle posed the question: ‘My sister Tina?’
It’s no surprise she didn’t recognise her from family photos!
It has now been reported that Jacqueline Pirie was approached to return – but declined the opportunity.
‘Jacqueline loved her time on Emmerdale and life as an actress but it was a long time ago and she’s moved on’ a source told The Sun.
‘She lives in Canada now and has a new career as a novelist and while she’ll always be fond of the show, a return isn’t something she’s interested in.
‘These things happen, people move on and recasts happen all the time.’
