Former Emmerdale star Jacqueline Pirie has responded to the news that Tina Dingle – the character she played back in the 1990s – has been recast.
The character – now played by Samantha Power – returned to the soap after a 28-year absence on Thursday (October 17) as she surprisingly arrived in the village for Zak Dingle’s funeral.
The guest stint marks the character’s first appearance since 1996, with Pirie – who now goes by the surname Chadwick – offering her thoughts on the character being recast with a post on X/Twitter.
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“So many questions regarding Tina Dingle’s return,” she began. “Great character, great show. I wish @sampower_sam all the best, I loved playing her, I’m sure she will too, great cast to be a part of. and, no… they didn’t ask me #emmerdale #tinadingle #dingle”
Power responded to the post in kind, writing: “Thanks so much Jacqueline! Very kind xxx,” with Pirie – who first played Tina back in 1994 before departing two years later – replying: “My pleasure. Have bags of fun!!!!”
Power, who has joined Emmerdale for a guest stint, recently spoke about the prospect of playing a Dingle, sharing that she “vividly” remembered Pirie’s portrayal of Tina from the 1990s.
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“I absolutely do remember Jaqueline who played Tina,” she explained. “She was absolutely fantastic, I remember her character vividly. So I am very lucky to get the chance to pick up where she left off.
“My husband said he had never known me to be this nervous! My first scene on my first day was at the graveside with all the Dingles. That’s a lot, right? Luckily everyone was so nice and welcoming.
“Emmerdale is an amazing place to work and Tina is just fantastic to play so I would love the opportunity to come back and cause more mischief. It has been a very special job.”
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.
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