'Emmerdale' viewers 'heartbroken' and 'sobbing' as Faith Dingle dies

Julia Hunt
·Contributor
Updated ·2-min read
FROM ITV STRICT EMBARGO Print media - No Use Before Tuesday 4th October 2022 Online Media - No Use Before 0700hrs Tuesday 4th October 2022 Emmerdale - Ep 9491.92 Thursday 13th October 2022 Cain Dingle [JEFF HORDLEY] arrives and on realising what Faith Dingle [SALLY DEXTER] has done, devastated, he tries to keep her comfortable as she drifts closer towards death. Picture contact - David.crook@itv.com This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms
Faith died with her son by her side. (ITV)

Emmerdale viewers said they were “heartbroken” and “sobbing” as Faith Dingle died in her son’s arms.

The character, who is played by Sally Dexter, had been battling terminal breast cancer and made the decision to take her own life.

After swallowing some pills she passed away in moving scenes on Thursday (13 October), with son Cain (Jeff Hordley) by her side.

Read more: King Charles stuns Emmerdale cast by wishing soap a happy birthday in NTAs message

Kissing her head, Cain thanked his mum for the perfect last day they had shared together as she slipped away.

The emotional scenes - which aired the same night that the ITV soap was a big winner at the National Television Awards - were too much for some viewers.

FROM ITV STRICT EMBARGO Print media - No Use Before Tuesday 4th October 2022 Online Media - No Use Before 0700hrs Tuesday 4th October 2022 Emmerdale - Ep 9491.92 Thursday 13th October 2022 Alone in her bedroom, Faith Dingle [SALLY DEXTER] switches off her phone and takes one last look at the pictures from yesterday’s adventure. Faith prepares to end her days alone. Picture contact - David.crook@itv.com This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms
Viewers were moved by the touching scenes. (ITV)

Many posted messages on social media saying that they were in floods.

"Sobbing my heart out watching," one fan tweeted.

"Can't stop crying," said another, while one quipped that they just had something in their eye.

Another viewer posted: "So sensitively handled from many aspects!!

"A build up over weeks culminating in a scene that will have touched many families, as it did for me."

FROM ITV STRICT EMBARGO Print media - No Use Before Tuesday 4th October 2022 Online Media - No Use Before 0700hrs Tuesday 4th October 2022 Emmerdale - Ep 9491.92 Thursday 13th October 2022 Cain Dingle [JEFF HORDLEY] arrives and on realising what Faith Dingle [SALLY DEXTER] has done, devastated, he tries to keep her comfortable as she drifts closer towards death. Picture contact - David.crook@itv.com This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms
Some fans said they were 'sobbing'. (ITV)

"I cried throughout this," said someone else.

"Saddest moment ever. Heartbroken."

Another moved viewer tweeted: "Having lost my own mum to cancer in May tonight’s #Emmerdale broke my heart.

"Was so well acted well done to all, now crying my eyes out in to a glass of wine."

"After catching up with #emmerdale I am heartbroken," one fan wrote.

"Faith Dingle RIP and Sally Dexter deserves so many awards she is sensational."

Sally Dexter has bowed out of the soap. (ITV)
Sally Dexter has bowed out of the soap. (ITV)

On Thursday night, the soap scooped best serial drama at the NTAs.

Read more: Emmerdale producers reveal the storylines they're most proud of

There was another surprise from the cast, when a taped message was played in which King Charles congratulated the soap on its 50th anniversary.

For confidential emotional support at times of distress, contact The Samaritans at any time by calling 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org.

Watch: Cast of Strictly and Emmerdale enjoy wins at the National Television Awards

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