After Faith Dingle’s alter ego died in last night’s episode, Emmerdale viewers predicted that Sally Dexter, who plays Faith Dingle, would win “all the awards.”
Even some famous people were moved by Sally’s moving performance; fellow actress Brenda Blethyn praised the depressing scenes on Twitter.
As he said his goodbyes to his mother, Jeff Hordley, who plays Faith’s irritable son Cain Dingle, also brought tears to the eyes of the audience.
Faith was dealing with a heartbreaking decline because she had terminal cancer.
She told her daughter-in-law Moira about her plan, which included her customary brand of obstinate determination: she was going to commit suicide so she could die in her own bed, according to her own rules, and at a time of her choosing.
But when the time came, it didn’t make the end any simpler.
Faith said goodbye to her unaware family after they had taken her to the seaside to create some enjoyable memories at “fake Filey.”
She wanted to be alone when she passed away, so she sent Chas off for a spa day. However, she managed to tell Chas she loved her before she passed away.
She thanked Sarah, her great-granddaughter, for teaching her to appreciate the little things in a tender conversation.
And she said farewell to Eric Pollard, whom she referred to as her “one true love.” Diane Sugden, with whom she also shared a few drinks, described it as “a rotten carry-on, pet.” King or queen of understatement!
Then she instructed Cain to go to Filey in real life and get her a stick of rock. and had Nate come over to assist her in getting into bed so she could say a covert goodbye. Such a cunning beggar!
When Moira realized what was going on, she hurried to bring Cain home in time to see his mother before she left.
And at the spa, Chas was carelessly indulging in an afternoon treat with his covert lover Al.
Fortunately, Cain returned to the bar in time to catch a glimpse of Faith before she slipped away and the two had a heartbreaking exchange.
Faith was silent and unmoving as Cain recalled their day at the beach; it is obvious that she won’t be with us for very long.
Although it wasn’t an easy episode to watch, the Emmerdale cast nailed their performances, and Queen Sally Dexter was outstanding.
Fans of Emmerdale praised the acting on social media, singling out Jeff Hordley and Sally for special praise.
Just watched the episode #Emmerdale what have you done too me 😭😭😭😭😭😭 absolutely brilliant episode Sally Dexter you have been fantastic ❤️ goodbye Faith pic.twitter.com/CFYI1ALhmU
— Sir Jeffers Jefferson (@memesEmmerdale) October 13, 2022
Sally was “playing a blinder,” Brenda Blethyn, better known as television detective Vera, chimed in.
Indeed, high praise!
Sally Dexter is a superb actress. She’s playing a blinder in emmerdale. Worked with her years ago at national theatre. She was fabulous then too. https://t.co/JeyWlgozDm
— Brenda Blethyn (@BrendaBlethyn) October 13, 2022
As a result of Faith’s demise, many viewers predicted that Emmerdale, which won the best soap award at last night’s NTAs, would win more accolades.
Sally will undoubtedly be considered for every best actress award available!
#emmerdale Sally Dexter … every award …. NOW!!
— Dennis 🇺🇦 (@GOMDT1981) October 13, 2022
#Emmerdale is wrecking me 😭 Sally Dexter is fantastic. Faith will be so missed.
— Daniel Falconer (@DanielJFalconer) October 13, 2022
There is no doubt that Faith Dingle left her mark on Emmerdale, and we will all miss her.
Every weeknight at 7.30 p.m. on ITV, Emmerdale typically has an hour-long episode on Thursdays.
Freelance writer
Kerry is a writer, author and editor with a lifelong love of the soaps, a passion for TV drama of all kinds, and an obsessive devotion to Strictly Come Dancing.
She was features editor of All About Soap magazine for more than a decade, covering every bit of excitement from all the UK soaps and the Aussies and still writes about all the juiciest gossip from the Street, the Square and the Dales whenever she can.
Kerry’s also an author of historical fiction, and her two jobs collided when she got the chance to write two novels based on Emmerdale, and the Sugden, Tate and Dingle families, during WW2.
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