List of Emmerdale characters introduced in 2007

Introduced by

In-universe information
Father	Jimmy Pepper
Mother	Val Pollard
Half-brothers	Paul Lambert Dane Pepper Shane Pepper
Husband	Lee (2012–present)
Daughters	Alice
Aunts	Diane Sugden
First cousins	Bernice Blackstock

Sharon Lambert is the daughter of Val Lambert (Charlie Hardwick) and her former partner Jimmy Pepper (Michael Gunn), and sister of Paul Lambert (Mathew Bose). She appeared in 2007 and 2008.

Sharon arrives in the village in February 2007. With her upcoming wedding to footballer Dan McHerron (Patrick Molyneux), she sends invitations to her brother Paul and her aunt Diane Sugden (Elizabeth Estensen) but not her mother. Paul and Diane wonder whether to accept the invitations, partly as Paul also has issues with Sharon. Val sees in a magazine that Sharon is getting married and goes to meet Sharon at Skipdale Hall, the venue chosen for the wedding. Val gets drunk with Dan and she has an argument with Sharon after it is revealed that Val had slept with Sharon's first boyfriend when she was 15 and the boyfriend 17. Val is thrown out and goes for drinks with local journalist John McNally (Steven Farebrother). The following morning, the whole story is in the Hotton Courier. Sharon and Dan's wedding day does not go well and they do not marry as Sharon is revealed as a gold digger.

Sharon returns to the village on 2 June 2008 for Val's wedding to Eric Pollard (Chris Chittell) and seems a reformed character. After the ceremony, she ends up kissing Eric's son, David Metcalfe (Matthew Wolfenden), and while she only sees it as bit of fun, he seems to take things more seriously. David and Nicola De Souza (Nicola Wheeler), who is close to him, overhear Sharon telling a friend that she does not really care about David and is only staying until she has another celebrity party to go to. Nicola and Sharon later get into a fight in the Woolpack when Nicola tells her that David is leaving her. Val is furious that Sharon has gone back on her offer to take her to her next big party and washes her hands of Sharon, who then leaves Emmerdale, saying she wants nothing to do with any of them.

In September 2015, Sharon is unable to attend her mother's funeral as she is looking after her young daughter, Alice. She rings Paul after the service to ask how it went.

Carrie Nicholls

Emmerdale character

Portrayed by

Linda Lusardi

Duration

2007–2008

First appearance

20 February 2007

Last appearance

5 February 2008

Classification

Introduced by

In-universe information
Occupation	Nurse
Husband	Nick Barrie (2008–present)
Daughters	Lexi King Scarlett Nicholls

Carrie Barrie (also Nicholls), played by Linda Lusardi, first appeared on 20 February 2007. She was introduced as the former nurse of Tom King's wife Mary. It was subsequently revealed that she was the mother of his illegitimate daughter.^[4] It was announced on 28 September 2007 on ITV's This Morning that Lusardi had quit the role and would leave in early 2008.

Matthew King (Matt Healy) tries to get rid of Carrie and her daughter, Scarlett (Kelsey-Beth Crossley), by cutting all financial ties so Carrie would sell them Scarlett's shares. Carl King (Tom Lister) also wants to get rid of Carrie - it is later revealed that they had had a brief fling when Carl was a teenager. He seemed angry that she took his virginity and later rejected him. Scarlett refuses to sell her shares and insists that she and Carrie move to the village, buying Mill Brook Cottage. When the King brothers face prison sentences, Jimmy King (Nick Miles) suggests that Carrie be named a director of King & Sons so that she can run the business in their absence. The Kings are later cleared but Carrie stays within the business. It is later revealed that Carrie is Lexi Nicholls' (Sally Oliver) mother, not her sister. Carrie gave birth to Lexi when she was 14. She confides in Jimmy, and after eventually declaring her love to Jimmy, she realises that her feelings are unreciprocated. Carrie then receives a job offer from an ex-boyfriend, Nick Barrie (Sam Kane). The job is in Canada and she decides to take it and rekindle her relationship with Nick.

For her role as Carrie, Lusardi was nominated for "Best Newcomer" at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards.^[5]

Jonny Foster

Scarlett Nicholls

Douglas Potts

Emmerdale character

Portrayed by

Duncan Preston
Andrew C. Wadsworth (2016, Ashley’s perspective)

Duration

2007–2011, 2014–2020

First appearance

Episode 4663
30 April 2007

Last appearance

Episode 8744
27 February 2020

Classification

Introduced by

Kathleen Beedles (2007)
Kate Oates (2014)

In-universe information
Occupation	Entrepreneur Bar manager B&B assistant Cafe Waiter
Wife	Hilary Potts (1967–2015)
Daughters	Laurel Thomas Caroline Swann
Grandsons	Arthur Thomas Edward Swann
Granddaughters	Dotty Thomas Beatrice Swann

Douglas "Doug" Potts, played by Duncan Preston, made his first appearance on 30 April 2007. He was introduced as Laurel Thomas's (Charlotte Bellamy) father, alongside Paula Wilcox as her mother Hilary Potts. Bellamy commented "I was so honoured when I found out they'd be playing my mum and dad. I've grown up with Duncan on TV, so it's great to be working alongside him."^[6] In July 2010, Preston announced that he was taking a break from the show, initially temporarily for several months to allow him to do some theatre work.^[7] However, it was later announced by Executive Producer, Steve November, that a return for the character of Doug wasn't definite. November stated that the door would remain open for Preston to come back to the show but that it was in the actor's hands if and when he decides to discuss a return.^[8] On 30 July 2014, it was announced that Preston has reprised the role and Doug is returning to the show as a regular character from September.^[9] During a December 2016 episode of the show, Doug was recast temporarily to provide an alternative physical appearance from the viewpoint of dementia patient Ashley Thomas (John Middleton).^[10] On Doug's most memorable moment; a writer from Holy Soap said that "despite bringing some real gravitas to the soap, he's best remembered for when he caught an unfortunate STD [...] and was arrested for indecent behaviour in a public place because he was scratching himself."^[11]

Doug is Laurel Thomas' father. He and Laurel's mother, Hilary Potts, come to the village to visit their daughter but after they leave, they are involved in a car accident. Doug suffers minor injuries but Hilary is comatose for several weeks. Laurel immediately goes to look after her father despite being heavily pregnant. Doug tells Hilary after she recovers that Laurel had moved in to take care of him and the house while she was ill. Doug returns with Hilary to meet their grandson, Daniel. Daniel dies of cot death and Hilary asks a devastated Doug to contain his grief for Laurel's sake, and he confides his true feelings to Pearl Ladderbanks (Meg Johnson). Hilary and Doug leave the village after Laurel bans Hilary from attending a memorial service for Daniel. They return a couple of weeks later. Laurel and Hilary resolve things and Hilary and Doug move in with Laurel and her husband, Ashley Thomas (John Middleton).

Hilary discovers that Daniel was not Laurel and Ashley's son and when she confides her suspicions to Doug, he is reluctant to believe her but she is later proved to be right. Hilary falls out with Laurel over this and leaves but Doug stays to support Laurel, and gets a job at Eric Pollard's (Chris Chittell) furniture factory. Doug makes plans to reunite with Hilary, but she telephones him and asks for a divorce. Doug begins suffering a midlife crisis and buys himself a new sports car and has sex with Bonnie Drinkwater (Sue Jenkins), a friend of Val Lambert's (Charlie Hardwick). Laurel and Ashley trick Bonnie into leaving the village, but she unwittingly causes more problems for Doug. In the village shop, Brenda Walker (Lesley Dunlop) notices him scratching his crotch, and assuming he is a pervert, calls the police. Doug is arrested but released without charge when it is revealed he had an STI, passed on to him by Bonnie. The news spreads around the village and Doug feels humiliated. Laurel reassures him that they would both laugh about the event sometime in the future. Doug disagrees but laughs with her.

Doug begins building a relationship with Brenda but her daughter, Gennie (Sian Reese-Williams), realises that Brenda has feelings for Bob Hope (Tony Audenshaw). Brenda initially denies it but eventually ends her relationship with Doug, and begins dating Terry Woods (Billy Hartman) instead. Brenda and Doug continue to be friends, and they form Emmerdale Explorers, a playgroup for the local children. They receive some funding from Natasha Wylde (Amanda Donohoe), but they disagree repeatedly over her son, Will (Oscar Lloyd), attending the group. Eventually, Doug returns her money. Doug begins to resent Terry's involvement in the Explorers project, and his jealousy is further increased when he learns that Brenda intends to buy half of Bob's business. Doug convinces Terry and Bob that Brenda only wants to buy into the business to try to win Bob's heart. When Bob reneges on the deal, a furious Brenda pours a pint over Doug's head. Doug later apologises for interfering.

Doug loses his job when Eric closes his factory as a result of the credit crunch. Doug soon begins running the Home Farm Fayre shop in the village with Leyla Harding (Roxy Shahidi). Doug becomes attracted to Diane Sugden (Elizabeth Estensen) and asks her out but she turns him down. Doug is unhappy when Charlie Haynes (George Costigan), a friend of Diane's ex-husband, Rodney Blackstock (Patrick Mower), arrives in the village and begins a relationship with Diane. Fearing Charlie is a con-artist, Doug informs Diane of his suspicions, but Diane does not believe him. Diane later discovers that Charlie has fled the village with her money and she forgives Doug for not believing him, but tells him she does not want a romantic relationship. Diane and Doug remain good friends and Doug offers Diane a loan when she faces financial problems as a result of Charlie's actions. Diane is reluctant to accept at first but eventually does so and Doug is pleased to have helped her.

Doug tells Diane that he is seeing a woman, but does not reveal details. Doug eventually tells Diane that his new girlfriend is Hilary. He asks Diane to not tell Laurel and explains that he wants to give his marriage another go. On 11 February, Doug tells Laurel that he is going on a cruise with Hilary. He also tells Laurel that he intends to move back in with her at their old home. Laurel is reluctant at first but eventually accepts her father's decision. At the same time Diane realises that she does have feelings for Doug after all and invites him to a romantic meal at The Woolpack. He tells her of his plans and she is disappointed. On Valentine's Day, as Doug is about to leave, Laurel and Diane's sister, Val, arrange for Doug to meet Diane at the pub. Diane tells Doug that she regrets turning him down, and pleads with him to stay and give her another chance. But Doug is dismissive, telling Diane that had Charlie not been a conman then she would have gone to Spain with him and that he was not the sort of man she wanted and that he did not want to settle for second best. Doug then leaves and says farewell to Laurel, Ashley, Leyla and Ashley's father Sandy (Freddie Jones). As he is leaving the pub, Diane follows him outside and wishes him well. They embrace and bid each other farewell, parting on good terms. Doug then gets into his waiting taxi and is driven out of the village.

Doug returns to the village for Laurel's wedding to Marlon Dingle (Mark Charnock), and he moves in with the couple and their children for a while. He reveals to Laurel and Marlon that Laurel's mother, Hilary, has begun a relationship with an Italian man named Alberto. He rekindles his relationship with Diane, and his friendship with Leyla. He starts a vlog about gardening and builds up a fan base, however other residents find this silly, which humiliates Doug. In early 2015, Doug notices that Laurel is drinking more than normal, and soon realises that she has descended into alcoholism. He tries to stop Laurel from drinking, but his actions result in Laurel throwing Doug out, forcing him to move in with Diane. Doug's worries for Laurel's health grow when she is hospitalised after choking on her own vomit after drinking two bottles of wine. He mentions his concerns regarding Laurel's drinking to Diane numerous times. Doug is upset to hear that Hilary has died from heart failure, but is furious at her funeral when Alberto acts as if he knew Hilary for longer than he did, despite Doug's almost fifty-year marriage to Hilary. Doug is later heartbroken to learn that Diane has stomach cancer. He supports Diane as she decides to sell her share of The Woolpack.

Doug finds out that Laurel is remarrying Ashley, which concerns him as Ashley has dementia. Laurel later miscarries her and Ashley's baby, and Doug realises he does not agree with Ashley and Laurel's marriage, and tried to talk Laurel out of it, but this only results in a rift in their relationship. They later reconcile on Laurel's hen night party, where Doug also discovers Laurel is still pregnant, and Doug witnesses Laurel and Ashley wedding the following day. Their happiness is short lived as Ashley suffers a "mini-stroke" which results in him losing months from his memory, leading him to believe he is still dating Harriet Finch (Katherine Dow Blyton). Doug gives Laurel a shoulder to cry on, but Ashley suddenly and miraculously remembers his wedding. Diane and Doug invest in Eric's B&B becoming co-owners alongside Eric. At the same time, Diane sells her share of the pub to Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins), however, Doug does not trust her. He later serves behind the bar whenever he can, before going to Spain to help Diane look after an ill Annie Sugden (Sheila Mercier).

Hilary Potts

Emmerdale character

Portrayed by

Paula Wilcox

Duration

2007–2008

First appearance

30 April 2007

Last appearance

7 May 2008

Classification

Introduced by

In-universe information
Husband	Douglas Potts (1967–2015)
Daughters	Laurel Thomas Caroline Swann
Grandsons	Edward Swann Arthur Thomas
Granddaughters	Beatrice Swann Dotty Thomas

Hilary Potts, played by Paula Wilcox, made her first screen appearance on 30 April 2007.

Hilary and her husband, Douglas Potts (Duncan Preston), arrived on 30 April, for a meal with their daughter Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy). All went well, but after they left, they were involved in a car accident. Both survived the crash and returned to the village to see their new grandson, Daniel. Tragically, Daniel died in February 2008 from sudden infant death syndrome. Hilary and Doug stayed until the funeral but a devastated Laurel told Hilary she blamed her for Daniel's death, as Hilary convinced Laurel not to check on Daniel when they heard him crying, believing that he was just having a bad dream. Hilary tried to work out their problems but Laurel asked her to leave. Hilary and Doug went home but visited again several weeks later. Laurel and Hilary reconciled and Hilary and Doug moved in with Laurel and her husband Ashley (John Middleton).

The family began to move on from the tragedy of Daniel's death, but Daniel's postmortem revealed that he had been a carrier for cystic fibrosis. Ashley, Laurel and her parents were puzzled as neither family knew of any relative with that condition. Hilary became concerned when she learned Melanie Doland (Caroline Strong), whose son, Arthur (Alfie Clarke), who was born the same day as Daniel, said her sister had died of cystic fibrosis. A few weeks later, Greg Doland (Shaun Prendergast) told Hilary that Arthur was allergic to seafood. This was common in Hilary's family. Hilary became convinced that Daniel was not Laurel and Ashley's son, and despite Douglas, Ashley and Laurel thinking what Hilary was saying was due to her grief, she convinced the doctor to check the blood types again. This proved what Hilary had been saying - that Daniel was not Ashley and Laurel's son. Laurel was devastated and slapped Hilary for adding to their agony. Hilary felt guilty for what her daughter had gone through, but told Doug she knew the Dolands were raising Laurel's and Ashley's son.

When Hilary found out the Dolands were going on holiday to Spain, she vanished with Arthur. They were soon found, but Ashley told the Dolands about the possible baby mix-up. Greg and Mel attempted to emigrate with Arthur, but Ashley stopped them. Hilary called the police, who said they could not intervene, but fearing she would lose her son, Mel ran away with Arthur. Laurel refused to accept that Arthur might be her son. Hilary told Laurel she could not watch her ignore her son and went home. Seven years later, Hilary dies after suffering heart failure. Doug informs Laurel by telephone. Laurel, her current husband Marlon Dingle (Mark Charnock), Ashley, Doug, and his partner Diane Sugden (Elizabeth Estensen) attended Hilary's funeral.

Caroline Swann

Emmerdale character

Portrayed by

Sarah Moyle

Duration

2007, 2009, 2015

First appearance

25 May 2007

Last appearance

20 July 2015

Classification

Introduced by

In-universe information
Father	Douglas Potts
Mother	Hilary Potts
Sisters	Laurel Thomas
Husband	Ben Swann
Sons	Edward Swann
Daughters	Beatrice Swann
Nephews	Arthur Thomas
Nieces	Dotty Thomas

Caroline Swann (also Potts) is the sister of Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy). Caroline first appeared on 25 May 2007, at the hospital when her mother Hilary (Paula Wilcox) woke up from a coma caused by a car crash. The elder of Doug (Duncan Preston) and Hilary's two children, Caroline was always her mother's favourite as a child, even in adult life, causing some resentment from Laurel. Caroline returns on 2 December 2007 when her parents return to their home after staying with Laurel and Ashley (John Middleton) in Emmerdale. Caroline says that her husband, Ben, has been made redundant and they have lost their house, so without asking they had moved into Doug and Hilary's house. Doug and Hilary then decide to move back to Emmerdale.

Caroline is seen again on 8 December 2009 when Doug and Ashley turn up at Hilary's house to see Laurel, following Ashley and Laurel's separation. During the visit, Caroline reveals that she was also having marriage issues with her husband Ben. In July 2015, Caroline appears again attending her mother's funeral. She hosts the wake at her house, assuming Laurel is pregnant when she wonders why she is not drinking alcohol. This causes Laurel to lash out at Caroline and reveal that she is an alcoholic and is splitting up with her husband Marlon (Mark Charnock). Caroline also reveals to Doug that she feels resentful at Laurel's lack of contact with Hilary in the previous years. Laurel later leaves to stay with Caroline for a few weeks to deal with alcoholism.

Duke Woods

Emmerdale character

Portrayed by

Dicken Ashworth

Duration

2007–2008

First appearance

20 June 2007

Last appearance

28 January 2008

Classification

Introduced by

In-universe information
Sons	Terry Woods
Grandsons	Thomas Carter T.J. Woods

Percy "Duke" Woods, played by Dicken Ashworth, made his first appearance on 20 June 2007. Ashworth's casting and character details were announced a month ahead of his character's on-screen debut.^[12] Duke is introduced as the father of established character Terry Woods (Billy Hartman).^[12] Ashworth told ITV.com: "Duke is Terry's estranged father. Basically they've not been in contact for a long time. But when Terry sees him on TV he thinks his dad might be in a bit of trouble and goes to see him, but he almost doesn't. Duke's wife died when he was very young and then he brought Terry up alone, He tried to push him too hard into sport, especially boxing, and live his own life though his son, so they don't speak – though I think there were other big issues as well."^[13]

Duke departed on 28 January 2008. Of his character's departure, Ashworth said: "I would have been quite happy to stay, but basically a lot depends in soap on the writers and storylines, and my storyline came to a natural end."^[14] He also said that as his character did not die, he had the opportunity to return.^[14]

Terry invites his father to the village after watching him confront some teenagers on television. He believes that Duke will do better in the Dales. Duke and Pearl Ladderbanks (Meg Johnson) vandalise Jacob's Fold and get arrested. An article in the Hotten Courier reveals that his first name is actually Percy. Duke leaves the village to help Ryan Hayworth (Reece Noi) with his football training.

Lexi King

Brenda McFarlane

Emmerdale character

Portrayed by

Judy Holt

Duration

2007–2008

First appearance

5 August 2007

Last appearance

18 March 2008

Classification

Introduced by

In-universe information
Husband	Colin McFarlane (until 2007)

Brenda McFarlane is married to Colin McFarlane (Michael Melia). She first appears looking for Chas Dingle (Lucy Pargeter), who was sleeping with her husband Colin when he died. Chas thinks that Brenda wants revenge so she and Lexi Nicholls (Sally Oliver) prepare to run away. However, the following day they meet her when she turns up at Chas's house. To their surprise, Brenda hands them some money to thank them for killing her husband - although Colin died of natural causes.

Brenda reappears on 17 March 2008, when Chas goes to her to ask for her help. Chas and Debbie Dingle (Charley Webb) are trying to help Jo Stiles (Roxanne Pallett) get rid of Charlie Sellers (Michael Keogh), a former prisoner who is staying in Jo's house and threatening her. Brenda agrees to allow Charlie and Chas to rob one of her nightclubs, and let him then get caught by the police. However, the following day things go wrong when Charlie holds the bar manager hostage with a gun. He and Chas escape, but Brenda later comes after Charlie with a "heavy". She tells Charlie to leave and he has no choice but to agree.

Daniel Thomas

Emmerdale character

Portrayed by

Rachel Moonie

Duration

2007–2008

First appearance

26 August 2007

Last appearance

21 February 2008

Classification

Introduced by

In-universe information
Father	Greg Doland
Mother	Melanie Doland
Adoptive father	Ashley Thomas
Adoptive mother	Laurel Thomas
Half-brothers	Jake Doland Arthur Thomas (adoptive)

Daniel Thomas was the biological son of Greg (Shaun Prendergast) and Melanie Doland (Caroline Strong), although during his short life, he is the son of Ashley (John Middleton) and Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy). He appeared from 2007 to 2008.

Born on 26 August 2007, an accidental baby-swap in the hospital saw Daniel given to Ashley and Laurel Thomas, while their biological son Arthur (Alfie Clarke) is given to the Dolands. He is christened in December 2007, with Shadrach Dingle (Andy Devine) acting as godfather, who surprises people by caring very much for Daniel and promising to teach him things when he is older. On 21 February 2008, Daniel dies in his sleep of cot death, leaving Laurel and Ashley devastated. Laurel's mother Hilary Potts (Paula Wilcox) soon starts to think that Daniel is not Laurel and Ashley's son, and eventually DNA tests prove this, and that Daniel was Greg and Mel's son. Greg and Mel leave the village in July 2008, after Laurel and Ashley are awarded custody of Arthur.

Melanie Doland

Emmerdale character

Portrayed by

Caroline Strong

Duration

2007–2008

First appearance

22 August 2007

Last appearance

1 July 2008

Classification

Introduced by

In-universe information
Husband	Greg Doland
Sons	Daniel Doland
Stepsons	Jake Doland

Melanie "Mel" Doland is married to Greg Doland (Shaun Prendergast) and former biological mother of Daniel Thomas. She appeared from 2007 to 2008.

Mel first appears along with Greg when she is giving birth at the same time as Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy). Unbeknown to either couple, their babies are accidentally swapped at the hospital, and Mel's biological son, Daniel, goes home with Laurel and Ashley Thomas (John Middleton), while Laurel's biological son, Arthur (Alfie Clarke), goes home with the Dolands. The couples become friends and their children are baptised at the same time by Bishop George Postlethwaite (Peter Cartwright). The Dolands become more frequent visitors to Emmerdale village when Greg, a builder, and Jack Sugden (Clive Hornby) come to an arrangement for the redevelopment of Annie's Cottage. When Jack later sells Annie's Cottage, the Dolands buy it and move to the village.

On 21 February 2008, Daniel dies of cot death. Soon after, Laurel's mother Hilary Potts (Paula Wilcox) starts to suspect Arthur may be the Thomas' son not Greg and Mel's. They try and flee the country, but Ashley stops them. The police await their return, although they are not charged. Mel later runs away with Arthur on her own, but is later found. In June, the courts award custody of Arthur to his biological parents, Ashley and Laurel, leaving Mel particularly devastated. Over the coming weeks, Laurel has problems bonding with Arthur and Mel makes frequent visits to see Arthur. When Laurel finally bonds with Arthur, Greg and Mel leave the village as Mel realises there is no place for them anymore.

Greg Doland

Emmerdale character

Portrayed by

Shaun Prendergast

Duration

2007–2008

First appearance

22 August 2007

Last appearance

1 July 2008

Classification

Introduced by

In-universe information
Occupation	Builder
Wife	Melanie Doland
Sons	Jake Doland Daniel Doland

Gregory "Greg" Doland is the husband of Melanie Doland (Caroline Strong), father of Jake Doland (James Baxter) and former biological father of Daniel Thomas. He appeared from 2007 to 2008.

Greg first appears along with Mel when she is giving birth at the same time as Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy). Unbeknown to either couple, their babies are accidentally swapped at the hospital, and Mel's biological son, Daniel, goes home with Laurel and Ashley Thomas (John Middleton), while Laurel's biological son, Arthur, goes home with the Dolands. The couples become friends and their children are baptised at the same time by Bishop George Postlethwaite (Peter Cartwright). The Dolands become more frequent visitors to Emmerdale village when Greg, a builder, and Jack Sugden (Clive Hornby) come to an arrangement for the redevelopment of Annie's Cottage. When Jack later sells Annie's Cottage, the Dolands buy it and move to the village.

On 21 February 2008, Daniel dies of cot death. During a period when Laurel is estranged from Ashley, Greg tries to comfort her and she kisses him. A guilt-ridden Laurel returns to her husband and she and Greg promise to keep quiet about what had happened. Soon after Daniel's death, Laurel's mother Hilary Potts (Paula Wilcox) starts to suspect Arthur may be the Thomas' son not Greg and Mel's. They try and flee the country, but Ashley stops them. The police await their return, although they are not charged. Mel later runs away with Arthur on her own, only telling her stepson Jake Doland (James Baxter) where she is. After a few weeks, Greg persuades her to come home. At a court hearing on 5 June, a judge decides to award custody of Arthur to his biological parents, Laurel and Ashley. Over the coming weeks, Laurel has problems bonding with Arthur and Mel makes frequent visits to visit him. Greg, however, does not visit Arthur, causing arguments between the couple. When Laurel finally bonds with Arthur, Greg and Mel leave the village as Mel realises there is no place for her anymore.

Arthur Thomas

Emmerdale character

Portrayed by

Billy Harrower (2007–2009)
Luis Townley (2008–2009)
Alfie Clarke (2009–present)

Duration

2007–present

First appearance

Episode 4765
26 August 2007

Classification

Present; recurring

Introduced by

In-universe information
Father	Ashley Thomas
Mother	Laurel Thomas
Stepfather	Marlon Dingle Jai Sharma
Sisters	Dotty Thomas
Half-sisters	Gabby Thomas
Grandfathers	Sandy Thomas Douglas Potts
Grandmothers	Hilary Potts Dorothy Thomas
Uncles	Luke Thomas
Aunts	Caroline Swann Karen Thomas
Nephews	Thomas Tate
First cousins	Jasmine Thomas

Arthur Thomas (also Doland) is the son of Ashley Thomas (John Middleton) and Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy). He has appeared since 26 August 2007.

Born in August 2007, Arthur is the biological son of Ashley and Laurel. However, an accidental baby-swap sees him being given to Greg (Shaun Prendergast) and Melanie Doland (Caroline Strong), who gives birth nearby on the same day. Their biological son, Daniel Doland, dies of cot death in February 2008. Laurel's mother Hilary Potts (Paula Wilcox) soon starts to think that Arthur is not Greg and Melanie's son, and eventually DNA tests prove this. After a court decision, Arthur is handed over to Ashley and Laurel in June 2008. Arthur then refuses to eat and Melanie comes round and helps out. Eventually, Laurel bonds with Arthur, and Greg and Melanie leave the village. Arthur is last seen in December 2009 after Laurel believes that Sally Spode (Siân Reeves) has abducted him but is humiliated when he turns up with her and Ashley having gone out for a trip. Off-screen, he leaves with Laurel and Ashley's daughter Gabby Thomas to Hilary's house although Gabby later returns. Arthur returns to the village with Laurel and she and Ashley reconcile after Sally is arrested.

In early 2016, Arthur and Gabby (now Rosie Bentham) learn Ashley has dementia. When Ashley builds a pirate ship play house for Arthur, Arthur cuts himself with a saw and Ashley takes him to hospital. Arthur is left alone when Ashley wanders off and ends up at Laurel's baby scan. Laurel and Ashley are told that Ashley isn't to be left on his own with Arthur and Laurel tries to hide it from him. In September 2016, Laurel gives birth to hers and Ashley's daughter, Dotty Thomas, who is Arthur's younger sister. In December 2016, Laurel tells Gabby and Arthur that they are looking at full time care for Ashley following a stroke he has. Laurel struggles to cope, so she decides to move Ashley into full time care, upsetting Gabby and Arthur. Arthur visits Ashley with Laurel and Gabby and sees Ashley with a woman he has developed a bond with. After Gabby has a hard time at school, Laurel takes her and Arthur out of school on compassionate leave. In April 2017, Ashley is diagnosed with pneumonia when he coughs up blood and Arthur blames himself, after visiting Ashley and being sick. Laurel is told that Ashley is not responding to treatment and that the family should start saying goodbye, which she tells Gabby and Arthur. Laurel brings Ashley home for his final days and he later passes away. At Ashley's funeral, Arthur reads a poem, but runs off and tells Laurel he will never be able to make new memories with Ashley. Arthur overhears Laurel and her father Douglas Potts (Duncan Preston) talking about Gabby going to Australia with her mother, Bernice White (Samantha Giles), to visit her half-sister, Dee Dee. Arthur is upset with Gabby and thinks Dee Dee will take his place, but Gabby reassures him that won't happen. Arthur is troubled when he finds a video of Emma Barton (Gillian Kearney) talking to Ashley about a car crash that occurred months before Ashley remembers Emma was present.

Laurel starts dating Jai Sharma (Chris Bisson) in 2019. Not long afterwards, Jai's son Archie Breckle (Kai Assi) comes to live with Jai after losing his mother. Arthur begins to resent Archie and starts bullying him. Their differences come to a head when they accidentally cause a fire whilst out camping and putting Arthur's younger sister Dotty in danger. Laurel has the police interrogate Arthur to teach him a lesson.

In December 2022, Arthur comes out as gay to Nicola King (Nicola Wheeler), Laurel's friend. He is supported by Nicola, Laurel, and his friends, although Elliot Windsor (Luca Hoyle) reveals Arthur's sexuality to the rest of the school. Arthur becomes attracted to schoolmate Marshall Hamston (Max Fletcher), who tricks Arthur into thinking he is attracted to him. Consequently, Arthur records a video commentary calling Marshall out for his behaviour. Marshall tries to talk to Arthur, but Arthur's friend April Windsor (Amelia Flanagan) hits him, and Laurel orders Marshall to stay away from her son. However, it emerges that Marshall really is attracted to Arthur, and is being abused by his homophobic father Colin Hamston (Mark Noble). Marshall escapes from Colin with Laurel's help and moves in with Arthur. However, their relationship does not work out and Marshall moves away to live with relatives, leaving Arthur heartbroken. When Arthur's friend Heath Hope (Sebastian Dowling) is killed in an accident in 2024, Arthur mourns him and organises a tribute for him.

In August 2017, Clarke was longlisted for Best Young Actor at the Inside Soap Awards.^[15] He made the viewer-voted shortlist.^[16] On 6 November 2017, Clarke won the "Best Young Actor" accolade.^[17]

Patricia Foster

Emmerdale character

Portrayed by

Vicki Michelle

Duration

2007–2009

First appearance

31 August 2007

Last appearance

13 January 2009

Classification

Introduced by

In-universe information
Occupation	Housewife
Husband	Sam Foster (1993–present)
Sons	Jonny Foster

Patricia Foster is the mother of Jonny Foster (Richard Grieve). She appeared in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

Patricia first arrives in the village in 2007 to present a £5000 cheque to her son, local farrier Jonny Foster, which he can invest in his future with his partner Paul Lambert (Matthew Bose). She returns in 2008 for Jonny's commitment ceremony to Paul, who had already married Jonny hours beforehand in a civil partnership. On 12 January 2009, Patricia returns to the village and argues with Paul outside "The Woolpack" during a divorce party being held for him by his mother, Val Pollard (Charlie Hardwick). Patricia tells Paul that Jonny has emigrated to Australia. The following day Patricia and Val talk, and Val assures her that Paul still loves Jonny and that the divorce party was not his idea. The bonding moment is short-lived, as they begin to argue over who is the "woman" in the relationship, and soon Patricia tries to shame Val by bringing up Paul's fling with Grayson Sinclair (Christopher Villiers). Just as a furious Patricia prepares to leave, Paul arrives, and talks with her privately. Patricia tells him that Jonny is still in love with him.

Charlotte Beecham

Emmerdale character

Portrayed by

Emma Hartley-Miller

Duration

2007–2009, 2015

First appearance

9 February 2007

Last appearance

26 November 2015

Classification

Introduced by

In-universe information
Occupation	Police officer

Charlotte Beecham is a new police recruit who joins up alongside Donna Windsor-Dingle (Verity Rushworth) and they receive their warrant cards at the same time. Charlotte has a casual relationship with Emmerdale resident and colleague Ross Kirk (Samuel Anderson). Another officer, Shane Doyle (Paul McEwan), makes a pass at her. In December 2008, Shane goes missing and Donna, who Shane knew was having an affair with Ross, convinces Charlotte to go to Shane's flat with her to investigate. They find evidence which suggests he is in Malta, and take it to Sgt. Andrew Drake (Steven Hillman). Charlotte believes that Donna knows more than she is saying, but Donna keeps quiet.

In January 2009, Charlotte and a colleague search Ross's bedroom, shortly before he is arrested for Shane's murder. Later that month, she searches the Dingles' house after Donna tells her superiors that she believes Eli Dingle (Joseph Gilgun) may have been involved with the murder. On 27 January 2009, PC Beecham is one of the police officers who find Jasmine Thomas (Jenna-Louise Coleman) and Debbie Dingle (Charley Webb), who Eli has admitted were involved in Shane's murder. In March, she and a colleague visit after a supplier alleges Bob Hope (Tony Audenshaw) stole his money. In May, Charlotte investigates a burglary at Holdgate Farm and arrests Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley).

Charlotte returns in November 2015, investigating Diane Sugden's (Elizabeth Estensen) stabbing. She goes to Wishing Well Cottage, looking for Chas Dingle (Lucy Pargeter) but she isn't there so Charlotte tells Aaron Livesy (Danny Miller) to inform her if Chas shows up and leaves. She later returns to tell the Dingles that Chas has been arrested after confessing to stabbing Diane.

Donald De Souza

Miles De Souza

Freddie Yorke

Freddie Yorke
Emmerdale character
Portrayed by	Keith Woodason
Duration	2007–2008
First appearance	25 November 2007
Last appearance	19 August 2008
Classification	Former; recurring
Introduced by	Keith Richardson

Freddie Yorke is a con man who frames Viv Hope (Deena Payne) for fraud. He appeared in 2007 and 2008.

Freddie meets Viv in late 2007 and persuades her to work with the "Happy Smile Fund", his children's charity. After she has too much to drink, he kisses her. Viv works hard to raise money for the charity, but in early 2008 she realises that the money is not going to the charity. She makes it up with her own money, but fails to get in contact with Freddie. In March 2008, Viv is arrested for fraud and finds that her names have been put down on many pieces of incriminating paperwork. In July, a private investigator finds Freddie and records on tape saying what he had done. However, when the investigator is handing it over in a park, Freddie takes the tape off Viv after a tussle. He leaves her some of the stolen money and without her knowledge plants it in her babies pram. The police then find this and it further incriminates her. The day before the start of Viv's trial, her daughter Donna Windsor-Dingle (Verity Rushworth) and Ross Kirk (Samuel Anderson) see Freddie on a surveillance tape and find out where he lives. They try to talk to him, but he flees. A car chase follows, and while Freddie gets away Donna and Ross are seriously injured in a crash. Viv, guilt-ridden about what happened to her daughter, pleads guilty to fraud, and is sent to prison.

Jake Doland

Emmerdale character

Portrayed by

James Baxter

Duration

2007–2009

First appearance

30 November 2007

Last appearance

17 August 2009

Classification

Introduced by