Dryden Hogben

Dryden Hogben arrived in Beckindale in February 1974. He was the mystery man camping on the top field near Emmerdale. He chatted up Christine Sharp in The Woolpack, much to the disapproval of her lover Joe Sugden. Annie Sugden allowed him to camp up the top field. Dryden started to do odd jobs for the Sugdens and even Franklin and Diana Prescott, who were business friends of Henry Wilks and had followed him to Beckindale. Dryden once stayed the night with Diane whilst Franklin was in London. Rumours spread that they had slept together. Dryden explained he had slept on the sofa. In July 1974 some people arrived in the village looking for Dry including his fiancee Celia. It was then revealed he came from a very rich Surrey family. Dry called off his engagement to Celia, explaining he like the travelling lifestyle he led and for his inheritance to be dispersed amongst other members of the family. One morning Joe Sugden and Celia went out and saw Dryden's tent had gone. Villagers had not seen Dry and after a few days it became evident that he had left Beckindale. He was never seen again.

As he had become popular with the villagers during his stay in Beckindale they wondered why he left the village as suddenly as he had arrived 6 months before. He later wrote to the Sugden's to say that he was in Ireland. He has never been seen or heard from since.