Changes: Charity Dingle

Revision as of 22:55, 9 November 2019

Charity Dingle (previously Tate, Sharma and Macey) is the daughter of Obadiah and Kathleen Dingle and the mother of Debbie, Noah and Moses Dingle. She also has a long lost son, Ryan Stocks.

Charity arrived in the village for the funeral of her cousin Butch, alongside the village bad boy Cain and her uncle Shadrach. She would later begin a relationship with Chris Tate while having an affair with his sister, Zoe. During her marriage to Chris, she discovered that the foster child of Paddy and Emily Kirk, Debbie Jones, was her daughter, stemming from a one-night-stand with Cain when she was only 13-years-old. The new-found family started growing closer and Charity began an affair with Cain. However, Chris, who had just been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour, found out and poisoned himself in order to frame Charity for his murder. While in custody, Charity gave birth to Chris' son, Noah, and after being acquitted of Chris' murder, began a relationship with the much older Tom King, which ended on a sour note when Tom's daughter-in-law Sadie framed Charity, making Tom believe she and Cain were having an affair. Charity exposed Sadie's deception and left the village with Noah while Debbie chose to stay behind with Cain.

Prior to her return to the village four years later, Charity began a relationship with Michael Conway, but unbeknownst to her, Michael was having an affair with Charity's daughter Debbie, unaware that she was Charity's daughter. After her and Michael's relationship broke down, Charity moved in with Debbie and pursued a relationship with Cain. Later, she got a job working with Jai Sharma and Cain's mistaken belief that they were having an affair, caused the breakdown of their relationship. Charity and Jai married, but their marriage failed after she discovered that Jai had fathered a son with Rachel Breckle. This led to her next marriage to Declan Macey that not only concluded with him trying to kill her after finding out she had an abortion while pretending to have a miscarriage, but she would later end up in prison for over a year. During her sentence, she gave birth to her third child whose father was assumed to be one of her three previous relationships but eventually revealed as Ross Barton following a one-night stand. Upon her release, Charity confined herself to her scheming purposes as well as her desperate attempts to restart her relationship with Cain by sabotaging his current marriage with Moira Barton. She also became co-owner of The Woolpack with her cousin, Chas Dingle, after Diane Sugden retired. After another failed attempt at a relationship with Cain, Charity began a relationship with Vanessa Woodfield and confessed that she was repeatedly abused and raped by police officer Mark Bails when she was only 14-years-old. With Vanessa's support, she took Bails to court where he was found guilty on multiple counts and sentenced to 30 years imprisonment. After discovering that the child she gave birth to at the age of 14 and believed to be dead had survived she found and repaired her relationship with her now twenty-seven-year-old-son, Ryan Stocks.

Biography

1976-2000: Early life, pregnancies and prostitution

Charity Dingle as a young teen — Charity as a young teenager.

Charity Dingle was born on 9th January 1976 to Obadiah and Kathleen Dingle. Kathleen committed suicide when Charity was a little girl and as a result, Obadiah became a bitter man, blaming Charity for their problems. However, he told the family, including Charity that she died of cancer. Charity was the subject of violence as Obadiah turned to alcohol. Aged twelve, Charity began a relationship with her second-cousin Cain Dingle. The pair often skipped school together to hang out at Almscliffe Crag. It was at Almscliffe's where Charity fell pregnant just after her thirteenth birthday. After Obadiah discovered Charity was pregnant, she was kept apart from Cain and her pregnancy was hidden from him, although Cain's step-father Shadrach Dingle was aware of the situation. On 26th October 1989, Charity gave birth to a little girl. The girl was handed over to Obadiah's alcoholic friend Pat Jones, who named the baby Debbie and registered the baby as her own child.

Young Charity — 14-year-old Charity in 1990

Charity struggled to deal with giving her baby away, and soon after, Obadiah threw her out of the house. After bouncing between relatives' houses, Charity found herself spending her fourteenth birthday in a hostel in Bradford. Soon her money ran out so she ended up on the streets. Living on the streets, a desperate Charity began working as a prostitute for money. Charity was often arrested for soliciting by twenty-five-year-old police officer Mark Bails. She was relieved when Bails arrested her as he would let her away with caution if she played her cards right. One night, an off-duty Bails found Charity and paid her just to talk to him then offered her a flat. A naive and desperate Charity accepted without asking any questions. On her first night in the flat, Bails raped her. However, Charity thought she was lucky as she had a roof over her head and there was heating and food in the fridge, she tried convincing herself she and Bails were in a real "relationship". The abuse went on for months. A possessive Bails pimped Charity out to his mates, stopped her from leaving the flat and also got violent when she didn't do as he said. Charity discovered she was pregnant again but wasn't sure if Bails or one of the men he pimped her out to was her child's father. She attempted to end the pregnancy by drinking copious amounts of alcohol but stopped when she felt her unborn child kick for the first time. Charity realised things couldn't continue like they were, so one day she pretended to pass out, and whilst he was in the toilet, she stole his keys and drove to the police station in his police car to report the abuse although she didn't mention that he'd raped her. The police investigated Charity's complaints but nothing stuck and Bails kept his job. After reporting the abuse, Charity stayed with a friend and soon afterwards she went into premature labour. On New Year's Eve 1990, aged just fourteen, Charity gives birth to her second child - a baby boy who was named Ryan by the hospital staff. The baby wasn't breathing when he was born so midwife Irene Stocks advised Charity to prepare for the worst. Charity couldn't bear to witness her son die so she fled the hospital, unaware her son had survived. After fleeing the hospital, Charity returned to a squat she had found, and within a month, she was working the streets again. One day Bails turned up drunk at her patch, blaming her for missing out on a promotion and his wife leaving him. By then she had a pimp named Barry, who beat him up and after that, he never came back. Charity worked under pimps named Barry, and Eugene Lacey and at some point, she used drugs although later quit.

2000-2004: Arrival in Emmerdale and relationships with Chris and Zoe Tate

Charity2000 — Charity's first appearance in 2000

On 30th March 2000, Charity, Cain and Shadrach arrived in Emmerdale to attended Butch Dingle's funeral. There, she stole Eric Pollard’s wallet and let her cousin Sam take the blame before humiliating Pollard, who had to wade through mud to get it back. Charity returned to Emmerdale 2 months later in May 2000 and arranged to stay with the Dingles at Wishing Well Cottage as she needed to lie low for a while after fleeing Leeds as there was a warrant out for her arrest. Eric soon enlisted Charity's help so he could take some photographs of Councillor Ecclestone in a compromising position to use as leverage against him. Charity did as Eric asked but Eric refused to pay Charity for her services as she owed him for stealing his wallet at Butch's funeral. Eugene, her former pimp, came looking for Charity, demanding £500, but she couldn't pay so Eric paid him off but insisted Charity would now need to work for him.

After paying off her debt by helping Eric with his election campaign, Charity soon turned her attention to wheelchair-bound millionaire, Christopher Tate, and they came to an arrangement for Charity's 'services'. Charity and Chris' relationship grew over the next few months leading Cain and other villagers to wonder who Charity was seeing. Only Marlon Dingle and Terry Woods were aware of the relationship until December when Chris' sister Zoe found Charity in Home Farm kitchen and assumed she was there on the rob. Zoe wasn't pleased with Charity and Chris' relationship and tried to persuade Chris to dump Charity. Cain soon learned about Charity and Chris' relationship and after seeing how angry Cain was, Chris allowed Charity to stay at Home Farm for a few days, although Zoe was less than happy with the arrangement. The Dingles were furious at Charity for what they saw as a betrayal as they blamed the Tates for Butch's death. Zoe couldn't stand Charity being around and offered her £5,000 to leave. Instead of taking the money, Charity told Chris about Zoe's offer and Chris installed Charity up in his cottage and she was at his beck and call twenty-four hours a day. Chloe Atkinson soon began lodging with Charity.

9th March 2001 — Charity leaves Zoe speechless

Missing Charity, Chris made her his PA. Charity realised she liked Chris when she became involved with his businesses and they then began to date. Zoe claimed to dislike Charity because of her past, making it quite clear yet again that she wanted Charity out of Chris's life. She threatened Charity by telling her that all it takes is one word to Chris, and she'd be out of his life. Charity claimed she wouldn't do that but Zoe told her not to underestimate her. Charity responded by kissing her, saying that she shouldn't underestimate her either, leaving Zoe speechless. The two later began an affair behind Chris' back. However, when Zoe started exhibiting obsessive behaviour, Charity became alarmed and ended the relationship. Chris, however, was suspicious of Charity and organised a party inviting all the men he believed Charity could be seeing.

On 4th September 2001, Chris proposed to Charity and Zoe, not happy with their engagement, secretly recorded Charity confessing to the affair on tape and blackmailed her into signing a prenuptial agreement, so she would always have a hold over her. However, Charity went on to confess all to a shocked Chris who surprised Charity by forgiving her and ripping up the prenup.

Chris and Charity marry on 27th November 2001. Zoe left Home Farm and became depressed and Chris and Charity began noticing Zoe's months of bizarre behaviour. When Charity saw the state of Zoe's house she realised she was ill. Chris initially refused to believe it but Zoe was sectioned after setting fire to the church and was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Once on the road to recovery, she was shocked to discover that she was 5 months pregnant. She thought the baby's movements were a symptom of her illness. As she is a lesbian, she assumed she had been raped and planned a termination. Charity supported Zoe and when she couldn't do it, Charity confessed to her that she had given a baby up for adoption as a teenager. Zoe planned to do the same with her daughter, Jean but changed her mind.

In January 2003, when Debbie Jones, current foster-child of Paddy and Emily Kirk, showed Cain Dingle a photo of her biological mother, he recognised her as Charity. Cain confronted Charity who was shocked to realise Debbie was her daughter. Debbie's adoptive mother, Pat Jones, was terminally ill and gave Debbie a picture of her birth mother. Shocked, Charity refused all contact with Debbie. Charity soon admitted to Zoe that Debbie was her daughter but tried to hide it from her husband Chris. When Chris figured out the truth, Charity lied and insisted Debbie was not her daughter, confusing Zoe. Eventually, Charity was forced to admit to Chris that Debbie was her daughter.

Episode3369 — Charity and Debbie in February 2003

Charity and Debbie met but Charity was a reluctant mother and tried to further herself from her daughter. However, when Debbie's adopted mother Pat died, Charity comforted her, making her maternal instincts kick in. She fought the Kirks for custody of Debbie and won, allowing Debbie to move into Home Farm with her and Chris. They eventually bonded and Charity was delighted when Chris and Debbie bonded as well and he suggested he adopt her. Debbie, however, wanted to know who her birth-father was and Charity was forced to reveal that Cain was Debbie's father, following a brief relationship they had as teenagers. Charity's parents were disgusted to discover her pregnancy and threw her out so she turned to prostitution. Cain, Charity and Debbie bonded as a family, making Chris feel left out. Chris then ditched plans to adopt Debbie and started becoming aggressive, causing Debbie to move out to live with Cain. Cain and Charity then rekindled their relationship and began an affair behind Chris' back.

Chris, meanwhile, was suffering from terrible headaches. Concerned, he went to the doctor and tests revealed he had an inoperable brain tumour. He also discovered Charity's affair with Cain and, devastated, he wanted revenge. Knowing he didn't have long to live, he emptied their joint account and threw her out. Charity and Cain briefly lived together however Charity wanted Chris back and a month later, went to Home Farm to discuss their marriage. She hoped for a reconciliation but Chris committed suicide by poisoning himself on 17th September 2003. She realised that Chris had framed her for murder when the police found her fingerprints on Chris's glass and her signature on an order for poison. The police didn't believe that Chris had killed himself so she blamed Cain. Cain, however, said Charity had killed Chris and she was charged with murder but released on bail. She moved in with her cousin Marlon Dingle and slept with him one night, after they'd had a few drinks, leaving him guilt-ridden as he was married. Charity blackmailed Marlon but his wife Tricia found out and left him.

In November 2003, Charity collapsed at a hearing and was rushed to hospital, where she was told that she was eight weeks pregnant. Unfortunately, she didn't know who the father was.

EMMERDALE 22ND JANUARY 2004 — Charity is sentenced to life in prison

Meanwhile, Charity was working on Zoe, who knew Chris had killed himself but claimed Charity had killed him as revenge for her brother. Not wanting to go to prison, Charity tried to persuade Zoe to tell the truth and reminded her of their past and kissed her. However, the day Charity stood trial, Zoe testified that she had killed Chris and on 22nd January 2004, she was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment.

2004-2005: Birth of Noah and relationship with Tom King

On 1st March 2004, Charity gave birth by emergency caesarean section after suffering from pre-eclampsia. She had a son three months prematurely and named him Noah. Debbie was delighted to have a brother, however, her happiness was short-lived as Charity told her she won’t be keeping the baby, convinced that she couldn't offer him a good start in life and must give him up for adoption. Cain's father, Zak Dingle, was convinced Noah was Cain's son but due to their uncertainty, Cain and Marlon did DNA tests to find out who the father was. Whilst waiting for the DNA test results Charity was informed Noah had gotten seriously ill and was diagnosed with Necrotising Enterocolitis, leaving Charity concerned for her baby's health. However, while preparing for Noah's surgery the DNA results arrived and everyone was shocked when the results revealed that Chris was Noah's father. Zoe was determined to get custody of her nephew and struck up a deal with Charity - giving her custody for £10,000 and evidence that Chris committed suicide. Charity reluctantly agreed and Zoe said this would be the last time she saw her son.

On 12th April 2004, Zoe appeared in court, presenting the judge with evidence that Chris committed suicide and Charity was acquitted of her murder charges. Now released, Charity returned to the Dingles but Debbie was furious on discovering her younger brother had been sold and threatens to shop Charity to Social Services. Charity tried to buy her affections however Debbie wanted nothing to do with her and slapped her. Debbie then burned the money, making Charity furious.

Episode 3780 — Charity and Tom get engaged

With Chris dead and desperate to get her hands on some money, Charity set her sights on the new local millionaire; Tom King. She got a job as his secretary and his attention. After working together for a few months Tom admitted his feelings to Charity, who reciprocated his compliment, and the two became an item. However, the arrival of Tom's daughter-in-law, Sadie, put a spanner in the works as Sadie knew Charity was a gold-digger and feared that Tom would leave the business to Charity when he retired rather than her husband. Charity and Sadie spent months sparing however Charity gained the upper hand when, on 1st July 2004, Tom proposed.

Zoe planned to adopt Noah, who she called Christopher, however, was not happy when she received a letter informing her that social services will be investigating her suitability to adopt. Charity remained adamant that she didn't want her son back but later met Zoe who refused to let her see him. Charity complained to Chas that Zoe wouldn’t let her hold the baby and Chas remarked that it sounded as if she wanted him back but Charity dismissed it. On 18th July 2004, Zoe's adoption application was turned down and Social Services informed Charity of the verdict, asking her to decide if she wanted to raise the baby herself or put him up for adoption elsewhere. After coming across a photo of Noah, Tom asked her if she really wanted to give her son up and Charity admitted that she didn't like the thought of him being brought up by strangers, but he told

Episode 3797 — Zoe returns baby Noah to Charity

her that at this time of life he wasn’t planning to raise any more kids. Charity felt conflicted, scared of losing Tom if she chose to raise Noah but later told Tom that she couldn't give up her son. However, Tom surprised her by telling her she was so important to him that he was willing to take on Noah as well. Later, a devastated Zoe handed baby Noah over to his mother, but Charity promised her she would still be allowed to see him. In August, Debbie was delighted when she found Charity at the Dingles' with Noah.

A few months later, Charity found out that her young daughter Debbie is dating the local farmer Andy Sugden. She helped Debbie keep it from Cain, however, Cain found out and exploded, punching Andy. Charity wanted Debbie to come with her, however, Debbie refused and left with the Dingles.

Sadie was determined to make sure the wedding didn't go ahead, hiring Cain to set

4th January 2005 — Tom reveals the pictures

Charity up. Cain kissed her whilst a photographer captured the moment. Charity was furious and warned him to back off but was unaware of the photo. On 4th January 2005, on Charity and Tom's wedding day, Sadie showed Tom the pictures and he called it off, subsequently jilting Charity at the altar, sparking a massive fight between the Kings and the Dingles outside the church. Charity was devastated, losing both her home and her job. She and Sadie had a fight and afterwards, Charity returned to the Dingles, vowing revenge.

In February 2005, Charity began an affair with Jimmy King, Sadie's husband and Tom's son. However, Charity taped him telling her about Sadie's plan to set her up and how she had lied for years about wanting children. After blackmailing Jimmy, Charity decided to leave Emmerdale with Debbie and Noah (despite Cain pleading with her to stay) and burst into the King's during Jimmy's 40th birthday party on 1st March 2005, playing the tape of her and Jimmy. Horrified, Tom threw Jimmy and Sadie out, devastated by their lies. Tom begged Charity to get back with him, despite her relationship with Jimmy, however, Charity refused. Debbie then told Charity that she didn't want to go, and after an emotional farewell, Charity drove out of the village with Noah.

2009-2010: Return

Episode 5414 — Charity's return in October 2009

In October 2009, Charity's daughter Debbie, who had been dating a man named Michael Conway and was hoping that he would leave his fianceé for her, gatecrashed Michael's wedding, only to find that his bride was none other than Charity herself, whom Debbie had not seen since she left the Dales four years previously. It transpired that Charity and Michael had been engaged for over a year. However, she hadn't told Michael about her nineteen-year-old daughter, and neither did Charity have any idea about Michael's affair with Debbie. Michael wanted to be with Debbie and claimed he was only with Charity because of her pregnancy. Michael put the wedding on hold as Charity spoke to Debbie. Charity offered Debbie money to leave, offending Debbie who knew Charity only wanted Micheal for his money. Debbie realised that Charity had known Michael was about to leave her and told him that she was pregnant in a means of keeping hold of him and revealed this to Michael, however, she denied it. Cain then tried to scare Michael by telling him of Charity's previous marriages; their wealth and their subsequent deaths. Michael called the wedding off when Debbie insisted Charity has been faking her pregnancy and was even more disgusted with when Cain revealed her sordid past as a prostitute. The guests left and Charity was left by the church with only her young son, Noah, by her side.

Charity drove into Emmerdale in a flash car and demanded Paddy to tell her where Debbie lived. Debbie, still upset by recent events, initially refused to open the door until she learnt it was Charity who was knocking. Debbie told Charity to leave however Charity wanted answers, adamant that Debbie and Cain hatched a plan to ruin her wedding. They started to argue and Charity realises they were not that dissimilar and that Debbie was telling the truth. She began to ask about Debbie's daughter Sarah but Debbie was vacant with her answers. Charity, annoyed at Debbie's constant snide remarks about Micheal's money, told her that she also used Michael for his money. Debbie demanded Charity to leave and she prepared to do so until Cain walked in. They argued and Charity walked out with Cain making snide remarks as she left. Debbie reluctantly invited Charity and her young son Noah to live with her at Tug Ghyll, much to the distaste of Cain, although he eventually came around to the idea, still in love with Charity.

On Debbie's 20th birthday, Charity decided to leave again and attempted to flee during Debbie's birthday meal. When Debbie found out, she verbally attacked Charity and told Noah the truth about who his father was and that he was a bad man. She then gave Charity the keys to her new car, a birthday gift from Cain, and she briefly left with Noah. However, Charity returned several days later and learnt of Cain's fortune, stolen from the Kings. Thinking only of the money, she teamed up with Carl King to steal the money back from Cain and split it 50/50. In order to win Cain's trust, Charity entered into a relationship with him. She discovered the storage building where Cain had been keeping the money, but changed her mind and returned the cash - just as Cain and Debbie walked in and mistakenly believed that Charity was in the process of stealing the money. Cain, feeling like a fool for falling for Charity again, kicked her out of Tug Ghyll, gave her the money in the hope that she'd leave Emmerdale for good, and then left himself for a short time. Determined to win Cain back but with nowhere else to stay, Charity and Noah moved in with Marlon. Charity attempted to give all of the money back to Debbie,

25th December 2009 — Cain agrees to Charity's proposal

who refused to take it. Wanting to get rid of the money once and for all, Charity donated it to the church. However, Debbie found out and furiously retrieved the money. Cain then returned and was displeased to find Charity still in the village. The pair decided to be civil for Debbie and Sarah's sake, but an argument transpired on Christmas Day which resulted in Debbie storming out of the Dingles' home and setting fire to the money. Realising they had nothing to argue about anymore, Charity proposed to a surprised Cain who said yes.

Charity and Cain set a date for the wedding, but an eager Cain brought it forward. On 11th March 2010, Chas, who was in on the plan, took Charity into Leeds, tricking her into thinking they're going shopping. Charity realised what was actually happening as they reached the registry office and saw the entire Dingle clan stood outside. She reacted badly and although she agreed to change into her wedding dress, she found herself unable to go through with the ceremony. Later, in The Woolpack, she explained to Cain that she does love him but isn't ready to settle down and get married. They remained together, but Debbie left for Jersey, stressed by her parents' argumental antics.

Episode 5574 — Charity and Cain steals rich men's cars

In April 2010, Bored and looking for a thrill, Charity and Cain decided to make fast money by stealing wealthy men's cars. The first time they attempted their scheme it is a resounding success after Charity successfully stole a businessman's keys after flirting with him in the bar of a local hotel. The second time, however, they were not so lucky, after their target - Declan Macey - turned up in the village that same night to visit the Sharma brothers, whom he knew from previous business ventures, and spotted Charity (minus her short black bob wig) in The Woolpack. Declan took an instant liking to Charity and decided not to take matters to the police, on the grounds that she and Cain returned the car and she went for a drink with him.

In the months leading up to Christmas of 2010, Chas became aware of her boyfriend Carl's affair with Edna's niece Eve Jenson, and Charity convinces her to bleed him dry of his money by organising an elaborate hoax wedding in revenge. Initially, the plan went well, but after some time Chas began to get cold feet and convinced herself Carl was in love with her, much to Charity's annoyance. The wedding day arrived, and Charity remained in the dark about what Chas was going to do, but at the altar Chas told Carl that she's been aware of his infidelity all along, and called off the wedding, although she told Charity that although she might have pocketed tens of thousands of pounds, she was still depressed.

2010-2013: Marriage to Jai Sharma

In December 2010, Charity started working for Jai Sharma as a property developer helping with the restoration of the barn next to the Zak and Lisa Dingle's farm. Initially, Jai paid Charity to persuade Lisa to sell the farm and move to new accommodation in Hotten, but Lisa proved impossible to win over. Instead, Jai used Charity to project manage the conversion as well as to persuade businessmen to invest in the venture using her womanly charms. Cain soon became jealous of Charity and Jai's working relationship, and despite warnings from Debbie he could not help but threaten Jai, warning him to keep his hands off Charity. Cain's warnings did not scare Jai, who bought Charity a brand new company car in the hope of winning her affections.

On

10th February 2011, Jai took Charity to a hotel in Leeds for a business trip for the evening, hoping to seduce her. Charity congratulated Jai on his cunning when he revealed that he had only booked one room for the night. He told her that he knew how Charity felt and reckons he felt the same way. As Jai told her that she could do better than Cain, the sexual tension between them became palpable and he challenged her to tell him she wasn't tempted. However, Charity made it clear that she would not cheat on Cain, despite his flaws and her attraction towards Jai. They then booked separate rooms for the night in another hotel. Later, Cain arrived at the first hotel with flowers for Charity, but on finding out that she and Jai had already checked out and only had one room, he assumed the worst and returns to the village, where he flirted with (and later slept with) Faye Lamb.

Upon Charity's return to the village the following day, she saw Cain leaving Faye's house and witnessed the pair kiss. Furious, she slapped Faye, packed her bags and left Tug Ghyll. Initially, Cain acted nonchalantly as he was convinced Charity would soon be back, however, it quickly became clear that she had moved on from Cain when she moved into Holdgate Farm with Jai. Charity told Cain that it was his fault their relationship is over, but Cain was adamant that Charity had slept with Jai despite her protestations. Later, Charity made a show of kissing Jai in the pub before leading him back to Holdgate Farm, where they finally did sleep together. Jai was first reluctant, as he worried Charity was just using him to get back at Cain, but she insisted it was more than that. Cain tried a number of methods to win back Charity, including putting the frighteners on the Sharmas by tying and bounding Jai's brother Nikhil and forcing him into an industrial-sized bin, where he was not discovered until the next day. He also threatened both Jai and Charity, but they continued their relationship, not scared by Cain.

5865 — Cain holds Charity hostage in a hotel

On 10th March 2011, Charity received an anonymous invite to the plush Orange Grove Hotel as well as a new dress which was delivered to Holdgate Farm whilst Jai was at work. She assumed the dress and invite were from Jai, and headed to the hotel wearing the dress, only to find Cain waiting for her. They had an emotional heart-to-heart, but Cain blew his chances by repeatedly referring to Charity as a tart and a whore, before attempting to smother her with a pillow and then breaking down in tears. Charity explained to Cain that he would never be able to let her forget about her past as a prostitute and told him that deep down he hated her for it, and despite his claims to the contrary he could not help but refer to her as a tart once more when she told him she chooses Jai, on account of the fact that he is more romantic and easier to talk to than Cain. Debbie later cursed Cain for ruining things, and he told her that he was letting go of Charity - for now. In April, in another attempt to wreck things for Charity, Cain together with and Ryan Lamb stole Jai's car. Charity realised Cain was behind it and despite Debbie's protests, she called the police and Cain was arrested. Debbie was furious but Charity told her this wasn't a game they were playing anymore and Cain had taken things way too far. Despite this, Charity changed her statement, leading to Cain's release, to not ruin her relationship with Debbie.

On 25th August 2011, Jai found out about Charity sabotaging the orders to make Jai's brother, Nikhil, look incompetent as she felt he was standing in the way of her and Jai's relationship. Because of this, Jai dumped Charity and threw her out, leading to her and Noah having to move into Victoria Cottage with Chas, Gennie Walker and Katie Addyman. Cain found this fact very funny and was very happy that they had broken up. Charity, however, was desperate to get Jai back and told him that she loved him and apologized for not saying it before. On 1st September 2011, she asked him to marry her, but he rejected her proposal. Chas later set Jai straight about Charity and he seemed thoughtful. Jai visited Charity and after talking through his trust issues, it looked like he might be coming round. Charity then proposed for a second time and was thrilled when Jai said yes.

In November 2011, Jai's parents Rishi and Georgia Sharma arrived in the village to meet Jai's fancée. Rishi was impressed and he and Charity quickly bonded but Georgia remained more sceptical. Soon Cain's constant antics and threats towards Jai's family became too much for the couple to handle leading to Jai splitting up with Charity again, and calling off the wedding, despite both parties still loving each other. Charity was devastated and determined to win Jai back.

On 8th December 2011, Jai found Cain brutally attacked and left for dead, leading to Charity being a suspect. Charity insisted she would never do something like that but Debbie did not believe her. However, when Cain woke up from his coma he revealed to Charity, Chas, and Aaron that Jai was the one who attacked him. Jai insisted he did not do it and Charity believed him. They vow to stay together through this and decided that the wedding was back on. The Dingles refused to believe them though, subsequently excluding Charity from the family, believing she knew of the attack and was protecting Jai. In January 2012, Charity and Jai were furious to find out that Nikhil has called the police on Charity, after he found out Charity admitted to Jai that she found Cain by the road prior to Jai arriving there, leaving him for dead. Jai then told Nikhil that he was no longer part of his family and that if he were to go to prison, he wouldn't be signing the factory over to him but to Charity because he could trust her.

CharityAndJaiWedding — Charity and Jai's wedding

Charity and Jai's names were cleared when finally Cain's father, Zak revealed he was the one who attacked Cain to teach him a lesson for how he had been treating Charity and Jai, and after he had gotten 15-years-old Amy Wyatt pregnant. Charity got accepted back into the family, but Debbie remained hostile, still not forgiving her mother for leaving Cain for dead. On 26th January 2012, Charity and Jai finally married after a lot of turmoil. Charity was late to the wedding due to helping Debbie after her boyfriend, Cameron Murray, left her. At the end of the day, she repaired her relationship with Debbie, after Debbie forgave her, and she and Jai got happily married.

Charity was there for Debbie through her daughter Sarah's illness and her rocky relationship with Cameron. In May 2012, Jai told Charity he wanted to have a baby of their own, however, she told him she didn't want any more children leaving him devastated. After Jai told Noah he was going to adopt him, Charity was furious as he didn't talk to her first. She agreed to change Noah's last name to Sharma as well as giving more thoughts to having another baby. After talking to Debbie, Charity was sure she did not want a baby but put off telling Jai as she knew he would be heart-broken. This angered Jai as he felt Charity gave him false hope. After learning that Nikhil and Gennie were expecting a baby, Jai had another row with Charity and went to the factory, drank too much and ended up having a one night stand with the cleaner, Rachel Breckle. Later, he found out Rachel was pregnant and despite first wanting a termination Jai begged her to keep it, promising he would provide for them. All this behind Charity's back.

In late July 2012, Charity's interest was peaked when she discovered the King brothers' desperation as their haulage company was in financial trouble and started to formulate a scheme. After confiding in Rishi she was surprised when he wanted in on the plan. Charity told Rishi how important winning the Strikes recycling contract would be for the brothers and the following day the two had a successful meeting with Bill Strikes. With all the false addresses, information and customer comments Rishi had created for their business they managed to fool Bill to give them the contract. On 8th August 2012, Charity explained revealed to Carl and Jimmy that she and Rishi had won the Strikes contract they so desperately needed and offered them the contract for a 25% stake of their business but Carl refused. However, as Jimmy realised this was the last hope for the survival of the business he convinced Carl to get onboard who grudgingly agreed to give her 20% for it. Charity soon settled at her new workplace but got on her colleagues' nerves as she tried to get rid of receptionist Edna Birch. However, they were impressed when she landed a good contract with Sharma & Sharma and started to warm up to the idea of her being there. In October, after Carl sent a photo of Cameron and Chas together, revealing he'd been having an affair behind Debbie's back, furious Charity and Cain vowed to get revenge on Cameron and excluded Chas from the family for the pain she had caused their daughter.

Charity's suspicious — Charity becomes suspicious of Jai and Archie

Charity started noticing that Jai was acting strangely but presumed that it was still the baby issue which took a toll on their marriage as Charity was upset he couldn't let that go. Additionally, all Jai's lies started to catch up with him as Charity realised she was hiding something and grew suspicious of his relationship to Rachel's son Archie. In August 2013, Charity became convinced that Jai was Archie's father but in a desperate attempt to conceal the truth convinced her he was actually Rishie's son. However, in November, Charity finally discovered the truth, leaving her furious and devastated with her husband's lies and infidelity. Jai begged her to give him another shot and although she initially refused she decided to give it another go after realising how much she loved him when he nearly died falling through the ice trying to retrieve her thrown away engagement ring. However, after trying to be a family and act normal she eventually came to the realisation that she could not look at Archie without remembering what Jai had done. She gave Jai an ultimatum, saying he had to choose between her and Archie, leading to him choosing Archie and deciding they should get divorced.

2013-2014: Marriage to Declan Macey

At Christmas 2013, Charity witnessed Declan having a mental breakdown at Home Farm, as he torched the place with himself still inside. However, Charity managed to get him out and persuaded Declan to frame her cousin, Sam Dingle, for the arson so that they could split the insurance pay-out. Charity thought that Sam, Rachel along with their children would go on the run and Charity would then get revenge on Jai by sending his son away but Rachel insisted that they stayed and cleared their names. Before Sam's court date, Charity told Rachel that she and Declan framed Sam and that she would clear his name on one condition, that Rachel went to the police and made a statement admitting that she started the fire or Sam would face going to prison for years. Unwilling to see Sam go down, Rachel did as Charity asked and told the police that she was the arsonist. When she got bail, Charity and Declan gave her a wad of cash and all the contacts she would need to start a new life with Archie, thus depriving Jai of his son. Charity and Declan then began a relationship, despite no one believing it would last.

In April 2014, Charity realised she was pregnant but kept it secret and planned to have an abortion, believing that she and Declan couldn't cope with a child. However, Declan found out after Megan found the positive pregnancy test in the bin at Debbie's house. He was happy and proposed to her, which she reluctantly accepted. Later, Declan announced their engagement in The Woolpack. However, Jai walked in and announced her pregnancy as well, angering Charity and Declan. Debbie insisted that she should have the aborting because she did not actually love Declan and was unfit to take care of another baby, although Charity insisted this time would be different and that the baby would come first. However, after talking to Noah, Charity later decided once again that she wanted an abortion and went to the clinic. She offloaded to her consultant, bursting into tears and telling her how she gave Debbie up for adoption when she was a teenager and almost sold Noah. She returned home to find that Declan had revealed her pregnancy to Noah who was ecstatic about becoming a big brother. However, she was still set on having the termination, having booked an appointment for the day after the wedding.

On 15th May 2014, Charity married Declan with only Noah, Megan and Declan's nephew, Robbie, present (due to Cain and Moira's wedding being on the same day). Megan tried to sabotage the wedding by hiding the rings

CharityDeclanWedding — Charity marries Declan

- which left Charity to borrow one of Megan's - and setting off the fire alarm. Charity realised what Megan was up to and a fight broke out. Despite all hijinks, they ended up completing the wedding but Charity panicked when Declan revealed he had booked a month's holiday to Barbados for them and Noah as she worried about her appointment at the abortion clinic. However, a confrontation with Megan a few days later gave Charity an opportunity to feign miscarriage when she was accidentally knocked to the floor, after taking the pills to make her miscarry. A scan at the hospital confirmed she has lost the baby, leaving Declan devastated. Wracked with guilt, Megan told Declan that she was resigning and would not move into Home Farm, but boyfriend Jai advised her to test Charity's true intentions. Charity was shaken when Megan said she might stay after all and was later horrified when she walks in on Megan telling Declan that she caused the miscarriage and Declan threw Megan out. Charity, relieved, agreed to rearrange a late honeymoon for them and Noah, but revealed she was not ready to try for another baby, much to Declan's chagrin.

In July 2014, after returning from their honeymoon, Charity realised she truly loved Declan and she went to tell him. A vengeful Megan then set out to prove to Declan how horrible Charity was and break them up. Megan tried to convince Declan that Charity had an abortion and Declan started to get suspicious. Charity manged to get Debbie to help her cover her tracks by pretending she was the one who had the abortion and Charity was going with her for support but Declan remained suspicious. On 18th September 2014, when Noah stole a bottle of Charity’s wine, he collapsed and was taken to hospital, where it was revealed that the drink had been laced with pesticide. Charity was convinced it was Megan’s doing when Noah revealed Megan had the wine before he took it, while Charity was distracted by an argument with Jai. Megan got taken in by the police for questioning. Worried about her health, Declan persuaded Charity to go away to a friend’s cottage for a break and left Noah with Debbie. Before they went, Declan put the pesticide container into the boot of his car, revealing that he was involved in the poisoning.

CharityAttackDeclan — Charity tries to attack Declan with an axe

Unbeknownst to her, Declan knew about the abortion and was planning to murder her. While there, he damaged the car's engine so Charity could not escape and later stole and destroyed Charity's phone. Megan called Declan and he told her that he believed her about Charity's abortion. When Megan begged him to not do anything stupid and return home, he told her 'a life for a life, seems fair to me', insinuating that he was planning on killing Charity. Charity overheard the conversation and terrified she ran back to the cottage. She was horrified when the car would not start, and began to panic. Declan returned while Charity played it cool and he coerced her into coming onto a boat trip. Panicked, she attempted to attack him with an axe, only for him to knock her out with a mallet. Believing that Charity was dead, Declan placed her in the boot of his car and attempted to bury her in the nearby woods,

DeclanTryToKillCharity — Declan attempts to kill Charity

but when he opened the boot Charity fought back, attacking him and running away. He caught up to her though and once again attempted to kill her but she managed to escape, fleeing onto a boat. To her horror, the boat got stuck in the middle of the lake, allowing Declan to swim to it. He attempted to shoot Charity with a flare gun, however, instead accidentally fatally shot his nephew, Robbie Lawson, who was attempting to save Charity. Declan then tried to pull Charity into the water, but she hit him over the head with a metal box and Declan sunk into the water, seemingly dead.

However, in October 2014, Declan returned to Home Farm, spiking Charity's drink, causing her to collapse. He then told the Dingles, Jai and Megan that he and Charity were responsible for framing Sam and how Charity forced Rachel to leave. The Dingles (and later Jai) then confronted a now conscious Charity, who eventually confessed. When they all turned on her, Charity retaliated that they are all hypocrites and that she no longer wishes to be a part of the family. Zak promptly accepted her wishes by disowning her from the Dingle family before leaving with Chas and Sam, who expressed his hatred towards Charity. Jai then left as well, but not before vowing to make Charity suffer for what she did. Charity then pleaded with Cain and Debbie not to leave her, but they refused and Charity was left alone. She later received a DVD from Declan that contained all the details of the crimes they had committed. Her lawyer then told her that the police also had a copy.

Episode 6997 — Charity is attacked by a masked figure

On 13th October, Charity emptied the Home Farm safe and proceeded to leave the village. However, she was kidnapped after she stopped to investigate an abandoned vehicle that was blocking a back road. A masked figure jumped over the wall behind Charity and hit her unconscious with a log. Charity awakened in a shipping container, chained to the wall and unable to move. Her abductor was later revealed to be Jai. He tried to get her to tell him where Archie was but when she said she did not know he left her for dead. She was rescued by Cain and Sam who brought her back to Wishing Well Cottage. She insisted she wanted to go to the police about Jai but Cain told her not to as her cousin Sam was involved. However, the next day Sam called the police himself but Charity decided to leave him out of it and not tell them what Jai did. To her dismay, the officer that showed up was DI Mark Bails, with whom it quickly became apparent she had history. Bails saw this as an opportunity to get Charity sent down but she doubted he would be able to prove anything as the insurance fraud was all Declan's idea and she could lie on the stand that violent Declan made her provide him with an alibi as he was threatening Noah. Charity decided to head home but when she arrives at Home Farm she discovered it was being repossessed to cover the fraudulently claimed money that she and Declan acquired. Charity then moved into Butler's Farm with Moira and Cain, much to Moira's dismay.

In November 2014, Charity created an illegal chop shop in one of the barns at Butler's Farm. She employed Ross Barton and Aaron Livesy to help her dismantle the cars. At some point, Charity and Ross had a one-night stand off-screen which later led to the birth of Moses Dingle in June 2015. Charity ended the chop shop after the police investigated Butler's for stolen cars.

When DI Bails was unable to make anything stick to Charity, he changed his strategy and turned his attention to Debbie and her boyfriend, Pete Barton. Bails produced a photograph of Pete dealing ecstasy then accused Pete of supplying a student with the pills which led to her death. Pete was subsequently arrested and charged with manslaughter and Bail made it clear that he had stitched him up, and to make this go away, he wanted evidence that would send Charity down. Debbie who was upset after finding out about the

Charity and Bails 2014 — Charity confesses in December 2014

chop-shop decided to help him set her mother up. They tried to get a recording of Charity confessing to her involvement in the insurance fraud but it got heated and Pete blurted out they were recording her. Desperate to heal her relationship with Debbie, Charity told her and Pete about her history with Bails and how he repeatedly raped and abused her as a teenager. Later, in order to make things right with Debbie, Charity went to confess to her involvement in the insurance fraud. She got charged for insurance fraud and perverting the course of justice and was set to appear in court in early 2015.

2015-2016: Prison

On 20th January 2015, Charity appeared in court and pleaded not guilty. Rachel Breckle returned to testify against Charity in court which helped towards the sentencing. Charity was found not guilty on the charge of fraud but guilty to have perverted the course of justice and was sentenced to two years imprisonment. While waiting to be escorted to the prison, she told Cain that she still loved him and wanted to pursue a relationship with him once she was released but he didn't get time to answer before she was taken away.

A month later, Noah and Cain visited Charity in prison. She told him she has a get out of jail early trick but keeps it vague. He reminded her that he was with Moira and that they are not meant to be together.

Debbie went to visit her on 11th June 2015 and had a go at her for not being in contact. She was then shocked when Charity gave birth to her son, Moses Dingle, as no one knew she was even pregnant. Charity made Debbie his legal guardian and she returned to prison as her get-out-of-jail-early-trick had failed. Cain demanded to know who the baby's father was but Charity said she couldn't tell him.

Episode 7238 — Ross visits Charity in prison

Charity later got compassionate leave to visit Moses in hospital after she was told he may not have long to live. She then contacted Moses father, who was revealed to be Ross Barton. Ross later visited Charity in prison the next month to convince her to not tell anyone that he was the father. She agreed on the terms of him doing a job for her. She told him that it was nothing illegal, so he agreed. It turns out she wanted him to help her wreck Cain and Moira's marriage.

In February 2016, Ross's mother, Emma Barton, went to visit Charity in prison and blackmailed her into putting Ross's name on Moses' birth certificate.

2016-2018: Owner of The Woolpack

Episode 7446 — Charity returns in a stolen car

Cain and Chas went to pick Charity up from prison but when they got there she had already left. A few days later, on 10th March 2016, she unexpectedly returned to Emmerdale with a stolen Ferrari. The police told Cain and Moira that the car had been stolen and it was around the village. On their way home, they found a group of sheep on the road. Moira noticed that the fence was broken and spotted the car. The car reversed but a tyre got stuck in the mud. Someone got out of it and it was Charity asking where the nearest parking meter is. Cain and Charity pushed the car out of the mud while Moira got the sheep back to the farm. While they were all arguing, Moira got in the car and took it back to the dealership, moments before the police arrived.

To everyone's disbelief, it was revealed Charity had bought Diane Sugden's half of The Woolpack when she walked behind the bar and declared to everyone that she was the owner. However, she hadn't paid the money she owed for it yet so she blackmailed Ross into paying her. The following day, Ross went into a jewellery shop in York to do a job, but Charity got worried when she realised he had taken Moses with him. He stole a ring and a Rolex watch for her but it was still not enough so he asked her to help him get the money. Charity and Ross became partners in crime. Moira who was desperate to get money to pay of her daughter's debts agreed to let Charity and Ross use one of her barns for their illegal business. In May 2016, Charity sold her share in Home James Haulage to Robert Sugden for £36,750 and could finally pay back Diane for her share in The Woolpack.

In early August 2016, Cain confided in Charity after his break from Moira, as he was upset at how Moira always put her daughter Holly first and ended up kissing Charity. Later, when Charity's young cousin, Belle Dingle ran away following the revelation of her faked pregnancy the Dingles were furious to discover Charity had been aware of the situation, although Belle lied to her, stating that she had gotten pregnant for real. Whilst searching for Belle in the red light district Charity ran into Holly's ex-boyfriend and drug dealer, Dean, who threatened her for getting him sent down a few months earlier and tried to attack her. Charity overpowered him and had him down on the floor when Cain walked in to confront him. Afterwards, Cain and Charity had sex in the garage, and he stood up for her in front of

CainLeavesCharity — Cain leaves Charity by the road in October

Zak and Lisa. In late September, Cain and Charity started dating and Debbie called Charity, informing her she and the kids planned to stay in France permanently, causing Charity and Cain to decide to leave the village and stay with Debbie in France. However, Cain changed his mind last minute, still in love with Moira, and a devastated Charity faked her suicide by crashing his car in a quarry. She turned up back in the village a few days later and vowed to Noah that from now on he would be her number one priority.

On 24th January 2017, Debbie surprised Charity and Cain by turning up at Wishing Well Cottage after being spotted on the news driving a stolen car. She asked for their help and revealed that she left the car at the side of the road with a lot of money in the back. When Charity, Cain and Debbie were out trying to retrieve the car, two men forced their way in looking for Debbie but kidnapped Jack and Sarah when they realised she was not there. Debbie panicked and questioned where they are, while Sam explained the two men wanted their money back and left a phone to tell her where and when to give it to them. In a desperate attempt to get the money, Charity stole a tranquillizer gun from the vets and headed to the bank in a brown wig to withdraw a substantial amount of cash from Chrissie White's bank account. She managed to get out with the money but accidentally shot herself in the face with the gun and got high off the tranquillizers. With the money Charity got, the others managed to get the kids back and Debbie admitted that the reason she needed the money was for Sarah's treatment as her cancer has returned and she would die without it.

In February 2017, Charity was forced into helping Frank Clayton with a diamond scam to get money for Sarah's treatment which took place inside Home Farm, without the Whites knowing. Following the scam, Charity and Frank slept together, and afterwards, he demanded a share of what they would make from the scam but Charity threatened to tell Megan, Frank's girlfriend, what happened.

Charity and Megan — Charity discover Megan's revenge plan

In June, Charity and Debbie went into business together, buying cars to rent to people. Charity remortgaged The Woolpack to buy a Bentley and their business was a success. A few weeks later, Frank's daughter Tracy overheard Charity and Frank discussing their one-night-stand. She revealed her findings to Frank's fiancée Megan, and Charity and Megan had a fight in the middle of The Woolpack. Wanting revenge, Megan planned to frame Frank for fraud, whilst fleeing the village with her daughter Eliza. However, Charity caught wind and forced her way in on the plan. A few weeks later, the girls decided to go ahead with their plan, and the wheels were set in motion, but Megan got cold feet and prevented Charity from calling the police. Charity decided that this was what Frank deserved, and locked Megan in the cellar while calling the police, resulted in Frank being arrested while aware that Megan had set him up.

In September 2017, When Debbie planned to buy a house for her and the kids, Charity wanted to help her get the money and booked a meeting with Graham Foster who wanted to rent the Bentley for his boss. During the meeting, the Bentley was stolen and they were about to cancel the contract, but Graham's boss Tom Waterhouse developed a soft spot for Debbie and bought them a new Bentley.

In October 2017, Charity winded up Frank, and when she went into the cellar to change a barrel, Frank's daughter Vanessa Woodfield followed her, unintentionally locking themselves in when she closed the door. Knowing that nobody would come to get them, the pair began talking, which turned into a romantic moment, and they shared a kiss. The following day, Vanessa confronted Charity about the kiss, saying it was a mistake and would not happen again. But just a few moments later they kissed again and Vanessa followed Charity to the bedroom. The day after, Vanessa brought Daz Spencer to the pub as her date, determined to prove she was straight. This winded Charity up so she blurted out to everybody in the pub that they had slept together. Vanessa later denied having feelings for Charity, however, a few weeks later, Charity sent Vanessa a text message asking her to come over, leading to them starting to sleep together. In December their relationship became public when Paddy Kirk accidentally walked in on them in the cellar.

Charity began to find herself in debt at The Woolpack, and with Chas's return, Charity knew she had to do something. With Debbie refusing to ask Tom for money, Charity decided she would go herself. Tom, knowing from Debbie and Graham what Charity was like, convinces Graham to pose as himself. When "Tom" refuses to give in to Charity, Charity met "businessman" Hugo, who turned out to be a conman after she caught him robbing the till at The Woolpack. Threatening to stab Charity with his screwdriver, Charity told him to go and never come back. Luckily Debbie managed to get the money to cover what he stole and paid off the debt.

Charity met Tom in person but failed to recognise him. In January 2018, Debbie discovered Tom was behind the Dale Woods Golf Course project which was trying to force the demolition of the Wishing Well Cottage, she forgave him, although Charity, still suspicious of him, sneaked into his office building and

Debbie and Charity find out Joe's true identity — "Tom" reveals his true identity

searched his drawer where she found his passport and discovered Tom was lying about his identity. He then revealed himself to be Charity's former stepson Joseph Tate and publicly humiliated Debbie as revenge on Charity for his father's death. Joe also told Charity that he paid Hugo to steal the pub's takings. Charity and Joe became sworn enemies, consequently, Charity was forced to tell Noah the truth about his father's death and that Joe was his half-brother. Joe told them he wanted to get to know his brother but Charity disapproved.

2018-: Relationship with Vanessa Woodfield and abuse trial

Charity went into a panic when Rhona jokingly referred to her as Vanessa's girlfriend and started frantically flirting with other people and acting nonchalant towards their relationship. Vanessa got sick of Charity's childish behaviour and told her to leave her alone, rendering Charity speechless. Charity tried to get back on Vanessa's good side by chasing her down the street one night, revealing that she did care about her and even though she was not looking for something serious they could still have a bit of fun. They kissed and Vanessa invited her back to hers. On 22nd February 2018, Charity and Vanessa made their relationship official after months of teasing and denying their feelings for each other. Charity admitted she felt ‘sick and panicky’ after Vanessa went to a gay bar with Robert Sugden and some of the village girls. Vanessa then called Charity her girlfriend and Charity didn't run but kissed her new girlfriend.

Charity Dingle 10th April 2018 — Charity opens up to Vanessa

In March 2018, after Vanessa's sister Tracy Metcalfe, who was also a former prostitute, reported one of her former clients, Phil Webb for blackmailing and harassing her, Charity was there alongside Vanessa to support her. When Phil's conviction made the news Charity was distressed to see DI Mark Bails was the one who handled the case and even more so to hear him talking about working with vulnerable people. On 10th April 2019, Charity admitted to Vanessa the repeated rape and abuse she suffered when she was only 14-years-old at the hands of Bails. She told her how he used to arrest her for soliciting and how she thought she could trust him. He let her live in a flat he'd bought which she happily agreed to as she was homeless. The first night she got there he raped her and the abuse continued until she finally managed to escape, stealing his police car and attempting to report him at the police station. Vanessa was horrified and told her she should go to the police, but she refused as they didn't believe her then and she reckoned

Charity and bails — DI Bails threatens Charity

they wouldn't believe her now. Tracy, unaware of what Bails had done, partnered with him to launch an initiative to help sex workers which left Vanessa fearing for her sister's safety and begging Charity to do something about it. Charity went after Bails and demanded he stay away from Tracy but he insisted she had no power over him. He offered her £20 000 to not mention their past to anyone again, stating that even if she did say something, no-one would believe her. Charity accepted the hush money much to Vanessa's disgust.

On 8th May 2018, on the day of the launch of The Hotten District Campaign to support Sex Workers, Charity realised she could no longer sit back and let Bails continue working with vulnerable women and girls. She packed up the hush money and arrived at the conference just as Bails was making his speech. Although unnerved by Charity's presence, Bails continued his speech, finishing by insisting sex workers weren't worth less than anyone else and that all women count. Charity, not being able to keep it in anymore. went up towards him exclaiming 'All women count. Except me, yeah? Because if I would have counted for anything you wouldn't have hurt me'. Despite Bails' attempts to discredit her, Charity blurted out that Bails repeatedly raped her and pimped her out to his mates when she was just a kid. She was then dragged off by the police to the station where they asked her to make her accusations official. With the lack of evidence, Charity was told her case was rather weak but admitted to Harriet Finch that the rape at the hands of Bails had led to her giving birth to a child who died shortly after birth. However, with the police's help Charity soon learned that her son was still alive and had gotten adopted by the midwife, Irene Stocks.

Charity and Ryan first meeting — Charity meets her long-lost son Ryan

After much back and forth Charity got in contact with Irene who agreed to meet her. However, on 5th June 2018, she was shocked to instead come face-to-face with her now twenty-seven-year-old-son, Ryan Stocks. Charity attempted to make up for lost time with Ryan and he agreed to submit a DNA sample to the police which proved Bails was Ryan's father. With this new evidence, Bails changed his statement, claiming the sex was consensual as in 1990 sex with a minor had to be reported within a year, if not the perpetrator couldn't be prosecuted. Charity and Ryan eventually started building a relationship but he got upset when she didn't want to introduce him to the rest of her family yet, thinking she was ashamed of him. However, she was forced to reveal who he was when he was asking for her at the pub and it started to kick off between him and the Dingles. Most of the family was accepting of him but Noah struggled to take in the news, although, he eventually came around and he and Ryan attended the trial together.

On 11th September 2018, Bails was put on trial. In court, Charity was forced to retell her entire history with Bail. Charity told the court how Bails raped her on her first night in the flat and when

Charity dingle in court — Charity testifies against Bails in court

she asked him to stop he just laughed. The defence tried to paint a picture of what Charity went through as the two being in a relationship with Bails caring deeply for her, suggesting Charity was a confused woman, seeking to rewrite her past. The next day, Charity went to court, after some persuading from Ryan, to hear Bails' verdict as he was found guilty of unlawfully imprisoning Charity, living on Charity's earnings from prostitution, and raping her. Consequently, he was sentenced to thirty years imprisonment.

After the trial Charity struggled to cope and started spiralling. However, she soon realised that her dad, Obadiah Dingle, was at the root of all her issues and decided to go see him. On 26th September 2018, upon arriving at his place, Charity was shocked when Obadiah revealed that he had lied about her mother's cause of death, stating it to be cancer when in actuality it was suicide, and destroyed Charity's only happy memory of him taking her to the beach every day by revealing that he was searching for her mother's body. She returned to the village and told Zak and Vanessa that the visit made her realise that she will never be like her father and that her children would know that they are loved and wanted no matter what. Later that day she thanked Vanessa for all she had done for her and told her she loved her, and Vanessa reciprocated her feelings. In December, Vanessa moved in with Charity at The Woolpack.

In October 2018, Charity was arrested after Kim Tate got pushed off a balcony at the mascarade ball at Home Farm. When the police questioned the people at the ball their focus quickly turned to Charity, as she had a motive after Kim cruelly revelled in how she had run step-grandson Joe out of town, thus making him jilt Debbie at the altar on their wedding day. Charity's very vocal hatred for the victim coupled with her lack of alibi landed her a night at the police station. However, she was confused when after hours of questioning she was released without explanation and even more surprised to see Vanessa waiting for her outside. Vanessa revealed she had lied to the police, saying they were together at the time of the incident. Charity called her stupid for risking prison by lying to the police but thanked her as her lies had worked.

In January 2019, in an attempt to target Belle Dingle, Donny Cairn set fire to The Woolpack with Belle and the Dingles still inside.

Episode 8364 — Charity attacks Donny with a metal bar

Vanessa caught him in the act and whilst trying to stop him they fought and he grabbed a broken bottle and stabbed Vanessa in the abdomen before taking off in her car, unaware Vanessa's three-year-old son Johnny was in the back. Charity found Vanessa bleeding outside and shouted at the others to call an ambulance. Per Vanessa's request, she drove off after Donny to get Johnny back. Charity spotted them at the side of the road and rescued the toddler before having it out with Donny and beating him with a metal pole, restraining him until the police arrived. Later, Charity arrived at the hospital and was distraught upon finding out Vanessa had taken a turn for the worse on her way

Episode 8370 — Charity and Vanessa get engaged

in and was now in need of surgery. As Vanessa recovered, Charity confessed to Chas how her girlfriend's near miss made her realise that she couldn't cope without her and decided to propose. However, Charity was stressed about how to do it, as she could not think of anything worthy enough. On 17th January 2019, Charity proposed to girlfriend Vanessa. However, Vanessa was embarrassed when Charity hijacked someone else's proposal to do so but later said yes when Charity proposed for a second time with just the two of them present.

In March 2019, Charity received a phone call from Lisa and went to visit her in Scotland. She revealed that she was terminally ill and asked Charity to write her a eulogy. When Charity returned to the village she was forced to keep her mouth shut as she had promised Lisa not to tell anyone. Charity struggled with keeping it all to herself and confided in fiancee Vanessa. When Lisa returned in May, she finally revealed the truth to the family, making Belle furious with Charity for not telling her. The Dingles were left devastated when on 23rd May 2019, Lisa passed away after remarrying Uncle Zak. On 6th June, Charity read her eulogy at Lisa's funeral and received a personal letter from her.

Episode 8565 — Debbie and Charity have a tearful goodbye

In August 2019, after Frank Clayton's death, Charity helped Vanessa as best she could but was soon hit with her own disaster when Debbie revealed her plans to move to Scotland which Charity struggled to handle. On 13th August 2019, not ready to let go of her daughter that easy, Charity started a huge row just before Debbie was set to leave, resulting in Charity missing seeing her off. However, after some encouragement from Ryan, she runs after Debbie's car and they have a heart-to-heart on the side of the road where Charity admits she doesn't want Debbie to go as she's afraid she won't come back, however, Debbie reassures her that even though she can't guarantee she'll return, everything is okay between them now and they can still visit all the time. Following Debbie's departure, Charity, Vanessa and their kids move into Jacobs Fold to look after Sarah who Debbie left in their care when she insisted on staying in the village.

Charity at the casino — Charity is revealed to be part of Mandy Dingle's criminal past.

Charity was later revealed to have assisted her cousin Mandy Dingle in a scam when she worked as the head of security at a line of casinos. At the time, Charity went by the names "The Little Mermaid" and "Red". Mandy repositioned the cameras, and her son Vinny was watching every move the dealer made, relaying it all to Charity, telling her to either stick or twist. Mandy only prayed she'd stick to the plan, because she loves to improvise, being "a bit of a loose cannon if truth be told". But, in true Dingle fashion, things didn't go according to plan. Charity was supposed to lose a hand occasionally to make it look legit, but she got greedy and kept winning. However, her luck ran out. Vinny was shouting but she couldn't hear, and then Terry wanted a word, and also wanted his money. Mandy just prayed Charity would cut and won. She tried to make a break for it, but "Red" had other ideas, gambling all of their winnings. Mandy was left with no other choice but to get Charity out of there and fast. Mandy then set the fire alarm off and, while everyone else exited the casino, robbed some of the money, not wanting to go home empty-handed as a life on the run from Terry didn't come cheap. Mandy and Charity then ran for their lives. They eventually found Vinny in a van, and they got in it and drove off.

Background Information

Suranne Jones auditioned for the role of Charity but lost out to Emma Atkins.
On 26th July 2004, it was reported that Atkins had quit Emmerdale, claiming that it was time to move on. She made her on-screen departure on 1st March 2005.
On 18th March 2009, it was announced Atkins would be returning to Emmerdale as part of the ongoing overhaul of the show by series producer, Gavin Blyth. Charity and her five-year-old son returned in 1st October 2009.
On 20th January 2015, Atkins confirmed that she would be taking temporary maternity leave from the show, thus Charity was written out of the show by receiving a prison sentence for perverting the course of justice, although she made sporadic appearances throughout the rest of 2015. Charity returned permanently on 10th March 2016 when she was released from prison.
Charity was portrayed by Mica Proctor in flashback scenes in Episode 8162 (29th May 2018).

Quotes

"I uh, don't suppose you sell flowers?" (first line, to Viv in the shop)

"Unless you want your teeth introduced to your throat, I suggest you shut it." (to Shadrach Dingle)

"I want you to take it." (to Debbie Dingle, last line from her departure in 2005)

"Leave this to me." (to Michael Conway, first line from her return in 2009)

"You were never a match for me." (after 'killing' Declan Macey in 2014)

"Don't suppose you know where the nearest parking meter is." (to Cain and Moira Dingle, after returning in March 2016 with a stolen car)

"The people you give your love to, it's their job to make your burden a little bit lighter." (to Tracy Metcalfe)

"Why's everyone so happy? Did Joe Tate die?"

"I don't have it! I had it. Him" (to Harriet Finch, revealing that her abuse at the hands of DI Bails led to her giving birth to a child)

"Of course I do! I make you drink, I made you hit me when I was a kid! I force men to beat me, to rape me, because I'm too gobby, too demanding, too attractive. Every time a man sins, I take the blame. Well, not anymore." (to Obadiah Dingle after he blames her for his drinking)

"This is for Vanessa! (to Donny Cairn, before hitting him over the head with a metal pole)

Gallery

Charity Dingle's first appearance in March 2000
Charity's secret lover is revealed as Zoe Tate
Charity and Chris Tate get married
Cain confronts Charity about Debbie being her daughter
Debbie shows Charity a picture of her as a teenager, revealing she is her daughter
Young Debbie with Charity and Cain
Debbie witnesses Cain and Charity kissing while Charity is married to Chris
Charity tries to seduce Zoe
Charity is sentenced to life in prison
Charity and Zoe with baby Noah
Sadie King pushes Charity down the stairs at Holdgate Farm
Charity, Sadie and Tom
Charity's failed wedding to Tom King
Charity's affair with Jimmy King in February 2005
Charity's departure in March 2005
Charity's return in October 2009
Charity and Noah at her wedding to Michael Conway
Charity and Noah in 2009
Charity and Cain get engaged in December 2009
Charity and Cain almost get married in 2010
Cain holds Charity hostage in a hotel room in March 2011
Charity and Jai Sharma get married
Charity and Declan Macey's wedding in 2014
Charity runs away from Declan trying to murder her
Charity is sentenced to 2 years in prison in January 2015
Charity returns from prison in a stolen car in March 2016
Charity and Cain plans to leave the village together
Charity tells Debbie she's really empty
Charity and Vanessa's first kiss
Charity tells Vanessa about her past with DI Bails
Charity publicly accuses DI Bails in May 2018
Charity recalls her life being imprisoned by Bails at the age of 14
Charity and Ryan's first meeting
Charity testifies against DI Bails in court
Charity and Vanessa get engaged in January 2019
Debbie and Charity have a tearful goodbye in August 2019