Residents of Emmerdale were left devastated in today's episode as they learned that Jimmy King (Nick Miles) had died. The long-standing character, first introduced in 2004, crashed into a wedding marquee earlier this week.
Jimmy was heading up the road in his car to prepare a surprise for Nicola King (Nicola Wheeler) when he had to swerve to avoid hitting someone. His car smashed through the tent, knocking him, Joe Tate (Ned Porteous) and Dawn Taylor (Olivia Bromley) unconscious.
Nicola's desperate attempt to save Jimmy
Nicola arrived at the scene and rushed to help her husband, but it quickly became clear he would not survive. The character died in his car, marking the end of an era. Nicola had little time to say goodbye because Dawn noticed the marquee was on fire. With Joe trapped, Dawn grabbed Nicola and ran as the marquee exploded before Graham Foster (Andrew Scarborough) could reach Joe. Miraculously, Joe survived.
Villagers reflect on Jimmy's life
As Dawn and Joe were rushed to hospital, Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy) arrived to support Nicola, who fell apart as Jimmy's body was brought out of the wreckage. Word spread to the rest of the village, and in the pub, residents including Eric Pollard (Chris Chittell), Rodney Blackstock (Patrick Mower) and Bob Hope (Tony Audenshaw) reflected on Jimmy's life.
Jimmy arrived as a King and, like his siblings, could be ruthless when needed, with loyalty to his family often coming first. But Nicola changed him, revealing a softer side, and together they built a life beyond the King name.
Breaking the news to their children
At home, Nicola had the heartbreaking task of telling their three children that their dad had died. The King household will have to find a way forward without him, but things will never be the same again.
