Speculation is mounting that Debbie Dingle could make a return to Emmerdale as her grandmother Faith begins her final days after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. Debbie, played by Charley Webb, was last seen in the village in 2019 after being exposed as Al Chapman’s secret lover and being involved in Sarah Sugden’s drug storyline. She left for Scotland to run a garage left to her in Lisa Dingle’s will, just days before Faith returned from an 18-month absence.
Debbie and Faith were once extremely close, largely due to Debbie’s daughter Sarah. When Sarah needed proton beam therapy for throat cancer, Faith paid £20,000 for the treatment and accompanied her to Prague as her chaperone. Although Sarah later developed heart failure as a rare side effect, Faith remained by her great-granddaughter’s side. With Faith now terminally ill, fans believe Debbie could return to repay her grandmother’s kindness.
Actress Sally Dexter, who plays Faith, hinted at possible returns, saying Faith loves her family unconditionally and every minute is precious. Lucy Pargeter, who plays Chas Dingle, added that Chas is keen to bring the family together, including repairing the rift between Cain and Faith. It is suggested Chas might contact Debbie to bring her back as Faith’s condition worsens.
However, Charley Webb confirmed earlier this year she would not be returning to the soap. In a January Instagram post, she replied to a fan question about a longer stint, stating she had no plans to come back. Despite this, the door remains open for a temporary return, and viewers are eager to see if Debbie will appear for Faith’s farewell.
