Emmerdale fans say 'she's what' as Dingles unite off-screen for massive celebration

Emmerdale fans have been left stunned as the famous Dingle clan united off-screen for a huge personal celebration. It's been a whopping three decades since the ITV soap's much-loved family first arrived on screens, now with multiple generations of known members.

But the beloved family have recently been rocked by the news of their patriarch Zak Dingle's death, coinciding with the loss of the legendary actor behind the character, Steve Halliwell, last December.

This week, viewers saw Cain Dingle informed about his father's passing by wife Moira, after she picked up a call from his daughter Debbie who had been living alongside Zak in Scotland for a number of years.

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In an unusual move for the ITV soap, incidental music played as Cain was seen visiting each of his family members in turn, starting with Sam and Belle before later visiting the Woolpack to tell half-sister Chas and Marlon the news of Zak's death before the Dingles rallied together.

Cain and Sam went on to leave the village, but only briefly, to bring their father home. They were quickly back, with Zak in tow, with the head of the family leaving instructions for his family to take him back to Wishing Well, where he wished to be buried in the garden, and wanted proceedings to be carried out, not by a vicar, within 48 hours of his death.

But as the heartbreaking scenes play out, those who play the much-loved Dingle characters were seen together celebrating the birthday of Karen Blick, who fans know as Lydia Dingle.

Sharing a photo of the birthday girl to Instagram, Mandy Dingle star Lisa said: "HAPPY PRE-50th, 50th Birthday gorgeous @karenblick1 what a gorg night…..we all love ya to pieces," alongside a picture of her co-star beaming at a table in a restaurant where it had been decorated with a silver '50' balloon.

A follow-up post showed who turned up for the meal, with James Hooten (Sam), Will Ash (Caleb) Marck Charnock (Marlon), Emma Atkins (Charity), Katie Hill (Sarah), Jack Downham (Noah), Bradley Johnson (Vinnie), Sam Hall (Samson) and Eden Taylor Draper (Belle) all seen beaming for a group shot.

Captioning the post, Lisa wrote: "What a beautiful night celebrating the gorgeous @karenblick1 Pre-50th-50th Birthday….all our love @hootonjames #willash @markcharnock @lisajaneriley @missemmaatkins @katiehiil @j_downham @bradjakejohnson @samhalll1 @swedentd."

And fans were quick to respond with birthday wishes for Karen and surprise over her age. @scottwlford said: "Good lord she’s what? 50?! She doesn’t look it but younger. Happy early 50th Karen." @emiliekayy commented: "The most gorgeous group of people." @beautielady wrote: "Oh 50 already no way she looks young!!! Well Happy Birthday Karen!!"

@rebecca.shipway.1410 replied: "Fabulous photo. Happy 50th birthday Karen." @iamsarahannett posted: "Welcome to the fabulous 50’s Karen." @carol_down shared: "Cannot believe you’re 50 don’t look anywhere near 50." @sallys_cornwall_photography_ added: "Wow . Happy 50th birthday Karen . Enjoy your very special day."