Emmerdale's Tina Dingle returns after 28 years - who is she and who plays her now after recast

Emmerdale's Tina Dingle made a comeback to the ITV soap after 28 years away, but who is she and who is the actress currently playing her?

There has been a change in casting, with original actress Jacqueline Pirie not reprising her role following her last appearance on screen in 1996. As Zak Dingle's funeral commenced on Thursday night, the Dingle clan assembled to bid farewell - as broadcasted on Thursday morning on ITVX.

They were taken aback when a woman unexpectedly intruded on the occasion, and it was evident she was a family member. The truth soon unfolded as Chas Dingle identified the enigmatic woman as Tina Dingle.

But who is Tina exactly, and what is her connection to Zak and the rest of the Dingle family? Who is the new actress playing Tina, and where has she been all these years?

Here's where you might recognise the new actress from, including her past TV roles, as well as a refresher on the character....

Who is Tina Dingle and when did she appear on the show?

Tina Dingle is Zak's daughter, and sister to Sam and Cain Dingle. She also had other siblings on the show including Butch Dingle.

She was an original member of the family, making her debut 30 years ago in 1994 before departing two years later in 1996. Tina was involved in a revenge plotline as she sought vengeance for the murder of her older brother Ben Dingle reports the Mirror.

The character once worked at Home Farm alongside Kim and Frank Tate, during which she confided in Mandy Dingle about Frank's harassment. Tina then departed for London and was not heard from again, with hints suggesting she had lost contact with her family, including her father Zak.

Who is the current actress playing Tina Dingle?

The role of Tina has been recast, originally portrayed by actress and author Jacqueline Pirie from 1994 to 1996. The character is now brought to life by actress Samantha Power, a familiar face to many viewers.

Samantha's previous acting credits include appearances on shows such as Ackley Bridge and Brassic. She has also featured in Doctors, two roles on Coronation Street, Holby City, Prisoners Wives, Heartbeat and Waterloo Road.

Jacqueline, the former Tina, reportedly declined the opportunity to reprise her role. A source informed The Sun: "Jacqueline loved her time on Emmerdale and life as an actress but it was a long time ago and she's moved on.

"She lives in Canada now and has a new career as a novelist and while she'll always be fond of the show, a return isn't something she's interested in. These things happen, people move on and recasts happen all the time."