Emmerdale Dingle legend on heartbreaking moment they knew they had to quit ITV soap

A former Emmerdale star has opened up about the moment she decided to leave the iconic ITV soap for good.

Ursula Holden-Gill, who won over fans as Alice Dingle when she arrived in the Dales back in 2004, quickly became a beloved character among the show's dedicated fanbase.

Viewers fondly remember Alice as the caring Emmerdale mother who was married to Sam Dingle (portrayed by James Hooton) and had a son, Samson. Her storyline took a heartbreaking turn when her character was written out of the show in 2006 after a battle with cancer.

Alice's journey saw her diagnosed with cancer during her pregnancy. Despite medical advice, she carried on with the pregnancy and delivered her son prematurely.

She underwent chemotherapy, which unfortunately did not succeed. Facing her fate, Alice and her husband Sam devised a euthanasia plan, leading to her poignant death from a morphine overdose in 2006, reports Leeds Live.

Post-Emmerdale, Ursula pursued a new path in 2007, embarking on a teacher training course, achieving Qualified Teacher Status, and carving out a niche as a professional Storyteller.

The West Yorkshire-born actress has since stepped away from acting altogether, with her final appearance being in the TV mini-series 'In the Dark' in 2017.

Reflecting on her time at Emmerdale and her decision to exit the series, Ursula spoke to Haigh Simpson and revealed a telling moment. When asked if she would consider returning to television, she responded frankly: "Not really. Only to pay bits off the mortgage."

The former soap actress opened up about her realisation that television "never really suited" her personality, recalling a pivotal moment.

She recounted: "I remember being sat in a London penthouse hotel room just before the National Television Awards in 2006, calling a friend to ask how my dog was and confessing that I'd have far rather been sat with them by the fire in the Fox and Goose," she shared. Ursula added poignantly: "I think that says it all really. I quit the day after."

In addition to her storytelling prowess, Ursula became a qualified Dramatherapist in 2022. Her website details her dedication to "committed to Child and Family Trauma Therapy".

Moreover, the former TV star has trained as a Celebrant with The Order Of Bards, Ovates and Druids. In her role as a Family Celebrant, Ursula presides over various ceremonies including baby naming, Civil Partnerships, funerals, memorials, weddings, and vow renewals.

Her website further notes: "All proceeds from Ursula's work as a Celebrant are gifted to her chosen charity: Compassion in World Farming."

Ursula has also undergone a transformation in her appearance. Nearly two decades on from her Emmerdale tenure, where she was known for her short, fiery red hair, she now sports a longer hairstyle that lightly brushes her chin.

Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm

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