Darren "Daz" Eden is a fictional character from the British ITVsoap operaEmmerdale, played by Luke Tittensor. He made his first appearance in the show on 9 October 2003. Six years into his tenure on the soap, it was announced that Tittensor had been released from Emmerdale due to a conviction of grievous bodily harm. Following a meeting with the show's bosses, the decision was taken to terminate Tittensor's contract due to the serious nature of the charge and to allow him to focus on the court case.
Luke Tittensor was cast as Daz and made his first appearance in October 2003. At the age of 19, Tittensor was charged with grievous bodily harm after he attacked a 16-year-old. Since he pleaded guilty to the crime and due to the serious nature of the charge, ITV felt they "had no choice but to let the actor go".[1] ITV also wanted to "enable him to focus on the court case".[2] In a statement, ITV said: "As Luke has pleaded guilty to the serious charge of GBH and we cannot condone criminal behaviour, we have met with Luke and his agent to explain his contract with Emmerdale will be terminated. Luke regrets his behaviour and understands this situation."[1] Jess Grieveson-Smith of Leeds Live wrote that ITV's sacking had been "unceremonious".[1] His final scenes aired on 24 April 2009.[3]
Daz was initially a troublemaker as he had a history of stealing cars but tried to make amends with community service. Unfortunately, things did not go according to plan. Katie used this to her advantage when she threatened Daz that if he told Andy about her affair with Robert, she would make sure that he went back into care. Daz ignored her and told Andy regardless so Katie carried out her threat after persuading Andy that Daz was lying. However, after learning the truth when Katie left Andy for Robert, he visited Daz and persuaded him to return to the farm.
Initially it was just Andy and Daz but needing money, Andy allowed Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) and his daughter, Debbie (Charley Webb), to move in. Daz got involved in Cain's schemes but a more serious problem was soon discovered. Andy and Debbie were having a relationship but kept it secret. When Cain found out, he told Andy to end the relationship or he would lead Daz astray. Wanting to protect Daz, Andy ended his relationship with Debbie, unaware that she was pregnant. Daz discovered Debbie's secret, weeks before the baby was due to be born. When she phoned, Daz found her in Seth Armstrong's (Stan Richards) old hide and almost delivered baby Sarah. He offered to stand by Debbie and Sarah but Debbie said no so Daz settled for being friends. For the first time in his life, Daz felt he had someone he could love unconditionally and was bereft when Debbie gave Sarah away. Daz did not want anything to do with Debbie but this was difficult as they were both friends with Jasmine Thomas (Jenna-Louise Coleman). Daz had a crush on Jasmine and was horrified to discover that she and Debbie were dating.
Meanwhile, at home, there were more problems. He and Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper) almost died after falling down an old mine shaft. Thankfully they were found and after a brief stay in hospital, given the all-clear and sent home. Daz finally felt loved, secure and settled at Butler's Farm until Andy's wife, Katie (Sammy Winward), returned. Everything fell apart as Daz could not believe Andy would forgive Katie and take her back so he demanded that Andy choose – him or Katie. Andy chose Katie and Daz stayed with Jack and Diane Sugden (Elizabeth Estensen). Jack was happy to have Daz permanently but Diane was recovering from colon cancer and did not feel she could cope with two teenagers. Jack suggested they adopt Daz but Diane said no and insisted he return to Butler's Farm. Daz, however, was not happy with this. Andy might have forgiven Katie but Daz had not and he made certain she knew. Following a heated argument, he kissed her and horrified, she pushed him away. He apologised and they agreed to forget it ever happened but Jo Stiles (Roxanne Pallett), Andy and Katie's lodger, saw them. She knew Katie wanted her to leave and threatened to tell Andy about her and Daz kissing unless Katie agreed she could stay.
Denise (now Lisa Parry) returned to the village and swearing she had reformed, asked Daz to move back in with her. Feeling guilty about kissing Katie, Daz agreed. Andy was upset by his departure but Daz returned a couple of months later with Pearl Ladderbanks (Meg Johnson). Diane phoned Denise to let her know Daz was safe and tried to help them reconcile. Denise visited but demanded Daz make amends to her boyfriend, fearing he'd leave, so Diane threw her out. She and Jack then started adoption proceedings. While Denise seemed happy to allow it, his father – Billy Hopwood (David Crellin) – was not. He opposed the adoption as he felt the Sugdens had already stolen one of his sons, he was not prepared to let them have both.
On his release from prison, Billy moved to the village. He got a job with King & Sons and moved into Edna Birch's (Shirley Stelfox) spare room. He tried to build relationships with Andy and Daz but Andy made it clear that Jack was his father. He also tried to make amends with Viv Hope (Deena Payne), Kelly Windsor (Adele Silva) and Donna Windsor-Dingle (Verity Rushworth). Jack was unhappy about Billy having contact with Daz, even after he saved Victoria Sugden's (Isabel Hodgins) life, but Daz and Billy bonded as father and son, regardless. Daz even took baby Sarah to see him when she returned to the village but Andy was angry and made Daz promise not to do it again. Unfortunately, Daz's relationship with Billy was damaged when he found out that Billy was having an affair with Diane. When Victoria accidentally set fire to the house, injuring herself, Billy and Jack, Billy rescued Andy and Jack. All three were taken to hospital and made full recoveries. Needing a clean break, Billy discharged himself and left the area, moving to Sheffield. Following the fire, the Sugdens moved into Butler's Farm with Andy, Jo and Sarah. Unfortunately overcrowding meant Daz decided to move in with Sam Dingle and his infant son, as he needed a lodger. He and his girlfriend, Penny Drury (Amelia Sefton), were happy as they had more room and fewer adults supervising them. Everything was fine until Samson found a vodka and coke and drank it so Sam rushed him to hospital. Luckily, he was fine but Daz asked Penny to apologise to Sam. She refused and called Sam names so Daz ended their relationship.
Daz was happy to stay single but Scarlett Nicholls (Kelsey-Beth Crossley) had other ideas. They met in early 2007 when she and her mother, Carrie (Linda Lusardi), moved to the village so Scarlett could get to know her half-brothers. Scarlett fancied him instantly and Daz found out when she made him a CD of what she thought were his favourite songs. Victoria had helped Scarlett with it but did not tell her that she was friends with Penny and did it as a practical joke. When Scarlett found out, she ran off and Daz went after her, telling her that he was flattered but was dating Penny and made both girls apologise. When Scarlett and Daz did get together, just after Scarlett's 16th birthday, Jimmy felt Daz was not good enough and that Scarlett was too young for boyfriends but Lexi talked him round. When Sam moved back in with the Dingles', Scarlett suggested she move in but Daz was not ready for that and asked his best mate, Jake Doland (James Baxter), to move in instead. Together, they made sure that Scarlett would not want to move in and it worked, thanks to some advice from Lexi. In early 2008, Jack went to Spain to look after his mother and Andy was in prison. Daz helped Jo on the farm but was unaware that a former inmate, who Andy had annoyed, was blackmailing her. He threatened to have Andy harmed if she did not do as he said and even threatened Sarah. Jo told Debbie, who – aided by Chas and the McFarlanes – made sure that Charlie would never return to Yorkshire. Unfortunately Jo's problems continued on Andy's release, when he started beating her. By autumn 2008, Andy's abuse had been exposed, but Daz refused to believe Jo, supporting Andy until he saw Andy threaten her. Horrified and disgusted, Daz turned against him. Weeks later, when Andy tried to see Jo, he and Daz argued, leading to him punching Andy. Daz was scared as he worried he was turning into Andy and his father. In December, Andy began to convince Daz he had changed. Daz was suspicious but could not prove anything. He was proved right when Lee Naylor caught Andy sabotaging farm equipment so Jo would ask him to mend it. During this time, Daz and Victoria became closer and kissed on Christmas Day 2008. Both felt guilty, as they were practically siblings, and were awkward around each other. Later that day, he and Victoria were on the lake when the ice cracked and Victoria fell in. Daz jumped in, looking for her, and pulled her out of the lake. He performed CPR, desperately trying to save her and succeeded. They were taken to hospital and kept in overnight. Later, Victoria told him she had seen a dead body in the lake. They found the body (Shane Doyle) a few days later and a police enquiry was launched.
On 5 February 2009, Annie Sugden (Sheila Mercier) phoned The Woolpack, informing them of Jack's death. Daz was devastated to lose the father figure he loved and respected. He was one of the pallbearers at Jack's funeral. When Annie revealed that Jack had wanted Andy to take over as head of the family, he moved into Butler's Farm with Andy, who also reclaimed his daughter from the Dingles. At this point, Victoria decided to live with Annie in Spain. This upset Daz and the night of the funeral, Daz said he could not imagine life in the village without her and would miss her too much. She asked what their relationship was and he told her he was not sure. He was thrown by the chemistry between them, just as she was, but knew the village saw them as brother and sister. Encouraged by what Daz had said, Victoria agreed to move into Butler's Farm too.
In April, Daz took Victoria out for a drive in a sports car as a birthday present. It was meant to be Scarlett, Daz and Victoria but the car was a two-seater so Scarlett insisted Daz take Victoria. Daz suggested sending the car back but Scarlett would not hear of it. Following a row, after they got lost, Daz and Victoria slept together in a deserted barn. Victoria was thrilled, thinking she and Daz were a couple now but Daz told her that he was not going to dump Scarlett. He felt guilty about cheating on Scarlett and told Victoria that it was a mistake and they should forget about it. Victoria hoped Daz would change his mind but when he did not, Victoria told him that she was pregnant, just as he and Scarlett were going away for a weekend. The weekend was a disaster as he kept thinking of Victoria and on his return, Daz took Victoria for a drive. He told Victoria that she'd have to see a doctor and that people would think he was a pervert if they announced that she was expecting his baby, so Victoria admitted she'd lied. Furious, Daz moved back into Dale View with Jake. Knowing Daz would be annoyed, Victoria reconciled with Aaron Livesy (Danny Miller). In May, Aaron and Victoria slept together and, thinking Daz and Jake would be at work, she "borrowed" Jake's keys and took Aaron to Dale View. Unfortunately Daz and Scarlett went home for lunch and found them there. Angry, Daz went for Aaron and trying to stop them fighting, Victoria blurted out that Daz did not want her any more, making Aaron and Scarlett realise Daz and Victoria's relationship was more than brother/sister. Horrified, Daz tried to repair the damage but Aaron and Scarlett did not want to know. Scarlett rushed home in tears and Aaron told Andy about Daz and Victoria's new relationship. Disgusted, Andy threw Daz out, ordering him to leave and never return. Daz was reluctant but felt he had no choice and left with only Jake to see him off. He stopped at the farm, perhaps wanting to see Victoria but did not stay, not wanting to risk seeing Andy.
John Jacob "Jack" Sugden is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Emmerdale. The character was originally played by Andrew Burt from 1972 to 1973 with a brief return in 1976, when the actor left for Italy to write a book. On his return in 1980 he was played by Clive Hornby. Hornby remained in the role until 2008 when he was forced to take a break from Emmerdale due to illness. His last on-screen appearance was on 21 February 2008, and his absence was explained by the character visiting his mother, Annie Sugden in Spain. Although Hornby was intended to return, he died from his illness in July 2008 without returning to the programme. Jack was written out following Hornby's death, dying off-screen of a heart attack in February 2009.
Andy Sugden is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera, Emmerdale, played by Kelvin Fletcher. He made his first on-screen appearance on 4 July 1996. Andy is the son of Billy Hopwood and Trisha Hopwood and the adoptive son of Jack Sugden and Sarah Sugden.
Robert Sugden is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Emmerdale. The character originally appeared on the show regularly between 22 April 1986 and 3 October 2005. During that time he was first played as a baby by Richard Smith between 1986 and 1989 before the role was taken over by Christopher Smith from 1989 until 2001. In 2001, Karl Davies took over the role in order for the character to become involved in more adult storylines, as he grew older. Davies briefly reprised his role as Robert for one episode, airing on 10 February 2009, when he returned for the funeral of his father and Emmerdale's longest running character, Jack Sugden. The character returned on 23 October 2014, with actor Ryan Hawley taking over the role.
Diane Sugden is a fictional character from the British soap opera Emmerdale, played by Elizabeth Estensen. Since her first appearance in 1999, she has been involved in several high-profile storylines, including her marriage to Jack Sugden and his subsequent death, a battle with colon cancer, the revelation that her ex-husband Rodney Blackstock fathered her sister Val Lambert's son, being held hostage in a siege at the Woolpack, sleeping with Val's husband Eric Pollard, being involved in a helicopter crash which kills Val, being stabbed by Chas Dingle, and a feud with Chrissie White. In September 2021, it was announced that Estensen had made the decision to take a break from acting and her initial final appearance as Diane aired on 29 October 2021. However, the following year, Estensen returned to the role of Diane for a guest stint from 12 to 20 October 2022 to celebrate Emmerdale's 50th anniversary.
Sam Dingle is a fictional character from the British television soap opera Emmerdale, played by James Hooton. He made his first appearance in the episode broadcast on 14 February 1995.
Katie Sugden is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Emmerdale, played by Sammy Winward. She made her first screen appearance on 18 July 2001 and Winward's casting was announced a week prior. The character was introduced as a love interest for Andy Sugden and their relationship was a focus point for most of the character's tenure. Winward took maternity leave in 2005, returning the following year. Katie's later stories include relationships with Adam Barton and Declan Macey, the latter whom she marries. Writers placed Katie in danger in 2012 when she is involved in a mineshaft accident. Winward announced her decision to leave the series in November 2014 and Katie was killed-off, making her final appearance on 9 February 2015.
Debbie Dingle is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Emmerdale, played by Charley Webb. Webb has taken maternity leave three times, with the first time being in 2010, and the second in 2016, with Debbie departing on 1 January 2016. She returned on 24 January 2017, and then went on maternity leave for a third time in 2019, with Debbie leaving for Scotland on 13 August 2019. She returned for a short stint on 25 December 2020, and made her final appearance on 11 February 2021.
Jo Stiles is a fictional character from the British television soap opera Emmerdale, played by Roxanne Pallett. She made her first appearance during the episode broadcast on 26 August 2005 and her last appearance on 22 December 2008.
Sandy Thomas is a fictional character from the British soap opera Emmerdale, played by Freddie Jones. Sandy was introduced as the father of Ashley Thomas. He made his first appearance during the episode broadcast on 6 November 2005. The character originally departed in March 2008, but returned to the show in February 2009. On 6 February 2018, it was confirmed that Jones had filmed his final episode and he made his final appearance as Sandy on 19 February 2018.
Victoria Sugden is a fictional character from the British soap opera Emmerdale, played since 12 October 2006 by Isabel Hodgins. As a young child, Victoria was played by Jessica Heywood until 1997, followed by Hannah Midgley from 1997 to 2006. Victoria is currently the longest serving female character on the soap. Her storylines have included surviving an explosion which she caused, being put in psychiatric care, being bullied at school, romancing Daz Eden, marrying Adam Barton, accidentally running over Ashley Thomas, coping when Adam goes on the run, falling in love with Adam's brother Matty and being the victim of rape during her night out in April 2019, leading to her pregnancy as a result, giving birth to a son named Harry. And Finding out she has a Long Lost Half Brother called John John.
William "Billy" Hopwood is a fictional character from the British soap opera Emmerdale, played by David Crellin. The character made his first appearance during the episode broadcast on 3 July 1997. He was introduced as one of several new characters producers created for the show in 1997. He is the father of Andy Sugden, and his main storyline results in him murdering Vic Windsor. Crellin made a guest appearance as Billy during a 2003 storyline. Billy was reintroduced into the series in 2006 and writers created a redemption story arc for Billy. He then has an affair with Diane Sugden. Crellin made his final appearance as Billy during the episode broadcast on 19 October 2007.
Scarlett Mary Nicholls is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Emmerdale. She is played by Kelsey-Beth Crossley and made her first appearance on 2 March 2007. It was announced on 8 May 2011 that Crossley was leaving the show. She made her final appearance on 28 July 2011. On 21 October 2012, it was announced Crossley would make a brief return to Emmerdale.
Sarah Sugden is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Emmerdale, played by Katie Hill since January 2017. She is the daughter of Andy Sugden and Debbie Dingle and has appeared since June 2005. Her storylines in the series have included her diagnosis of Fanconi anaemia, her subsequent health struggles following her diagnosis and being involved with drug dealer Danny Harrington.
Adam Barton is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Emmerdale, portrayed by Adam Thomas. The character first appeared during the episode broadcast on July 17, 2009, after the character and Thomas's role were announced alongside that other Barton family characters in May 2009. Thomas called Adam "a family man." Thomas decided to leave the show after seven years following a break from acting in 2016 to participate in I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!. Adam's departure was announced on 22 June 2017, with the episode airing on 2 January 2018.
The Sugdens are a fictional family in the ITV soap opera Emmerdale. Introduced during the show's conception in 1972, they were the main family for storylines between the 1970s and 1980s and remained as such for many years. The families original unit consisted of widowed farmer Annie Sugden, alongside her children Peggy Skilbeck, Jack Sugden and Joe Sugden. Subsequently these characters went on to produce more generations of Sugdens.
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