Let’s talk about the new and improved Cain and Charity in Emmerdale.
In their almost 25 years on screen they have arguably become two of the most developed
characters in Soapland. But do they belong together?
During Friday night’s episode (September 6) they came together to support Belle after discovering her abuse at the hands of husband Tom. And there was something in their body language that made us think, finally, after all these years, this could be their time.
Sure, they’re both married to other people – and we’ve always shipped Moira and Cain for life, but with Moira’s weird behaviour, have they finally reached the end of the line?
The history of Cain and Charity in Emmerdale
Sit tight, there’s a lot of history between these two. So much so you could write a book and several sequels!
The second cousins had a fling when they were 14 and 13, which resulted in the birth of their daughter, Debbie in October 1989. She was then given up for adoption.
Debbie came to live in the village in the Christmas of 2002 when she was fostered by Paddy Kirk and his then-wife, Emily. She reconnected with her birth parents and the trio formed a close bond.
The return of their daughter prompted Cain and Charity to give things another go. They were together until 2005, when Charity ditched Cain – and the village – for a new life elsewhere.
She returned four years later. The pair got back together and Cain proposed in December 2009. He gave Charity with a plastic engagement ring – who says romance is dead?!
Cain then planned a surprise wedding. But Charity decided she wasn’t ready to settle down and called their engagement off.
The pair finally called it quits shortly afterwards when Cain strayed with glamorous Faye Lamb and Charity left him for Jai Sharma.
Since then there’s been a few cheeky liaisons – including a brief affair in 2016.
Cain and Charity now
Instead of a romantic attraction, the pair have settled into being the Dingle equivalent of best friends. Cain was the one who supported Charity when her own abuser DI Bails died. And he was the one there for her when she suffered PTSD after killing Harry at Christmas.
Now, they are supporting each other to help Belle cope with what’s she been through at Tom’s hands. And there was a moment tonight, just a fleeting one, where Charity and Cain locked eyes and there was a frisson of something there.
With Cain’s marriage Moira under pressure and Charity’s marriage to Mack – well, the less said about that the better – is now the time to reunite these two for good?
Should Cain and Charity get back together in Emmerdale?
The Emmerdale Insider team are definitely torn on this one! Cain and Moira were meant to be together, but can they weather this latest storm?
Kaggie Hyland, Editor-In-Chief
“I’d like to see Cain with Ella. I think there’s a level of understanding and shared experience (sort of…) there that would be interesting to explore further. Also, underneath the tough shell she’s needed to build, Ella is such a broken bird still – in a way that Charity nor Moira are – although they clearly have their own vulnerabilities still. I’d like to see him really needed – and deep down I think Cain needs to be needed by a strong woman.
“Mostly, though – in previous scenes, the chemistry between Jeff Hordley and Paula Lane is great!!”
Carena Crawford, Managing Editor
“I have never, ever liked Charity and Cain together. But there’s something about them now, their reckless schemes, plots and one-upmanship days are behind them, they’re both mature and calmer and somehow it feels like it might work. I’ve always backed Cain and Moira, but it really seems like they’re done. Don’t get me wrong, I want them to work it out, but right now it feels like there’s more of an emotional understanding between Cain and Charity.”
Tamzin Meyer, Assistant Editor
“Cain should be with Moira, they’re an iconic Emmerdale couple. But, he actually needs to step up and be a good husband when his wife needs him the most!”
Kerry Barrett, Soap Writer
“I have always been a Coira fan but I think he has really let her down recently.”
