The 50-year-old actress played Tina Dingle from 1996 to 1998. The daughter of Zak Dingle made a big impression on the village during her two year stint including being kidnapped by her former fiance Luke, and exiting the Dales when she refused to marry Frank Tate. Fans were surprised to see Tina return to Emmerdale in scenes that aired this week, especially as it was a new actress who was playing the role.

Samantha Power made her debut in Thursday’s dramatic hour-long episode, but fans were left confused over Jacqueline’s absence, as they believed she should be the one bringing the tearaway character back to the ITV soap. Viewers had speculated Jacqueline had not been invited back with the original actress now taking to social media to confirm what really happened with the ‘comeback.’

Jacqueline confirmed she was never approached by Emmerdale bosses to come back to the show, and wished her replacement well.

“So many questions regarding Tina Dingle’s return. Great character, great show. I wish @sampower_sam all the best, I loved playing her, I’m sure she will too, great cast to be a part of… and, no… they didn’t ask me #emmerdale #tinadingle #dingle,” Jacqueline tweeted. Samantha replied to the post, and sweetly wrote: “Thanks so much Jacqueline! Very kind xxx”.

But fans were disappointed she had been replaced, with many suggesting Emmerdale bosses should have brought back the original actress. “Nothing on the lady who was cast but they should have asked you back you was outstanding as the character every emmerdale fan feels the same,” one tweeted, as another agreed: “I haven’t watched for years, but back when I did Tina Dingle was one of my favourites. To not have the courtesy to ask you is pretty poor though.”

“Tina was iconic. To have original Tina back would have been awesome,” one fan replied, while a fourth chimed in: “Big shame you were not able to play the part, doesn’t seem the same as you were such an iconic character.”