A number of Emmerdale residents spent time reflecting on the loss of two much loved characters in tonight’s episode.

First there was Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller), who had just spent his first night back in the flat after his ordeal with John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth). He had asked Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) to also stay, as he didn’t feel particularly comfortable on his own.

Robert noted that he heard Aaron up in the night. He said he wasn’t able to sleep, and distracted himself by sorting some belongings out.

In the box of old items, Robert found a teddy that belonged to Liv Flaherty (Isobel Steele). Aaron said that he didn’t mean to throw it out, and felt emotional as he revealed the anniversary of her death was approaching.

Because Robert was in prison when Liv died, he’s yet to really spend time in the village reflecting on her life. Robert suggested to Aaron that they do this tomorrow, and he thought it was a lovely idea.

Meanwhile, Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper) and Sam Dingle (James Hooton) were in the pub with Chas Dingle (Lucy Pargeter). They were raising their glasses to Belle and Sam’s dad Zak, who died in 2024.

In that moment, Sam seemed adamant that Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) would also turn up, despite him not being in a great headspace.

Cain has been away in France looking for John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth), the man who killed his son. His return saw him confirm to Moira Dingle (Natalie J Robb) that his search was pointless.

At Butlers, Moira reminded Cain that he promised he’d meet with Belle and Sam on the anniversary of Zak’s death. He had remembered, but didn’t want to think about another family loss.

At Zak’s grave, Belle and Sam waited for Cain, but he never turned up.

This was because he was in the garage drinking and trying to ignore Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson), who had arrived to try and help his friend.

Unfortunately, Liam’s efforts weren’t enough. As Cain continued consuming more booze, Belle and Sam had made a deal.

They agreed to do whatever they can to help their brother, as it’s exactly what Zak would’ve done if he was still here.

Who was Liv Flaherty and how did she die?

Liv was Vinny Dingle’s (Bradley Johnson) partner and Aaron’s little sister. The character died in 2022 as part of Emmerdale’s anniversary episodes that saw a catastrophic storm wreak havoc on the quaint Yorkshire village, claiming a number of locals’ lives.

We saw Liv swept up against David’s Shop as a caravan came hurtling down Main Street and landed on top of her. Husband Vinny was able to find safety, though Liv was ultimately crushed by the vehicle.

Paramedics had warned that if they moved her, she would drastically lose blood and die regardless.

Who was Zak Dingle and how did he die?

Zak was played by Steve Halliwell. After Steve’s death in 2023, Emmerdale announced that they’d air a funeral storyline, which saw the Dingles say goodbye to Steve’s soap alter-ego.

Zak passed away peacefully at home with Debbie Dingle (Charley Webb) in Scotland. Cain, Belle and Sam are the only children of Zak’s left in the village.

During the funeral scenes, Zak’s distant daughter Tina (Samantha Powers) arrived back in the Dales.

As part of Tina’s return, Vinny also discovered that she’s his biological mother.