Sam Dingle in Emmerdale: Dad to Samson, failed romances and Alice’s tragic death

Sam Dingle is a key member of the notorious Dingle family in Emmerdale. He’s the half-brother of Cain and Belle, as well as father of Samson and grandfather to Esther.

Sam’s no stranger to trouble, but he’s also been through his fair share of heartbreak over the years.

Here’s Sam’s story…

Sam’s arrival in Emmerdale

Back in February 1995, Sam Dingle – son of Zak and Nellie – arrived in Emmerdale after being released from a young offenders institute.

He soon got involved in plenty of trouble, from pretending to be Robert Sugden’s kidnapper to helping to terrorise Luke McAllister after Ben Dingle’s death.

As do many Dingles, Sam got involved with several dodgy schemes including an armed robbery with his uncle Albert. Sam did wind up in jail again, going on to be released in 2000.

Relationship with brother Cain

After his stint in prison, Sam returned to Emmerdale and soon found out that Cain was his half-brother. There was plenty of tension between the two siblings, with Cain bullying Sam.

The duo’s relationship has been tricky over the years but they remain close. Despite their differences, Cain and Sam have most recently come together to support each other ahead of their father Zak’s death.

Sam and Alice

In 2005, Sam fell in love with Alice Wilson. The pair began a relationship and soon exited Emmerdale to start life on their own farm in Norfolk, but later returned when Alice found out she was pregnant.

Despite Sam having doubts about becoming a father, Alice gave birth to son Samson in 2006. While pregnant, she found out she had cancer and once she’d given birth she began treatment. However, Alice discovered her cancer was terminal after marrying Sam.

Eventually, Sam helped Alice end her own life. The Dingles supported him and helped him hide Alice’s death from the police.

Trouble at Butler’s Farm

Having become a single dad, Sam struggled to make ends meet while looking after Samson. He later began working at Butler’s Farm, but plenty of trouble ensued during his time there.

He grew close to Jo Stiles and soon fell in love with her, yet she did not feel the same. Jo’s husband Andy did not take kindly to Sam trying to get close to Jo, and he beat them both up. Jo and Andy’s marriage eventually ended and Sam moved on from Jo.

Failed romances

Jo wasn’t Sam’s only failed romance. He has had a tendency to fall in love with women who do not feel the same way about him in Emmerdale.

In 2009, he found Olena Petrovich, an illegal immigrant from Ukraine, hiding in the Dingles’ barn. Sam proceeded to help Olena get back on her feet and it wasn’t long until he developed feelings for her. However, she did not feel the same and eventually Olena began pursuing Eli Dingle, much to Sam’s devastation.

Following this, grew close to Rachel Breckle and the pair began dating. Sam and Rachel lived together and even got engaged. After Charity Dingle found out Rachel had slept with Jai Sharma, Rachel was forced to flee the village as Charity wanted revenge, leaving poor Sam devastated once again.

Sam then fell for Megan Macey as the pair grew close. He was by her side when she went into labour and the pair shared a kiss, but Megan admitted she could only see him as a friend. Cue more heartbreak for Sam!

Sam and Lydia’s love

In 2017, Sam’s luck finally changed. He was asked out by Lydia Hart and despite their initial struggles to connect, romance eventually blossomed and Samson even gave Lydia and Sam his blessing.

Sam and Lydia had a few minor setbacks but in 2020 they tied the knot, and their relationship has been solid ever since.

Becoming a grandfather

In October 2022, Sam became a grandfather for the first time. Samson welcomed a daughter, Esther, with Amelia Spencer.

Initially, Sam was stunned by the news but eventually he encouraged Samson to step and be a father to Esther. Sam and Lydia are doting grandparents to baby Esther and share a good relationship with Amelia.

Samson’s arrest

Sam is currently living without Samson for the first time, as his son was unfortunately arrested after a difficult few months earlier this year. Having been involved in Matty Barton’s stabbing and following a clash with his ‘friend’ Josh, Samson wound up in prison.

Who plays Sam Dingle?

Sam Dingle is portrayed by James Hooton in Emmerdale. James, 51, has played the role of Sam since 1995 after appearing in programmes such as Peak Practice, The Bill, Heartbeat and Touching Evil.

He had a small break from Emmerdale in the 1990s, but returned in 2000 and has been a regular on the soap ever since.