Emmerdale has had some shocking storylines of late, but Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) calling it quits and heading for life away from the village is the biggest twist of all.
What on Earth could be big enough to make him give up his position as hardman of the Dales?
It’s not his part in Ethan’s hit and run in retribution for Nicky’s (Lewis Cope) injuries. It’s not because of his beef with Caleb (Will Ash) and by association, Ruby (Beth Cordingly). It even has nothing to do with his role in rapist Craig’s death last year.
There’s only one reason Cain would leave his home – for his sons.
Surely not?
Young Kyle has had a tough start in life and in a tragic turn, events from the last couple of years are about to rear their ugly head again.
After accidentally killing Al Chapman, Kyle had to watch as his beloved dad took the fall and was sent to prison.
The truth eventually came out, but Cain lost custody of Kyle to Amy (Natalie Ann Jamieson) as the investigation went on, breaking the young lad’s heart.
When all was concluded, the two were finally reunited, only for Kyle to suffer at the hands of bullies who attacked him over what had happened to his family.
Things have seemingly fully moved on since then and the family have overcome many more trials – including most recently losing Isaac’s beloved lamb Minty and forcing the village to mount a rescue mission.
But the Dingles are survivors and can face anything, or can they?
Cain is distraught to learn that his fragile son is back suffering at the hands of bullies. Furious, Cain makes a huge decision – enough is enough.
Opting to solve the problem without the use of fisticuffs – largely because even Cain wouldn’t take on a bunch of kids – he makes the decision to move his family away from the village for a better future.
Are we about to see the back of Cain and Moira Dingle?