Emmerdale Christmas trailer confirms HUGE Debbie Dingle twist as she returns to the village

Emmerdale, Charity Dingle, Debbie Dingle

Debbie is back in Emmerdale to sort out her mum's mess...

Emmerdale has released a brand new trailer for Christmas, giving fans a glimpse into what to expect from the festive episodes.

But while there is plenty of drama surrounding Paddy's surprise wedding for Chas, and Vinny's latest clash with vile dad Paul, the real excitement comes from seeing Debbie Dingle back in the village.

Debbie Dingle Emmerdale

She's back! After more than a year away, Debbie returns to the village this Christmas (Picture: ITV)

Emmerdale fans will know actress Charley Webb has been on maternity leave from the soap since August 2019, but her character, Debbie, is coming back just in time for Christmas.

A lot has changed...

Since Debbie went to Scotland last year, she has gained two half brothers.

More: Christmas TV Guide - the best shows to watch and when they're on

Not only was Nate Robison revealed to be Cain's long-lost son, but Charity (Emma Atkins) has also adopted Vanessa's son, Johnny.

But that's not the only changes that have happened since she left.

Charity Dingle Emmerdale

Charity gets a dressing down from Debbie in the Emmerdale trailer (Picture: ITV)

Charity is currently on a downward spiral following a moment of madness when she cheated on the love of her life, Vanessa (Michelle Hardwick).

Since then Charity has been in self-destruct mode, turning to drink and a life of crime.

Debbie's back to save the day

But it seems in a shocking twist, Debbie is back just in time to sort out her mum's mess - and to look after Noah and Sarah.

Charity Dingle in Emmerdale

Charity has been on a downward spiral since cheating on Vanessa (Picture: ITV) (Image credit: ITV)

In the trailer, Debbie can be seen telling Charity that Sarah is her daughter, and her responsibility.

But can Debbie sort out the trouble Charity has caused while she's been away?

https://youtu.be/cVytqWA4syM

In another shocking twist, fans are convinced that Debbie could be Al's mystery women.

Al has been cheating on fiancee Priya and fans have been desperately trying to work out who his other woman could be.

The truth is set to be revealed this Christmas - but could Debbie's return mean she is secretly dating Priya's future husband?

Or is the timing of her return to the village all just one big coincidence?

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7pm on ITV, with an extra episode at 8pm on Thursdays - see our TV Guide for full listings.

For Christmas week Emmerdale will air on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 7pm. Christmas Eve will be an hour long special at 6.45 and Christmas Day will also be an hour long episode at 6.30 on ITV. 

For New Year week Emmerdale will air on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 7pm. New Year’s Eve will be an hour long special at 7.30 and New Year’s Day will also be an hour long episode at 7pm on ITV. 

Claire Crick
Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch

Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia. 


After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off


She’s interviewed everyone from June Brown — AKA Dot Cotton — to Michelle Keegan, swapped cooking tips with baking legend Mary Berry backstage at the NTAs, and danced the night away with soap stars at countless awards bashes. There’s not a lot she doesn’t know about soaps and TV and can be very handy when a soapy question comes up in a pub quiz! 


As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book.