List of Emmerdale characters (2007)

Jackie Stiles is the mother of Jo Stiles (Roxanne Pallett). She appeared in 2007.

Catherine "Cathy" Hope is the daughter of Bob Hope (Tony Audenshaw) and Viv Hope (Deena Payne). She first appeared in February 2007.

Since Bob and Viv's remarriage in August 2006, they had wanted a child. When Viv finally found out she was pregnant, Bob did not want another child because of the death of his daughter Dawn Woods (Julia Mallam). She was ready to have an abortion when Bob stopped her. Cathy and her twin brother Heath Hope (Sebastian Dowling) are born in February 2007 in a shed on the moors, hence their names, delivered by Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt). Cathy is older than Heath. They are baptised in May 2007, with nine godparents; Paddy, Dawn's estranged husband Terry Woods (Billy Hartman), Marlon Dingle (Mark Charnock), Marlon's wife and Viv's daughter Donna Windsor-Dingle (Verity Rushworth), Bob's two children Jamie Hope (Alex Carter) and Roxy Lockhart (Chloe Procter), Paddy's ex-wife Emily Kirk (Kate McGregor), Bob's brother Eddie Hope (Nigel Betts) and Kelly Windsor (Adele Silva). In July 2007, they are entered in a "Cute Kids" competition, which Heath wins.

Heathcliff "Heath" Hope is the son of Bob (Tony Audenshaw) and Viv Hope (Deena Payne). He first appeared in January 2007.

Since Bob and Viv's remarriage in August 2006, they had wanted a child. When Viv finally found out she was pregnant, Bob did not want another child because of the death of his daughter Dawn Woods (Julia Mallam). She was ready to have an abortion when Bob stopped her. Heath and twin sister Cathy Hope are born in February 2007 in a shed on the moors, hence their names, delivered by Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt). Heath is the younger of the twins. They are baptised in May 2007, with nine godparents; Paddy, Dawn's estranged husband Terry Woods (Billy Hartman), Marlon Dingle (Mark Charnock), Marlon's wife and Viv's daughter Donna Windsor-Dingle (Verity Rushworth), Bob's two children Jamie Hope (Alex Carter) and Roxy Lockhart (Chloe Procter), Paddy's ex-wife Emily Kirk (Kate McGregor), Bob's brother Eddie Hope (Nigel Betts) and Kelly Windsor (Adele Silva). In July 2007, Cathy and Heath are entered in a "Cute Kids" competition, which Heath wins.

Sharon Lambert is the daughter of Val Lambert (Charlie Hardwick) and her former partner Jimmy Pepper (Michael Gunn), and sister of Paul Lambert (Mathew Bose). She appeared in 2007 and 2008

Sharon arrives in the village in February 2007. With her upcoming wedding to footballer Dan McHerron (Patrick Molyneux), she sends invitations to her brother Paul and her aunt Diane Sugden (Elizabeth Estensen) but not her mother. Paul and Diane wonder whether to accept the invitations, partly as Paul also has issues with Sharon. Val sees in a magazine that Sharon is getting married and goes to meet Sharon at Skipdale Hall, the venue chosen for the wedding. Val gets drunk with Dan and she has an argument with Sharon after it is revealed that Val had slept with Sharon's first boyfriend when she was 15 and the boyfriend 17. Val is thrown out and goes for drinks with local journalist John McNally (Steven Farebrother). The following morning, the whole story is in the Hotton Courier. Sharon and Dan's wedding day does not go well and they do not marry as Sharon is revealed as a gold digger.

Sharon returns to the village on 2 June 2008 for Val's wedding to Eric Pollard (Chris Chittell) and seems a reformed character. After the ceremony, she ends up kissing Eric's son, David Metcalfe (Matthew Wolfenden), and while she only sees it as bit of fun, he seems to take things more seriously. David and Nicola De Souza (Nicola Wheeler), who is close to him, overhear Sharon telling a friend that she does not really care about David and is only staying until she has another celebrity party to go to. Nicola and Sharon later get into a fight in the Woolpack when Nicola tells her that David is leaving her. Val is furious that Sharon has gone back on her offer to take her to her next big party and washes her hands of Sharon, who then leaves Emmerdale, saying she wants nothing to do with any of them.

In September 2015, Sharon is unable to attend her mother's funeral as she is looking after her young daughter, Alice. She rings Paul after the service to ask how it went.

Penelope "Penny" Drury is a classmate of Daz Eden (Luke Tittensor). She appeared in 2007.

Penny is a classmate of Daz Eden, and when Debbie Dingle (Charley Webb) notices that he fancies Penny, she tries to get him to talk to her, but he cannot build up the confidence. Debbie invites Penny to Daz's birthday party but it is only the two of them there. They end up kissing on the sofa, only to be interrupted by Jack Sugden (Clive Hornby) and Billy Hopwood (David Crellin) arguing over who should look after Daz. Daz intervenes saying they are ruining his birthday and his chance of getting his leg over, causing Penny to leave.

Penny returns months later when her father brings his car to Debbie's garage, where Daz works. Penny forgives Daz and the two start dating. After a few months, Penny leaves a glass of vodka and coke lying around at Daz's house, which is found and drunk by Samson Dingle (Sam Hall). When Penny shows no remorse and calls Samson's father Sam (James Hooton) names, Daz dumps her.

Daniel John "Dan" McHerron is the fiancée of Sharon Lambert (Victoria Hawkins). He appeared in 2007.

A footballer in the lower English league, Dan is engaged to Sharon Lambert, the estranged daughter of Val Pollard (Charlie Hardwick), who only finds out about the engagement in a magazine. Val goes to meet Sharon at Skipdale Hall, and later gets very drunk with Dan. When Sharon walks on Val and Dan drunk, a huge arguments starts, where Sharon says that Val slept with her first boyfriend when she was 15 and the boyfriend was 17. Val is thrown out, and is persuaded by local journalist John McNally (Steven Farebrother) to go for a drink with him. The following morning the entire affair is in Hotton Courier.

Dan later appears in The Woolpack, having cancelled a date with Sharon the night before saying he had a press conference. However, Rodney Blackstock (Patrick Mower) sees a photo of Dan and two other women in the paper. Val decides not to tell Sharon, however, the wedding ends in disaster and the pair do not marry as Sharon is revealed as a gold digger.

Hilary Potts, played by Paula Wilcox, made her first screen appearance on 30 April 2007.

Hilary and her husband, Douglas Potts (Duncan Preston), arrived on 30 April, for a meal with their daughter Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy). All went well, but after they left, they were involved in a car accident. Both survived the crash and returned to the village to see their new grandson, Daniel. Tragically, Daniel died in February 2008 from sudden infant death syndrome. Hilary and Doug stayed until the funeral but a devastated Laurel told Hilary she blamed her for Daniel's death, as Hilary convinced Laurel not to check on Daniel when they heard him crying, believing that he was just having a bad dream. Hilary tried to work out their problems but Laurel asked her to leave. Hilary and Doug went home but visited again several weeks later. Laurel and Hilary reconciled and Hilary and Doug moved in with Laurel and her husband Ashley (John Middleton).

The family began to move on from the tragedy of Daniel's death, but Daniel's postmortem revealed that he had been a carrier for cystic fibrosis. Ashley, Laurel and her parents were puzzled as neither family knew of any relative with that condition. Hilary became concerned when she learned Melanie Doland (Caroline Strong), whose son, Arthur (Alfie Clarke), who was born the same day as Daniel, said her sister had died of cystic fibrosis. A few weeks later, Greg Doland (Shaun Prendergast) told Hilary that Arthur was allergic to seafood. This was common in Hilary's family. Hilary became convinced that Daniel was not Laurel and Ashley's son, and despite Douglas, Ashley and Laurel thinking what Hilary was saying was due to her grief, she convinced the doctor to check the blood types again. This proved what Hilary had been saying - that Daniel was not Ashley and Laurel's son. Laurel was devastated and slapped Hilary for adding to their agony. Hilary felt guilty for what her daughter had gone through, but told Doug she knew the Dolands were raising Laurel's and Ashley's son.

When Hilary found out the Dolands were going on holiday to Spain, she vanished with Arthur. They were soon found, but Ashley told the Dolands about the possible baby mix-up. Greg and Mel attempted to emigrate with Arthur, but Ashley stopped them. Hilary called the police, who said they could not intervene, but fearing she would lose her son, Mel ran away with Arthur. Laurel refused to accept that Arthur might be her son. Hilary told Laurel she could not watch her ignore her son and went home. Seven years later, Hilary dies after suffering heart failure. Doug informs Laurel by telephone. Laurel, her current husband Marlon Dingle (Mark Charnock), Ashley, Doug, and his partner Diane Sugden (Elizabeth Estensen) attended Hilary's funeral.

Errol Michaels is the ghost of a homeless man who persuades Bob Hope (Tony Audenshaw) to return home. He appeared in 2007.

Errol Michaels is a homeless man who is first seen in a park where Bob Hope, having left home without telling his family, is selling ice-cream. Bob later talks to Errol about his problems at home, and Errol tries to persuade him to go home, or he would regret it, like Errol now does having left home 18 years before. Errol seems often to appear out of nowhere. On 20 May, Bob's wife Viv (Deena Payne) is celebrating her 50th birthday in a park, and Errol persuades an unknowing Bob to go to that park to sell ice-cream. When Viv sees Bob, she runs off, and Errol tells him to go after her. Viv rejects Bob and returns to Emmerdale. Errol and Bob then follow her and he gives Bob some advice. He then says he will walk home, and after saying their goodbyes, Bob turns round, but Errol had disappeared.

Caroline Swann (also Potts) is the sister of Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy). Caroline first appeared on 25 May 2007, at the hospital when her mother Hilary (Paula Wilcox) woke up from a coma caused by a car crash. The elder of Doug (Duncan Preston) and Hilary's two children, Caroline was always her mother's favourite as a child, even in adult life, causing some resentment from Laurel. Caroline returns on 2 December 2007 when her parents return to their home after staying with Laurel and Ashley (John Middleton) in Emmerdale. Caroline says that her husband, Ben, has been made redundant and they have lost their house, so without asking they had moved into Doug and Hilary's house. Doug and Hilary then decide to move back to Emmerdale.

Caroline is seen again on 8 December 2009 when Doug and Ashley turn up at Hilary's house to see Laurel, following Ashley and Laurel's separation. During the visit, Caroline reveals that she was also having marriage issues with her husband Ben. In July 2015, Caroline appears again attending her mother's funeral. She hosts the wake at her house, assuming Laurel is pregnant when she wonders why she is not drinking alcohol. This causes Laurel to lash out at Caroline and reveal that she is an alcoholic and is splitting up with her husband Marlon (Mark Charnock). Caroline also reveals to Doug that she feels resentful at Laurel's lack of contact with Hilary in the previous years. Laurel later leaves to stay with Caroline for a few weeks to deal with alcoholism.

Andrea Hayworth is a neighbour of Duke Woods (Dicken Ashworth). She appeared in 2007.

Andrea first appears when Terry Woods (Billy Hartman) visits his father, Duke, after hearing he was in hospital. Andrea tells Terry that Duke is in prison after punching a local hooligan. Andrea and Terry go to the prison to collect Duke, and she mediates between the two, who had been estranged for some time. She persuades Duke to go and stay with Terry for a while. She has a brief relationship with Terry. She reappears in the village on 14 August 2007, and tells Duke that she has a new job and she and her son, Ryan (Reece Noi) are moving to Sheffield.

Ryan Hayworth is the son of Andrea Hayworth (Cathy Tyson). He appeared in 2007 and 2008.

Ryan is the son of Andrea Hayworth, and lives next door to Duke Woods (Dicken Ashworth), the father of Terry Woods (Billy Hartman). He gets on well with Duke, who is persuaded by Andrea and Terry to go and live with Terry in Emmerdale. In August 2007, he has a failed trial with York City F.C.. In early 2008, Ryan arrives in the village and tells Duke about his problems with his mother's new boyfriend. Terry later tells Duke that Ryan needs him, and Duke leaves the village to be nearer him.

Colin McFarlane is a businessman who sleeps with Chas Dingle (Lucy Pargeter). He appeared in 2007.

Chas Dingle and Lexi Nicholls (Sally Oliver) are in an upmarket hotel and when they see Colin, they decide to have a bet - who can sleep with Colin. The loser will have to pay for their room there. Lexi soon gets drunk, and turns Colin off, however Chas makes her move and the two go to his room. The following morning, Chas wakes up in Colin's bed to find he has died. She and Lexi decide to make a run for it, although Lexi steals his wallet. The police later question them, while Colin's wife Brenda (Judy Holt) thanks them for killing her husband.

Brenda McFarlane is the wife of Colin McFarlane (Michael Melia). She appeared in 2007 and 2008.

She first appears looking for Chas Dingle (Lucy Pargeter), who was sleeping with her husband Colin when he died. Chas thinks that Brenda wants revenge so she and Lexi Nicholls (Sally Oliver) prepare to run away. However, the following day they meet her when she turns up at Chas's house. To their surprise, Brenda hands them some money to thank them for killing her husband - although Colin died of natural causes. Brenda reappears on 17 March 2008, when Chas goes to her to ask for her help. Chas and Debbie Dingle (Charley Webb) are trying to help Jo Stiles (Roxanne Pallett) get rid of Charlie Sellers (Michael Keogh), a former prisoner who is staying in Jo's house and threatening her. Brenda agrees to allow Charlie and Chas to rob one of her nightclubs, and let him then get caught by the police. However, the following day things go wrong when Charlie holds the bar manager hostage with a gun. He and Chas escape, but Brenda later comes after Charlie with a "heavy". She tells Charlie to leave and he has no choice but to agree.

Daniel Thomas was the biological son of Greg (Shaun Prendergast) and Melanie Doland (Caroline Strong), although during his short life, he is the son of Ashley (John Middleton) and Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy). He appeared from 2007 to 2008.

Born on 26 August 2007, an accidental baby-swap in the hospital saw Daniel given to Ashley and Laurel Thomas, while their biological son Arthur (Alfie Clarke) is given to the Dolands. He is christened in December 2007, with Shadrach Dingle (Andy Devine) acting as godfather, who surprises people by caring very much for Daniel and promising to teach him things when he is older. On 21 February 2008, Daniel dies in his sleep of cot death, leaving Laurel and Ashley devastated. Laurel's mother Hilary Potts (Paula Wilcox) soon starts to think that Arthur is not Greg and Mel's son, and eventually DNA tests prove this, and that Daniel was Greg and Mel's son. Greg and Mel leave the village in July 2008, after Laurel and Ashley are awarded custody of Arthur.

Melanie "Mel" Doland is the wife of Greg Doland (Shaun Prendergast) and former biological mother of Daniel Thomas. She appeared from 2007 to 2008.

Mel first appears along with Greg when she is giving birth at the same time as Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy). Unbeknown to either couple, their babies are accidentally swapped at the hospital, and Mel's biological son, Daniel, goes home with Laurel and Ashley Thomas (John Middleton), while Laurel's biological son, Arthur (Alfie Clarke), goes home with the Dolands. The couples become friends and their children are baptised at the same time by Bishop George Postlethwaite (Peter Cartwright). The Dolands become more frequent visitors to Emmerdale village when Greg, a builder, and Jack Sugden (Clive Hornby) come to an arrangement for the redevelopment of Annie's Cottage. When Jack later sells Annie's Cottage, the Dolands buy it and move to the village.

On 21 February 2008, Daniel dies of cot death. Soon after, Laurel's mother Hilary Potts (Paula Wilcox) starts to suspect Arthur may be the Thomas' son not Greg and Mel's. They try and flee the country, but Ashley stops them. The police await their return, although they are not charged. Mel later runs away with Arthur on her own, but is later found. In June, the courts award custody of Arthur to his biological parents, Ashley and Laurel, leaving Mel particularly devastated. Over the coming weeks, Laurel has problems bonding with Arthur and Mel makes frequent visits to see Arthur. When Laurel finally bonds with Arthur, Greg and Mel leave the village as Mel realises there is no place for them anymore.

Gregory "Greg" Doland is the husband of Melanie Doland (Caroline Strong), father of Jake Doland (James Baxter) and former biological father of Daniel Thomas. He appeared from 2007 to 2008.

Greg first appears along with Mel when she is giving birth at the same time as Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy). Unbeknown to either couple, their babies are accidentally swapped at the hospital, and Mel's biological son, Daniel, goes home with Laurel and Ashley Thomas (John Middleton), while Laurel's biological son, Arthur, goes home with the Dolands. The couples become friends and their children are baptised at the same time by Bishop George Postlethwaite (Peter Cartwright). The Dolands become more frequent visitors to Emmerdale village when Greg, a builder, and Jack Sugden (Clive Hornby) come to an arrangement for the redevelopment of Annie's Cottage. When Jack later sells Annie's Cottage, the Dolands buy it and move to the village.

On 21 February 2008, Daniel dies of cot death. During a period when Laurel is estranged from Ashley, Greg tries to comfort her and she kisses him. A guilt-ridden Laurel returns to her husband and she and Greg promise to keep quiet about what had happened. Soon after Daniel's death, Laurel's mother Hilary Potts (Paula Wilcox) starts to suspect Arthur may be the Thomas' son not Greg and Mel's. They try and flee the country, but Ashley stops them. The police await their return, although they are not charged. Mel later runs away with Arthur on her own, only telling her stepson Jake Doland (James Baxter) where she is. After a few weeks, Greg persuades her to come home. At a court hearing on 5 June, a judge decides to award custody of Arthur to his biological parents, Laurel and Ashley. Over the coming weeks, Laurel has problems bonding with Arthur and Mel makes frequent visits to visit him. Greg, however, does not visit Arthur, causing arguments between the couple. When Laurel finally bonds with Arthur, Greg and Mel leave the village as Mel realises there is no place for her anymore.

Arthur Thomas (formely Doland) is the son of Ashley Thomas (John Middleton) and Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy). He has appeared since August 2007.

Born in August 2007, Arthur is the biological son of Ashley and Laurel. However, an accidental baby-swap sees him being given to Greg (Shaun Prendergast) and Melanie Doland (Caroline Strong), who gives birth nearby on the same day. Their biological son, Daniel Doland, dies of cot death in February 2008. Laurel's mother Hilary Potts (Paula Wilcox) soon starts to think that Arthur is not Greg and Melanie's son, and eventually DNA tests prove this. After a court decision, Arthur is handed over to Ashley and Laurel in June 2008. Arthur then refuses to eat and Melanie comes round and helps out. Eventually, Laurel bonds with Arthur, and Greg and Melanie leave the village. Arthur is last seen in December 2009 after Laurel believes that Sally Spode (Siân Reeves) has abducted him but is humiliated when he turns up with her and Ashley having gone out for a trip. Off-screen, he leaves with Laurel and Ashley's daughter Gabby Thomas to Hilary's house although Gabby later returns. Arthur returns to the village with Laurel and she and Ashley reconcile after Sally is arrested.

In early 2016, Arthur and Gabby (now Rosie Bentham) learn Ashley has dementia. When Ashley builds a pirate ship play house for Arthur, Arthur cuts himself with a saw and Ashley takes him to hospital. Arthur is left alone when Ashley wanders off and ends up at Laurel's baby scan. Laurel and Ashley are told that Ashley isn't to be left on his own with Arthur and Laurel tries to hide it from him. In September 2016, Laurel gives birth to hers and Ashley's daughter, Dotty Thomas, who is Arthur's younger sister. In December 2016, Laurel tells Gabby and Arthur that they are looking at full time care for Ashley following a stroke he has. Laurel struggles to cope, so she decides to move Ashley into full time care, upsetting Gabby and Arthur. Arthur visits Ashley with Laurel and Gabby and sees Ashley with a woman he has developed a bond with. After Gabby has a hard time at school, Laurel takes her and Arthur out of school on compassionate leave. In April 2017, Ashley is diagnosed with pneumonia when he coughs up blood and Arthur blames himself, after visiting Ashley and being sick. Laurel is told that Ashley is not responding to treatment and that the family should start saying goodbye, which she tells Gabby and Arthur. Laurel brings Ashley home for his final days and he later passes away. At Ashley's funeral, Arthur reads a poem, but runs off and tells Laurel he will never be able to make new memories with Ashley. Arthur overhears Laurel and her father Douglas Potts (Duncan Preston) talking about Gabby going to Australia with her mother, Bernice White (Samantha Giles), to visit her half-sister, Dee Dee. Arthur is upset with Gabby and thinks Dee Dee will take his place, but Gabby reassures him that won't happen. Arthur is troubled when he finds a video of Emma Barton (Gillian Kearney) talking to Ashley about a car crash that occurred months before Ashley remembers Emma was present.

In August 2017, Clarke was longlisted for Best Young Actor at the Inside Soap Awards.[1] He made the viewer-voted shortlist.[2] On 6 November 2017, Clarke won the "Best Young Actor" accolade.[3]

Patricia Foster is the mother of Jonny Foster (Richard Grieve). She appeared in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

Patricia first arrives in the village in 2007 to present a £5000 cheque to her son, local farrier Jonny Foster, which he can invest in his future with his partner Paul Lambert (Matthew Bose). She returns in 2008 for Jonny's commitment ceremony to Paul, who had already married Jonny hours beforehand in a civil partnership. On 12 January 2009, Patricia returns to the village and argues with Paul outside "The Woolpack" during a divorce party being held for him by his mother, Val Pollard (Charlie Hardwick). Patricia tells Paul that Jonny has emigrated to Australia. The following day Patricia and Val talk, and Val assures her that Paul still loves Jonny and that the divorce party was not his idea. The bonding moment is short-lived, as they begin to argue over who is the "woman" in the relationship, and soon Patricia tries to shame Val by bringing up Paul's fling with Grayson Sinclair (Christopher Villiers). Just as a furious Patricia prepares to leave, Paul arrives, and talks with her privately. Patricia tells him that Jonny is still in love with him.

Charlotte Beecham is a police officer. She appeared in 2007 and from 2008 to 2009 and again from 2015.

Charlotte has a casual relationship with Emmerdale resident/colleague Ross Kirk (Samuel Anderson). Another officer, Shane Doyle (Paul McEwan), makes a pass at her. In December 2008, Shane goes missing and their colleague, Donna Windsor-Dingle (Verity Rushworth), who Shane knew was having an affair with Ross, convinces Charlotte to go to Shane's flat with her to investigate. They find evidence which suggests he is in Malta, and take it to Sgt. Andrew Drake (Steven Hillman). Charlotte believes that Donna knows more than she is saying, but Donna keeps quiet. In January 2009, Charlotte and a colleague search Ross's bedroom, shortly before he is arrested for Shane's murder. Later that month, she searches the Dingles' house after Donna tells her superiors that she believes Eli Dingle (Joseph Gilgun) may have been involved with the murder. On 27 January 2009, PC Beecham is one of the police officers who find Jasmine Thomas (Jenna-Louise Coleman) and Debbie Dingle (Charley Webb), who Eli has admitted were involved in Shane's murder. In March, she and a colleague visit after a supplier alleges Bob Hope (Tony Audenshaw) stole his money. In May, Charlotte investigates a burglary at Holdgate Farm and arrests Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley). Charlotte returns in December 2015, investigating Diane Sugden's (Elizabeth Estensen) stabbing. She goes to Wishing Well Cottage, looking for Chas Dingle (Lucy Pargeter) but she isn't there so Charlotte tells Aaron Livesy (Danny Miller) to inform her if Chas shows up and leaves. She later returns to tell the Dingles that Chas has been arrested after confessing to stabbing Diane.

Kirsty Rayfield is the girlfriend of Ross Kirk (Samuel Anderson). She appeared in 2007.

Kirsty first appears on 24 October when she comes to visit Ross, however, he breaks up with her. Although they later get back together, this does not last as Kirsty believes he has feelings for Donna Windsor-Dingle (Verity Rushworth). Donna's husband Marlon (Mark Charnock) also believes this. Kirsty left her husband to be with Ross. In late November, encouraged by Donna, he splits up with Kirsty as he no longer loves her.

Freddie Yorke is a con man who frames Viv Hope (Deena Payne) for fraud. He appeared in 2007 and 2008.

Freddie meets Viv in late 2007 and persuades her to work with the "Happy Smile Fund", his children's charity. After she has too much to drink, he kisses her. Viv works hard to raise money for the charity, but in early 2008 she realises that the money is not going to the charity. She makes it up with her own money, but fails to get in contact with Freddie. In March 2008, Viv is arrested for fraud and finds that her names have been put down on many pieces of incriminating paperwork. In July, a private investigator finds Freddie and records on tape saying what he had done. However, when the investigator is handing it over in a park, Freddie takes the tape off Viv after a tussle. He leaves her some of the stolen money and without her knowledge plants it in her babies pram. The police then find this and it further incriminates her. The day before the start of Viv's trial, her daughter Donna Windsor-Dingle (Verity Rushworth) and Ross Kirk (Samuel Anderson) see Freddie on a surveillance tape and find out where he lives. They try to talk to him, but he flees. A car chase follows, and while Freddie gets away Donna and Ross are seriously injured in a crash. Viv, guilt-ridden about what happened to her daughter, pleads guilty to fraud, and is sent to prison.

Jake Doland is the son of Greg Doland (Shaun Prendergast). He appeared from 2007 to 2009, when his character was axed.[4]

A writer from Holy Soap described Jake's most memorable moment as being the scenes in which he witnessed his stepmother realise her baby was dead.[5]

Jake first appears when visiting the village for the christening of his half brother Arthur (Alfie Clarke) in November 2007. He is also Arthur's godfather.

Jake's mother died when he was a child and Greg married Melanie (Caroline Strong). He returns in January 2008 to help his father re-build Annie's Cottage. Jake does not take to building so when Jack Sugden (Clive Hornby) offers him a job on Butler's Farm, while Andy Sugden (Kelvin Fletcher) was in jail, Jake agrees. Victoria Sugden (Isabel Hodgins) takes a liking to him but he only sees her as a friend. With Andy in prison, Jake is more interested in Jo Stiles (Roxanne Pallett), but Sam Dingle (James Hooton) tells him to leave her alone. Jake continues to work there until Andy fires him in June 2008.

In early 2008, Greg and Mel learn that Arthur may not be their son as the hospital are investigating a possible baby swap. Convinced it is the Thomases' grief talking, Jake helps Greg and Mel go on the run. When thwarted at the airport, Mel disappears with Arthur but keeps in touch with Jake. Greg later finds out and convinces her to come home. Weeks later, DNA test results prove Arthur is Ashley and Laurel's son and custody of him is awarded to the Thomases. Daniel, the Dolands' biological son, died in February 2008. They leave town several weeks later to live in Spain, but Jake decides to stay in Emmerdale.

Jake takes over as head chef at The Woolpack after Marlon Dingle (Mark Charnock) quits in a huff and starts dating Jasmine Thomas (Jenna-Louise Coleman). Marlon is convinced to return and Jake returns to being assistant chef. In October 2008, Jake throws a party in an attempt to help his flagging romance with Jasmine. Unfortunately for Jake, PC Shane Doyle (Ppaul McEwan) wants Jasmine and ends the party by claiming that there have been complaints about noise and whispers to Jake that he'd slept with Jasmine. A furious Jake attacks him and is arrested. Jasmine tells him she has had enough and ends their relationship. Jake becomes close friends with Daz Eden (Luke Tittensor) and he moves in with Daz when Daz didn't want his girlfriend Scarlett Nicholls (Kelsey-Beth Crossley) to join him.

In mid-2009, Greg asks Jake to join him and Mel in Spain and finds him a job. In August, Lizzie Lakely (Kitty McGeever), who is blind, asks him to scratch a scratchcard for her and tell her if she has won anything – she wins £500 but Eli Dingle (Joseph Gilgun) convinces him to keep quiet and they split the money. Initially Jake agrees and cashes in the scratchcard, but feeling guilty, Jake confessed to Lizzie. Pleased at Jake's honesty, Marlon gave him the money for his flight to Spain.