Emmerdale legend Lucy Pargeter’s ‘awful’ on-set habit exposed by co-star
Lucy Pargeter, the beloved actress behind Emmerdale’s fiery Chas Dingle, recently celebrated another milestone birthday, leaving fans astonished at how quickly time has passed for one of the soap’s most enduring stars. Having joined the ITV drama back in 2002 with a memorable entrance dressed as a nun for her cousin Marlon Dingle’s stag night, Lucy has spent over two decades captivating viewers with her indomitable presence and her character’s relentless drama.
A Career of High-Stakes Storylines
Chas Dingle has been at the heart of some of the village’s most memorable storylines, cementing her as a cornerstone of the Dales. From running the iconic Woolpack pub to enduring the trauma of being taken hostage, Chas has faced tragedy, including the heartbreaking loss of her daughter Grace and a diagnosis of breast cancer. Lucy’s performance has consistently balanced the character’s vulnerability with her fierce, no-nonsense demeanor, earning her a loyal fanbase.
But off-screen, Lucy has revealed that her castmates have noticed a very different kind of quirk: her tea habit. According to Eden Taylor-Draper, who plays Belle Dingle, Lucy has a taste for “milky, sugary” tea that both she and Jeff Hordley, who portrays Cain Dingle, find hard to stomach. Speaking on the Dingle Court YouTube vodcast, Eden shared, “Oh, Lucy’s tea is awful. It’s milky and sugary. And I make it and I’m like, I don’t even want to give this to you because you should not enjoy this!” Jeff added, “If somebody makes a cup of tea for me I have to find somewhere to get rid of it. Quick.” This playful revelation offers fans a charming glimpse into the real-life dynamics behind the cameras, highlighting that even soap legends have their eccentricities.
Almost Another Dingle
Interestingly, Lucy’s journey to Chas Dingle wasn’t straightforward. In an interview with Inside Soap, she admitted that she had auditioned for several other roles before landing her iconic part, including a trucker and even Charity Dingle. “I got down to the final three for that,” Lucy explained, laughing. She recalled a tip from James Hooton, who plays Sam Dingle: “Apparently you did something weird with your head in the audition and that put them off! So I was like, ‘Oh God!’”
Despite the initial hiccups, Lucy’s audition eventually inspired the writers to shape Chas Dingle’s character around her unique energy and stage presence. “They wanted her to be a bit like Charity but writing it around my audition,” she revealed. From that moment on, Chas became known for her strength, resilience, and feisty nature, traits that Lucy has brought to life consistently for more than twenty years.
A Fan-Favourite Milestone
Lucy’s birthday celebrations were met with an outpouring of admiration from fans and fellow cast members alike. Her longevity on the soap is a testament to both her talent and the deep connection viewers feel with Chas Dingle. As she continues to navigate storylines that range from the heartbreaking to the thrilling, Lucy remains a touchstone for long-time Emmerdale audiences.
From dramatic family confrontations to community-defining crises in the village, Chas’ presence is always felt. And behind the scenes, Lucy’s personality—quirky, humorous, and sometimes delightfully exasperating—adds an extra layer of charm to the Dales’ extended on-set family.
As Emmerdale continues to evolve, Lucy Pargeter’s role remains as pivotal as ever. Whether it’s guiding younger characters like Belle through turbulent times or finding herself caught up in the latest village scheming, Chas Dingle’s storylines promise to remain compelling. Fans can expect even more dramatic twists in the coming months, with Lucy at the center, bringing both authenticity and intensity to every scene.
Her enduring presence, coupled with her dedication to her craft, ensures that Chas Dingle will remain one of the most iconic characters in British soap history for years to come. And with the Emmerdale team continuing to challenge her character in new and unexpected ways, viewers are in for a combination of heartbreak, drama, and moments of levity that only Lucy Pargeter can deliver.