Vinny Dingle has left Emmerdale fans furious after turning against Kev and manipulating Lewis into believing the worst about his own dad. But while viewers may be frustrated by Vinny’s behaviour, the heartbreaking truth is that it all goes back to one man, his abusive father Paul Ashdale.
Paul’s time in the Dales was relatively short, but his impact on Vinny has lasted for years. Now, as Vinny becomes determined to keep Kev and Lewis apart, it’s clear those traumatic memories are still shaping his decisions.
Here’s everything you need to know about Paul Ashdale and why his abuse continues to haunt Vinny.
Vinny has done a very bad thing? (Credit: ITV)
Vinny lies about Kev in Emmerdale
On Monday night (July 27), Kev’s attempt to stop Steve raiding Home Farm ended in disaster when Vinny accused him of helping with the crime instead.
With nobody believing his version of events, Kev lost his temper and lashed out at Ross Barton. But when Ross ducked, Kev accidentally punched Lewis instead and was thrown out.
The incident triggered painful memories for Vinny, who was abused by his own father. Determined to stop Lewis suffering the same fate, he decided to keep the pair apart.
When Lewis later forgave Kev and Kev tried to apologise to Vinny, Vinny attacked him. Lewis walked in just as Kev was restraining Vinny and assumed the worst. Instead of telling him the truth, Vinny stayed silent, leaving Kev completely isolated.
Although Vinny later admitted everything to Mandy, she urged him to come clean. But haunted by memories of his own childhood and insisting no one protected him from Paul, Vinny refused to change his story because he believed he was protecting Lewis.
The twist has divided fans, with one writing: “I think Lewis needs to be more concerned by his liar and manipulator of a boyfriend, than he does Kev.”
Another fumed: “Vinny you lying little [bleep]. Well done Vinny, you’ve hurt Lewis now.”
So who exactly was Paul Ashdale, and why does he still cast such a long shadow over Vinny’s life?
Paul was not a nice man at all (Credit: ITV)
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