Viewers welcomed the good news as the couple celebrated
Emmerdale fans were warmed by the “lovely twist” as Vinny Dingle and Gabby Thomas announced that they’re going to get married during Thursday’s (24th April) instalment.
It wasn’t until 2019 that Bradley joined the Dales to take on the role of Vinny Dingle who returned to the village with Mandy. Vinny was heartbroken when he found out that Mandy wasn’t his biological mother and she adopted him from her cousin Tina Dingle who didn’t want to raise him.
Vinny married his first girlfriend Liv Flaherty after they started dating in 2020 during the first lockdown. Unfortunately, things took a dark turn after Liv was killed off in 2022 to celebrate Emmerdale’s 50th anniversary.
Since then, Vinny has struck up a relationship with Gabby Thomas after years of being close friends. Previously speaking to Inside Soap, Gabby Thomas actress, Rosie Bentham, said: “I think Gabby needs Vinny even just as a mate.”
“Vinny would be good for Gabby, but it’d come down to whether she’s willing to change herself. It’s a bit of a chalk and cheese situation, isn’t it. When the story got pitched to me,
“I was like: ‘Oh, how is that going to happen?’ But as the story goes on, the writing has been quite funny and light-hearted. I actually thought after being dumped at the altar [by Nicky Milligan], Gabby was in her ‘I hate men’ phase – but that’s always when they come along, isn’t it?”
During Thursday’s episode, Vinny decided to confide in Mandy about his worries after Gabby put her trust in him by giving him more responsibility when it comes to looking after her son Thomas.
After coaxing the truth out of him, Vinny told Mandy: “Sometimes I feel like I can’t trust myself,” Vinny explains. “To tell him off without losing it. I don’t want to be like my dad. You don’t understand, mum – I can see the fear in his eyes every time I shout at him.”
Vinny’s father was Paul Ashdale, a gambling addict who repeatedly attacked Vinny in a violent manner. The abusive storyline ended in 2021 after Paul’s death.
Later in the episode, Vinny calmed down after his spiral and Gabby asked him to propose to her properly. After he knelt down on one knee she accepted his offer. The happy couple then told Mandy and Laurel the good news, with Mandy shocked after Vinny’s earlier behaviour.
On X (formerly known as Twitter), @RyanSoapKing25 wrote: “A lovely twist for Gabby and Vinny” as a viewer on a Facebook fan page added: “How can anyone not love Vinny? He’s adorable”.
However, some other viewers expressed their concern as @SarahRobron penned: “I get feeling worried about that Vinny but you shouldn’t have started a relationship with Gabby. They come as a package” and another fan on Facebook added: “I just worry their relationship isn’t going to last…”
Emmerdale airs on weekdays at 7:30pm on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX.