Emmerdale to revisit Al's past in new Chas storyline

Emmerdale spoilers follow.

Emmerdale star Michael Wildman has revealed that the show will revisit the backstory of his character Al Chapman as part of his new storyline.

Earlier this week, spoilers were released confirming that Al will give into temptation with Chas Dingle again next week.

What to Read Next

Al is currently in a relationship with Kerry Wyatt, while Chas is married to Paddy Dingle.

However, when Chas struggles with the news that her mum Faith is terminally ill, she finds herself bonding with Al, who has attended his stepfather's funeral.

ITV

Speaking to Digital Spy and other media about why Al is able to relate to Chas, Michael explained: "We touched on it in the lockdown episodes about Al's upbringing, although at the time even I didn't know if that was true or not. But it seems like it is true.

"Al's stepfather has now died and he struggles with that, only because there's a lot of questions that he would've wanted to ask, which he now doesn't get a chance to do. At this stage Al is in limbo and he's lost. That's basically how him and Chas connect at this moment in time.

"They have connected a few times before, so I don't think it's too much of a shock that the two of them can hold a conversation, even given what's gone on previously – all the stuff with The Woolpack.

ITV

"It wasn't a huge surprise to me that they find each other and talk this out."

He continued: "I think their relationship is quite a mature one. Whatever it is, it's always dealing with life. We did this before, when the two characters went off and had the picnic and talked about life – that's what they do.

"I'm not saying they could be absolute partners, but they can certainly be friends because they actually connect on that level. Al doesn't lack empathy – you do see remorse, and guilt and understanding."

Michael also spoke about the likelihood that Chas is just using Al for escapism at a difficult time.

ITV

He said: "Al is cunning enough to know what's going on, but at the same time, he would never admit that. He'll always want to be the alpha male in whatever situation he's in.

"So he would never admit to that, but he's not stupid enough to not know what's going on."

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV and streams on the ITV Hub.