Walford hit by Charity's departure

Charity Dingle's dramatic departure from Emmerdale pulled in almost four million more viewers than EastEnders.

15:14 03 March 2005

Charity Dingle's dramatic departure from Emmerdale pulled in almost four million more viewers than EastEnders, dealing a serious blow to the London soap's hopes of revival.

More than ten million people tuned in to watch Charity, played by Emma Atkins, take a swipe at archrival Sadie, played by blonde bombshell Patsy Kensit.

While EastEnders had managed to attract an impressive 15 million viewers the night Dirty Den was murdered, this slumped to a pitiful 6.3 million on Tuesday, when the hour-long special detailing Charity's exit was screened.

"Tuesday's episode of Emmerdale was brilliant, with a classic soap battle between bitter rivals Charity and Sadie," ITV's head of continuing series Corinne Hollingworth told the Daily Star.

"We are delighted that so many viewers tuned in and enjoyed this thrilling storyline."

She added: "We're very sorry to see Emma Atkins leave Emmerdale, but ITV hope to work with her again in the future."