Who is Al Chapman in Emmerdale? Here’s why Ellis’ dad is in town
NEW arrival, Al Chapman, rocked up in last night's episode of Emmerdale, leaving his son Ellis somewhat stunned.
But just who is Al and why is he in the village? Here’s what we know about the ITV soap's latest arrival...
Who is Al Chapman in Emmerdale?
Al Chapman is the biological father of Ellis Chapman and Jessie Dingle’s ex.
He arrived in Emmerdale on August 13 2019 when he walked into a meeting Ellis was expecting with a potential investor.
Al has been living out in Dubai, running an outdoor pursuit business - and judging by his flash car and slick suit, he did pretty well for himself out there.
Jessie hinted that Al had very little contact with his son while he was working in the Middle East.
It was later revealed that Ellis hasn’t heard from his dad in over a year.
Al is played by Harry Potter actor Michael Wildman.
He also played a CRI agent alongside Matt Damon in The Bourne Ultimatum and appeared in the Steven Spielberg sci-fi film Ready Player One.
Speaking about his new role last month, Michael: "I don’t know who’s more excited about me joining Emmerdale, myself or my Mum!
"I know it’s her, and was my late grandmother’s, favourite soap.
"I mean I’ve rubbed some serious shoulders in the business over the last 25 years, but the jump for joy from her was unmatched!"
He added: “I’m seriously looking forward to joining the Emmerdale family.
"On paper Al Chapman will be a dream to play for any actor and with the help of the current cast I look forward to him mixing things up in the village and for myself, bringing him to life."
Why is he in the village?
No one was particularly pleased to see Al when he arrived in the village - Ellis even tried to send his dad packing.
His ex Jessie, was equally unimpressed by Al’s presence.
The suspended head teacher moved to the village as a single mum of two last year.
She tied the knot with chef Marlon Dingle at Christmas, so the surprise arrival of her ex-husband is set to ruffle feathers in the village.
Al even managed to upset birthday girl, April, by running over one of her new toys while in his car.
Meanwhile, son Ellis was annoyed that Al had wasted his time when he was expecting a potential investor for the business he’s hoping to set up with brother, Billy Fletcher.
And he was stunned when Al tried to reassure him that he was genuinely interested in investing.
But Billy was yet another person seriously unimpressed to see Al in the village.
He lectured him for not visiting his son in hospital when he was stabbed, but Al was shocked by the news and obviously hadn’t heard how serious his son's injuries were.
Billy was furious that he and his brother were finally beginning to rebuild their relationship and now his step-dad had arrived and wanted in on it too.
More Emmerdale Spoilers
Al later offered to fund Ellis’ personal training business, but didn’t seem that keen to have Billy on board as well.
Ellis was having none of it though and told Al what he could do with his offer.
The entrepreneur dad didn’t get the message though and told Ellis that he wouldn’t give up that easily.