Emmerdale is one of the most iconic television dramas in the history of British television. For over four decades, it has captivated audiences with its fascinating characters and dramatic storylines. Among the many characters that have graced our screens, Francis ‘Frank’ Ronald Tate is one that has stood out for many fans. As one of the most complex personalities in the show’s history, Frank Tate’s life was filled with drama, passion, and intrigue. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the history of Frank Tate, and explore the many twists and turns that defined his character’s journey on Emmerdale.
Emmerdale fans were left shocked on Thursday’s episode (April 6) as a huge new storyline kicked off. Caleb Miligan and Nicky the nanny made a secretive visit to the grave of Frank Tate, a character who was a regular on the show between 1989 and 1997, played by Norman Bowler. Caleb’s desire to claim the Home Farm estate had been visible for some time, but it wasn’t until this episode that it was revealed that he’s actually Frank’s son. It’s a big twist that links the current storyline to Emmerdale’s past, and has viewers wondering what else might be in store.
Frank was a key character in Emmerdale when the show underwent a revamp back in 1989. The soap aimed to shed its cosy countryside image and focus on bigger, bolder storylines, and Frank was at the centre of this plan as the patriarch of the Tate family. He moved to the village with his wife Kim and his children Chris and Zoe, and quickly became involved in conflicts with some of the locals. However, it was Frank’s volatile relationship with Kim that really captured viewers’ attention.
The couple’s marriage was rocked by tragedy when Kim suffered a miscarriage in 1992. After this, cracks began to appear in their relationship, with Frank turning to alcohol and Kim feeling neglected. She had an affair with Neil Kincaid, which led to her being kicked out by Frank when her cheating was discovered. The pair divorced, but later reconciled and remarried in 1994. However, history repeated itself when Kim had another affair, this time with Dave Glover, and became pregnant with his child. When Frank was officially confirmed as the baby’s father, Dave died in 1996 after helping to save baby Jamie from a fire.
In 1997, one of Emmerdale’s most outrageous storylines saw Kim fake her own death to frame Frank for murder. She later returned to haunt him, and the stress caused Frank to suffer a fatal heart attack. It’s a storyline that has gone down in soap history, and cemented Frank’s place as one of Emmerdale’s most memorable characters.
So how does Caleb’s plan fit into all of this? In Thursday’s episode, he hinted that he was seeking revenge on Frank’s behalf, and claimed that he wants to “make it right”. His ruthless determination to claim Home Farm suggests that he sees it as his birthright, and that he will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Friday’s episode promises more revelations about Caleb’s reasons for being in the village, and how he plans to achieve his goal.
Actor Will Ash, who plays Caleb, has promised that there are “a lot of fireworks” to come, and that the storyline will ramp up the tension between the Tates and the Dingles, two of Emmerdale’s iconic families. Viewers will no doubt be tuning in to find out how Caleb’s quest for revenge will unfold, and whether he will succeed in his mission to control Home Farm and the village that surrounds it. With the show’s history now woven into the storyline, it’s sure to be an exciting ride for Emmerdale fans.
In conclusion, Emmerdale has enjoyed a rich tapestry of characters over its many years on the air. One character that stands out is Francis ‘Frank’ Ronald Tate, whose arrival in the village caused quite a stir. From his initial entrance as a businessman with a ruthless edge, to his complicated relationships and eventual death, Frank left an indelible mark on the show. Although he may not have been the most likeable character, Frank added an often-needed sense of drama and conflict to the mix. His character history shows just how complex and nuanced the Emmerdale world can be, and we can only hope that future additions to the show are just as compelling as Frank and his fellow residents.
