'Emmerdale' viewers 'heartbroken' and 'sobbing' as Faith Dingle dies

Emmerdale viewers said they were “heartbroken” and “sobbing” as Faith Dingle died in her son’s arms.

The character, who is played by Sally Dexter, had been battling terminal breast cancer and made the decision to take her own life.

After swallowing some pills she passed away in moving scenes on Thursday (13 October), with son Cain (Jeff Hordley) by her side.

Read more: King Charles stuns Emmerdale cast by wishing soap a happy birthday in NTAs message

Kissing her head, Cain thanked his mum for the perfect last day they had shared together as she slipped away.

The emotional scenes - which aired the same night that the ITV soap was a big winner at the National Television Awards - were too much for some viewers.

Many posted messages on social media saying that they were in floods.

"Sobbing my heart out watching," one fan tweeted.

"Can't stop crying," said another, while one quipped that they just had something in their eye.

Another viewer posted: "So sensitively handled from many aspects!!

"A build up over weeks culminating in a scene that will have touched many families, as it did for me."

"I cried throughout this," said someone else.

"Saddest moment ever. Heartbroken."

Another moved viewer tweeted: "Having lost my own mum to cancer in May tonight’s #Emmerdale broke my heart.

"Was so well acted well done to all, now crying my eyes out in to a glass of wine."

"After catching up with #emmerdale I am heartbroken," one fan wrote.

"Faith Dingle RIP and Sally Dexter deserves so many awards she is sensational."

On Thursday night, the soap scooped best serial drama at the NTAs.

Read more: Emmerdale producers reveal the storylines they're most proud of

There was another surprise from the cast, when a taped message was played in which King Charles congratulated the soap on its 50th anniversary.

For confidential emotional support at times of distress, contact The Samaritans at any time by calling 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org.

Watch: Cast of Strictly and Emmerdale enjoy wins at the National Television Awards