I’d never tell her this to her face, but it certainly wouldn’t hurt Kim Tate (Claire King) to have a few more friends in Emmerdale. She’s definitely got one bestie, Lydia Dingle (Karen Blick).

There’s also Mary Goskirk (Louise Jameson), but the lack of scenes between her and Kim means I’m not entirely sure if Mary is BFF status still. Kim could definitely do with another mate

on her side but when I took my weekly dip into the book of Emmerdale’s future to see what’s ahead soon, I certainly didn’t expect that new pal to be *checks notes*…

Have I stepped into an alternative universe?

Chas Dingle?!

Yes, in upcoming episodes, Matriarch of the Tates heads to the pub and forms an unlikely bond with Matriarch of the Dingles.

Utterly bizarre if you ask me, given it was only the other day they were tearing strips out of each other, and Ross Barton (Michael Parr) had to step in and stop the fight.

Perhaps Chas, played by Lucy Pargeter, begins to see Kim in a new light?

Or maybe she’s going to lead Kim down a path of friendship as an ulterior motive for something else?

This new bond is particularly surprising, as the Tates and Dingles are currently at war with each other.

Is Chas’ new friendship with Kim genuine?

• Yes I think so
• No, she has an ulterior motive!

Everything changed for the Dingles when Moira Dingle (Natalie J Robb) ended up selling her shares of Butler’s Farm to Kim. Joe Tate (Ned Porteous) then took great pleasure in telling the clan that Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) and Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller) are now the new tenants in Moira’s old house.

The move prompted Sam Dingle (James Hooton) to suggest to Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) that they launch their own farm, one that’s miles better than the Tates’.

The likes of Cain, Sam and Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper) are here for it, which means Chas more than likely is as well.

So my question.

What on earth is Chas doing getting pally with Kim?