Emmerdale fans demand answers as character gets forgotten about with fate unknown despite never leaving the Dales
THE Dales may have seen some dramatic secrets over the festive period, with April’s disappearance and those cryptic flash forwards, but that hasn’t stopped fans searching out a new mystery.
Viewers have questioned the whereabouts of a veteran character who has been missing in plain sight for years.
One fan took to socials to spell things out saying: “What the f**k happened to Tootsie? I want answers emmerdale.”
Tootise the dog first appeared on our screens back in 2002 as she was adopted by Emmerdale legend Enda Birch, played by Shirley Stelfox, while she was mourning the loss of her long time side-kick, Batley.
The pint sized Papillon went on to have several big storylines of her own. In 2007 She was lost by Pearl whilst out on a walk and was caught in one of Zak Dingle’s traps, needing urgent veterinary help to save her.
Whilst on her escapades in the woods Tootise also became ‘friendly’ with another dog and ended up falling pregnant, much to Edna’s surprise.
Then in 2012 Tootsie had another health scare when Paddy carried out a biopsy at the vets and confirmed that she had spleen cancer. The following year saw Edna support her pet through several rounds of chemotherapy to cure the condition.
But it was in 2016 where things came to a head for the pooch as her legendary owner and Emmerdale icon, Edna, died after her own battle with cancer.
Edna was a mainstay in the show for 15 years and, although she was a long time resident of the village, she was only seen for the first time in 2000.
She was known for her devout Christian faith, distinctive hat and withering put downs that all made her a firm fan favourite.
The feisty character was also renowned for her love of dogs and was rarely seen without one at her side.
Initially fans fell in love with Edna’s long term companion, Batley the Yorkshire terrier who sadly met his demise in 2002 after being kicked by Edna’s own troubled granddaughter Eve. So fans were delighted when Tootsie came along to take his place.
However when the Edna passed away in 2016 Tootsie was taken in by Edna’s first cousin once removed, Harriet.
The village’s latest vicar had moved in to Edna’s former home, Woodbine Cottage, so the arrangement made perfect sense, but since then nothing has been seen of the much loved Tootsie.
Harriet herself, played by Katherine Dow Blyton, met her end in the dramatic 50th anniversary storm season of 2002, with no mention of what happened the beloved Tootsie.
It seems now that fans want answers, another viewer replied the Tootsie post saying: “Damn this show and their Tootsie erasure.”