Jack Sugden

Jack Sugden
Emmerdale
Portrayed by	Andrew Burt; (1972–74, 1976); Clive Hornby; (1980–2008, 2009)
Duration	1972–74, 1976,; 1980–2008, 2009
First appearance	16 October 1972
Last appearance	10 February 2009
Created by	Kevin Laffan
Book appearances	The Legacy; Prodigal's Progress; All That A Man Has; The Homecoming; Old Flames; Wedding Bells; Family Feuds; Young Passions; Another Door Opens; A Friend In Need; Divided Loyalties; Wives and Lovers; Early Days At Emmerdale Farm
Profile
Date of birth	28 November 1947
Date of death	5 February 2009 (aged 61)
Occupation	Farmer
	; Andrew Burt as Jack Sugden
Relationships
Parents	Jacob Sugden; Annie Sugden
Sibling(s)	Joe Sugden; Peggy Skilbeck
Spouse(s)	Lynn Sugden; (divorced); Marian Wilks; (1974–76); Pat Merrick; (1982–86); Sarah Conolly; (1994–99, 2000); Diane Blackstock (2004–09)
Children	Jackie Merrick; Robert Sugden; Victoria Sugden; Sandie Merrick (adoptive); Andy Sugden (adoptive); Daz Eden (adoptive/ stepson)
Grandparents	Joseph Sugden; Margaret Sugden; Sam Pearson; Mary Pearson;
Nieces and nephews	Sam Skilbeck; Sally Skilbeck;

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John Jacob "Jack" Sugden is a fictional character in the British television soap opera Emmerdale. The character was originally played by Andrew Burt from 1972 to 1974 with a brief return in 1976, when he left for Italy to write a book. On his return in 1980 he was played by Clive Hornby. Hornby stayed in the role until 2008 when he was forced to take a break from Emmerdale due to illness. His last on-screen appearance was in February 2008, and his absence was explained by the character visiting his mother, Annie Brearly in Spain. Hornby died of the illness without returning to the series.

[edit] Character overview

Jacob and Annie Sugden’s son Jack is one of the original characters in Emmerdale. The Sugden family were the owners of Emmerdale Farm from the programme's early days. Jack and his younger brother Joe worked on the farm.

From the early days, Jack seems to be a very rebellious and self-righteous character, who cares little for others' views. He also has numerous flings with different women and failed marriages, sometimes due to his infidelity. Jack is also an intelligent and articulate man but shown to be secretive from his family too. As time has passed and Jack became a father, he has matured much more. He has firmly secured his roots in farming, which he originally tried so hard to escape from. Jack is still a man of principles and of pride, which can sometimes be his biggest weaknesses.

[edit] The prodigal son

In October 1972, Jack's father, Jacob Sugden, died after a long battle with alcohol addiction. Jacob had drained away the profits of the family farm by drinking too much. Jack had left eight years before after a heated row with Jacob, wanting to see more than Beckindale, and went to London.

After Jack heard about his father's death, he returned to Beckindale and went to the Woolpack where a surprised Amos Brearly served him. Jack looked over the dales and the farm while his family were at Jacob's funeral. His mother, Annie, was slightly bitter with Jack at first but let him stay. When the will was read, the family discovered Jacob had left the farm to Jack. Jack's sister, Peggy Skilbeck was annoyed as she felt the family had done all the work while Jack was in London, and for a while, Peggy was bitter towards Jack.

[edit] The early years

Jack, Joe and Matt ran the farm. Peggy, however, was suspicious about Jack's time in London. Joe followed him to The Feathers Hotel where there was a reservation for a Mrs. Sugden.

At the same time, Jack and Joe were interested in Marian Wilks, daughter of local business man, Henry Wilks. Henry took an instant dislike to Jack but looked more kindly on Joe as he taught Marian how to fish. Annie accused Marian of playing them off against each other. Jack told Marian to put Joe straight as he was trying to learn more to try and impress her. Eventually Jack and Marian got together but Marian demanded to know who was the woman he had met at the hotel, as her father had seen them. Jack explained that she was his wife, Lynn, who he married in London and they were discussing their divorce.

Trouble for the young couple came in the form of Ruth and Tom Merrick. Jack hired Tom as a farmhand but Matt complained Tom was lazy and hardly did any work, Jack confronted Tom and fired him. Merrick, however, had some information that threatened Jack and Marian's relationship. Merrick blackmailed Jack and said if he insisted on firing him, he would tell Marian the truth about his and Ruth's son, Jackie. Tom had become suspicious about who Jackie's father was after looking at photos of Jackie who looked very like Jack. Tom's suspicions weren't helped by the fact that he was named after Jack. He knew Ruth and Jack had had a relationship which ended just before Jackie was born and when Jack went to London, she married Tom. Jack, however, refused to be blackmailed and didn't know if Jackie was his son so Jack fired Merrick. Marian later found out and a strain was put on their relationship. Ruth and Tom left Beckindale.

The Sugden family were curious about Jack's newfound wealth. They later discovered Jack had written a book which had been fairly successful. Marian was curious about Jack's novel and borrowed a copy from his school friend, Frank. Marian found it a good book but wasn't impressed with the sexist views shown in it. With his money, Jack battled with Henry Wilks over a piece of land Harry Jameson, an old friend of Jacob Sugden, was selling. Jameson was trying to get them to boost their offers but Jack knew he needed the money quickly and Jameson accepted Jack's offer. Jack planned to move into the old mill, which stood on the land, and do it up. He got a solicitor and arranged for the Farm to be given to Annie, Joe, Peggy and Grandad Sam but Grandad didn't want the responsibility and sold his share to Henry Wilks.

After his sister, Peggy, died and wanting to explore the world, Jack went to Italy in 1974. He returned in 1976 after he had writer's block and after some words of wisdom from Annie, he left the dales once again.

Clive Hornby as Jack Sugden after the recast and when he returned in 1980.

[edit] Relationships

In 1982, Jack married childhood sweetheart Pat Merrick, now a single mother. Unknown to Jack, Jackie was his son and when the truth came out, it put a lot of strain on the marriage. Further pressure was added when Jack began seeing Karen Moore behind Pat’s back. When she found out, Pat demanded he choose - her or Karen - Jack decided to try and make his marriage work. Unfortunately Pat was killed in a car crash in 1986, leaving Jack to bring up their baby son, Robert.

After being single for a while, Jack met mobile librarian Sarah Connolly in 1988. They moved in together and had a daughter, Victoria and Sarah adopted Jack's son, Robert. Sarah and Jack married in May 1994. The pressure of trying to keep the farm afloat put considerable strain on the marriage and Jack had a brief affair with Sarah’s friend, Rachel.

Although it looked like the marriage was starting to work, following the adoption of troubled teenager Andy Hopwood, Sarah and Jack were at loggerheads again just two years later. After an affair with their lodger Richie, Sarah left Jack. Incensed by Sarah's actions, Jack refused Sarah access to their children and she considered returning. Richie took Sarah into the barn to try and convince her not to return to Jack.

[edit] Sarah's death

While they were in there, Andy, thinking the barn was empty, started a fire so Jack would get the insurance money, and Sarah was killed. Jack was arrested for Sarah's murder. Andy confessed to Richie - the prosecution's major witness - and begged him to change his statement. Richie, unable to face sending a young boy to jail, agreed and the case collapsed. This left the Sugdens to try and rebuild their lives. Standing by Jack, throughout the ordeal, was Woolpack landlady Diane Blackstock. The pair started dating but their relationship was hesitant.

[edit] Love triangle: Katie Addyman, Robert and Andy Sugden

Meanwhile, trouble was brewing between Robert and his adopted brother Andy. As Andy prepared to marry his sweetheart Katie Addyman, Robert had fallen in love with her and the two began having an affair.

When it was finally exposed, there were severe consequences; angry with Robert, Andy was waiting for Robert in his caravan with a shotgun, intending to shoot him. Unfortunately he shot Jack instead. Having almost died, Jack initially disowned him but they eventually repaired their relationship. Katie left Andy and moved in with Robert.

[edit] Marriage to Diane

Jack was planning to marry Diane, but she revealed that she had colon cancer and underwent chemotherapy. The couple married and enjoyed a honeymoon in Las Vegas while Diane was on the mend.

[edit] Family problems

Jack was horrified to discover that Andy had a baby daughter with teenager Debbie Dingle, but supported Andy’s decision to be a hands-on father and was impressed with how responsible his son had become.

Robert had a sordid affair with Sadie King and when Katie found out, she left the village. As Andy had comforted Katie before she left the village, Robert swore revenge and seduced Debbie, asking her to go away with him. Robert knew that this would cause Andy maximum harm as it would mean little Sarah would go with them. When Debbie turned up at the rendezvous point alone, Robert dumped her. Andy was horrified to discover his brother had tried to ruin his life again and the two engaged in a car chase which ended in a crash. Jack's sons emerged unscathed but Max King, who had been inadvertently caught up in these events, was killed. Jack ordered Robert to leave Emmerdale forever.

More trauma was to follow when Debbie gave Sarah to Emily Kirk, who left the village. Andy and Jack were devastated and their attempts to get the child back failed.

Meanwhile, Jack was becoming infuriated by the the Kings' business practices. Although a fragile truce was made after Max’s death, he continued to oppose them.

Jack was also forced to take in Andy’s half-brother Daz Eden. Daz and Jack disapproved of Andy getting back together with estranged wife, Katie. Jack had no idea how massive the impact of having a traumatized teenager in the house would be on Diane. Still recovering from her cancer, Diane insisted Jack had to get Andy to take the youngster back.

In the end, Daz, having realised what was going on, agreed to leave. Jack was saddened to see Daz leave Emmerdale to live with his mother. Daz returned a couple of months later after being hit by his mum's boyfriend. After this, Jack and Diane made plans to adopt him.

[edit] Feuding with Billy Hopwood

In 2007, Billy Hopwood was released from prison and returned to Emmerdale. He insisted on seeing Daz, much to Jack's annoyance. He felt Billy would be a bad influence, and told him to stay away from his family but Billy was determined. Daz enjoyed spending time with Billy but Andy didn't want anything to do with him. A sympathetic Diane talked to Billy and bonded with him. Eventually they fell in love and Billy asked her to leave with him, but Diane confessed to Jack. Jack was unable to forgive Diane and they separated.

[edit] Victoria's revenge

Back at the house, Jack told his children about Diane and Billy's affair. Victoria was distraught and blamed herself, visiting Billy and told him she blamed him for destroying her family. Angrily, he implied Jack was no saint and suggested he was responsible for Sarah's death. He asked if she'd been told what happened.

After another row, Victoria got drunk. She had been looking at newspaper clippings about the fire. One picture was of Sarah’s lover, Richie. He survived the fire and Victoria went to see him, demanding he tell her what happened. Richie told her Jack wasn't responsible but she didn't believe him. Victoria returned to the village and saw Andy so she hid in the garage. Inside, Victoria saw some petrol and took it home, dousing the furniture. When Jack and Andy returned, they could smell it and saw Victoria threatening to set it alight.

[edit] Andy's confession

Andy confessed to starting the fire. Shocked, Victoria ran upstairs but tripped and banged her head. She was lying on her bed, bleeding, when Jack and Andy got to her. Jack went to get a flannel to clean her up but accidentally lit the petrol fumes when he turned on the hot tap. A massive explosion ripped through the house. Daz was walking past outside and was knocked over by the force of the blast.

Inside Annie’s Cottage, the lounge was an inferno, where Victoria had soaked everything in petrol. As the fire took hold, there was a second explosion. Andy and Victoria were in her bedroom so he smashed the window and dropped her down to Jonny Foster. Billy rescued Andy and Jack, with help from Matthew King, ending up in hospital himself as the second explosion almost killed him. Jack was on crutches for several weeks while Andy's arm was bandaged after his sleeve was briefly set alight. Billy left the village a few days later.

[edit] The aftermath

When Victoria was questioned, she told the police that she didn't start the fire and felt she should have been told sooner that Andy had caused Sarah's death. Andy was charged with manslaughter and Victoria was charged with threat to cause criminal damage by arson and was released on bail. She was told she would appear in a youth court in several weeks’ time. She was put under the care of a psychiatrist, who helped her come to terms with what she'd learned.

After completing her sessions with the psychiatrist, Victoria had a drink with Diane and revealed that she’d been bullied at school and called a “nutter”. Diane told her she was always there if Victoria needed her. Although it was Jo who made sure that Victoria wouldn't be bullied.

Andy was sentenced to three years in prison for Sarah's manslaughter but was released on appeal in March 2008. This brought Jack and Diane back together.

[edit] Spain and death

On February 21, 2008 Jack flew out to Spain as his mother was ill, due to actor Clive Hornby taking sick leave. While Jack was in Spain, Diane received a text message mentioning them patching things up on his return. Andy visited in the summer. Following Hornby's death in July 2008 Jack died off-screen on February 5th 2009. Victoria and Daz were planning on visiting Jack in half term when Annie phoned The Woolpack to tell the family that Jack had just died of a heart attack, leaving the family devastated. Diane flew out to Spain to bring Jack's body home while Val and Eric Pollard arranged the funeral.

[edit] Funeral/tribute episode

Jack was buried on February 10th 2009 next to Jacob, Joe, Peggy, Pat, Sarah, Jackie, Leonard, Mark, Rachel Sam and Sally. Andy, Daz, Sam and Zak Dingle were pallbearers.

Diane read a letter Jack had written for Andy, Victoria, Daz and Rob during the service. In it, he told them he loved them and wanted them to stick together. In this letter it was also revealed he knew in his last weeks that he would not live to see the village or his family again as he realized he was suffering from very badly declining health. Andy broke down in tears and fled the church. Rodney Blackstock was a pallbearer in his place. As Jack was lowered into the ground, Diane placed his famous checked cap onto the coffin. Andy met Rob who was watching the burial and who then drove away. Rob later visited the grave to say goodbye to his dad. That afternoon, Val put a framed photo of Jack up next to the picture of Amos and Mr Wilks in The Woolpack.

After Annie had talked to Andy, he decided to live up to his responsibility and become head of the family as Jack wanted. Annie also gave Diane a letter that Jack had written in which he said he knew they would never see each other again and he wished that they had had the chance to get back together. Andy, Diane, Daz and Victoria then went to the grave that night to say goodbye. As they walked away, Diane looked back and saw Jack's ghost next to the grave. He smiled at her and she smiled back for she realised that Jack would always be with her and the kids and would be looking down on them. Throughout the episode Diane, Andy and Rob thought back on their memories of Jack. This hour long episode was dedicated to the memory of Clive Hornby.

[edit] References

[edit] External links