Emmerdale star Lucy Pargeter hits back at fan criticism of Chas Dingle

ITV viewers have been particularly harsh with Chas Dingle following her affair with Al Chapman.

And now Emmerdale star Lucy Pargeter, who portrays the Woolpack manager, clapped back at all the criticism.

Is Chas the most hated resident in Emmerdale?

Recent months have shown she may have come pretty close as she embarked on a contested affair with Al Chapman.

This resulted in the businessman's death and the breakdown of Chas' own family after her husband Paddy Dingle found out about her infidelity.

Since then, Chas has been kept at arm's length by her own family and some members of the Dingle clan aren't afraid to share how upset they are with her.

But the harshest criticism Chas receives may be coming from fans of the Yorkshire-based drama.

Lucy has grown accustomed to viewers lashing out at her on-screen alter ego.

Yet one comment from a fan on social media rattled her and she decided to respond once more.

"Lucy Pargeter's character Chas beggers belief. The actress is portraying this character as a victim", the soap fan wrote.

"No real acceptance/responsibility for the utter devastation she has caused loved ones."

They added: "Still blaming others for her behaviour. Come on script writers. You can do better!"

The 45-year-old actress jumped in, writing: "So I’m playing her as the victim or can the scriptwriters do better? That’s where the line gets blurred."

Soon enough, the original poster continued the discussion.

"An actor can only do their best with the words+ direction they are given."

"A criticism of the writing for a specific character's progression through a story line, is not a personal criticism of the actor."

"Some may like the direction Lucy's character (Chas) is going in, others not."

This prompted another response from the actress.

"Honestly, I’m just asking. I find it interesting to see if people think that it’s down to the actor or the script", she penned.

As mentioned above, Chas has been dealing with the fallout of her affair with Al Chapman... while her brother Cain is in prison.

The Emmerdale tough man took the blame for the businessman's death, although his eleven-year-old son Kyle was responsible for killing him.

To top it all off, the Dingle have also welcomed a new family member in the form of Cain's secret brother Caleb Milligan.

Will Ash made his Dales debut on Christmas Day as his character paid Cain a visit in prison.

But could he be hiding something?

Emmerdale airs weeknights from 7.30pm on ITV.