ITV Share By Jade Brown Sep 11 2025 By Jade Brown Sep 11 2025 Why Paddy sees himself as Aaron's real dad and what happened with his actual father "I'm here for you, son." Aaron Dingle Chas Dingle Paddy Kirk Share By Jade Brown Sep 11 2025 By Jade Brown Sep 11 2025 Emmerdale this week has seen Paddy sitting by Aaron Dingle’s hospital bed as he fights for his life – but why does Paddy see himself as Aaron’s real dad? Aaron Dingle found himself in danger recently after he discovered the extent of husband John’s lies. Not one to admit defeat, John grabbed Aaron and pulled him over the edge of a gorge. As Aaron’s friends and family prayed for Aaron to come around from his coma, Paddy apologised for not being a better dad. But what’s the story there, and who is Aaron’s biological dad? Read on for a recap. Paddy feels guilty for not being there more for Aaron (Credit: ITV) Paddy vows to be a ‘better dad’ Following the cliff plunge disaster, Aaron’s mum Chas has been beside herself with worry. Along with fiancé Liam, her ex Paddy has been at the hospital. Paddy Kirk sat by Aaron’s bedside and willed him to get better. Chas placed a comforting hand on Paddy’s shoulder and referred to Aaron as “our boy”. article continues below Read all the latest spoilers Paddy claimed he hadn’t been enough of a dad to Aaron lately. Chas tried to reassure Paddy, but he insisted on apologising for not doing more to prevent this situation. There was then an emotional moment as Paddy told Aaron: “I’m gonna be a better dad for you when you get out of here. I promise. I’m here for you, son. I always will be.” Paddy and Aaron have a close bond (Credit: ITV) What’s the story between Paddy and Aaron? Paddy came into Aaron’s life when he was a teenager after starting a relationship with Aaron’s mum Chas. At the time, Aaron was a bit wayward, but Paddy and Aaron soon bonded, with Paddy acting as a father figure to Aaron. Aaron even continued to live with Paddy after Paddy and Chas split up. When Aaron was struggling with his sexuality, it was Paddy who realised. Although Aaron initially attacked Paddy, he tearfully broke down and admitted to Paddy that he was gay. Paddy told Aaron that he was like a son to him and supported Aaron through the confusing time as well as through many other occasions, such as imprisonment and in the aftermath of real dad Gordon’s abuse. Paddy has been a stable and moral presence throughout Aaron’s chaotic life, with Aaron even acknowledging as much by referring to Paddy as “dad” on occasion. The roles have also been reversed at times, with Aaron playing the supportive part when Paddy discovered his biological dad may be a wrestler known as Bear Wolf. Gordon was found guilty of abuse (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock) Who was Aaron’s biological dad? Aaron’s biological dad is Gordon Livesy. He is the former husband of Chas and also dad to Aaron’s half sister Liv, who died during Emmerdale’s big storm week in 2022. Aaron’s back story has been explored and it was revealed that after Gordon and Chas split when Aaron was 8, Aaron continued to live with Gordon. Aaron had sporadic visits to the village to visit his mum, before moving there permanently. Gordon also returned to the village and he and Chas started dating again. Meanwhile, Aaron was self-harming and he eventually admitted to Robert Sugden that Gordon raped him as a child. When confronted, Gordon claimed Aaron was creating false memories. Aaron eventually told Chas about the sexual abuse and she immediately believed him. They reported the historic abuse to the police and Gordon was arrested. In court, he was found guilty and sentenced to 18 years in prison. The next day Gordon was a found dead in his cell after hanging himself. Aaron was told the news during a party, which had been thrown to celebrate him ditching the name Livesy and becoming Aaron Dingle. Read more: Mack’s phone will be ‘key’ to John’s downfall after Emmerdale fans spot ‘clue’ Share Good to Know Share By Jade Brown Sep 11 2025 By Jade Brown Sep 11 2025
