EMMERDALE fans broke down in tears tonight as Bob Hope finally came face to face with son Heath’s body in gut-wrenching scenes.
The teen died during Monday’s episode of the ITV soap, after being involved in a car crash on New Year’s Day.
Heath, his twin sister Cathy and their friend Angelica King had stolen Wendy’s car to head to a party, with Cathy driving along the country roads.
But their trip ended in tragedy, and in tonight’s episode, Bob was still shell-shocked by the sudden passing of his son.
Bob refused to leave the hospital to go and see Cathy, who had minor injuries but was in deep shock at the loss of her twin brother.
He kept demanding to see Heath’s body, but partner Wendy – a nurse – told him it may take some time.
But he told her: “I’m not going anywhere until I’ve seen him. Because if you’re going to suggest I go home…because what have I got to go home to?
“Heath’s smell on his clothes? His room? That smashed up guitar he’s never going to play again?
“I have to, Wendy please, I have to see my son because I have to say goodbye to him.”
Eventually, the bereavement team gave permission for him to see his son, but because it was before they had carried out Heath’s autopsy, Bob wasn’t allowed to touch him.
Bob went inside and closed the door, and a few moments later, another scene saw him come back out, having spent time with his dead son.
But in tears, he told Wendy: “They wouldn’t even let me touch him. I was supposed to say goodbye.
“What has he done to deserve this? Why did he listen to Cathy? If he had come to me?”
A tearful Wendy begged Bob not to go down that path, and he told her: “I mean I know I’ve not always been the best dad, but I can’t lose my son. I love him so much. What am I going to do without him?”
As he sobbed into Wendy’s arms, Emmerdale viewers were also in tears as they took to X – formerly Twitter – to discuss the sad scenes.
One wrote: “Great episode – absolutely heart wrenching. Bob, Brenda, April and Marlon especially.”
Another added: “My heart is breaking for Bob.”
A third exclaimed: “Bob I am crying!”
Emmerdale airs on ITV1 and is available on ITVX.
