Samuel Jonah 'Sam' Dingle is the son of Zak and Nellie Dingle and father of Samson Dingle. Sam arrived in Emmerdale village in February 1995, following his release from a young offenders institute. Sam was often taken advantage of by Eric Pollard, who used him for cheap labour. Eventually, Kathy Glover taught him to read so Eric would be less able to take advantage of him. Sam fell in love with her, one of his many unrequited loves.