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Nate Robinson is a fictional character from the ITV soap opera Emmerdale, played by Jurell Carter. Details surrounding his casting and his character were shrouded in mystery as the unidentified character was featured in the Earth Day trailer released in March 2019. The secrecy led to speculation that Carter was a recast of an established character. The character's name and Carter's casting was officially announced by the show upon his debut. He was introduced as part of the "Big Night Out" storyline where he kisses Rhona Goskirk ( Zoë Henry) not knowing she has a boyfriend and arrives in the fictional village, seemingly for work. Upon Nate's introduction, Carter described Nate as a very loyal cheeky chap.

Shortly after his introduction, Nate forges a bond with his new boss, Moira Barton ( Natalie J. Robb). Meanwhile, he begins dating Amy Wyatt ( Natalie Ann Jamieson) and encourages her take custody of her son from his father, Moira's husband Cain Dingle ( Jeff Hordley). After many tense encounters, Nate and Moira begin having an affair behind Amy and Cain's backs. Cain tries to kill Nate when he finds out only for Nate to reveal he is Cain's son who grew up with the false notion that Cain rejected him because he is Black. Despite his misdeeds, his aunt Belle Dingle ( Eden Taylor-Draper) tries to make include Nate in family events which drives a wedge between the rest of the family. The rift begins to heal in 2020 when Nate covers for Cain after he shoots him. Meanwhile, Nate and his new girlfriend Tracy Metcalfe ( Amy Walsh) discover they are expecting a baby. In addition to the unplanned pregnancy, Nate and Tracy's relationship is plagued by Tracy's struggles with Postnatal depression after the birth of their daughter Frankie Robinson. The relationship ultimately falls apart when Nate cheats on Tracy. After his failed romance with Naomi Walters (Karene Peter), Nate and Tracy reunite and marry in 2023.

Creation and casting

Nate and his origin story were conceived by executive producer Jane Hudson. "This is actually the first story I brought to the table when I joined Emmerdale in July of last year [2018]" she told Inside Soap. She continued, "We've developed it since then. We've added to it, changed it and made it more exciting, so this story has been a longtime in the making." ^[1]

The character was first revealed in a trailer released by the show's official Twitter account in honor of Earth Day. However details about the character or the actor were not immediately made available. ^[2] On 1 April 2019, it was reported that Carter had been cast in the unidentified role. ^[3] The character's name remained a secret until Carter's first appearance. ^[4] Carter later explained that his appearance in the trailer was unexpected as it was initially supposed to be a promotional photo. ^[5] Carter later told OK! "We had to keep quiet for what felt like the longest." ^[6]

Carter said of his casting to Inside Soap: "It sounds like a cliché, but it's surreal being part of a show I watched as a kid. It was weird seeing the Woolpack – or the Wolfpack, as I used to call it when I was young! – for the first time, but I'm getting used to it." ^[7] Nate was Carter's first major television role. The actor revealed "My mum and late grandmother always watched Emmerdale so it was daunting coming in." Carter initially auditioned for the role of Billy Fletcher in 2018. He met Jay Kontzle, who was eventually cast as Billy, during the audition process. Carter said he was "a bit gutted" when he lost the role but came to realize "I was definitely more suited to Nate. So it all worked out." ^[8]

Before he reported to work, Carter did his research, which included watching cast interviews about their experiences working on the show. ^[9] "I've got my dream job" Carter told Daily Mirror in 2020. ^[10] To prepare for the role, Carter had to get into shape. "I wanted to look good and feel good. I think everyone has a perfect idea of how they would like their body to be. So when I first got the role I did cut down on my weight and I lost a stone and a half." However, he insisted, "It wasn’t a crash diet. I just cut back a bit to make me feel better. I wanted to feel lean and light for me." ^[6]

Development

Characterisation

In his first interview with Inside Soap, Carter described Nate as "cheeky chap" who "does like the ladies" but he is also a "very loyal character." ^[7] Carter later told the magazine, "He's a nice guy but a bit too naughty." Cater said "Nate is like a younger version of Cain. – he's fit and strong." ^[11] According to the actor, "Nate's a very complex character." Throughout his introduction, Nate "had a very conniving, sneaky and malicious side." In the aftermath of his affair with Moira, Carter played up the character's "more vulnerable and loving side." ^[12] Carter also characterised Nate as a "streetwise," "jack the lad type of guy" to Digital Spy. ^[9] "Nate is a man of his word" Carter said of the character in 2020. He continued, "Nate has goodness in his heart." ^[13]

Introduction and early romances

The character of Nate was introduced in the "Big Night Out" storyline ^[4] which saw the series "straying from their usual linear storytelling style" as the storyline played out through a series of flashback episodes with thirteen regular characters converging at a nightclub. ^[14] Nate is ultimately revealed to be the "handsome stranger" that Rhona Goskirk ( Zoe Henry), who had been experiencing relationship woes, crosses paths with. ^{[4] [15]} "Although Rhona initially laughed off Nate's attempts to chat her up, it was clear that he'd made an impact on her" and they leave together. Additionally, Daniel Kilkelly noted "that Emmerdale bosses have gone to the effort of giving Nate a surname, while some of the other clubbers were only credited with their first names." ^[16]

Nate and Rhona share a drunken kiss which leads to a clash with Rhona's boyfriend, Pete Barton ( Anthony Quinlan). Henry commented that Rhona's behavior is "totally out of character." For Rhona, "I think she's grasping for a bit of her old self back – her youth." ^[17] According to Carter, "When Nate kissed Rhona, he assumed she was single. He wanted more […] but Rhona left." While Nate is still interested when he sees Rhona again, "it's really awkward because Nate's landed right on her doorstep, where Pete is!" To further complicate matters, Nate and Pete realise they are now co-workers on the farm. "Nate knows this is a messed-up situation. He also knows that he's not in the wrong – but wants to avoid anymore distress for anybody." Nate would never have kissed Rhona knowing she had a boyfriend "So he's not about to pursue it!" Carter praised Henry who "has really taken me under her wing." ^[7]

Next, Nate has a one-night-stand with Tracy Metcalfe before he sets his sights on Amy Wyatt (Natalie Jamieson). Despite his "womanising" ways, Nate's "really into Amy" and he is "determined to win Amy round." The fact that she's giving him the cold shoulder makes him even keener." ^[18] Nate tries to smooth things over with Amy and distracts her long enough for her and Cain's son Kyle Winchester (Huey Quinn) to go missing. ^[19] Nate gets to play hero when he breaks down a garage door to rescue Kyle from a potentially deadly situation as fumes are leaking, ^[20] further endearing him to Amy. ^[21]

Affair with Moira Dingle

Meanwhile, Carter teased Nate's connection to another older woman. ^[22] That woman turned out to be Nate's boss, Moira, who confides in him about her "complex relationship" with her husband, Cain. ^[23] Rumours swirled that Nate and Moira would engage in an affair but the series would not comment. ^[21] On 9 July 2019, Emmerdale officially announced the affair storyline. Producer, Kate Brooks, said "Those of you with eyes might have noticed something going on with Nate and Moira – there are a lot of heated moments over hay bales. […] It's going to be dangerous, very steamy and ruffles a lot of feathers in the village." ^[24] According to Carter, "[Nate] was instantly attracted to her because she's a very attractive woman both physically and mentally." ^[9] With Amy on his arm, and Moira in his crosshairs, Nate's pattern of going after the women in Cain's life is established. ^[25] Nate abandons his plan to "take things slow" with Amy and consummates the relationship after a "charged moment" between him and Moira leaves them "slightly unsettled." ^[26] Later, Moira tries to "sabotage" Nate's relationship with Amy and he confronts her. Then, when Moira sees Nate and Amy have spent the night together, she briefly fires him. ^[27] Although Moira initially rejects his advances, Nate "can see in her eyes that she is attracted to him." ^[28] Carter explained that when Nate pursues Moira, "He's looking at the lust rather than the bigger picture. […] He's just thinking with his eyes!" Nate does his best to keep Amy and Moira apart "so he can easily switch between them." ^[11] Nate and Moira have sex for the first time in the barn after Cain stands her up on a date. ^[29] Nate and Moira continue sleeping together which eventually results in her neglecting her family as she is with Nate when her son Isaac gets sick at school. They spend the night together again when Cain rushes to Scotland to visit his daughter Debbie Dingle ( Charley Webb). ^[30] The affair "began with lust, but it's turned into much more than that" Carter explained. According to the actor, Nate "is very stupid" for getting in between a married couple, "but I do think there is genuine feeling there." ^[9] For Carter, the "raunchier" sex scenes were "quite overwhelming to film." In addition to being new to the series, "I had not really done intimate scenes before" Carter told Susan Hill of the Daily Star. ^[8] While he "loved filming in the farm," ^[31] Carter admitted that the sex scenes were not as sexy as it appeared "as the barn is full of hay sometimes and there are rats around! And it's hot and stuffy in there." ^[11] He later said "I’ve got a fear of rats and vermin, so knowing there are rats on set makes me shaky and nervous." Filming in small spaces, such as Nate's caravan, was often uncomfortable for Carter who is quite tall. "I can't stand up in it" he said. ^[31] The actor also felt that being surrounded by the production crew made it far from sexy. "You have so many people around you, and the boom operators who can hear every little sound you make when you’re kissing. It’s not the sexiest when you’re doing it." ^[8] He later said "It's very technical." ^[31] Carter appreciated Robb for being a "mentor" to him throughout the storyline. "She’s someone who has become a great friend as well, which has been really nice." ^[8]

Paternity reveal

From the beginning, Nate immediately "clashed with Cain, and keeps getting involved in his business" Charlotte Tutton observed. Even Moira accused Nate of targeting Cain before they slept together. ^[32] It is clear that Nate has a vendetta against Cain and is determined to destroy his marriage to Moira as he threatens to expose the affair. Meanwhile, Nate convinces Amy to sue for custody of Kyle, insisting Cain's home is unstable. ^[33] Nate is not happy when Amy and Cain reconcile and she drops the custody suit and accused his girlfriend of "letting Cain win." ^[32] While Cain's propensity for violence is well known, "Nate's new to the village and doesn't really know Cain's reputation" said Carter. ^[28] However, the actor felt his character was indeed a good match for Cain. ^[11] Carter insisted that Nate would have pursued Moira regardless because "No-one is a threat to him." ^[9] In an interview with What's on TV, Brooks confirmed that the story would climax in October 2019. "We’re really going to get to the core of why this affair has happened, and the consequences to it." ^[34] Hudson said the "finale on the boat sees secrets revealed." ^[1] The secret unravels as Nate and Moira sneak away for the weekend. Moira loses her phone and Pete sees flirty texts between the two and confronts Nate about the affair. According to Quinlan, "Nate tries to cover it up but doesn't do a good job." Pete demands that they return home immediately. ^[35] Things go from bad to worse when Cain's mother, Faith Dingle ( Sally Dexter) incorrectly assumes that Moira is cheating with Pete. Cain abducts Pete and threatens him forcing Pete to admit the truth. ^[36] Cain taunts Nate telling about his marital woes forcing Nate to tell Cain about the affair. "He goes into detail. It's very twisted, very explosive." ^[9] In the midst of their fight, Nate reveals he is Cain's son, Moira gets knocked overboard and the boat explodes launching Cain and Nate into the water. ^[37] "It was amazing" Carter said of shooting the location scenes on the lake. "I love shooting at the studio and the village, but shooting on a beautiful lake with all the scenery was just amazing. It felt like we were shooting a different type of drama. I loved doing the stunts." Filming on such a small boat proved difficult for Carter and his co-star Jeff Hordley due to their height. The actor also praised his stunt double who "coached me to make me feel comfortable so it was all believable. These stunt guys have huge experience, even having a bit of their knowledge was great." ^[9] Carter actually learned how to swim in preparation for the scenes. ^[38] When the actor learned of plans for the stunt, Carter confided in Robb that he could not swim. She told the producers and they immediately put Carter in swim lessons. ^[1] Similar to Carter before the story, Nate cannot swim either. "When I saw the lake, it was terrifying but my swimming instructor eased me into it." Carter appreciated the cast and crew for making him comfortable. ^[9] Hospitalised Nate confronts Cain about his rejection of his pregnant mum, Cara. However, Cain denies this claiming Cara just disappeared. Faith ultimately confesses that she chased Cara away as she feared Cain's racist abusive stepfather Shadrach Dingle ( Andy Devine) would have killed Cara and her mixed-race child. ^[39] Faith's orchestration of the coverup facilitates Dexter's previously announced exit as Cain disowns Faith. ^{[40] [41]}

Redemption and relationship with Tracy Metcalfe

Nate appeals to his aunt, Belle Dingle ( Eden Taylor-Draper), as he wants to know the Dingle family but Belle rejects him and Cain later attacks him. ^[42] But, Belle is the first Dingle to extend an olive branch to Nate as she fears Cain's revenge plans will only cause more chaos. Nate also finds an unlikely supporter in his cousin, Charity Dingle ( Emma Atkins), when he rescues her son, Moses (Arthur Cockroft) from a kidnapper. As she fails to "reason" with her brother Cain, Belle meets with Nate, "offering some advice on how to handle Cain moving forwards." ^[43] Later, Kim Tate ( Claire King) announces that she's offered Nate a chance to take over the lease for Wylie's Farm. While Belle will "give Nate a chance," Cain is furious and Moira fears Nate's continued presence may keep her from rebuilding her family. To further complicate matters, Pete leaves Moira's farm to partner with Nate. ^[44] Soon, Nate's uncle, Sam Dingle ( James Hooton), invites him for Christmas in hopes "they might be able to heal this rift and start getting to know the newest Dingle." Kate White of Inside Soap observed that "Nate is [just] the latest in a long line of offspring who've turned up unexpectedly and been given the family's seal of approval…" While the other of Dingles agree, Cain works overtime to excommunicate Nate, and even tries to poison Kyle against Nate. A "furious" Nate confronts Cain about his actions but their meeting goes awry leaving rest of the family "at their wits' end." ^[45]

In 2020, the writers introduced Nate's mother Cara Robinson played by Carryl Thomas. The casting was not announced nor was her arrival mentioned in spoilers. ^[46] "It's been amazing working with Carryl – she's such a great actress" Carter said. Cara's presence "adds another layer to Nate's backstory" Carter stated. "He's been lied to all of his life, so it's been good to find out his mum's side of the story." ^[12] Though Cara is "horrified" by her son's actions, she does not want Nate "anywhere near" the Dingles. ^[47] However, after the olive branch from the rest of the Dingles, "Nate began to feel at home in the village and insisted on staying." Cara ultimately decides Nate to "make his own mistakes." ^[48] In February 2020, Cain shoots Nate having mistaken him for a rustler at Moira's farm. Though Cain insist it was an accident, both Cara and Nate, "citing his [Cain] repeated death threats," believe otherwise. ^[49] However, Nate chooses to cover for Cain with the police feeling that he owes him. ^[50] "The incident led to Cain wanting to get to know Nate, with him not being part of his life." In addition to his evolving dynamic with Cain, "I'd say Nate has got a hell of a lot to keep him in the village and it's massive for him". According to Carter, "Nate has a whole new family in the village" and "he's only just starting to get to know them." He continued, "Family means everything to Nate, so the fact that he's starting to build a relationship with the Dingles is important to him." Nate also has his own business at Wylie's Farm which is "massive for him" because "it's a huge opportunity that he's always wanted." ^[51]

Nate later starts a romance with former fling, Tracy. According to Carter, "it's different now as feelings are involved." ^[12] Carter said Nate feels "very at home" Tracy "and he's enjoying how close they are." ^[51] Amy Walsh, who played Tracy, said "It's tricky with Nate, because obviously he's got this reputation" and "he's just damaged from his childhood." ^[52] But Carter insisted that Nate and Tracy are "nicely suited" for each other. "They've made mistakes in the past, but they're genuinely nice people." ^[53] Despite all he has going for him, Cara insist Nate leave with her. "Regardless of how old he is, Nate is still Cara's baby boy" Carter explained in an interview with TVTimes. After she takes a shot at Tracy, Nate calls out Cara for "judging Tracy in the same way she was once judged by the Dingles." And Nate gets unexpected support from Cain who insist to Cara that "their boy is big enough to make his own decisions." Though she apologises to Tracy, Cara still expects Nate to leave with her. ^[54] While they haven't been together long, "it has been sweet" Alice Penwill said of Nate and Tracy's relationship in August 2020. Carter insisted that the pair made a "great couple." While they are both "strong and fierce," "they're very loving, and it works well." Nate and Tracy are "in a good place and taking things steady." It is the "honeymoon phase, where everything's just rosy and going well." ^[55] However, Nate and Tracy are in "shock" when they learn she is pregnancy and he blames her for not being careful. ^[56] "Nate's completely terrified" Carter admitted. They thought they were being safe and Nate's "difficult situation with his own family makes him even more terrified at this point." Before the pregnancy, the couple "didn't have any future plans." While he cannot confide in Cain yet, "Nate's developed a nice relationship with Sam." Though he doesn't have a "family base," Carter said "I'd say he has a confidante in Sam." ^[55] Sam ultimately helps Nate come to terms with the pregnancy. Nate apologises to Tracy and admits he wants to be a dad, whether he is ready right now or not. ^[57] Though Nate will adapt to fatherhood, "it'll be a huge task and the fact that he grew up without [Cain] will play in his mind throughout the pregnancy." ^[55] Once Tracy decides to keep the baby, the couple promise each other "they would make it work." ^[58]

While he gets on the same page with Tracy, Al Chapman ( Michael Wildman) fires Nate for missing a work meeting during Tracy's hospital visit. ^[59] Later, Belle confides in Nate that Jamie Tate (Alexander Lincoln) was behind Moira's hit-and-run. He is "completely taken aback by Belle's confession! He doesn't know how she came to learn this info, or why she's hiding it from the police. And it's going to be hard for him to keep what Belle says to himself – Nate and Moira have a checkered past, but there's a wrong here that needs to be put right…" Nate goes to Al to plead his case only to overhear Jamie admit that he and Belle are having an affair. ^[60] Armed with this new information, Nate considers using it as leverage, if he can't get his job back. "Nate will do anything he can for the child and Tracy." ^[61] Nate is "torn" when Jamie not only offers to rehire him, but offers him a bonus, in exchange for his silence. "Having job security and a steady income is exactly what Nate needs right now" as an expectant father. "Jamie's offer is actually very tempting as Nate can't afford to be out of work at such an important time." To qual Tracy's insecurities, Nate tells Tracy he's got his job back but she's suspicious about Jamie and Belle. ^[62] However, Nate rejects Jamie's attempt to bribe him and plans to tell Moira and the police. ^[63] Nate and the Dingles are furious when Belle seemingly chooses Jamie over them. Nate argues with Jamie before he vandalises his car as Cain backs him up. ^[64] However, it is later revealed that Belle has been gathering evidence against Jamie, with Nate's help, and they have turned him into the police. ^[65] However, when Jamie frames Belle for his crime, and the trauma triggers her Schizophrenia, Nate plans to confess to the hit-and-run instead. ^[66] Nate observes "Belle’s deteriorating [mental] health" and "he just wants to help her out." According to Carter, Nate's motives are altruistic. Nate "has love and care for Belle." ^[67] Though Cain is impressed by Nate's sacrifice, Nate "doesn't actually take Cain or the rest of the Dingle family into consideration – his decision is all down to his love and compassion for Belle." Laura-Jayne Tyler said Nate is "torn" about whether to see his plan through as Tracy "devastated is to think Nate is willing to risk" prison time as they prepare to become parents. ^[66] In an interview with TVTimes, Carter said "Nate's acting very selflessly in wanting to help Belle, but selfishly in the way he's putting Tracy and the baby to the back of his mind." ^[68] The plot results in Cara's return as "[she] comes back to the village in the hope of changing Nate's mind," at Tracy's request. ^[69] Nate's optimism backfires as he learns he could spend years in prison. "In his heart, Nate thought it would be months, not years." Carter explained that Nate rationalises his decision to keep his fate from Tracy as she suffers from high blood-pressure than can complicate her pregnancy. "It's way too late for him to retract his confession now, plus Nate is a man of his word. […] He'll go through with this, but he's scared like a little boy." As far as Nate is concerned, Tracy has the Dingles and "he can make up for lost time" upon release. Nate appeals to Cain and Sam and "ask for their reassurance that, no matter what happens, they'll be there for Tracy and the baby." Nate is just "doing his best in a terrible situation. What he's doing for Belle is loving and protective, so he'll make a good father. The situation is controversial, but love is at the centre of all he does." ^[13] As Belle spirals and goes after Jamie with the cake knife during their gender reveal party, Nate and Tracy must come clean and tell the Dingles just how unwell Belle is. "Nate also feels awful for revealing to Belle that Tracy is having a major wobble about his decision to take the rap instead of [Belle]. He knows that, despite his reassurance, the conversation could have triggered" Belle's relapse. ^[70] Though Nate sacrificing his freedom for Belle goes a long way in helping Cain and Nate "work [their differences] out, […] it'll always be there" Hordley said. ^[71] Fortunately, Nate avoids prison time with a suspended sentence and community service. ^[72]

In 2021, Tracy grows suspicious as Nate secretly works with Moira. ^[73] Sarah Ellis said "Given that Nate and Moira had a passionate fling, Tracy's understandably concerned about why the pair are meeting up behind her back." Tracy assumes the worst, that Nate is cheating with Moira. ^[74] Tracy confronts him only to learn that Moira helped Nate buy a pregnancy pillow for her as Tracy is struggling with sleep. Nate insist that Tracy needs to trust him if the relationship is going to work. ^[75] Nate later makes Tracy uneasy when he faints at the sight of blood and she wonders how he'll cope during the birth. "Nate's a proud guy and he's never mentioned before that he's squeamish." ^[76] In preparation for childbirth, Nate puts himself through a series of "gory tests." Tracy even arranges for her and Nate to watch Nate's brothers Kyle and Isaac Dingle (Bobby Dunsmuir) on Cain and Moira's date night. However, plans change when Tracy suddenly goes into labor. ^[77] According to Carter, Nate's "like a deer in headlights. He knows that he has to get into action, but Nate's not prepared." Tracy sends Nate out of the delivery room so he can pull himself together where he finds Cain. "It's a nice surprise" Carter said of "heartwarming scene" between Nate and Cain. "Cain just grounds Nate and puts things into perspective." For Nate, having "having his dad there, which is what he's always wanted and needed, is so nice." ^[78] The scenes mark a big shift in Nate and Cain's relationship. ^[79] "It's an opportunity for Cain to have a second chance" Carter said. "He can be a dad to Nate and also be a grandad to the baby, and give Nate the support he needs." ^[80] Additionally, Carter explained "I think Nate’s really touched just by the fact that Cain’s there for him and he’s got that support because his mum’s not here, who’s been his rock through his whole life, he’s fairly new to the Dingle clan." ^[79] Nate recovers just in time witness the birth of their daughter, and they call her Frankie, after Tracy's late father. "Nate is absolutely ecstatic" Carter declared. As Nate holds Frankie for the first time, "he's over the moon and has this sense of pride. This is without a doubt the best day of Nate's life!" ^[78] To prepare for the birth scenes, Carter asked Hordley about his experiences as a father during childbirth as well as his own nephew. He and Walsh also watched the 2018 documentary One Born Every Minute together. ^[80]

As Nate and Tracy settle in with Frankie, Faith's sudden return reopens old wounds. "It's a very sensitive subject" Carter stated to Digital Spy. "There's a lot of resentment and unresolved issues with the whole thing because Nate blames Faith and Shadrach for this whole awkwardness and this awful situation." ^[81] Soon, Cain calls a family vote to banish Faith for good. ^[82] With the Dingles evenly divided over her fate, it falls on Nate, who casts the deciding vote for Faith to stay. Nate cannot overlook how the Dingles forgave him and offers Faith the same chance to make amends. ^[83] According to Hordley, up to this point, "there has definitely been a thawing and acceptance of his son." However, Nate's support of Faith does not sit well with Cain who disowns him again. ^[84] "Cain then shuts himself off from Nate again, which means shutting himself off from his new granddaughter too. Cain doesn't see her for the first few days of her life because he's so angry with Nate." ^[82]

Postnatal depression

As Nate copes with fatherhood, he gets advice from an unlikely source in Tracy's ex-husband, David Metcalfe ( Matthew Wolfenden). ^[85] Faith also moves in temporarily, as she needs a place to stay, to care for Frankie. However, she quickly overstays her welcome. ^[86] Despite the support, the new parents are overwhelmed as Nate's attempt at balancing work and family leaves him nursing a broken foot and Tracy on her own with Frankie. To make matters worse, Tracy is terrified when she finds Frankie has a lump. ^[87] Fortunately, Nate "provides Tracy with support and strength." Walsh said Nate and Tracy have "properly skipped the fun bit and gone straight into parenting." The actress admitted that she was worried viewers wouldn't accept them, not only because of David, "but also Covid, which meant we didn't get a chance to establish their physical connection [due to filming restrictions.]" ^[88] That distance translates into story as Nate seemingly can't do anything right, as far as Tracy is concerned. It gets so bad that Tracy demands he stay away from her. ^[89] Nate takes Tracy seriously when she says they need a "proper break" and leaves to visit Cara. ^[90] Tracy is not pleased and accuses Nate of abandoning her and Frankie. ^[91] When Faith learns Nate plans to leave, "she demands that he reconsiders, and encourages him to arrange a special surprise for Tracy." ^[92] Nate takes Faith's advice and suggest to Tracy that they have Frankie christened when he returns so they have something to look forward to; Nate even asks Cain to be the godfather. ^[93] They day is nearly ruined as Nate's family is at odds with Tracy's former father-in-law Eric Pollard ( Chris Chittell) at the time leaving Tracy upset. ^[91] Hudson later hinted that Nate & Tracy would face "a very serious issue" as new parents. ^[94]

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Infidelity and breakup

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Reception

Critical

Kilkelly said the character's "unique introduction" led to "plenty of speculation over who [Carter would] be playing." Carter himself said "it was weird." ^[5] Duncan Lindsay said of the character's impending introduction that "viewers will be in for an interesting reveal." He continued, "For him to be the pay-off of a weekend teaser special like this on social media suggests it’s someone we should be looking out for." ^[2] Digital Spy's Joe Anderton said "Our minds are now obviously in overdrive, and we're left wondering just who this mystery man could be." ^[132] Entertainment Daily described the trailer as "bizarre" and said "this character’s arrival and unveiling is highly suspicious" because "He’s mysterious enough to be introduced without a name or anything about him." ^[133] OK!'s Natalie Corner said of Nate's introduction that Carter "landed with a bang." Corner said Carter "has caused a stir as Nate Robinson" and "certainly made an impression." ^[6] Inside Soap said Nate was "brave and reckless" during the affair. ^[11] Amanda Killelea said "Jurell was certainly thrown in at the deep end with his first major TV role." ^[10] Jessica Lindsay described the start of the affair as "bodice-ripping." ^[33] Jessica Lindsay of Metro categorised Nate as a "Casanova" and a "lothario." ^[20] Meanwhile, Carl Greenwood called Nate a "loverat." ^[21] Closer hailed Nate as "God's gift to the Dales." ^[28] The Daily Mirror's Amanda Killelea described Nate as a "hunky farmhand" ^[10] and Susan Hill referred to Nate Emmerdale's "good-looking" and "randy new hunk." ^[8]

Hill said Nate was "at the heart of one of the soap’s biggest storyline." ^[8] Multiple publications hailed Nate's paternity revelation as a "bombshell." ^{[134] [12] [39] [135] [136]} Tom Capon said the episode "is not one soap fans want to miss…." ^[137] Stephen Patterson described Nate's paternity as an "even bigger shock" than the affair itself. ^[138] Inside Soap categorised the plot twist as one of Emmerdale's "biggest shockers" in 2019. ^[12] The Sun's Jamie Downham hailed Cain and Nate's fight as "gripping scenes" and described the secret as an "explosive twist." ^[139] "Scandal" ^[140] Johnathon Hughes of Radio Times said "finally" of the "dramatic reveal" scenes. ^[135] Inside Soap ranked the story as one "2019's Top Plots" in their annual Yearbook edition. The magazine said Nate's revelation was the "biggest shock of all." ^[141] The publication also praised the "raunchy" affair as it "steamed up" screens. ^[142] In 2020, Carter was nominated for Best Newcomer at the 25th National Television Awards but lost to Peter Ash of Coronation Street. ^[6]

Inside Soap criticised the writers for having Nate be so readily accepted while Moira was "slut-shamed." ^[143] Nate and Cain's confrontation scenes on the lake were nominated for "Best Show-stopper" at the Inside Soap Awards in 2020. ^[144]

Inside Soap reader Stephanie criticised Nate's reaction to news of Tracy's pregnancy. "Wow, Emmerdale's Nate really proved he's a chip off of Cain's block with his brutal treatment of Tracy. He was so blunt and cruel…" ^[145]

"Heroic farmer" ^[68]

Viewer

Many fans suspected Carter was a recast of Adam Barton, a role played by Adam Thomas until 2018. ^{[3] [146]} Lottie Gibbons noted that Nate had "viewers swooning over" the moment he set foot in the village. ^[147]

The affair story was panned by viewers as many reacted in "disgust." ^[149] Some complained the affair plot was "forced" and "predictable." Meanwhile, fans of Cain and Moira begged for the duo to be spared while another felt Moira and Nate's mutual attraction "unlikely." ^[150] One viewer said the affair made them "feel sick." ^[151] There were even reports of fans turning the soap off as the storyline played out onscreen. ^{[152] [153]} As the affair carried on, viewers characterised Nate's behavior as "predatory and creepy." ^[30] Carter said viewers turned against Nate due to the affair with Moira. "It's a big reaction but I understand the reasons!" ^[11]

Carter later admitted that when he started, "I found it quite hurtful at times, especially when the lines were blurred and it became a bit personal." ^[8] Carter said "Even my mom was telling me to leave Moira alone because she's a big Emmerdale fan!" ^[12] However, not everyone was negative. Some "smitten" viewers responded to Carter's Nate during the affair with "cheeky messages" on social media as well as sharing their drawings of Nate. ^[8] Ailbhe McMahon noted how some viewers were relieved that Nate survived "high-intensity" confrontation with Cain despite his misdeeds with Moira. ^[154] By early 2020, Carter observed that viewers began "softening towards Nate, because they can see exactly why he's done what he's done." ^[12]

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Nate's connection to the Dingles left viewers even more disturbed. ^[139]

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Some viewers grew impatient with Nate's actions and wanted the plot expedited. "If Emmerdale's Nate and that's why he is sleeping with Moira and he teamed up with Amy, can he just get on with it already? I am so bored of watching illicit looks over cups of tea in the kitchen and the grubby caravan bounching up and down! This plot isn't very interesting and it's dragging out far too long!" ^[162]

"The story [Moira] her affair with Nate didn't make much sense – because she wanted to," one viewer wrote to Inside Soap. ^[163]

One viewer hoped Cara would stay and felt Nate would benefit from having "mum around to keep him in line." ^[164]

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Viewers were in "shock" over Cain shooting Nate. ^[49]

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One viewer, Marie, declared to Inside Soap that "Nate is proving himself to be a true Dingle now! Sacrificing his own freedom for Belle is truly a gallant move." ^[172] Another watcher, Ann, said Nate's actions would be "noble" if it was the only option, as she felt someone could've recorded Jamie's many confessions. ^[173]

Some viewers found themselves feeling sympathy for Nate as Tracy lashed out at him during the postnatal depression story. ^[174]

See also

• List of Emmerdale characters (2019)

References

External links