This week's episodes of Emmerdale will finally reveal more about Kammy Hadiq (Shebz Miah), but the discovery of a darker side to the perpetually cheerful young man may come at a cost for his new girlfriend, Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper). Kammy arrived in the village last year and, after a brief romance with Sarah Sugden (Katie Hill), shifted his focus to his friendship with Vinny Dingle (Bradley Johnson). Despite his short time in the village, Kammy has integrated well and is beloved by many for his charm and constant cheerfulness, while Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) appreciates his mechanical skills.
The possibility of Kammy keeping secrets became a focus last week when Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller) witnessed him arriving late to work at the garage, looking exhausted and with his shirt on backwards. This raised suspicions that Kammy might be distracted by other activities. This week, a curious Belle probes Kammy about his family, asking about Eid. When Kammy becomes uncomfortable, Belle worries she has overstepped. Tensions rise at the garage as Belle again asks about Kammy's relatives, prompting him to snap and shut down the conversation. Alarmed by this unfamiliar side of her boyfriend, Belle considers checking Kammy's phone but stops herself, disgusted by the invasion of privacy. As Belle confides in Dawn Taylor (Olivia Bromley), the secret is revealed to viewers: Kammy is homeless and has been sleeping in a barn on Robert's land.
Why Kammy Hides His Homelessness
Given his lack of shelter, one might wonder why Kammy doesn't simply tell someone. Actor Shebz Miah explains that it is not that simple, as Kammy has experienced significant trauma that makes him prefer to cry behind closed doors. "I think Kammy has a lot of pride, and due to the trauma he's had, showing signs of weakness isn't a thing for him," Shebz said. "He's had a lot of hardship in his life, where he doesn't want to be seen as that." Shebz also noted that Kammy fears being seen as an outcast. "It's that status thing as well. He will overcompensate just to be on the same level. And that could be down to numerous things, things we've not even touched upon yet. But the most obvious being he is a South Asian kid in the middle of this white English farm. There's automatically an imbalance, and therefore, Kammy doesn't want his obstacles to put him behind. He wants to be seen and accepted equally as everyone, and he has been so far, but I guess that's his thinking. He doesn't want to be seen as an outcast and I think he really does value relationships because he's quite lonely and upset."
The Turning Point
Kammy's relationships are jeopardized when Aaron and Robert find him carrying a petrol can and lighter in a field. Assuming he is the arsonist, Robert grabs Kammy, only to learn that Kammy was planning to torch his own car. Kammy flees but is later arrested. Shebz describes Kammy's feelings when accused: "It's that thing where he's obviously really annoyed by it because of the situation he's put in. It brings back a lot of trauma for him, mixed with shame and anger. He's not had an easy ride, and all of this is bringing back a lot of unpleasant memories. And it's just one of those things where, because he's got no one, he's got no leg to stand on. And I think it's that right person, wrong time thing, and he sort of accepts it, but it's just one voice against the rest of the village, and there's nothing you can do about that, unfortunately. But I also imagine it's not the first time that Kammy has been in a position like that. He has been against the majority quite often before."
Despite clashing with Belle this week, Kammy eventually opens up to her. "There does come that turning point, and I think it is because he's backed into a corner," Shebz said. "I think he also does see the innocence, and he does really, really like Belle. I think the connection he's had with her so far is really genuine, and he's not really had anyone care for him sincerely like that. And I think because of that, he just puts his hand up and he waves the white flag and confesses everything, which we'll see later on. It is traumatic for him, because we do talk about things that have happened previously. However, he's doing it because deep down, he genuinely has submitted to Belle and he just wants to address it now."
Becoming an Honorary Dingle
Shebz revealed that Kammy will slowly get back on his feet, thanks to Belle and her family, who take him in and make him an honorary Dingle. This sets the stage for a chaotic few months for Kammy and Belle. "I remember when I first joined, like midway through the year I had been there, everyone was like, 'Oh, Kammy is such a classic Dingle,' and I'm like, 'What does that even mean?' I now see it," Shebz smiled. "He's a scally. He's someone who does mean well; however, he is also getting up to mischief. He's not bothered about whatever. And I think finally, to have that status, it's a piece of identity, isn't it?" Shebz is proud to be part of one of soapland's most iconic families. "I never, ever imagined a brown kid like me would be part of the Dingles. So, I think to be in that chaotic mix is iconic. I think it's going to be amazing for the fans to see. The most amazing part is, maybe 10 years ago, back when I was a kid watching the classic Emmerdale scenes that you'd see, you almost wanted to be a part of that, or you almost wanted that experience in your own household as well. But now, not only am I a part of it, but I am sat there and people in Bradford or wherever will be watching it. Kids who look like me will think the exact same thing, thinking, 'What the f*** is going on here?' They'll get to see this chaotic kid in the middle of people who aren't his family by blood, but, you know, he's there. It's a beautiful feeling to be part of it. And if I had to pick out of all the families on Emmerdale, it would 100% be the Dingles."
