However, things are looking up for the character and ahead of his wedding to Tracy Shankley, he finds out that he’s in remission - which means it’s time for a double celebration.
So obviously, for their joint hen and stag party, David somehow ends up in drag:
Quite frankly, we’re impressed.
It won’t all be smooth-sailing from here though - this is Soapland, surely you didn’t expect them not to face problems? - and despite being more than ready to get hitched, Tracy may not make it to the church on time.
It all starts to go wrong when Tracy’s dad Frank turns up, determined to tell her how much he loves her.
After telling him to clear off, Tracy returns to the party and has a few more drinks, before leaving and spotting Frank’s car outside still.
In a bid to get revenge on her ever-absent father, Tracy attacks his car, but she doesn’t anticipate that Frank is nearby. And ready to basically kidnap her. Oh dear…
The next day, Tracy wakes up in the car, which now has a dead battery, and is forced to call Vanessa for help.
As if things couldn’t get any worse, when Tracy puts on her dress, which Vanessa has brought, she soon gets covered in tonnes of mud by a passing truck.
Soap characters can never catch a break, eh?
Meanwhile a nervous David waits in the village - will they get hitched after all?
These ‘Emmerdale’ scenes air from Monday 19 September. Catch up on all the latest soap news and spoilers here.
TV's Longest Serving Soap Stars
Bill Roache(01 of15)
Open Image Modal
Played: Ken Barlow (1960 - Present, 'Coronation Street')
William, or Bill as he's known, was one of the original stars in Tony Warren's series. In the decades since, we've seen his character marry four different women, though Deirdre Barlow will always be his soulmate. (credit:ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Adam Woodyatt(02 of15)
Open Image Modal
Played: Ian Beale (1985 - Present, 'EastEnders')
Not only is Ian the longest-serving 'EastEnders' character, but he's also the most married, following five ceremonies - though he did marry Jane twice. (credit:REX/Shutterstock)
Chrisopher Chittell(03 of15)
Open Image Modal
Played: Eric Pollard (1986 - Present, 'Emmerdale')
Pollard has been at the centre of many big storylines, but none were more touching than his - often hilarious -relationship with Val. (credit:ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Emily is the longest-standing female character in 'Corrie', and though she's taken a handful of breaks from the soap, actress Eileen has always returned to t'cobbles. (credit:ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Pam St Clement(05 of15)
Open Image Modal
Played: Pat Butcher (1986 - 2012, 2016, 'EastEnders')
We thought we'd seen the last of Pat in 2012, when she was killed off in emotional scenes. Little did we know, she'd be back for Peggy Mitchell's farewell. (credit:News (UK) Ltd/REX/Shutterstock)
After making a brief appearance in 1964, Barbara returned to the soap just under a decade later. (credit:Ben Curtis/PA Archive)
Richard Thorp(07 of15)
Open Image Modal
Played: Alan Turner (1982 - 2013, 'Emmerdale')
Richard made his last appearance in the soap in July 2013, and his character was killed off, off-screen, three months later. Sadly, the actor then died in late October. (credit:ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Betty Driver(08 of15)
Open Image Modal
Played: Betty Williams (1969 - 2011, 'Coronation Street')
The role was at first a bit part but due to Stan's popularity, he stayed in the Dales. And it simply wouldn't have been the same without him. (credit:ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Steve McFadden(11 of15)
Open Image Modal
Played: Phil Mitchell (1990 - 2003, 2005 - Present)
Steve was honoured for his work on the soap at the 2016 British Soap Awards, where he received the Outstanding Achievement Award. (credit:Nils Jorgensen/REX/Shutterstock)
Over the years, Gail has had to deal with many unexpected moments, and Tina O'Brien's (pictured) teen pregnancy was just one of many that hit headlines. (credit:WHAT'S ON TV/REX/Shutterstock)
Clive Horby(14 of15)
Open Image Modal
Played: Jack Sugden (1980 - 2008, 'Emmerdale')
Between 1972 and 1976, the role was played by actor Andrew Burt, but Clive made it his own when he arrived in the Dales. (credit:ITV/REX/Shutterstock)