The Death of the Skilbeck Twins (1976)

In 1973, shortly after giving birth to twins, Sam and Sally Skilbeck, Matt Skilbeck's (Frederick Pyne) first wife Peggy Skilbeck (Jo Kendall) died of a brain hemorrhage, leaving Matt to face life as a single parent. Matt found life as a single parent difficult, going what with bringing them up and his work on the farm so Sam and Sally were sent to live with Matt's aunt, Beattie. However tragedy struck in January 1976 when their car stalled at a level crossing and was hit by a train killing Beattie, Sam and Sally instantly. Matt struggled to face up to the fact that he had now lost all his immediate family and he spent the night wandering around the Dales alone before finally coming home. He told Annie Sugden (Sheila Mercier) he should never have come to the farm as all he's brought is pain and misery to the family, but Annie reassured him that Peggy couldn't have had a better husband, Sam and Sally a better father, or her a better son-in-law , and she made it clear to him that he was and always would be one of the family.