Emmerdale cast: New, leaving and returning characters The Sun

July 21, 2024

TRAGEDY struck after three teens decided to steal a car and cruise around the village on New Year's Eve.

2024 in Emmerdale is due to be filled of other surprises, with some fresh faces settling down in the ITV Dales.

Ruby Fox-Miligan (Beth Cordingly) - joining

Caleb Miligan rocked up Emmerdale with his past shrouded in mystery though mere mentions of his estranged wife were made in recent months.

Soap boss Laura Shaw vowed that viewers and villagers will be seeing Ruby Fox-Miligan in the flesh in early 2024 as she reconnects with her son Nicky.

Ruby's arrival was initially teased by the producer as she spoke about Caleb's affair with a married Tracy Robinson, though the actress chosen to portray the new character hadn't been announced.

The Bill star Beth Cordingly was then confirmed to be joining the cast on December 6, 2023, by the Manchester Evening News.

Speaking about her upcoming stint in the long-running soap, Beth said: "I’m delighted to be joining the cast of Emmerdale, it's an enormous privilege and Ruby is a dream role."

"She's a firecracker and a troublemaker and I think people will love her or hate her, and I can't wait to get stuck in with this fabulous cast."

Could she be a danger for Tracy Robinson's marriage with Nate?

Heath Hope (Sebastian Dowling) - left

Cathy Hope was hoping to celebrate the new year with an act of rebellion as she dragged her pal Angelica King and her twin brother Heath into one of her schemes.

The trio of teens managed to steal Wendy Posner's car before driving around the Yorkshire village, with Cathy behind the wheel as she was took driving lessons from her half-brother Scott - but their New Year's Eve celebrations took a turn.

After being unable to find his children, Bob Hope ventured into the night alongside Wendy and the pair found Angelica and Cathy on the side of the road, with the nurse's car flipped over.

But while Cathy and Angelica made it out alive, Heath wasn't as lucky and it was revealed later on that he had suffered fatal injuries during the crash.

The lad drew his last breath mere weeks before his 17th birthday, which he would have celebrated in February, 2024, with his sister.

Sebastian Dowling's last scenes were aired on New Year's Day (January 1, 2024) and triggered a series of reactions online, with many viewers finally remembering he and Cathy Hope actress Gabrielle Dowling are real-life siblings.

The young actor played Heath since he was an infant, in 2007.

How will Cathy and Bob cope with Heath's death?

Ella Forster (Paula Lane) - joining

Casting for newcomer Ella Forster was announced in mid-November, 2023, with actress Paula Lane reportedly filming her first scenes that same month.

The actress is best known for portraying the late Kylie Platt in rival soap Coronation Street and her new character was described as "compassionate and caring" and "far from a pushover."

It also won't be long until she is "turning heads in the village" as Ella will first meet Mandy Dingle and her partner Paddy Kirk at the veterinary ball.

She's due to lose her job after standing up for Mandy and a chance encounter with local GP Manpreet Sharma will bring her luck.

"Everyone has been so welcoming and I can't wait to start a new chapter playing the role of Ella", Paula said about her casting.

"I've already heard there are big plans for her and I can't wait to see her navigate a new life in the village and hopefully make some friends!"

Zak Dingle (Steve Halliwell) - left

A prominent TV actor, starring in Emmerdale but in other favourite soaps in the likes of Coronation Street and Heartbeat, Steve Halliwell made his debut in the eponymous ITV village in 1994.

Soon enough, he became a household name as the head of the iconic Dingle family, becoming one of the show's most beloved characters.

Throughout his stint, Zak had been involved in a plethora of storylines, butting heads with some members of his own family and sharing a heart-warming love story with his wife Lisa Dingle who passed away herself in 2019.

The 77-year-old stalwart appeared in more than 2,300 episodes of the long-running program but his health had been an obstacle to him staying in the show on a permanent basis.

In 2003, Steve took a short break from the show for personal reasons before he candidly revealed he had spent time at an alcohol rehabilitation centre.

Later on, in 2018, Steve took a break from his on-screen life as he had been unwell for some time and was in need of a pacemaker for his heart problems.

He eventually made his way back to the Dales shortly after, telling The Sun: "I'm back at work in a few weeks and feeling fitter than ever after having a pacemaker fitted in September. It’s done me the world of good and I feel fantastic."

While the actor was back on the set of the Yorkshire-based show, Zak was seen taking frequent trips to Scotland to see his granddaughter Debbie, showing up in Emmerdale sporadically.

However, earlier in 2023, his Emmerdale alter ego Zak Dingle sparked concerns about his health and his children, Cain and Chas, provided him with a mobility scooter.

Since then, Steve was rarely seen on our screens and on Friday, December 15, 2023, it was announced that he had passed away "peacefully", leaving his wife Valerie and daughter Charlotte behind.

A statement released by his family following his passing read: "He went to sleep, peacefully with his loved ones around him. He was making us laugh to the end, the most amazing father and grandfather you could ever wish for, family was everything to him."

"We would like to thank the wonderful staff at St James Hospital and the Wheatfield Hospice for their love and kindness in his final days. He didn't want sadness, just to rejoice in a life well lived."

Tributes have been flooding social media since Steve's death was announced with Mandy Dingle actress Lisa Riley penning an emotional goodbye message.

"My dearest Steve, love you so much. You are now finally at peace. Thank you for years of laughter, you were still laughing right up to the end", she wrote.

"Adored, loved, respected by us all, a legend in my eyes that’s for sure. We have stories and memories to last for many more years to come."

But how will his death fit into upcoming Emmerdale scenes?

Craig Reed (Ben Addis) - left

Lydia Dingle's childhood sweetheart Craig Reed made his debut on August 17, 2023, and was introduced as a successful entrepreneur.

By introducing him to life in the eponymous village, viewers got the chance to revisit Lydia's past which was initially mentioned in 2019 as Craig was confirmed to be the father of her stillborn son Toby.

The pair of old friends were reunited at a careers fair in the village and it was confirmed he would become a prominent character as Lydia accepted a job offer from him.

At the time, the Home Farm cleaner was looking for extra cash in an attempt to support Amelia Spencer and her infant daughter Esther, making Craig's proposal life-changing.

Lydia's stepson Samson was impressed by Craig swanky lifestyle and car, thus deciding to work by his side.

Shortly after his introduction, it was revealed that Craig would rape Lydia in a hard-hitting storyline and soap fans have been left devastated to see the family woman become a shell of herself.

Recent spoilers have confirmed that the plotline will climax in Craig's apparent murder and, next week, Lydia plays detective as she tries to figure out who is responsible.

The villainous character has been portrayed by Ben Addis, an actor known for his appearances in several other programs in the likes of Vera, Doctor Who and Hollyoaks, among others.

Amit Sharma (Anil Goutam) - joined

Former EastEnders star Anil Goutam joined the Emmerdale line-up and made his first appearance in the village in early October, 2023.

Amit Sharma was introduced as the brother of the late Rishi Sharma, the father of fellow newcomer Suni Sharma and the recently revealed biological father of long-term Dales resident Jai Sharma.

Jai found his adoption papers earlier this year as he searched through his adoptive father Rishi's documents for his divorce certificate.

In recent scenes of the Yorkshire-based program, it was revealed that Amit was involved in Rishi's death, which occurred during the summer as Jai was tying the knot with Laurel Thomas.

Soap boss Laura Shaw spoke about Amit's arrival in the Dales and said: "What you'll see with Amit is quite a dark and complex character, and although we see Suni wanting him to stick around, could Suni end up regretting that? Is Amit hiding another secret that threatens to blow the whole family apart?"

What will Amit be up to?

Suni Sharma (Brahmdeo Shannon Ramana) - joined

Brahmdeo Shannon Ramana was cast as Jai's half-brother Suni earlier this year, making his first appearance in the long-running show in July, 2023, ahead of the businessman's wedding.

As mentioned above, Suni was initially introduced as Jai's cousin before it was revealed they share a father.

Upon his arrival, Suni's attention was turned straight towards Nicky Milligan, who was still trying to build bridges in Emmerdale after his failed wedding with Gabby Thomas.

Suni and Nicky have since become close as their budding romantic connection grows.

Billed as a "confident, magnetic and very fashion conscious" character, Suni was said to be bringing "some flair" to the village.

But after finding out he had a brother and striking up a relationship with Nicky, what is next in store for Suni?

David Metcalfe (Matthew Wolfenden) - left

Much like his real-life partner Charley Webb aka Debbie Dingle in the ITV Dales, soap legend Matthew Wolfenden has decided to turn over a new leaf.

The David Metcalfe star confirmed he'd be leaving the long-running program during an appearance on the set of This Morning after 17 years.

Previous reports made by The Sun revealed he was allegedly unhappy with the lack of "gritty storylines" for his character.

"He’s only just announced he is leaving so scriptwriters are working out his on-screen exit. It’s possible David could be killed off", a source claimed.

David left Emmerdale a heartbroken man after finding out that his son Jacob Gallagher was romantically involved with his former fiancée Victoria Sugden.

Could he ever return, particularly as his father Eric Pollard struggles with his Parkinson's disease symptoms?

Sophie (Martha Cope) - joined

Former EastEnders star Martha Cope joined Emmerdale in September, 2023, as Sophie, a surprising face from Gail Loman's (Rachael Gill-Davis) past.

The eccentric character and girlfriend of Ryan Stocks was revealed to be keeping a sinister secret, months after her sudden return to the eponymous village.

Gail was seen taking a mysterious phone call before meeting up with Sophie who broke sad news to her about another individual named Oscar.

Viewers then learned that Oscar was Gail's secret son... and Ryan is the father.

Thirteen-year-old Oscar was adopted by Sophie and needs a bone marrow transplant for his Aplastic anaemia.

Sophie let Gail know that she was no match and the latter realised she was being asked to get tested to figure out if she could help save Oscar.

Victor Anderson (Eddie Osei) - left

Eddie Osei joined the soap line-up as Charles' (Kevin Mathurin) estranged father Victor.

The character rocked up the village after being released from prison and despite the vicar's warnings to stay away from his family.

Victor tried to rekindle his romance with his wife Claudette (Flo Wilson) and, although she forgave him for his past actions, Charles was more reluctant to allow him back into their lives.

Sadly, when Jai Sharma (Chris Bisson) tried to get a hold of a necklace given to Manpreet (Rebecca Sarker) by her ex-husband Rishi (Bhasker Patel), viewers and fellow villagers were quick to assume Victor had stolen the piece of jewellery.

Victor ran away, claiming his innocence, before the police could confront him.

He was found dead in St Mary's Church and it was then revealed that Charles had framed him for theft in an attempt to get rid of him, completely unaware his father was never lying about his health issues.

Marshall Hamston (Max Fletcher) - left

After coming out as gay in recent months, Arthur Thomas (played by Alfie Clarke) got a brand new love interest in the form of Max Fletcher's Marshall.

But the teen struggled to come to terms with his sexuality and, when he was first brought into the ITV soap, he took his frustrations out on Arthur.

As he grappled with his sexuality and tumultuous relationship with his abusive and homophobic father Colin, Marshall was able to count on Arthur and his mother Laurel's support.

The pair of teens eventually embarked on a romantic relationship while living under the same roof.

Sadly, all good things have to come to an end, even in the Dales, and in scenes aired on Thursday, July 20, 2023, Marshall made the decision to leave the village to live with his aunt.

Arthur was heartbroken when Marshall put an end to their relationship and waved him goodbye.

Reports have confirmed this was Marshall's final scenes in the Yorkshire-based drama and no plans for him to come back have been made.

Bernice Blackstock (Samantha Giles) - left

Actress Samantha Giles joined the long-running program for the first time in 1998, becoming one of the Woolpack's biggest icons.

Although she moved on to other projects throughout her stint in the Dales, including a book and an appearance in Channel 4's Hollyoaks as Valerie Holden, Samantha always made her way back to the eponymous village.

The soap star returned on a permanent basis a final time in 2021 but after more than two decades of memorable storylines, she has decided to call it quits.

Earlier this year, reports revealed Samantha will be parting ways with the feisty redhead ITV viewers have grown to know and love.

Her final storyline and exit scenes were aired in mid-November, 2023, as Bernice was caught scheming behind her own sister Nicola King's back.

While she was set to go to prison to pay for her financial crime, Bernice was let off the hook and left the Dales once again.

Could she give life in Emmerdale another shot?

Georgia Sharma (Lin Blakley) - returned

Jai Sharma and Laurel Thomas tied the knot and spoilers confirmed the ceremony would have its fair share of drama ahead of the big day.

The ceremony turned into a huge family affair as Rishi Sharma (Bhasker Patel) was reunited with his first wife Georgia amid tensions with his adoptive son.

Georgia returned just in time to attend her son's wedding but the role was played by a fresh newcomer.

Former EastEnders actress Lin Blakley took over the role from The Bill's Trudie Goodwin.

As viewers of the Yorkshire-based soap will remember, the wedding culminated in the sudden and tragic death of Rishi Sharma and Georgia left soon after.

Could she return as the family continue to mourn the loss of the Sharma patriarch?

Claudette Anderson (Flo Wilson) - joined

Spoilers have confirmed that Charles Anderson (portrayed by Kevin Mathurin) was reunited with his imperious mother Claudette.

West End and Coronation Street actress Flo Wilson joined the line-up to portray the new character... and rattle Manpreet Sharma (Rebecca Sarker) due to her chequered past with the village vicar.

Emmerdale boss Jane Hudson spoke about the new arrival, stating: "We are delighted to welcome Flo Wilson to the cast of Emmerdale.

Her talent and experience will bring a new dimension to the show, and we can't wait for viewers to see her in action. She's certainly going to ruffle feathers in the Anderson household."

Flo Wilson, on the other hand, added: "I feel blessed that I was chosen to play Claudette and I hope to make the Emmerdale family proud of the work that I will do."

Naomi Walters (Karene Peter) - left

But while Charles will finally have time to spend with his mother, his daughter Naomi Walters decided she's ready for a fresh start away from the village during the summer of 2023.

Karene Peter was introduced as the troublesome Naomi in 2022 as her on-screen alter ego became involved in Nicola King's brutal mugging.

Throughout her stint in the Dales, Naomi slowly became a reformed villain and even embarked on a relationship with Nate Robinson.

However, all good things come to an end and Karene has left her role on the ITV soap.

"Karene’s loved her time on the soap but it is time for her to go", a source told The Sun.

"Being on Emmerdale was a dream but she became an actor to play different roles and that’s exactly what she wants to do."

There's still room for her to come back to Emmerdale as the source added: "The door isn’t being closed on Naomi so she could always make a return down the line."

Naomi left the village after angrily quitting her job at the Woolpack and setting her sights on adventure in Ibiza, encouraged by her grandfather Victor.

Tracy Metcalfe (Amy Walsh) - returned

After finding out that her fiancé Nate had been unfaithful to her, Tracy struggles to forgive his lies and kicks him out of their home.

But when she is offered a new job in Nottingham, Tracy weighs out the pros and the cons before deciding to leave the Dales.

Tracy's exit storyline aired on screens in January, 2022, as both Nate and her sister Vanessa tried to convinced her to stay.

The former then had a change of heart and encouraged Tracy to shoot her shot and go pursue her dream job.

Tracy left the village with her daughter Frankie.

Off-screen, however, actress Amy Walsh left on maternity leave.

She welcomed her first child after a "tough" birth with partner and former EastEnders star Toby-Alexander Smith in January, 2022.

During her Emmerdale exit chat, Amy teased a potential return for her character.

"If she fails, then she can always come back, which she will probably do in about a year's time!"

In recent weeks, Nate found out through Tracy that she has a new fella in her life - while Toby-Alexander Smith has been rumoured to join the Emmerdale cast as his other half's on-screen boyfriend.

Tracy made a one-off return ahead of Emmerdale's anniversary, shocking viewers and former fiancé Nate Robinson when she announced she was engaged to another man - but this didn't stop her from shacking up with Nate.

Ready to rekindle their relationship, she was shocked to see Nate alongside his new girlfriend Naomi Anderson.

Hurt, Tracy made the decision to pack up and return to Nottingham.

Amy Walsh reprised her role in recent weeks as Tracy reappeared in the village for her secret marriage to Nate.

Marcus Dean (Darcy Grey) - left

The son of serial killer and rapist Pierce Harris, Marcus Dean was said to be ready to keep his legacy alive.

But after a year of drama, actor Darcy Grey has reportedly called it quits and Marcus is set to pack up and leave the eponymous village in upcoming weeks.

Soap bosses have confirmed Darcy has filmed his final scenes as the mysterious character.

Since his arrival, Marcus struck up a romance with solicitor Ethan Anderson (Emile John) and the pair had big ideas for their future.

He was then approached and seduced by Ethan's shady boss Greg and the drama escalated into a physical altercation.

But Marcus eventually left Tall Trees Cottage after being caught with another man and confessing he was no longer happy with Ethan in brutal scenes.

Could he come back?

More on Emmerdale

Priya Sharma (Fiona Wade) - left

More than a decade has passed since Fiona Wade first stepped into Emmerdale and the soap star has decided it's time for her to move on.

After less than twelve years in the show, the actress left the role of Priya Sharma behind.

For the past year, the wedding planner was focusing on her long-term recovery from burns sustained in the maze fire in October, 2021.

It became clear she still had lingering trauma from the horrific ordeal.

Priya Sharma's exit storyline aired in late January, 2023.

The beloved character moved to London for a new job opportunity.

But matters became harrowing when a spiralling David Metcalfe refused to lose his daughter Amba and resorted to kidnapping her when he spiralled out of control.

Vanessa Woodfield (Michelle Hardwick) - left

Much like Laura Norton, actress Michelle Hardwick left the ITV village to go on maternity leave at the end of November.

The soap star gave birth to her second child with Emmerdale producer Kate Brooks at the same time her final scenes were aired.

The vet left the village for a year-long job in Canada after falling out with her pal Rhona Goskirk.

Her relationship with Suzy Merton was also impacted due to a lack of trust as she feared the newcomer would become addicted to drugs again.

But Vanessa eventually made up with Rhona and even shared a final kiss with Suzy before departing with her son Johnny.

Will she return?

Emmerdale airs weeknights from 7.30pm on ITV.