Emmerdale Star Katie Hill Addresses Explosive Upcoming Storyline and Marriage Strain
Emmerdale actress Katie Hill, who portrays Sarah Sugden on the long-running ITV soap, has opened up about a dramatic new plotline set to air soon. In a recent interview, she teased a potential split for her character's marriage to Jacob Gallagher, all while navigating the fallout from Cain Dingle's prostate cancer diagnosis.
Sarah Sugden's Health History and Current Crisis
Sarah Sugden has faced numerous health challenges since her debut on Emmerdale in 2005. Diagnosed with the rare genetic condition fanconi anaemia as a child, she has battled leukaemia, throat cancer, heart failure, and cervical cancer over the years. Now, her latest ordeal involves supporting her grandfather Cain Dingle, played by Jeff Hordley, through his prostate cancer diagnosis.
Next week, Cain continues to conceal his health news from his family, placing Sarah in a difficult position as she struggles to keep the secret. This secrecy threatens to drive a wedge between Sarah and her husband Jacob Gallagher, especially after their recent wedding on New Year's Day.
Car Thefts and Financial Struggles
In an effort to help Cain financially following Moira Dingle's imprisonment and farm troubles, Sarah resorts to stealing cars to generate cash. However, her actions are discovered by Jacob, leading to significant tension. Katie Hill explains Sarah's motivation, stating, "Deep down she wishes she could tell Jacob, but she has that loyalty to her grandad. They have such an amazing relationship, she doesn't want to jeopardise that."
With a baby on the way, the couple faces added pressure. Hill adds, "They can't be in this position where they're keeping big secrets from each other." Despite the turmoil, she remains hopeful for reconciliation, saying, "Hopefully once she explains why it was all going on, he can understand why she couldn't say anything. So fingers crossed because we've only just got married."
Cain's Influence and Sarah's Inner Dingle
Katie Hill reveals that Cain's health crisis brings out Sarah's inner Dingle traits. She notes, "She's the one that can help him through this right now. They do have such a close bond, and she knows that he would always do the same for her." The financial strain, compounded by Cain's lack of life insurance, pushes Sarah into car theft, with Hill describing the adrenaline rush as addictive.
However, this leads to trouble when Jacob and Sarah's grandmother Charity Dingle uncover Cain's request. Hill shares, "Her carrying the weight of it on her shoulders, she probably is struggling quite a bit with it," highlighting Sarah's emotional burden.
Surrogate Scandal and Future Drama
Beyond the immediate crisis, a larger scandal looms involving surrogate Charity Dingle. After Sarah's cervical cancer treatment left her unable to carry a child, Charity volunteered as a surrogate. When the embryo transfer failed, Charity became pregnant with her ex Ross Barton's baby after a drunken encounter. This lie is set to unravel soon, potentially tearing the family apart.
Katie Hill admits mixed feelings about this development, saying, "I can't wait to find out where it goes. None of us know yet. I can't wait to get that script where it does come out and I can see what way it goes. But I'm also not looking forward to it at the same time, because I love working with Emma Atkins [who plays Charity]."
Behind the Scenes and Fan Reactions
Off-screen, Hill praises her co-stars, particularly Jeff Hordley, calling them a "second family." She says, "It's such a pleasure to work with Jeff. Our bond on and off screen is so lovely and I just learn so much from him." Reflecting on the cast dynamic, she adds, "There's no other job like it where you're seeing the same people every single day, and we're all just mad, we're all an absolutely mad bunch."
Fans have been actively engaging with the storyline, with Hill receiving numerous messages warning her about the upcoming surrogate reveal. She jokes, "The amount of people that message me to say, 'it's not your baby', or people say it to me in the street. They always make me laugh."
Emmerdale continues to air weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX, promising more twists and turns in this gripping saga.
