Emmerdale is experiencing a wave of cast changes as 2026 progresses, with several departures, returns, and a new arrival shaking up the ITV soap. Among the most notable exits are long-serving character Jimmy King (Nick Miles) and four of the village's most villainous residents: John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth), Celia Daniels (Jaye Griffiths), Ray Walters (Joe Absolom), and Dr Caitlin Todd (Caroline Harker).
Temporary goodbyes have also been bid to Victoria Sugden (Isabel Hodgins) and Tracy Shankley (Amy Walsh), with both actresses taking maternity leave. Meanwhile, viewers are still waiting for Vinny Dingle's (Bradley Johnson) final scenes to air. On the brighter side, the return of Sadie King (Patsy Kensit) is looming large.
New arrival and returning favourites
DS Thea Ramsden, played by Chelsea Edge, has arrived in the village to investigate Dr Todd's death. It has since been revealed that Thea is best friends with Serena Sugden (Casey Al-Shaqsy) and has some connection to the Tates.
Former Home Farm queen Sadie King is set to return to the village she once ruled. While the details of her comeback remain under wraps, producer Laura Shaw has teased explosive drama: 'We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Patsy Kensit back to the cast and crucially to see the iconic Sadie King storm back into the village. Her return will be explosive and guaranteed to shock.'
Gabrielle Dowling, who plays Cathy Hope, has also left the soap but is expected to return after a short break. Recent storylines for Cathy have included coming to terms with a PMDD diagnosis and dealing with the tragic death of her twin brother Heath, who passed away following a car accident.
Victoria Sugden left in February for a new life in Portugal, coinciding with Isabel Hodgins' maternity leave. The actress recently announced the birth of her first baby, Georgie Grace. Victoria told Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) she would return, though the timing remains unknown.
Amy Walsh, who plays Tracy Shankley, has also departed for maternity leave, with her character moving out of the village after a difficult year as a single mum. Tracy is expected to return when Amy's leave ends.
Major departures confirmed
Olivia Bromley has left her role as Dawn Taylor after eight years, with her final scenes airing on August 30. After surviving the wedding marquee explosion, Dawn gave birth to a baby boy in hospital but died shortly after.
Jimmy King, the last-standing member of the ruthless King dynasty, died during the soap's wedding week. He crashed his car into the marquee where Dawn and Joe were supposed to marry, and succumbed to his injuries.
Vinny Dingle is also departing after a seven-year stint. His storylines have included being abused by step-dad Paul Ashdale (Reece Dinsdale), losing wife Liv Flaherty (Isobel Steele), struggling with his sexuality, and an ill-fated marriage to Gabby Thomas (Rosie Bentham). His exit is understood to be linked to ITV's cost-cutting measures, with his final scenes airing later this year.
The current cast includes a mix of regulars and recurring characters, from Ryan Hawley as Robert Sugden to newcomers like Fred Kettle as Dylan Penders. Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8:00pm on ITV1 and from 7am on ITVX.
