Emmerdale's Cathy Hope has left the ITV soap for good, 19 years after her debut. Actress Gabrielle Dowling will not be returning to the role, it has been confirmed.
The character, daughter of Bob Hope, was revealed to have left the village permanently during Wednesday's episode. Bob broke the news to his friend Nicola King.
Exit Confirmed After 18 Months
Cathy had left the village 18 months earlier with her stepmother Brenda Walker. Brenda had already revealed her own plans not to return, wanting to remain in Canada.
After her last scenes aired in April 2025, Cathy has also decided to stay put. The exit comes three years after Cathy's twin brother Heath Hope was killed in a car accident.
Real-Life Twin Connection
Gabrielle Dowling, who plays Cathy, will not be returning to the soap. Her on-screen sibling Heath was played by her real-life twin brother, Sebastian Dowling.
The siblings had played the characters since 2007, when they were babies. Sebastian departed in 2023, and now his sister has also exited.
Fans Left Wondering
Fans had wondered where Cathy was, as it was only thought to be a temporary exit while Gabrielle focused on her studies. It was not confirmed before Wednesday's scenes aired that the exit would be final.
The departure follows a string of other exits on the soap this year. Jimmy King and Dawn Taylor were killed off in a car accident, with stars Nick Miles and Olivia Bromley written out.
This week saw the exit of Vinny Dingle, who caused Dawn and Jimmy's deaths. Actor Bradley Johnson departed the role after seven years, also written out.
Noah Dingle left previously, moving to Germany, with actor Jack Downham written out after more than a decade. Steph Miligan actress Georgia Jay also confirmed she would not return after going on maternity leave.
Victoria Sugden left earlier this year, but this is only temporary and she is expected to return soon. Actress Isabel Hodgins is on maternity leave. Similarly, Tracy Robinson actress Amy Walsh is expected to return after her own maternity leave.
Another exit aired a few months ago with the demise of Dr Todd, accidentally killed by Sarah Sugden. January saw a string of deaths with John Sugden, Ray Walters and Celia Daniels all killed.
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
