Emmerdale's cast continues to change as 2026 draws to a close. Recent departures include Jimmy King and Dawn Taylor, who died in a car crash, while Vinny Dingle was sent to prison for causing it. It has also been confirmed that Cathy Hope will not return, and four villains have left the village: John Sugden, Celia Daniels, Ray Walters and Dr Caitlin Todd. Victoria Sugden and Tracy Shankley have taken temporary leave for maternity reasons, while new arrivals include Serena Sugden, DS Thea Ramsden and Tom King.
Confirmed returns
Paul Opacic is reprising his role as Steve Marchant, Kim Tate's ex. After discovering that Thea is her daughter, Kim revealed that Steve is her father, and Thea has tried to contact him. Paul said: 'Things were left rather bitter between Kim and Steve, so he's very surprised when a solicitor contacts him out of the blue. He guesses something is afoot when Kim starts brandishing notes to keep him away.'
'With the sniff of more cash to be made, Steve wonders what is going on. And soon Thea leaves him a jaw-dropping voicemail.'
Tom King returned to the village after being released from prison following his campaign of abuse against ex-wife Belle Dingle. His returning scenes aired on November 5, 2026. Producer Laura Shaw said: 'James' return isn't just about bringing back a familiar face; it's about reigniting a complex and challenging story. When Belle gets the news that Tom is up for parole she's forced to confront a trauma she battled hard to overcome.'
'With her family and new partner Kammy Hadiq by her side, we explore the lasting impact of Tom's abusive actions on Belle as she fights to keep Tom away from the village.'
Victoria Sugden left in February for Isabel Hodgins' maternity leave, with her exit seeing her move to Portugal. She told Robert Sugden she would return, though the timing is unknown. Tracy Shankley also left, with her exit story facilitating Amy Walsh's maternity leave; she is expected to return when her leave ends.
Departures and temporary exits
Lewis Barton will temporarily leave the village as Bradley Riches takes part in panto this year. Bradley wrote: 'That's a wrap on filming at Emmerdale for a bit, before some time off and then straight into Pantoland!'
'I'm so excited to see what's ahead for Lewis in 2027 and to see where his story takes him next. I feel incredibly lucky to do a job I love, surrounded by such brilliant people. Feeling very grateful, as always.'
Cathy Hope's departure was confirmed on the October 14 episode. Having joined step mum Brenda Walker on a world cruise after the death of her twin brother Heath Hope, her dad Bob Hope confirmed she had decided to stay in Canada.
Sadie King has returned to the village, but her return is finite. Producer Sophie Roper said: 'We are building to the end point and a big denouement for that character.' She added: 'Sadie's momentum, and the impact she's going to have on our villagers, is only going to grow. There will be some incredible, exciting twists and turns, and a lot of unexpected revelations.' Sadie King is due to leave next year.
Current cast list
The present cast includes Ryan Hawley as Robert Sugden, Claire King as Kim Tate, Isabel Hodgins as Victoria Sugden, Eden Taylor-Draper as Belle Dingle, Emma Atkins as Charity Dingle, Jeff Hordley as Cain Dingle, Patsy Kensit as Sadie King, Amy Walsh as Tracy Shankley, and Chelsea Edge as Thea Ramsden, among many others. Recurring cast includes Andy Moore as Mike Swirling and several younger actors in child roles.
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8:00pm on ITV1 and from 7am on ITVX.
