Emmerdale is set to explore the issue of hidden homelessness in a new storyline featuring fan-favourite character Kammy Hadiq, played by Shebz Miah. The ITV soap has partnered with charities including The Salvation Army to accurately depict the struggles of those who conceal their homelessness.
Viewers will see Hadiq hiding his situation by maintaining a facade of normalcy through his popularity in the village, a new relationship, and a stable job as a mechanic. In reality, he is sleeping rough in vehicles and barns.
As the storyline unfolds, residents of the Dales will discover Hadiq's secret and rally to support him. Emmerdale producer Sophie Roper said: 'This storyline is a vital look at hidden homelessness, showing that people can be living on the edge of society, sleeping in their vehicle or barns, while still successfully holding down a job and maintaining relationships.'
Roper added: 'For many reasons, a person’s circumstances can change dramatically and we wanted to challenge the perception of what homelessness looks like and prove that what people present to the outside world isn’t necessarily the whole story.'
The soap hopes to raise awareness that those concealing their struggles often miss out on support. Emmerdale previously received praise for its 2019 storyline featuring Bob Hope sleeping rough, and in 2024 worked with Missing People charity for a storyline about runaway teenager April Windsor.
