There have been plenty of comings and goings in Emmerdale recently, with several more cast changes ahead. 

This year, we’ve bid farewell to a number of villagers, including Rachael Gill-Davis, who played Gail Loman.

Another departee was Paula Lane’s Ella Forster, who left the Dales in the back of a police car after just fifteen months onscreen.

There was also the much-anticipated return of Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley), who came back to the village following a prison stint.

We even saw Bernice Blackstock (Samantha Giles) pop back to the Dales for a brief stint.

In the coming months, more changes are afoot… so here’s the lowdown on who is returning, leaving, and arriving in the ITV soap…

EMMERDALE CAST RETURNS

Cathy Hope

Nineteen-year-old Gabrielle Dowling has also left the soap – but she will be back.

Recent storylines have included Cathy coming to terms with a PMDD diagnosis, and also dealing with the horrific death of twin brother Heath, played by Gabrielle’s brother Sebastian, who passed away following a car accident.

Metro understands that the star is just taking a short break and will return down the line.

When is Cathy Hope returning to Emmerdale? Currently unknown.

John Sugden?

John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth) evaded justice earlier this year when he fled the eponymous village after his crimes were exposed.

The last we saw of John, he was deleting the scheduled email (which detailed the ins and outs of Anthony’s murder) and giving Caleb Miligan (William Ash) the location of where Anthony’s body is buried.

Given that he’s currently on the run, it’s possible that he will return to our screens – and with a wanted poster of the medic spotted in Coronation Street, fans are convinced that he could pop up in Weatherfield in time for the big crossover.

Is John Sugden returning to Emmerdale, and if so, when? Currently unknown.

EMMERDALE CAST DEPATURES

Celia Daniels

Celia Daniels (Jaye Griffiths) has proven a truly vile character since rocking up in the village.

The newbie was revealed to be behind a heinous, large-scale criminal operation, trafficking both drugs and humans, and a modern-day human slavery racket.

But given that she is very much a villain, Celia’s time on the show will come to an end.

‘I knew it was finite, which I am very sad about, because I would like to stay forever, but it’s such a strong arc,’ Jaye told Metro. Commenting further on being a part of the Emmerdale team, she described it as: ‘heaven!’ 

Jaye added: ‘It’s one of the nicest places I’ve ever worked, and I’ve done a little bit of work before! It is gentle and kind and professional and funny, and people care that it’s good. People care that we tell the story properly. It’s a joy to come to work. I’m gushing now, aren’t I?’

When is Celia leaving Emmerdale? Currently unknown.

Mandy Dingle

Mandy Dingle star Lisa Riley will make a temporary exit to facilitate her taking part in the upcoming series of I’m A Celebrity.

On the subject of how she’ll be written out, a source told The Sun: ‘Lisa filmed her scenes last week, Mandy goes to visit friends and will be back before you know it.’

‘She’ll be back filming full throttle once she’s back from her trip down under too. Fans won’t have long to wait for her return once the scenes air next year.’

When is Mandy leaving Emmerdale? In the coming weeks, with the scenes reportedly already filmed.

Cost-cutting at ITV

It was reported on July 28, 2025, that Emmerdale and Coronation Street will face more changes as a result of ITV slashing their budgets.

It is said that bosses at ITV will axe one in ten cast members from both soaps, as part of them cutting a further £15 million from the total budget.

As part of the changes, it’s also being reported that the number of scenes per episode will be cut.

Coronation Street currently has 84 permanent cast members, while Emmerdale has 70. Some of the older cast members have contracts, but most of the cast are paid by each episode.

This article was first published on October 25, 2024.

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1 and from 7am on ITVX.

If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you.

Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage.

There have been plenty of comings and goings in Emmerdale recently, with several more cast changes ahead. 

This year we’ve bid farewell to a number of villagers, including Rachael Gill-Davis, who played Gail Loman.

Another departee was Paula Lane’s Ella Forster, who left the Dales in the back of a police car after just fifteen months onscreen.

There was also the much anticipated return of Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) who came back to the village following a prison stint.

We even saw Bernice Blackstock (Samantha Giles) pop back to the Dales for a brief stint.

In the coming months, more changes are afoot… so here’s the lowdown on who is returning, leaving and arriving in the ITV soap…

EMMERDALE CAST RETURNS

Cathy Hope

19-year old Gabrielle Dowling has also left the soap – but she will be back.

Recent storylines have included Cathy coming to terms with a PMDD diagnosis, and also dealing with the horrific death of twin brother Heath, played by Gabrielle’s brother Sebastian, who passed away following a car accident.

Metro understands that the star is just taking a short break, and will return down the line.

When is Cathy Hope returning to Emmerdale? Currently unknown.

EMMERDALE CAST DEPARTURES

John Sugden

We’ve known it was on the cards, but it’s now being reported that John’s departure is fast approaching.

‘It’s the beginning of the end for John. He’s got away with so much but he’s about to make a fatal mistake that sees him exposed for what he is.’

A source added to The Sun: ‘Obviously Oliver knew that a character like John had a shelf life and that’s rapidly approaching.

‘He’s loved his time on the show but there’s still plenty of twists and turns coming before he departs for good.’

He’s currently on the run – with wanted posters spotted in Weatherfield Police Station, meaning he could well pop up during the Coronation Street crossover.

When is John Sugden leaving Emmerdale? Currently unknown.

Cost-cutting at ITV

It was reported on July 28, 2025, that Emmerdale and Coronation Street will face more changes as a result of ITV slashing their budges.

It is said that bosses at ITV will axe one in ten cast members from both soaps, as part of them cutting a further £15 million from the total budget.

As part of the changes, it’s also being reported that the amount of scenes per episode will be cut.

Coronation Street currently has 84 permanent cast members, while Emmerdale has 70. Some of the older cast members have contracts, but most of the cast are paid by each episode.

This article was first published on October 25, 2024.

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1 and from 7am on ITVX.

If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you.

Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage.

There have been plenty of comings and goings in Emmerdale recently, with several more cast changes ahead. 

In recent months we’ve bid farewell to Rachael Gill-Davis, who played Gail Loman.

Another departee was Paula Lane’s Ella Forster, who left the Dales in the back of a police car after just fifteen months onscreen.

There was also the much anticipated return of Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) who came back to the village following a prison stint and is now warring with his evil brother John (Oliver Farnworth).

In the coming months, more changes are afoot… so here’s the lowdown on who is returning, leaving and arriving in the ITV soap…

EMMERDALE CAST RETURNS

Bernice Blackstock

Bernice Blackstock is reportedly returning to Emmerdale, two years on from her departure.

Samantha Giles has played Bernice on and off from 1998. The character is the biological mother of Gabby Thomas (Rosie Bentham), and was often involved in light-hearted storylines to contrast the ongoing drama in the village.

When is Bernice Blackstock returning to Emmerdale? Currently unknown.

Cathy Hope

19-year old Gabrielle Dowling has also left the soap – but she will be back.

Recent storylines have included Cathy coming to terms with a PMDD diagnosis, and also dealing with the horrific death of twin brother Heath, played by Gabrielle’s brother Sebastian, who passed away following a car accident.

Metro understands that the star is just taking a short break, and will return down the line.

When is Cathy Hope returning to Emmerdale? Currently unknown.

EMMERDALE CAST DEPARTURES

John Sugden

We’ve known it was on the cards, but it’s now being reported that John’s departure is fast approaching.

Given the recent grizzly shooting of Mackenzie Boyd (Lawrence Robb) with a crossbow – something which triggered complaints with Ofcom – it surely can’t be long before he’s found out.

‘It’s the beginning of the end for John. He’s got away with so much but he’s about to make a fatal mistake that sees him exposed for what he is.’

A source added to The Sun: ‘Obviously Oliver knew that a character like John had a shelf life and that’s rapidly approaching.

‘He’s loved his time on the show but there’s still plenty of twists and turns coming before he departs for good.’

When is John Sugden leaving Emmerdale? Currently unknown.

EMMERDALE CAST ARRIVALS

Kev

Notorious EastEnders villain Chris Coghill is making a return to the world of soap, playing mysterious newcomer Kev in Emmerdale.

The actor, best known to soap fans as evil paedophile Tony King, will become a permanent fixture in the Yorkshire Dales from September.

Emmerdale boss Laura Shaw said: ‘We are delighted that someone of Chris’ calibre has joined our cast. I think the viewers will be intrigued to see how the character of Kev will cause shockwaves this autumn.

‘Kev has a strong connection to one of our characters and it’s safe to say his arrival is going to be a massive surprise that will have major repercussions for some of our villagers.’

When is Kev arriving in Emmerdale? September.

Cost-cutting at ITV

It was reported on July 28, 2025, that Emmerdale and Coronation Street will face more changes as a result of ITV slashing their budges.

It is said that bosses at ITV will axe one in ten cast members from both soaps, as part of them cutting a further £15 million from the total budget.

As part of the changes, it’s also being reported that the amount of scenes per episode will be cut.

Coronation Street currently has 84 permanent cast members, while Emmerdale has 70. Some of the older cast members have contracts, but most of the cast are paid by each episode.

This article was first published on October 25, 2024.

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1 and from 7am on ITVX.

If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you.

Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage.

There have been plenty of comings and goings in Emmerdale recently, with several more cast changes ahead. 

In recent months we’ve bid farewell to Rachael Gill-Davis, who played Gail Loman.

Another departee was Paula Lane’s Ella Forster, who left the Dales in the back of a police car after just fifteen months onscreen.

There was also the much anticipated return of Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) who came back to the village following a prison stint and is now warring with his evil brother John (Oliver Farnworth).

In the coming months, more changes are afoot… so here’s the lowdown on who is returning, leaving and arriving in the ITV soap…

EMMERDALE CAST RETURNS

Bernice Blackstock

Bernice Blackstock is reportedly returning to Emmerdale, two years on from her departure.

Samantha Giles has played Bernice on and off from 1998. The character is the biological mother of Gabby Thomas (Rosie Bentham), and was often involved in light-hearted storylines to contrast the ongoing drama in the village.

When is Bernice Blackstock returning to Emmerdale? Currently unknown.

Mackenzie Boyd

Mackenzie Boyd (Lawrence Robb) will meet a grisly end, with killer John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth) set to claim another victim.

John, as viewers know, has something of a hero complex, whereby he orchestrates situations by putting people’s lives in danger before swooping in last minute to play the saviour.

Metro has been aware of Mack’s fate for some time but decided to leave things as a surprise until closer to the time.

A source told us: ‘The John story has so many twists and turns to come and this will come as a genuine surprise to fans.

‘Mack has survived quite a lot over the years but his time is well and truly up this time.

‘What his exit does is set the stage for an exciting next stage to John’s saga later in the autumn that will leave fans quite literally on edge.’

When is Mackenzie Boyd leaving Emmerdale? In the coming weeks.

John Sugden

We’ve known it was on the cards, but it’s now being reported that John’s departure is fast approaching.

‘It’s the beginning of the end for John. He’s got away with so much but he’s about to make a fatal mistake that sees him exposed for what he is.’

A source added to The Sun: ‘Obviously Oliver knew that a character like John had a shelf life and that’s rapidly approaching.

‘He’s loved his time on the show but there’s still plenty of twists and turns coming before he departs for good.’

When is John Sugden leaving Emmerdale? Currently unknown.

Cathy Hope

19-year old Gabrielle Dowling has also left the soap – but she will be back.

Recent storylines have included Cathy coming to terms with a PMDD diagnosis, and also dealing with the horrific death of twin brother Heath, played by Gabrielle’s brother Sebastian, who passed away following a car accident.

Metro understands that the star is just taking a short break, and will return down the line.

When is Cathy Hope returning to Emmerdale? Currently unknown.

EMMERDALE CAST ARRIVALS

Kev

Notorious EastEnders villain Chris Coghill is making a return to the world of soap, playing mysterious newcomer Kev in Emmerdale.

The actor, best known to soap fans as evil paedophile Tony King, will become a permanent fixture in the Yorkshire Dales from September.

Emmerdale boss Laura Shaw said: ‘We are delighted that someone of Chris’ calibre has joined our cast. I think the viewers will be intrigued to see how the character of Kev will cause shockwaves this autumn.

‘Kev has a strong connection to one of our characters and it’s safe to say his arrival is going to be a massive surprise that will have major repercussions for some of our villagers.’

When is Kev arriving in Emmerdale? September.

Latest Emmerdale news

It was reported on July 28, 2025, that Emmerdale and Coronation Street will face more changes as a result of ITV slashing their budges.

It is said that bosses at ITV will axe one in ten cast members from both soaps, as part of them cutting a further £15 million from the total budget.

As part of the changes, it’s also being reported that the amount of scenes per episode will be cut.

Coronation Street currently has 84 permanent cast members, while Emmerdale has 70. Some of the older cast members have contracts, but most of the cast are paid by each episode.

This article was first published on October 25, 2024.

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1 and from 7am on ITVX.

If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you.

Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage.