‘Formidable’ Emmerdale villain to return – and this time she’s much worse

Caroline Harker as Doctor Todd in Emmerdale
Doctor Todd is Jacob Gallagher’s mentor (Picture: ITV)

An Emmerdale character is returning to the ITV soap, and is about to cause a great deal of trouble for Jacob Gallagher (Joe-Warren Plant).

Doctor Todd, played by Caroline Harker, was introduced to us in January 2025.

She currently works as Jacob’s boss and mentor at Hotten General Hospital, and also featured in an episode that focused solely on the young doctor trying to adapt to life in the A&E department.

Actress Caroline, who’s featured in A Touch of Frost and Midsomer Murders, is heading back into the world of Emmerdale, as the formidable Doctor Todd will feature in a new storyline that explores workplace bullying and power dynamics.

This month, Emmerdale will shine a light on the reality of workplace bullying as Doctor Todd returns with vengeance, and is very quick to find fault and relentlessly criticise her enthusiastic trainee.

Doctor Todd speaks to Jacob in Emmerdale
The character was introduced to us at the start of 2025 (Picture: ITV)

The plot will delve into Jacob’s struggle to manage his work-life balance under the pressure of his overbearing boss. When Doctor Todd installs herself in the village, the stakes are suddenly raised even higher, as Jacob’s lines between his professional and private lives begin to blur.

Discussing her return, Caroline said: ‘I’m delighted to be back at Emmerdale for a longer stint playing Doctor Todd. She’s a complex character and from what I’ve been told so far, quite a tricky one for Jacob to navigate.

‘Workplace bullying is commonplace, and it will be interesting to see it brought to our screens in a serial drama such as Emmerdale.’

Jacob speaks to Sarah in the cafe in Emmerdale
Jacob and Sarah believe they’re about to become parents (Picture: ITV)

Laura Shaw, producer of Emmerdale, added: ‘We are looking forward to seeing the machinations of someone like Caitlin Todd, and it’s not just at the hospital where she will start to make an impression.

‘Caroline is a fabulous actor and brings such great experience to this role – we can’t wait for her to play out what we have planned for the character.’

Alongside his job as a trainee doctor, Jacob is currently preparing to become a father to Sarah Sugden’s (Katie Hill) baby.

Due to the fact Sarah cannot carry a child, Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins) decided to become her surrogate.

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However, the duo currently have no idea that Charity is actually carrying her and Ross Barton’s (Michael Parr) baby following a one night stand.

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