All the Emmerdale cast returns, exits and new arrivals in 2026

As we enter the final few months of 2026, the Emmerdale departures and arrivals are continuing.

We’ve said tear-jerking ‘see ya’s’ to Jimmy King (Nick Miles) and Dawn Taylor (Olivia Bromley), who died in a tragic car wreck, while Vinny Dingle (Bradley Johnson) was sent to prison for causing it and it was confirmed that Cathy Hope (Gabrielle Dowling) won’t be returning.

We bid less-emotional goodbyes to four of the village’s most evil residents; John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth), Celia Daniels (Jaye Griffiths), Ray Walters (Joe Absolom) and Dr Caitlin Todd (Caroline Harker).

We’ve also said temporary farewells to Victoria Sugden (Isabel Hodgins) and Tracy Shankley (Amy Walsh), as both actors headed off on maternity leave.

With loss comes gain, though, as we’ve welcomed both Serena Sugden (Casey Al-Shaqsy) and DS Thea Ramsden (Chelsea Edge) to the village, while we’ll soon witness the return of vile Tom King (James Chase).

With plenty of changes afoot, here’s the lowdown on who is returning, leaving, and arriving in the ITV soap…

Emmerdale cast returns

Tom King

Tom King will return to the show when he’s released from prison after his vile campaign of abuse against ex-wife, Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper).

Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw said of this story: ‘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 (Shebz Miah)] 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.’

When is Tom King returning to Emmerdale? Currently unknown.

Victoria Sugden

Victoria Sugden left the Emmerdale village in February to tie in with Isabel Hodgins’ maternity leave.

The actress announced on her Instagram that she has given birth to her first baby, called Georgie Grace.

Vic’s exit saw her leave for a new life in Portugal. She told Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) that she would return, though when exactly this will be remains to be seen.

When is Victoria Sugden returning to Emmerdale? Currently unknown.

Tracy Shankley

Amy Walsh recently left her role as Tracy Shankley, with the exit story facilitating Amy’s maternity leave.

The star, who is married to Toby-Alexander Smith, recently gave birth to her second child.

Tracy moved out of the village following a difficult year adjusting to life as a single mum, but she will return when her maternity leave comes to an end.

When is Tracy Shankley returning to Emmerdale? Currently unknown.

Emmerdale cast departures

Cathy Hope

When Gabrielle Dowling left the soap, we initially believed it was for an extended break – but it’s since been confirmed on the October 14 episode that she won’t be returning.

Having joined step mum Brenda Walker (Lesley Dunlop) on a world cruise after the devastating death of her twin brother Heath Hope (Sebastian Dowling).

Her dad, Bob Hope (Tony Audenshaw), confirmed that Cathy had decided to stay in Canada in a chat with Nicola King (Nicola Wheeler)

When did Cathy Hope leave Emmerdale? Confirmed to have left permanently this month.

Sadie King

Former Queen bee of Home Farm Sadie King has returned to the village she previously ran roughshod over, though it’s been confirmed to be a finite return.

‘We are building to the end point and a big denouement for that character,’ Emmerdale producer Sophie Roper said in regard to Sadie’s upcoming exit.

‘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.’

When is Sadie King leaving Emmerdale?: Next year.

This article was first published on October 25, 2024 and has since been updated.

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8:00pm on ITV1 and from 7am on ITVX.

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