Emmerdale exits and arrivals — all the latest cast changes for 2024

Emmerdale sign
Emmerdale exits and arrivals — all the major cast changes for 2024. (Image credit: ITV)

With the usual outrageous drama kicking off in the village, it's no surprise to Emmerdale fans how shocking the latest stories can be when they hit the headlines.

However, it's never easy when we have to say goodbye to some of our favourite Emmerdale characters — and 2023 was a year full of emotional, dramatic and unexpected farewells.

David Metcalfe (Matthew Wolfenden), Bernice Blackstock (Samantha Giles), Rishi Sharma (Bhasker Patel) and many more all left the soap last year.

We also welcomed back a number of familiar faces to the Dales, from Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller) to Tracy Metcalfe (Amy Walsh).

However, as we prepare to say another heartbreaking goodbye to more characters in 2024, let's take a look at who is returning and the newcomers set to call Emmerdale their home...

Who is leaving Emmerdale in 2024?

At the moment, there are no Emmerdale residents set to bid farewell to the Dales just yet, but we will update this piece as soon as announcements are made.

Who left Emmerdale in 2024?

A much-loved character has already left the soap this year...

Heath Hope

Bob presses Heath for gossip

Sebastian Dowling as Heath Hope. (Image credit: ITV)

Emmerdale teen Heath Hope (Sebastian Dowling) was tragically killed in a car crash on New Year's Day 2024 after he, twin sister Cathy and friend Angelica King (Rebecca Bakes) stole Wendy Posner's (Susan Cookson) car and took it for a joyride.

Cathy was behind the wheel as she drove them to a New Year party in Hotten and they encouraged her to speed up.

However, catastrophe struck as the car crashed into a wall. When dad Bob Hope (Tony Audenshaw) and Wendy arrived at the wreckage, they found Angelica and Cathy covered in blood outside the car. However, Heath was trapped inside and Bob rushed to pull him out of the vehicle. 

Wendy desperately attempted CPR on Heath, but he passed away after the accident. Ina  shock turn of events, it was revealed that Angel was the one driving the car when it crashed and not Cathy like everyone believed.

Who is returning to Emmerdale in 2024?

There are currently no familiar faces returning to Emmerdale. But we'll update this cast feature with any new announcements.

Who returned to Emmerdale in 2024?

Two residents made a welcome return in 2024 to the village...

Kerry Wyatt

Kerry

Laura Norton as Kerry Wyatt. (Image credit: ITV)

Laura Norton returned to Emmerdale following her maternity leave after she welcomed a second child into the world with partner Mark Jordon in October 2022. The couple now have a daughter called Ronnie and a son called Jessie. 

Kerry Wyatt's exit was set in motion after she discovered her late fiancée Al Chapman had been having an affair with Chas Dingle (Lucy Pargeter) in explosive scenes.

Following the revelation, Kerry took a job on a cruise ship, but she didn't go quietly... before she left Kerry dropped the bombshell that she was the mother of Chloe Harris (Jessie Elland), who gave birth to married Mackenzie Boyd's (Lawrence Robb) baby, Reuben.

Kerry made a chaotic return to the village in March dressed as Cher and accompanied by PC Swirling. It turned out that Kerry had been kicked off the cruise ship after being accused of stealing jewellery. 

Kerry wasn't exactly welcomed into her daughter Amy's (Natalie Ann Jamieson) loving arms, and it wasn't long before they are at odds, horrified that her mum had brought trouble home.

After protesting her innocence to Amy, it was revealed that Kerry had in fact stolen jewellery and money from the ship and hidden them in her clothes.

Vanessa Woodfield

Vanessa

Michelle Hardwick as Vanessa Woodfield. (Image credit: ITV)

Michelle Hardwick took a break from Emmerdale in 2022 as she went on maternity leave after giving birth to her daughter Betty with wife Kate Brooks in November 2022. The couple also have an older son called Teddy. 

After taking a job opportunity in Canada, Vanessa returned to the village after her best friend Rhona Goskirk (Zoe Henry) called her for help.

An oblivious Vanessa turned up to the remote cottage where Rhona was hiding and inadvertently got caught up in a kidnapping plot after she discovered that Rhona had taken baby Ivy and was on the run.

Rhona tried to convince Vanessa to help her do a runner and start a new life in Canada. However, Rhona's plan was scuppered when Vanessa decided to call Marlon Dingle (Mark Charnock) to stop Rhona from fleeing with Ivy.

He talked some sense into Rhona, but it was too late as Ivy's dad Gus Malcolms (Alan McKenna) called the police on her and had her arrested for kidnapping as she had no parental rights.

Who is arriving to Emmerdale in 2024?

Currently, nobody is arriving to Emmerdale just yet, but we will keep you updated on the latest cast changes.

Who arrived to Emmerdale in 2024?

We introduced some new characters who called Emmerdale their new home...

Ruby Fox-Miligan

Ruby and Caleb in Emmerdale

Beth Cordingley as Ruby-Fox Miligan. (Image credit: ITV)

Emmerdale cast Beth Cordingly as Ruby Fox-Milligan, the estranged wife of businessman Caleb Milligan (William Ash) and she certainly made quite an entrance.

Ruby, who is the mother of Caleb’s son Nicky, was caught in bed with Caleb by Nate Robinson (Jurell Carter) amid his suspicions that Caleb and his wife Tracy were having an affair.

A show spokesperson revealed: “Ruby is fiery, confident, unpredictable and a fiercely devoted mum. If she believes Caleb has finally found a family of his own away from her, it's fair to say she’d happily destroy it rather than allow Caleb to be happy without her. 

“Ruby’s a force to be reckoned with and a ticking time bomb.”

Beth Cordingly has had numerous roles in television and theatre, and is probably best known for playing PC Kerry Young in The Bill and teenage tearaway Sara Warrington in Family Affairs

She said: “I’m delighted to be joining the cast of Emmerdale. It’s an enormous privilege and Ruby is a dream role.

“She’s a firecracker and a troublemaker and I think people will love her or hate her. I can’t wait to get stuck in with this fabulous cast.”

Ella Forster

Paula Lane as Ella in Emmerdale

Paula Lane as Ella Forster. (Image credit: Emmerdale)

Seven years after she was seen on our screens in Coronation StreetPaula Lane joined the cast of Emmerdale as Ella Forster, who made a huge impression on her first day in the Dales after pouring a drink over her boss at the vets social in the Hide Bistro.

The former PA befriended Mandy Dingle (Lisa Riley) at the vets social and is set to work as a receptionist at the doctor's surgery.

Soap fans will remember Paula as Kylie Platt in Coronation Street, David Platt's feisty wife who was also mum to Max Turner and Lily Platt, and sister of the legendary Becky McDonald. 

Emmerdale revealed more about Paula’s character, saying: "Ella Forster is compassionate and caring and soon finds herself out of a job when she sticks up for Mandy Dingle who’s attending a Veterinary Ball with her partner Paddy. 

"Far from a pushover, luck is soon to come Ella’s way when a chance encounter with Manpreet Sharma (Rebecca Sarker) opens up an opportunity. And it’s not long before Ella is turning heads in the village."

After her explosive arrival, actress Paula Lane revealed there are already big plans in the pipeline for her character.

She said: "I'm so excited to be joining the cast of Emmerdale. Everyone has been so welcoming and I can't wait to start a new chapter playing the role of Ella. I've already heard there are big plans for her and I can't wait to see her navigate a new life in the village and hopefully make some friends!”

Who left Emmerdale in 2023?

In 2023, we bid farewell to some major characters who made a big impact in the Dales...

Chloe Harris

Chloe Harris in Emmerdale.

Jessie Elland as Chloe Harris. (Image credit: ITV)

Emmerdale star Jessie Elland made an explosive exit after two years as Chloe Harris' time in the village came to a dramatic end on Boxing Day.

The messy love triangle between Mackenzie Boyd (Lawrence Robb), Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins) and Chloe reached a devastating conclusion after Chloe's dad Harry (Robert Beck) kidnapped Mack and held him hostage in revenge for his love rat ways.

However, everything came crashing down when Charity accidentally shot and killed Harry when she went to rescue Mack. In exchange for not reporting Charity to the police, Chloe negotiated a deal to leave with her baby son Reuben.

A heartbroken Mack said a final goodbye to his son as Chloe and Reuben left for good.

Chloe's time in Emmerdale was nothing short of dramatic. She was stalked, discovered that Kerry Wyatt (Laura Norton) was her biological mum, became a mother after a one-night stand, ended up in a coma after being involved in a horror clifftop car crash and her mysterious father was finally unmasked.

Damon 'Harry' Harris

Chloe Harris and her dad Harry.

Robert Beck as Damon 'Harry' Harris. (Image credit: ITV)

Emmerdale favourite Robert Beck returned to the soap after 24 years as he took on the new role of dangerous gangster Harry (whose real name is Damon Harris) and was revealed to be the controlling father of Chloe Harris.

The soap star is best known for playing Bernice's womaniser boyfriend Gavin Ferris and the couple became landlady and landlord of The Woolpack after they bought it in 1999.

Robert made his comeback to the village — but not as the heartthrob we knew him as. This time around, he played a sinister villain who kidnapped Chas Dingle (Lucy Pargeter) to get revenge on her brothers Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) and Caleb for double-crossing him. 

Emmerdale viewers were introduced to Harry in August, a hard hitting client of Nate’s new business who is involved in some dodgy dealings handling drugs and guns. He also viciously beat up Caleb as he got swept up in his dark underworld.

In December, Harry kidnapped Mack after finding out he left Chloe to die in the car accident he and Charity were involved in. Harry demanded Mack to stay away from his son Reuben or he would kill him. 

On Christmas Day, Harry was accidentally shot dead by Charity in a bid to protect her husband Mack.

Zak Dingle

Steve Halliwell as Zak Dingle in Emmerdale

Steve Halliwell as Zak Dingle. (Image credit: ITV)

Steve Halliwell, best known for playing Zak Dingle sadly passed away, aged 77. 

The sad news was confirmed by Emmerdale today, Friday, December 15, in a statement that read: "It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that Emmerdale can confirm that Steve Halliwell, our beloved Zak Dingle, has peacefully passed away. 

"All our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and loved ones through this very difficult time, and we’d request that their privacy is respected as they grieve for his loss. 

"Steve will forever be synonymous with Emmerdale. The proud defender and head of the Dingle family. Heart and humour in all he did, it has been and always will be impossible not to smile when you think of him."

Fans of the soap will remember Zak as the head of the Dingle family and as one-half of the soap's best-loved couple, Zak and Lisa Dingle (played by Jane Cox). Steve played the iconic role of Zak for almost three decades, joining the show back in 1994. 

Steve's family spoke of their loss: "He went to sleep, peacefully with his loved ones around him. He was making us laugh to the end, the most amazing father and grandfather you could ever wish for, family was everything to him.

"We would like to thank the wonderful staff at St James Hospital and the Wheatfield Hospice for their love and kindness in his final days. He didn't want sadness, just to rejoice in a life well lived."

David Metcalfe

Emmerdale spoilers, David Metcalfe

Matthew Wolfenden as David Metcalfe. (Image credit: ITV)

Earlier this year, Matthew Wolfenden revealed that he would be leaving his role as shopkeeper David Metcalfe after 17 years. 

David shut up shop and left the village on November 30 after he made the heartbreaking discovery that his stepson Jacob Gallagher (Joe-Warren Plant) had been secretly dating his ex-girlfriend Victoria Sugden (Isabel Hodgins).

He was completely crushed by the revelation as he had been holding out hope that he might reunite with his ex Victoria, unaware of her secret romance with his stepson Jacob.

David was hit with another blow as his dad Eric Pollard (Chris Chittell) told him about his Parkinson's diagnosis.

David spiralled following the betrayal and harshly lashed out at Jacob and Victoria. But despite their apologies, he couldn't forgive them and Pollard encouraged him to go to London to see daughter Amba and Priya Sharma.

He decided to bid an emotional goodbye to Eric, Leyla (Roxy Shahidi) and Brenda (Lesley Dunlop) and left the village for good without fixing his relationship with Jacob.

Bernice Blackstock

Bernice

Samantha Giles as Bernice Blackstock. (Image credit: ITV)

Emmerdale legend Samantha Giles, who plays Bernice Blackstock, quit the soap after 25 years. 

Bernice left the village after committing fraud when she took out a fraudulent twenty-grand loan in her sister Nicola Walker's name (Nicola King).

After the revelation, Bernice went on the run and Bob Hope was horrified to learn that Bernice had failed to pay suppliers at the B&B.

Soon enough, Nicola found Bernice hiding in Brook Cottage and stopped her escape, terrified that she would be sent to prison. 

But as Bernice reassured the family that she would pay them back, Nicola knew there was no hope she would get her money and vowed to call the police.

In the end, Bernice agreed to give Nicola her half of the B&B in exchange for not reporting her to the police.

Bernice then announced that she was leaving the village and said goodbye to Bob and her family, before leaving in a taxi.

Priya Sharma

Priya

Fiona Wade as Priya Sharma. (Image credit: ITV)

Priya Sharma left Emmerdale after 11 years as she was offered a new job in London.

Prior to her exit, as she held a promotional event for Take A Vow, a veil caught fire and the single mum suffered flashbacks of the ‘maize maze’ fire caused by killer Meena Jutla (Paige Sandhu) that left her scarred for life. She had a breakdown and fled the event, but she was given the opportunity of a lifetime.

A business contact offered her a dream job in London, which Priya accepted and she bid an emotional farewell to her family, taking her young daughter Amba Metcalfe (Ava Jayasinghe) with her for a fresh start in the capital.

Marcus Dean

Emmerdale

Darcy Grey as Marcus Dean. (Image credit: ITV)

After one year, Marcus Dean left the village as he cheated on his boyfriend Ethan Anderson (Emile John).

He arrived in February 2022 as the long-lost son of evil Pierce Harris (Jonathan Wrather) and his entrance caused a stir amongst the residents — in particular, Pierce's victim and ex-wife Rhona Goskirk.

She initially found it difficult to see Marcus around Emmerdale, but he was eventually welcomed into the village after she realised that he wasn't like his abusive father.

Marcus soon began a relationship with lawyer Ethan, but their relationship broke down after Marcus wrongly assumed that Ethan was cheating on him. In reality, Ethan was planning to surprise Marcus with a house viewing he had secretly organised. However, it was too late as Marcus had already cheated on Ethan.

Marcus didn't ask for another chance and called Ethan boring, before Ethan threw his belongings out of the window — bye Marcus!

Naomi Walters

Naomi

Karene Peter as Naomi Walters. (Image credit: ITV)

Emmerdale star Karene Peter, who plays Naomi Walters, left the soap after just one year.

Naomi first arrived in Emmerdale last year as the long-lost daughter of vicar Charles Anderson (Kevin Mathurin), but she departed the Dales one year after reuniting with her father.

Naomi left the village on Thursday, July 6 after her new friend Vinny Dingle (Bradley Johnson) offered her some of his windfall to pay off her debts.

She was convinced to accept Vinny's offer by her ex-con grandad Victor Anderson, but while she had every intention to use the money to pay off her debts, Victor had other ideas.

He suggested that she kept the cash for herself and use it to go travelling to escape the village for good.

After furiously quitting her job at The Woolpack following an argument with Chas Dingle (Lucy Pargeter) about giving Victor free pints, Naomi decided to listen to her grandad's words and flee the village with Vinny's money.

Marshall Hamston

Laurel

Max Fletcher as Marshall Hamston. (Image credit: ITV)

Marshall Hamston (Max Fletcher) bid an emotional farewell to the village and his first love Arthur Thomas (Alfie Clarke).

Marshall first appeared in the village earlier this year and despite a rocky start, he and Arthur developed feelings for each other after they almost kissed.

Their romance endured many obstacles, including Marshall's homophobic dad Colin (Mark Noble) and the teens eventually became a couple after Marshall no longer had to hide his sexuality.

However, the teens took centre stage in heartbreaking circumstances as Marshall told a devastated Arthur that he was leaving the village to live with his aunt.

Before leaving, Marshall thanked Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy) for all she had done for him and gave Arthur a huge hug.

Laurel's heart broke as her son sobbed in her arms over the loss of his first boyfriend.

Rishi Sharma

Rishi

Bhasker Patel as Rishi Sharma. (Image credit: ITV)

After 12 years in the village, much-loved Rishi Sharma died in a shock twist amid his ongoing rift with son Jai Sharma (Chris Bisson).

Jai discovered that his dad Rishi had been keeping the huge secret that he was adopted and disowned Rishi for not telling him for decades.

Rishi's heartbreaking death came as part of a huge revelation for the Sharma family where Jai was finally told the truth about who his real father was during his wedding to Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy).

Rishi dropped the bombshell that his brother is Jai's biological father, but despite his initial anger, Jai allowed Rishi and his mum Georgia Sharma (Lin Blakely) to attend his wedding.

But as Rishi prepared to leave for the church, he never made it to the ceremony. A devastating cliffhanger showed Rishi lying dead at the bottom of the stairs, revealing that Jai would never get to make amends with his dad.

Georgia Sharma

Lin Blakley as Georgia Sharma in Emmerdale

Lin Blakley as Georgia Sharma. (Image credit: ITV)

Emmerdale welcomed back a familiar face to the village as Jai's mum, Georgia Sharma (Lin Blakely) unexpectedly arrived for his wedding to Laurel.

Her return came as Jai discovered that his dad Rishi had been keeping the huge secret that he was adopted. Jai was already struggling with the feud, and his mum's return added more fuel to the fire as he accused her of hiding secrets about who his real dad is.

She managed to repair her relationship with Jai and encouraged her son to mend the broken bond with his father, until he suddenly passed away on his wedding day.

Georgia left the village in the wake of her ex-husband Rishi's shock death and said goodbye to her family once again, before leaving in a taxi. 

Dan Spencer

Dan

Liam Fox as Dan Spencer. (Image credit: ITV)

Dan Spencer's (Liam Fox) 12 years in the village came to a sad end as he was sentenced to eight years in prison for killing his daughter Amelia's (Daisy Campbell) stalker Lloyd.

Amelia was being stalked and harrassed by married man Lloyd and Dan was determined to protect his daughter from his sick behaviour.

During a confrontation between the two, Lloyd antagonised the protective dad and a furious Dan lost his temper and punched Lloyd in the face, causing him to fall down and hit his head on a rock.

Lloyd ended up in a coma and eventually died in hospital, as a guilt-ridden Dan pleaded guilty to GBH in court.

Dan throws a punch at Lloyd

Dan punched Lloyd in a fit of rage. (Image credit: ITV)

Dan spent his final day of freedom saying goodbye to his friends and neighbours and having quality time with Amelia and baby Esther as the reality dawned on him that he would spend time behind bars.

At the court, his attorney reassured Dan that he would get a light sentence and he made a heartfelt statement to the court in hopes of mitigating punishment.

However, it didn't work and his worst nightmare came true — he was sentenced to eight years in prison.

In emotional scenes, a tearful Amelia chased after her dad as he was escorted away in handcuffs. Amelia cried out for her dad, but he kept walking and couldn't bear to face her.

Victor Anderson

Victor Anderson

Eddie Osei as Victor Anderson (Image credit: ITV)

Victor Anderson (Eddie Osei) unexpectedly died in a shock twist after he was accused of stealing Manpreet Sharma's (Rebecca Sarker) necklace that was given to her by her late ex-husband Rishi Sharma (Bhasker Patel).

Victor had been suffering from a brain aneurysm and his son, Charles Anderson discovered his lifeless body in the church after he fled the home when Manpreet called the police. 

Charles' criminal father joined Emmerdale earlier this year after serving 25 years in prison for an armed robbery which saw him nearly kill a security guard.

His arrival stirred up a lot of trouble for the Anderson family, with him causing a huge rift between Charles and his mum Claudette, encouraged his granddaughter Naomi to leave the village with Vinny's money and drove a wedge between Charles and his partner Manpreet.

Jane Hudson

Emmerdale Executive Producer Jane Hudson

Emmerdale Executive Producer Jane Hudson. (Image credit: ITV)

Emmerdale's Executive Producer Jane Hudson stepped down from her role at the soap after five years and almost 1000 episodes. 

Jane's last day on Emmerdale was Friday, September 22, 2023 after seeing through the episodes for this year’s blockbusting Super Soap Week. 

Jane has steered the soap through some huge storylines over the last five years, with emotional stories such as Marlon’s stroke and Faith’s breast cancer to action-packed drama in the killer storm week which marked Emmerdale’s 50th anniversary. 

Jane also faced one of the biggest hurdles ever thrown at TV bosses when she led the soap through the difficult years of Covid, keeping the show on air when other drama production in the UK ground to a halt.

Speaking of her decision to leave her role, Jane said: "I’ve had a wonderful time at Emmerdale and feel very lucky to have spent the last five years working alongside such a hardworking and talented team. 

"I’m extremely proud of what we‘ve achieved both on and off screen, especially during the pandemic when we all pulled together to make sure we never went off air. 

"As hard as it is to say goodbye to my fictional family of villagers, I can’t wait to have weekends back with my real family. But mostly, I can’t wait to be an Emmerdale viewer again and have no idea what’s coming next!"

Who returned to Emmerdale in 2023?

Some familiar faces finally made their long-awaited comeback to Emmerdale...

Aaron Dingle 

Aaron Dingle sitting on a bench with Yorkshire fields behind him.

Danny Miller as Aaron Dingle. (Image credit: ITV)

Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller) made a shock return to the village in terrifying circumstances as he was revealed to be Cain Dingle and Caleb Miligan's hostage at Wiley's farmhouse.

Brothers Cain and Caleb  had been acting shifty ever since they were spending weeks away on their new car dealing project in Holland.

Moira Barton (Natalie J Robb) was suspicious about her husband and brother-in-law's behaviour and followed Cain to the abandoned barn at Wylie's to discover the truth.

Cain and Caleb's dark secret was soon exposed as she found a battered Aaron tied-up and being held hostage by his uncles.

It was soon revealed that Cain hadn't been in Holland for business at all, and had actually gone to Italy to drag Aaron back to Emmerdale after he got in trouble with Italian gangsters.

Cain tried to reason with Moira that he was protecting Aaron for his own sake, but it was clear that Aaron wasn't happy about being kidnapped and taken back to the village as he vowed to go back to Italy. However, Cain adamantly refused and told him that if he went back he would be killed. 

Tracy Metcalfe

Tracy

Amy Walsh as Tracy Metcalfe. (Image credit: ITV)

Tracy Metcalfe (Amy Walsh) left the village in 2022 as actress Amy went on maternity leave following the birth of her baby with former EastEnders villain Toby Alexander-Smith over Christmas 2021. 

After she seemingly confirmed her return to the Dales on her Instagram Stories, Amy returned to the soap full-time over summer as she got married to her ex-fiancée Nate Robinson (Jurell Carter) despite a kidnapping mishap!

Now that she's back in the village, she has plans to open up a nursery and had a steamy affair with Nate's uncle Caleb Miligan (William Ash).

Emmerdale Nate Tracy

Tracy left Emmerdale following the breakdown of her relationship with Nate Robinson. (Image credit: ITV)

The build-up to her exit last year saw Tracy split up with her fiancée Nate after he cheated on her and lied about it. They were on the brink of reconciliation until she was offered a job in Nottingham to help other women with post-natal depression just like she had suffered with.

She said goodbye to her sister Vanessa and Nate and left the village with her baby daughter, Frankie.

Tracy briefly returned for Emmerdale's 50th anniversary and hooked up with Nate, before revealing that she was engaged to her boyfriend Ollie.

After having a change of heart, Tracy was hoping to rekindle their relationship, but she was left disappointed when she realised Nate still liked Naomi, leading her to leave the village again.

Tom King Jr

Emmerdale spoilers, Tom King

James Chase as Tom King Jr. (Image credit: ITV)

Tom King Jr (now played by James Chase) returned to Emmerdale 10 years since his exit.

Troubled teen Tom, who is the son of killer Carl King (Tom Lister), left the Dales in 2013 and moved to Saudi Arabia after stalking Chas  following his dad's death.

He was originally set to run away with his girlfriend Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper) but fled the village on his own. 

His return saw him reunite with his childhood sweetheart Belle, attempt to reconnect with his estranged family, and discover some devastating information about his late dad's murderous past.

Executive producer Jane Hudson said of Tom's return: "Jimmy’s nephew, Tom King will be coming back into the show. He’s been living overseas for quite some time and then he’s come back to England.

"He’s qualified as a vet so I think we all probably know where he’s going to be working. Of course, Tom and Belle have a history, which they see each other and rekindle and we will be on a journey with Tom and Belle for quite some time as we play out the story."

Ethan Anderson

Emmerdale's Ethan Anderson

Emile John as Ethan Anderson. (Image credit: ITV)

Emmerdale star Emile John confirmed his return as Ethan Anderson, who hadn't been seen on screen in months.

After last being seen in the Dales in April, Emile revealed that he was back on the Emmerdale set by sharing a selfie on his Instagram Story.

Captioning the image "Annnnd we're back", the soap star posted a snap with his co-stars Rebecca Sarker (Manpreet), his on-screen father Kevin Mathurin (Charles) and on-screen grandmother Flo Wilson (Claudette) at the Anderson household.

It was explained that Ethan was away on a work trip, but didn't reveal when he'd be back.

Fans had been questioning where the solicitor had gone during the explosive Anderson family drama, which saw Ethan's estranged grandmother and grandfather unexpectedly arrive in the village and his sister Naomi make a swift exit.

Since his return, he has been helping his grieving family organise the funeral for his late grandfather who passed away suddenly.

Who arrived to Emmerdale in 2023?

We introduced some new characters who called the village their new home...

Claudette Anderson

Flo Wilson and Kevin Mathurin pose for a picture together

Flo Wilson as Claudette Anderson. (Image credit: ITV)

Flo Wilson joined the cast of Emmerdale as vicar Charles Anderson's (Kevin Mathurin) overbearing mother, Claudette.

Claudette was certainly a force to be reckoned with as she struck up a tense relationship with Charles' girlfriend Manpreet Sharma (Rebecca Sarker) as soon as she arrived and lied about having a nasty back injury in a bid to stay at her son's house.

She soon confessed that she was homeless and Charles invited her to stay with them, where she has remained ever since.

Flo said of joining the soap: "I feel blessed that I was chosen to play Claudette and I hope to make the Emmerdale family proud of the work that I will do.”

Amit Sharma

Suni Sharma, Amit Sharma and Jai Sharma.

Anil Goutam as Amit Sharma. (Image credit: ITV)

Emmerdale welcomed Anil Goutam to the village as he took on the role of Amit Sharma, the mysterious father of Jai and Suni Sharma.

Back in the summer, Jai (Chris Bisson) was devastated to discover that his biological dad was actually his uncle Amit, the brother of his late father, Rishi Sharma.

Since his arrival, he has had a fractured relationship with Suni and has been building bridges with Jai and his family.

Amit was hiding the huge secret that he left Rishi to die after he fell down the stairs, but his son Suni eventually exposed him to Jai, who has ben struggling with the revelation.

Suni Sharma

Brahmdeo Shannon Ramana as Suni in Emmerdale

Brahmdeo Shannon Ramana as Suni. (Image credit: ITV)

Emmerdale bosses announced a new love interest for Nicky Miligan (Lewis Cope) in the form of newcomer Suni — Jai Sharma's cousin.

The Sharma family were surprised by an unexpected visitor ahead of Jai and Laurel's wedding when cousin Suni, played by The Bay star Brahmdeo Shannon Ramana, turned up in the village.

Jai's relationship with his father, Rishi, was in tatters after he discovered he was adopted years ago and was never told. 

But it wasn't just the Sharma drama that Suni got caught up in as he has since sparked up a romance with Nicky, who was embroiled in a sham engagement with Gabby Thomas (Rosie Bentham) as his dad Caleb tried to steal Kim Tate's (Claire King) cash. 

Brahm commented: “I’m delighted, and having watched the show with my mum and dad growing up it feels surreal. 

"I’m so grateful to everyone here for making me feel so welcome. Confident, magnetic and very fashion-conscious Suni looks forward to injecting some flair into the Emmerdale village. He’s not afraid to be his true self and go after what (and who) he wants!"

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7.30 pm on ITV1, with a hour-long episode on Thursdays — see our TV Guide for full listings. You can also catch up on ITVX.

Grace Morris
Staff Writer

Grace is a digital writer with WhatToWatch.com, where she writes series guides, recaps and features for must-watch shows and delivers all the latest soap news and reactions. She graduated from Anglia Ruskin University in 2020 with a degree in Writing and Film Studies, which only made her love for creative writing, film and TV grow stronger.


You'll usually find her watching the drama unfold in the latest reality series or much-loved UK soaps (usually with chocolate by her side!). She's an expert in EastEnders, Emmerdale, Coronation Street and everything reality-related from Selling Sunset and Married At First Sight UK to 90 Day Fiancé UK. Plus Netflix megahit Virgin River!


Grace also likes to explore new places with her friends and family and, of course, watch and read about the latest films and TV series.