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)

Emmerdale fans are used to the comings and goings of characters over the years, but sometimes it is hard to keep track of who is leaving, who is returning, and which new faces we are welcoming to our screens. 

Here is a roundup of who we have said a heartbreaking goodbye to this year, who is returning, and which newcomers are set to call Emmerdale their home...

Who is returning to Emmerdale?

Ross Barton

Emmerdale Ross Barton in 2024

Michael Parr as Ross Barton. (Image credit: ITV Studios)

Bad boy Ross Barton, played by Michael Parr is reprising his role following six years away and is due back on our screens later this year. Speaking of his return, Michael said: "I'm over the moon to be returning to Emmerdale. Ross is a character I'm extremely fond of and I'm excited to explore what he's been up to over the past five years. After seeing the scripts, I can't wait for the audience to see what's in store. One thing I can say is Ross's return will no doubt create fireworks."

Who left Emmerdale in 2024?

Zak Dingle

Steve Halliwell as Zak Dingle in Emmerdale

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

Emmerdale legend, Steve Halliwell, best known for playing Zak Dingle sadly passed away, aged 77 in December 2023, meaning it was only a matter of time before Dingle patriarch Zak would be leaving the soap.

The sad news that Zak had passed away came in October 2024, and Cain was given the task of telling his siblings, Belle and Sam about their dad's death, before spreading the news to the rest of the Dingle family. 

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. 

 Nate Robinson

Nate Robinson looks hurt as Cain Dingle confronts him.

Jurell Carter as Nate Robinson.  (Image credit: ITV)

Nate Robinson left the village in September 2024 and viewers have been left trying to piece together clues to figure out what happened to the farmhand. While we knew that actor Jurell Carter was due to leave the soap, the character of Nate left under suspicious circumstances with no one really knowing what happened to him. 

One theory is that Moira, who was suffering from memory loss and hallucinations from her brain tumor at the time, might have done something to him and simply forgotten. Other fans think he could have been caught up in Moira's barn fire, while some think he could have been kidnapped. One thing we do know is that someone has his phone, because after Tracy's affair with Caleb was revealed, Nate's final text to Tracy told her not to contact him, insinuating Nate had moved to Shetland without saying goodbye.

Nicky Miligan

Lewis Cope as Nicky in Emmerdale

Lewis Cope as Nicky in Emmerdale. (Image credit: ITV)

Nicky left the soap in July 2024 after actor Lewis Cope made the decision to leave the soap. Nicky's exit storyline followed the drama that saw his mum, Ruby Fox-Miligan exposed as the hit-and-run driver that injured the late Ethan Anderson. Nicky was so angry at his parents for all their lies that this was the final straw.

In the end, he left with Suni Sharma, saying goodbye to his mum and dad before heading off for a new life elsewhere. As they left, Caleb's nemesis, Charles, watched and couldn’t help but smile at the fact Caleb had now lost his only son, just like him.

Suni Sharma

Nicky Miligan wants a fresh start with boyfriend Suni Sharma.

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

Brahmdeo Shannon Ramana bowed out of the show as Suni in July 2024 after the character discovered Jai's part in Amit’s departure from the Dales. He told his brother he didn’t want anything to do with him anymore, later returning to Holdgate and telling Nicky this development was enough for him to want to leave the village for good. Soon the pair left together to start a new life elsewhere. 

Samson Dingle

Samson

Sam Hall as Samson Dingle. (Image credit: ITV)

Emmerdale star Sam Hall left the soap in August 2024 after 18 years of playing Samson Dingle. Sam has played the role since he was five years old, but his character is now serving a four-year prison sentence for assaulting his ex-pal Josh Cope. His final scenes saw Samon tell his dad Sam how much he loved him before he was led off to serve his sentence.

Samson has been involved in some hard-hitting storylines over the years, including becoming a teen dad after a one-night stand with Amelia Spencer and refusing to have anything to do with his baby daughter Esther.

Ethan Anderson

Ethan

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

Ethan Anderson (Emile John) passed away suddenly after collapsing at home ahead of his court hearing for dangerous driving.

Ethan became a pariah in the village when he left his friend Nicky Miligan (Lewis Cope) for dead after he lost control of Nicky's car and crashed it while under the influence and fled the scene.

The lawyer's secret was eventually exposed and Nicky's mum Ruby Fox-Miligan hit Ethan with her car in revenge. But, during a heart-to-heart with Charles, Ethan collapsed on the floor and he and partner doctor Manpreet Sharma (Rebecca Sarker) desperately performed CPR to try and revive him.

Despite their best efforts, Ethan died after being rushed to hospital and Charles insisted that Ethan was murdered by the person who ran him over, promising to make them pay.

Amit Sharma

Amit

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

Amit Sharma (Anil Goutam) left the village after five months when his son Jai Sharma (Chris Bisson) forced him to admit that he killed Rishi Sharma (Bhasker Patel) to get his hands on inheritance money that would pay off his debts.

After finding out that Amit was responsible, things took a dark turn as Jai threw him down the same staircase he pushed Rishi down. When Amit had broken his leg, Jai stood on it to force Amit to explain his reasoning for Rishi’s death, before taking his phone so that he couldn’t call for help.

Suni Sharma (Brahmdeo Shannon Ramana) was heartbroken to learn that his dad had left the village without saying goodbye, but he had no idea that Jai had Amit tied up at Holdgate. Jai took the ultimate revenge and forced Amit out of Emmerdale by making Amit sign over his shares of the HOP and leave for India.

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.

Catastrophe struck as the car crashed into a wall and 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. In a shock turn of events, it was later revealed that Angel was the one driving the car when it crashed and not Cathy like everyone believed.

Who returned to Emmerdale in 2024?

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 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, with Amy horrified that her mum had brought trouble home. After protesting her innocence to Amy, it was revealed that Kerry had 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.

Which new characters arrived in Emmerdale in 2024?

Rose

Rose and Will.

Christine Tremarco as Rose. (Image credit: ITV)

Christine Tremarco (The Responder, Safe House and Casualty) joined the Emmerdale cast as Rose, who is known to Kim Tate’s (Claire King) husband, Will Taylor (Dean Andrews).

Bolshy and boisterous, Rose had recently been living in Benidorm and her arrival caused a stir when Will failed to mention her to Kim. The two argued about being in a relationship years ago and for her abandoning daughter Dawn (Olivia Bromley) - however after much drama Rose left the show again in August 2024 when Will paid her to leave the village and never come back, something Dawn found out and caused the pair to argue. 

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. However, that is the least of the drama Ruby has been caught up in this year - never far from trouble, Ruby has most recently discovered her estranged mum has died and that Caleb secretly went to see her in hospital just hours before her death. 

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. 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. 

Since Ella arrived in the village she has caused huge drama when it was revealed that she killed her best friend when she was only 11 in a moment of rage. She served time in prison and moved around the country before settling in the Dales. Then, on her 30th birthday, Ella had a makeover at Mandy's, but things went sour when she found out that before and after pictures were posted on social media. Ella then launched a shock attack on Wendy and was taken away by the police. 

Who left Emmerdale in 2023?

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. 

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.

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 King's name (Nicola Walker).

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.

Claire Crick
Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch

Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia. 

After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off

She’s interviewed everyone from June Brown — AKA Dot Cotton — to Michelle Keegan, swapped cooking tips with baking legend Mary Berry backstage at the NTAs, and danced the night away with soap stars at countless awards bashes. There’s not a lot she doesn’t know about soaps and TV and can be very handy when a soapy question comes up in a pub quiz! 

As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book.