All Emmerdale cast returns, exits and new arrivals in 2025

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.

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