Cast Update: Who Is Leaving & Returning? | Emmerdale
If there is one thing Emmerdale never does quietly, it’s change. As the village barrels toward the New Year, the ITV soap is once again reshuffling its deck with major exits, temporary departures, explosive returns, and storylines that promise heartbreak, revenge, and more than a few shattered relationships. From villains reaching the end of their reign to fan favourites stepping away and dangerous enemies circling back, the Dales are braced for impact.
Here’s a full breakdown of who is leaving, who is returning, and why the coming months could change Emmerdale forever.
Leaving: Celia Daniels (Jay Griffiths)
One of Emmerdale’s most chilling villains is heading for the exit. Actress Jay Griffiths has confirmed that her time as Celia Daniels was always intended to be limited—and frankly, that comes as a relief for many residents of the village.
Celia has left a trail of destruction in her wake, from financial fraud and manipulation to people trafficking and exploitation. Griffiths herself described the storyline as “finite,” praising its strength while admitting she would have loved to stay longer. Still, viewers can breathe easy knowing Celia’s grip on the Dales won’t last forever.
The big question now is how she will leave. Prison seems the logical outcome, but Emmerdale rarely opts for the simple route. With the Dingles circling and multiple enemies closing in, Celia’s exit could be far more dramatic—and potentially deadly.
Temporary Exit: Victoria Sugden (Isabel Hodgins)
Another emotional departure comes as Isabel Hodgins prepares to take maternity leave. After nearly two decades on the show, Victoria Sugden has become one of Emmerdale’s emotional anchors—offering warmth, moral clarity, and, of course, legendary flapjacks.
Hodgins has spoken warmly about her time on the soap, calling the cast her family. While Victoria’s absence will be deeply felt, fans can take comfort in knowing this is not a permanent goodbye. Still, her temporary exit leaves a noticeable gap, particularly for the Sugden family, who are already under siege from secrets and returning threats.
Reportedly Leaving: Kev Townsend (Chris Coghill)
Few revelations have caused as much shock as the unveiling of Kev Townsend as Robert Sugden’s secret husband—and the father of Lewis Barton. Actor Chris Coghill’s stint was always planned as short-term, but Kev’s impact has been anything but small.
After realising Robert’s heart still belongs to Aaron, Kev fled the village, vowing revenge. However, reports confirm that he will return in time for Christmas, setting the stage for a potentially explosive showdown.
With tensions already high and Robron trying to rebuild their future, Kev’s reappearance threatens to turn the festive season into a battlefield. Peace, goodwill, and turkey dinners may be in short supply this year.
Reportedly Leaving: John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth)
One of Emmerdale’s darkest chapters may finally be closing. Serial killer John Sugden is reportedly nearing the end of his storyline. Having evaded justice for far too long, sources suggest John is about to make a fatal mistake that exposes him for what he truly is.
Currently on the run, John is expected to return for the much-anticipated Emmerdale–Coronation Street crossover event. If that’s true, his downfall could be as dramatic as his crimes—and possibly lethal. With Cain Dingle still bearing the scars of their last encounter, viewers are bracing for a final reckoning.
Returning: Steph Milligan (Georgia Jay)
Steph Milligan’s recent departure from the village was never meant to be permanent. Actress Georgia Jay is on maternity leave, meaning Steph will return once filming resumes.
Steph’s exit came after yet another chapter of family chaos involving Ruby and Caleb, and while fans may hope her return brings stability, Emmerdale history suggests otherwise. Drama has a habit of finding Steph—whether she wants it or not.
Moira and Cain vs Celia: The Dingles Strike Back
Moira and Cain Dingle found themselves at the centre of one of the show’s most tense confrontations after discovering Celia had been forging Moira’s signature in a money-laundering scheme. Celia’s audacity reached new heights when she deliberately provoked Moira into striking her—only to play the victim moments later.
Fearful of being implicated, Moira initially hesitated to go to the police. Instead, she and Cain confronted Celia directly. True to form, Cain saw straight through her manipulation, warning Moira that Celia couldn’t report them without incriminating herself.
Celia attempted to buy their silence by transferring illicit profits into Moira’s account and offering cash as a “gesture of goodwill.” Fortunately, Moira refused, recognising the move for what it was—a setup. But Celia’s ominous promise to leave the village before the truth catches up with her suggests this story is far from over.
Death Looms as the New Year Approaches
As Emmerdale heads into 2026, three major storylines are racing toward deadly conclusions.
Robron Under Threat—Again
Aaron Dingle and Robert Sugden’s hard-won happiness is once again in jeopardy. Kev Townsend’s shadow still looms large, but a new threat has emerged: Ross Barton.
Since Aaron and Robert committed to playing a bigger role in baby Sebastian’s life, Ross has been quietly simmering with resentment. When Aaron’s windscreen is smashed and a fire is started near their flat, suspicion falls squarely on the notorious Barton bad boy.
Ross insists he has an alibi—but with his history, doubts remain. And if Ross isn’t responsible, that leaves an even more unsettling possibility: John Sugden.
The Serial Killer’s Shadow
John Sugden’s name has surfaced in Weatherfield, with eagle-eyed Coronation Street viewers spotting a wanted poster bearing his face. This subtle clue suggests his return could coincide with the crossover event—and potentially spell disaster.
As Robert’s half-brother and Aaron’s ex-husband, John has every reason to seek revenge. If he re-enters their lives, no one is safe.
Charity’s Baby Bombshell
Finally, Charity Dingle’s carefully guarded secret is ticking like a time bomb. Unsure whether her unborn child is Mackenzie Boyd’s or Ross Barton’s, Charity has confided only in Vanessa Woodfield.
With Vanessa set to join the family for Christmas dinner, the risk of the truth coming out is dangerously high. If it does, the fallout could tear multiple families apart.
The Gangster Mother and Son
Ray Walters and Celia Daniels continue to terrorise the village, forcing Bear Wolf into domestic slavery and exploiting anyone they can control. As the net tightens, Celia wants to flee—but Ray is conflicted, drawn to Laurel Thomas and the stability she represents.
That emotional weakness could be his undoing. If Celia senses his loyalty wavering, her response may be ruthless.
As Emmerdale approaches the New Year, the village stands on the edge of chaos. With exits looming, villains circling, and long-buried secrets threatening to surface, one thing is certain: survival in the Dales has never been more uncertain.