Emmerdale Cast Chaos: The Shocking Exits And Surprise Returns You Won’t Believe!

 

We’ve finally arrived at 2026 in Emmerdale – and there have been some big changes.

The year has started with a bang with the departure of Kev Townsend (Chris Coghill), while Ray Walters (Joe Absolom) stabbed his evil adopted mother, Celia Daniels (Jaye Griffiths), to death to end her cycle of abuse, before being murdered himself by a mystery assailant.

However, there will be more changes in the village in 2026.

Read on for your essential guide from RadioTimes.com to the latest Emmerdale cast news that you absolutely need to know.

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The full present regular cast for Emmerdale can be found below.

Here are the following changes ahead of the regular cast.

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When is Jimmy King leaving? Autumn 2026.

After over 20 years in the village, it appears we will soon be saying goodbye to actor Nick Miles as Jimmy King in Emmerdale, when Jimmy is killed off in a major new stunt for the soap.

His exit will coincide with the return of ex-wife Sadie (Patsy Kensit), whose return was announced not long before the news of Jimmy’s exit broke.

Radio Times was aware of his forthcoming departure and understands that Miles is still filming scenes at the serial drama’s studios in Leeds, and will be on screen until the autumn.

In true soap style, the jaw-dropping stunt will undoubtedly also leave a number of other lives hanging in the balance – and will have a far-reaching impact on the village.

Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw previously teased that Sadie’s return was “explosive” and “guaranteed to shock”, which could be alluding to Jimmy’s untimely demise.

When is Dawn Fletcher leaving? 2026.

Actress Olivia Bromley is set to leave Emmerdale later this year after bosses apparently decided to write out the long-suffering character Dawn Fletcher.

A source told The Sun: “Olivia is adored by everyone at Emmerdale so the decision to axe her has not gone down well at all.

“She’s a popular member of the cast and if they can get rid of Olivia, then the feeling is virtually no-one is safe.”

The source added that Bromley was understanding of the decision that had been made and is preparing to film her exit in a couple of months.

ITV declined to comment when approached by Radio Times, but we understand that Bromley is exiting the soap.

Dawn is presently engaged to the villainous Joe Tate (Ned Porteous) after ending her marriage with Billy Fletcher (Jay Kontzle) by having an affair with Joe. However, now convinced of Joe’s evil at last, will Dawn wreak vengeance on him?

Plus, how will mum-of-three Dawn leave the village?

When is Kev Townsend returning? Summer 2026.

Robert Sugden’s estranged prison husband and Lewis Barton’s secret biological father, Kev Townsend, is to return to Emmerdale as actor Chris Coghill reprises his role.

Kev fled the village after placing Robert and Aaron in danger, escaping the clutches of John Sugden, and deciding Lewis was better off without him.

Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw said in a statement that “Chris is most definitely back by popular demand”.

She added: “With Kev’s son, Lewis, in the village still unaware of who his father is, it’s safe to say that there’s a lot of unfinished business and drama ahead.”

Coghill, who’s also known for his appearances in EastEnders, Shameless and Slow Horses, added: “I’m really pleased to be returning to Emmerdale, I had a brilliant time last year. Kev is a complex character that I love playing.”

He continued: “He has psychopathic tendencies but also an energy and vulnerability that I think makes him pretty unique. I’m properly looking forward to getting back at it.”

When is Sadie King returning? 2026.

Iconic Emmerdale villainess Sadie King is to return later this year as Patsy Kensit is to reprise her role for a new storyline.

ITV confirmed initial reports from The Sun earlier this year.

Speaking of the character’s return Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw said: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Patsy Kensit back to the cast and crucially to see the iconic Sadie King storm back into the village.

“Her return will be explosive and guaranteed to shock. Sadie’s seductive demeanor, combined with her utterly ruthless nature, are set to deliver a spectacular and highly dramatic touch of class to the Yorkshire Dales.”

Kensit added: “I am really excited to return to Emmerdale. I treasure the years I was here before. Sadie King is a character that I really loved playing.

“The cast and crew are absolutely brilliant and I am so grateful for the chance to return to the show, it’s absolutely amazing.”

When is Victoria Sugden returning? TBC.

Actress Isabel Hodgins has taken maternity leave from Emmerdale.

Isabel revealed to The Mirror: “I will miss it. I love the people there, but I’ve worked there for 19 years, so I feel like I’ve done what I’ve wanted to do and been selfish with my career.

“Now, it’s time to devote my life to being a mum, that feels right to me. But there’s still FaceTime, so they won’t forget me!”

The character left the village to stay with stepmother Diane Sugden to escape her guilt for killing half-brother John Sugden in self-defence.

Will Victoria feel more at peace when she eventually returns?

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The following characters departed in 2026.

The following characters departed in 2025.

The following characters departed in 2024.

The following characters departed Emmerdale in 2023.

The following characters have departed Emmerdale in 2022.

Who else will be in the village by the end of the year?

Visit our dedicated Emmerdale page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV Guide.

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