Emmerdale drops a massive Sugden family bombshell that changes everything!
09:15, 10 Jun 2026Updated 09:30, 10 Jun 2026
Emmerdale has confirmed a new Sugden family member in a ‘gripping and unexpected’ twist.
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West End star Casey Al-Shaqsy will be joining the ITV soap cast as Serena Sugden, the newest member of the legendary Sugden clan.
The arrival of Serena will be part of a new exciting chapter for the iconic village family, as the ITV soap looks to “strengthen the dynasty’s presence in the village”.
A synopsis teases: “Serena will find herself at the heart of the drama when she is drawn into the aftermath of a character’s traumatic situation, finding herself conflicted about what she has become involved in.
“Soon, her presence raises questions about her true motivations for settling in the Dales and where her loyalties ultimately lie.”
West End star Casey is best known for her roles in Once on This Island (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Hamilton (UK Tour), Wicked (UK Tour), Six: The Musical (UK Tour), Bonnie & Clyde (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Prince of Egypt (Dominion Theatre) and Rumi: The Musical (London Coliseum).
Casey began filming in April, with her character set to arrive on screens later this month.
Emmerdale Producer, Laura Shaw, said of the news: “The Sugdens are a core part of the Emmerdale fabric, and we are thrilled to welcome Casey to the family.
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“Her character will be at the heart of some extremely gripping and unexpected storylines, forcing her to make difficult choices that will have dramatic consequences for some of the village’s biggest names.”
Meanwhile, Emmerdale newcomer Casey added: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining such an iconic show and playing a Sugden!
“Serena is a fantastic character with so much going on beneath the surface. I can’t wait for the audience to see the drama unfold.”
It comes amid a tumultuous time for the Sugden family after murderer John Sugden was killed off by his own sister Victoria Sugden during the Corriedale crossover earlier this year.
As a result, Victoria, who couldn’t cope with everything that had happened, left the village to stay with her former stepmother Diane Sugden in Portugal.
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At present, the only remaining Sugden family members in the village are Robert Sugden and Sarah Sugden, whose new husband Jacob Gallagher recently took the Sugden last name.
Emmerdale airs Monday to Friday at 8:00pm on ITV1 and ITVX