Which Emmerdale favorite is leaving? Heartbroken co-stars weep as shock exit is confirmed!
16:16, 01 Jun 2026
The Emmerdale cast has been left emotional after a soap favourite confirmed their exit.
Steph Miligan (Georgia Jay) made her debut on the ITV soap in 2024, rocking up as the estranged daughter of Ruby (Beth Cordingly) and Caleb (William Ash).
Ruby’s father, Anthony (Nicholas Day), also arrived around the same time. As Anthony settled into the village, it was clear that Ruby was hiding something about her dad.
It was later revealed that when Ruby was a teenager, Anthony abused her. What’s more, in a shocking twist, it was also confirmed that Anthony was the biological father of Steph.
Once Anthony’s sick crimes were exposed, he got his comeuppance from his daughter, Ruby, with several other villagers involved in the cover-up, including Caleb, Chas Dingle (Lucy Pargeter) and Cain (Jeff Hordley).
After Steph found out the truth about Anthony, she spiralled, and in a heartbreaking turn of events, she attempted to change her physical appearance. Fortunately, she was saved by Ruby and Caleb, and later went to therapy.
However, Steph was last seen on the long-running soap in August 2025, after actress Georgia Jay gave birth to a baby boy two months prior. It was then reported this year that Georgia had decided to leave Emmerdale to focus on being a mum.
And recently, Georgia confirmed her exit after the extended absence. The soap star took to her Instagram and shared a series of snaps from her time on the Emmerdale set.
She captioned the post: “Can’t believe I left the village nearly a year ago! Miss you, Steph, and everyone who made it so special.”
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Her co-stars were quick to respond and sent supportive messages to Georgia in the comments. Lewis Barton actor Bradley Riches penned: “Miss you xx.” Lucy Pargeter, who plays Chas Dingle, also commented: “Miss you, lady.”
Meanwhile, one fan wrote: “Gutted you are not coming back.” And another added: “Aww, we miss you so much, you were sooo good.” A third said, “I really hope you are coming back. Steph was a great character; she is sorely missed.”
Emmerdale airs Monday to Friday at 8:00pm on ITV1 and ITVX