Cast Update: Who Is Leaving & Returning? | Emmerdale

Emmerdale cast shake-up: who’s leaving, returning, and joining as the Dales head into the New Year

It’s a volatile time in Emmerdale – but then again, when isn’t it? The doors of the Woolpack are practically flying off their hinges as villains prepare their exits, legends step away, and dangerous ghosts from the past circle back for revenge. With the New Year approaching, several storylines are racing toward explosive conclusions.

Here’s a full breakdown of who’s leaving, who’s returning, and why danger is looming over the village.

🔴 Leaving Emmerdale

Celia Daniels (Jay Griffiths)

The reign of terror may finally be ending. Actress Jay Griffiths has confirmed her time as villain Celia Daniels is strictly finite.

Celia’s list of crimes is staggering: money laundering, coercion, human trafficking, and exploiting vulnerable villagers – including Bear Wolf. Griffiths herself admitted she always knew the role had an endpoint, even though she’d happily stay forever.

The big question: how does Celia leave?
Prison feels too simple. A quiet taxi exit feels impossible. With the Dingles circling and Cain sniffing out her schemes, many fans suspect Celia won’t get away clean – or alive.

Victoria Sugden (Isabel Hodgins) – temporary exit

A much softer goodbye. Actress Isabel Hodgins is stepping away temporarily as Victoria Sugden for maternity leave.

After nearly 19 years in the show, Victoria is one of Emmerdale’s emotional anchors. Her absence will leave a noticeable gap – fewer flapjacks, fewer calm voices of reason. Thankfully, this is not a permanent exit, and Victoria will return.

Kev Townsend (Chris Coghill) – reportedly leaving (with a sting in the tail)

Actor Chris Coghill appears to have wrapped filming on his limited but chaotic stint as Kev Townsend – Robert Sugden’s secret prison husband and the biological father of Sebastian White.

Just when Aaron and Robert were rebuilding, Kev exploded back into their lives with violence, obsession, and a literal sword attack. Though he fled the village, spoilers suggest Kev will return around Christmas, vowing revenge.

One thing’s certain: this isn’t over – and Robron may be heading for another nightmare.

John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth) – reportedly exiting

It looks like the walls are finally closing in on John Sugden, Emmerdale’s most chilling serial k.i.l.l.e.r in years.

Reports suggest actor Oliver Farnworth will exit once John’s storyline reaches its conclusion. After countless crimes and near-misses, insiders hint John is about to make a fatal mistake.

But before that? He’s expected to return for the Emmerdale–Coronation Street crossover, having already been spotted on a Weatherfield police noticeboard. If John collides with Cain Dingle again, it could be d.e.a.d.l.y.

🟢 Returning to the village

Steph Milligan (Georgia Jay)

Steph Milligan, daughter of Ruby and Caleb, fled the village earlier this year. However, actress Georgia Jay is on maternity leave – meaning Steph’s exit is temporary.

When she returns, expect unfinished business and more family fallout. Because in Emmerdale, no one escapes their bloodline for long.

🔥 Storylines pushing characters toward the exit

Moira & Cain vs Celia – the trap is set

After Moira Dingle discovers Celia forged her signature in a money-laundering scam, the gloves are off. Celia’s attempt to frame Moira by dumping dirty money into her account only escalated things.

Now, Cain Dingle is fully alert – and when Cain Dingle smells a rat, someone always pays. Celia’s ominous talk of being “long gone” screams panic, not confidence.

Robron under threat… again

Aaron Dingle and Robert Sugden should be enjoying peace, but danger is circling.

Aaron’s windscreen is smashed
Fires are lit outside the flat
Fingers point at Ross Barton

But what if the real threat is darker? With John Sugden still at large and Kev Townsend lurking, Robron may be walking straight into a New Year showdown.

Charity’s baby secret – ticking time bomb

Finally, Charity Dingle’s pregnancy lie is heading for exposure. The baby could be Ross Barton’s, not Mackenzie Boyd’s – and Ross already suspects the truth.

Add Vanessa Woodfield to the Christmas dinner table, throw in alcohol, guilt, and old feelings, and this secret feels doomed. When it explodes, it could destroy multiple families.