Inside Emmerdale Dr Todd star’s famous family from Broadway mum to BBC actor husband
Emmerdale villain Dr Todd is played by Caroline Harker, who comes from quite a famous acting family
Dr Todd has been harassing Jacob and Charity (Image: ITV)
Dr Todd has brought nothing but turmoil since arriving on Emmerdale.
Following her bullying of young trainee doctor Jacob Sugden (Joe-Warren Plant) at the hospital, Dr Todd, portrayed by Caroline Harker, shifted her focus towards Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins).
On Sunday evening, Dr Todd sexually assaulted Charity following weeks of blackmail concerning the true parentage of baby Leyla.
Charity acted as a surrogate for granddaughter Sarah Sugden and Sarah’s husband Jacob, delivering baby Leyla. Yet Charity has neglected to inform the new parents that she and Ross Barton are in fact Leyla’s biological parents after a brief affair together.
Following Dr Todd’s discovery of this secret, she demanded £100,000 from Charity, and matters took a disturbing turn when Dr Todd sexually assaulted Charity during Sunday’s episode.
With Dr Todd presently dominating storylines on the ITV soap, viewers may find it intriguing to discover that actress Caroline, 60, originates from quite a distinguished acting dynasty.
Who is Dr Todd star Caroline Harker’s family?
Her mother, Polly Adams, is an accomplished actress who has worked extensively throughout both the UK and the US (Image: GETTY)
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Beyond the soap, it emerges that Dr Todd actress Caroline stems from quite a celebrated family. Her mother, Polly Adams, is an accomplished actress who has worked extensively throughout both the UK and the US.
She is perhaps most recognised for portraying Mrs Brown in the 1990s television series Just William, with additional TV credits including Kingdom and The Cinder Path. In 1975, Polly made her Broadway debut in the award-nominated role of Grace Harkaway in a revival of London Assurance.
However, Polly isn’t the only celebrated family member Caroline has.
Her sister is Susannah Harker, who appeared in the hit BBC 1995 series Pride and Prejudice as Jane Bennet (Image: ITV)
Her sister is Susannah Harker, who appeared in the hit BBC 1995 series Pride and Prejudice as Jane Bennet, alongside Jennifer Ehle, who played Elizabeth Bennet, and Colin Firth, who played Mr Darcy.
Additional credits include Midsomer Murders and Grantchester. She also secured a BAFTA TV Award nomination in 1990 for her performance as Mattie Storin in House of Cards.
Who is Dr Todd star Caroline Harker’s husband?
Caroline is married to actor Anthony Calf best known for playing DAC Robert Strickland in New Tricks (Image: BBC/Wall to Wall/Amanda Searle)
Caroline is married to actor Anthony Calf, and together the pair have three daughters: Louise Emma Calf, Cecilia Ann L Calf, and Anemone Georgiana Calf.
The 66 year old possesses an impressive acting career and is particularly recognised for his performances in The Madness of King George, Beau Geste, and I Came By, alongside his work in Lewis.
Between 2023 and 2025, Anthony played Lord Brightlingsea in the costume drama The Buccaneers, and has also appeared in the film A Teacher’s Gift (2025) and the series Insomnia (2024).
From 2005, Anthony dedicated a decade to playing DAC Robert Strickland in New Tricks, having earlier undertaken the role of Michael Beauchamp in Holby City (2005 – 2006). In 2019, Anthony took on the role of William Wickham in the enormously successful series Poldark, and has also featured in Doctor Who as Godsacre (2017) alongside Death in Paradise in 2021 as Phillip Carlton. His former brother-in-law is Game of Thrones star Iain Glen.
What else has Dr Todd star Caroline Harker been in?
Beyond her work in the Dales, Caroline has appeared in numerous productions (Image: ITV)
Beyond her work in the Dales, Caroline has appeared in numerous productions, including Harry Enfield and Chums, Holding On, The Man Who Lost His Head with Martin Clunes, Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, Midsomer Murders, and Doctors.
In 2012, Caroline portrayed Alicia Davenport during a short spell in Coronation Street. She is also well known for playing PC Hazel Wallace in A Touch of Frost, appearing alongside Sir David Jason.
Her latest roles include Julia in the Apple TV series Hijack, Bethany Hastings in The Stolen Girl, and Mrs Taylor-Brown. Back in 2011, she made a single appearance in New Tricks, acting opposite her husband and playing the character Tabitha Hall-Chalmers.
