Why Patsy Kensit’s big money Emmerdale return has left a bad taste backstage as show suffers second cast bloodbath
PATSY Kensit is set to make a huge return to Emmerdale later this year in the mother of all comebacks – but behind the scenes we hear it’s caused quite the stir.
The Sun can reveal how some of the cast backstage are quietly fuming that cash-strapped ITV have forked out the big bucks to get her back – whilst axing a whole host of stars in the show’s second cast bloodbath in two years.
The village soap has been forced to slash its budgets due to an ongoing soap cash crisis.
Over the past two months, The Sun revealed how Emmerdale had given five stars the boot in order to free up costs.
This comes just two years after six stars were also asked to leave the show in 2024 in quick succession during the first round of soap budget cuts.
As a result, it’s no surprise that Patsy Kensit’s big-money comeback as Sadie King has left a sour taste in her co-stars’ mouths.
A source close to the soap told The Sun: “Many of the core cast are feeling really put out by some of the latest decisions on the show.
“They have been left devastated to learn that a number of their colleagues have been chosen to leave the programme due to the ongoing money woes at the show.
“But they are now finding it hard to stomach that ITV have found the cash to bring back Patsy at the same time as offloading six other stars.
“The cast have discussed between themselves how it seems unfair how some of the show’s loyal long-standing stars have been cast aside in favour of bringing Patsy back after 20 years.”
Our insider added that it has started to cause fear among the remaining cast that they too could face the chop.
They added: “It really has created an uneasy atmosphere.
“Ultimately, no one is mad at Patsy – she is well-liked on set and is always welcome back.
“But it is more the principle of axings happening for cost purposes yet they can find the cash to call on a huge name.
“It is no secret that Patsy will cost a pretty penny.
“She’s a leading actress and far bigger than the soap itself.
“But the timing of her comeback has really left a number of the show’s biggest cast members smarting.”
So far this year, Jimmy King, Vinny Dingle and Dawn Taylor are just some of the characters who have been given the boot.
They are joined by Dr Caitlin Todd and Noah Dingle.
It comes after a cast bloodbath occurred in late 2024 and early 2025 which saw handfuls of stars leave the programme.
The female cast of the show saw a crisis as characters including Leyla Harding, Amy Wyatt, Suzy Merton and Gail Loman all axed.
They were joined by Wendy Posner, Ella Forster, Brenda Walker and Cathy and Heath Hope in the brutal bloodbath.
The Sun has contacted Emmerdale for comment.
