There have been plenty of comings and goings in Emmerdale recently, with several more cast changes ahead.

This year, we’ve bid farewell to a number of villagers, including Rachael Gill-Davis, who played Gail Loman.

Another departee was Paula Lane’s Ella Forster, who left the Dales in the back of a police car after just fifteen months onscreen.

There was also the much-anticipated return of Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley), who came back to the village following a prison stint.

We even saw Bernice Blackstock (Samantha Giles) pop back to the Dales for a brief stint.

In the coming months, more changes are afoot… so here’s the lowdown on who is returning, leaving, and arriving in the ITV soap…

EMMERDALE CAST RETURNS

Cathy Hope

Nineteen-year-old Gabrielle Dowling has also left the soap – but she will be back.

Recent storylines have included Cathy coming to terms with a PMDD diagnosis, and also dealing with the horrific death of twin brother Heath, played by Gabrielle’s brother Sebastian, who passed away following a car accident.

Metro understands that the star is just taking a short break and will return down the line.

When is Cathy Hope returning to Emmerdale? Currently unknown.

John Sugden?

John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth) evaded justice earlier this year when he fled the eponymous village after his crimes were exposed.

The last we saw of John, he was deleting the scheduled email (which detailed the ins and outs of Anthony’s murder) and giving Caleb Miligan (William Ash) the location of where Anthony’s body is buried.

Given that he’s currently on the run, it’s possible that he will return to our screens – and with a wanted poster of the medic spotted in Coronation Street, fans are convinced that he could pop up in Weatherfield in time for the big crossover.

Is John Sugden returning to Emmerdale, and if so, when? Currently unknown.

EMMERDALE CAST DEPATURES

Celia Daniels

Celia Daniels (Jaye Griffiths) has proven a truly vile character since rocking up in the village.

The newbie was revealed to be behind a heinous, large-scale criminal operation, trafficking both drugs and humans, and a modern-day human slavery racket.

But given that she is very much a villain, Celia’s time on the show will come to an end.

‘I knew it was finite, which I am very sad about, because I would like to stay forever, but it’s such a strong arc,’ Jaye told Metro. Commenting further on being a part of the Emmerdale team, she described it as: ‘heaven!’

Jaye added: ‘It’s one of the nicest places I’ve ever worked, and I’ve done a little bit of work before! It is gentle and kind and professional and funny, and people care that it’s good. People care that we tell the story properly. It’s a joy to come to work. I’m gushing now, aren’t I?’

When is Celia leaving Emmerdale? Currently unknown.

Mandy Dingle

Mandy Dingle star Lisa Riley will make a temporary exit to facilitate her taking part in the upcoming series of I’m A Celebrity.

On the subject of how she’ll be written out, a source told The Sun: ‘Lisa filmed her scenes last week, Mandy goes to visit friends and will be back before you know it.’

‘She’ll be back filming full throttle once she’s back from her trip down under too. Fans won’t have long to wait for her return once the scenes air next year.’

When is Mandy leaving Emmerdale? In the coming weeks, with the scenes reportedly already filmed.

Cost-cutting at ITV

It was reported on July 28, 2025, that Emmerdale and Coronation Street will face more changes as a result of ITV slashing their budgets.

It is said that bosses at ITV will axe one in ten cast members from both soaps, as part of them cutting a further £15 million from the total budget.

As part of the changes, it’s also being reported that the number of scenes per episode will be cut.

Coronation Street currently has 84 permanent cast members, while Emmerdale has 70. Some of the older cast members have contracts, but most of the cast are paid by each episode.