Big Shake-Ups in the Dales

It’s been a year of major transition for Emmerdale, as fan favourites depart, familiar faces return, and new arrivals shake up the village. With ITV tightening budgets and streamlining production, the soap’s 2025 cast list looks set for one of its biggest overhauls in years.

Here’s your full guide to who’s coming back, leaving, and joining Emmerdale.

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Emmerdale Cast Returns

Cathy Hope

After leaving the village earlier this year, Cathy Hope (Gabrielle Dowling) is confirmed to be returning — though the timing remains a mystery.

Her recent storylines saw her grapple with a heartbreaking PMDD diagnosis and the loss of her twin brother Heath, who died in a devastating car crash. Cathy’s comeback promises emotional fallout and perhaps long-awaited healing for the Hope family.

Metro understands that Gabrielle is only taking a short break and will return later in 2025.

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Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley)

One of the biggest returns of the year, Ryan Hawley is back as Robert Sugden, following his prison stint. His reappearance has already sent shockwaves through the Dales — especially for Aaron and Victoria — and rumours suggest his redemption arc will collide with John Sugden’s explosive downfall.

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Bernice Blackstock (Samantha Giles)

Always unpredictable, Bernice popped back into the village for a short but memorable stint earlier this year. Whether her latest visit signals a longer return remains to be seen, but as ever, she left chaos — and charm — in her wake.

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Emmerdale Cast Departures

John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth)

The walls are closing in on John Sugden, with his shocking crimes and manipulations finally catching up to him.

A source told The Sun: “It’s the beginning of the end for John. He’s loved his time on the show, but the character always had a shelf life — and that time is nearly up.”

Now on the run, John’s story appears to be heading for a dramatic conclusion that may even spill into the upcoming Coronation Street crossover event.

Departure date: TBA — expected before the end of 2025.

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Gail Loman (Rachael Gill-Davis)

Rachael Gill-Davis’s emotional exit as Gail marked the end of an era for her character. After navigating heartbreak and deceit, Gail bowed out quietly earlier this year, though fans are still hopeful for her eventual return.

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Ella Forster (Paula Lane)

After a tense 15 months in the village, Ella Forster made her exit in dramatic fashion — leaving in the back of a police car. Her complex, secretive character arc may not be over for good, though; insiders hint that her story could continue off-screen.

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New Arrivals and Recent Additions

Ray Walters (Joe Absolom)

The introduction of Ray Walters has brought a dark new energy to the Dales. As the manipulative head of a county lines network, his control over Dylan and April has created one of Emmerdale’s most disturbing and socially charged storylines in years.

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Dylan Penders (Fred Kettle)

A new face with a haunting backstory, Dylan has quickly become a central player in April’s descent into danger. His connection to Ray and hints about a troubled home life suggest even bigger revelations ahead.

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Celia Daniels (Jaye Griffiths)

Sharp, ruthless, and utterly in control, Celia Daniels has emerged as one of the most dangerous figures on the fringes of the Dales. Her influence over Ray — and by extension, April — continues to grow, setting up a tense confrontation before the year’s end.

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Behind-the-Scenes Changes at ITV

It’s not just the storylines that are shifting. In July 2025, ITV confirmed plans to cut costs by £15 million, affecting both Emmerdale and Coronation Street.

• Around one in ten cast members will reportedly be axed.

• Episode scenes will be reduced, meaning tighter storytelling and shorter air times.

• Both soaps are set to air 30-minute episodes five times a week, replacing the six-episode structure.

While these cuts have sparked concern, insiders believe the changes will focus storylines, reduce filler, and bring the drama back to character-driven roots.

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Current Main Cast (2025)

The Dales remain packed with familiar favourites, including:
Robert Sugden • Eric Pollard • Kim Tate • Cain Dingle • Moira Dingle • Dawn Fletcher • Charity Dingle • Nicola King • Rhona Goskirk • Billy Fletcher • Victoria Sugden • Aaron Dingle • Belle King • Paddy Kirk • Mandy Dingle • Liam Cavanagh • Chas Dingle • Joe Tate • and more.

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The Future of the Dales

With Cathy’s return, John’s downfall, and the continuing ripple effects of April’s dark storyline, Emmerdale is entering a new chapter — one marked by reinvention, redemption, and real change.

Expect emotional goodbyes, dramatic returns, and a tighter, more intense version of life in the Dales.