All the Emmerdale cast returns, exits and new arrivals in 2026

As we enter the final couple of months of 2026, the Emmerdale departures and arrivals are continuing.

We’ve said tear-jerking ‘see ya’s’ to Jimmy King (Nick Miles) and Dawn Taylor (Olivia Bromley), who died in a tragic car wreck, while Vinny Dingle (Bradley Johnson) was sent to prison for causing it and it was confirmed that Cathy Hope (Gabrielle Dowling) won’t be returning.

We bid less-emotional goodbyes to four of the village’s most evil residents; John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth), Celia Daniels (Jaye Griffiths), Ray Walters (Joe Absolom) and Dr Caitlin Todd (Caroline Harker).

We’ve also said temporary farewells to Victoria Sugden (Isabel Hodgins) and Tracy Shankley (Amy Walsh), as both actors headed off on maternity leave.

With loss comes gain, though, as we’ve welcomed both Serena Sugden (Casey Al-Shaqsy) and Thea Ramsden (Chelsea Edge) to the village, and witnessed the return of vile Tom King (James Chase).

With plenty of changes afoot, here’s the lowdown on who is returning, leaving, and arriving in the ITV soap…

Emmerdale cast returns

Tom King

Tom King will returned at the start of November with his initial scenes catching up with him still in prison, though he’ll soon be released to continue his vile campaign of abuse against ex-wife, Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper).

Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw said of this story: ‘James’ return isn’t just about bringing back a familiar face; it’s about reigniting a complex and challenging story. When Belle gets the news that Tom is up for parole she’s forced to confront a trauma she battled hard to overcome.

‘With her family and new partner Kammy Hadiq (Shebz Miah) by her side, we explore the lasting impact of Tom’s abusive actions on Belle as she fights to keep Tom away from the village.’

When did Tom King return to Emmerdale? His returning scenes aired on November 5, 2026.

Steve Marchant

We now know that Paul Opacic is reprising his role as Steve Marchant, Kim Tate’s (Claire King) ex.

After the discovery that Thea is her daughter, Kim shared the news that Steve is her father, and Thea wasted no time in trying to get into contact with him.

Paul discussed Steve’s return with us and said: ‘Things were left rather bitter between Kim and Steve, so he’s very surprised when a solicitor contacts him out of the blue – with the sniff of more cash to be made, Steve wonders what is going on. And soon Thea leaves him a jaw-dropping voicemail.’

When is Steve returning to Emmerdale? Currently unknown

Victoria Sugden

Victoria Sugden left the Emmerdale village in February to tie in with Isabel Hodgins’ maternity leave.

The actress announced on her Instagram that she has given birth to her first baby, called Georgie Grace.

Vic’s exit saw her leave for a new life in Portugal. She told Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) that she would return, though when exactly this will be remains to be seen.

When is Victoria Sugden returning to Emmerdale? Currently unknown.

Tracy Shankley

Amy Walsh recently left her role as Tracy Shankley, with the exit story facilitating Amy’s maternity leave.

The star, who is married to Toby-Alexander Smith, recently gave birth to her second child.

Tracy moved out of the village following a difficult year adjusting to life as a single mum, but she will return when her maternity leave comes to an end.

When is Tracy Shankley returning to Emmerdale? Currently unknown.

Emmerdale cast departures

Lewis Barton

With Bradley Riches taking part in panto this year, Lewis Barton will temporarily leave the village.

‘That’s a wrap on filming at Emmerdale for a bit, before some time off and then straight into Pantoland!’, Bradley wrote on his social media.

‘I’m so excited to see what’s ahead for Lewis in 2027 and to see where his story takes him next. I feel incredibly lucky to do a job I love, surrounded by such brilliant people. Feeling very grateful, as always.

‘For now, a little break before being back on your screens soon.’

When will Lewis’ exit scenes air? Currently unknown.

Sadie King

Former Queen bee of Home Farm Sadie King has returned to the village she previously ran roughshod over, though it’s been confirmed to be a finite return.

‘We are building to the end point and a big denouement for that character,’ Emmerdale producer Sophie Roper said in regard to Sadie’s upcoming exit.

‘Sadie’s momentum, and the impact she’s going to have on our villagers, is only going to grow. There will be some incredible, exciting twists and turns, and a lot of unexpected revelations.’

When is Sadie King leaving Emmerdale? Next year.