Tag: The Sugden Family

  • Emmerdale cast 2025 – From Charles Anderson, to the Dingles and Kerry Wyatt, a complete list of who’s who in the Dales

    Emmerdale cast 2025 – From Charles Anderson, to the Dingles and Kerry Wyatt, a complete list of who’s who in the Dales

    The Emmerdale cast 2025 is full of iconic characters and legends who we’ll certainly remember forever. From the mighty Dingle clan to the Tates, Sugdens and Kings, plus newcomers like the Fox-Miligans, there’s undoubtedly plenty of families in town competing for the crown of the best.

    We’ve already had some departures this year and it’s ever-changing in Soapland. So, if you’re after a complete list of everyone in the Emmerdale cast in 2025, then look no further.

    The Emmerdale cast 2025 – the A’s!

    Charles Anderson looks brooding
    Forgiveness is one part of Christianity Charles needs to work on (Credit: ITV)

    Charles Anderson – Kevin Mathurin

    Charles Anderson is the vicar at Emmerdale’s village church St Mary’s and also the father of Ethan and Naomi. He made his first appearance on December 25 2020 when he married Chas Dingle and Paddy Kirk. The character is played by actor Kevin Mathurin, a former student of the prestigious Sylvia Young Theatre School. His previous roles include Rillington Place, Doctors and Hooligan Escape.

    Charles' mother, Claudette Anderson in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV)
    Charles’ mother, Claudette Anderson in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV)

    Claudette Anderson – Flo Wilson

    Claudette Anderson is Charles’s formidable mother and lives with him at Woodbine Cottage. She came to the village on May 25 2023. Claudette is portrayed by actress Flo Wilson, who has appeared in Emmerdale three times previously as different characters.

    Amy Barton is worried about Amelia Spencer in Emmerdale
    Formerly Wyatt, Amy married Matty earlier this year (Credit: ITV)

    Amy Barton – Natalie Ann Jamieson

    Amy Barton (née Wyatt) is the daughter of Kerry Wyatt, wife of Matty Barton and mum of Kyle Winchester. She came to the village as a teenage tearaway on October 8 2010 and was subsequently fostered by Eric Pollard and his late wife Val. The character is played by Newcastle-born Natalie Ann Jamieson, who took over the role from Chelsea Halfpenny. Natalie Ann has previously starred in Doctors and Vera.

    Amy and Matty got married last year (Credit: ITV)
    Amy and Matty got married last year (Credit: ITV)

    Matty Barton – Ash Palmisciano

    Matty Barton is the son of Moira Barton and new husband of Amy Wyatt. The soap’s first transgender character, Matty was assigned female at birth and during his early years in the village was known as Hannah Barton. Actor Ash Palmisciano has played Matty since 2018 and is, like his character, a transgender male. His other credits include Mum and Boy meets Girl.

    Ross Barton in a promo shot for his return to Emmerdale (Credit: ITV)
    It’s time for Ross to return (Credit: ITV)

    Ross Barton – Michael Parr

    After an absence of six years, Michael Parr has returned to the Emmerdale cast to reprise his role as Ross Barton. Ross was the ultimate bad boy and always up to no good. But he is trying to change his ways – being a dad to Moses and helping in the search for April Windsor. Though he’s still giving out a good hiding – mostly where it’s deserved (we’re looking at you Mackenzie) every now and then.

    Rodney in Emmerdale looks keen and ready to go (Credit: ITV)
    Rodney in Emmerdale looks keen and ready to go (Credit: ITV)

    Rodney Blackstock – Patrick Mower

    Old-timer Rodney Blackstock arrived in Emmerdale in 2000. He is the father of Bernice Blackstock and Nicola King, and also Paul Lambert. Rodney was married to Diane Sugden, but walked out on her when Bernice was just five years old. A former fairground worker, ladies’ man Rodney earned himself the name Hot Rod due to his success with women! Currently single, but always looking, he works for Nicola at the café. Patrick Mower plays Rodney and he returned to television for the role after an absence of 10 years.

    Mackenzie Boyd comes face to face with a bull in Emmerdale
    Mack Boyd has faced death more times than most! (Credit: ITV)

    Mackenzie Boyd – Lawrence Robb

    Mackenzie ‘Mack’ Boyd was introduced as the long-lost brother of Moira Dingle in October 2020. He’s a mechanic and farmer by trade and works with his brother-in-law Cain Dingle at Barton and Dingle Automotives and also on Moira’s farm. Mack married Charity Dingle in 2023 and then became a father to Reuben Harris on the same day after a one-night stand with his mum, Chloe. He’s played by Scottish actor Lawrence Robb.

    Jai is Archie's dad (Credit: ITV)
    Jai is Archie’s dad (Credit: ITV)

    Archie Breckle – Kai Assi

    Archie was conceived during a one-night stand between Rachel Breckle and Jai Sharma in 2012. He and his mum left the village after a vicious custody battle, but Rachel died in 2019 and Archie came back to live with his dad. Archie is played by Kai Assi, who took over the role from Aadam Wahab Shahzad and Liyana Shahza.

    The doctor will see you now, Liam Cavanagh (Credit: ITV)
    The doctor will see you now, Liam Cavanagh (Credit: ITV)

    Liam Cavanagh – Jonny McPherson

    Doctor Liam Cavanagh is the village GP and works at Brook Cottage Surgery. He made occasional appearances in the village between 2014 – 2017, before becoming a regular character in 2018. Liam was previously married to murderer Maya Stepney and Leyla Harding, and is currently in a relationship with Chas Dingle. The character is portrayed by Jonny McPherson, who used to date his co-star Natalie J Robb.

    The Emmerdale cast 2025 – D is for Dingle!

    Aaron Dingle in Emmerdale as played by Danny Miller looks brooding
    Brooding Aaron in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV)

    Aaron Dingle – Danny Miller

    Aaron Dingle has been one of the soap’s central characters since actor Danny Miller took over the role in 2008. The character is the son of Chas Dingle and estranged husband of Robert Sugden, who’s currently serving time in prison for murder. Other than Emmerdale, Danny is best known for his roles in dramas such as Lightfields and for being crowned King of the Castle in the 21st series of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!

    Traumatised Belle Dingle has a choice to make in Emmerdale
    Traumatised Belle has had a rotten 2024 (Credit: ITV)

    Belle Dingle – Eden Taylor-Draper

    Belle Dingle – as she will always be to us – is the youngest daughter of Zak Dingle and his late wife, Lisa Dingle, and the wife of Tom King. She has six half-siblings – Nathan, the late Ben and Butch, Sam, Cain and Tina Dingle. Belle was born in the pigsty of her family home on Christmas Day 1998 and grew up in the village. She was part of one of Emmerdale’s biggest storylines of the year in 2024 – her domestic abuse at the hands of Tom. Since 2005, Belle has been played by Eden Taylor-Draper.

    Cain looks aghast
    The new head of the Dingles, Cain (Credit: ITV)

    Cain Dingle – Jeff Hordley

    Cain Dingle has been the bad boy of Emmerdale village since his arrival in 2000. He’s best known for his criminal activities, on/off relationship with cousin Charity Dingle and his marriage to Moira. Cain is a dad of four to Debbie Dingle, Nate Robinson, Kyle Winchester and Isaac Dingle. He’s played by Jeff Hordley, who DJs in his spare time and is married to fellow Emmerdale star Zoe Henry (Rhona Goskirk).

    Emma Atkins plays Charity Dingle (Credit: ITV)
    Emma Atkins plays Charity Dingle (Credit: ITV)

    Charity Dingle – Emma Atkins

    Charity Dingle is the current landlady of The Woolpack, wife of Mackenzie Boyd and mum to daughter Debbie and her three sons, Ryan, Noah and Moses. She’s been married three times previously and been imprisoned on more than two occasions. Emma Atkins has portrayed Charity since 2000 and has starred in over 2700 episodes to date.

    The First Lady of the Woolpack, Chas (Credit: ITV)
    The First Lady of the Woolpack, Chas (Credit: ITV)

    Chas Dingle – Lucy Pargeter

    Chas Dingle is the much-loved manager of The Woolpack and has been a resident of the Dales since 2002. She’s the daughter of the late Shadrach Dingle and Faith Dingle, ex-wife of Paddy, half-sister to Cain and cousin/best mate of Charity. Chas is mum to Aaron and daughter Eve, her first born daughter, Grace, sadly passed away in 2018. The feisty character is played by actress Lucy Pargeter, who’s a former pop star and contestant on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!

    Cute little Eve Dingle (Credit: ITV)
    Cute little Eve Dingle (Credit: ITV)

    Eve Dingle – Bella James

    Born in 2019, Eve is the daughter of Paddy and Chas Dingle. She was born in the Woolpack toilets after Chas got locked in. Everyone had thought Eve would be a boy after Bear Wolf read the gender test results wrong! Eve is played by Bella James.

    Isaac Dingle looking worried (Credit: ITV)
    Isaac Dingle is winning hearts in the Emmerdale cast of 2024 (Credit: ITV)

    Isaac Dingle – Bobby Dunsmoir

    Fast becoming a fan favourite, young Isaac Dingle is the son of Moira and Cain. He was born in a barn after Moira went into labour during a confrontation with Emma Barton. She hadn’t even known she was pregnant! Isaac is a lover of animals and was distraught when his pet lamb, Minty died. Bobby Dunsmoir plays Isaac.

    Cleaner extraordinaire and survivor, Lydia (Credit: ITV)
    Cleaner extraordinaire and survivor, Lydia (Credit: ITV)

    Lydia Dingle – Karen Blick

    Lydia Dingle is the wife of Sam Dingle and stepmum to Samson Dingle. She arrived in the village in 2016 and works as a local cleaner. She has forged an unlikely friendship with lady of the manor Kim Tate. The character is played by Leeds-born actress Karen Blick, who previously played an unnamed nurse in Emmerdale in 2006.

    Our Mandy is priceless (Credit: ITV)
    Our Mandy is priceless (Credit: ITV)

    Mandy Dingle – Lisa Riley

    Mandy Dingle made her arrival to the village back almost 30 years ago, and has lived there on and off since. She’s the new wife of Paddy Dingle after they married for a second time in 2024. Mandy has one son, Vinny, who she adopted after his father and her ex, Paul walked out on them when he was a youngster. Actress Lisa Riley has played Mandy since 1995. She’s a former presenter of You’ve Been Framed!, panellist on Loose Women and competed in the tenth series of Strictly Come Dancing.

    Marlon is worried a lot lately (Credit: ITV)
    Chef Marlon is worried a lot lately (Credit: ITV)

    Marlon Dingle – Mark Charnock

    Marlon Dingle is The Woolpack’s resident chef and one of Emmerdale’s longest-serving characters. He came to live in the village in 1996 and is best known for his iconic bromance with Paddy Kirk. Marlon is married to local vet Rhona Goskirk, with whom he shares son Leo Goskirk. He’s also dad to daughter April Windsor. Marlon is played by actor Mark Charnock, whose previous roles include Cadfael and Coronation Street. In 2023 he was awarded the British Soap Award for Outstanding Achievement.

    Emmerdale's Moira has a lot on her plate (Credit: ITV)
    Emmerdale’s Moira has a lot on her plate (Credit: ITV)

    Moira Dingle – Natalie J Robb

    Moira Dingle is the wife of Cain Dingle, and mum to Matty Barton and Isaac Dingle. A farmer by trade, she was introduced to the show in 2009 as part of a new family. Moira has been at the thick of many a scandal over the years, including several extra marital affairs. Currently battling a brain tumour, she has no idea her husband cheated on her while she was undergoing surgery. She’s portrayed by Scottish actress Natalie J Robb, a former child star and pop singer.

    Young Moses is not happy with his dad right now (Credit: ITV)
    Young Moses is not happy with his dad right now (Credit: ITV)

    Moses Dingle – Arthur Cockcroft

    Charity’s youngest son, Moses, first appeared in June 2015, but the baby’s father remained a mystery. Charity was in prison at the time and handed over her newborn to daughter Debbie to look after. Debbie believed Cain was the daddy, but in fact it was Ross Barton. Moses is played by Arthur Cockcroft.

    Bad boy turned good, Noah Dingle (Credit: ITV)
    Bad boy turned good, Noah Dingle (Credit: ITV)

    Noah Dingle – Jack Downham

    Noah Dingle is the eldest son of Charity Dingle and the late Chris Tate. He was born in 2004 when Charity was serving time in prison after being framed for the murder of his father. Noah’s teenage years have been filled with drama, and he’s had his own stint behind bars for stalking. The character has been played by actor Jack Downham since 2009.

    Things haven't always been easy for Paddy (Credit: ITV)
    Things haven’t always been easy for Paddy (Credit: ITV)

    Paddy Dingle – Dominic Brunt

    Paddy Dingle is Emmerdale’s kind-hearted vet and a partner at Emmerdale Veterinary Surgery. He’s the son of Bear Wolf, estranged husband of Chas Dingle, dad to their daughter Eve Dingle and father figure to Leo Goskirk and Aaron Dingle. Paddy is currently re-married to ex-wife Mandy Dingle. A friend to many, Paddy has treated the locals’ beloved pets and even helped deliver a few human babies along the way. Actor Dominic Brunt has played Paddy since 1997 and starred in over 3000 episodes.

    Poor Sam has coped with a lot (Credit: ITV)
    Poor Sam has coped with a lot (Credit: ITV)

    Sam Dingle – James Hooton

    Sam Dingle is the longest-serving Dingle in Emmerdale, having lived in the village for nearly 30 years. He’s the husband of Lydia Dingle, father of Samson Dingle and grandfather to Esther Spencer. Sam’s defining storyline when he helped his cancer-stricken first wife, Alice, to die. The character is portrayed by James Hooton, whose roles pre-Emmerdale included Peak Practice, The Bill, Heartbeat and Touching Evil.

    Samson argues with Josh in Emmerdale
    We’ve seen the last of Samson for a while (Credit: ITV)

    Samson Dingle – Sam Hall

    Samson Dingle is the son of Sam Dingle and the late Alice Dingle. Born in 2006, Samson has spent his whole life in the village. He became a dad at the tender age of 16 when Amelia Spencer gave birth to their daughter Esther, who was the result of a one-night stand. Samson is currently in prison, but is still mentioned regularly. Actor Sam Hall joined the cast in 2009 and was the fourth actor to play Samson.

    Vinny looks confused by Charity in Emmerdale spoilers
    Nervous Vinny is a Dingle by association (Credit: ITV)

    Vinny Dingle – Bradley Johnson

    Vinny Dingle is the son of the late Paul Ashdale. He was raised by Paul’s former partner Mandy Dingle, who he considers to be his mother. Vinny is also the widower of Liv Flaherty, who was tragically killed in October 2022. He works as a scrap dealer at Holey Scrap and is a whizz at poker. Vinny is played by Bradley Johnson, an English actor and singer who was a finalist on the BBC talent show Let it Shine.

    Zak Dingle will forever be in our hearts in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV)
    Zak Dingle will forever be in our hearts in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV)

    Zak Dingle – Steve Halliwell

    Although Zak Dingle no longer appears on screen, due to actor Steve Halliwell’s death last year, he is still very much a part of the Emmerdale cast of 2024. He is set to die off-screen this month, but will forever remain in our hearts as the patriarch of the Dingle family.

    The cast of Emmerdale 2025 – F to H

    Billy looks secretive on Emmerdale (Credit: ITV/EI)
    Billy’s fighting for his family (Credit: ITV)

    Billy Fletcher – Jay Kontzle

    Billy Fletcher is a reformed bad boy and the husband of Dawn Fletcher. He’s the father of Evan Fletcher, adoptive dad to Dawn’s son Lucas and special guardian of Lucas’s half-sister, Clemmie. Billy was introduced to the soap on Christmas Day 2018 and is played by actor Jay Kontzle.

    Dawn's about to embark on an extra-marital affair (Credit: ITV)
    Dawn’s about to embark on an extra-marital affair (Credit: ITV)

    Dawn Fletcher – Olivia Bromley

    Dawn Fletcher is the daughter of Will Taylor and his ex-wife Rose Jackson. A former drug addict and prostitute, Dawn had a difficult upbringing but has successfully managed to turn her life around. She’s a devoted wife and mother of three. The character has been played by Olivia Bromley since 2018.

    Little Evan is battling leukemia (Credit: ITV)
    Little Evan is battling leukaemia (Credit: ITV)

    Evan Fletcher – Malachi McKenzie

    The son of Dawn and Billy Fletcher was born in December 2023 to complete their family. However, tragedy struck when Evan was diagnosed with leukaemia earlier in 2023. He is undergoing intense treatment that has shaken the Fletchers to the core, but the prognosis is good. Evan is played by Malachi McKenzie.

    Vet's receptionist Ella revealed a dark past in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV)
    Vet’s receptionist Ella revealed a dark past in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV)

    Ella Forster – Paula Lane

    Ella Forster is one of Emmerdale’s newest arrivals and has been harbouring big secrets about her past. She’s the receptionist at the vet surgery and is currently in a relationship with local doctor Liam Cavanagh. But the village was rocked earlier tin 2024 when it was revealed Ella had killed her best friend when she was a child. Ella is played by mum-of-two Paula Lane, who is known to millions for her role as Coronation Street’s Kylie Platt.

    It's been a quiet time for Jacob (Credit: ITV)
    It’s been a quiet time for Jacob (Credit: ITV)

    Jacob Gallagher – Joe-Warren Plant

    Jacob Gallagher is the biological son of Leyla Harding and Justin Gallagher. He’s the adoptive son of Alicia Harding, stepson of David Metcalfe and brother to Amba and Theo Metcalfe. Actor Joe-Warren Plant joined the cast in 2010 when he was just eight-years-old. He was also a contestant on the 2021 series of Dancing On Ice, but had to withdraw from the competition after testing positive for Covid.

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    Leo Goskirk – Harvey Rogerson

    Born on May 31 2011, 13-year-old Leo is the son of Rhona Goskirk and Marlon Dingle. She discovered she was pregnant after she and Marlon broke up, but they co-parented together. During a scan they learned Leo had Down syndrome. Leo is played by Harvey Rogerson, who took over the role from Harry Whittaker, who sadly died aged three in 2014.

    Rhona's mum has been a welcome addition to the Emmerdale cast (Credit: ITV)
    Rhona’s mum has been a welcome addition to the Emmerdale cast (Credit: ITV)

    Mary Goskirk – Louise Jameson

    Mary Goskirk is the mum of Rhona Goskirk and grandmother to Leo Goskirk and Ivy Malcolms. She currently resides at Tall Trees with her family. Mary is played by Louise Jameson, a successful television and theatre actress. Her credits include Doctor Who, Bergerac, and she’s still known to many as playing Rosa di Marco in BBC soap EastEnders between 1998-2000.

    Missing Emmerdale kids Rhona and Ivy
    Village vet Rhona (Credit: ITV)

    Rhona Goskirk – Zoe Henry

    Rhona Goskirk is one of the village vets and works at Emmerdale Veterinary Surgery. She is the daughter of Mary Goskirk, wife of Marlon and mum to Leo Goskirk and Ivy Malcolms. The character has overcome huge battles in her life, including drug addiction and is a survivor of domestic abuse. Actress Zoe Henry has played Rhona on and off since 2001, and is the wife of her Emmerdale co-star Jeff Hordley (aka Cain Dingle).

    Leyla looks worried on Emmerdale
    We’ll be waving goodbye to Leyla soon (Credit: ITV)

    Leyla Harding – Roxy Shahidi

    Leyla Harding is the estranged wife of Doctor Liam Cavanagh and the mother of Jacob Gallagher. She works as a wedding planner at Take A Vow alongside Suzy Merton and lives at Farrers Barn. Leyla is played by actress Roxy Shahidi. She joined the cast permanently in August 2008, having previously appeared in the soap as shop assistant Lila Wray two years previously.

    Carl in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV)
    Young Carl certainly has a big role right now in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV)

    Carl Holliday – Charlie Munro Joyce

    Juliette Holliday arrived in Emmerdale in 2014 heavily pregnant and explaining to Jimmy King there had been a mix-up at the fertility clinic and she was therefore carrying his baby! Carl was delivered by Nicola and Jimmy shortly afterwards. Juliette struggled to cope with parenthood and after some back and forth, gave Carl to the Kings to raise permanently. Charlie Munro Joyce is the actor who plays him.

    bob_hope
    Joker Bob can also do the tough scenes too (Credit: ITV)

    Bob Hope – Tony Audenshaw

    Bob Hope is another long-term resident of Emmerdale, having lived in the village since 2000. He is the father of Cathy Hope and has six other children (two of whom are deceased), and is co-owner of The Grange B&B and Café Main Street. Bob has been married seven times to five women, most recently to Brenda Walker. He is played by Tony Audenshaw, a former Brookside actor and keen runner, who’s competed in the London Marathon 10 times.

    2024 has been a difficult year for Cathy (Credit: ITV)
    2024 has been a difficult year for Cathy (Credit: ITV)

    Cathy Hope – Gabrielle Dowling

    Cathy Hope is the daughter of Bob Hope and his late wife, Viv. She is also the twin sister of the late Heath Hope, who was killed in a car accident on New Year’s Day 2024. Cathy has been played by Gabrielle Dowling since 2007.

    Emmerdale cast 2025 – K is for King!

    Emmerdale: Angelica King stands by the gravestones
    Rebecca Bakes will return as Angel (Credit: ITV)

    Angelica King – Rebecca Bakes

    The daughter of Jimmy and Nicola King, Angelica – or Angel – as she is commonly known, was born prematurely in 2009. After being kidnapped at birth by crazed Lexi Nicholls, Angel was soon returned safely. Now 15, she has recently returned from a youth offenders home after joy riding at New Year and killing Heath Hope.

    Hapless Jimmy never quite gets it right (Credit: ITV)
    Hapless Jimmy never quite gets it right (Credit: ITV)

    Jimmy King – Nick Miles

    Jimmy King is the is the longest-serving member of the King family and the only surviving son of the late Tom King. The husband of Nicola King and father of Elliot Windsor, Angelica King and Carl Holliday, the character, played by actor Nick Miles, was introduced in 2004. Jimmy was originally something of a cold-hearted businessman, but over the years has changed into devoted family man.

    Nicola looks thoughtful in the cafe in Emmerdale
    Businesswoman Nicola makes it her business to know everything! (Credit: ITV)

    Nicola King – Nicola Wheeler

    Nicola King is the wife of Jimmy King, daughter of Rodney Blackstock and mum to Angelica King. Much like her husband, Nicola has undergone a huge transformation during her time in the village. Once a party girl who was careless with other people’s feelings, Nicola has since blossomed into a successful businesswoman and valued member of the community. The character has been played by actress Nicola Wheeler since 2001.

    He might be in prison, but there's always a chance he could come back (Credit: ITV)
    He might be in prison, but there’s always a chance he could come back (Credit: ITV)

    Tom King – James Chase

    Thomas ‘Tom’ King is the son of the late Carl King and Colleen King, older brother of Anya King and the husband of Belle. Tom was named after his paternal grandfather and followed in his late Uncle Max’s footsteps by becoming a vet. However he is certainly following in his father’s abusive footsteps after making Belle’s life hell in 2024. The character has been played by four different actors since 2004, most recently portrayed by James Chase. Tom is serving time in prison for domestic violence and coercive control, but James has admitted a return in the near future is possible.

    Out-there Gail is a breath of fresh air (Credit: ITV)
    Out-there Gail is a breath of fresh air (Credit: ITV)

    Gail Loman – Rachael Gill-Davis

    Gail Loman is the outspoken girlfriend of Ryan Stocks, and the pair are parents to Oscar Grisham, who they gave up for adoption when he was a baby. She was made a permanent character in the soap in 2023 and works as a barmaid in The Woolpack. Gail is played by Rachael Gill-Davis, whose only other TV credit is Coronation Street.

    Ivy Malcolms – Alice Mauve

    Played by Alice Mauve, Ivy Malcolms is the baby at the centre of Rhona and Marlon’s custody battle with her ex, Gus. Ivy was conceived after Gus stole Rhona’s embryos to have a baby with his new wife. Sadly she died in childbirth and Rhona then wanted the baby who was biologically hers. After many court battles, Gus was sent to prison for eight years for fraud and therefore Rhona and Marlon are bringing up Ivy.

    Suzy is with Vanessa, but should she be with Mary? (Credit: ITV)
    Suzy is with Vanessa, but should she be with Mary? (Credit: ITV)

    Suzy Merton – Martelle Edinburgh

    Event planner Suzy Merton works at Take A Vow and also the current love interest of Vanessa Woodfield. However there are many who believe she’s far better suited to Mary Goskirk. Suzy has been an Emmerdale local since 2022 and is played by Martelle Edinborough, who has had two previous stints in the soap as different characters.

    Caleb Emmerdale
    Long-lost Tate/Dingle/Miligan, Caleb (Credit: ITV)

    Caleb Miligan – William Ash

    Caleb Miligan is the son of the late Faith Dingle and was conceived during her affair with millionaire Frank Tate. He is the husband of Ruby Fox-Miligan and dad to their son, Nicky Miligan. He’s also the half-brother of Cain and Chas Dingle, both of whom he grew up estranged from. Caleb is played by William Ash, who has starred in popular dramas such as Solider Soldier and Where the Heart Is.

    Caleb's wife steals every scene she's in - especially after her abuse trauma has been revealed (Credit: ITV)
    Caleb’s wife steals every scene she’s in – especially after her abuse trauma has been revealed (Credit: ITV)

    Ruby Fox-Miligan – Beth Cordingly

    Ruby Fox-Miligan (née Fox) is the wife of Caleb Miligan and the mother of Nicky Miligan. She made her debut in January 2024 and lives in Apartment One, Mill Cottage. Ruby was born into money, but chose love over family when she embarked on a relationship with Caleb. The couple have been together since they were teenagers but their marriage has been marred by betrayals on both sides. It has recently been revealed Ruby was sexually abused by her father when she was a teenager. He fathered her daughter Steph. Ruby is played by Beth Cordingly, who is best known for her role as PC Kerry Young in The Bill.

    Steph's arrival will cause a stir in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV)
    The arrival of Steph caused lots of trouble for Ruby (Credit: ITV)

    Steph Miligan – Georgia Jay

    Steph joined the soap in 2024 as Ruby and Caleb’s estranged daughter. She had not seen her parents in years, resenting them for packing her off to boarding school when she was a teenager. The devastating truth is that Steph’s real father is not Caleb, but in fact her maternal grandfather, Anthony Fox, who raped Ruby when she was 16. Steph doesn’t yet know the truth. Actress Georgia Jay is a relative newcomer and fans were so impressed by her casting they are always wondering if she and on-screen mum Beth Cordingly are related.

    The cast of Emmerdale 2025 – P to R

    Eric Pollard in Emmerdale looks worried
    Pollard was bad, then good, then bad for a bit, now good again (Credit: ITV)

    Eric Pollard – Chris Chittell

    Eric Pollard has been bringing drama to the Dales for a whopping 38 years. Pollard as he known to millions, is renowned for his villainous, scheming ways. He is the widower of Val Pollard, father of David Metcalfe and grandfather of Amba and Theo Metcalfe. Actor Chris Chittell is the soap’s longest-serving actor and is married to his co-star Lesley Dunlop (who plays Brenda Walker).

    Young Clemmie lives with Billy and Dawn (Credit: ITV)
    Young Clemmie lives with Billy and Dawn (Credit: ITV)

    Clemmie Reed – Mabel Addison

    Dawn and Billy Fletcher adopted Clemmie after discovering she was the half-sister of Dawn’s son, Lucas. Clemmie’s mother was a drug addict who had died and Dawn found Clemmie sleeping in a dog bed in a kitchen in a random drug den. She consequently took her home and has cared for her ever since. Clemmie is played by Mabel Addison.

    Little Frankie sits with Amy and Moira in Emmerdale
    Little Frankie hasn’t seen her dad in quite a while (Credit: ITV)

    Frankie Robinson – Eden Ratcliffe-Knights

    Frankie is the daughter of Nate and Tracy Robinson (neé Metcalfe, neé Shankley!). She was born on February 25 2021 and is named after her late grandfather, Frank Clayton. Frankie is played by Eden Ratcliffe-Knights.

    Cheating Tracy has lost everything this year (Credit: ITV)
    Cheating Tracy has lost everything this year (Credit: ITV)

    Tracy Robinson – Amy Walsh

    Tracy Robinson is the estranged wife of Nate Robinson, half-sister of Vanessa Woodfield and mum to Frankie Robinson. A former prostitute and thief, Tracy was something of a troublemaker when she first came to the village, but has since mellowed. She was previously married to David Metcalfe. Actress Amy Walsh has just celebrated a decade in the Dales. She’s the sister of Girls Aloud star Kimberley and is married to former EastEnders’ actor Toby-Alexander Smith.

    Jai is incredulous as he leans on the desk in the Hide
    A messy divorce makes Jai the bad guy (Credit: ITV)

    Jai Sharma – Christopher Bisson

    Jai Sharma is a businessman and the son of Amit Sharma and Georgia Sharma. He’s the half-brother of Nikhil, Priya, Suni, and Nisha Sharma and the father of Mia Macey, Archie Breckle and Eliza Macey. In 2023 he married his long-term girlfriend, Laurel Thomas and the couple lived together at Mulberry Cottage until their break-up in 2024. Actor Chris Bisson, who previously played Vikram Desai in Coronation Street, joined the Emmerdale cast in 2009.

    Manpreet looks slightly worried in Emmerdale
    Dr Manpreet helps the villagers (Credit: ITV)

    Manpreet Sharma – Rebecca Sarker

    Manpreet Sharma works as a General Practitioner at Brook Cottage Surgery. She’s the ex-wife of Rishi Sharma and ex-partner of local vicar Charles Anderson. She’s also the sister of infamous serial killer Meena Julta. Manpreet is portrayed by Rebecca Sarker, who joined the show in 2018. Before Emmerdale she was best known for her year-long stint in Coronation Street, playing Nita Desai.

    Ryan looks unimpressed
    Charity’s long-lost son now co-owns the pub with her (Credit: ITV)

    Ryan Stocks – James Moore

    Charity’s long-lost son Ryan first appeared on June 5 2018. Ryan was conceived after Charity was raped by DI Bails. She had thought Ryan had died at birth, but in fact he survived and was adopted by the midwife, Irene Stocks. He now co-owns the Woolpack with Charity and is in a relationship with Gail Loman. Ryan has ataxic cerebral palsy and actor James Moore who plays him also has the condition. He is a huge advocate for disability representation in the media.

    Emmerdale cast 2025 – S is for Sugden!

    Harry Sugden – Adam Pryor

    Harry Sugden – played by Adam Pryor – was conceived when his mum Victoria Sugden was raped by Lee Posner. She decided to keep the baby, despite her fears he would turn out like his father. However she immediately fell in love with Harry when she gave birth to him on January 1 2020.

    Fragile Sarah has a life-limiting condition (Credit: ITV)
    Fragile Sarah has a life-limiting condition (Credit: ITV)

    Sarah Sugden – Katie Hill

    Sarah Sugden is the daughter of Debbie Dingle and Andy Sugden. She was born in 2005 and has largely grown up in the village. She lives with her grandmother Charity Dingle and her family in Jacobs Fold and is training to be a mechanic. Sarah has Fanconi Aneamia, which is a life-limiting condition. She is currently in the early stages of a relationship with Jacob Gallagher. Since 2017 the character has been played by actress Katie Hill.

    John Sugden looks brooding in press picture
    Newcomer John is a secret Sugden (Credit: ITV)

    John Sugden – Oliver Farnworth

    The secret son of Jack Sugden, John joined the cast of Emmerdale earlier in 2024. He was moody, brooding and miserable, but Victoria wanted to get to know her half-brother. He was also hooking up with Aaron Dingle, the ex of his half-brother Robert Sugden! Talk about complicated! It was revealed John has been in the army and suffered the devastating loss of his friend, Aidan. John now works as a paramedic for the doctor’s surgery. Oliver Farnworth, who used to play Andy Carver in Coronation Street, took on the role of John.

    Victoria Sugden in Emmerdale in The Hide
    A newfound brother has given Victoria newfound purpose (Credit: ITV)

    Victoria Sugden – Isabel Hodgins

    Victoria Sugden is the longest-serving member of the iconic Sugden family living in Emmerdale. She’s spent her whole life in the village since being born there in March 1994. Victoria is the daughter of the late Jack Sugden and his second wife, Sarah. She’s mum to three-year-old son Harry and works as a chef at The Hide. Isabel Hodgins has played the character since 2006 and is one of Emmerdale’s longest-serving cast members.

    Emmerdale cast 2025 – T is for Tate!

    Smouldering Joe is seducing Dawn (Credit: ITV)
    Smouldering Joe is seducing Dawn (Credit: ITV)

    Joe Tate – Ned Porteous

    Gorgeous schemer Joe Tate made a dramatic return to Emmerdale on Christmas Eve 2024. He had been plotting with Kim’s husband Will Taylor to take down the Queen, but when Will died, Joe swooped in as Kim’s saviour. He claims to be all about family now, but he’s likely still working behind Kim’s back. He’s also getting jiggy with married Dawn Fletcher, so is he as changed a man as he seems? Ned Porteous reprised his role as Joe last year.

    Kim Tate looking annoyed in Emmerdale
    Ms Tate is an Emmerdale icon (Credit: ITV)

    Kim Tate – Claire King

    Kim Tate is the irrepressible owner of Home Farm, a soap queen and legendary Superbitch. She is the only original member of the original Tate family line-up. Kim is the mother of Jamie Tate and grandmother to his daughter Millie and his son, Thomas Tate. Actress Claire King has played Kim on and off since 1989. She’s also had memorable roles in prison drama Bad Girls and played Erica Holroyd in Coronation Street between 2014-2017

    Thomas Tate – Bertie Brotherton

    Three-year-old Thomas is the son of Gabby Thomas and Jamie Tate. He was conceived after a one-night stand, but Jamie made it clear he did not want to be a part of his son’s life and even faked his own death to prove it! Kim, however, wanted her grandson in her life and signed 20 percent of what she owned to Gabby, provided the baby was named Tate! Thomas is played by Bertie Brotherton.

    Little Lucas is Dawn's eldest son (Credit: ITV)
    Little Lucas is Dawn’s eldest son (Credit: ITV)

    Lucas Taylor – Noah Ryan Aspinall

    Dawn Taylor’s son, Lucas was taken away from her when she became addicted to drugs. When she got herself clean she then fought to get Lucas back and he now lives with her and husband Billy along with half-sister Clemmie and half-brother Evan. Noah Ryan Aspinall took over the role in 2021 from previous actor Dexter Ansell.

    Teen Arthur is trying to find his place in the world (Credit: ITV)
    Teen Arthur is trying to find his place in the world (Credit: ITV)

    Arthur Thomas – Alfie Clarke

    Alfie Clarke has played Arthur Thomas since 2009 when he took over the role. The son of Laurel and Ashley was swapped at birth and the mistake was discovered after the other baby died of cot death. Arthur was reunited with his parents, but suffered devastation when Ashley died of early onset dementia in 2017. Arthur’s next big storyline came in 2022 when he came out as gay. He is currently having something of a teenage rebellion.

    Gabby Thomas in Emmerdale looks confused in The Hide
    Rosie Bentham plays Gabby (Credit: ITV)

    Gabby Thomas – Rosie Bentham

    Gabby Thomas has packed a lot in her 22 years. She’s the daughter of the late Ashley Thomas and Bernice Blackstock, half-sister of Dee-Dee, Arthur and Dotty Thomas and the mother of Thomas Tate. Gabby is also Kim Tate’s protegee and the co-owner of the Hide. Emmerdale is actress Rose Bentham’s first television role and she’s played Gabby since 2016.

    Dotty won't remember her dad, Ashley (Credit: ITV)
    Dotty won’t remember her dad, Ashley (Credit: ITV)

    Dotty Thomas – Tilly-Rue Foster

    Laurel gave birth to her daughter with Ashley, Dotty, in midst of Ashley’s dementia diagnosis. He sadly didn’t remember Dotty was his at her christening. Dotty was named after Ashley’s mum, Sandy’s late wife, Dorothy. She is played by Tilly-Rue Foster.

    Things aren't looking rosey for Laurel right now (Credit: ITV)
    Things aren’t looking rosey for Laurel right now (Credit: ITV)

    Laurel Thomas – Charlotte Bellamy

    Laurel Thomas has been a resident of Emmerdale since 2002. She’s divorced from Jai Sharma, and is mum to Arthur and Dotty Thomas, who she shared with her late husband Ashley Thomas. Laurel is a recovering alcoholic, but after a tough year seems to be fighting the lure of the bottle once again. Laurel is played by mum-of-three Charlotte Bellamy, who previously played a religious fanatic in EastEnders.

    Emmerdale cast 2024 – last up, the Ws!

    Losing Heath and dealing with Pollard's behaviour have kept Brenda busy in 2024 (Credit: ITV)
    Losing Heath and dealing with Pollard’s behaviour has been too much for Brenda (Credit: ITV)

    Brenda Walker – Lesley Dunlop

    Brenda Walker is the former wife of Bob Hope and a mother figure to his daughter, Cathy Hope. She’s the current owner of Café Main Street. Brenda has been part of the show since 2008 and lives at Wishing Well Barn. Actress Lesley Dunlop, who plays Brenda, previously starred in ITV drama Where the Heart Is and has been married to her Emmerdale co-star Christopher Chittell, who plays Eric Pollard, since June 2016.

    Cain's son with Amy Wyatt is an accidental killer (Credit: ITV)
    Cain’s son with Amy Wyatt is an accidental killer (Credit: ITV)

    Kyle Winchester – Huey Quinn

    Kyle is the son of Cain Dingle and Amy Barton. He was born in the local cemetery after Amy hid her pregnancy from everyone. She eventually gave Kyle up for adoption, but when his adoptive parents died she wanted him back. However he’d been left in the care of Joanie Wright. Kyle and Joanie moved to the village and Cain began to accept his son. In 2022, Cain went to prison after taking the blame when Kyle shot Al Chapman. Kyle, played by Huey Quinn, lives with Cain and Moira and Amy and Matty.

    Rebellious April has been missing since Christmas (Credit: ITV)
    Rebellious April has been missing since Christmas (Credit: ITV)

    April Windsor – Amelia Flanagan

    April Windsor is the daughter of Marlon Dingle and the late Donna Windsor and the half-sister of Leo Goskirk. The character came to the Dales in 2014 and lives at Smithy Cottage. April attends the local secondary school and is friends with Cathy Hope. She went missing on Christmas Day 2024 and Marlon has been trawling the streets searching for her ever since. The character is played by Amelia Flanagan, who comes from a family of actors. Amelia’s sister Isabella and brother William both appear in Coronation Street as Hope Stape and Joseph Brown.

    Elliot Windsor – Luca Hoyle

    Elliot Windsor is the son of Jimmy King and Kelly Windsor. Jimmy only found out about him when Kelly moved back to the village and claimed he was their boy together. Kelly later decided to go to America with her new boyfriend and left Elliot with Jimmy and Nicola to bring up. She took him back again in 2012, but once again abandoned him with Jimmy in 2016. Luca Hoyle took over the role in 2016.

    Bear, dressed in a leopard print hairdressers gown turns up the karaoke machine in horror
    Paddy’s dad likes a beard trim! (Credit: ITV)

    Bear Wolf – Joshua Richards

    Bear Wolf is a former wrestler, but despite his ferocious name, is a complete softie at heart. He’s the father of Paddy Dingle and grandfather of Eve Dingle. He’s been a local in the village since February 2019 and lives in Tenant House. Bear is played by Joshua Richards, whose other credits include Downton Abbey and The New Adventures of Robin Hood.

    It's been a while since Emmerdale cast member Vanessa has had a story of her own (Credit: ITV)
    It’s been a while since Emmerdale cast member Vanessa has had a story of her own (Credit: ITV)

    Vanessa Woodfield – Michelle Hardwick

    Vanessa Woodfield is one of the village’s vets. She’s the mother to Johnny Woodfield, half-sister of Tracy Robinson and the former fiancée of Charity Dingle. Vanessa is currently in a relationship with event planner Suzy Merton. However many fans want her back with Charity. The character is played by Michelle Hardwick, who joined the soap back in 2012. Michelle is married to former Emmerdale series producer Kate Brooks and the couple share two children.

    Vanessa's son, Johnny (Credit: ITV)
    Vanessa’s son, Johnny (Credit: ITV)

    Johnny Woodfield – Jack Jennings

    When Vanessa fell pregnant with Johnny she didn’t know if Adam Barton or Kirin Kotecha was the father. A paternity test showed Adam was the dad, however it was soon revealed Kirin’s father Rakesh had faked the results and Kirin was the daddy after all. Vanessa’s partner at the time, Charity, then adopted Johnny in 2020. He is played by Jack Jennings.

    Kerry looks worried
    Bad mum Kerry won’t be winning any awards for her parenting! (Credit: ITV)

    Kerry Wyatt – Laura Norton

    Wild Kerry Wyatt is the mum of Amy, but Amy was taken into foster care when she was young due to Kerry’s risky behaviour. Kerry has spent many years trying and messing up repairing their relationship, but things seem to be on a more even keel now. Kerry is played by Laura Norton.

    Read more: The Dingle family tree in Emmerdale

    Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.

    Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.

    Who’s your favourite Emmerdale cast member? Visit our Facebook page @emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter @emmerdaleinside

    *This article is updated regularly to reflect ongoing changes in the Emmerdale cast

  • The Sugden family tree: Annie, Jack, Joe and how newcomer John fits in

    The Sugden family tree: Annie, Jack, Joe and how newcomer John fits in

    The Sugdens are Emmerdale’s longest-running family and have been there since the very beginning.

    Created by Kevin Laffan – the writer who dreamt up the idea of Emmerdale – the Sugdens were introduced during the first episode and quickly established themselves as the show’s central family.

    In fact during the first two decades of Emmerdale being on air, the majority of storylines were focused around them.

    The family was originally made up of widowed farmer Annie Sugden and her three grown up children, Jack Sugden, Peggy Skilbeck and Joe Sugden.

    The clan came from a generation of agricultural workers. They resided in Emmerdale Farm, which was located on the outskirts of the village, then called Beckindale.

    The size of the family has changed a lot since then. Now only three Sugdens remain in Emmerdale – Victoria, her son Harry and niece Sarah. However, John Sugden is on his way!

    Here’s a look at the Sugdens past and present and the part they’ve played in village life.

    Annie Sugden bends down and weeds the garden
    She put up with a lot, did Annie (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

    Annie and Jacob Sugden – heads of the Sugden family in Emmerdale

    Annie Sugden was Emmerdale’s first matriarch and branded by many as a ‘heroine’.
    The popular character was played by actress Sheila Mercier. She remains the longest-serving female character in the soap’s history.

    Annie was the long-suffering wife of farmer Jacob Sugden, who she married in 1945.
    Jacob died in 1972 from liver failure, and his funeral took place in the first episode.

    By all accounts Jacob was a neglectful alcoholic who’d left Annie to juggle the responsibilities of looking after the farm with raising a young family.

    Annie and Jacob had three children – Jack, Peggy and Joe – and tragically, she outlived them all.

    During her life Annie overcame financial woes, an addiction to painkillers, and was left in a coma for three months after being injured in the 1993 Emmerdale plane crash – which also claimed the life of her second husband, Leonard Kempinski.

    In July 1994, Annie left the Dales to start a new life in Spain. The following year she married her old friend and former Woolpack landlord Amos Brearly.

    Annie popped back several times over the years. She was last seen on screen in February 2009 when she attended the funeral of her son, Jack.

    She remained living in Spain until her death in August 2020, aged 100.

    Jack Sugden looks brooding in Emmerdale promo pic
    He was quite the ladies’man, Jack! (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

    Jack Sugden

    John Jacob ‘Jack’ Sugden was the son of Annie and Jacob Sugden.

    One of Emmerdale’s original characters, Jack was first played by actor Andrew Burt, before Clive Hornby took over the role in 1980.

    Jack was the father of Jackie Merrick, Robert and Victoria Sugden and adoptive dad to Andy Sugden.

    He was a valued member of the community, and probably best remembered for his love of plaid shirts and flat caps.

    Growing up, Jack had little interest in following in his parents’ farming footsteps and moved to London to pursue a career as an author.

    He returned on the day of his father’s funeral in October 1972 to claim his inheritance, but was met with opposition from his siblings, Joe and Peggy.

    Jack’s return to the Sugden family in Emmerdale

    Jack lived in Italy between 1976 and 1980 before returning to live permanently in the village.

    In the years that followed he discovered he’d fathered a son – Jackie – with childhood sweetheart Ruth Harker, who went by the name of Pat.

    Jack and Pat went on to marry and welcomed son Robert in April 1986. But tragedy struck four months later when she died in a car crash. Three years later, Jack was dealt another crushing loss when Jackie was killed in a shooting accident.

    Jack eventually married librarian Sarah Connolly. They had a daughter, Victoria.
    The couple adopted troubled youngster Andy Sugden and moved their family to a new farm, but affairs tore their marriage and family unit apart.

    After Sarah died in a fire that was started by son Andy, Jack started a romance with Woolpack landlady, Diane Blackstock. The couple got hitched in 2004 and remained together until Jack’s sudden death.

    Jack passed away in February 2009 while visiting mum Annie in Spain. His body was brought back to England and he was laid to rest in the village cemetery.

    Matt and Peggy Skilbeck pose with their kids by a wall
    Matt’s wife Peggy also met a tragic end (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

    Peggy Skilbeck

    Peggy Skilbeck (née Sugden) was the second eldest child and only daughter of Jacob and Annie Sugden.

    She was played by Jo Kendall and the first character to speak a line of dialogue in Emmerdale.

    Peggy worked as an accountant for her family’s farm, in which she also had shares.

    She was married to labourer Matt Skilbeck, but had dreams of quitting the countryside for suburbia. Peggy fell pregnant in 1972 and gave birth to twins Sam and Sally in the April of the following year.

    Sadly, just months after giving birth, Peggy collapsed and died from a brain haemorrhage. She was buried in the village churchyard next to her father, Jacob.

    After Peggy’s death, Matt sent Sam and Sally to live with his aunt Beattie Dowton. But in January 1976, the children and Beattie were killed when a train struck their car on a level crossing.

    Joe Sugden looks brooding in Emmerdale
    The youngest Sugden sibling (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

    Joe Sugden

    Joseph Sugden was the youngest of Annie and Jacob Sugden’s children.
    He was played by actor Frazer Hines and appeared in over 1500 episodes of the soap.

    Despite an often tricky relationship with his brother Jack, Joe was incredibly loyal to the Sugdens and had worked tirelessly to keep Emmerdale Farm going when it fell on hard times as a result of Jacob’s alcoholism.

    He was briefly married to Christine Sharp and then set up home with old friend, Kathy Gimbel – a move which was considered something of a scandal in 1977.

    After a period living in France, Joe returned to Emmerdale in 1986 and beat local businessman Alan Turner to the post of regional manager for NY Estates.

    In 1988, Joe became the co-owner of Home Farm with Alan, but the pair were conned out of the property by bent businessman Denis Rigg.

    Joe went on to marry divorcee Kate Hughes, and took on her two teenagers Rachel and Mark as his own. The marriage turned sour in 1991 and Kate left, but Joe remained close to his stepchildren.

    Mark’s death in a car crash broke Joe’s heart. He fled to Spain to see mum, Annie.
    He was killed in a road traffic accident the following year.

    The Sugden family in Emmerdale: Jack’s family

    Pat and Jack stare out at the water after a romantic boat trip
    Jack’s first wife was also actor Clive Hornby’s real-life wife (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

    Pat Sugden

    Jack’s first wife, Pat was also known by her middle name of Ruth. Her maiden name was Harker. Pat was Jack’s ex and he had no idea he was the father of her son, Jackie Merrick.

    When Pat and Jack reconnected in 1972, she was married to alcoholic Tom Merrick. who was violent towards her. But as she grew closer to Jack again, she knew she had to leave and the Merrick family moved away.

    But Pat and Tom divorced and in 1980 she and her children returned to Emmerdale. She and Jack were married and their relationship was fiery to say the least. Jack even had an affair with Karen Moore.

    In real life Jack actor Clive Hornby married Pat actress Helen Weir and she fell pregnant. So they wrote the pregnancy into the storylines and Robert was born.

    However Helen had a dispute with producers over her real-life son playing her on-screen son. She didn’t want to call him by another name, but as he was called Thomas, the name of her abusive ex, show bosses couldn’t agree. Helen decided to leave the show.

    Pat was killed in a car accident when Robert was just four months old.

    Jackie Merrick smiles
    Jackie didn’t even know he was Jack’s son for years (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

    Jackie Merrick

    John Jacob ‘Jackie’ Merrick was the son of Pat Merrick (originally Ruth Harker) and Jack Sugden.

    He was played by Ian Sharrock and featured in over 700 episodes.

    Jackie was the half-brother of Robert and Victoria Sugden.

    Jackie had grown up believing his dad was Ruth’s husband Tom Merrick. He was 17 when he discovered Jack was actually his biological father. He didn’t take the news well and it was a good five years before Jackie acknowledged Jack as being part of his life.

    Jackie moved back to the village with his mum Pat and sister Sandie in 1980 and took up a job as a farm labourer, before becoming a gamekeeper’s assistant. Jackie possessed a rebellious streak and set fire to a caravan, which put paid to his dream of pursuing a career in the army.

    The character settled down in 1988 and married Kathy Bates, but the couple didn’t even make it to their first wedding anniversary.

    Jackie died the following year in a freak accident when he accidentally shot himself with his own gun. The last mention of him was in 2005 when Jack remarked to Tom King about his dead son.

    Robert Sugden smiles smugly
    Troublemaker Robert was forced to flee (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

    Robert Sugden

    Robert Jacob Sugden is the son of the late Jack and Pat Sugden, adoptive son of Sarah Sugden, and brother of Jackie, Tommy and Sandie Merrick, Victoria Sugden and adoptive brother of Andy Sugden.

    He’s also the estranged husband of Aaron Dingle and father of Sebastian White.
    The character has been played by four different actors over the years, most recently Ryan Hawley.

    Ruthless, charming, cunning and manipulative, Robert remains to this day one of Emmerdale’s most complex characters.

    His upbringing was a largely happy one, but Robert grew to resent his adoptive brother Andy, who he never forgave for Sarah’s death. Robert set his sights on Andy’s fiancée Katy Addyman. They began a secret affair, which broke Andy’s heart.

    The brothers’ feud resulted in the death of Max King. Robert fled the village to avoid being arrested.

    Robert and Aaron on the sofa together smiling
    Robert and Aaron’s love story is an Emmerdale fan favourite (Credit: ITV)

    Robert’s return to the Sugden family in Emmerdale

    He returned five years later, engaged to wealthy Chrissie White, the heiress of Home Farm. Robert soon began an explosive affair with Aaron Dingle, and they were dubbed ‘Robron’ by their adoring fanbase.

    All hell broke loose when the truth about Robron’s affair was exposed, and weeks later Robert was shot by Ross Barton (on the orders of Andy) – but survived.

    In 2017, Robert and Aaron married in an unofficial ceremony before Aaron was sent to prison on a GBH charge. Whilst Aaron was behind bars, Robert cheated with Chrissie’s half-sister Rebecca White. She then fell pregnant with son Sebastian.

    Aaron was devastated, but eventually forgave Robert and the couple legally wed in 2019.

    However, their happy ever after wasn’t to be.

    When Robert discovered his sister Victoria had been the victim of rape, he set out to get revenge on her attacker, Lee Posner. He killed him in a fit of rage. Robert pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 14 years in prison.

    Sarah and Jack smile on their wedding day
    Jack’s second wife, Sarah Sugden (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

    Sarah Sugden

    The second wife of Jack, mother to Victoria and adoptive mother of Robert and Andy Sugden, Sarah was played by Madeleine Howard from 1988-1994 and then Alyson Spiro from 1994 to 2000.

    Librarian Sarah fell for Jack and eventually he decided he liked her to. By January 1994 Jack proposed to her and she gave birth to their daughter Victoria in March of the same year. They married in May.

    Jack had an affair with Rachel Hughes and Sarah threw him out. But eventually she forgave him and they gave their marriage another shot.

    Financial struggles caused problems between the pair with Sarah reluctant to work on the farm. Jack sold her car without her consent and when she was involved in a bus crash, it left her bed-bound for several weeks.

    During this time she started to confide her marriage woes in lodger Richie Carter. They had an affair and eventually she left Jack and moved in with Richie. But they had problems as he wasn’t interested in her children, and money also became an issue.

    She considered going back to Jack. When she and Richie were in a barn discussing their relationship, Andy set fire to it, in order to claim on the insurance. But he had no idea Sarah was in there.

    Richie escaped, but Sarah was killed. Jack was arrested for her murder, but was found not guilty at the trial and was free to return to his family.

    Victoria Sugden looks concerned in Emmerdale
    Jack and Sarah had one daughter together (Credit: ITV)

    Victoria Sugden

    Victoria Sugden is the only daughter of the late Jack and Sarah Sugden, and sister to Jackie Merrick, Robert Sugden and adoptive sister of Andy Sugden.

    She is Emmerdale’s current on-screen longest-serving female character, having been part of the show since her birth in March 1994, and is played by actress Isobel Hodgins.

    Victoria has been through a lot in her 30 years!

    As a baby she had to undergo life-saving surgery when it was discovered she had a hole in her heart and dealt with the heartbreaking loss of her mum when she was just six years old.

    Following Sarah’s untimely demise, Victoria was raised by dad Jack and his wife Diane, who Vic considered a mother figure.

    The character’s other storylines include being bullied at school, a stint in psychiatric care, nearly drowning after falling through an icy lake, and causing a near-fatal explosion.

    Victoria had a childhood romance with troublemaker Daz Eden. She then found love with famers’ son Adam Barton, who she married in 2015. Adam fled the country three years later after taking the rap for a murder he didn’t commit, which left Victoria completely distraught.

    But worse was to come in April 2019 when Victoria became the victim of rape. Her horrific attack resulted in pregnancy. Victoria gave birth to her son Harry in 2020.

    She’s currently juggling motherhood with her busy job at the HOP.

    Love-life wise, Victoria recently raised a few eyebrows by embarking on a romance with Jacob Gallagher, who is the stepson of her former lover, David Metcalfe. However they split up when Vic realised Jacob was putting his life on hold for her.

    Andy Sugden looks strained in Emmerdale
    Things weren’t always easy for Andy though he was a good guy at heart (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

    Andy Sugden

    Andrew ‘Andy’ Sugden (previously Hopwood) is the adoptive son of Jack and Sarah Sugden, adoptive brother of Robert and Victoria and half-brother of Darren ‘Daz’ Eden. He was played by actor Kelvin Fletcher from 1996 to 2016.

    Andy’s upbringing was dysfunctional and difficult. His birth mum, Trisha died when he was little and he was placed in the care of his grandmother while his dad Billy was serving time in Strangeways Prison.

    After his grandmother’s death, Andy was fostered – and later adopted in 2000 – by Jack and Sarah Sugden.

    When his parents’ marriage and the family farm ran into trouble, Andy set fire to a barn to claim on the insurance. However, he accidentally killed Sarah in the blaze.

    But that wasn’t the only time Andy committed manslaughter.

    After discovering Robert had been having an affair with his wife, Katie, Andy plotted to have his revenge. He lay in wait with gun, but unwittingly pulled the trigger on Jack, almost killing him.

    After his split from Katie, Andy moved on with Debbie Dingle, who fell pregnant with his daughter, Sarah. They went on to have another child, Jack, seven years later.

    Andy’s crimes did finally catch up with him. He was sentenced to three years in prison for Sarah’s murder, but was released after only a few weeks.

    He married second wife, Jo Stiles, but subjected her to terrible abuse and she eventually left him. After suffering a complete mental breakdown, Andy was forced to sell his beloved farm to the Barton family.

    The beginning of the end for Andy

    By 2014, Andy was back with his first love, Katie and the couple got married. Months later, Katie was accidentally killed by Robert after she threatened to expose his affair with Aaron. When Andy discovered the truth he arranged for Ross Barton to shoot Robert – but he lived to tell the tale.

    Andy’s time in the village came to a dramatic end when he was framed for shooting Lawrence White. Forced to go on the run, Andy fled with the help of Robert and former flame Bernice Blackstock.

    Still a fugitive, his whereabouts remain unknown.

    Diane looks lustfully with a drink in her hand
    Jack’s widow has since moved to Portugal (Credit: ITV)

    Diane Sugden marries into the family in Emmerdale

    Diane Sugden (née Lambert, previously Blackstock) is the widow of Jack Sugden and was a mother figure to his children, Robert, Victoria and Andy Sugden.

    The character, played by Elizabeth Estensen, starred in over 2800 episodes of Emmerdale between 1999 and 2021, and was landlady of The Woolpack pub.

    Diane was a tower of strength for Jack as she helped him come to terms with the death of his wife, Sarah. The pair’s friendship eventually blossomed into romance.

    The couple married on September 21 2004. But a dark shadow loomed over their big day as Diane was diagnosed with cancer just weeks before.

    She went on to make a full recovery. However, she found her new life as stepmum to Robert, Andy and Victoria was rather more demanding than she’d anticipated.

    The strain of managing their rowdy brood led Diane and Jack to temporarily split up.
    They reconciled, but tragedy struck in 2009 when Jack passed away while visiting his mum, Annie, in Spain.

    Diane stayed living in the village for another 13 years and continued to play an important part in the Sugden kids’ lives.

    She finally bid farewell to the Dales in October 2021 and has only popped back once since – for the show’s 50th anniversary episodes in 2022.

    Sarah Sugden in Emmerdale looks stressed
    Named after her adoptive gran, Sarah Sugden Jr (Credit: ITV)

    Sarah Sugden Jr

    Sarah Sugden is the daughter of Andy Sugden and Debbie Dingle and the older sister of Jack Sugden.

    Born in June 2005, she was named after Andy’s late adoptive mother, who had died five years earlier.

    Debbie and Andy split up when she was only a month old, and struggled with the responsibility of parenthood, which meant Sarah spent the first few years of her life being pushed from pillar to post.

    In 2009, Debbie was awarded full custody of her daughter and they moved to Jersey.
    Two years later Sarah came home to the village and was diagnosed with Fanconi anemia – a rare genetic disorder which required a bone marrow transplant to save her life.

    No one was a match so Debbie and Andy made the decision to conceive a saviour sibling for Sarah. Her baby brother Jack – who was thankfully a match – was born in October 2012, and Sarah underwent a successful bone marrow transplant the following month.

    Four years later, Debbie made the decision to take Sarah and Jack to live with her in France. Whilst there, Sarah was diagnosed with throat cancer. She came back to the Dales and underwent surgery, chemotherapy, followed by a heart transplant.

    When Debbie made the decision to move to Scotland, Sarah opted to stay behind in the village.

    She’s been kept under the watchful eye of her grandparents Charity and Cain. But that hasn’t stopped Sarah rebelling, getting mixed up in the wrong crowd and dabbling in drugs.

    With those difficult teenage years now behind her, Sarah seems to have finally settled down. She has just started working as Barton and Dingle Automotives new apprentice mechanic.

    Jack Sugden Jr

    Jack Sugden Jr is the son of Andy Sugden and Debbie Dingle and was named after his grandfather, the late Jack Sugden.

    He was conceived as a saviour sibling for his sister Sarah, who was diagnosed with rare blood disease Fanconi anaemia and needed a bone marrow transplant.

    Jack was born on October 17 2012 and was a match for Sarah, enabling doctors to harvest cells from his bone marrow and transplant them to Sarah.

    The character, who was played by actor Seth Bell, was last seen in August 2019 when he left the village with Debbie to start a new life in Scotland.

    Sebastian White

    Robert’s child with Rebecca White, Sebastian was born as the result of an affair between the two while Aaron was in prison. Aaron accepted Sebastian and became like a father to him as well.

    However, when Robert was sentenced to 14 years, Rebecca decided it would be better if Seb no longer saw Aaron. He was devastated.

    Sebastian lives in Liverpool with mum Rebecca and her partner Ross Barton.

    Harry Sugden – the newest member of the Sugden family in Emmerdale

    Harry is Victoria’s son, conceived after she was raped in 2019. Despite the trauma of how she fell pregnant, Vic had always wanted to be a mum and decided to keep the baby.

    John Sugden looks brooding in press picture
    Newcomer John is a secret Sugden (Credit: ITV)

    So how does John fit into the Sugden family in Emmerdale?

    Newcomer John was first seen on screen on Wednesday August 8. He met Aaron on a roadside where he had broken down. It turned out the two were actually supposed to be going on a date after meeting online.

    It wasn’t long before they were ripping each other’s clothes off, but then John drove off with Aaron’s keys, wallet and hoodie. Aaron hadn’t even got his name, so had no idea he is John Sugden, half brother of his imprisoned husband!

    Victoria meets John on Thursday August 8. She drives Eric Pollard to a funeral and ends up chatting to the son of the dead woman. He then introduces himself as John Sugden and Eric explains how the whole thing fits together.

    So John is the son of Jack, who had a fling with his mum some years ago. It makes him the half-brother of Victoria, Robert and Jackie and adoptive half-brother of Andy.

    When his van breaks down again, John will end up in the village. But something tells us he’s going to cause a whole lot more trouble!

    Read more: John Sugden robs Aaron!

    Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.

    Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.