WHO’S OUT WHO’S IN EMMERDALE 2025 Cast SHAKEUP Revealed With TWISTS RETURNS And UNEXPECTED GOODBYES That Leave Viewers REELING
We’re all excited to see what’s in store for the locals of Emmerdale in 2025, but who’s leaving this year? There have already been huge changes to the Emmerdale cast with four deaths and plenty of other exits.
But right now it’s all about who’s coming back. With Robert Sugden rumoured to be returning, excitement is high among fans.
Here is the lowdown on who’s coming and going in 2025.
Who’s leaving Emmerdale in 2025?
John Sugden has done some pretty awful things (Credit: ITV)
Is John Sugden leaving Emmerdale?
Viewers know John has been keeping big secrets and living a totally different life to what his friends and family know. He secretly hurts people so he can then save them and be the hero. But someimes it goes wrong – like with his ex, Aidan Moore, who is in a coma in hospital, and with Nate Robinson, who is lying dead at the bottom of a lake.
However as John and Aaron prepare to marry at the end of May, Aidan wakes from his coma, and Nate’s body will be discovered. So surely it’s only a matter of time before John has to leave the soap?
Although neither Emmerdale nor actor Oliver Farnworth, who plays John, have commented on how long he’ll stay in the Dales, it seems certain he will have to exit at some point.
He has not only killed Nate, but drugged Chas Dingle and framed Ella Forster for it, as well as disposed of Anthony Fox’s body, battered Liam over the head with a bat and caused the slurry tank leak putting his own nephew in hospital. For that he has framed Mack.
None of this can go unpunished. There is certainly no chance of a redemption arc, unless of course he goes away and comes back better. So it doesn’t seem to be a question of if he is leaving, but when…
Who’s leaving Emmerdale – recent departures
Out-there Gail is said to be off (Credit: ITV)
Gail Loman
Rachael-Gill Davis was the most recent departure from the soap. After realising her and boyfriend Ryan had very different dreams for the future, Gail decided to move to pastures new. She went to Devon to run a B&B with her friend.
According to The Sun Rachael agree to leave the soap after her character failed to integrate into village life. The source said: “Rachael has loved her time on the show but it’s time to go.
“Bosses felt the character wasn’t inspiring much story and so it was all very amicable. The door has been left open but it’s a definite goodbye for now.
“Rachael is looking forward to spreading her wings and showing off her talents on other shows.”
Emmerdale declined to comment on the report.
Who else has left Emmerdale this year?
There have been several other departures this year. The following have left the Emmerdale in 2025:
Wendy Posner
Ella Forster
Leyla Harding
Amy Barton
Suzy Merton
Anthony Fox
Brenda Walker
Who’s returning to Emmerdale in 2025?
Robert was last seen in prison (Credit: ITV)
Robert Sugden set for a comeback?
Emmerdale fans have been left thrilled with reports that Robert Sugden is set to return to the show, six years after his exit.
Earlier this month The Sun reported that Ryan Hawley will be back on our screens as the iconic character. It’s reported that he will only be back for a ‘limited’ run, and that details of his return are being kept under-wraps. Emmerdale has also not commented on the reports.
Fans last saw Robert as he was sent to prison for the murder of Lee, Victoria’s rapist. And while Aaron was adamant they could appeal his sentence and he would wait for him, Robert made the decision to end their marriage.
Now six years later, fans have reportedly got their wish. But Aaron is engaged to Robert’s brother (a murderer) and hasn’t had any contact with his ex. So is Robert really returning? And if so, how will Robert’s return play out?
Dylan was sent to rehab by Marlon (Credit: ITV)
Dylan Penders
April’s friend from the streets, Dylan, was last seen heading off to rehab. He had been staying with April and Marlon wanted rid of him so framed him for ketamine theft. Dylan overdosed after being thrown out and Marlon felt so guilty, he paid for him to go to rehab. Dylan decided to have no further contact with April while he got better, although he did write her a letter, which Marlon hid from his daughter.
But Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw has revealed Dylan is coming back. She told us: “Lovely Fred Kettle, who plays Dylan, is coming back.
“He’s going to be bringing his past back to the village with him and that’s going to cause a few problems for April and the wider family.”
2024 was a difficult year for Cathy (Credit: ITV)
Cathy Hope
Actress Gabrielle Dowling, who plays Cathy Hope, has stepped away from Emmerdale for a break. A source revealed to The Sun that the actress was taking time off to focus on her exams.
“Gabrielle has been working solidly on the show for her entire life but with her A levels coming up thought it was best to take a break to focus on them,” they said.
“She will be gone for a matter of months and will return later in the year once exam season is over.
“Her exit storyline is being kept quiet until it plays out on screen but it’s only going to be a temporary one.”
The exit then saw Cathy head off on a round-the-world cruise with stepmum Brenda Walker. But although Brenda is said to be staying away for good, Cathy will return.
Who’s joining Emmerdale in 2025?
The most recent cast announcements were Shebz Miah as mechanic and cheeky chappy, Kammy, and Bradley Riches as long-lost Barton brother Lewis. Both have now started on screen and are proving a hit with viewers.
Although Emmerdale has not announced any other new faces joining Emmerdale, Laura Shaw recently told Emmerdale Insider: “We’ve got a couple of exciting new castings joining us for Dylan’s return story.” However she has been sworn to secrecy over the details, but insisted it was very exciting!
