In last night’s episode of Emmerdale (Tuesday, March 12), Angelica attended her court sentencing as her parents said goodbye to her.
She was sentenced to eight months in a Secure Children’s Home, with the judge going lightly on her.
But, as Angelica spends time away from the village, when will she come back? Will a different actress take on the role upon her return?
Emmerdale: Angelica was sentenced to eight months
Last night, Angelica came downstairs dressed smartly as she grabbed her things and said goodbye to her brothers.
She then went outside, ready to get in the car for her sentencing. Before she departed, she bumped into Bob and handed him the letter she’d written to him.
In court, the judge explained that Angelica was to receive a custodial sentence although this would be a lighter sentence than it could’ve been.
She was given eight months in a SCH, although there was no space in Leeds. This meant that she’d have to move to a SCH in Bristol – a four hour car ride from Emmerdale village.
Emmerdale fans demand recast when Angelica returns
With Angel having had more screen time recently, Emmerdale fans have shared their wishes for someone else to take on the role once the character returns.
Currently, Rebecca Bakes plays the character. She’s played the Kings’ daughter since 2009 but fans are hoping for a switch up.
One viewer wondered: “Does anyone else hope her 8 months away leads to a recast?”
Another person replied: “I think that’s been the whole point of this storyline.”
A third person shared: “Yes absolutely. They definitely need to recast her if they have any future plans for the character.”
A final viewer added: “I think if they want to use her more in the future they need to recast. I’m sure the young actress is lovely but unfortunately sometimes child actors don’t grow into the roles and that’s fine.”
When will Angelica return?
As it stands, Angelica will be away for a period of eight months. However, she could possibly end up serving less time in the SCH than this depending on her behaviour.
The remaining episodes of the week will see Angel call Nicola from the SCH in quite the state.
Nicola and Bob then end up sharing a heartfelt moment with each other as Nicola feels as though she’s unable to help her daughter.
On Angelica’s time away, Nicola Wheeler recently revealed to Digital Spy: “Also, looking to the future, I would just say: ‘What is to come?’ Because what is Angel going to be like when she leaves the place? That is the big question, isn’t it? For eight months of her life, Nicola and Jimmy don’t have any control or influence over her at all.”
Will the character be recast? Rebecca Bakes ‘confirms’ return
It seems as though Rebecca Bakes will be back as Angelica once the character returns home from the SCH.
Taking to her Instagram stories after last night’s episode, Rebecca seemed to ‘confirm’ her future comeback to the Dales.
On her story, tagging Nicola Wheeler, Rebecca shared: “Had an amazing time filming this storyline, can’t wait to get back to it x”
This post suggests that the teenager will return to the role in the future, with the character not likely to be recast.
Why is Rebecca Bakes taking a break from Emmerdale?
On a recent Instagram post, Rebecca Bakes shared some BTS photos from last night’s court scenes.
She then captioned the photo: “BTS of tonight’s ep! Had an amazing time x”
This prompted one follower to write: “Good luck with your exams xx Well done xx.”
Rebecca then thanked the follower for their well wishes, commenting: “Thank you so much xx”
This confirms the reason behind Angelica’s exit, being timed so that Rebecca can study for her exams.
Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale in 2024?
Emmerdale usually airs on weekdays at 7.30pm, with an hour long episode on Thursdays.
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