Emmerdale could be expanding beyond the village as soap boss Iain MacLeod has revealed the team is exploring spin-off ideas. And viewers have wasted no time deciding exactly who they want to follow if it happens.
The producer recently hinted at major changes coming to the show, and while some fans were unsure about the wider plans, the possibility of character-led spin-offs quickly got people talking.
With so many overlapping stories in the village, the idea of focusing on individual characters has sparked plenty of theories.
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Iain MacLeod teases Emmerdale spin offs
Last week, Iain spoke on the This Is Media City podcast, where he revealed future plans to upgrade the filming techniques used in soaps.
He explained: “We’re talking about things like micro-dramas, vertical dramas. Is there any other parallel IP we can generate with a different set of characters that feeds into and out of the main show? That, will, we hope, engage a slightly younger audience and maybe drive those younger viewers into the main soaps.
“We are exploring all kinds of options with that. The other one is, can we boil our 23-minute episode down into a micro-drama? That’s proving more difficult, because a lot goes on in a soap!”
It sounds likely the projects would be online short-form content, but that hasn’t stopped viewers imagining which characters could lead them.
Here are some of the biggest fan hopes so far.
1. Robron
Top of many wish lists are Robert Sugden and Aaron Dingle. Viewers have followed their relationship for over a decade and, after six years apart, the pair are finally back together.
Following their surprise engagement during Corriedale, they have barely appeared on screen — making fans even more eager for more.
One wrote on X: “The only spin-off I want is a Robron spin-off with quality writing. I said what I said.”
Another added: “Okay if they’re giving us micro-drama spin-offs, I want to see Robert and Aaron.”
2. Kev
Kev was another popular suggestion. After his earlier departure, some viewers want him back — and a spin-off might be the next best thing.
One fan posted on Reddit: “I would love one on Kev. If not, I want him back.”
Another commented: “The only one I can see working at the moment is a spin-off based on Kev. In order for these to work it will need to be about a popular character. But then, you sort of want to keep the important storylines within the show.”
3. The Emmerdale teens
Some fans think the short format could work best with younger characters, especially if the aim is to attract younger viewers.
One wrote: “I can see them using mostly the younger cast for it. Maybe all of the teen characters who are underused on the main show. It could be a way to give them some focus.”
Another agreed: “From the way he talks about it on the podcast it seems like he means digital short spin-offs. I’m not sure it would add much with the regulars on the main show. But since they want to draw in younger viewers, characters like Sarah and Dylan would probably work best in the focus.”
4. Paddy and Marlon
Long-time viewers also remember the 2011 digital special Paddy & Marlon’s Big Night In, and some would happily see something similar return.
One fan suggested: “Fun things like the Paddy and Marlon spin-off they made years ago would be good to see. Perhaps another with them. Or storylines about characters going on holiday together could be good in my opinion.”
5. Meena
Others think spin-offs could revisit past storylines, including Meena’s life in prison.
One fan wrote: “This would have been good for Meena.” The idea has also been echoed on social media, with some hoping a spin-off could bring the character back into focus.
Nothing has been confirmed yet, but the suggestion alone has set imaginations racing — and it’s clear viewers already have strong opinions about who deserves their own spotlight.
Read more: Emmerdale fans spot two huge foreshadowing signs that Joe Tate is actually leaving the show
Who would you like to see an Emmerdale spin-off from? Let us know by leaving a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix. We want to know your thoughts!