Who’s leaving Emmerdale in 2024? We know there will be one sad exit ahead after actor Steve Halliwell died last year.
And following some other huge departures last year, there’s sure to be more ahead this year. Here’s our round-up of who’s coming and going in 2023.
Who’s leaving Emmerdale in 2024?
As of March 2024 there has been no cast exits announced. The last person to leave the soap was Heath Hope.
Heath Hope’s tragic death
Bob Hope’s son, Heath, was confirmed dead just minutes into the New Year’s Day episode of the soap as he was involved in a car smash.
Heath, Cathy and Angelica had stolen Wendy’s car to go joyriding, hoping to attend a party in Hotten. However, Bob and Wendy soon caught up with them to find their worst fears come true.
Despite all attempts to save an injured Heath from the wreckage, it was clear that he had died on impact and couldn’t be brought back to life.
These tragic scenes marked the departure of Sebastian Dowling from the soap, after having played the role of Heath for 17 years alongside his real-life twin sister and Cathy Hope actress, Gabrielle Dowling.
Heath’s death turned his family’s world upside down. But, can they all support each other through their unimaginable grief?
Zak Dingle
Although a departure hasn’t formally been announced, after the death of actor Steve Halliwell in December 2023, it seems likely Zak Dingle will be leaving the soap in 2024.
He’s currently in Scotland on-screen living with granddaughter Debbie Dingle. Zak has been referenced several times recently. His absence from daughter Belle’s wedding was explained by him being “too ill” to attend. But could the illness lead to an exit storyline?
Emmerdale has not revealed how or when Zak will go on-screen, although they did pay tribute to him late last year as the credits rolled. The soap may leave it another year or two before Zak will bow out, out of respect. But it stands to reason a character as long-standing and much-loved as Zak will get the send-off he deserves. And we’ll need all the tissues to watch it.
Who’s returning to Emmerdale in 2024?
Angelica King
Last week Angelica King was sentenced to eight months in a secure children’s home after she was driving the car that killed Heath Hope. She is now off screen, but could end up serving less time depending on her behaviour.
On Angelica’s time away, Nicola Wheeler, who plays Nicola King, Angel’s mum, 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.”
Actress Rebecca Bakes has confirmed she will be back as Angelica once the character returns home from the SCH. It seems she is having time off from the soap to complete her exams.
Taking to her Instagram stories after last week’s episode, Rebecca shared a behind-the-scenes photo and wrote: “Had an amazing time filming this storyline, can’t wait to get back to it.”
This post suggests that the teenager will return to the role in the future, with the character not likely to be recast. It paves the way for a Christmas comeback for Angel, but what will she be like when she returns?
Who else has returned to Emmerdale in 2024?
Vanessa Woodfield
Actress Michelle Hardwick announced she was expecting her second baby in 2022. Michelle and wife Kate Brooks already have son, Teddy, who is three. Michelle gave birth to baby Betty in November 2022.
Her maternity leave meant Vanessa was off screens again last year. Viewers watched as Vanessa decided to take a job in Canada.
She was meant to be going with love interest Suzy, but the pair split up over the lack of trust in their relationship. At the last minute, Vanessa left alone.
She returned when Rhona kidnapped baby Ivy to help her friend. Vanessa then moved back to the village full-time and has rekindled things with Suzy. However, with Suzy having developed feelings for Mary Goskirk, it looks like a love triangle is coming Vanessa’s way…
Kerry Wyatt
It was a busy few months for Kerry Wyatt in the build-up to her exit.
She confessed Chloe was in fact her real daughter, who she’d given up at birth. Then she discovered the truth about cheating fiancé Al Chapman. With life in the village all too much, Kerry decided to leave to take a job on cruise ships.
Kerry actress Laura Norton gave birth to her second child, with fiancé Mark Jordon, in 2022, so the exit was to cover her maternity leave.
She returned with a bang in March 2024 dressed as Cher and accused of stealing. She swore blind she hadn’t done it, but viewers know she did. Kerry immediately started mouthing off at both Chas and Charity over everything that has happened. However she has since softened and is even working at the Woolpack.
Who’s arriving in Emmerdale in 2024?
Emmerdale has not revealed any new cast members for this year, but we’ll be sure to keep you posted when they do!
Read more: Complete Emmerdale cast list – meet them all here!
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays.
Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!
For all the latest soap spoilers, news and chat come and join us at Soap Daily now!
**This article is regularly updated to reflect ongoing cast changes in Emmerdale.