Emmerdale cast: who is leaving cast?
We’ve finally arrived at 2026 in Emmerdale – and there have been some big changes.
The year has started with a bang with the departure of Kev Townsend (Chris Coghill), while Ray Walters (Joe Absolom) stabbed his evil adopted mother, Celia Daniels (Jaye Griffiths), to death to end her cycle of abuse, before being murdered himself by a mystery assailant.
However, there will be more changes in the village in 2026.
Read on for your essential guide from RadioTimes.com to the latest Emmerdale cast news that you absolutely need to know.
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LEAVING
Jimmy King (Nick Miles)
When is Jimmy King leaving? Autumn 2026.
After over 20 years in the village, it appears we will soon be saying goodbye to actor Nick Miles as Jimmy King in Emmerdale, when Jimmy is killed off in a major new stunt for the soap.
His exit will coincide with the return of ex-wife Sadie (Patsy Kensit), whose return was announced not long before the news of Jimmy’s exit broke.
Radio Times was aware of his forthcoming departure and understands that Miles is still filming scenes at the serial drama’s studios in Leeds, and will be on screen until the autumn.
In true soap style, the jaw-dropping stunt will undoubtedly also leave a number of other lives hanging in the balance – and will have a far-reaching impact on the village.
Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw previously teased that Sadie’s return was “explosive” and “guaranteed to shock”, which could be alluding to Jimmy’s untimely demise.
Dawn Fletcher (Olivia Bromley)
When is Dawn Fletcher leaving? 2026.
Actress Olivia Bromley is set to leave Emmerdale later this year after bosses apparently decided to write out the long-suffering character Dawn Fletcher.
A source told The Sun: “Olivia is adored by everyone at Emmerdale so the decision to axe her has not gone down well at all.
“She’s a popular member of the cast and if they can get rid of Olivia, then the feeling is virtually no-one is safe.”
The source added that Bromley was understanding of the decision that had been made and is preparing to film her exit in a couple of months.
ITV declined to comment when approached by Radio Times, but we understand that Bromley is exiting the soap.
Dawn is presently engaged to the villainous Joe Tate (Ned Porteous) after ending her marriage with Billy Fletcher (Jay Kontzle) by having an affair with Joe. However, now convinced of Joe’s evil at last, will Dawn wreak vengeance on him?
Plus, how will mum-of-three Dawn leave the village?