Emmerdale cast: who is returning to and joining the cast?

RETURNING

Kev Townsend (Chris Coghill)

Chris Coghill as Kev Townsend poses against a red wall in an apron with the sign behind saying "A Slice of Kev-en...Cakes and Coffee' in Emmerdale. — Chris Coghill is set to reprise the role of the charismatic Kev Townsend in Emmerdale later this year. ITV

When is Kev Townsend returning? Summer 2026.

Robert Sugden’s estranged prison husband and Lewis Barton’s secret biological father, Kev Townsend, is to return to Emmerdale as actor Chris Coghill reprises his role.

Kev fled the village after placing Robert and Aaron in danger, escaping the clutches of John Sugden, and deciding Lewis was better off without him.

Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw said in a statement that “Chris is most definitely back by popular demand”.

She added: “With Kev’s son, Lewis, in the village still unaware of who his father is, it’s safe to say that there’s a lot of unfinished business and drama ahead.”

Coghill, who’s also known for his appearances in EastEnders, Shameless and Slow Horses, added: “I’m really pleased to be returning to Emmerdale, I had a brilliant time last year. Kev is a complex character that I love playing.”

He continued: “He has psychopathic tendencies but also an energy and vulnerability that I think makes him pretty unique. I’m properly looking forward to getting back at it.”

Sadie King (Patsy Kensit)

Patsy Kensit as Sadie King on the set of Emmerdale. — Patsy Kensit returns as Sadie King in Emmerdale. ITV

When is Sadie King returning? 2026.

Iconic Emmerdale villainess Sadie King is to return later this year as Patsy Kensit is to reprise her role for a new storyline.

ITV confirmed initial reports from The Sun earlier this year.

Speaking of the character’s return Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw said: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Patsy Kensit back to the cast and crucially to see the iconic Sadie King storm back into the village.

“Her return will be explosive and guaranteed to shock. Sadie’s seductive demeanor, combined with her utterly ruthless nature, are set to deliver a spectacular and highly dramatic touch of class to the Yorkshire Dales.”

Kensit added: “I am really excited to return to Emmerdale. I treasure the years I was here before. Sadie King is a character that I really loved playing.

“The cast and crew are absolutely brilliant and I am so grateful for the chance to return to the show, it’s absolutely amazing.”

Victoria Sugden (Isabel Hodgins)

Victoria Sugden looks stunned in a darkened woodland in a scene from Corriedale. — Victoria Sugden (Isabel Hodgins) killed John during Corriedale. ITV

When is Victoria Sugden returning? TBC.

Actress Isabel Hodgins has taken maternity leave from Emmerdale.

Isabel revealed to The Mirror: “I will miss it. I love the people there, but I’ve worked there for 19 years, so I feel like I’ve done what I’ve wanted to do and been selfish with my career.

“Now, it’s time to devote my life to being a mum, that feels right to me. But there’s still FaceTime, so they won’t forget me!”

The character left the village to stay with stepmother Diane Sugden to escape her guilt for killing half-brother John Sugden in self-defence.

Will Victoria feel more at peace when she eventually returns?