Emmerdale cast: New, leaving and returning characters

This year has proven to be Emmerdale’s most dramatic yet, packed with action-packed storylines and thrilling bombshells.

The soap celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022 with an action-packed week of storylines and saw the deaths of several main characters.

It can be hard to keep up with Emmerdale’s ever-changing cast list, with stars constantly coming in and out of the soap.

Bosses are never afraid of a surprise exit to keep viewers on their toes, with some keeping a closely guarded secret right up until the airing.

So, MailOnline has everything you need to know about all the comings and goings in the village of Emmerdale…

LEAVES: Naomi Walters (Karene Peters)

Actress Karene Peters has left Emmerdale and her character Naomi will be leaving the village this summer, just a year after her arrival.

Sources claim that Naomi will not be killed, meaning the door will remain open for her return.

An insider said: ‘Karene has enjoyed her time on the soap, but it’s time for her to go.

“Being on Emmerdale was a dream, but she became an actor to play different roles and that’s exactly what she wants to do.”

Naomi was recently devastated when she discovered her boyfriend Alex Moore lied to her, and was previously accused of assaulting Nicola King before protesting her innocence.

PARTICIPATING: Claudette (Flo Wilson)

Emmerdale’s Anderson Family is set to get even bigger this year, with Flo Wilson joining the cast as Charles’ formidable mother Claudette.

Claudette is described as a no-nonsense woman who is not afraid to speak her mind, which will undoubtedly ruffle the feathers in the village.

Jane Hudson, executive producer, said: ‘We are thrilled to welcome Flo Wilson to the cast of Emmerdale.

Her talent and experience will bring a new dimension to the show and we can’t wait for viewers to see her in action. She’s sure to cause a stir in the Anderson household.”

Wilson added, “I feel blessed to have been chosen to play Claudette and I hope to make the Emmerdale family proud of the work I get to do.”

RETURNING: Tracy Metcalfe (Amy Walsh)

In 2021, actress Amy departed Emmerdale to begin her maternity leave, and has since welcomed her first child with partner Toby-Alexander Smith.

While Tracy briefly returned to the village for Emmerdale’s 50th birthday last year, it’s hoped she’ll reprise her role permanently in the coming months.

Last year, Tracy returned to Emmerdale in an attempt to reconnect with her ex Nate Robinson, and despite the pair spending a romantic night together, she revealed she was actually engaged to another man.

Fans will hope this isn’t the last they see of Tracy, and if she and Nate rekindle their romance when she returns to town…

RETURNING: Kerry Wyatt (Laura Norton)

Actress Laura Norton is also on maternity leave from Emmerdale after welcoming her second child last year.

Kerry was devastated to learn that her boyfriend Al Chapman was cheating on her with Chas Dingle before his death, and left the village to work on a cruise ship.

Plenty of drama could bring Kerry back to Emmerdale, including daughter Chloe welcoming a son with Mackenzie, Charity Dingle’s husband.

Her daughter Amy has also been fighting for custody of her son Kyle, after he was cleared of the accidental shooting of Al.

Will viewers see Kerry back in the village soon?

RETURN: Vanessa Woodfield (Michelle Hardwick)

Michelle Hardwick temporarily left Emmerdale in November 2022 to go on maternity leave and has since welcomed her second child with Emmerdale producer Kate Brooks.

Vanessa decided to leave the village after getting a new job in Canada, ending her romance with Suzy Merton.

Before leaving the village, Vanessa managed to make amends with her friend Rhona, and fans are hoping to see her back on the soap soon.

Many will also hope that she can rekindle her beloved romance with Charity, who has just discovered that her husband Mackenzie has been cheating on her.

Who is in the cast of Emmerdale?

These are the current stars appearing in Emmerdale in 2023…

Emmerdale airs weekdays at 7.30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.