Emmerdale is a British soap opera first broadcast on 16 October 1972.[1] The following is a list of characters that first appeared during 2022, by order of first appearance. All characters are introduced by the soap's executive producer, Jane Hudson.[2]Marcus Dean (Darcy Grey) in February as the son ofPierce Harris (Jonathan Wrather). He was followed byMary Goskirk (Louise Jameson), the mother ofRhona (Zoë Henry), in March. That same month,Martelle Edinborough debuted asSuzy Merton, a love interest forVanessa Woodfield (Michelle Hardwick). Karene Peter then debuted in June asNaomi Walters, the daughter ofCharles Anderson (Kevin Mathurin). Then, in December, Lewis Cope joined asNicky. He was followed byWilliam Ash, who joined asCaleb Miligan, the half-brother ofCain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) andChas Dingle (Lucy Pargeter). Additionally, multipleother characters appeared in 2022.
Marcus Dean, played byDarcy Grey, made his first appearance on 3 February 2022. He was introduced as the son of established former characterPierce Harris (Jonathan Wrather), who is in prison due to murderingGraham Foster (Andrew Scarborough). Justin Harp ofDigital Spy wrote that Marcus arrives in the fictional village with his own traumatic experiences from living with Pierce, who abused his mother. Harp wrote that Marcus shares numerous traits with Pierce, such as hisbrooding, suaveness and good looks. He also questioned whether Marcus would share Pierce's violent attributes.[3] Grey later said that Marcus believes he is not like Pierce, but as his storylines evolve, he shares more similarities to Pierce.[4] Producer Kate Brooks said that Marcus' arrival will "ruffle a few feathers and flutter a few hearts in the village" and confirmed that viewers would soon realise that he is more than the son of Pierce.[3]
Mary Goskirk, played byLouise Jameson, made her first appearance on 7 March 2022.[5] She was introduced as the mother of established character ofRhona (Zoë Henry), whom she has a "strained relationship" with.[6] Mary was described by Digital Spy's Hannah Bird as a "no nonsense" character and noted that Rhona feels as though she can never live up to her expectations.[6] However, due toMarcus Dean's (Darcy Grey) arrival in the village causing upset for Rhona due to his connection to her rapist, Bird felt that Mary's arrival in the village could be "the prime opportunity for them to build bridges and heal their relationship".[6] Her arrival initially unsettles Rhona as she feels there is a hidden agenda and treats her with suspicion, while other villagers "welcome her with open arms, finding her wit endearing".[6] Bird hinted that despite her likeability in the village, it would not be long before she had arguments with villagers.[6]
On joiningEmmerdale, Jameson said: "It feels like such a gift to be welcomed into theEmmerdale cast. Playing Zoe's on-screen mum is the icing on the cake."[6] Producer Laura Shaw was thrilled to welcome Jameson into the cast, noting that her experience in the industry would be "a fabulous asset to the show".[6] On the character, Shaw added that she is intelligent, witty and complex and that for Rhona, "there won't ever be a dull moment whilst her domineering mother is around".[6]Metro's Sabrina Barr wrote that Mary has a bold persona as she's "quick-witted and headstrong".[7] Barr also confirmed Rhona's suspicions about Mary by revealing that Mary does have a hidden reason for her move to the village. She also noted Jameson's former experience on the soap, having playedSharon Crossthwaite in 1973, a cousin ofAnnie Sugden (Sheila Mercier).[7]
Soon into her arrival, she strikes up a friendship withKim Tate (Claire King) and their pairing has been well-received by critics and viewers.[8] Mary's vulnerable side was explored when she confides in Kim about being a lesbian.[9] Jameson was shocked that writers had made Mary a late life lesbian, but was happy to be part of the representation.[10] Later storylines have seen Mary begin datingFaye Helders (Jane Gurnett), who cons Mary and releasesrevenge porn of her. She initially struggles with the events, but is inspired whenApril Windsor (Amelia Flanagan) wants to become a journalist like her. Viewers were initially wary of Mary's intentions upon her arrival, but quickly into her tenure, she was dubbed a fan favourite whose wit and nerve was found entertaining.[11]
Gail Hancock, played by Elizabeth Boag,[12] a nurse who takes care ofMarlon Dingle (Mark Charnock) when he suffers astroke. She appeared in 13 episodes between 22 March and 25 April 2022. Despite her short stint, her character had an impact on viewers shortly after her arrival and the character received praise.[13] Gail departed on 25 April 2022 and Boag announced her departure onTwitter the following day: "Bye Gail! Thank you @markcharnock, @ZoeHenry03, all the cast, crew and casting team @ emmerdale. Loved every minute!".[14] Charnock, who plays Marlon also praised Boag by saying "You were wonderful in the part, Liz! Just superb."[14]
Suzy Merton, played byMartelle Edinborough, made her first appearance on 30 March 2022 and last in February 2025.[15] She was introduced as a love interest forVanessa Woodfield (Michelle Hardwick)[16] On her casting on the soap, Edinborough said: "My feet haven't quite touched the ground yet, I'm still on this massive cloud high up in the sky, but it's been going really, really good. It's just like a family, and it sounds so cliché but it really is and everyone is so lovely and welcoming and helps you settle in really nicely."[16] Edinborough felt that especially due to being fromLeeds, whereEmmerdale is filmed, the job was perfect for her.[16]
Jordan Greenlow, played by Jack Parr,[17] is a man whoEthan Anderson (Emile John) is called to represent after he is arrested for assault. He made his first appearance on 28 April 2022.[18] Parr's casting was announced on 19 April 2022 and his character would be part of a "dramatic" storyline where his character would become a "divisive figure in the village."[19] Lauren Morris fromRadio Times suggested that Jordan's arrival would be "shocking" and "dramatic", with the storyline portraying a "serious issue".[19] Ethan's representation of Jordan causes a conflict of interest as it is revealed that the victim is one of Ethan’s neighbours,Billy Fletcher (Jay Kontzle), who claims that the attack was racially motivated.[18]
| Callum Matthews | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emmerdale character | |||||
| Portrayed by | Tom Ashley | ||||
| Duration | 2022–2023 | ||||
| First appearance | Episode 9355/6 5 May 2022 (2022-05-05) | ||||
| Last appearance | Episode 9627/8 16 March 2023 (2023-03-16) | ||||
| Classification | Former; recurring | ||||
| Introduced by | Jane Hudson | ||||
| |||||
Callum Matthews, played by Tom Ashley,[20] wasLeyla Cavanagh (Roxy Shahidi)'s drug dealer, who first appeared on 5 May 2022.[20] He arrives when he asks Leyla to store some cocaine for her as a favour as she couldn't pay funds to buy some for her own use.[20] He appeared on a recurring basis until August 2022.[20] Callum returned in January 2023, when he paid Leyla to store a bag of drugs for him.[21] After her son,Jacob Gallagher (Joe-Warren Plant), learns of her addiction, he arranges to meet Callum with a knife, however Callum grabs hold of his knife and stabs Jacob.[21] He is later arrested, but released on bail takes Leyla, Jacob andSuzy Merton (Martelle Edinborough) hostage with a gun, but is eventually caught by the police.[21]
Shahidi, who plays Leyla commented: "Leyla experiences guilt and fear when Suzy is attacked. She blames herself because Suzy has stepped in to save the mess that Leyla had created. [She] sees the reality and the lengths that Callum will go to - [he] is willing to endanger their lives and potentially end them, so her fear goes through the roof."[22]
Christopher "Kit", played by Thoren Ferguson,[23] isMarlon Dingle's (Mark Charnock) physiotherapist that helps him in his recovery following hisstroke. He appeared between 19 May 2022 and 26 August 2022. During his time in the village, he embarks on a relationship withLaurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy). Whilst they are seeing each other, Kit arranges a date withGabby Thomas (Rosie Bentham), who, unbeknownst to him, is Laurel's stepdaughter. He uses the alias "Chris" and he and Gabby are eventually caught by Laurel, and they both realise that he has been seeing them both. When Laurel's ex-partnerJai Sharma (Chris Bisson) discovers this, he punches Kit, who eventually leaves the village, and quits as Marlon's therapist, leaving him disappointed. Laura-Jayne Tyler fromInside Soap joked, "Hmm. Marlon's physio Kit is just calling out for some memorable rhyming nickname. If only we could think of one."[24]
Jason Denshaw, played by formerHollyoaks actorParry Glasspool,[25] is the former drug dealer ofJai Sharma (Chris Bisson) who sells cocaine toLeyla Cavanagh (Roxy Shahidi). Glasspool's casting was announced on 28 May 2022,[26] and was announced to appear as part of an ongoing storyline between Leyla and her friendSuzy Merton (Martelle Edinborough).[25] He appears between 3-26 June 2022. He attempts to blackmail Leyla and Suzy into allowing him to sell drugs to their clients. Suzy then records him and informs him that if he attempts to blackmail him again, she will go to the police with her recording, incriminating him with his drug dealing business. He then leaves the pair alone. Craig Jones fromLeeds Live said: "soapland is a small place".[25]
| Colin Hamston | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emmerdale character | |||||||||
| Portrayed by | Mark Noble | ||||||||
| Duration | 2022–2023 | ||||||||
| First appearance | Episode 9381 6 June 2022 (2022-06-06) | ||||||||
| Last appearance | Episode 9752/3 10 August 2023 (2023-08-10) | ||||||||
| Classification | Former; recurring | ||||||||
| Introduced by | Jane Hudson | ||||||||
| |||||||||
Colin Hamston, played by Mark Noble,[27] was a local councillor and the homophobic father ofMarshall Hamston (Max Fletcher), who first appeared in June for four episodes, but then returned again in January 2023, when Marshall was first introduced.[27] When Marshallcomes out as gay, Colin's homophobic views make him disgusted in his son.[27] After he befriendedArthur Thomas (Alfie Clarke), he sends him to boarding school, but after he comes home, Colin isolates and abuses him physically and emotionally.[27]Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy), Arthur's mother, forces her way into their family home and takes Marshall with her, as well as threatening Colin that if he tries to get to Marshall again, she will report and expose him.[27]
After Marshall moves away to live with hisAunt Jean, the storyline takes a "disturbing turn of events".[28] Colin demands for his whereabouts and even holds Laurel captive in his home, which leads to his later arrest after being exposed publicly for the bigot he really was.[29] Justin Harp fromDigital Spy described these scenes to be "disturbing".[28]
Naomi Walters, played by Karene Peter, made her first uncredited appearance on 14 June 2022,[30] with her first credited appearance airing on 5 July 2022.[31] She was introduced as the daughter ofCharles (Kevin Mathurin) andEsme (Eva Fontaine), and the younger sister ofEthan (Emile John). Naomi was initially referenced on the soap in October 2021 when Esme mentions her to Charles.[32] Her backstory involves being put up for adoption by Esme, who was cheated on by Charles and suffered frompostpartum depression. Esme and Naomi later met up, but Charles had refused to meet her.[32] When Charles learns that Naomi has gone missing, he feels responsible for her disappearance so he hunts for her. He discovers her working in a bar, arguing with her boss. Charles defends her in the argument and knocks her boss over.[32]
Her first major storyline sees her involved in an attack against village localNicola King (Nicola Wheeler). The reaction from locals sees her ostracised, but despite their distaste for her, Naomi's characterisation remains bolshy and argumentative.[33] Throughout her tenure, Naomi is shown to be a feisty, stubborn and strong-willed character. She has various feuds, including spats with her family,Manpreet Sharma (Rebecca Sarker),Rhona Goskirk (Zoë Henry) and her bosses at the Woolpack. She is also conned byAlex Moore (Liam Boyle), which shows a vulnerable side to Naomi when she is devastated by his lies. Peter announced her decision to leaveEmmerdale in April 2023, with her exit set to air in July 2023. Viewers were not a fan of Naomi, with many being unappreciative of her nasty nature.[34] However,Metro writer Sue Haasler appreciated that she is "a headstrong young woman who insists on making her own decisions in life".[35]
On 25 April 2023, a day after the casting announcement of Naomi's grandmotherClaudette (Flo Wilson), it was announced that Peter had quit her role as Naomi. A spokesperson said that Peter had enjoyed her time onEmmerdale, but due to wanting to play different roles, she had made the decision to leave.Radio Times reported that her exit would be set to air in summer 2023.[36] After her short but "eventful" tenure on the soap, it was confirmed that her exit would be written in a way that could accommodate her return in the future.[37]
Terry Pickforth, portrayed byNeil Bell,[38] was an acquaintance ofSandra Flaherty (Joanne Mitchell) whom she owed £4000 to. He made his first appearance on 12 July 2022.[38] Craig Jones fromLeeds Live described Terry's character to be a "sinister role".[38] Many fans recognised Bell from ITV soap operaCoronation Street when he first appeared.[38] This was his second role in Emmerdale, as he had played a person in a bar in December 2009.[38] Jones also commented: "soapland is a small place with acting stars regularly switching from programme to programme."[38]
| Clemmie Reed | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emmerdale character | |||||||||||||||||
| Portrayed by | Mabel Addison | ||||||||||||||||
| Duration | 2022–present | ||||||||||||||||
| First appearance | Episode 9414/5 14 July 2022 | ||||||||||||||||
| Classification | Present; recurring | ||||||||||||||||
| Introduced by | Steve Frost | ||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||
Clementine "Clemmie" Reed, portrayed by Mabel Addison[39] is the daughter ofDawn Fletcher (Olivia Bromley)'s friend Beth and her ex-boyfriendAlex Moore (Liam Boyle). After Beth died, Dawn finds Clemmie sleeping in a dog basket in a friend's kitchen, which leads to her taking her home to care for her. After noticing a resemblance of her own sonLucas Taylor (Dexter Anstell), he realises that her ex-boyfriend and Lucas' father, Alex is also Clemmie's father. Dawn and her husbandBilly Fletcher (Jay Kontzle) visit Alex, who is in prison, to tell him they are going for guardianship of Clemmie.
In 2023, going through social services, the fostering of Clemmie becomes official in court at the same time as Billy's adoption of Lucas. However, a few months later, Dawn discovers that she's pregnant, whichGabby Thomas (Rosie Bentham) reveals out loud at Home Farm, which Clemmie hears and causes her to feel unwanted and run away,[40] howeverNicky Miligan (Lewis Cope) finds and brings her home, making him hero of the hour, to Gabby's dismay due to him recently jilting him before their wedding.
| Esther Spencer | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emmerdale character | |||||||||||||||
| Portrayed by | Florence Mae Dyson (2022–2024) Ella Kenny (2024) | ||||||||||||||
| Duration | 2022–2024 | ||||||||||||||
| First appearance | Episode 9499/9500 20 October 2022 | ||||||||||||||
| Last appearance | Episode 10,196 20 December 2024 | ||||||||||||||
| Classification | Former; recurring | ||||||||||||||
| Introduced by | Steve Frost | ||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||
Esther Spencer is the daughter ofAmelia Spencer (Daisy Campbell) andSamson Dingle (Sam Hall). She was born when her parents are 16 years old. Amelia discovered she was pregnant when she collapsed holdingThomas Tate (Bertie Brotherton) and went into hospital. When she discovered her pregnancy, she originally planned to have an abortion, butCharity Dingle (Emma Atkins) convinced her not to outside of the clinic. People originally believed thatNoah Dingle (Jack Downham) was the father, but it was later revealed to be Samson, who was far from pleased. Later, Noah and Amelia begin a relationship, but Samson does everything he can to get Esther out of his life when she was born. First, he called social services reporting Amelia as an unfit parent and then cons Noah out of the savings that his aunt,Zoe Tate (Leah Bracknell) kept for him, in order to remain a part of Esther's life.
On 5 December 2024, it was announced that Mark Jordon would reprise the role ofDaz Spencer as part of Amelia's exit storyline.[41]Digital Spy revealed details that Amelia would go and live with Daz in Leicester, taking Esther with her for a new life.[41]
Darren Walker, portrayed byKyle Pryor, made his first appearance on 7 December 2022 when he meets withKim Tate (Claire King) to discuss the set up of her new stud farm. Darren impresses Kim, untilDawn Fletcher (Olivia Bromley) reveals that he has lied about his contacts.[42] Pryor's casting was announced on 29 November 2022.[42] His character is a businessman, who was billed as a "stylish charmer".[42] He also beat upVinny Dingle (Bradley Johnson) after he believed he cheated at playing poker with him, before taking back his money.
| Nicky Miligan | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emmerdale character | |||||||||||||||||||
| Portrayed by | Lewis Cope | ||||||||||||||||||
| Duration | 2022–2024 | ||||||||||||||||||
| First appearance | Episode 9540 14 December 2022 (2022-12-14) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Last appearance | Episode 10,030/31 4 July 2024 (2024-07-04) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Classification | Former; regular | ||||||||||||||||||
| Introduced by | Jane Hudson | ||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||
Nicky Miligan, played byLewis Cope, first appeared on 14 December 2022.[43] He was introduced as a malenanny who attends an interview for a job caring forGabby Thomas (Rosie Bentham) andDawn Fletcher's (Olivia Bromley) children at Home Farm. Nicky and Gabby are shown to be attracted to each other and he eventually stops working as her nanny so that they can pursue a relationship. In spite ofKim Tate's (Claire King) disapproval for their relationship, he proposes to Gabby and she accepts.
In April 2023, in an unannounced twist, it was revealed that Nicky is son ofCaleb Miligan (William Ash), and the grandson ofFrank Tate (Norman Bowler) andFaith Dingle (Sally Dexter). In an interview withDigital Spy, Cope said that he did not know about the twist. He explained: "I thought I was coming in as a love interest to Gabby. It was further down the line I got the scripts and it started to reveal itself for me. It was a nice surprise as I wasn't pre-empting anything. I could just look at what was on the script and make that work."[44] Cope was excited for viewers to see the pair working together to take over Home Farm.[44]
| Caleb Miligan | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emmerdale character | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Portrayed by | William Ash Riccardo Drayton (flashback) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Duration | 2022–present | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| First appearance | Episode 9555/56 25 December 2022 (2022-12-25) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Classification | Present; regular | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Introduced by | Jane Hudson | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||
Caleb Miligan, played byWilliam Ash, made his first appearance on 25 December 2022. The character and Ash's casting details were announced on 26 November 2022.[45] Of his casting, Ash stated "I'm thrilled to be joining such an iconic show.Emmerdale is packed full of fantastic actors and I'm really looking forward to working alongside them. Caleb is a fantastically complex character and I can't wait to get stuck in."[45] Caleb is introduced as the long-lost brother ofCain (Jeff Hordley) andChas Dingle (Lucy Pargeter), and the estranged son ofFaith Dingle (Sally Dexter), who died frombreast cancer before his arrival. His presence causes issues between Cain and Chas, as she learns that Cain knew about Caleb and kept him a secret from her.[45] Caleb was billed as "calm and in control, rich and successful, at first glance Caleb is everything his brother isn't, but will the pair find they have more in common than they thought?"[45] It was also teased that Caleb's arrival would "shake things up" for the Dingle family.[45]
Caleb spends months becoming a business partner ofKim Tate (Claire King). Then in April 2023, in an unannounced twist, Caleb was revealed to be the son of Kim's first husband,Frank Tate (Norman Bowler). Caleb is also the father ofNicky (Lewis Cope), who had also spent months getting close toGabby Thomas (Rosie Bentham). It was confirmed that both Caleb and Nicky had got close to Kim and Gabby in a bid to take Home Farm over. Ash knew about the storyline since his casting and was excited for viewers to discover the truth. He was also excited for the storyline to cause further disruption between the Tate and Dingle families due to their long-running feud in the soap.[44]
| Character | Episode date(s) | Actor | Circumstances |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cassie | 11–13 January | Stephanie Dooley[46] | An unhappy client of Take a Vow. Wedding plannerPriya Sharma (Fiona Wade) helps Cassie with her problems but the stress causes Priya to scratch her scars caused by getting caught in a fire; Priya later overhears Cassie mocking her scratching. |
| Tommy[a] | 13–27 January | Martin Mednikarov[47] | A truck driver who picks upMeena Jutla (Paige Sandhu) and gives her a lift toGlasgow. Unbeknownst to him, Meena has murdered numerous people and is using him as agetaway driver to escape the police. He lives with her for a few weeks, after which she leaves him. |
| Solicitor | 18–22 February | Olu Adaeze[48] | Meena Jutla's (Paige Sandhu) solicitor when she is arrested for her various crimes. |
| Defence Barrister Milligan | 17 March–18 April | Amy Robbins[49] | The defence barrister atMeena Jutla's (Paige Sandhu) plea hearing. |
| Judge Stevenson | Andrew Readman[49] | Thejudge who presides overMeena Jutla's (Paige Sandhu) court trial. | |
| Prosecution Barrister Sinclair | Clarence Smith[49] | A lawyer atMeena Jutla's (Paige Sandhu) court trial. | |
| Prison Officer Beeker | 4–14 April | Dean Smith[50] | A prison officer whoMeena Jutla (Paige Sandhu) charms whilst in her cell. After flirting with him, Beeker brings her chocolate and a newspaper with a story about her crimes on the front page. Prior to her trial, Meena asks him to unlock a door that would allow her to escape, but he does not comply with her request. |
| Court Reporter | 15 April | Anita Ramdharry[51] | A news reporter who coversMeena Jutla's (Paige Sandhu) crimes and court trial. |
| Prison Officer | Anna Tolputt[51] | A prison officer who is threatened byMeena Jutla (Paige Sandhu) after she takes away access to Meena's television in her prison cell. | |
| Bar Manager | 5 July | Leon Cooke[52] | Naomi Walters' (Karene Peter) manager who reprimands her for talking to her friends whilst on a shift. Naomi quits and he tries to stop her from leaving due to being short-staffed. WhenCharles Anderson (Kevin Mathurin) sees him stopping Naomi, Charles intervenes and punches him. He calls the police but later decides not to press charges against Charles. |