With familiar faces saying goodbye and others making their way back, fans are once again asking the big question: who is leaving and who is joining Emmerdale this year?
After the huge cast changes in 2025, which included multiple deaths, exits and the long-awaited return of Robert Sugden, the pace has not slowed. And with several exits already taking place in 2026, here is everything we know so far.
Who’s leaving Emmerdale in 2026?
Tracy Robinson
Another maternity-related exit is on the way, with Tracy actress Amy Walsh expecting her second child. Tracy’s storyline has already been heavy, following the murder of her estranged husband Nate and her growing financial problems.
Currently she keeps taking secretive phone calls. Next week Vanessa confronts her sister over her lies about moving house. But what will lead to her eventual departure?
Fears over who else could be leaving Emmerdale this year
Moira Dingle
With Moira charged with double murder, drug dealing and human trafficking, fears have grown that Natalie J Robb could be leaving the soap. However, those worries appear unfounded.
In an interview with Metro, Natalie confirmed she has signed a new contract, reassuring viewers that Moira is staying put despite the mounting evidence against her.
Cain Dingle leaving Emmerdale this year?
Recently Cain was told he had prostate cancer. It is aggressive yet localised and in need of a radical prostectomy to ensure his survival.
But with Moira in prison Cain is battling to cope and he is struggling to face having surgery with everything else going on around him. Could this be the end for Cain?
Actor Jeff Hordley teased to The Mirror: “I think he’s faced with his own mortality here and he knows this is something that could finish him off. He’s lost his mother to cancer so he’s all too aware of what can happen…”
Dylan Penders
On Thursday March 19 Dylan decides to falsely confess to Ray’s murder to try and save Paddy and Bear from prison. Then he leaves the village with the intention of disappearing.
It has led to much speculation that Fred Kettle who plays Dylan is leaving the soap.
Emmerdale is staying tight-lipped over what the future holds for Dylan and whether this is the last we’ll see of him. But Fred has posted images from the Emmerdale set that suggest he is still filming, so we don’t think this is the end for Dylan just yet.
Paddy Dingle
After weeks of covering up Ray’s death to protect Bear, Paddy finally came clean this week. He has told DS Walsh his role in disposing of Ray’s body and has now been charged with perverting the course of justice.
There have been warnings it’s not looking good for Paddy, even though he’s now out on bail. With the potential for a life sentence, will we be losing Paddy to prison in 2026? Or could a miracle happen?
Bear Wolf
Despite initially claiming self-defence, Bear deliberately lied earlier this week that he had killed Ray on purpose. It meant the charge was upped from manslaughter to murder.
As with Paddy, Bear’s false confession means it’s not looking good at all for him. Does this mean he’s going away for a long time too?
Who’s leaving Emmerdale in 2026 – those already gone
So far this year, viewers have said goodbye to:
- Celia Daniels
- Ray Walters
- John Sugden
Who left Emmerdale in 2025?
Last year saw a long list of departures, including:
- Wendy Posner
- Ella Forster
- Leyla Harding
- Amy Barton
- Suzy Merton
- Anthony Fox
- Brenda Walker
- Aidan Moore
- Gail Loman
- Kev Townsend
Who’s returning to Emmerdale in 2026?
Victoria Sugden
Fans recently said goodbye to Victoria Sugden, with actress Isabel Hodgins giving birth to her first baby. Isabel has recently married and joins a growing list of Emmerdale stars welcoming babies.
Speaking to The Mirror, Isabel explained she felt the timing was right after nearly two decades on the show. With Victoria now having killed her half-brother John, the guilt got too much and she left the village to live with Diane in Portugal.
Isabel gave birth to a baby girl named Georgie Gracie in February 2026.
Steph Miligan
Georgia Jay has stepped away on maternity leave, meaning Steph has temporarily exited the village. Her storyline with Ross remains unresolved, and with unfinished business still hanging over her, her return is already being lined up.
Cathy Hope
Last year Cathy stepped away temporarily, with actress Gabrielle Dowling taking time off to focus on her exams. Her exit will only last a few months, and she is expected back later in the year.
Kev Townsend
Kev’s exit appears to be permanent for now, with Chris Coghill confirming he was leaving Emmerdale on social media. Despite fan hopes, Kev walked away after being told to either reveal the truth to Lewis or leave for good. For the moment, his story in the Dales is over.
Who’s joining Emmerdale in 2026?
At present, no brand-new characters have been officially announced following the arrivals of Celia, Ray and Kev. That said, with so much upheaval already, more cast news is expected as the year goes on.
