All Emmerdale cast returns, exits and new arrivals coming up in 2025

Cast changes are afoot! (Picture: ITV/Michael Adams) There have been plenty of comings and goings in Emmerdale recently, with several more cast changes ahead. Following the shock death of Will Taylor (Dean Andrews) at Christmas, fans were thrilled to welcome back Joe Tate (Ned Porteous) to Home Farm. We then had the sudden departure of Wendy Posner (Susan Cookson), and a surprise return for Tom King (James Chase) from behind his prison bars. In the coming months, more changes are afoot… so here’s the lowdown on who is returning, leaving and arriving in the ITV soap… EMMERDALE CAST DEPARTURES Leyla Harding Leyla Harding is set to meet a dramatic end fitting for the long-standing character, after actress Roxy Shahidi decided to bid farewell to the Dales. Leyla has been a fixture in the village since 2008, but reports suggest she will be k.i.l.l.e.d off. Leyla is set to be k.i.l.l.e.d off after 16 years (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock)Roxy is said to be thrilled to have such a powerful exit, with a soap source telling The Sun: ‘She’s really excited about her meaty exit storyline, which will see her character Leyla d.i.e on screen. She’d rather go out in a blaze of glory and be remembered.’ Could Leila’s exit be tied into the frozen lake disaster – which has seen two limousines plummet into icy waters? Given she was one of the villagers in the vehicles, it’s possible that this could be the end. There’s still a lot to come this week, so keep watching! When is Leyla Harding leaving Emmerdale? Early 2025 Brenda Walker Brenda is also leaving (Picture: ITV) Joining the list of exits is Brenda Walker (Lesley Dunlop), who is leaving the show after 16 years. There has been speculation that she may also be involved in the car accident that is set to k.i.l.l Leyla, though nothing has been confirmed as of yet. Will her exit see her walk away from the village unscathed, or could she too be set to meet her maker? When is Brenda Walker leaving Emmerdale? Early 2025 Ella Forster Ella is bowing out of the village (Picture: ITV) Paula Lane recently announced her exit from her role as Ella Forster in the ITV soap on her Spotlight page, after just a year on the show. Part of the description on the page reads: ‘Currently appearing as series regular Ella in Emmerdale ITV filming until February 2025.’ This means that her exit from the show will likely air in Spring 2025, though the circumstances surrounding it are as yet unknown. When is Ella Forster leaving Emmerdale? Spring 2025 Suzy Merton Tonight’s episode kicks off with a bang as we recap the horrific icy plunge into the lake. Suzy met her end in the ice lake disaster (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock) The car was teetering on the edge of the frozen water as the women in the vehicle realised Suzy wasn’t breathing. Dr Liam Cavanagh (Jonny Freeman) then declared her dead. This has come as quite a surprise, as actress Martelle Edinborough’s exit hadn’t been teased. When is Suzy Merton leaving Emmerdale? This week. More deaths? With the lake accident still in full swing, it would be wrong to rule out the possibility that more residents may meet their end this week. Some are injured, some still have to face the terrifying walk from the car to the ice, and others have already looked death in the face as the surface crumbles beneath them. This article was first published on October 25, 2024. Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1 and from 7am on ITVX.