Inside Emmerdale cast’s real-life tragedies from health battles to heartbreaking d.e.a.t.h
Emmerdale stars face some hard-hitting scenes on the ITV serial drama, but off-screen, their lives are sometimes just as dramatic.
Emmerdale stars have faced tragedy in real life too
(Image: ITV)
The stars of Emmerdale are no strangers to tragedy, with many of the ITV soap’s families facing some horrific storylines. From m.u.r.d.e.r.s to illnesses and every situation in between, the soap writers often create devastating circumstances to keep viewers gripped.
But for some of the soap stars, the things that happen on-screen sometimes translate off-screen, too. Many of the cast members have faced their own real-life traumas. From relationships going wrong, battling with their health and sudden d.e.a.t.h.s, the actors have seen it all. This year, 2025, has been particularly turbulent so far. Read on to find out what’s been happening in the stars’ lives.
Back in March, soap legend Kathryn Apanowicz d.i.e.d aged 64 after a long illness. Kathryn was best known for playing two characters in Emmerdale – Dezzy Bell and Helen Ackroyd – for 24 episodes, as well as portraying Carol Starkey in an episode of rival soap Coronation Street.
Off-screen, Kathryn was the partner of the late Countdown presenter Richard Whiteley. He passed away in 2005 after being taken to hospital with pneumonia.
Though he recovered from the illness, doctors found he was having heart problems and Richard underwent an emergency endocarditis surgery, sadly dying two days later.
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In May, Danny Miller was forced to clear up some confusion over his dad. The actor, who is best known for playing Aaron Dingle on Emmerdale, previously spoke about his father’s dementia diagnosis.
Danny made an appearance on Loose Women where he spoke about Vince, 90, as he said: “The truth of the matter is I’ve lost my dad. And that’s hard for me to cope with because I really, really miss him.”
Many fans expressed their messages of support to Danny, who felt the need to clarify his statement. In an update, he issued a message that read: “Hey guys!
“Just feel the need to say – my dad is very much still with us. ‘I’ve lost my dad’ in the context meaning that I have lost the person he WAS to dementia.”
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Actor John Saint Ryan d.i.e.d at the age of 72 in April. John’s wife, Joyce, took to social media to confirm his passing, saying: “I and our family want to let our friends know that John had a heart attack the evening of Thursday 3rd of April.
“We were with him at the hospital where the staff did everything possible but unfortunately he did not survive. We are absolutely heart broken.”
She added that John wanted to aid medical research and donated his body, so there would not be a funeral.
John starred in ITV’s Emmerdale as Jameson, before going on to work for rival soap Coronation Street. He became a household name playing the role of long distance lorry driver Charlie Whelan.
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Soap co-stars Charley Webb and Matthew Wolfenden announced their separation in 2023 following five years of marriage.
Matthew is known for playing the role of David Metcalfe while Charley portrays Debbie Dingle.
It was reported by Daily Mail in January of this year that their Harrogate home had “popped up” on the market for around £900,000. The four-bedroom property boasts a “substantial” summer house, underfloor heating, a “superb” open plan living area and an “attractive” rear garden.
The property sale indicates that the former couple may be in the final stages of their divorce.
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Gemma Oaten was rocked by the sudden d.e.a.t.h of her co-star back in January. The actress, who took on the role of Rachel Breckle in Emmerdale from 2011 to 2015, said that she “couldn’t believe it” when pantomime buddy Paul Hutton d.i.e.d.
They starred together in 2018 pantomime Beauty and the Beast at London’s Shaw Theatre, with Gemma playing Belle while Paul played Silly Billy.
At the time she posted a touching tribute to Instagram, writing: “I can’t believe this is happening. [Paul Hutton] you were one of the best – funny, kind, caring and incredibly talented. My heart is shattered knowing you’re no longer here to brighten our lives.
“Rest in peace, wonderful man. You will be loved forever and always.” Alongside a few snaps of the pair giggling together in costume, Gemma added: “This is how I remember you. Always making us smile #ForeverInOurHearts.”
(Image: Getty)
