ITV/Comp Emmerdale Insider Share By Laura Morgan Nov 19 2025 By Carena Crawford Nov 19 2025 By Laura Morgan Nov 19 2025 By Carena Crawford Nov 19 2025 Who's leaving Emmerdale in 2025? A complete guide to departures, returns and new arrivals in the Dales Emmerdale stars leaving in 2025 Aidan Moore Joe Absolom John Sugden Robert Sugden Share By Laura Morgan Nov 19 2025 By Carena Crawford Nov 19 2025 By Laura Morgan Nov 19 2025 By Carena Crawford Nov 19 2025 It’s been quite the year of comings and goings for the locals of Emmerdale in 2025 and it’s not over yet, so who else is leaving this year? There have already been huge changes to the Emmerdale cast with four deaths and plenty of other exits, plus some exciting returns (yes, we’re looking at you, Robert Sugden!) We definitely have one more confirmed exit – and another one rumoured. Plus a return could be on the cards for one murderous man… Here is the lowdown on who’s coming and going in 2025. Who’s leaving Emmerdale in 2025? Celia is set to leave (Credit: ITV/ Comp EI) Celia Daniels Jaye Griffiths, who plays Celia, has revealed her time on the show is coming to an end. article continues below Read all the latest spoilers When Celia first arrived in the village she immediately made her mark. She offended Moira and couldn’t care less when her dog attacked Paddy. But no one predicted the depths of her evil, with one shocking moment coming when she slapped April and revealed herself as the boss of the county-lines drugs ring. Together with her son Ray, they run a tough operation – manipulating teens like April and Dylan into delivering drugs and encouraging April to sleep with clients. More recently it was revealed that they were keeping people – including Paddy’s dad Bear Wolf – as slaves. Speaking about her character’s exit, Jaye confirmed that she knew it was coming. She said: “I knew it was finite, which I am very sad about, because I would like to stay forever, but it’s such a strong arc.” She described working at Emmerdale as ‘heaven,’ adding: “It’s one of the nicest places I’ve ever worked, and I’ve done a little bit of work before! It is gentle and kind and professional and funny, and people care that it’s good. People care that we tell the story properly. It’s a joy to come to work.” Jaye hopes her character has left a mark in terms of raising awareness to modern day slavery. “It’s not happening somewhere far, far away, it’s happening next door,” she said. “It’s horrendous. Hopefully, maybe conversations will start to be heard. Maybe a question will run through people’s minds.” Ray has made his mark in the Dales (Credit: ITV) Ray Walters Alongside mum Celia, it seems Joe Absolom will also be leaving as Ray. Although it has not been confirmed, his role in the county lines drug plot as well as people trafficking in the modern slavery storyline means there’s very little room for redemption. Even his fledgling romance with Laurel, which in another life would have been very sweet, won’t be enough to save him. Appearing on Lorraine earlier this month actor Joe talked about being an “unemployed actor” which many have taken as a hint he’s filmed his final Emmerdale scenes. That would be perfect timing for a big Christmas reveal and a huge Corriedale episode… Mandy will leave – but she’ll be back! (Credit: ITV) Mandy Dingle There will be a Mandy Dingle shaped hole in the Dales soon as Lisa Riley has departed. However, it is only for a short time as she is taking on the challenge of I’m a Celebrity. Lisa has already filmed her final scenes before jetting off to the jungle, where she is fast becoming a favourite. According to The Sun, there won’t be much fanfare around her exit it will be “lowkey and very brief”. A source told them: “Lisa filmed her scenes last week, Mandy goes to visit friends and will be back before you know it. “She’ll be back filming full throttle once she’s back from her trip down under too. Fans won’t have long to wait for her return once the scenes air next year.” Who’s leaving Emmerdale – recent departures Out-there Gail is said to be off (Credit: ITV) Gail Loman Rachael-Gill Davis was the most recent departure from the soap. After realising her and boyfriend Ryan had very different dreams for the future, Gail decided to move to pastures new. She went to Devon to run a B&B with her friend. According to The Sun Rachael agree to leave the soap after her character failed to integrate into village life. The source said: “Rachael has loved her time on the show but it’s time to go. “Bosses felt the character wasn’t inspiring much story and so it was all very amicable. The door has been left open but it’s a definite goodbye for now. “Rachael is looking forward to spreading her wings and showing off her talents on other shows.” Emmerdale declined to comment on the report. Who else has left Emmerdale this year? There have been several other departures this year. The following have left the Emmerdale in 2025: Wendy Posner Ella Forster Leyla Harding Amy Barton Suzy Merton Anthony Fox Brenda Walker Aidan Moore Who’s returning to Emmerdale in 2025? Has John really gone? (Credit: ITV) John Sugden Killer John Sugden has finally left the Dales in the back of one of Caleb’s vans after he blackmailed him to help him escape abroad. However, we are pretty certain Emmerdale did not air something as big as John’s exit on a random Wednesday night. It’s highly likely that John will be back at some point for that final showdown. It hasn’t been confirmed he definitely will be back, but we are pretty certain that Aaron is right: this is not over while he is still out there. John has to be brought to justice properly and rumours are rife that the Corriedale crossover will air his comeback. A recent wanted poster in the police station in Coronation Street all-but confirmed it for fans, who think it was a big clue. We think John will be back, the question is when, and how? Steph was shocked to discover Ross had a fling with Manpreet (Credit: ITV) Steph Miligan Actress Georiga Jay recently left the soap. But Steph’s exit isn’t be permanent – she is is pregnant with her first child. So Georgia has headed off on maternity leave – but she will be back soon! Steph and Ross had just restarted their romance when she discovered he lied to her about not being with anybody else since they split. Not being able to cope with everything, and no longer trusting the man she loves, Steph decided to leave the village. Georgia announced her pregnancy in June in a social media video with co-stars Beth Cordingly (Ruby) and Bradley Riches (Lewis). A source told The Sun: “Everyone’s thrilled for Georgia and can’t wait to see her back when she’s ready. “Steph’s exit will happen in the next few weeks and see her flee abroad in typically dramatic fashion. “But with Anthony’s body still out there, there’s a huge storyline still to be wrapped up for when she returns.” 2024 was a difficult year for Cathy (Credit: ITV) Cathy Hope Actress Gabrielle Dowling, who plays Cathy Hope, has stepped away from Emmerdale for a break. A source revealed to The Sun that the actress was taking time off to focus on her exams. “Gabrielle has been working solidly on the show for her entire life but with her A levels coming up thought it was best to take a break to focus on them,” they said. “She will be gone for a matter of months and will return later in the year once exam season is over. “Her exit storyline is being kept quiet until it plays out on screen but it’s only going to be a temporary one.” The exit then saw Cathy head off on a round-the-world cruise with stepmum Brenda Walker. But although Brenda is staying away for good, Cathy will return. Who’s joining Emmerdale in 2025? Following the arrivals of Celia, Ray and Kev, Emmerdale has not announced any other new characters at present. Read more: Complete Emmerdale cast list for 2025 *This article is updated regularly to reflect the ongoing changes within the Emmerdale cast. Share Good to Know Share By Laura Morgan Nov 19 2025 By Carena Crawford Nov 19 2025 By Laura Morgan Nov 19 2025 By Carena Crawford Nov 19 2025 Previous Story Next Story
