ITV/Comp Emmerdale Insider Share By Carena Crawford Jul 30 2025 By Carena Crawford Jul 30 2025 Has Dylan been recast? Confused Emmerdale fans question if actor Fred Kettle has left the role Fred has certainly shot up! Dylan Penders Fred Kettle Share By Carena Crawford Jul 30 2025 By Carena Crawford Jul 30 2025 Dylan Penders made a return to screens in Emmerdale last night and fans were thrilled to see actor Fred Kettle back as April’s friend from the streets. But they all had one question: is it the same actor – because he looks very different to the last time we saw him! Dylan was a shell of himself when he was on the street (Credit: ITV) Dylan in Emmerdale The first time we met Dylan was in February of this year when we found out where missing April had been. She ran away on Christmas Day and was living in a squat with Dylan. Dylan had rescued her from a dodgy man on the streets and was helping her to survive. They had become very close and when April was eventually discovered – having given birth to a stillborn baby – she brought Dylan home with her. Marlon was not impressed to have an addict in his house and wanted his influence over April gone. So he set Dylan up for supposedly stealing ketamine from the vets. Although Dylan protested his innocence even April didn’t believe him. Dylan ended up taking an overdose and almost dying. Marlon felt so bad he paid for Dylan to go to rehab and we haven’t seen him since. article continues below Read all the latest spoilers April was pleased to hear her friend is doing well (Credit: ITV) Surprise return On Monday July 28 Dylan made a return to Emmerdale – although viewers didn’t know it. He was one of the masked intruders in Moira’s barn who Kyle stabbed in the leg with a pitchfork. On Tuesday (July 29) he revealed himself to April, who was thrilled to see him. But she so far has no idea he is already getting in trouble. He claimed to be clean and have a delivery job and a flat in Hotten. For delivery job, read: working for drug dealer Ray and for flat in Hotten read: the cricket pavillion. So we know Dylan might be clean of drugs himself, but he’s definitely still mixed up in that world. And for April that could cause all sorts of trouble as she gets her life back on track. Fred Kettle is still playing Dylan in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV) Has Dylan been recast in Emmerdale or is Fred Kettle still playing him? Fans struggled to recognise Dylan at first and have questioned whether a different actor has joined the cast. “Dylan looks different. Is it the same actor??” asked one on social media. Others added: “He is so grown up all of a sudden” and “He really has shot up since he’s been in rehab!” Another agreed: “Wow he’s grown so quick.” So has he been recast? No! Dylan is still being played by Fred Kettle. Although it’s fair to say he looks very different! Last time we saw Dylan he was on drugs and living on the streets. He looked withdrawn and dirty and much smaller. Fred’s definitely had a growth spurt since the last time we saw him, he’s so tall now! He’s also had his hair cut much shorter, which somehow makes him look older. April is in the dark about Dylan’s drug dealing (Credit: ITV) Excitement over his return Despite being confused, fans were super-pleased to see Dylan back. “Nice to see him back. I love the character, and Fred is is great actor,” shared one. Another said: “It’s great to have Dylan back, what a brilliant actor.” A third agreed: “Amazing so happy Dylan is back. Cannot wait keep watching and see where the story goes.” Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale? All the cast exits, arrivals and returns Share Good to Know Share By Carena Crawford Jul 30 2025 By Carena Crawford Jul 30 2025