ITV Share By Laura Morgan Jan 1 2026 By Laura Morgan Jan 1 2026 9 Emmerdale characters we want to see more of in 2026 - from Kammy Hadiq to Kim Tate We want to see more of these Emmerdale characters in 2026 Belle Dingle Caleb Miligan Features Joe Tate Kammy Hadiq Kim Tate Ruby Miligan Share By Laura Morgan Jan 1 2026 By Laura Morgan Jan 1 2026 As Emmerdale prepares to a welcome in a new year, we have a wish list of characters we want to see more of in 2026. Our top picks include a couple of newcomers who have brought joy to our screens – and we want more of the same. Then there’s a few criminally underused characters, who honestly deserve their chance to shine. And there’s also a couple of long-timers, who we’d love to see take centre stage over the next 12 months. Here are our nine folk who deserve more screen time. Do you agree? We love Kammy and Vinny’s bromance (Credit: ITV) Emmerdale characters we want to see more of in 2026: Kammy Hadiq The arrival of Kammy in 2025 brought a breath of fresh air to the Dales. First impressions suggested we were just getting a one-dimensional rude boy, but Kammy has brought humour and a whole lot of heart to the show. Take all that kiss business with Vinny. Kammy could have easily turned nasty and made Vinny’s life a misery. But he didn’t. The mechanic portrayed positive masculinity, giving his sexually-confused mate compassion and understanding when he needed it most. article continues below Read all the latest spoilers Kammy’s now a regular guest at Dale View – bringing the bants and scoffing Ross’s muesli – and we’re loving it. Perhaps 2026 could be time to learn more about Kammy’s backstory, and maybe meet other members of the Hadiq family. Christmas 2025 wasn’t easy for Kim (Credit: ITV) Kim Tate Life has not been kind to Kim of late, and a series of unfortunate events – including the death of her beloved steed Ice – left our Queen alone in her castle. Kim has always been someone who exuded power and control, but for a while she seemed isolated and afraid. Claire King did a brilliant job of portraying her character’s rarely-seen vulnerable side. She also gave us humour with Kim’s unconventional Christmas at the Dingles. 2026 could be interesting year for Kim and seeing which direction it takes her. Her mojo is back now she’s finally accepted help from her loved ones, but what now for her? Gabby deserves better (Credit: ITV) Gabby Thomas We said it last year, and we’ll say it again – Gabby is such a wasted character. Bernice’s offspring has gone off the radar again after that disastrous five minute marriage to Vinny. And while we’re on the subject – please can the writers stop allowing Gabby to form romantic attachments to guys who turn out to be gay. Once was silly, twice is plain ridiculous. As well as a heterosexual boyfriend, what Gabby really needs is a meaty storyline. She’s a strong and sassy woman, who can handle whatever is thrown at her. Kim’s not been having a good time of it, so who better to hold the fort at Home Farm than her protegee? Gabby has learnt from the best – now let’s see it! We love to hate Joe Tate (Credit: ITV) Joe Tate In the space of a year Joe has gone from kidney-stealing crook to responsible family man. Everything has got a little too settled and safe for our liking. We want to see the old immoral Joe Tate make a comeback in 2026. And what better way than an affair with Belle Dingle? Fans have already clocked the chemistry between the pair, and what’s the bet that Belle will act as Joe and Dawn’s wedding planner, meaning they’ll start spending more time together. Belle has a weakness for a taken man, and we all know Joe can’t help himself. Could Dawn be headed for heartbreak? Caleb and Ruby should be running the show (Credit: ITV) Emmerdale characters we want to see more of in 2026: Caleb and Ruby Miligan Ruby and Caleb are Emmerdale’s power couple and it’s just a pity they’re not being used more because Beth Cordingly and William Ash are two of the soaps’ finest talents. They haven’t really had any air time together since their falling out over stowaway Anya. Viewers know the unfortunate fate that the Miligans’ temporary houseguest met and we think Ruby and Caleb’s marriage could be tested if the truth came out. Caleb will surely feel deep remorse for paying Anya to leave, and Ruby’s bound to blame herself for not doing more to help her. The couple are also still harbouring their killer secret over Anthony. Could his corpse be discovered next year? We’d also like to see the return of Ruby and Caleb’s kids. Steph’s got unfinished business in the village, also better known as Ross. And wouldn’t be wonderful to see Lewis Cope make a comeback following his success on Strictly Come Dancing? We want to know who Lewis’s dad is (Credit: ITV) Lewis Barton Another excellent addition to Emmerdale is Lewis Barton. Ross’s kooky sibling steals every scene he’s in, and has become the village’s answer to Cilla Black. But there’s a lot more to Lewis than just his matchmaking skills. Played by autistic actor Bradley Riches, Lewis is shining an important light on neurodiversity and its challenges. His character has also done what no one else has ever managed and made Nicola King actually likeable. There’s lots of scope for Lewis in 2026. The writers are hinting towards a romance between him and Vinny, which we’re not that bothered about. However, one thing we’re desperate to know is whether Lewis’s dad is Robert’s crazy ex Kev. Wouldn’t it be brilliant if he was? Jai is a great baddie (Credit: ITV) Jai Sharma 2026 will mark Jai’s 17th year in the village, but he seems permanently stuck in the background. It’s time to use him, or lose him. Jai’s been through just about every woman in the village – there really only was Kerry left. But since their office romp (we’re still not sure how they weren’t seen/heard), Jai has found himself friend-zoned. We weren’t expecting to like him and Kerry together and now we’re hoping it’s not the end of their story. Jai is also at his best when he’s being manipulative and messing with other’s heads. Future scenes will see Jai cause trouble after becoming privy to another’s private information. Bring it on, we say! Claudette is all kinds of brilliant (Credit: ITV) Emmerdale characters we want to see more in 2026: Claudette Anderson It’s not just Kev who’s a member of the Claudette fan club, we love her too! Charles’s forthright mother has totally grown on us this year, and that’s mainly because of Claudette’s surprise bond with Kev. You wouldn’t put a vicar’s mum and armed robber together, but somehow it just works. Claudette also gets given some of the best lines in the show. Her acerbic put downs have shades of another soap legend – Corrie’s late, great, Blanche Hunt. Carry on making us laugh, Claudette – you’re a keeper. Read more: ITV announces all-new schedule for 2026 as Emmerdale airs in later slot for “soap power hour” Share Good to Know Share By Laura Morgan Jan 1 2026 By Laura Morgan Jan 1 2026 Next Story
