9 Emmerdale stars who joined rival soaps after leaving the village

There’s a grand tradition of Emmerdale stars joining rival soaps after a stint in the village – and this week saw former face Natalie Anderson...

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By Joel Harley

12th April 2025

By Joel Harley

12th April 2025

There’s a grand tradition of Emmerdale stars joining rival soaps after a stint in the village – and this week saw former face Natalie Anderson pop by Weatherfield to appear in Coronation Street. So that’s why Alicia wasn’t at Leyla’s funeral. So much for that broken leg, eh. Natalie is far from the only one though – and is just the latest star to join a rival soap after leaving Emmerdale. Join us as we take a look back at some of the biggest Emmerdale stars who found a future outside of the Dales.

Emmerdale stars in rival soaps – from Natalie Anderson to Ross Kemp

1. Natalie Anderson

Earlier this year, Emmerdale fans were left frustrated when the village gathered to bid farewell to the late Leyla Harding… while many others didn’t. Notable for her absence was Leyla’s sister – and Jacob’s adoptive mum – Alicia. Alicia left the village in 2015, and hasn’t been seen since. However, viewers will have spotted actress Natalie Anderson, who played Alicia, in Coronation Street last week, playing Danielle, the wife of Todd Grimshaw’s new man.

2. Patsy Kensit

Patsy Kensit appeared on Emmerdale between 2004 and 2006, playing iconic soap schemer Sadie King. After leaving the soap due to the stress of filming away from family in Yorkshire, Faye went on to play nurse Faye in a major Holby City role. In 2023, she appeared in EastEnders for a brief stint as tragic Lola’s estranged mum, sticking around just long enough to sleep with Phil Mitchell.

3. Ross Kemp

Back when it was called Emmerdale Farm, EastEnders hardman Ross Kemp played army deserter Graham Lodsworth. Appearing in a handful of episodes between 1986 and 1987, Graham struck up a friendship with fan-favourite Seth Armstrong, before being sent back to the army, never to be seen again. The rest, as they say, is history. Ross joined EastEnders a few years later and soon became a household name. Between rounds of returning to Walford, he made his name as a documentarian and TV personality, reprising  his role as Grant for EastEnders’ 40th anniversary.

4. Beverley Callard

First appearing on Emmerdale in October 1983, Beverley played Angie Richards, girlfriend of village local Jackie Merrick. Her time in the Dales was brief, and she disappeared soon afterwards. Several years later, Beverley took on the role of Coronation Street’s Liz McDonald in 1989. She appeared on the soap during the course of several stints, the last of which ended in 2020 – with Liz leaving Weatherfield for Spain as COVID struck in real life.

5. Anna Friel

In 1992, future Marcella star Anna Friel appeared in Emmerdale, playing a young visitor to Emmerdale’s Holiday Village. While there, she developed a crush on Joe Sugden, to the amusement of Kim Tate. She followed this up with an appearance on Coronation Street before becoming a household name during the 2 years she spent playing Beth Jordache on the Channel 4 soap opera Brookside.

Emmerdale stars in rival soaps continued:

6. Catherine Tyldesley

Appearing in a scant 20 episodes in 2010, Catherine Tyldesley played prison guard Abi Peterson. Leaving the same year, she moved to Manchester where she took on the role of Leanne Battersby’s estranged sister in Coronation Street. After seven years on the cobbles, she left Corrie in 2018. The actor will reportedly return to the soap to reprise the role later this year.

7. Hayley Tamaddon

One of the more forgotten Dingles, Hayley Tamaddon played Del Dingle, staying with her family in the village for two years between 2005 and 2007. After leaving, she followed in the footsteps of many before her, going on to play Andrea Beckett in Coronation Street.

8. Sheree Murphy

She’s remembered for one of the most tragic Emmerdale deaths of all time, with Tricia Dingle meeting her sad end after half the Woolpack fell on her during a freak storm. Star Sheree Murphy went on to trade in Yorkshire for Australia, appearing on soap opera Neighbours between 2014 and 2018. Slightly less glamorously, she also appeared on the Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks from 2010 – 2011, playing Eva Strong.

Even more Emmerdale stars in rival soaps:

9. Angela Griffin

Appearing on Emmerdale for two episodes in 1993, Angela Griffin’s stay in the Dales wasn’t exactly impactful. Destined for bigger things than all that, she went on to appear on Coronation Street that same year, where she remained until 2019. Since then Angela has racked up a career in TV and film, including a leading role in Waterloo Road and appearing opposite Stephen Graham in the 2021 COVID drama Help. Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale in 2025? A complete guide to departures, returns and new arrivals in the Dales Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am. Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm. What do you think of our story? Visit our Facebook page @emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think!