List of Emmerdale characters (2022)

Darcy Grey portrayed Marcus.

Marcus Dean, played by Darcy Grey, made his first appearance on 3 February 2022. He was introduced as the son of established former character Pierce Harris (Jonathan Wrather), who is in prison due to murdering Graham Foster (Andrew Scarborough). Justin Harp of Digital Spy wrote that Marcus arrives in the fictional village with his own traumatic experiences from living with Pierce, who abused his mother. Harp wrote that Marcus shares numerous traits with Pierce, such as his brooding, suaveness and good looks. He also questioned whether Marcus would share Pierce's violent attributes.[3] Grey later said that Marcus believes he is not like Pierce, but as his storylines evolve, he shares more similarities to Pierce.[4] Producer Kate Brooks said that Marcus' arrival will "ruffle a few feathers and flutter a few hearts in the village" and confirmed that viewers would soon realise that he is more than the son of Pierce.[3] However, Brooks hinted that some villagers may not be as accepting of Marcus due to him potentially being "forever doomed to live in the shadow of his father's heinous crimes".[3] Rhona Goskirk (Zoë Henry), who was raped by Pierce, is worried by Marcus' arrival in the village. Inside Soap wrote that her life "is to be turned upside down" by his arrival and that the story would see her happiness with partner Marlon Dingle (Mark Charnock) threatened.[5]

Grey said that when his agent sent him the character, he was "quietly smiling inside".[3] He described the moment he was cast in the role as "one of those pinch-yourself moments actors simply dream of", especially since he felt he could connect to Marcus and shared attributes with him.[3] Prior to his casting, he was working as a dog food salesman, and whilst in the audition process for the role, he watched the original storyline between Pierce and Rhona to get an idea for his character's father.[4] Grey described Marcus as an outcast and an open book with an uncertain future, hinting that his initial storylines see him want to be loved and escape the reputation of his father. He added that he was excited for viewers of the soap to meet Marcus and watch his journey.[3] Executive producer Jane Hudson also revealed that Marcus would become romantically involved with an established character and to watch his scenes to see a "new romance blossom".[6] Dan Seddon, also of Digital Spy, wrote that he would "flirt his way around Emmerdale village".[6] The romantic connection is later revealed to be with Ethan Anderson (Emile John), who stops Marcus from leaving the village after feeling unwanted. Their relationship "takes a step in the right direction" when they eventually decide to move in together.[7]

For his portrayal of Marcus, Grey was nominated for the British Soap Award for Best Newcomer at the 2022 ceremony.[8] In February 2023, it was announced that Grey had quit Emmerdale.[9] His "low-key exit" aired later that month after the character cheats on Ethan with his ex.[10]

Mary Goskirk, played by Louise Jameson, made her first appearance on 7 March 2022.[11] She was introduced as the mother of established character of Rhona (Zoë Henry), whom she has a "strained relationship" with.[12] Mary was described by Digital Spy's Hannah Bird as a "no nonsense" character and noted that Rhona feels as though she can never live up to her expectations.[12] However, due to Marcus Dean's (Darcy Grey) arrival in the village causing upset for Rhona due to his connection to her rapist, Bird felt that Mary's arrival in the village could be "the prime opportunity for them to build bridges and heal their relationship".[12] Her arrival initially unsettles Rhona as she feels there is a hidden agenda and treats her with suspicion, while other villagers "welcome her with open arms, finding her wit endearing".[12] Bird hinted that despite her likeability in the village, it would not be long before she had arguments with villagers.[12]

On joining Emmerdale, Jameson said: "It feels like such a gift to be welcomed into the Emmerdale cast. Playing Zoe's on-screen mum is the icing on the cake."[12] Producer Laura Shaw was thrilled to welcome Jameson into the cast, noting that her experience in the industry would be "a fabulous asset to the show".[12] On the character, Shaw added that she is intelligent, witty and complex and that for Rhona, "there won't ever be a dull moment whilst her domineering mother is around".[12] Metro's Sabrina Barr wrote that Mary has a bold persona as she's "quick-witted and headstrong".[13] Barr also confirmed Rhona's suspicions about Mary by revealing that Mary does have a hidden reason for her move to the village. She also noted Jameson's former experience on the soap, having played Sharon Crossthwaite in 1973, a cousin of Annie Sugden (Sheila Mercier).[13]

Soon into her arrival, she strikes up a friendship with Kim Tate (Claire King) and their pairing has been well-received by critics and viewers.[14] Mary's vulnerable side was explored when she confides in Kim about being a lesbian.[15] Jameson was shocked that writers had made Mary a late life lesbian, but was happy to be part of the representation.[16] Later storylines have seen Mary begin dating Faye Helders (Jane Gurnett), who cons Mary and releases revenge porn of her. She initially struggles with the events, but is inspired when April Windsor (Amelia Flanagan) wants to become a journalist like her. Viewers were initially wary of Mary's intentions upon her arrival, but quickly into her tenure, she was dubbed a fan favourite whose wit and nerve was found entertaining.[17]

Suzy Merton, played by Martelle Edinborough, made her first appearance on 30 March 2022.[18] She was introduced as a love interest for Vanessa Woodfield (Michelle Hardwick). The pair meet when Vanessa bumps into Suzy, who is carrying a cake that gets ruined by the accident. Despite the "slightly mortifying introduction", they meet a week later and share a flirty interaction, which leads to a dinner date.[19] On her casting on the soap, Edinborough said: "My feet haven't quite touched the ground yet, I'm still on this massive cloud high up in the sky, but it's been going really, really good. It's just like a family, and it sounds so cliché but it really is and everyone is so lovely and welcoming and helps you settle in really nicely."[19] Edinborough had just gotten out of the shower when she learned of her casting and recalled dramatically falling to her knees when her agent informed her that she had booked the role. She felt that especially due to being from Leeds, where Emmerdale is filmed, the job was perfect for her.[19]

Of Suzy, the actress said that she is a fun, confident and gregarious character who "doesn't take any nonsense and likes to get what she wants".[19] Edinborough said that there are several different storylines coming up for Suzy which she was excited for. She hinted that one of these could be her budding romance with Vanessa since she believed the pair have a connection. She felt that Suzy is "pleasantly surprised with Vanessa, she's got something about her that Suzy likes and she's not quite sure what as yet".[19] Another of Suzy's storylines was her surprise connection to established character Leyla Harding (Roxy Shahidi). When Leyla learns of Suzy's budding relationship with Vanessa, she warns her that she cannot pursue a relationship with someone from her village due to the past the pair share.[20] It was later revealed the pair deal drugs together.

Naomi Walters, played by Karene Peter, made her first uncredited appearance on 14 June 2022,[21] with her first credited appearance airing on 5 July 2022.[22] She was introduced as the daughter of Charles (Kevin Mathurin) and Esme (Eva Fontaine), and the younger sister of Ethan (Emile John). Naomi was initially referenced on the soap in October 2021 when Esme mentions her to Charles.[23] Her backstory involves being put up for adoption by Esme, who was cheated on by Charles and suffered from postpartum depression. Esme and Naomi later met up, but Charles had refused to meet her.[23] When Charles learns that Naomi has gone missing, he feels responsible for her disappearance so he hunts for her. He discovers her working in a bar, arguing with her boss. Charles defends her in the argument and knocks her boss over.[23]

Her first major storyline sees her involved in an attack against village local Nicola King (Nicola Wheeler). The reaction from locals sees her ostracised, but despite their distaste for her, Naomi's characterisation remains bolshy and argumentative.[24] Throughout her tenure, Naomi is shown to be a feisty, stubborn and strong-willed character. She has various feuds, including spats with her family, Manpreet Sharma (Rebecca Sarker), Rhona Goskirk (Zoë Henry) and her bosses at the Woolpack. She is also conned by Alex Moore (Liam Boyle), which shows a vulnerable side to Naomi when she is devastated by his lies. Peter announced her decision to leave Emmerdale in April 2023, with her exit set to air in July 2023. Viewers were not a fan of Naomi, with many being unappreciative of her nasty nature.[25] However, Metro writer Sue Haasler appreciated that she is "a headstrong young woman who insists on making her own decisions in life".[26]

On 25 April 2023, a day after the casting announcement of Naomi's grandmother Claudette (Flo Wilson), it was announced that Peter had quit her role as Naomi. A spokesperson said that Peter had enjoyed her time on Emmerdale, but due to wanting to play different roles, she had made the decision to leave. Radio Times reported that her exit would be set to air in summer 2023.[27] After her short but "eventful" tenure on the soap, it was confirmed that her exit would be written in a way that could accommodate her return in the future.[28]

Nicky Miligan, played by Lewis Cope, first appeared on 14 December 2022.[29] He was introduced as a male nanny who attends an interview for a job caring for Gabby Thomas (Rosie Bentham) and Dawn Fletcher's (Olivia Bromley) children at Home Farm. Nicky and Gabby are shown to be attracted to each other and he eventually stops working as her nanny so that they can pursue a relationship. In spite of Kim Tate's (Claire King) disapproval for their relationship, he proposes to Gabby and she accepts.

In April 2023, in an unannounced twist, it was revealed that Nicky is son of Caleb Miligan (William Ash), and the grandson of Frank Tate (Norman Bowler) and Faith Dingle (Sally Dexter). In an interview with Digital Spy, Cope said that he did not know about the twist. He explained: "I thought I was coming in as a love interest to Gabby. It was further down the line I got the scripts and it started to reveal itself for me. It was a nice surprise as I wasn't pre-empting anything. I could just look at what was on the script and make that work."[30] Cope was excited for viewers to see the pair working together to take over Home Farm. [30]

On the episode broadcast on July 17, 2023, Gabby Thomas told a detective that before the truth came out about Nicky and Caleb, Nicky told her that his surname was Fox.

Caleb Miligan, played by William Ash, made his first appearance on 25 December 2022. The character and Ash's casting details were announced on 26 November 2022.[31] Of his casting, Ash stated "I'm thrilled to be joining such an iconic show. Emmerdale is packed full of fantastic actors and I'm really looking forward to working alongside them. Caleb is a fantastically complex character and I can't wait to get stuck in."[31] Caleb is introduced as the long-lost brother of Cain (Jeff Hordley) and Chas Dingle (Lucy Pargeter), and the estranged son of Faith Dingle (Sally Dexter), who died from breast cancer before his arrival. His presence causes issues between Cain and Chas, as she learns that Cain knew about Caleb and kept him a secret from her.[31] Caleb was billed as "calm and in control, rich and successful, at first glance Caleb is everything his brother isn't, but will the pair find they have more in common than they thought?"[31] It was also teased that Caleb's arrival would "shake things up" for the Dingle family.[31]

Caleb spends months becoming a business partner of Kim Tate (Claire King). Then in April 2023, in an unannounced twist, Caleb was revealed to be the son of Kim's first husband, Frank Tate (Norman Bowler). Caleb is also the father of Nicky (Lewis Cope), who had also spent months getting close to Gabby Thomas (Rosie Bentham). It was confirmed that both Caleb and Nicky had got close to Kim and Gabby in a bid to take Home Farm over. Ash knew about the storyline since his casting and was excited for viewers to discover the truth. He was also excited for the storyline to cause further disruption between the Tate and Dingle families due to their long-running feud in the soap.[30]

• Characters and cast at itv.com
• Characters and cast at IMDb