New Emmerdale producer teases Dingle drama

A new dawn has arrived in Emmerdale as producer Sophie Roper has stepped in to take over. And she’s got a lot of exciting storylines up her sleeve to shake the show up.

Working alongside Laura Shaw, who has been there for many years, Sophie has revealed to Entertainment Daily and other media that they have “got some brilliant storylines happening at the minute”. And the drama is set to continue over summer and into the new year.

Fancy some teasers about what we can look forward to? Of course you do! Over to Sophie.

Zak Dingle sits in a chair looking concerned in Emmerdale — Zak’s memory will be honoured (Credit: ITV)

The Dingles take centre stage

If you want drama in Emmerdale then you need look no further than the Dingle clan. There’s A LOT going on with them right now, including Samson being stabbed by Matty and of course the horror of Belle’s abuse at the hands of Tom.

But why stop there? Why not throw even more at them? That’s exactly what Sophie and co are planning.

“The Dingles have been at the heart of the show for 30 years and will continue to be so,” said Sophie. “But as many of you will know we lost Steve Halliwell (who played Zak Dingle) recently.”

Steve Halliwell, who died in December 2023, had played Zak Dingle since the 1990s. And now Emmerdale are going to mark his death in the best possible way.

“We’re going to be marking Zak’s passing in the coming months with a Dingle funeral. It will be very difficult for a lot of people who work on the show and the viewers who have loved Zak for many years, but it’ll be a hugely fitting tribute to such an iconic character.”

Belle looks sad as Charity tries to talk to her — Will Belle be able to break free? (Credit: ITV)

Tom’s abuse leaves Belle in terrible danger

As well as the devastation of her dad’s death, Belle will also face more terror at the hands of her abusive husband Tom.

Sophie explained: “We have a special episode coming up, that sees Tom and Belle head off to Wales on a trip away together.

“But set to the backdrop of this beautiful cottage, is a hard-hitting, difficult story. Tom is isolating Belle from her family, her surroundings, everything she knows and loves, which is very much a typical trait of abusers.”

Emmerdale's Paddy and Mandy stand under a leopard print umbrella — Ding dong the bells are gonna chime for Paddy and Mandy (Credit: ITV)

Emmerdale producer reveals a Dingle wedding

It is not all doom and gloom – for once – in the Dales as a Dingle wedding is coming up. And it’s not just any Dingle wedding, it’s Mandy Dingle’s wedding, so we know it’s going to be big, bright and lots of fun.

And Sophie has teased exactly that: “We’ve had Mandy’s dress made in-house by one of our dressmakers – it’s going to be very Mandy, very big, very fun!”

Oliver Farnworth is playing John Sugden in Emmerdale — Oliver Farnworth is playing John Sugden (Credit: ITV)

John Sugden comes to town

As well as new Emmerdale producer Sophie revealing there will be some returning characters she also announced a new face. And that face belongs to former Coronation Street star Oliver Farnworth. The Andy Carver actor will be arriving as John Sugden. No, we’ve never heard of him before either, but it’s about time the iconic Sugden family was beefed up.

“The Sugdens, just like the Dingles are an iconic family group and we’re keen to cement them back in the show,” Sophie explained. “John will bring lots of drama to the Dales, which I’m going to keep tight-lipped about for now.”

Caleb looks worried behind Ruby as she looks down in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV) — These two? More drama? Never! (Credit: ITV)

More from Caleb and Ruby promises new Emmerdale producer

Caleb and Ruby might not have been around for a long time, but they’ve definitely made their mark. And we’re set to find out even more about their past when someone else arrives.

Sophie explained: “We’re going to see a blast from their past come back and give us more info about this complicated relationship between husband and wife, and the complicated family dynamics we have there.”

Ella looks sad in Emmerdale — Ella will be back (Credit: ITV)

Ella is back

We may have thought Ella had gone for good after her child-killer secret was revealed. Liam cast her out, Manpreet didn’t want to know and Ella realised there was no place for her in the village any more.

But Sophie assures that isn’t the last we’ve seen of her: “Ella will continue in the show but her past will continue to haunt her.

“Will she ever get her happy ever after? And can she ever escape the past that’s led her to this point?”

Don’t forget the stunts!

Of course Emmerdale is known for its super-stunts and that won’t change under Sophie’s leadership.

“We have some stunts filming this week,” Sophie teased. Although she did not reveal exactly what the stunts would involve she added: “There will be fire engines. It’s an explosive week of Emmerdale!”