Alicia Metcalfe in Emmerdale: traumatic sexual assault, family lies, and shooting drama
Alicia was a real fan favourite
Alicia Metcalfe was Leyla Harding’s sister, adoptive mum of Jacob Gallagher, who arrived in Emmerdale in dramatic fashion to have a screaming match with her sister at their mum’s funeral!
And to be quite honest, her time in the village didn’t get any quieter from then on.
But despite the drama, Alicia became a real fan fave over her years in the village. Viewers were hoping she’d return for Leyla’s funeral and to support bereaved Jacob but sadly that didn’t happen.
So we thought it was time for a reminder about who Alicia was and everything she got up to in her time in the village.
Alicia Metcalfe’s arrival
Alicia Gallagher as she was then came to the village with husband Justin and son Jacob, to warn Leyla to stay away from their mum’s funeral. Leyla didn’t listen, of course, and the sisters fell out BIG time.
A little while later, Alicia returned to the village after her marriage broke down. It was revealed that the problems between the sisters were because Alicia wasn’t Jacob’s biological mum – it was Leyla. Alicia had adopted her baby when she was struggling to conceive.
When Jacob overheard the sisters arguing, he ran away and during the time he was gone, Justin admitted that while Alicia wasn’t Jacob’s mum, he was in fact his dad. He and Leyla had a one-night stand and she’d got pregnant.
Alicia tried to stop Justin seeing Jacob but eventually relented.
Alicia Metcalfe and her Emmerdale romances
Alicia had a brief hook-up with Declan Macey then started a relationship with Andy Sugden.
But things fell apart when Andy and his ex Debbie Dingle decided to have a ‘saviour sibling’ for their daughter Sarah.
Alicia tried to be supportive when Debbie got pregnant, but when she discovered that Andy and Debbie had sex, she wasn’t impressed. The pair split.
Alicia moved back in with David Metcalfe and though he said they were just friends, she began to develop feelings for him.
And when Val gave David a piece of her mind, Alicia saw red on his behalf. She punched Val! With previous convictions, she was sent to jail.
Alicia Metcalfe’s return to the village
After a year Alicia came home and she was devastated to discover that David was now in a relationship with Priya.
Trying to ignore her feelings for David, Alicia began a romance with Dom Andrews. But during a siege at the Woolpack Alicia was shot by serial killer Cameron Murray.
David rushed to help and when Alicia was in hospital the pair admitted their feelings for one another.
They eventually tied the knot – on the same day as Leyla returned to the village. See what we mean about drama?
Telling Jacob the truth
When Priya discovered that Jacob was Leyla’s son, Alicia was worried he was going to reveal everything, so she told Jacob herself. Jacob was upset but eventually came to terms with the revelation.
Alicia Metcalfe and her sexual assault in Emmerdale
Creepy teen Lachlan White developed a bit of an obsession with Alicia and began to mistake her friendliness for something else. He sexually assaulted her and in the aftermath, Alicia had a breakdown.
Realising Alicia was struggling to cope, Paul Lambert asked her and David to join him in Portugal to run a bar. They agreed and together they left the village.
When Eric had a heart attack, they came home but after Val’s death, Alicia said she wanted to go back to Portugal. With David determined to stay in Emmerdale, Alicia left him behind and the pair divorced.
Who played Alicia?
Alicia was played by TV and musical theatre star Natalie Anderson.
Emmerdale fans are confused after it was announced that former star Natalie Anderson is to join Coronation Street.
Natalie, who played Alicia Metcalfe in Emmerdale, will play Danielle in Corrie. Danielle, is the wife of newcomer Theo – a builder who’s caught the eye of Todd Grimshaw.
Who was Alicia?
Alicia was Leyla’s sister and the adoptive mum of Leyla’s son, Jacob.
So when Leyla was killed in the shocking limo crash recently, fans hoped Alicia would return to pay her respects to her sister and support grieving Jacob.
But Alicia didn’t show up – apparently because she had a broken leg.
Fans thought it could be because Natalie Anderson’s career has been non-stop since she left Emmerdale. She’s played Nessarose in the West End production of Wicked, and appeared on Loose Women and This Morning.
Plus Natalie played Lexi Calder in Hollyoaks from 2021 until 2022.
She had roles Liam Neeson thriller Memory as well as in Happy Valley, and the smash-hit adaptation of the Harlan Coben book Fool Me Once.
Natalie’s joining Coronation Street
Natalie played Claire Walker in Fool Me Once – the sister of the character played by former Corrie star Michelle Keegan.
Funnily enough, Natalie’s resemblance to Michelle Keegan, which won her the role of Claire on Fool Me prevented her getting a part in Corrie several years ago.
But now Natalie will finally get to step on to the cobbles as Danielle.
Fans though are disappointed she’s joining another soap, instead of coming back to Emmerdale as Alicia.
“I though Alicia might come back,” said one disgruntled viewer.
And others speculated that Alicia could still return – but played by a different actress. We’re not sure how we feel about that!
#Emmerdale Alicia might return now her sister is dead if she does i wonder if she’ll have a new head
— c (@ChantalMascoe) February 21, 2025
We are disappointed that Alicia doesn’t appear to be coming back to Emmerdale any time soon. But we love Natalie Anderson so as soap fans we’re glad we’ll get our fix on the Corrie cobbles instead!
Read more: Complete guide to the Emmerdale cast 2025
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV, with an early release at 7am on ITVX.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs weekdays at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm on ITV3.
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