The soap opera, which has been on our screens since 1972, is heading into its 53rd year. But where are the original cast of Emmerdale now?
What happened to the original cast of Emmerdale? (Image: GETTY)
Emmerdale, the beloved soap opera that first aired in 1972, is now entering its 53rd year.
Over five decades, characters have come and gone in this Yorkshire-based drama, but the essence of the village – with its romances, action, and humour – remains unchanged, maintaining its popularity. So, where are the original Emmerdale actors now?
Jack Sugden – Andrew Burt
Jack Sugden, who was played by Andrew Burt, was the estranged son of Annie and her late husband Jaco (Image: Getty)
Andrew Burt portrayed Jack Sugden, the estranged son of Annie and her late husband Jacob Sugden. He was a part of the show until 1976, before Jack returned four years later, recast as actor Clive Hornby who stayed for 28 years.
After his time on Emmerdale, Burt appeared in Poirot, Doctor Who, Warship, The Legend of King Arthur, Campion, Oscar Charlie, I’m Alan Partridge and Doctors. He later became a qualified counsellor, running his own practice before sadly passing away from lung cancer at the age of 73 in 2018.
Annie Sugden – Sheila Mercier
Sheila Mercier played Annie Sugden, the matriarch of the Sugden family in the 1970s. She continued to portray Annie until 1996, making occasional appearances in the soap until 2009.
Emmerdale was Mercier’s final acting role before she retired alongside her husband and fellow actor Peter Mercier, with whom she had two children. The much-loved actress passed away at the age of 100 in 2019.
Prior to Emmerdale, Mercier featured in Nothing Barred and Laughter from The Whitehall.
Joe Sugden – Frazer Hines
The second of Annie’s sons, Joe was played by actor Frazier Hines (Image: Getty)
Annie’s second son, Joe, was portrayed by actor Frazier Hines. He remained a part of Emmerdale until 1994 and has since appeared in various TV shows and films such as Lost at Christmas, Out of Sight, Two Days in the Smoke, and most recently, Doctor Who: The Abominable Snowmen.
The Leeds-born 79 year old began his acting career as a child, starring in A King in New York alongside Charlie Chaplin.
Marian Wilks – Gail Harrison
Marian was the first character to be seen in Emmerdale (Image: Getty)
Marian Wilks, played by Gail Harrison, was the first character to grace the screen in Emmerdale, appearing on horseback in the opening scene of the inaugural episode. She had a tumultuous romance with Jack Sugden in the early days of the show and was the daughter of Henry Wilks. She remained on the show for six years.
After leaving the ITV series, actress Gail Harrison went on to play Val in the sitcom Hi-de-Hi and Brelca in the children’s fantasy drama Return of the Antelope. She also featured in the popular comedy Only Fools and Horses as Joanne in 1989.
Sam Pearson, known as Grandad but actually Annie’s father, was brought to life by Toke Townley. He tragically passed away from a heart attack during a filming break in 1984 at the age of 71.
Peggy Skilbeck – Jo Kendall
Annie’s eldest daughter, Peggy Skilbeck, was portrayed by actress Jo Kendall. Despite being married, Peggy Skilbeck was only a regular character on the show for a year.
The talented actress and writer also starred in the 1979 drama Scum and the romantic 1992 film Howards End, featuring Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson. Her final acting role was in Bridge of Dragons in 1999 before her death in 2022.
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Where original Emmerdale cast are now – from tragic death to 100th birthday
The soap opera, which has been on our screens since 1972, is heading into its 53rd year. But where are the original cast of Emmerdale now?
Emmerdale, the beloved soap opera that first aired in 1972, is now entering its 53rd year.
Over five decades, characters have come and gone in this Yorkshire-based drama, but the essence of the village – with its romances, action, and humour – remains unchanged, maintaining its popularity. So, where are the original Emmerdale actors now?
Jack Sugden – Andrew Burt
Andrew Burt portrayed Jack Sugden, the estranged son of Annie and her late husband Jacob Sugden. He was a part of the show until 1976, before Jack returned four years later, recast as actor Clive Hornby who stayed for 28 years.
After his time on Emmerdale, Burt appeared in Poirot, Doctor Who, Warship, The Legend of King Arthur, Campion, Oscar Charlie, I’m Alan Partridge and Doctors. He later became a qualified counsellor, running his own practice before sadly passing away from lung cancer at the age of 73 in 2018.
Annie Sugden – Sheila Mercier
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Sheila Mercier played Annie Sugden, the matriarch of the Sugden family in the 1970s. She continued to portray Annie until 1996, making occasional appearances in the soap until 2009.
Emmerdale was Mercier’s final acting role before she retired alongside her husband and fellow actor Peter Mercier, with whom she had two children. The much-loved actress passed away at the age of 100 in 2019.
Prior to Emmerdale, Mercier featured in Nothing Barred and Laughter from The Whitehall.
Joe Sugden – Frazer Hines
Annie’s second son, Joe, was portrayed by actor Frazier Hines. He remained a part of Emmerdale until 1994 and has since appeared in various TV shows and films such as Lost at Christmas, Out of Sight, Two Days in the Smoke, and most recently, Doctor Who: The Abominable Snowmen.
The Leeds-born 79 year old began his acting career as a child, starring in A King in New York alongside Charlie Chaplin.
Marian Wilks – Gail Harrison
Marian Wilks, played by Gail Harrison, was the first character to grace the screen in Emmerdale, appearing on horseback in the opening scene of the inaugural episode. She had a tumultuous romance with Jack Sugden in the early days of the show and was the daughter of Henry Wilks. She remained on the show for six years.
After leaving the ITV series, actress Gail Harrison went on to play Val in the sitcom Hi-de-Hi and Brelca in the children’s fantasy drama Return of the Antelope. She also featured in the popular comedy Only Fools and Horses as Joanne in 1989.
Sam Pearson, known as Grandad but actually Annie’s father, was brought to life by Toke Townley. He tragically passed away from a heart attack during a filming break in 1984 at the age of 71.
Peggy Skilbeck – Jo Kendall
Annie’s eldest daughter, Peggy Skilbeck, was portrayed by actress Jo Kendall. Despite being married, Peggy Skilbeck was only a regular character on the show for a year.
The talented actress and writer also starred in the 1979 drama Scum and the romantic 1992 film Howards End, featuring Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson. Her final acting role was in Bridge of Dragons in 1999 before her death in 2022.
Henry Wilks – Arthur Pentelow
Arthur Pentelow, who portrayed retired factory owner and father of Marian, Henry Wilks, tragically suffered a heart attack while driving back to Leeds for filming in 1991. He left behind his wife and two children, including son Nicholas, a saxophonist for the band Wizzard.
Amos Brearly – Ronald Magill
Ronald Magill, known for his role as pub landlord and village gossip Amos Brearly, was a mainstay on the show from 1972 to 1995, appearing in over 1300 episodes. He passed away in 2007.
