Emmerdale is a British soap opera first broadcast on 16 October 1972.[1] The following is a list of characters that first appeared during 2022, by order of first appearance. All characters are introduced by the soap's executive producer, Jane Hudson.[2] Marcus Dean (Darcy Grey) in February as the son of Pierce Harris (Jonathan Wrather). He was followed by Mary Goskirk (Louise Jameson), the mother of Rhona (Zoë Henry), in March. That same month, Martelle Edinborough debuted as Suzy Merton, a love interest for Vanessa Woodfield (Michelle Hardwick). Karene Peter then debuted in June as Naomi Walters, the daughter of Charles Anderson (Kevin Mathurin). Then, in December, Lewis Cope joined as Nicky. He was followed by William Ash, who joined as Caleb Miligan, the half-brother of Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) and Chas Dingle (Lucy Pargeter). Additionally, multiple other characters appeared in 2022.
See main article: Marcus Dean. 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.
See main article: Mary Goskirk. Mary Goskirk, played by Louise Jameson, made her first appearance on 7 March 2022.[5] She was introduced as the mother of established character of Rhona (Zoë Henry), whom she has a "strained relationship" with.[6] 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. 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". 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". Bird hinted that despite her likeability in the village, it would not be long before she had arguments with villagers.
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." 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". 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". Metros Sabrina Barr wrote that Mary has a bold persona as she's "quick-witted and headstrong".[7] 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).
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.[8] Mary's vulnerable side was explored when she confides in Kim about being a lesbian.[9] Jameson was shocked that writers had made Mary a late life lesbian, but was happy to be part of the representation.[10] 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.[11]
| Gail Hancock | |
| Series: | Emmerdale |
| Portrayer: | Elizabeth Boag |
| First: | Episode 9317 |
| Last: | Episode 9346 |
| Introducer: | Jane Hudson |
| Classification: | Former; guest |
| Occupation: | Nurse |
Gail Hancock, played by Elizabeth Boag,[12] a nurse who takes care of Marlon Dingle (Mark Charnock) when he suffers a stroke. She appeared in 13 episodes between 22 March and 25 April 2022. Despite her short stint, her character had an impact on viewers shortly after her arrival and the character received praise such as "Gail is a good Nurse! Go the NHS"[13] and "Gail has a gorgeous bedside manner" reported by LancsLive on 31 March. Gail departed on April 25, and fans wanted her to remain in the series reported Liverpool Echo, with fans saying "You were like a breath of fresh air I'm gutted you are gone ...We need you back asap."[14] Charnock, who plays Marlon also praised Boag by saying "You were wonderful in the part, Liz! Just superb."
See main article: Suzy Merton. Suzy Merton, played by Martelle Edinborough, made her first appearance on 30 March 2022.[15] She was introduced as a love interest for Vanessa Woodfield (Michelle Hardwick)[16] 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." Edinborough felt that especially due to being from Leeds, where Emmerdale is filmed, the job was perfect for her.
| Jordan Greenlow | |
| Series: | Emmerdale |
| Portrayer: | Jack Parr |
| First: | Episode 9349/50 |
| Last: | Episode 9367/8 |
| Introducer: | Jane Hudson |
| Classification: | Former; guest |
Jordan Greenlow, played by Jack Parr,[17] is a man who first appears on 28 April when Ethan Anderson (Emile John) is called to represent after he is arrested for assault. It is revealed that the victim is one of Ethan’s neighbours, Billy Fletcher (Jay Kontzle), who claims that the attack was racially motivated. Because of this, Ethan feels that he has to continue representing Jordan, otherwise he would be judged. When Billy finds out Ethan is representing Jordan, he is furious. Jordan later reappears on 18 May and visits Billy and tries to intimidate him. When Ethan learns of this, he informs Jordan that he will no longer represent him. Jordan responds by attacking Ethan, after which he is arrested.[18] He last appeared on 19 May.
| Callum Matthews | |
| Series: | Emmerdale |
| Portrayer: | Tom Ashley |
| First: | Episode 9355/6 |
| Last: | Episode 9627/8 |
| Years: | 2022–2023 |
| Introducer: | Jane Hudson |
| Classification: | Former; recurring |
| Occupation: | Drug Dealer |
Callum Matthews, played by Tom Ashley[19] was Leyla Cavanagh (Roxy Shahidi)'s drug dealer, who appeared between 5 May and 8 August and returned in January 2023.
When Callum returned in January 2023, he paid Leyla to store a bag of drugs for him. After her son, Jacob Gallagher (Joe-Warren Plant), learns of her addiction, he arranges to meet Callum with a knife. However, Callum grabs hold of his knife and stabs Jacob. After Leyla sees him months later dealing drugs in a club, she reports him to the police and boasts in his face that she has got him caught. He is let out on bail and comes after Leyla. He takes her, Jacob and Suzy Merton (Martelle Edinborough) hostage with a gun,[20] but is eventually caught by the police.[21]
| Kit | |
| Series: | Emmerdale |
| Portrayer: | Thoren Ferguson |
| First: | Episode 9367/8 |
| Last: | Episode 9452 |
| Introducer: | Jane Hudson |
| Classification: | Former; recurring |
| Occupation: | Physio Therapist |
Christopher "Kit", played by Thoren Ferguson,[22] is Marlon Dingle's (Mark Charnock) physiotherapist that helps him in his recovery following his stroke. He appeared between 19 May and 26 August. During his time in the village, he embarks on a relationship with Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy). Whilst they are seeing each other, Kit arranges a date with Gabby Thomas (Rosie Bentham), who, unbeknownst to him, is Laurel's stepdaughter. He uses the alias "Chris" and he and Gabby are eventually caught by Laurel, and they both realise that he has been seeing them both. When Laurel's ex-partner Jai Sharma (Chris Bisson) discovers this, he punches Kit, who eventually leaves the village, and quits as Marlon's therapist, leaving him disappointed.
Laura-Jayne Tyler from Inside Soap joked, "Hmm. Marlon's physio Kit is just calling out for some memorable rhyming nickname. If only we could think of one."[23]
| Jason Denshaw | |
| Series: | Emmerdale |
| Portrayer: | Parry Glasspool |
| First: | Episode 9380 |
| Last: | Episode 9395 |
| Introducer: | Jane Hudson |
| Classification: | Former; guest |
| Occupation: | Drug Dealer |
Jason Denshaw, played by Parry Glasspool,[24] is the former drug dealer of Jai Sharma (Chris Bisson) who sells cocaine to Leyla Cavanagh (Roxy Shahidi). He appears between 3 and 22 June, and was described to "appear as part of an ongoing storyline between Leyla Cavanagh and her friend Suzy Merton." He attempts to blackmail Leyla and her business partner, Suzy Merton (Martelle Edinborough) into allowing him to sell drugs to their clients, Suzy records him. She then informs him that if he attempts to blackmail him again, she will go to the police with her recording, incriminating him with his drug dealing business. He then leaves the pair alone. Glasspool had previously played series regular Harry Thompson in Channel 4 soap, Hollyoaks. Craig Jones from Leeds Live described that "soapland is a small place".
| Colin Hamston | |
| Series: | Emmerdale |
| Portrayer: | Mark Noble |
| First: | Episode 9381 |
| Last: | Episode 9752/3 |
| Years: | 2022–2023 |
| Introducer: | Jane Hudson |
| Classification: | Former; recurring |
| Occupation: | Councillor |
| Wife: | Rachel Hamston (backstory) |
| Sons: | Marshall Hamston |
Colin Hamston, played by Mark Noble[25] was a local councillor and the homophobic father of Marshall Hamston (Max Fletcher), who first appeared in June for four episodes, but then returned again in January 2023, when Marshall was first introduced.
When Marshall comes out as gay, Colin's homophobic views make him disgusted in his son. After he befriended Arthur Thomas (Alfie Clarke), he sends him to boarding school, but after he comes home, Colin isolates and abuses him physically and emotionally. Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy), Arthur's mother, forces her way into their family home and takes Marshall with her, as well as threatening Colin that if he tries to get to Marshall again, she will report and expose him. After Marshall moves away to live with his Aunt Jean, Colin demands for his whereabouts and even holds Laurel captive in his home,[26] which leads to his later arrest after being exposed publicly for the bigot he really was.[27]
See main article: Naomi Walters. Naomi Walters, played by Karene Peter, made her first uncredited appearance on 14 June 2022,[28] with her first credited appearance airing on 5 July 2022.[29] 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.[30] 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. 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.
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.[31] 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.[32] However, Metro writer Sue Haasler appreciated that she is "a headstrong young woman who insists on making her own decisions in life".[33]
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.[34] 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.[35]
| Series: | Emmerdale |
| Terry Pickforth | |
| Introducer: | Steve Frost |
| Portrayer: | Neil Bell |
| Classification: | Former; recurring |
| First: | Episode 9412 12 July 2022 |
| Last: | Episode 9482 3 October 2022 |
Terry Pickforth, portrayed by Neil Bell,[36] was an acquaintance of Sandra Flaherty (Joanne Mitchell) whom she owed £4000 to. He made his first appearance on 12 July 2022, where he was initially credited as Terry, but as of Episode 9448 airing on 23 August, he was credited with his surname. Many fans recognised Bell when he first appeared. This was his second role in Emmerdale, as he had played a person in a bar in December 2009. Bell has also appeared in ITV's other soap opera, Coronation Street playing four different roles,[37]