Cast Guide 2018

Ryan Hawley plays Robert Sugden

Robert was born on screen on April 22, 1986 and has been played by four different actors over the years. Ryan Hawley took over the role in 2014 when Robert returned to the village after several years away. 

Robert's on-screen partnership with Aaron Dingle has helped to make the character more popular than ever before – with an army of #Robron fans supporting their boys every step of the way.

Isabel Hodgins plays Victoria Barton

Daughter of the late Jack and Sarah Sugden, Victoria was born on screen in March 1994. She's been played by three different actors over the years, but current star Isabel Hodgins has been the longest-serving, having taken over in 2006. 

Victoria was left devastated this year when her husband Adam fled from the village to go on the run from the law. Could there be new love on the horizon for her this year?

Steve Halliwell plays Zak Dingle

One of the most recognisable stars from the Dales, Steve has been playing Zak since October 1994. We'd be here all day if we listed all of his family connections past and present, but he's best known these days as the (not-so-loyal) partner of Lisa and father to Cain, Sam and Belle.

James Hooton plays Sam Dingle

Son of Zak and Nellie Dingle (Zak's first wife), Sam arrived in February 1995 when he was released from a young offenders institute. He left screens in 1998 when he was arrested for his involvement in an armed robbery, but returned in 2000.

Sam is dad to 12-year-old schoolboy Samson, whose mum Alice sadly died in 2006 just a few months after his birth.

Ned Porteous plays Joe Tate

Son of the late Chris Tate and Rachel Hughes, Joe originally appeared on the show from his birth in June 1995. He left the village with his aunt Zoe in 2005, but made a shock return in 2017 – using the alias "Tom Waterhouse" to fool everyone.

In 2018, Joe finally revealed his true identity and his wicked desire to make former stepmum Charity pay for his dad's death.

Jane Cox plays Lisa Dingle

Introduced as Lisa Clegg in 1996, Jane Cox is Emmerdale's longest-serving female cast member and a firm favourite with fans. After falling for Zak early on, Lisa has been central to many of the Dingles' dramas over the years. Lisa and Zak are parents to Belle, who was born on Christmas Day 1998.

Mark Charnock plays Marlon Dingle

Funnyman Marlon arrived in October 1996, when he turned up in the village to see his uncle Zak. His early friendship with Paddy Kirk helped to establish one of Emmerdale's best-loved double acts.

Marlon works as a chef at The Woolpack and is dad to Leo Goskirk and April Windsor.

Dominic Brunt plays Paddy Kirk

The other half of the Marlon and Paddy double act arrived in the village in February 1997. The fun-loving vet was originally brought in as a locum for Zoe Tate.

Paddy is currently in a relationship with Chas Dingle, who recently discovered that she's expecting his baby. Paddy is already stepdad to Rhona and Marlon's son Leo and a father figure to Chas's son Aaron.

Samantha Giles plays Bernice Blackstock

Daughter of Rodney Blackstock and Diane Sugden, Bernice originally appeared in Emmerdale between 1998 and 2002. She returned briefly for Tricia Dingle's funeral in 2004, and made a permanent comeback in 2012.

Bernice is mum to Gabby Thomas (her other daughter Dee Dee lives in Australia) and runs the local beauty salon. She's also recently developed an unlikely romantic connection with Daz Spencer.

Eden Taylor-Draper plays Belle Dingle

Belle was born to parents Zak and Lisa on Christmas Day 1998. Eden Taylor-Draper has played the character since 2005. After growing up on the show, Eden has been given some huge storylines in recent years – including Belle accidentally killing her best friend Gemma Andrews and later being diagnosed with mental health issues.

Belle is currently in a relationship with Lachlan White, unaware of the dark secret he's keeping over his family's fatal road crash.