Emmerdale stars are reportedly feeling disgruntled over the timing of Patsy Kensit's return to the ITV soap, which coincides with a second wave of cast departures attributed to financial pressures.
Kensit, 58, who previously played the character Sadie King from 2004 to 2006, is set to reprise her role in a new storyline. However, some cast members are allegedly expressing frustration that funds have been allocated for Kensit's return while other actors are being let go. This situation has been exacerbated by recent cuts at ITV, which the broadcaster has linked to shifting viewer habits and a move towards streaming services.
Among the long-standing cast members reportedly axed is Nick Miles, who portrays Jimmy King. Sources suggest that while the cast is generally pleased to see Kensit back, the timing of her comeback has left several of the show's prominent actors feeling overlooked.
"Many of the core cast are feeling really put out by some of the latest decisions on the show," a source told The Sun. "They have been left devastated to learn that a number of their colleagues have been chosen to leave the programme due to the ongoing money woes at the show. But they are now finding it hard to stomach that ITV have found the cash to bring back Patsy at the same time as offloading six other stars."
The source added that cast members have privately discussed the perceived unfairness of long-serving stars being let go in favor of Kensit's return after a two-decade absence.
Kensit's character, Sadie King, was known for her manipulative and ruthless nature during her initial two-year stint. She was married to Jimmy King and had relationships with other prominent characters, including Matthew King, Robert Sugden, and Cain Dingle. Her return is expected to be part of an "explosive" storyline.
Following her departure from Emmerdale, Kensit appeared in Holby City as Faye Morton from 2007 to 2010 and in EastEnders as Emma Harding in 2023. Her character Sadie King has existing ties within the Emmerdale village, with ex-husband Jimmy, and former lovers Robert and Cain still residing there.
Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw stated, "We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Patsy Kensit back to the cast and crucially to see the iconic Sadie King storm back into the village. Her return will be explosive and guaranteed to shock. Sadie's seductive demeanour, combined with her utterly ruthless nature, are set to deliver a spectacular and highly dramatic touch of class to the Yorkshire Dales."
Kensit expressed her enthusiasm for returning, saying, "I am really excited to return to Emmerdale. I treasure the years I was here before. Sadie King is a character that I really loved playing. The cast and crew are absolutely brilliant and I am so grateful for the chance to return to the show, it's absolutely amazing."