Emmerdale’s Sarah Sugden star wants two major ITV soap legends to return

Sarah Sugden (Katie Hill) is facing a difficult time in Emmerdale following a cervical cancer diagnosis.

Already living with a condition called Fanconi anaemia, which could mean she’ll have a shorter than average lifespan, Sarah has made the decision to have IVF so she can become a mother.  

She previously thought she was pregnant, but while his turned out to be a false alarm it left her realising that she desperately wants to be a mum before it’s too late. She decided to look into having IVF, and it was at an appointment about the IVF that a possible problem was spotted. 

‘She’s trying to stay positive, she thinks everything is going to work out. She’s obviously dealt with cancer growing up, she’s been through so much she’s quite good at handling stuff like that as much as it hurts to hear.

‘She takes the route of “I’m going to focus on having this baby and the IVF,” so that’s where she’s at with her mental state. She just wants to have this baby and get the cancer out the way.’ 

Tragically, earlier this week, she was told she can no longer carry a child.

As Sarah prepared herself for the operation, Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins) arrived, ready to support her. The two characters ended up having a really moving conversation about their connection. Sarah called Charity strong, and said she’s been a better mum to her than her actual mother Debbie, who now lives in Australia.

The conversation quickly changed when the IVF was brought up. Sarah spotted the look on Charity’s face, and realised that she still didn’t think her plan was a good idea.

The argument was not resolved, unfortunately, as Sarah was wheeled away to theatre in the middle of their clash. While she waited, Charity became consumed with guilt over the row, and Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) of all people did his best to make her feel better.

Moments later, Sarah’s surgeon arrived to reveal some news.

As Sarah woke up, Charity and Cain stood beside the bed as she was told a complication occurred during surgery.

As a result of this and Sarah’s Fanconi Anemia, she had to have a hysterectomy – and Sarah knew exactly what that meant. As a result of this and Sarah’s Fanconi Anemia, she had to have a hysterectomy – and Sarah knew exactly what that meant.

Having been at Emmerdale for eight years, Katie has reflected about her time growing up on the show.  

‘It’s funny because when I came into the show, I was the kid on set,’ she told us.

‘I wouldn’t get involved in all the adult conversations and now Emma [Atkins] is my best friend. She’s a 50-year-old woman and is one of my bestest friends. 

‘I know we all say it’s like a family, but it really is. If I ever need help with anything I’ve got someone to turn to. It’s been nice. The Dingle WhatsApp group chat, that’s always going off. It’s called 12 Angry Dingles after that storyline with Lydia (Karen Blick). We’re a really tight bunch and I adore them all.’ 

There are two Emmerdale legends that Katie would love to see back in the Dales, however, and that’s Charley Webb and Kelvin Fletcher, who played Sarah’s parents Debbie Dingle and Andy Sugden. Charley left the show in 2021. 

‘Funnily enough I never met Kelvin Fletcher,’ Katie told us, as Kelvin was last seen in the show in 2016.

‘Obviously it would be great if he came back and we got a chance to explore their relationship. And obviously Charley, she was my person here for so many years. She really took me under her wing when I joined the show so it would be so nice to work with them both. I’d like that.’ 

This article was originally published on 23rd May 2025.

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