
Emmerdale's Sarah Sugden star wants two major ITV soap legends to return
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.'
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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. More Trending
'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.'
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This article was originally published on 23rd May 2025.
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MORE: Emmerdale fans call for popular star's return as he 'offers advice' in big story
MORE: All Emmerdale spoilers for next week as two new faces stir up trouble
MORE: Emmerdale teens make huge decision that will change their lives forever

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Scottish Sun
16 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
EastEnders favourite joins rival soap – 20 years after being brutally killed off
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EASTENDERS favourite makes shock return to soap world - 20 years after brutal exit. A much-loved EastEnders star is back on our screens - but this time, they're shaking things up in Summer Bay, Australia. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Hannah Waterman played Laura Beale in EastEnders from 2000 to 2004 Credit: BBC 4 Her character was killed off after she fell down the stairs Credit: BBC Hannah Waterman made her Walford debut back in 2000 as Laura Beale. She was best known as Ian Beale's (Adam Woodyatt) third wife. But, she was brutally killed off four years later when she went to answer the door and tripped over a toy before falling down the stairs and dying. Chaos followed as Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks) found herself accused of murdering Laura - after a damning receipt turned up in Laura's flat following one of their explosive rows. The gripping death plot had fans hooked and went down as one of the most unforgettable moments in EastEnders history. Since her exit, Hannah has appeared in episodes of Doctors, The Bill, New Tricks and Holby City. She swapped the UK for Australia over adecade ago and made waves starring in Aussie dramas. Now based in Sydney, Hannah's credits include the Aussie-Indonesian hit Bali 2002. But, her new gig on Home and Away marks a proper return to the soap scene. This year, the iconic Aussie soap celebrated a whopping 35 years on air, with special reruns on a dedicated channel to mark the milestone. Forgotten soap star shows off huge £27million LA mansion after quitting fame and marrying a multimillionaire Home and Away first hit screens on January 17, 1988. Channel 5 snapped up the rights in 2000 - and they've been pumping out fresh episodes ever since. A source said: 'Hannah moved to Australia years ago for a new life but she's still acting. 'She loved dipping her toes back into the world of soap briefly and who knows it could mean she finds her way back more permanently.' Forgotten soap storylines The nation's soaps have had many gripping storylines play out over the years. However, some plots proved to be far less memorable. Here are some forgotten stories from Weatherfield, Walford and more... Coronation Street Ken and Audrey's romance (2015): After the death of wife Deirdre (Anne Kirkbride), Coronation Street original Ken Barlow (William Roache) started to move on in his life. He started to develop a spark with old friend Audrey (Sue Nicholls), with then-Corrie boss saying it would be like "Ross and Rachel". In the end, nothing ever came of it and the two remained platonic pals. After the death of wife Deirdre (Anne Kirkbride), Coronation Street original Ken Barlow (William Roache) started to move on in his life. He started to develop a spark with old friend Audrey (Sue Nicholls), with then-Corrie boss saying it would be like "Ross and Rachel". In the end, nothing ever came of it and the two remained platonic pals. Beth's bigamy (2016): Despite being happily married to Kirk (Andrew Whyment), a troubling secret came to light about Beth Tinker (Lisa George). It transpired that she had never divorced from her first husband, Darryl (Paul Loughran), father of her son Craig (Colson Smith). Although Craig and Kirk were shocked - and Beth was arrested - the storyline didn't didn't go much further. EastEnders Kat Slater's secret son (2017): Capitalising on the popularity of Kat (Jessie Wallace) and Alfie (Shane Richie), the two received a spin-off back in 2017. Titled 'Redwater', it saw the two travel to Ireland where they met long-lost son Luke, now called Dermott Dolan, played by Oisín Stack. Despite the high-tension events during Redwater, Kat seems to have put the experience behind her as Dermott's not been mentioned since. Capitalising on the popularity of Kat (Jessie Wallace) and Alfie (Shane Richie), the two received a spin-off back in 2017. Titled 'Redwater', it saw the two travel to Ireland where they met long-lost son Luke, now called Dermott Dolan, played by Oisín Stack. Despite the high-tension events during Redwater, Kat seems to have put the experience behind her as Dermott's not been mentioned since. Alfie's brain tumour (2015): Having learned in 2015 that he had a brain tumour, Alfie kept the news from Kat until their trip to Ireland. At the time, actor Shane Ritchie revealed fans would see a change in Alfie as he battled the illness. It would appear that at some point after leaving the Square, was told the tumour was non-malignant. By the time Alfie returned in 2022, fans were left confused over what had happened to the storyline. Having learned in 2015 that he had a brain tumour, Alfie kept the news from Kat until their trip to Ireland. At the time, actor Shane Ritchie revealed fans would see a change in Alfie as he battled the illness. It would appear that at some point after leaving the Square, was told the tumour was non-malignant. By the time Alfie returned in 2022, fans were left confused over what had happened to the storyline. Kathy and Buster's affair (2016): In 2016, Walford legend Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) fell into the arms of convict Buster Briggs, played by Karl Howman. Buster was the long-time lover of Shirley Carter (Linda Henry) and fathered both her sons - Mick (Danny Dyer) and Dean (Matt Di Angelo). When Buster left, he begged Kathy to join him, but she refused for the sake of her family. Meanwhile Buster didn't even stop to say goodbye to Shirley before exiting with a broken heart. Fans expected a showdown between the two women, but this never came to pass. Emmerdale Jacob's OCD (2016): After his dad, David (Matthew Wolfenden), was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2016, Jacob (Joe-Warren Plant) developed Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). This manifested in the form of cleaning. Jacob's OCD made a brief return one year on, after David had another scare after finding a lump. Jacob frantically searched the bins for a 'lucky coin' that had accidentally been thrown away. Despite stressful situations - such as being groomed by his teacher Maya, losing his fiancee Leanna to a serial killer, dealing with mum Leyla's drug addiction, and surviving a stabbing - the condition doesn't appear to have returned. After his dad, David (Matthew Wolfenden), was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2016, Jacob (Joe-Warren Plant) developed Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). This manifested in the form of cleaning. Jacob's OCD made a brief return one year on, after David had another scare after finding a lump. 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After all, Mercedes, with Cindy Cunningham (Stephanie Waring) and Lindsey Butterfield (Sophie Austin) had murdered Alex's dad, double-murderer Dr Paul Browning, after he kidnapped and attacked his new wife. In fact, the soap teased Alex would seek revenge for his father's death upon arriving. However, he instead gave Cindy's son Hilton (his half-brother) a life-saving transplant, became his godfather, and leaving the village soon after. The new role comes three years after Hannah tied the knot to former The Bill star husband Huw Higginson. Huw is most notable for his ten-year role in The Bill as PC George Garfield. Huw posted a celebratory shot showing their special day in October 2022 as they posed with their son Jack, 11, on a boat in Sydney. The Bill actor gushed in his caption: "Got married to my love yesterday. We had the best of days." Hannah can be seen gazing lovingly at her spouse as they celebrated their special day. She wore a patterned, long-sleeve blue frock - perhaps as her something blue - complete with gold strappy sandals and a navy pashmina. She clutched a bouquet of cream flowers and accessorised with a pair of sunglasses. The happy couple made the move to Australia in 2014. It came after Hannah married fellow EastEnders star Ricky Groves in 2006. But, the pair separated in 2010 and divorced in 2014. 4 She moved to Australia 11 years ago with her actor husband Credit: Instagram


The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
EastEnders favourite joins rival soap – 20 years after being brutally killed off
Henna Sharma, TV Reporter Published: Invalid Date, EASTENDERS favourite makes shock return to soap world - 20 years after brutal exit. A much-loved EastEnders star is back on our screens - but this time, they're shaking things up in Summer Bay, Australia. 4 Hannah Waterman made her Walford debut back in 2000 as Laura Beale. She was best known as Ian Beale's (Adam Woodyatt) third wife. But, she was brutally killed off four years later when she went to answer the door and tripped over a toy before falling down the stairs and dying. Chaos followed as Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks) found herself accused of murdering Laura - after a damning receipt turned up in Laura's flat following one of their explosive rows. The gripping death plot had fans hooked and went down as one of the most unforgettable moments in EastEnders history. Since her exit, Hannah has appeared in episodes of Doctors, The Bill, New Tricks and Holby City. She swapped the UK for Australia over adecade ago and made waves starring in Aussie dramas. Now based in Sydney, Hannah's credits include the Aussie-Indonesian hit Bali 2002. But, her new gig on Home and Away marks a proper return to the soap scene. This year, the iconic Aussie soap celebrated a whopping 35 years on air, with special reruns on a dedicated channel to mark the milestone. Forgotten soap star shows off huge £27million LA mansion after quitting fame and marrying a multimillionaire Home and Away first hit screens on January 17, 1988. Channel 5 snapped up the rights in 2000 - and they've been pumping out fresh episodes ever since. A source said: 'Hannah moved to Australia years ago for a new life but she's still acting. 'She loved dipping her toes back into the world of soap briefly and who knows it could mean she finds her way back more permanently.' Forgotten soap storylines The nation's soaps have had many gripping storylines play out over the years. However, some plots proved to be far less memorable. Here are some forgotten stories from Weatherfield, Walford and more... Coronation Street Ken and Audrey's romance (2015): After the death of wife Deirdre (Anne Kirkbride), Coronation Street original Ken Barlow (William Roache) started to move on in his life. He started to develop a spark with old friend Audrey (Sue Nicholls), with then-Corrie boss saying it would be like "Ross and Rachel". In the end, nothing ever came of it and the two remained platonic pals. Beth's bigamy (2016): Despite being happily married to Kirk (Andrew Whyment), a troubling secret came to light about Beth Tinker (Lisa George). It transpired that she had never divorced from her first husband, Darryl (Paul Loughran), father of her son Craig (Colson Smith). Although Craig and Kirk were shocked - and Beth was arrested - the storyline didn't didn't go much further. EastEnders Kat Slater's secret son (2017): Capitalising on the popularity of Kat (Jessie Wallace) and Alfie (Shane Richie), the two received a spin-off back in 2017. Titled 'Redwater', it saw the two travel to Ireland where they met long-lost son Luke, now called Dermott Dolan, played by Oisín Stack. Despite the high-tension events during Redwater, Kat seems to have put the experience behind her as Dermott's not been mentioned since. Alfie's brain tumour (2015): Having learned in 2015 that he had a brain tumour, Alfie kept the news from Kat until their trip to Ireland. At the time, actor Shane Ritchie revealed fans would see a change in Alfie as he battled the illness. It would appear that at some point after leaving the Square, was told the tumour was non-malignant. By the time Alfie returned in 2022, fans were left confused over what had happened to the storyline. Kathy and Buster's affair (2016): In 2016, Walford legend Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) fell into the arms of convict Buster Briggs, played by Karl Howman. Buster was the long-time lover of Shirley Carter (Linda Henry) and fathered both her sons - Mick (Danny Dyer) and Dean (Matt Di Angelo). When Buster left, he begged Kathy to join him, but she refused for the sake of her family. Meanwhile Buster didn't even stop to say goodbye to Shirley before exiting with a broken heart. Fans expected a showdown between the two women, but this never came to pass. Emmerdale Jacob's OCD (2016): After his dad, David (Matthew Wolfenden), was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2016, Jacob (Joe-Warren Plant) developed Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). This manifested in the form of cleaning. Jacob's OCD made a brief return one year on, after David had another scare after finding a lump. Jacob frantically searched the bins for a 'lucky coin' that had accidentally been thrown away. Despite stressful situations - such as being groomed by his teacher Maya, losing his fiancee Leanna to a serial killer, dealing with mum Leyla's drug addiction, and surviving a stabbing - the condition doesn't appear to have returned. Marlon and Charity's fling (2003): Few fans would likely remember few will remember the one-night stand between Charity (Emma Atkins) and Marlon (Mark Charnock) in 2003. The pair slept together when Charity was staying with Marlon while still under suspicion for husband Chris's supposed "murder". Hollyoaks Alex Browning's revenge plot (2014): Fans expected a confrontation when Dr Browning's son Alex (Ojan Genc) mer stepmum Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe). After all, Mercedes, with Cindy Cunningham (Stephanie Waring) and Lindsey Butterfield (Sophie Austin) had murdered Alex's dad, double-murderer Dr Paul Browning, after he kidnapped and attacked his new wife. In fact, the soap teased Alex would seek revenge for his father's death upon arriving. However, he instead gave Cindy's son Hilton (his half-brother) a life-saving transplant, became his godfather, and leaving the village soon after. The new role comes three years after Hannah tied the knot to former The Bill star husband Huw Higginson. Huw is most notable for his ten-year role in The Bill as PC George Garfield. Huw posted a celebratory shot showing their special day in October 2022 as they posed with their son Jack, 11, on a boat in Sydney. The Bill actor gushed in his caption: "Got married to my love yesterday. We had the best of days." Hannah can be seen gazing lovingly at her spouse as they celebrated their special day. She wore a patterned, long-sleeve blue frock - perhaps as her something blue - complete with gold strappy sandals and a navy pashmina. She clutched a bouquet of cream flowers and accessorised with a pair of sunglasses. The happy couple made the move to Australia in 2014. It came after Hannah married fellow EastEnders star Ricky Groves in 2006. But, the pair separated in 2010 and divorced in 2014. 4 4


Daily Record
2 hours ago
- Daily Record
BBC EastEnders star struggles to process cancer news months after wife's diagnosis
EastEnders star Heather Peace has spoken candidly about her breast cancer diagnosis, which came just months after her wife Ellie Dickinson was also told she had the disease. EastEnders actress Heather Peace has opened up about the 'no processing' of her heartbreaking cancer diagnosis. It came after her wife was also diagnosed with the devastating disease. Heather, famed for her role as Eve Unwin in the BBC soap, publicly announced her breast cancer diagnosis in May earlier this year. Having already undergone treatment, Heather revealed on Instagram she had "been on quite a road for many months now". "I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the beginning of October. Since then I've undergone surgery and recovery over the Christmas period and today my chemotherapy journey ended. To conclude – I've just picked up my medal," she shared to social media at the time. Now, as she prepares to start radiotherapy, Heather reveals that her partner Ellie Dickinson received the same news earlier in the year according to reports by the Manchester Evening News. "Her breast cancer was a smaller, aggressive lump, so she had a lumpectomy and then radiotherapy," she said, according to the Mirror. "Of course then I come along with my 12 cm lump, absolutely ginormous, and mastectomy, chemotherapy, just about to go into radiotherapy. She's like 'Even that you have to do bigger'. It's like 'Hold my beer'." Parents to Annie, 10, and eight-year-old twins Jesse and Lola, the news was devastating for the couple. "There was no processing," Heather confessed. After noticing a change in her nipple and finding her own lump, Heather admits she tried to delay getting checked due to her EastEnders filming schedule. Urged by his wife Ellie to seek immediate medical attention, they were stunned when Heather was diagnosed with breast cancer just three hours after consulting a doctor. "I swear everybody looked at me, it might be my imagination, but I felt like a dead woman walking," Heather confessed. "I honestly did because it was so big and so quick that they told us and the seriousness and gravity with which I was told." The devastating diagnosis came as Heather was gearing up to shoot major New Year scenes featuring Eve's marriage to Suki Panesar, portrayed by Balvinder Sopal, in what would be a landmark lesbian wedding on the show. Still coming to terms with her condition, Heather informed bosses, who assured her there was no need to come in. However, Heather was adamant about filming the scenes, wanting to provide a "full stop" to the storyline, amid fears for her life. Heather, also known for starring in Waterloo Road, was relieved to learn from scans that her cancer had not spread, yet she faced the prospect of significant surgery and intensive chemotherapy. In November last year, she underwent a left breast mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. While enduring gruelling chemotherapy sessions, Heather travelled from her Brighton home to Elstree in Hertfordshire, continuing to film at least two days a week during her treatment, committed to her work despite occasionally feeling "shaky". Heather has commended her team for their unwavering support during her daunting health battle, revealing to Gaby Roslin on the Reasons To Be Joyful podcast: "Everyone knew," as she explained, "I put out a post on our little group WhatsApp and I just felt absolutely enveloped and protected and looked after." Now that she's completed chemotherapy and is gearing up for radiotherapy, Heather is optimistic about a future she once feared might be taken from her. Determined to seize the day, she declared, "I need to live for the day," also sharing her family plans: "We've got our three kids. We're going away on a holiday for two weeks. They're at that golden age. The twins Jesse and Lola are eight, Annie is 10." She further expressed her anticipation for the family getaway, adding "The five of us are going away. We're going on holiday for two weeks and that's been the thing that I've held on to since February, through this whole chemo journey. I just want to enjoy them and try and savour every second."