Emmerdale Star Katie Hill Hopes for Debbie Dingle Comeback Despite Shocking Exit

An Emmerdale star has recently shared her hopes for a comeback for beloved character Debbie Dingle, despite the show teasing a permanent exit in a bombshell twist this week on the ITV soap.

Actress Katie Hill, who plays Sarah Sugden, spoke candidly to The Mirror about her character’s upcoming heartbreaking cervical cancer storyline. Sarah is diagnosed with early-stage cervical cancer next week, a revelation that has left her struggling to open up. One of the key people she chooses to confide in is her mother Debbie, who had been living away in Scotland after leaving the show in 2021.

However, fans were shocked this week when Debbie revealed to Sarah over the phone that she had secretly moved to Australia. Not only had she relocated, but she also married her partner Chris in a secret ceremony weeks earlier — all without telling her family. Debbie’s sudden departure and secret move left Sarah feeling hurt and abandoned, while Debbie’s parents Charity and Cain Dingle were equally stunned by the news.

Katie Hill spoke about Debbie’s absence during such a difficult time for Sarah and shared her thoughts on the possibility of Debbie, played by Charley Webb, returning to the village. While the recent scenes appear to rule out Debbie’s return for now, using the move as an explanation for her absence, Katie remains hopeful she might work with Charley Webb again in the future.

“Funnily enough I never met Kelvin Fletcher who plays her dad on the show,” Katie revealed. “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.”

Katie also opened up about her close bonds with her co-stars, especially those playing her Dingle family members. They maintain a WhatsApp group chat and share a genuine camaraderie on and off-screen.

Reflecting on her time with the show, Katie said, “I’ve been here eight years I think this year! I joined in 2017. It’s gone so quickly. Not much changes, we work at such a fast pace and we’re always working six weeks ahead, but it’s gone by so quickly.”

She also shared how the young cast has grown up together. “It’s really nice how the younger cast have all grown up together and it’s funny because when I came into the show, I was the kid on set. 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. It’s been really nice, it’s a great place to work.”

Katie emphasized that the cast really feels like a family. “I know we all say it’s like a family but it really is. If I ever need help or advice, they’re there for me.”

Regarding Sarah’s absent father, Andy Sugden, Katie also addressed the chance of his return. Like Debbie’s storyline, Andy’s whereabouts have been a mystery, and fans wonder if the show will bring him back. Katie expressed her hopes, “I think it would be lovely if Andy came back and we got to explore that relationship with Sarah more. It would add another layer to her story.”

The recent twist involving Debbie’s secret move to Australia adds a fresh angle to Sarah’s emotional journey, especially as she grapples with her cancer diagnosis without her mother nearby. The storyline has sparked much discussion among fans, many of whom hope Debbie will eventually return to support her daughter.

As the soap continues to deliver gripping drama, Katie Hill’s portrayal of Sarah Sugden remains a standout, capturing the struggles of a young woman facing health challenges while navigating complicated family relationships.

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30 PM on ITV1 and ITVX, with hour-long episodes on Thursdays. Fans can follow the latest updates, spoilers, and gossip through official Emmerdale channels and newsletters.