Emmerdale star 'absent' from tragic storyline as fans say 'she should be here'

VIEWERS HAVE QUESTIONED WHY DEBBIE DINGLE HASN'T RETURNED TO SUPPORT HER DAUGHTER SARAH SUGDEN 09:45, 22 May 2025 Emmerdale fans noted an absence as they questioned why Debbie Dingle

hasn't returned to support her daughter Sarah Sugden during her IVF journey and cancer diagnosis. Actress Katie Hill joined Emmerdale in 2017 as she became the fifth actress to be cast

in the role of Sarah Sugden as the writers wanted to tackle a mature storyline. Sarah was diagnosed with a rare genetic disease called Fanconi anaemia. She had to receive a life-saving bone

marrow transplant and also a heart transplant which has shortened her potential lifespan. She's had quite the turbulent year already as after striking up a relationship with Jacob

Gallagher, he broke things off as he was struggling to cope in the aftermath of his mum's (Leyla Harding) sudden death caused by the Valentine's limo crash. When newcomer Kammy

arrived, she instantly took a shine to him and the pair began dating soon after. However, Sarah is now officially single and decided that instead of a boyfriend she wants a baby. After

confiding in Vanessa Woodfield, Sarah has chosen to go down the route of IVF as it can be difficult for someone with her condition to become pregnant. Article continues below However,

spoilers revealed that Sarah will be diagnosed with cervical cancer in emotional scenes. As she bumps into Jacob while he's on shift in the hospital, he doesn't have the reaction

she hoped as he questions her decision to have a child knowing she may die young. Throughout all of this, viewers have questioned why Debbie Dingle hasn't returned to support her

daughter. Played by Charley Webb, Debbie showed up in the Dales in 2002 before leaving in 2019 before taking a break and returning for a guest stint which spanned from 2020 to 2021. Fans may

recall that Debbie originally left the village for Scotland and has been mentioned a few times since including when Zak Dingle went to visit her before his death. Taking to X (formerly

known as Twitter), @carolescats wrote: "Completely agree about Sarah's mum not being around at all. Sarah has been through so much and as we are regularly told, has a life limiting

illness. It's just unbelievable that her mum hasn't shown her face. If the Debbie actress won't return to the soap, replace her" @suestark302 added: "Not a fan of

characters being replaced by a different actor, but Sarah has been in hospital a couple of times seriously ill, Its ridiculous to believe her mother only lives in Scotland yet hasn't

once been down to support her, the role of Debbie Dingle definitely needs reprising" as a viewer on a Facebook fan page added: "Where is Debbie? She should be here". Article

continues below In 2023, the actress spoke about her exit as she shared: "It felt like the right time for me personally to make that jump from Emmerdale_ _and I don't have any

regrets about it. "I’m ambitious to push myself and it’s just about choosing the right projects from now on. It's hard to say no to work, but I trust my agent and I trust the

process. Hopefully, I’ve made some good choices so far." EMMERDALE AIRS ON WEEKDAYS AT 7:30PM ON ITV1 AND IS AVAILABLE TO STREAM ON ITVX.