In the ever-shifting landscape of Emmerdale, survival is never guaranteed. Over the years, we’ve seen shocking deaths, dramatic exits, and sudden reappearances. But as ITV preps its 2026 overhaul—switching to a “power hour” format—fans are increasingly convinced that a massive cast shake-up is looming. And they’re not just speculating—they’re nominating.

A recent video listing nine characters fans want gone has sparked intense debate, with John Sugden topping the list. Once considered a potential breakout star, John has instead become the poster child for overstretched villains. After months of dodgy behavior, emotional manipulation, and finally murder, fans are weary. “He was never compelling, just creepy,” one fan posted. “Kill him off already.”

But John isn’t the only one under fire. The growing frustration stems from what fans view as storylines going nowhere. Take Matty Barton, for example. He was at the center of one of the year’s most harrowing tragedies—the death of Amy. Her final words were a cryptic warning: “Nate.” Fans waited breathlessly for Matty to uncover the truth. Months later? Nothing. The plot thread is dangling uselessly, and viewers are fed up.

Then there’s Charles Anderson, a character who entered with purpose and promise. A spiritual leader, a father, and a partner to Manpreet, he was supposed to carry the emotional weight of the village’s moral compass. Instead, he’s been reduced to scenes in the church and occasional conflict with his mother Claudette. “He’s been completely neutered,” a viewer commented. “It’s like they forgot why they wrote him in the first place.”

Even long-serving characters aren’t safe. Laurel Thomas and Jai Sharma—a couple once at the heart of village drama—have slowly faded into the background. Their once-compelling relationship has lost momentum, and their individual storylines have grown scarce. “We’re just watching them exist,” someone wrote. “It’s sad. They deserve a proper exit, not a slow fade.”

The critique also extends to Tracy Robinson, Mackenzie Boyd, and Kerry Wyatt. Tracy, while emotionally raw after Nate’s death, has been accused of performative mourning by fans who question her sincerity. Mack, meanwhile, continues to drift, with the unresolved flash-forward teasing his possible demise but offering no payoff yet. And Kerry? Her current presence is limited to Eric’s storyline—a footnote, not a focus.

And then there’s Rodney. A fan favorite from yesteryear, his current appearances feel more like token gestures. He’s used for comic relief in someone else’s drama, then promptly vanishes. “It’s like they don’t know how to say goodbye,” said one Redditor. “But dragging it out like this is worse.”

This growing list of “dead weight” is symptomatic of a deeper concern among Emmerdale fans: narrative focus. Too many characters. Too little movement. Emotional investment is stretched thin across too many storylines, and the stakes have dropped as a result.

With the new schedule on the horizon, fans see a unique chance for a creative reset. The “power hour” format could allow Emmerdale to reclaim the tight, high-impact storytelling it was once known for—but only if it’s bold enough to trim the fat.

That doesn’t mean ruthless slashing for shock value. It means giving characters meaningful exits. John’s downfall could become a cautionary tale. Matty’s grief could lead to a powerful goodbye. Laurel and Jai could walk away from the village together, hand in hand, reclaiming their dignity.

It also opens the door to new blood. Fresh characters with clear arcs. More focused dynamics. Emotional stakes that hit harder. With fewer distractions, each moment can land with real impact.

Ultimately, Emmerdale’s strength lies in its ability to reflect real life—but heightened. Love, loss, betrayal, redemption. But for those moments to shine, the clutter must go.

And right now, the villagers who’ve overstayed their welcome are casting long shadows. The time for reckoning is near.