Big changes are coming to Emmerdale — and fans are bracing for heartbreak. With ITV’s confirmed transition to a “power hour” in 2026, whispers of cast cuts have sent shockwaves across fan forums and social media. As veteran characters face dwindling screen time and newer arrivals fail to land, audiences are left asking: who’s safe in the Dales, and who’s heading for the exit?

A Reddit thread recently sparked intense debate among diehard viewers about the characters they wouldn’t mind saying goodbye to. Surprisingly — or perhaps not — John Sugden tops the list. Despite arriving with promise, his murder of Nate Robinson has sealed his fate in many fans’ eyes. As one viewer bluntly put it: “The storyline is dragging. Just end it.”

McKenzie Boyd (Mack) is another name being floated. His flash-forward running scene still hasn’t paid off, and the question looms — is he set to die, or will he be written out before his story ever really takes off?

Tracy Robinson, once a village staple, has now become divisive. Accused of hypocrisy and emotional manipulation following Nate’s death, many now believe her grief storyline has run its course.

Other potential exits include Kerry, Matty Barton, and Charles Anderson, all of whom fans claim have lost narrative direction. Longtime characters like Jai Sharma and Laurel Thomas — despite years of screen time — are also being reconsidered. As one user wrote: “Laurel’s come to the end of the road. Her storylines just don’t hit anymore.”

Even Rodney, a character used mainly for comic relief, isn’t safe. With no real plotlines, his presence is starting to feel more like filler than feature.

But amid all this talk of loss, there is one glowing exception — Eric Pollard.

Played by Chris Chittell, Eric has just signed a new contract, guaranteeing his presence until at least 2026 — his 40th anniversary on the show. That’s right: Eric is not going anywhere. In fact, his current Parkinson’s storyline has breathed fresh life into the character, showing us a more vulnerable, human side to the once-cunning businessman.

Chris’s longevity is a testament to the soap’s ability to grow its legacy characters without relying on shock value or throwaway exits. While others may be packing their bags, Pollard is staying put — and fans are thrilled.

So, what does this mean for the future of Emmerdale?

With new characters like Celia Daniels stepping into the spotlight (and even clashing with titans like Kim Tate), it’s clear the show is entering a transitional era. There’s space for bold new energy — but also the risk of losing the emotional backbone that long-time viewers rely on.

Will Emmerdale find a balance between progress and preservation?

Or will the cast cuts carve out more than just characters — potentially cutting into the heart of the Dales itself?

Either way, fans are buckling up for one of the most transformative years in Emmerdale’s long-running history. And with secrets still simmering, enemies closing in, and chaos erupting weekly… one thing’s for sure:

Nobody is safe.