Emmerdale is a British soap opera first broadcast on 16 October 1972. The following is a list of characters that first appeared during 2022, by order of first appearance. All characters are introduced by the soap's executive producer, Jane Hudson. Marcus Dean (Darcy Grey) in February as the son of Pierce Harris (Jonathan Wrather). He was followed by Mary Goskirk (Louise Jameson), the mother of Rhona (Zoë Henry), in March. That same month, Martelle Edinborough debuted as Suzy Merton, a love interest for Vanessa Woodfield (Michelle Hardwick). Karene Peter then debuted in June as Naomi Walters, the daughter of Charles Anderson (Kevin Mathurin). Then, in December, Lewis Cope joined as Nicky. He was followed by William Ash, who joined as Caleb Miligan, the half-brother of Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) and Chas Dingle (Lucy Pargeter). Additionally, multiple other characters appeared in 2022.
Marcus Dean
Marcus Dean, played by Darcy Grey, made his first appearance on 3 February 2022. He was introduced as the son of established former character Pierce Harris (Jonathan Wrather), who is in prison due to murdering Graham Foster (Andrew Scarborough). Justin Harp of Digital Spy wrote that Marcus arrives in the fictional village with his own traumatic experiences from living with Pierce, who abused his mother. Harp wrote that Marcus shares numerous traits with Pierce, such as his brooding, suaveness and good looks. He also questioned whether Marcus would share Pierce's violent attributes. Grey later said that Marcus believes he is not like Pierce, but as his storylines evolve, he shares more similarities to Pierce. Producer Kate Brooks said that Marcus' arrival will "ruffle a few feathers and flutter a few hearts in the village" and confirmed that viewers would soon realise that he is more than the son of Pierce.
Mary Goskirk
Mary Goskirk, played by Louise Jameson, made her first appearance on 7 March 2022. She was introduced as the mother of established character of Rhona (Zoë Henry), whom she has a "strained relationship" with. Mary was described by Digital Spy's Hannah Bird as a "no nonsense" character and noted that Rhona feels as though she can never live up to her expectations. However, due to Marcus Dean's (Darcy Grey) arrival in the village causing upset for Rhona due to his connection to her rapist, Bird felt that Mary's arrival in the village could be "the prime opportunity for them to build bridges and heal their relationship". Her arrival initially unsettles Rhona as she feels there is a hidden agenda and treats her with suspicion, while other villagers "welcome her with open arms, finding her wit endearing". Bird hinted that despite her likeability in the village, it would not be long before she had arguments with villagers.
On joining Emmerdale, Jameson said: "It feels like such a gift to be welcomed into the Emmerdale cast. Playing Zoe's on-screen mum is the icing on the cake." Producer Laura Shaw was thrilled to welcome Jameson into the cast, noting that her experience in the industry would be "a fabulous asset to the show". On the character, Shaw added that she is intelligent, witty and complex and that for Rhona, "there won't ever be a dull moment whilst her domineering mother is around". Metros Sabrina Barr wrote that Mary has a bold persona as she's "quick-witted and headstrong". Barr also confirmed Rhona's suspicions about Mary by revealing that Mary does have a hidden reason for her move to the village. She also noted Jameson's former experience on the soap, having played Sharon Crossthwaite in 1973, a cousin of Annie Sugden (Sheila Mercier).
Soon into her arrival, she strikes up a friendship with Kim Tate (Claire King) and their pairing has been well-received by critics and viewers. Mary's vulnerable side was explored when she confides in Kim about being a lesbian. Jameson was shocked that writers had made Mary a late life lesbian, but was happy to be part of the representation. Later storylines have seen Mary begin dating Faye Helders (Jane Gurnett), who cons Mary and releases revenge porn of her. She initially struggles with the events, but is inspired when April Windsor (Amelia Flanagan) wants to become a journalist like her. Viewers were initially wary of Mary's intentions upon her arrival, but quickly into her tenure, she was dubbed a fan favourite whose wit and nerve was found entertaining.
Gail Hancock
Gail Hancock, played by Elizabeth Boag, a nurse who takes care of Marlon Dingle (Mark Charnock) when he suffers a stroke. She appeared in 13 episodes between 22 March and 25 April 2022. Despite her short stint, her character had an impact on viewers shortly after her arrival and the character received praise. Gail departed on 25 April 2022 and Boag announced her departure on Twitter the following day: "Bye Gail! Thank you @markcharnock, @ZoeHenry03, all the cast, crew and casting team @ emmerdale. Loved every minute!". Charnock, who plays Marlon also praised Boag by saying "You were wonderful in the part, Liz! Just superb."
Suzy Merton
Suzy Merton, played by Martelle Edinborough, made her first appearance on 30 March 2022 and last in February 2025. She was introduced as a love interest for Vanessa Woodfield (Michelle Hardwick) On her casting on the soap, Edinborough said: "My feet haven't quite touched the ground yet, I'm still on this massive cloud high up in the sky, but it's been going really, really good. It's just like a family, and it sounds so cliché but it really is and everyone is so lovely and welcoming and helps you settle in really nicely." Edinborough felt that especially due to being from Leeds, where Emmerdale is filmed, the job was perfect for her.
Jordan Greenlow
Jordan Greenlow, played by Jack Parr, is a man who Ethan Anderson (Emile John) is called to represent after he is arrested for assault. He made his first appearance on 28 April 2022. Parr's casting was announced on 19 April 2022 and his character would be part of a "dramatic" storyline where his character would become a "divisive figure in the village." Lauren Morris from Radio Times suggested that Jordan's arrival would be "shocking" and "dramatic", with the storyline portraying a "serious issue". Ethan's representation of Jordan causes a conflict of interest as it is revealed that the victim is one of Ethan’s neighbours, Billy Fletcher (Jay Kontzle), who claims that the attack was racially motivated.
Callum Matthews
Callum Matthews, played by Tom Ashley, was Leyla Cavanagh (Roxy Shahidi)'s drug dealer, who first appeared on 5 May 2022. He arrives when he asks Leyla to store some cocaine for her as a favour as she couldn't pay funds to buy some for her own use. He appeared on a recurring basis until August 2022. Callum returned in January 2023, when he paid Leyla to store a bag of drugs for him. After her son, Jacob Gallagher (Joe-Warren Plant), learns of her addiction, he arranges to meet Callum with a knife, however Callum grabs hold of his knife and stabs Jacob. He is later arrested, but released on bail takes Leyla, Jacob and Suzy Merton (Martelle Edinborough) hostage with a gun, but is eventually caught by the police.
Shahidi, who plays Leyla commented: "Leyla experiences guilt and fear when Suzy is attacked. She blames herself because Suzy has stepped in to save the mess that Leyla had created. [She] sees the reality and the lengths that Callum will go to - [he] is willing to endanger their lives and potentially end them, so her fear goes through the roof."
Kit
Christopher "Kit", played by Thoren Ferguson, is Marlon Dingle's (Mark Charnock) physiotherapist that helps him in his recovery following his stroke. He appeared between 19 May 2022 and 26 August 2022. During his time in the village, he embarks on a relationship with Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy). Whilst they are seeing each other, Kit arranges a date with Gabby Thomas (Rosie Bentham), who, unbeknownst to him, is Laurel's stepdaughter. He uses the alias "Chris" and he and Gabby are eventually caught by Laurel, and they both realise that he has been seeing them both. When Laurel's ex-partner Jai Sharma (Chris Bisson) discovers this, he punches Kit, who eventually leaves the village, and quits as Marlon's therapist, leaving him disappointed. Laura-Jayne Tyler from Inside Soap joked, "Hmm. Marlon's physio Kit is just calling out for some memorable rhyming nickname. If only we could think of one."
Jason Denshaw
Jason Denshaw, played by former Hollyoaks actor Parry Glasspool, is the former drug dealer of Jai Sharma (Chris Bisson) who sells cocaine to Leyla Cavanagh (Roxy Shahidi). Glasspool's casting was announced on 28 May 2022, and was announced to appear as part of an ongoing storyline between Leyla and her friend Suzy Merton (Martelle Edinborough). He appears between 3-26 June 2022. He attempts to blackmail Leyla and Suzy into allowing him to sell drugs to their clients. Suzy then records him and informs him that if he attempts to blackmail him again, she will go to the police with her recording, incriminating him with his drug dealing business. He then leaves the pair alone. Craig Jones from Leeds Live said: "soapland is a small place".
Colin Hamston
Colin Hamston, played by Mark Noble, was a local councillor and the homophobic father of Marshall Hamston (Max Fletcher), who first appeared in June for four episodes, but then returned again in January 2023, when Marshall was first introduced. When Marshall comes out as gay, Colin's homophobic views make him disgusted in his son. After he befriended Arthur Thomas (Alfie Clarke), he sends him to boarding school, but after he comes home, Colin isolates and abuses him physically and emotionally. Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy), Arthur's mother, forces her way into their family home and takes Marshall with her, as well as threatening Colin that if he tries to get to Marshall again, she will report and expose him.
After Marshall moves away to live with his Aunt Jean, the storyline takes a "disturbing turn of events". Colin demands for his whereabouts and even holds Laurel captive in his home, which leads to his later arrest after being exposed publicly for the bigot he really was. Justin Harp from Digital Spy described these scenes to be "disturbing".
Naomi Walters
Naomi Walters, played by Karene Peter, made her first uncredited appearance on 14 June 2022, with her first credited appearance airing on 5 July 2022. She was introduced as the daughter of Charles (Kevin Mathurin) and Esme (Eva Fontaine), and the younger sister of Ethan (Emile John). Naomi was initially referenced on the soap in October 2021 when Esme mentions her to Charles. Her backstory involves being put up for adoption by Esme, who was cheated on by Charles and suffered from postpartum depression. Esme and Naomi later met up, but Charles had refused to meet her. When Charles learns that Naomi has gone missing, he feels responsible for her disappearance so he hunts for her. He discovers her working in a bar, arguing with her boss. Charles defends her in the argument and knocks her boss over.