Emmerdale is set to welcome back a familiar face with a villainous new twist, as actress Caroline Harker returns to the ITV soap in a compelling storyline centred on workplace bullying and toxic power dynamics. Harker, who last appeared in a guest role in 2025, will revive her character Doctor Caitlin Todd for an extended run, bringing a menacing presence to the fictional village.
A Villainous Return to the Dales
Caroline Harker, known for her roles in series like A Touch of Frost and Midsomer Murders, will reprise her Emmerdale character Doctor Todd in episodes airing later this month. This time, she returns with a vengeance, positioned as the boss to trainee doctor Jacob Sugden, played by Joe Warren Plant. Despite Jacob's bright and ambitious nature, his professional world is poised to become a battleground under Doctor Todd's critical eye.
Exploring Workplace Bullying on Screen
The new storyline delves into the complexities of workplace bullying, with Doctor Todd quick to find fault and relentlessly critique her enthusiastic trainee. The plot will follow Jacob as he struggles to manage his work-life balance under growing pressure, a scenario that escalates when Doctor Todd inserts herself into village life, blurring the lines between his professional and private spheres.
In a statement about her return, Caroline Harker expressed her enthusiasm: 'I’m delighted to be back at Emmerdale for a longer stint playing Doctor Todd. She’s a complex character and from what I’ve been told so far, quite a tricky one for Jacob to navigate. Workplace bullying is commonplace, and it will be interesting to see it brought to our screens in a serial drama such as Emmerdale.'
Producer Insights and Fan Reactions
Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw added: 'We are looking forward to seeing the machinations of someone like Caitlin Todd, and it’s not just at the hospital where she will start to make an impression. Caroline is a fabulous actor and brings such great experience to this role - we can’t wait for her to play out what we have planned for the character.'
This return follows fan intrigue from Harker's previous appearance in 2025, during an hour-long A&E special. In that episode, Doctor Todd harshly criticised Jacob after a mistake, leading him to question his career path. Fans took to online forums like Reddit to identify the actress, with many recognising Harker from her role as Ms Taylor Brown in the series Joan, where her character had a painting stolen.
Caroline Harker's Extensive Career
Caroline Harker has built a prolific television career since shooting to fame in the 1990s. Her credits include Claire Jarrett in Doctors, Imogen White in Holby City, and Alicia Davenport in Coronation Street. She has also appeared in Ten Percent, Midsomer Murders, Foyle's War, and Toast of Tinseltown, with a notable role as W.P.C. Hazel Wallace in A Touch of Frost from 1992 to 2003.
Beyond television, Harker has featured in films such as Mothering Sunday, The Croft, and The Madness of King George, showcasing her versatility across genres. Her return to Emmerdale highlights the soap's commitment to tackling real-world issues through dramatic narratives.
Emmerdale continues to air weeknights from 8pm on ITV1 and streams from 7am on ITVX, offering viewers a blend of village drama and social commentary.
