Emmerdale's Dr Caitlin Todd Returns with Tense Workplace Bullying Storyline
Caroline Harker has officially reprised her role as Dr Caitlin Todd in the long-running ITV soap opera Emmerdale, marking a significant return for the character. The actress is set to bring a compelling and intense new narrative to the village, focusing on the troubling issue of workplace bullying. This development promises to shake up the professional life of young doctor-in-training Jacob Gallagher, portrayed by Joe Warren-Plant.
Jacob Gallagher's Professional Struggles Intensify
Dr Todd first appeared in Emmerdale during December 2024, when Jacob began his initial shift in the Accident and Emergency department at Hotten General Hospital. That debut episode was fraught with drama, as Jacob inadvertently breached patient confidentiality. He mistakenly believed a stabbing victim was April Windsor, who was missing at the time, leading to a serious professional error.
Jacob's challenges continued into February 2025, when he struggled to cope with the emotional aftermath of his mother's death. He returned to his hospital duties prematurely, before he was psychologically ready to handle the pressures of the job. In a particularly dramatic turn, Jacob became overwhelmed with emotion when a critically ill patient was admitted, prompting Dr Todd to send him home from work.
Workplace Bullying Takes Center Stage
The upcoming storyline will see Dr Todd return with a vengeance, as Emmerdale shines a spotlight on the pervasive reality of workplace bullying. Jacob, despite being a bright and ambitious young medical professional, will find his career transformed into a battleground. Dr Todd is portrayed as a critical and fault-finding superior, who relentlessly targets her enthusiastic trainee.
This narrative will delve deeply into Jacob's efforts to maintain a healthy work-life balance amidst immense pressure from his overbearing boss. The stakes are raised even higher when Dr Todd installs herself within the village community, effectively blurring the boundaries between Jacob's professional responsibilities and his private life.
Caroline Harker commented on her return to the series, stating: "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." She added, "Workplace bullying is commonplace, and it will be interesting to see it brought to our screens in a serial drama such as Emmerdale."
Caroline Harker's Personal Life and Career Highlights
Caroline Harker, aged 60, is married to renowned actor Anthony Calf. The couple share three daughters: Louise Emma Calf, Cecilia Ann L Calf, and Anemone Georgiana Calf. Anthony Calf, 66, boasts an extensive acting career spanning several decades. He is known for notable roles in films such as The Madness of King George, Beau Geste, and I Came By, as well as television appearances in Lewis.
Between 2023 and 2025, Anthony portrayed Lord Brightlingsea in the period drama The Buccaneers, starred in the movie A Teacher's Gift (2025), and featured in the series Insomnia (2024). From 2005 onwards, he played DAC Robert Strickland in New Tricks for a decade, following a role as Michael Beauchamp in Holby City (2005-2006).
In 2019, Anthony took on the role of William Wickham in the popular series Poldark and appeared in Doctor Who as Godsacre in 2017. Interestingly, his former brother-in-law is Game of Thrones star Iain Glen, adding another layer to his connections in the entertainment industry.
Caroline Harker's Extensive Acting Portfolio
Away from the Yorkshire Dales, Caroline Harker has built an impressive acting resume. She has appeared in a variety of television shows, including:
- Harry Enfield and Chums
- Holding On
- The Man Who Lost His Head with Martin Clunes
- Auf Wiedersehen, Pet
- Midsomer Murders
- Doctors
In 2012, Caroline portrayed Alicia Davenport for a brief stint in Coronation Street. She is also famed for playing PC Hazel Wallace in A Touch of Frost alongside Sir David Jason, a role that garnered significant attention.
More recently, Caroline played Julia in the Apple TV series Hijack, Bethany Hastings in The Stolen Girl, and Mrs. Taylor-Brown. In 2011, she starred in New Tricks alongside her husband Anthony Calf for one episode, playing Tabitha Hall-Chalmers, marking a rare professional collaboration between the couple.
Emmerdale continues to air weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and the streaming service ITVX, keeping audiences engaged with its dynamic storylines and character developments.
