Emmerdale star teases "rocky road" for Sarah Sugden - and reveals hopes for Debbie Dingle return

Katie Hill spoke with Radio Times on the National Television Awards red carpet.

Katie Hill, stood in front of a green curtain.

Shane Anthony Sinclair/Getty Images for The NTA's

Published: Wednesday, 9 September 2026 at 2:00 pm

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As Sarah Sugden's traumatic storyline surrounding baby Leyla continues, Emmerdale star Katie Hill has teased there is still a "rocky road" ahead for the character.

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Hill was speaking exclusively with Radio Times on the red carpet for The National Television Awards 2026, when she was asked for her reaction to the storyline, how she has found bringing it to life, and how long Sarah can keep Leyla's parentage secret from Jacob.

Hill said: "I don't know how long she can keep the secret from Jacob that he's not the dad, it will just be eating away at her. Playing it wise, it's been amazing. Obviously, really intense, but to be given this storyline is just amazing. Every actor wants to challenge themselves and it's definitely been a challenge.

"But working alongside Emma [Atkins] and Joe-Warren [Plant] - he's brilliant - everyone that's been a piece of it has been incredible. But yeah, it's been an intense year probably, but hopefully things to start to, in the future, go a bit smoother for Sarah, but it's definitely gonna be a rocky road."

Sarah looks upset in Emmerdale.

Katie Hill as Sarah Sugden. ITV

The storyline in question has seen Sarah discovering to her horror that her baby, Leyla, isn't actually hers, as her surrogate, Charity, didn't get pregnant from the embryo belonging to Sarah and Jacob, but instead from sleeping with Ross.

Speaking on the red carpet, Hill was then asked whether she would like to see a return for Debbie Dingle, her character's mother played by Charley Webb, who left the soap in 2021.

"Oh my God, yeah," she responded. "I love Charley, we keep in touch here and there. She showed me the way in the show when I was younger so I'd love to work with her again."

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It was a big night for Emmerdale, with the soap winning the serial drama award and Jeff Hordley winning for his role as Cain Dingle.

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and from 7am on ITVX.

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Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of James Hibbs, smiling against a lime green background.

James HibbsDrama Writer

James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.

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