For over five decades, the UK soapEmmerdalehas been a staple of British television, captivating audiences with its dramatic storylines, rural setting, and compelling characters. First airing in 1972 asEmmerdale Farm, the soap operaEmmerdalehas evolved into one of the UK’s most popular shows, consistently drawing millions of viewers. Set in the fictional Yorkshire village of Emmerdale, the show explores the lives, loves, and conflicts of its residents. It has won numerous awards and remains a cornerstone of British television culture.
Beyond its gripping narratives,the UK soap operaEmmerdalehas also served as a launching pad for many actors who later found international fame. Some started with small roles before making it big in Hollywood, while others were already recognized but gained new international audiences through their appearances on the show.Many famous names have passed through the Yorkshire Dales inEmmerdale, and for many of them the UK soap was an important starting point in their career.
10 Surprising Actors Who Got Their Start On Soap Operas
Many soap opera actors stick with the genre for their entire careers, but from Tommy Lee Jones to Michael B, Jordan, some became huge movie stars.
10Mel B
Appeared As An Extra From 1993-1994
Long before she became Scary Spice, one of the five Spice Girls, Melanie Brown - better known as Mel B - appeared as an extra inEmmerdalebetween 1993 and 1994. While her role was minor, it was an early experience in the entertainment industry before she skyrocketed to global fame. At the time,Emmerdalewas a popular soap, but it was nothing compared to the international sensation that Mel B would soon be a part of. Within just a few years, she transitioned from background work in television to dominating the music charts worldwide.
In 1994, shortly after her appearance onEmmerdale,Mel B becamea member of the Spice Girls, the best-selling girl group of all time. As Scary Spice, she helped shape pop culture in the late ’90s with hits like “Wannabe,” “Say You’ll Be There,” and “Spice Up Your Life.” Her larger-than-life personality and fierce energy made her a fan favorite.Beyond music, Mel B has worked as a judge onAmerica’s Got TalentandThe X Factor UK, solidifying her status as an entertainment icon far beyond her early soap opera days.
9Patsy Kensit
Played Sadie King From 2004-2006
While it wasn’t one of her earliest roles, Patsy Kensit brought glamour and drama toEmmerdalewhen she played the scheming Sadie King from 2004 to 2006. Sadie was a ruthless businesswoman who stopped at nothing to get what she wanted, including attempting to sabotage her ex-husband’s new relationships and plotting to take over the King family empire. Her time on the show was marked by intense feuds, betrayal, and high-stakes drama, making her one of the most memorable villains inEmmerdalehistory. Kensit left the show in 2006 after Sadie’s plans crumbled, leading to her character’s dramatic exit.
Before she was one of the famous actors and actresses to appear inEmmerdale, Kensit was well-known for her role as Rika van den Haas in many Hollywood movies and US TVB shows,including 1989’sLethal Weapon 2, where she starred opposite Mel Gibson as his ill-fated love interest.ThoughEmmerdalereinvigorated her television career in the UK, she has continued acting in various projects, maintaining her status as a recognizable face in both British and international movies and TV shows.
8Stephen McGann
Played Sean Reynolds From 1999-2002
Stephen McGann portrayed Sean Reynolds inEmmerdalefrom 1999 to 2002, playing the head of the Reynolds family. Sean was a wealthy business executive whose family became entangled in various dramatic storylines, including an affair and a tragic car accident that led to his departure from the show. His character’s journey was filled with turmoil, and after losing everything, Sean eventually left the village, marking the end of McGann’sEmmerdaletenure.
Following his time onEmmerdale, Stephen McGann found some degree of international success as Dr. Patrick Turner in theacclaimed BBC seriesCall the Midwife,which has a dedicated global following.As the compassionate and dedicated doctor of Nonnatus House, he has become a fan favorite, bringing warmth and depth to the long-running period drama. His role inCall the Midwifehas earned him widespread recognition, particularly among audiences who may not have known about his earlier work in British soaps.
7Amanda Donohoe
Played Natasha Wylde From 2009-2010
Amanda Donohoe played the enigmatic Natasha Wylde inEmmerdalefrom 2009 to 2010, making her mark on the UK soap despite not being in it for that long (in comparison to many other co-stars). Natasha arrived in the village as part of the wealthy Wylde family, quickly making an impression with her sophisticated yet secretive nature. As the matriarch, she faced shocking revelations, including her husband’s criminal past. Her storyline took a dark turn when she murdered her husband Mark and later met her own downfall, leading to her departure from the show in 2010.
Donohoe was already well-established before joiningEmmerdale. She gained widespread fame for her role as Cara Jean “C.J.” Lamb inL.A. Lawbetween 1990 and 1992, a groundbreaking role that included one of television’s first lesbian kisses.She also appeared inan episode ofFrasierin 1993 and numerous other productions. Though her time onEmmerdalewas brief, her performance was memorable, showcasing her ability to play complex and layered characters.
6Anna Friel
Played Poppy Bruce In 1992
Before making a name for herself in Hollywood, Anna Friel had a short stint onEmmerdaleas Poppy Bruce in 1992. Her role was minor, but it was an early step in what would become a prolific career. Not long after, she gained widespread recognition as Beth Jordache inBrookside, another British soap, where she was part of one of the first lesbian kisses on UK television - a groundbreaking moment for LGBTQ+ representation.
After appearing inEmmerdale,Anna Friel achieved international fame with leading roles in the fantasy dramaPushing Daisiesfrom 2007–2009, where she played Charlotte “Chuck” Charles, and in the 2011 movieLimitless, where she starred opposite Bradley Cooper.More recently, she starred inMonarch(2022), a country music drama that showcased her versatility. Friel’s career trajectory demonstrates how soap operas can be a stepping stone to international success.
5Joe Gilgun
Played Eli Dingle From 2006-2010
Joe Gilgun brought an unpredictable edge toEmmerdaleas Eli Dingle, a troublemaker who appeared in the soap from 2006 to 2010. As the reckless and wayward brother of Marlon Dingle, Eli often found himself in hot water due to his schemes and criminal tendencies. His storylines included fraud, burglary, and various cons, making him one of the more chaotic members of the Dingle family. After several years of causing havoc, Eli ultimately left the village in 2010, marking the end of Gilgun’s time on the show.
AfterEmmerdale, Gilgun found success in genre-defining TV shows. From 2011 to 2013, he starred as Rudy Wadein the hit sci-fi seriesMisfits, a role that perfectly suited his comedic timing and offbeat charm. He later played Cassidy, the hard-drinking Irish vampire, inPreacherfrom 2016-2019, showcasing his ability to portray larger-than-life characters. Gilgun also made his mark in Hollywood with a role in 2015’sThe Last Witch Hunter, acting alongside Vin Diesel.His post-Emmerdalecareer has solidified him as a standout performer in both UK and international movies and TV shows.
4Amy Nuttall
Played Chloe Atkinson From 2000-2005
Amy Nuttall played Chloe Atkinson inEmmerdalefrom 2000 to 2005, portraying a character who was as ambitious as she was manipulative. Chloe arrived in the village as a fun-loving, glamorous young woman, but she quickly became known for her tangled love life. She had high-profile relationships with Scott Windsor and Carl King, both of which ended in dramatic fashion. As her storylines became increasingly tense - culminating in her faking a pregnancy to hold onto Carl - Chloe ultimately left the village in 2005, moving to the city for a fresh start.
After leavingEmmerdale, Nuttall found success in period drama, most notably as Ethel Parks inDownton Abbey(appearing from 2011–2012). Ethel’s heartbreaking storyline as a housemaid who falls on hard times after an affair with an officer resonated with audiences, further proving Nuttall’s acting range. More recently, she has taken a leap intofantasy movies withBeetlejuice Beetlejuice, the sequel to the 1988 Tim Burton classic.With a career spanning soap operas, acclaimed dramas, and big-screen blockbusters, Nuttall has shown impressive versatility since her days in the Yorkshire Dales.
3Joanne Whalley
Joanne Whalley’s time inEmmerdalewas brief but noteworthy, as she played Angela Read in 1977 - an of all the former cast members of the UK soap, she’s among those who’ve achieved th emost success internationally. Though her role was small, it was an early step in what would become an impressive acting career spanning decades. She went on to establish herself as a versatile actress in film and television, often portraying strong, enigmatic characters.
One of Joann Whalley’s most notable post-Emmerdaleroles was as Sister Maggie inDaredevil, where she played a pivotal figure in Matt Murdock’s life.She also reprised her role as Sorsha in Disney+’sWillow, a continuation of the 1988 fantasy film in which she starred alongside Val Kilmer.In recent years, she has appeared in 2023’sCarnival RowandGossip Girlfrom 2011 to 2012, further demonstrating the UK soap star’s ability to adapt to different genres and audiences.
2Lesley Manville
Played Rosemary Kendall From 1974-1976
Lesley Manville, now an acclaimed actress, had an early role inEmmerdaleas Rosemary Kendall from 1974 to 1976. Though Manville’s character’s time in the village was relatively short, it was an important stepping stone in her long and prestigious career. Over the years, the formerEmmerdalestar has built a reputation for delivering deeply nuanced performances, both in TV shows and movies.
Lesley Manville’s international breakthrough came with her role as Princess Margaret inThe Crown, a performance that earned her widespread critical acclaim. She also played the villainous fairy Flittle in 2014’sMaleficent, bringing her talents to a new generation of audiences. Most recently, she has appeared in the 2023 thriller seriesCitadeland the2024 horror dramaGrotesquerie,proving her ability to take on diverse and challenging roles that push her talents above and beyond her time as Rosemary Kendall inEmmerdale.
1Jenna Coleman
Played Jasmine Thomas From 2005-2009
One of the most recognizable former stars of the long-running UK soap, Jenna Coleman played journalist Jasmine Thomas inEmmerdalefrom 2005 to 2009. Jasmine was an ambitious young woman who became entangled in dramatic relationships and intense storylines, including one that saw her accidentally kill someone in self-defense. After being sent to prison for manslaughter, Jasmine left the show, marking the beginning of Coleman’s rise to stardom.
Soon after leavingEmmerdale, Coleman landed the role of Clara Oswald inDoctor Whofrom 2012 to 2017, becoming one of the most popular companions in the show’s modern era. She also appeared in the likes of 2011’sCaptain America: The First Avengerand took on the lead role inVictoria(2016–2019), portraying the iconic British monarch.In 2022,she played Johanna Constantinein Netflix’sThe Sandmanand starred in 2024’sAll of You, further cementing her status as a leading actress in both British and international projects and proving how important a career stepping-stoneEmmerdalecan be.
