Emmerdale bosses have announced that a new addition to the Sugden family will arrive on our screens this month – with “dramatic” and “unexpected” storylines on the way.
West End star Casey Al-Shaqsy has been cast in the role of Serena Sugden, who’ll cross paths with some of the show’s biggest characters in the months ahead.
Casey began filming with the ITV soap in April as part of new plans to strengthen the Sugden family’s presence in the village once more.
Speaking about her casting, the star commented: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining such an iconic show and playing a Sugden! Serena is a fantastic character with so much going on beneath the surface. I can’t wait for the audience to see the drama unfold.”
Show producer Laura Shaw added: “The Sugdens are a core part of the Emmerdale fabric, and we are thrilled to welcome Casey to the family.
“Her character will be at the heart of some extremely gripping and unexpected storylines, forcing her to make difficult choices that will have dramatic consequences for some of the village’s biggest names.”
Serena’s early scenes see her drawn into the aftermath of a traumatic situation involving an established character – and she soon feels conflicted about what she’s become embroiled in.
Later, questions are raised over Serena’s reasons for moving to Emmerdale and where her loyalties lie.
Casey’s stage background includes roles in Once on This Island, Bonnie & Clyde, Prince of Egypt and Rumi: The Musical.
Last month, Laura Shaw spoke exclusively to Inside Soap about plans to expand the Sugdens and the Tates after years of Dingle dominance in the show.
“At the start of last year, I wanted to cement the families in our show,” Shaw said at the time. “Everyone always talks about the Dingles, but I felt like we needed to build up some of the other families – that’s probably what I’m most proud of.
“I’ve been trying to do the same with the Sugdens as well as the Tates. Obviously, Isabel [Hodgins, who plays Victoria] is on maternity leave, but Sarah’s married Jacob – he’s taken the Sugden name – and what I want to do over the course of the next few months is remind everyone that Sarah’s also a Sugden.”
More details about Serena’s storylines will be revealed in the coming weeks.
