Original Emmerdale Sugden family now – cancer battle, Doctor Who and last surviving star
Emmerdale has been on our screens for over half a century and has displayed some of the most explosive acting in soap history.
Emmerdale is one of Britain’s most beloved programmes and it is all down to the Sugden family who made an everlasting impact. Back in 1972 ITV originally commissioned the programme for just 26 episodes but after wowing the nation it quickly became a staple prime time show.
Initially, the show was titled Emmerdale Farm after being specially based around the characters within the family off the back of Radio 4’s The Archers. The Sugden’s were the proud owners of the infamous farmhouse that overlooks the village – having been passed down for generations.
The show has been explosive over the years – seeing many characters come and go in the Yorkshire Dales. But the Sugden family still remain at the heart of the show.
Today, descendents of the original unit are still equally as scandalous and mischievous which include the likes of Victoria Sugden. The original unit consisted of widowed farmer Annie Sugden (Sheila Mercier), alongside her children Peggy Skilbeck (Jo Kendall), Jack Sugden (Andrew Burt and Clive Hornby) and Joe Sugden (Frazer Hines).
From tragic deaths to career U-turns, the actors who played the founding family have all been plagued by drama in their own lives. The Express.co.uk has taken a look back at the show’s original cast and where they are today since appearing on the show over 50 years ago.
Annie Sugden
Sheila Mercier lived a life only most could dream of. The actress appeared on Emmerdale for over 20 years, and often would make guest appearances after her departure.
In December 2019 it was announced that she had died, after recently celebrating her 100th birthday.
Before her debut at the age of 47 Sheila appeared in many theatre productions as well as other dramas on the network and with the BBC.
Peggy Skillbeck
Josephine Mary Kendall starred as Margaret "Peggy" Skilbeck. She was the daughter of Annie Sugden and the wife of Matt Skilbeck.
The British actress was only on the show for a year between 1972 to 1973. The late star went on to play bigger roles in other series before she died aged 82 in 2022.
She appeared in The Bill and Grange Hill, as well as many other Television shows and stage plays.
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Jack Sugden
Andrew Burt was first cate to play the role of Jack Sugden from 1972 to 1973 with a brief return in 1976, when the actor left for Italy to write a book.
On his return in 1980, he was played by Clive Hornby – who most fans associate to when they think of Jack. He was on the show for 28 years but was forced to bow out after suffering from ill health.
In 2008 it was announced that he had died aged 63 after battling lung cancer. Meanwhile, before going into Emmerdale he starred in Life at Stake and Spy!
Joe Sugden
Frazier Hines is the only living cast member from the original Sugden family. Frazier, 79, played Joe Sugden between 1972 and 1994.
He began his career as a child actor and appeared in A King in New York with Charlie Chaplin. Before going onto a stellar career which included titles in Doctor Who and most recently Outlander.
Back in 2020 he also starred in the romantic-comedy film Lost at Christmas set in the Scottish Highland.
