Emmerdale favourite lands completely different role two years after soap exit
Former Emmerdale actress Jessie Elland has made an exciting announcement on Instagram
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Former Emmerdale star Jessie Elland has landed a completely different role, just two years after her soap exit. The actress is most recognised for her portrayal of Chloe Harris in the ITV soap. The character first graced the Dales in 2021, where she was introduced as the sister of Gemma Harris, a deceased teenager whose heart was transplanted into Sarah Sugden (Katie Hill).
It soon emerged that Chloe had a controlling father who was serving time in prison. That's not all, as she was also the secret offspring of Kerry Wyatt (Laura Norton), who was employed as her housekeeper. Shortly after settling in the village, Chloe embarked on a relationship with Noah Dingle (Jack Downham). Her interest in him waned over time, leading to casual flings with Jacob Gallagher (Joe-Warren Plant) and Nate Robinson (Jurell Carter). This resulted in a stalking plotline for Chloe when Noah developed an unhealthy fixation on her, reports the Mirror.
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Chloe later found out that Kerry was her mother and notably had a child with Mackenzie Boyd (Lawrence Robb). The character departed the Dales with her son Reuben on Boxing Day 2023, following a blackmail scheme against Mack.
Off-screen, Jessie celebrated the launch of her debut book, The Ladie Upstairs, last year. Now, the star is embarking on another fresh endeavour. Jessie has announced via Instagram that she'll be performing in one of the UK's new productions of Little Shop of Horrors, set to debut at Manchester's Hope Mill Theatre before moving to Liverpool Playhouse.
Former EastEnders actress Maisie Smith will portray Audrey throughout the Manchester run, scheduled from 25th September to 29th November 2026, whilst Jessie assumes the character for Liverpool's season, running from 3rd December 2026 through to 9th January 2027.
The production also features Jed Berry as Seymour, Marcus Ayton voicing Audrey II, and Benjamin Yates as Orin Scrivello. Psalms-Nissi Myers-Reid takes on Crystal, Gabrielle Davina Smith plays Ronnette, and Rio Maye appears as Chiffon.
Posting the show's promotional image on Instagram, Jessie expressed: "Going somewhere that's green this December, and I couldn't be more excited!!!" In a separate Instagram upload, Jessie was seen performing Suddenly, Seymour from the musical alongside co-stars Maisie and Jed.
Several of Jessie's former Emmerdale colleagues flooded the comments with encouragement, as Amelia Spencer actress Daisy Campbell posted: "Yay! So proud of you." Mack actor Lawrence Robb commented: "Shhhhhhtunning!!!" whilst Natalie Ann Jamieson, who portrayed Jessie's on-screen sibling Amy Barton, added: "Yes @jessieelland." An excited Jessie responded: "Eeek!!! Miss you, sis."
Fans were also quick to express their enthusiasm, with one person exclaiming: "@jessieelland is there anything you can't do? Amazing!" Another chimed in: "Yessss @jessieelland - cannot wait to come and cheer you on!" A third admirer declared: "Now this is exciting," whilst another gushed: "Can't wait for Liverpool in December, @jessieelland, your voice and talent are exquisite, you shine like the brightest star."
Emmerdale airs weekday nights at 8pm on ITV1 and STV, and Coronation Street airs weekday nights at 8.30pm on ITV1 and STV as part of ITV's new soap power hour scheduling pattern for Coronation Street and Emmerdale
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