Many A-listers have started their acting careers in soap operas, known for their melodramatic storylines that never seem to stop having loopholes. However, not all stars who made the decision to turn their backs on this gig managed to become successful. Some wished they hadn't left at all!

Although not everyone loves the sudsy programs, there are still viewers who would stay tuned every week. Here we look at the most famous soap opera stars and see how they fared professionally or if they managed to break out of the typecast earned from their regular roles.

Stephen Fry | Known For Blackadder, On Air For 7 Years

BBC show Blackadder ran from 1983 to 1989 and starred Rowan Atkinson (Edmund Blackadder), known for being Mr. Bean. Comedy wizard Stephen Fry also acted alongside the funnyman, playing Melchett. After this stint, he landed more projects like Jeeves and Wooster, This Is David Lander, Baddiel's Syndrome, and The Magician's House.

With decades of gracing screens, the 63-year-old seems he doesn't have plans to stop anytime soon. As of 2021, Fry has already appeared in a few episodes of It's A Sin and was cast as a writer named Gilbert in the upcoming Netflix show The Sandman.

Michael Caine | Known For Dixon of Dock Green, On Air For 2 Years

Sir Michael Caine has been active in the industry for nearly eight decades after first expressing interest in theater. Known for playing roles in Dixon of Dock Green (1957-1959) and Jack the Ripper (1988), the veteran star has undoubtedly mastered his craft.

Caine starred in numerous notable films, including The Cider House Rules, for which he earned Academy and SAG awards. His fans may also recognize the icon from his recent credits like Tenet and Kingsman: The Secret Service. Now 87, the celebrated star has yet to retire as he is set to showcase his top-notch acting skills in Now You See Me 3.

Ian McKellen | Known For Playing Shakespeare, On Air For 1 Year

When you hear Ian McKellen's name, you'll instantly think of Gandalf of The Lord of the Rings or Magneto from the X-Men franchise. Despite the recognition and notable works, the Acting Shakespeare star's ultimate dream was to grace the soap opera Coronation Street. This ambition came true in 2005 when he was tapped to play author Hard Grinding for 10 episodes.

Now an octogenarian, retirement seems to be the last thing on McKellen's mind as he was signed to join the cast of the upcoming Hamlet Revenant. The Academy Award-winner is now six decades into his career.

Anthony Hopkins | Known For War and Peace, On Air For 1 Year

While he entered the scene in the early '60s, it wasn't until his 1968 movie The Lion in Winter that he truly garnered critics' attention. In terms of shows, his work in War and Peace left a lasting impression on viewers. He played Pierre Bezukhov from 1972 to 1973.

In the next decades, Hopkins only showed nothing but fine acting. Now 83, the multi-award-winning star has yet to take his career rest. In 2020, his portrayal of a dementia-stricken man in The Father was lauded. He will next be seen as The Mentor in The Virtuoso and Finley Hart in XCII.

Judi Dench | Known For As Time Goes By, On Air For 13 Years

Everybody knows who Judi Dench is. Apart from being a recipient of prestigious awards like BAFTA, Tony, SAG, Golden Globe, and Academy, the legend has worked with some of the best institutions like the National Theatre, Old Vic Theatre, and Royal Shakespeare Company.

The 86-year-old has enjoyed an illustrious career, with the '90s TV show As Time Goes By as one of her most popular projects. In the show, she was paired opposite Geoffrey Palmer for the entire duration of the show. In February 2021, Dench opened up about losing her eyesight and navigating work despite the problem.

John Cleese | Known For Fawlty Towers, On Air For 4 Years

Comedian John Cleese has a long list of acting credits. Some of the '60s star's earlier works include At Last the 1948 Show, The Frost Report, and Monty Python's Flying Circus. He may be best known for playing Basil Fawlty in the now-defunct Fawlty Towers for four years.

In March 2021, Cleese opened up about playing the iconic character, and he revealed in an interview that although he has no regrets, he does want to retake a scene from the show. The 81-year-old didn't like the sequence when a moose's head fell late on him, missing the cue.

Jeremy Irons | Known For The Borgias, On Air For 2 Years

Since the '70s, Jeremy Irons has carefully built his acting resume. After training at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, he first dipped his toes into stage plays before entering the TV world. Some of his notable works were The Pallisers, Love for Lydia, Brideshead Revisited, and The Civil War.

Under the veteran's belt are several awards, including a Golden Globe, Tony, Academy, and Screen Actors Guild. One of his finest works is The Borgias, set in the Renaissance period. Currently, he is busy filming for his 2021 movie House of Gucci.

Ben Kingsley | Known For Coronation Street, On Air For 1 Year

While soap operas are a great launchpad for an actor's career, some couldn't break away from their roles once they want to explore other genres. However, Ben Kingsley is one to prove the opposite. After his Orlando stint in 1966, cast as Ron Jenkins in the long-running Coronation Street.

Although he only stayed with the soap for a year, it catapulted him to greater heights as he went on to star in notable series like The Love School, Crown Court, and Secret of the Sahara. Kingsley is not stopping as he is set to appear in a string of works like Long Gone Heroes, Dali Land, and Wake.

Charles Lawson | Known For Coronation Street, On Air For 29 Years

While Charles Lawson has many credits to his name, it is inarguably his soap opera Coronation Street that will be forever tied to him. Considering that he first graced the show in 1989 as Jim McDonald, departing the series in 2018 was a tough pill to swallow for his avid fans.

It is worth noting that Lawson might just be prioritizing his health after he suffered a stroke in the middle of a play. In 2020, he talked about the scare and revealed in an interview that he would never forgive the director, who never asked how he was doing after the incident.

Tom Watt | Known For EastEnders, On Air For 3 Years

Although Tom Watt has a short list of acting credits, he became synonymous with EastEnders after playing Lofty Holloway in the soap opera from 1985 to 1988. He returned to the show unannounced in 2006 as an extra at a pub watching the World Cup.

Watt also reprised his role in 2019 when Lofty attended Dr. Harold Legg's funeral. In 2020, the sports journalist opened up about EastEnders and why he felt its ratings were dwindling. The 65-year-old believed that the program was not giving its audience the chance to ponder by releasing too many episodes per week.

Bruce Jones | Known For Coronation Street, On Air For 10 Years

Playing taxi driver Les Battersby-Brown in the ITV soap opera Coronation Street from 1997 to 2007 had cemented Bruce Jones' A-list status. After leaving the show, the Manchester-born's career only took off to greater heights, with some of his notable works including Distorted and Duty of Care.

While he continued to impress in front of the screen, Jones had to face a huge bump when he was dragged into a murder case after he discovered a victim's body. The 68-year-old made headlines in late 2020 after he appeared in the Netflix documentary The Ripper detailing the gruesome incident. 

Jack Ryder | Known For EastEnders, On Air For 4 Years

Because of his luscious blonde locks, Jack Ryder was called a tiny David Beckham as a child. This is why he instantly became a heartthrob when he first appeared in EastEnders as a young Jamie Mitchell in 1998. Even when he stepped on the role of a troubled character, he was still seen as a pretty boy.

Ryder left the show in 2002 and appeared in different shows, with the latest being Holby City as Evan Crowhurst. Nowadays, he is a doting father to a baby named Marnie that he shares with his girlfriend, Ella. The family has settled down in North London after welcoming the child in 2020.

Johnny Briggs | Known For Coronation Street, On Air For 30 Years

For 30 years, Johnny Briggs was the beloved Mike Baldwin in Coronation Street. More than being a ladies' man in the show, the fixture was known for his beef with Ken Barlow, who eventually became his friend. Many were sad that he departed the soap because he wanted to spend some time with his family in Florida.

Briggs made it a point to reach his 30th anniversary with the show before leaving to lead a quiet life. Unfortunately, the actor met his demise in February 2021 at 85 after a long battle with an undisclosed illness.

Gemma Merna | Known For Hollyoaks, On Air For 8 Years

Not all soap operas are catered for the older generations. Enter Hollyoaks, a story about college students and their families. The relatively new drama, which started in 1995, used to star Gemma Merna, who portrayed Carmel McQueen (2006-2014), the easy-going blonde.

During her tenure with the youth-oriented program, Merna snatched a British Soap Award, but even so, decided to escape the spotlight. After guest-starring in the TV series Doctors as Abbie Whitwell, the stunner retreated from the main scene. Now, the 37-year-old is making waves in the fitness world as a yoga and meditation instructor.

Barbara Knox | Known For Coronation Street, On Air For 57 Years

Many stars only take the soap opera route to create a name in the entertainment industry. However, some actors like Barbara Knox truly love portraying their characters so much that they end up doing it for decades. Known for playing Rita Tanner, the newsstand owner in Coronation Street, the 87-year-old has yet to turn her back on the role that has become synonymous with her.

It's hard to imagine someone taking over her part as she has been part of the long-running ITV show since 1964. Knox witnessed the soap's milestones, including in 2020 when it celebrated its 60th anniversary.

Stephanie Davis | Known For Hollyoaks, On Air For 9 Years

There are moments when characters' storylines would become a reality. For instance, Hollyoaks actress Stephanie Davis played Sinead O'Connor in the show for nine years, from 2010 to 2019. Many fans noticed that there was an uncanny resemblance between her reel and real lives.

Davis was constantly the talk of the town because of her tumultuous relationship with Jeremy McConnell. The 27-year-old isn't that lucky with love as she ended up making the news in 2019 for her breakup from her Hollyoaks costar Owen Warner. Although she isn't active in the scene, Davis keeps her fans updated on social media.

Linda Davidson | Known For EastEnders, On Air For 3 Years

There are moments when characters' storylines would become a reality. For instance, Hollyoaks actress Stephanie Davis played Sinead O'Connor in the show for nine years, from 2010 to 2019. Many fans noticed that there was an uncanny resemblance between her reel and real lives.

Davis was constantly the talk of the town because of her tumultuous relationship with Jeremy McConnell. The 27-year-old isn't that lucky with love as she ended up making the news in 2019 for her breakup from her Hollyoaks costar Owen Warner. Although she isn't active in the scene, Davis keeps her fans updated on social media.

Gillian Taylforth | Known For EastEnders, On Air For 21 Years

EastEnders original cast member Gillian Taylforth played Kathy Beale, Ian Beale's mom. Unfortunately, the producers seemingly made no room for her return to the show when her character died from a car accident in 2006. However, Taylforth surprisingly shocked fans when she returned in 2015 in time for the soap's 30th anniversary.

It turned out that it was a permanent comeback and revealed that her character faked her death. Until now, she has portrayed the part and was seen in March 2021 on the set. In 2020, the actress's fiance Dave Fairbairn was shot in the stomach.

Tracy Shaw | Known For Coronation Street, On Air For 8 Years

Fans probably remember Tracy Shaw as hairdresser Maxine Peacock in Coronation Street from 1995 to 2003. Her character had one of the most interesting and complicated storylines, but her exit was probably one of the most gruesome, too. In fact, Richard brutally killed her.

Following her stint in the cobbles, Shaw didn't explore much, only appearing in the TV series Casualty and Doctors. The 47-year-old also landed the role of Mary in the 2018 film Monster. Unfortunately, the actress chose to step back from the limelight to focus on her family.

Kate McGregor | Known For Emmerdale, On Air For 9 Years

Amateur actors don't always get a big break, so those who are blessed to have the chance to shine would hold on to the opportunity, even if that meant joining the cast of a soap opera. However, for Kate McGregor, she was willing to turn her back on such a lucrative project.

In Emmerdale, McGregor played Emily Kirk from 1999 to 2008 but decided to turn her back on the industry to focus on her family. The star felt that she was missing out on a lot by being busy with her projects and that her character had already run its course. The 49-year-old has opted to stay low-key.

Emily Symons | Known For Emmerdale, On Air For 7 Years

Australia-born actress Emily Symons played barmaid Louise Appleton in the hit ITV soap Emmerdale, first introduced in 2001. After seven years, she decided to leave the show. Although she admitted that she admired the camaraderie on the set, she said in an interview that she regretted being away from her family for seven years.

When Symons took on the role, she moved from the Land Down Under to the United Kingdom but felt that she missed out on a lot. Nowadays, she remains a part of the Australian soap Home and Away.

Malcolm Hebden | Known For Coronation Street, On Air For 46 Years

Although his acting portfolio includes notable projects like A Bit of A Do and The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, it's hard to separate Malcolm Hebden from his character Norris Cole in the soap opera Coronation Street, for he has portrayed the newsagent since 1974.

Unfortunately, Hebden quietly retired in 2020, which means no more Norris in the long-running ITV show. In making the decision, the actor said in an interview that he was extremely grateful for the opportunity and that although he was still willing to play the part, his body couldn't take it anymore.

Julie Goodyear | Known For Coronation Street, On Air For 7 Years

With the many cast members of Coronation Street that had come and gone, there's only a handful who have truly made a mark, and the short list includes Julie Goodyear. Best known for playing the feisty barmaid Bet Lynch, fans saw how her character transformed into a charming woman.

Unfortunately, Goodyear exited the show in 2003, seven years after her debut, much to her avid fans' disappointment. She ultimately left the scene in 2006 after playing Sister Mary in the Tug of War. The 78-year-old did come out of hiding in 2020 when she auctioned her Bet Lynch jewelry for a good cause.

Thelma Barlow | Known For Coronation Street, On Air For 26 Years

Although actress Thelma Barlow hasn't formally announced her retirement yet, she hasn't been acting for years. She last showed her impeccable skills in 2016's Florence Foster Jenkins as Mrs. Oscar Garmunder, making her fans think that she has entirely stopped appearing in front of the lens.

Barlow is best known for playing Mavis Wilton in Coronation Street for over 25 years, first joining the community in 1971. In 2020, the 91-year-old opened up about the possibility of her character coming back to the soap opera. She revealed that even though she received a couple of offers, she declined because she's done with the part.

Lucy Pargeter | Known For Emmerdale, On Air For 19 Years

Many people know Lucy Pargeter as Chas Dingle in Emmerdale, but long before she graced the show, she enjoyed a music career as a part of the group Paper Dolls. In fact, the trio was so famous that they even performed with Boyzone back in the '90s. Prior to her soap work, she appeared in Crossroads and Brand Spanking New Show.

In 2019, she won a British Soap Award for her role in Emmerdale, and many fans have come to love her storylines. Although this is the case, Pargeter revealed she doesn't watch the show simply because of conflict in schedule.

Cindy Marshall-Day | Known For Crossroads, On Air For 2 Years

Actress Cindy Marshall-Day appeared in several series before landing her role Tracey Booth in the soap opera Crossroads in 2001. Unlike others on this list, her stint was brief, only appearing as the hopeless but unlucky woman in the show for two years. After her short tenure, many fans soon realized that her character's story resembled hers to an extent.

Marshall-Day's relationship with the late Tony Lane-Roberts got so out of hand that he got legally prohibited from coming near her. Unfortunately, the 53-year-old's career fizzled out after appearing in The Afternoon Play in 2007, and she has left little to no crumbs for her fans to follow.

Helen Flanagan | Known For Coronation Street, On Air For 13 Years

Fans can remember Helen Flanagan as Rosie Webster in Coronation Street, having played the part from 2000 to 2012 and then 2017 to 2018. The public practically saw how the child star grew and honed her skills over a decade with the soap opera.

Flanagan, who is currently pregnant with her third child, decided to leave the show in 2018 to focus on her private life. However, the 30-year-old actress admitted in an interview in January 2021 that she sorely missed Corrie, teasing a possible return. She did point out that as of now, her mind is set on being a mom.

Maisie Smith | Known For EastEnders, On Air For 11 Years

Most seven-year-olds spend their time playing and learning how to read, but for Maisie Smith, that was the age she joined the long-time running soap EastEnders. Now 19, the stunner is still playing the adorable Tiffany Butcher, and although she did take a break for years, she has become a fixture at the show.

Over the years, Smith has amassed quite a following on Instagram, boasting nearly a million followers on the platform. The Essex-born star was also a finalist in the latest Strictly Come Dancing, where she was partnered with Spanish choreographer Gorka Marquez.

Ben Hardy | Known For EastEnders, On Air For 2 Years

Ben Hardy was in his early 20s when he landed Peter Beale's role on EastEnders, replacing actor Thomas Law, who played the part from 2006 to 2010. Although the Dorset-born star only portrayed the character for two years (2013-2015), the opportunity put his name on the map.

However, unlike other soap opera thespians, Hardy was able to penetrate Hollywood by snatching a role in 2016 X-Men: Apocalypse as Warren Worthington III. His most recent project is Pixie, a 2020 crime comedy movie that stars Olivia Cooke and Daryl McCormack.

Ashley Slanina-Davies | Known For Hollyoaks, On Air For 9 Years

Actress Ashley Slanina-Davies played Amy Barnes in Hollyoaks for more than a decade, but she wanted more outside show business even with that feat. She first graced the show in 2007 and immediately became a fan favorite, but she briefly left the soap to focus on her schooling.

To fans' surprise, Slanina-Davis returned years later but eventually exited in 2017 with a plot that didn't leave any room for a comeback. Although the 31-year-old previously hinted that she was open to reprise her role or play an extra in Hollyoaks, she has managed to remain under the radar nowadays.

Ellis Hollins | Known For Hollyoaks, On Air For 21 Years

Manchester-native actor Ellis Hollins was born to be a star—literally. He first appeared in the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks at weeks old. Hollins' character had one of the most dramatic sequences in the show at such a young age. He was cast to play the adorable Tom Cunningham, the adopted child of Frankie and Jack Osborne.

Who could ever forget that face, right? Nowadays, fans shouldn't expect him to possess the same cuteness as the 20-year-old has been seen bulking up at a gym. In a 2020 shirtless selfie, Hollins revealed that he started working out after feeling physically unhappy.

Sue Nicholls | Known For Coronation Street, On Air For 42 Years

There's only a handful of Coronation Street legends that portray their part in the soap until now. Sue Nicholls, who portrays Audrey Roberts, belongs to that short list. As it turned out, the iconic show had also become memorable to the actress because it was where she met her husband.

Even though Mark Eden played the villain in the soap, Nicholls fell for him, and they tied the knot in 1993. Unfortunately, he died in January 2021, no less on the first day after suffering from Alzheimer's disease. She also suffered another blow when her Corrie co-star Johnny Briggs passed away more than a month after her husband.

Sheree Murphy | Known For Emmerdale, On Air For 6 Years

Adele Silva | Known For Emmerdale, On Air For 18 Years

Having played Kelly Windsor in the long-running soap opera Emmerdale for nearly two decades, Adele Silva has learned that the opportunity was both a boon and a bane. Portraying the part for a long period has undoubtedly honed her skills, which might have prepared her for other roles.

However, her stint's longevity had somehow boxed Windsor in the genre and made it hard for her to crack Hollywood. In October 2020, the 40-year-old actress lashed out at casting directors who deem her 'too soapy' and questioned when the snobbery toward her coworkers would end.

Jack P. Shepherd | Known For Coronation Street, On Air For 21 Years

While he bagged minor roles in 1999, Jack P. Shepherd's most lucrative portrayal is probably David Platt in Coronation Street. Since 12, the actor has played the part, starting in 2000. With two years on the show, it only came naturally that he would meet the love of his life on the set, having spent most of his time there.

In November 2020, Shepherd and his girlfriend Hanni spoke about their plans of taking their relationship to the next level in the future, although they didn't reveal details. He has two kids with his ex-fiancee Lauren Shippey and then another one with Sammy Milewski.

Dawn Acton | Known For Coronation Street, On Air For 11 Years

Dawn Acton is best known for playing Tracy Barlow in Coronation Street for 11 years, from 1988 to 1999. Despite fans discovering a love-hate fascination toward her character, the actress bid goodbye to her resident rebel daughter role after having a son.

On that decision, her priorities had changed, and it was a no-brainer that she wanted to focus on motherhood. However, the acting bug bit Acton again in 2002, so she auditioned for the role, which eventually went to Kate Ford. Nowadays, she's juggling parenting and DJing for more than a decade.

Tina O’Brien | Known For Coronation Street, On Air For 22 Years

For over two decades, Tina O'Brien has frequented TV screens as Sarah Platt in the long-running Weatherfield-based show. While portraying the part, the blonde beauty has appeared in other notable series like Waterloo Road and Casualty. However, it was through Coronation Street that she met Adam Crofts.

Crofts, who played Jason Grimshaw in the soap, and O'Brien share a daughter. However, their relationship didn't last, and the two have strained their connection in recent years. Nonetheless, their child, Scarlett, has shown great potential as early as now, with the matriarch sharing a video of the little one singing in 2021.

Eileen Derbyshire | Known For Coronation Street, On Air For 58 Years

Although TV legend Eileen Derbyshire's last appearance in Coronation Street was in 2019, she has yet to announce her exit from the show officially. Playing the beloved Emily Bishop for 58 years, it's hard to forget her mainstay character. So when it was rumored that she would come back for the show's 60th anniversary in 2020, fans were delighted.

While she has yet to act again, Derbyshire has lost Thomas W. Holt, her husband of 56 years, in February 2021. The late man who battled Alzheimer's disease and the actress met in 1964.

Beverley Callard | Known For Coronation Street, On Air For 31 Years

For over three decades, Beverley Callard played Liz McDonald, making her one of the most iconic actresses from Corrie. In 2020, she announced that she would be leaving the show after a disappearance, which was written as a trip to Spain. She revealed that her absence was actually because of a health emergency.

While she initially thought that it was a temporary leave, finding out that she needed a hip operation ultimately made her quit. In February 2021, Callard admitted that she wouldn't want to reprise her role anymore after realizing that she now has the time to do other things.

Helen Worth | Known For Coronation Street, On Air For 47 Years

Although she doesn't have the longest tenure in Coronation Street, Helen Worth is considered a Corrie legend, with close to five decades in the show. Playing the ever-curious Gail Platt on the ITV program, the actress had won The British Soap Award for Outstanding Achievement Award.

Worth has played the part so well that many fans couldn't separate her from the character. However, the 70-year-old almost didn't land a role in the soap opera after being rejected twice. Luckily, she snatched the part of Gail, which turned out to be perfect for her. In February 2021, she paid tribute to her costar, Johnny Briggs.

Ryan Thomas | Known For Coronation Street, On Air For 16 Years

When Manchester-born actor Ryan Thomas joined the cast of Coronation Street in 2000, he immediately swooned viewers. He developed a spark with costar Tina O'Brien, and they were blessed with a child. However, their relationship didn't last and eventually turned sour.

After his Corrie stint, Thomas landed Rafael Humphries' role in Neighbours in 2018, the last time he was seen on screens. In March 2021, the 36-year-old revealed he was quitting the profession as he is having a hard time dealing with criticisms and rejection. Apparently, comments from social media trolls were what pushed him to the decision.

John Altman | Known For EastEnders, On Air For 36 Years

It's hard to forget John Altman's character Nick Cotton in EastEnders; after all, the villain stirred emotions for more than three decades. While some soap stars couldn't wait to shed off their roles, this actor loves reminiscing his time on the beloved show. The 69-year-old even revealed his disappointment over the recasting of his on-screen child.

While he is yet to return to the show, Altman has a line of projects, including a TV series titled Unsinkable. In March 2021, he also announced that he was involved in a radio show called Greenborne.

Susan Tully | Known For EastEnders, On Air For 10 Years

Sometimes, a path taken would lead you to another passion. Such was what happened to actress Susan Tully, who played Michelle Fowler in EastEnders from 1985 to 1995. After playing the part for a decade, she discovered her love for directing and had since made a full shift to the craft.

While she was last seen in Up 'n' Under in 1998, Tully has become active behind the scenes. She has been involved in a series of shows like Black Cab, The Chase, and Crossing Lines. Meanwhile, her last project was C.B. Strike (2020).

Steven Arnold | Known For Coronation Street, On Air For 15 Years

Fifteen years playing Ashley Peacock in Coronation Street is no joke. After leaving the show in 2010, Steven Arnold has been attached to many projects, including Casualty and On The Market. However, he is best known for his soap opera stint, so much that many people forever refer to him as his character.

In 2020, he virtually appeared on This Morning, and host Ore Oduba called him Ashley many times. Fans were quick to note that the presenter might not have realized his blunder. But it probably didn't matter as he has many appearances in 2021, including in Wings, Beautiful Monster, and The Book.

Simon Gregson | Known For Coronation Street, On Air For 32 Years

Simon Gregson is best known for playing silly Steve McDonald in Coronation Street starting 1989. For over three decades, the actor hasn't explored much outside his soap opera work. He did appear in Steve & Lloyd's Streetcar Series in 2014 and Red Dwarf in 2009.

But far from his character, Gregson is battling a bigger problem: anxiety. For years, he has been struggling with it and has become an inspiration to his fans whenever he talks about his journey. In February 2021, the award-winner encouraged his supporters to watch Anxiety and Me, saying that patients need to find the right treatment for them.

Sammy Winward | Known For Emmerdale, On Air For 14 Years

In 2001, a 15-year-old teen Sammy Winward got cast to play Katie Sugden in Emmerdale, a stint that lasted for 14 years. The singer, who blossomed into a skilled actress, was killed off in 2015, much to the disappointment of her fans.

Although her time with the show was over, Winward slammed the soap opera in January 2021 for a scene she had to do back then. The sequence in question was when Katie and Donna (Verity Rushworth) were in bikinis while herding cows. The 35-year-old blondie explained in an interview that if it were to happen now, the culture wouldn't allow it.

Sophie Powles | Known For Emmerdale, On Air For 7 Years

Actress Sophie Powles' time in Emmerdale was relatively short compared to others on this list, but she made a lasting impression on viewers. She first graced the show in 2009 as a black-haired Holly Barton but left the show three years later. Although she expressed gratefulness for the opportunity, she noted that she craved the freedom to work on other things.

Powles returned to the soap opera in 2016, but her stay only lasted for six months after her troubled character died of substance overdose. In 2020, it was revealed that the 32-year-old is working as a waitress to make ends meet following her time in the spotlight.

Jenna Coleman | Known For Emmerdale, On Air For 7 Years

Imagine playing a character for four years; you'll become a household name. That's what exactly happened to Jenna Coleman, known for portraying Jasmine Thompson in the soap opera Emmerdale. She was even nominated for Most Popular Newcomer in National Television Awards for her work in the show.

Because of her psycho role in Emmerdale, she got cast to play Lindsay James in the drama series Waterloo Road. Coleman also appeared in a slew of shows like Doctor Who, The Cry, and Victoria. The 34-year-old will soon star alongside Tom Burke in Klokkenluider.

Tom Lister | Known For Emmerdale, On Air For 12 Years

It's hard to imagine how a soap opera would fare without an infuriating villain. For 12 years, Tom Lister got everyone mad with his Emmerdale character Carl King, a playboy, easy-to-the-eyes man with a short temper. Unfortunately, the character was killed off in 2012 in an unforgettable scene where he delivered his iconic line.

Opportunities came knocking on Lister's door after Emmerdale, landing the role of DI Dave Saint in The Doll Maker. Currently, he has his hands full with the series Doctors, where he has appeared since 2002. The Ingleton native is also very involved in theater works nowadays.

Sian Reese-Williams | Known For Emmerdale, On Air For 5 Years

It's not easy to join the cast of soap operas since there are many actors vying for a role. But for Sian Reese-Williams, her theater accomplishments came in handy when she snatched a character in Emmerdale. For five years, she played the bubbly Genesis Walker and left in 2013.

While her character has died in the show, Reese-Williams' career only soared after this stint. She landed roles in different series like Hinterland, Requiem, Pili Pala, Hidden, and Holby City. Her latest project is a 2021 film titled Justine, where she played Leanne.