Emmerdale Jeff Hordley opens up on Charley Webb absence amid new storyline

Cain Dingle may be facing one of the darkest chapters of his life on Emmerdale, but according to actor Jeff Hordley, the character’s strongest support system is helping reshape the emotional heart of the long-running ITV soap.

During a recent Emmerdale press event, Hordley reflected on Cain’s evolving relationship with granddaughter Sarah Sugden following the departure of Debbie Dingle star Charley Webb — and admitted the absence of Debbie is still deeply felt on-screen.

Cain Faces a Life-Changing Battle

In current episodes, Cain has been diagnosed with aggressive but localised prostate cancer, a storyline that has pushed the famously guarded Dingle patriarch into emotionally vulnerable territory.

While Cain struggles to process the diagnosis and prepare for surgery, the character has increasingly leaned on the women closest to him — particularly Sarah Sugden.

Sarah, played by Katie Hill, is the daughter of Debbie Dingle and Andy Sugden, two legacy Emmerdale characters whose exits left major gaps within the Dingle family dynamic.

Kelvin Fletcher exited the soap in 2016 after more than 20 years as Andy, while Charley Webb officially bowed out in 2021 following nearly two decades portraying Debbie.

Jeff Hordley Praises Katie Hill’s Performance

Speaking about the emotional scenes between Cain and Sarah, Hordley was full of praise for co-star Katie Hill, calling her “a joy to work with.”

According to the actor, Sarah has naturally stepped into a role once occupied by Debbie — becoming one of the few people capable of breaking through Cain’s emotional walls.

Hordley explained that Hill delivered “amazing” performances throughout the recent storyline and highlighted how effectively Sarah now connects with Cain during his health crisis.

He also acknowledged that while Debbie’s absence remains noticeable, Sarah brings a similarly grounded emotional energy to the family dynamic.

The actor noted that characters such as Sarah, Moira and Charity are among the rare people who can genuinely get Cain to open up emotionally — something longtime viewers know does not come easily for the often explosive mechanic.

“Surrounded by Strong Women”

The conversation also sparked a light-hearted moment between Hordley and co-star Natalie J Robb, who plays Cain’s wife Moira Dingle.

After Hordley discussed the important women in Cain’s life, Robb joked that Cain was “surrounded by strong women,” prompting Hordley to laugh and agree.

The dynamic has become increasingly central to Cain’s storyline in recent months, particularly as the character grapples with fear, vulnerability and uncertainty over his future.

Katie Hill Wants Debbie and Andy to Return

Meanwhile, Katie Hill recently admitted she would love to see both Debbie and Andy return to the village.

The actress revealed she has never actually met Kelvin Fletcher in real life despite playing his on-screen daughter for years, adding that she would welcome the opportunity to explore Sarah’s relationship with Andy if the character ever came back.

Hill also spoke warmly about Charley Webb, describing the actress as someone who supported her heavily after joining the soap.

According to Hill, Webb “took her under her wing” during her early years on Emmerdale, and she would happily reunite with both former stars on-screen in the future.

For longtime viewers, the possibility of Debbie Dingle returning remains one of the show’s most talked-about potential comebacks — especially now that Cain’s health battle is placing family relationships back at the centre of the drama.