Emmerdale in 2025: Why It’s Time to Ditch the Dead Wood and Shine a Spotlight on Ruby Fox-Milligan!

As Emmerdale gears up for a pivotal year in 2025, fans and critics alike are calling on ITV’s long-running soap to shake off the cobwebs and focus its storytelling on the characters that truly electrify the Dales. And at the heart of that demand? One woman: Ruby Fox-Milligan. Fiery, flawed, and utterly fascinating, Ruby represents everything Emmerdale could—and should—be.

This past year has been a rocky ride. While 2024 brought with it some dramatic highs, including Belle Dingle’s harrowing abuse storyline and the satisfying takedown of Tom King, much of the show has been bogged down by lackluster arcs, misfired character development, and a parade of characters who have long outstayed their welcome.

The Dull and the Deadwood

Let’s address the elephant in the room—some characters simply aren’t carrying their weight anymore. Will Taylor is perhaps the most glaring example. From his constant bickering with Kim Tate to his insufferable brooding, Will has become less of a character and more of a walking complaint. Viewers once held out hope for a redemption arc, but it’s clear now: there’s nowhere left to go. And while his apparent death on Christmas Day might have sparked some brief fanfare, rumors of a faked demise have left audiences groaning at the thought of his return.

Similarly, Moira’s brain tumor storyline had the potential for deep emotional resonance—until it was derailed by Cain’s wildly out-of-character infidelity. It felt more like plot-driven chaos than a genuine test of their marriage. Elsewhere, Ella’s introduction fizzled quickly. Despite being played by the powerhouse Paula Lane (of Coronation Street fame), Ella devolved into a one-note receptionist obsessed with a man, far from the compelling figure she could have been.

Time for a Cast Reboot

2025 must be the year Emmerdale makes bold decisions. Daisy Campbell’s axing as Amelia Spencer was a hard pill to swallow—especially when other stagnant characters like Gabby, Jai, Bear, and Jimmy remain on screen with recycled storylines. Fans are crying out for change. Why not take a page from the thrillers and stage a dramatic prison break involving serial killer Meena? It would be the perfect way to sweep out the deadwood in one explosive arc.

The current imbalance in character utilization is baffling. Talented actors are being underused while screen time is devoted to worn-out characters making the same mistakes. If Emmerdale wants to regain its former glory, the solution is clear: cut the clutter and spotlight the stars who shine.

Ruby Fox-Milligan: The Star the Dales Deserve

Enter Ruby Fox-Milligan, played with delicious charisma by Beth Cordingly. Ruby arrived like a breath of fresh air, a rare gem who blends villainy with vulnerability. From her fiery clashes in the Woolpack to her unflinching support of Moira during her health crisis, Ruby has proven she’s more than just a troublemaker—she’s a fully fleshed-out woman with layers waiting to be explored.

What sets Ruby apart isn’t just her strong personality, but her emotional depth. Her complex relationship with her family—particularly with her terminally ill father—offers a treasure trove of potential storylines. Viewers have seen her soften in private moments, revealing the trauma and loyalty that motivate her ruthless exterior. She’s not just a soap villain; she’s a modern antiheroine, and the show would be foolish not to build around her.

Ruby commands every scene she’s in. She challenges the status quo, and she’s never afraid to speak her mind—qualities that resonate with viewers tired of passive or predictable characters. She’s a torchbearer for a new era of Emmerdale women: bold, complex, and unapologetically real.

The Return Fans Are Begging For

Alongside Ruby’s rise, there’s another name that continues to stir the hearts of longtime viewers: Robert Sugden. Played memorably by Ryan Hawley, Robert’s exit left a void that no amount of fresh blood has managed to fill. Now, fans are rallying for his return. And what better time than 2025?

Imagine Robert re-entering the Dales, fresh from prison, only to find his husband Aaron Dingle entangled in a budding relationship with his half-brother, Jon. The tension, the drama, the inevitable emotional fallout—it’s pure soap gold. Robert and Aaron’s chemistry is unmatched, and bringing them back together could restore the emotional heartbeat that Emmerdale has been sorely lacking.

Soap Tropes That Need to End

While 2025 should be a year of bold character moves, it also needs to be a year of saying no to tired tropes. The affair plotline—so often the crutch of soap storytelling—needs a serious break. Audiences can spot the signs a mile away: the lingering glances, the long pauses, the drawn-out “will-they-won’t-they” tension. Unless the affair storyline is truly groundbreaking—say, Cain and Liam, or a wild twist involving Rodney and Chas—it’s better left behind.

Instead, give us unexpected partnerships and complex relationships. Show characters growing together, clashing over real issues, and evolving in ways that reflect both their past and their potential. Viewers are hungry for deeper, more thoughtful narratives, not just another round of infidelity and betrayal.

A New Vision for the Village

To keep Emmerdale exciting and emotionally resonant, the showrunners must re-evaluate who’s at the center of their storytelling. Characters like Ruby Fox-Milligan bring the kind of energy and unpredictability that soaps thrive on. Let her soar. Give her meaningful conflicts, family drama, perhaps even a shot at redemption—or a descent into villainy so compelling we can’t look away.

Bring back beloved characters like Robert Sugden. Surprise us with alliances and twists that feel earned, not forced. Trim the fat. Say goodbye to characters whose stories have run dry. And most importantly, listen to the fans who have invested years of loyalty into the show.

As we look ahead to 2025, it’s clear that Emmerdale is at a crossroads. With the right choices, it can usher in a golden age of storytelling—one led by strong, captivating characters like Ruby. It’s time to clear the stage of the tired and the tedious and let the true stars shine.

The Dales are ready. Let’s make them unforgettable again.Would you like a shortened version of this article for social media?