Emmerdale Welcomes Gillian Kearney

There will soon be a new member of the Barton family on Emmerdale as Gillian Kearney joins the soap as Emma Barton. Kearney’s character joins following Finn’s (Joe Gill) desperate search for the mother he has been estranged from for 22 years. Emma Barton is a complicated character with many secrets who will leave viewers wondering how she will react to the news of sister-in-law Moira’s son Adam’s real father being her husband James.

Gillian will join the soap from January. She is most well known for her roles within Casualty and Brookside.

“As an avid fan of Emmerdale, I’m delighted to be playing Emma Barton. She’s a fascinating and complex character and I'm excited to find out what lies ahead for her. The team at Emmerdale have all made me feel really welcome and I'm loving being part of such a brilliant show.” Says Gillian of her new role.

Series Producer Kate Oates reveals “I’m thrilled to welcome Gillian to the show. The arrival of Emma Barton has been long awaited, so her arrival is sure to cause fireworks in the volatile Barton family!”

Emmerdale airs Monday to Friday on ITV at 7pm with an extra episode airing at 8pm on Thursdays.