An Emmerdale star is set to return with a villainous new storyline after making a string of appearance on rival soaps - with fans bound to recognise her. 

The actress, who has appeared on the likes of A Touch of Frost, and Midsomer Murders, last appeared on the ITV series in 2025 with a guest stint. 

Now, she will be back for more, reviving her role as Doctor Todd in a compelling new storyline exploring workplace bullying and power dynamics. 

Caroline Harker, who plays the character, will have an extended run on the series, as she appears as boss to trainee doctor Jacob Sugden, played by Joe Warren Plant.

Despite being a bright and ambitious young doctor, Jacob's professional world will soon become a battleground in episodes that air later this month. 

Doctor Todd will return with a vengeance, and will be quick to find fault and relentlessly critique enthusiastic Jacob, her trainee. 

The storyline will follow Jacob as he struggles to manage his work-life balance under the growing pressure from his boss, who keeps a watchful eye on him at work. 

The stakes are raised even higher when Doctor Todd is then seen inserting herself into the day-to-day life in the village, blurring the lines for Jacob between his professional and private life. 

Actress Caroline said of her return: 'I’m delighted to be back at Emmerdale for a longer stint playing Doctor Todd. 

'She’s a complex character and from what I’ve been told so far, quite a tricky one for Jacob to navigate. 

'Workplace bullying is commonplace, and it will be interesting to see it brought to our screens in a serial drama such as Emmerdale.'

Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw added: 'We are looking forward to seeing the machinations of someone like Caitlin Todd, and it’s not just at the hospital where she will start to make an impression. 

'Caroline is a fabulous actor and brings such great experience to this role - we can’t wait for her to play out what we have planned for the character.'

It comes after Emmerdale fans were left open-mouthed when they realised why they recognised character Dr Caitlin Todd from. 

The health professional appeared in the ITV soap as part of the hour-long A&E special at the beginning of 2025.

The instalment saw medical student Jacob Gallagher's (played by Joe-Warren Plant) first day of work placement at Hotten General Hospital. 

One scene in particular saw Dr Todd have a go at Jacob after making a huge mistake, which led him to question if he really wanted to be a doctor. 

And while the doctor was on their screens, some fans were distracted, trying to identify the actress playing her.

One fan took to Reddit to figure it out, with Caroline Harker quickly revealed.

They asked on the discussion forum website: 'Who played the white-haired Dr Todd in tonight's episode?' 

And one replied: 'Recently she was in Joan - she was the posh lady they stole the painting from.'

Caroline's alter-ego in Joan, Ms Taylor Brown, had a painting stolen off her by Joan (Sophie Turner). 

Caroline shot to fame in the 90s and has appeared in various popular TV shows over the years. 

She played Claire Jarrett in Doctors, Imogen White in Holby City and Alicia Davenport in Corrie.  

Caroline has also been in Ten Percent, Midsomer Murders, Foyle's War and Toast of Tinseltown.

Others may remember her as W.P.C. Hazel Wallace in A Touch of Frost. 

The actress played her between 1992 and 2003. 

Caroline has also appeared in a number of films, including Mothering Sunday, The Croft and The Madness of King George. 

Emmerdale airs weeknights from 8pm on ITV1 and streams from 7am on ITVX.