Emmerdale fans absolutely adore Serena – but have one big plea for bosses

Emmerdale viewers are already big fans of newcomer Serena Sugden (Casey Al-Shaqsy) after her first appearance, but they have one major ask for the future of the character.

Serena first appeared in yesterday’s (Tuesday, June 23) instalment of the ITV soap, and fans instantly warmed to her as her comedic entrance led to an extremely poignant encounter with Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins).

Viewers will know that Charity has been struggling in the aftermath of Dr Todd’s (Caroline Harker) sexual assault. With the police investigation having hit a dead end and the secret of baby Leyla’s true parentage weighing heavily on her, Charity hit rock bottom and fled the village.

She was stood by the edge of a lake in distress when Serena emerged from the trees, admitting she’d been ‘caught short’. It just so happened that Serena had previously been a Samaritan, so she was instantly attuned to the fact that something wasn’t right.

Through gentle encouragement, she managed to get Charity to open up about what was troubling her.

As Charity explained her situation, Serena offered practical advice, pointing out that Caitlin Todd’s blackmail was proof that their encounter wasn’t consensual.

When Charity argued that taking the evidence to the police would expose her baby secret, Serena pointed out that she’d already admitted that she couldn’t go back to the village and live a lie anymore, so getting everything off her chest and seeking justice may just be the best option for her.

This clearly resonated with Charity, who returned home and asked to speak to Mack Boyd (Lawrence Robb) alone.

Meanwhile, Serena was also making her way to the Emmerdale village, and fans have one hope for her character when she gets there.

The previous new addition to the Sugden clan turned out to be an unhinged killer in the form of John Sugden – the medic with a saviour complex who wasn’t very good at the ‘saviour’ part.

After the trauma he brought to the Sugden family and the wider village residents, fans are hoping that Serena will be a much-needed breath of fresh air.

‘Last night’s episode was great, Emma Atkins as per usual played a blinder, she’s such a good actress, hoping this new Sugden girl is going to be a nice person unlike John,’ Metro reader T’pol wrote on Facebook.

‘The new woman was nice hope she is going to be a part in Emmerdale and a good person for a change,’ Val agreed, while Maureen added: ‘I hope she’s not more trouble for charity, hopefully she’s there to help her.’

Fans on Twitter/X echoed the same sentiments, hopeful that the newcomer wouldn’t be another villain.

Some fans aren’t holding their breath, already expressing their suspicions that Serena isn’t all that she seems.

‘I think this new sugden will shake things up a bit… I have to say I really liked her in tonight’s episode but will spell trouble going forward,’ Metro reader Kirsty commented on Facebook.

Unfortunately, it seems viewers may be right to worry, as actress Casey has already teased that we might be hating Serena ‘in the best way’.

‘So Serena as a person, I’d say she puts her foot in her mouth quite a lot,’ she explained.

‘She’s quite loud and a little bit outspoken. I do think there’s elements of both good and bad in her.

‘She’s come into a lovely family situation. Or is it lovely? You’ll see.’