EMMERDALE bosses have recast Sarah Sugden in preparation for some grittier storylines.

Bosses have called upon newcomer Katie Hill to take on the role of Debbie Dingle and Andy Sugden's love child when she returns with her on screen mum in the next few weeks.

A show insider told Ok! Magazine: "Due to the nature of the storyline the character of Sarah Sugden has been recast for an older actress. The role will now be played by Katie Hill."

The role was previously played by Sophia Amber Moore, who joined the ITV soap in 2007.

Debbie is set to make an "explosive" return in the New Year after a year away from the Dales.

The character, played by Charley Webb, has spent the last year in France, where she fled with her children after learning her boyfriend Ross Barton, played by Michael Parr, had shot Robert Sugden.

But she'll be back from France in January and in need of help from her on-screen parents Cain (Jeff Hordley) and Charity, played by Emma Atkins.

A show spokesperson teased: "Debbie Dingle will make an explosive return to the village early next year, leaving chaos in her wake.

"Having spent the last year in France, she is now on the run – but who is Debbie running from? And how long will it be before Cain and Charity come to her rescue?"

Charley – who left the show to have her second child Bowie, now 11 months – previously admitted she expects Ross to be involved in her alter ego's return somehow.

She said: "It [my return] won't be too far away and I'm sure that Ross will be involved in her return. There has to be some Ross and Debbie drama in there."

During her maternity leave, Charley enjoyed watching her fiance Matthew Wolfenden – with whom she also has six-year-old son Buston – play out David Metcalfe's cancer battle on Emmerdale.

The star was very proud of him for getting rid of his body hair for the storyline.

She has said: "I'm really proud of him. But I said to him that it's the least he could do for that story.

"To give that little bit back. So many people are going through it in real life, so it just doesn't enter my head."

The pair announced they were expecting their second baby together with a sweet announcement on Instagram.

A family photo showed Matthew holding a sign reading 'Baby #2' to Charley's stomach.

Meanwhile their son Buster stood with a sign reading: "Only child expiring: December 2015."

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