Serena Sugden (Casey Al-Shaqsy) has been confirmed as a distant cousin of Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) in Emmerdale. The newcomer, who arrived last month, is the great-granddaughter of Edward Sugden, making her Robert's second cousin once removed, according to star Casey Al-Shaqsy.
How Serena arrived in the village
Serena's first scenes saw her discovering Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins) by a lake. Charity had been spiralling after being sexually assaulted by Doctor Caitlin Todd (Caroline Harker). When Serena approached, Charity smacked her in the face but later confided in her about Doctor Todd and baby Leyla. Serena advised Charity that reporting the blackmail to police could help with a conviction.
After their conversation, Serena's phone showed directions to Emmerdale village. The next day, she arrived and overheard Vanessa Woodfield (Michelle Hardwick) discussing Emmerdale Farm. With Robert's home address in mind, she let herself into Robert and Aaron Dingle's (Danny Miller) home, startling Sarah Sugden (Katie Hill).
Family tree details
Sarah was on the phone to Robert when Serena introduced herself, saying Robert is her cousin. Serena explained that her granddad was Robert's dad's cousin. Casey later clarified on Instagram that Serena is the great-granddaughter of Edward Sugden. In the first Emmerdale episode in 1972, characters attended the funeral of Jacob Sugden, Edward's brother. Jacob was father of Jack Sugden, Robert's dad, making Robert and Serena second cousins once removed.
Serena and Sarah last saw each other at Jackie's wedding, when Sarah was a child with cancer.
Serena's secrets and mysteries
Serena has faced challenges settling in, as villagers compared her to John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth). After explaining herself to Robert and Aaron, they gave her another chance. However, it was later revealed that Serena broke into Home Farm and stole a USB stick from Kim Tate (Claire King). She is communicating with someone via text about her actions, but her motives remain unknown.
This article was originally published on June 25, 2026.
