Serena Sugden's family link confirmed
Emmerdale has confirmed exactly how newcomer Serena Sugden (Casey Al-Shaqsy) is related to the Sugden family. In scenes airing on June 25, Serena revealed to Sarah Sugden (Katie Hill) that her grandfather was Robert Sugden's (Ryan Hawley) father's cousin, making Serena and Robert distant cousins.
Serena's first encounter with Charity
Serena's first scenes aired on Tuesday, June 24, when she found Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins) by a lake. Charity had been spiralling after being sexually assaulted by Doctor Caitlin Todd (Caroline Harker). Serena startled Charity, who smacked her in the face in self-defence. Charity then confided in Serena about Doctor Todd and baby Leyla, and Serena advised her that reporting the blackmail to police could help convict the doctor.
Arrival in Emmerdale village
In the June 25 episode, Serena arrived in Emmerdale village. She overheard Vanessa Woodfield (Michelle Hardwick) talking about Emmerdale Farm and headed there. Serena let herself into Robert and Aaron Dingle's (Danny Miller) home, where she was caught by Sarah Sugden. Sarah was on the phone to Robert, who is in Portugal visiting Victoria Sugden (Isabel Hodgins).
Sarah and Serena's connection
Sarah did not recognise Serena, but Serena explained that Robert is her cousin. Serena said her granddad was Robert's dad's cousin, confirming they are distant cousins. Sarah recalled that they last saw each other at Jackie's wedding, when Sarah was a child with cancer. Sarah shared that she is also related to Robert, and they agreed to get to know each other. Serena is currently unaware that Sarah is Charity's grandchild, which could complicate matters.
