An Emmerdale actress whose character was famously killed off more than two decades ago is set to make a surprising return to the world of soap operas. Glenda McKay, who played Rachel Hughes on the ITV show for 11 years, is reportedly making an acting comeback in Coronation Street.
Glenda first joined Emmerdale in 1988 at the age of 17, alongside her real-life brother Craig McKay, who played her on-screen brother, Mark Hughes. Her character, Rachel, was a staple on the show until her shocking exit in 1999. In a harrowing storyline, Rachel was pushed off a cliff by her abusive partner, Graham Clark, after he confessed to murdering his previous wife. This explosive exit marked the end of Glenda’s time on the soap.
At the time, Glenda spoke about her decision to leave, saying, “I’ve been at Emmerdale for 11 years, so it is a big change, but there comes a time when you have to go. I have other strings to my bow, and now seems like the right time to put them to the test.”
After stepping away from acting, Glenda pursued a career as a teacher. She even returned to the Emmerdale set over a decade later, not as an actress, but as a visitor during a school trip with her students. Her class had the opportunity to meet some of her former co-stars, including Chris Chittell, who plays the iconic Eric Pollard. Glenda told the Ilkley Gazette, “The children were delighted to meet Chris Chittell, who answered all their questions about what it is like to be famous and what is involved in being a soap actor.”
Now, 26 years after her character’s on-screen murder, Glenda is reportedly making a full return to acting. According to The Sun, she will be joining ITV’s sister soap, Coronation Street.
A source told the publication that Glenda will be “playing a social worker called Alison Hale who deals with Tim and Sally.” The source added that her appearance will be tied to a major storyline, noting, “Just as she arrives to tell them they’re set to foster the Michealis children, a shocking incident happens that throws everything into chaos.”
Fans of both Emmerdale and Coronation Street will be eager to see Glenda return to the small screen in what promises to be an impactful new role. Her comeback is a testament to the enduring power of soap operas and the talent of actors who, even after years away, can find their way back to a world they once helped create.
