ITV soap Emmerdale is set to explore the complexities of homelessness in a new storyline as it aims to “challenge perceptions” of the issue.
The popular series has collaborated with charities, including The Salvation Army, to authentically portray the experience of one of its beloved characters.
Viewers will soon discover that fan-favourite Kammy Hadiq, played by Shebz Miah, is sleeping rough.
Hadiq, known for his popularity among villagers, his stable job, and a burgeoning new relationship, has been meticulously concealing his situation, often sleeping in vehicles and barns.
As the narrative unfolds, residents of the Dales will uncover Hadiq’s hidden struggle. The storyline is expected to see the community rally around their much-loved local mechanic, offering support as his secret comes to light.
Emmerdale producer Sophie Roper said: “This storyline is a vital look at ‘hidden homelessness’, showing that people can be living on the edge of society, sleeping in their vehicle or barns, while still successfully holding down a job and maintaining relationships.
“For many reasons, a person’s circumstances can change dramatically and we wanted to challenge the perception of what homelessness looks like and prove that what people present to the outside world isn’t necessarily the whole story.
“We hope this narrative encourages our viewers to look closer and remember that things are not always quite as they seem.”
Emmerdale added it hopes to use the storyline to raise awareness of hidden homelessness, and that those concealing their struggles often “miss out on the support and help they need”.
The hit soap has previously explored homelessness and was highly praised for its 2019 storyline which saw Tony Audenshaw’s character Bob Hope sleeping rough after his relationship broke down.
In 2024, the soap worked with the Missing People charity for its homelessness storyline which saw teenager April Windsor, played by Amelia Flanagan, run away from home over Christmas.
Elsewhere on the show, longtime resident Jimmy King being killed off after 22 years on our screens.
The Emmerdale character, played by Nick Miles, first arrived on the ITV soap in 2004 and has survived being stabbed, the breakdown of his first marriage and a bout of amnesia since then.
However, Jimmy will reportedly be killed off in an explosive storyline as his ex-wife Sadie King (played by Patsy Kensit) returns to the village.
Emmerdale airs weekday nights at 8pm on ITV1 and STV, or from 7am on ITVX, STV and YouTube.
