Emmerdale fans ask ‘how old’ as ‘sweet’ character replaced by new actress

Emmerdale’s latest episode saw young mum Amelia Spencer taking her daughter Esther for a walk – but fans spotted a big change for the actress

Emmerdale fans were left perplexed during the Halloween episode of the ITV soap, as one character appeared to have been replaced.

As Amelia Spencer strolled through the village with her young daughter Esther, fans were sure Esther had been replaced after last appearing on-screen as a baby. Originally played by Florence Mae Dyson, Esther was born in October 2022, making her two years old.

However, in tonight’s episode (October 31), Esther was played by Ella Kenny, confirmed in the ITV credits. The adorable tot looked all grown up with her mum, and had fans in a frenzy on social media.

One Facebook user said: “Not sure why they have got a new Esther when Amelia is leaving?” as another mused: “Mmm my thoughts exactly, unless she’s dumping her on Sam and Lydia?”

**Esther was only small when she was last on screen** (Image: ITV)

“So what will happen to Esther when Amelia is written out at Christmas? Who will be taking her? Will Sam and Lydia become her guardians? As they are the only ones left in the village who are her actual family. Hope they do get her, hope the writers don’t mess it up,” someone else said.

Another wondered after Esther’s age, penning: “Thought Esther was only about two, this girl looks about four.” And someone else branded her “adorable”.

**Now the tot has been replaced by another actress**

It comes after Daisy Campbell, who plays Amelia, was confirmed to be leaving the soap – but insisted “it’s not my choice”. Her final storyline will wrap up at Christmas, and the 21-year-old confirmed to The Mirror: “It wasn’t my choice to leave Emmerdale and it was a shock at first.

“Being in Emmerdale is all I have ever known. I’ve spent the whole of my childhood growing up in the soap and it felt daunting.”

She added: “Once they explained, I totally got it. Amelia isn’t part of the Dingles, her dad has left, Samson has gone now and she doesn’t have any family. There is nowhere to take Amelia and I understand that. I feel incredibly lucky to have been in the soap for 13 years and to have been handed so many opportunities at such a young age.”