Emmerdale confirms return of "complex" character in high stakes workplace bullying storyline for Jacob Gallagher

Ahead of a workplace bullying storyline for Joe Warren Plant's Jacob Sugden, it has been confirmed that Caroline Harker will be returning to Emmerdale as her character Doctor Todd.

Harker's return is said to be for an "extended run", with the soap aiming to shine a spotlight on the "troubling reality of workplace bullying".

Doctor Todd will be seen endlessly criticising and finding fault with Jacob, who is her enthusiastic trainee. ITV has said that the storyline will "delve into Jacob's struggle to manage his work-life balance under the immense pressure of his overbearing boss".

Meanwhile, the stakes will be raised further when Doctor Todd moves herself in the village, blurring the lines between Jacob’s professional and private life.

In a statement on her return, Harker said: "I’m delighted to be back at Emmerdale for a longer stint playing Doctor Todd. She’s a complex character and from what I’ve been told so far, quite a tricky one for Jacob to navigate. Workplace bullying is commonplace, and it will be interesting to see it brought to our screens in a serial drama such as Emmerdale."

Meanwhile, Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw added: "We are looking forward to seeing the machinations of someone like Caitlin Todd, and it’s not just at the hospital where she will start to make an impression. Caroline is a fabulous actor and brings such great experience to this role - we can’t wait for her to play out what we have planned for the character."

Harker previously played Doctor Todd in a handful of episodes of the soap at the start of last year, while she has also recently had roles in other series including Slow Horses, Joan, The Agency, The Stolen Girl and Hijack.

The most recent episode of Emmerdale (Monday 9th February) saw Victoria Sugden making a devastating decision, choosing to hand herself into the police in order to prevent Moira from being wrongfully imprisoned.

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV1. Stream on ITVX.

Add Emmerdale to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.

Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.