Emmerdale hopes to challenge perceptions of homelessness with new storyline
Emmerdale hopes to “challenge the perception of what homelessness looks like” in a new storyline, which will reveal one of its characters is sleeping rough.
The ITV soap has partnered with charities including The Salvation Army to depict the storyline which will follow fan-favourite Kammy Hadiq, played by Shebz Miah, as it is revealed he is homeless.
Viewers will see Hadiq conceal his homelessness by using his popularity among the villagers and his new relationship, as well as his stable job, to hide the fact he is sleeping rough in vehicles and in barns.
Residents of the Dales will soon discover Hadiq has been hiding his situation as the storyline unfolds, and the villagers will rally to support their much-loved local mechanic.
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.
Published: by Radio NewsHub