Emmerdale welcomed a formidable new character on June 30, 2025, as Jaye Griffiths took on the role of Celia Daniels, a no-nonsense farmer who immediately stirred up drama in the Yorkshire village. Celia’s arrival at the doorstep of Moira Dingle, seeking to rent some land, marked the beginning of a series of conflicts that promise to shake up village life.
Jaye Griffiths, 61, brings decades of acting experience to Emmerdale, having trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and built a career since the 1980s with roles in acclaimed British series such as Silent Witness, Casualty, The Bill, and appearances in iconic soaps like EastEnders and Coronation Street. Her portrayal of Celia Daniels is already being hailed as one of her best roles, with the actress describing the character as “not a wallflower” and “like a bulldog” in her opening scenes.
Celia Daniels is introduced as a recently arrived farm owner near Butlers Farm, with a tough edge and an air of respectability that conceals a more ruthless nature. In her first interactions, she quickly antagonizes Moira Dingle by pressing for land rental, which Moira refuses despite financial need. This sparks a fierce war of words, setting the tone for Celia’s combative presence in the village.
The drama escalates when Paddy Kirk, a beloved village figure, becomes embroiled in Celia’s troubles. After stopping near one of Celia’s fields, Paddy spots a sheep caught in her fencing and moves to rescue it. However, this good deed backfires spectacularly when one of Celia’s security dogs, a large Alsatian, attacks Paddy, severing one of his arteries and landing him in the hospital. In a chilling twist, Celia denies owning the dog, causing Paddy to question his own sanity and leaving viewers on edge about her true intentions.
Jaye Griffiths has teased that Celia’s actions “are only going to get worse,” warning viewers to be “slightly afraid” and then “very afraid” of this new arrival. She describes Celia as single-minded, a master manipulator who is unapologetic and unafraid to get exactly what she wants. “She doesn’t understand why people get upset and never says sorry,” Griffiths said, highlighting her character’s complex and unapologetic nature.
Emmerdale’s producer Laura Shaw expressed excitement about Jaye Griffiths joining the cast, noting, “While Celia has a tough edge with an air of respectability, the audience—and our villagers—will soon start to see what this woman is truly capable of.” This hints at storylines that will delve deeper into Celia’s mysterious past and her motivations, adding layers to her enigmatic persona.
Adding to the intrigue, Griffiths revealed that Celia will soon cross paths with one of Emmerdale’s most iconic characters, Kim Tate, played by Claire King. The two women, both unapologetic and formidable, are set to become rivals. “Kim will have a competitor,” Griffiths said. “We have got two women who don’t apologise for taking up space. Celia won’t diminish herself to make people feel comfortable and she will never apologise for anything.”
Griffiths pointed out a key difference between the two characters: “Kim does have some humanity but Celia lacks it completely. There are occasions when Kim recognises her behaviour is out of order whereas Celia never does that.” She predicted that if Kim and Celia unite, it would be a “strong combination,” and teased that Celia “won’t be standing aside” like most women might at their age.
Beyond her icy demeanor, Celia’s manipulative skills are formidable. Griffiths explained, “She can read her fellow humans and know exactly what to say to get what she wants. She reframes reality to shut you down, contradicts herself, and forgets which lies she’s told, so nothing is ever her fault.” This makes her a dangerous and unpredictable force in the village.
Despite playing such a villainous role, Jaye Griffiths expressed pride in her casting, praising Emmerdale for breaking the mold by casting a Black actor as a complex antagonist rather than the typical saviour figure. “It was a courageous thing to do,” she said. “We (Black actors) are often portrayed as the saviours, but Emmerdale has said ‘good and bad people, they don’t have a skin colour, there are just good and bad people.’ I’m thrilled Emmerdale has done this.”
On set, Griffiths has quickly bonded with fellow cast members, notably Beth Cordingly (Ruby Milligan) and Natalie J Robb (Moira Dingle). She also shared a lighthearted anecdote about her audition for Paddy Dingle’s actor, Dominic Brunt, whom she found generous and kind. “I had a bit of a crush on him during my audition,” she laughed.
Jaye Griffiths lives in Hertfordshire with her husband Paul Bezodis and their two rescue dogs. She described the Emmerdale cast and crew as welcoming and supportive, praising the friendly environment and teamwork behind the scenes.
As Celia’s story unfolds, viewers can expect power struggles not only with women like Moira and Kim but also with men in the village. Griffiths described her character as an “equal opportunities wind up person,” indicating that no one in Emmerdale will be safe from her provocations.
Celia’s distinctive style also sets her apart—she is always immaculately dressed in farm clothes, including a cravat, which Griffiths hinted has a special significance. This attention to detail underscores the complexity and thought put into the character’s portrayal.
With her sharp wit, manipulative prowess, and unapologetic attitude, Celia Daniels is shaping up to be one of Emmerdale’s most compelling and unpredictable characters in recent years. As the village braces for the storms she brings, one thing is clear: giving Celia what she wants might be the only way to survive her reign.
Emmerdale airs every weekday at 7:30 p.m. on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.
