Sarah Sugden (2005 character)
Sarah Sugden is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Emmerdale. The character debuted on-screen on February 14, 2005, born to Katie Sugden (Sammy Winward) and Andy Sugden (Kelvin Fletcher).
Sarah's early storylines revolved around her parents' tumultuous relationship and eventual divorce. She was frequently caught in the middle of their conflicts.
As Sarah grew older, storylines explored typical childhood themes alongside more dramatic narratives. One significant storyline involved Sarah being diagnosed with Fanconi anemia, a rare genetic condition. This led to the return of her uncle, Robert Sugden (then played by Ryan Hawley), who was a bone marrow match and able to save her life.
In 2018, Sarah received a heart transplant after being diagnosed with heart failure caused by chemotherapy she received to treat her Fanconi anemia. The storyline then explored the psychological impact of the transplant on Sarah, dealing with issues of survivor's guilt and feeling indebted to her donor.
Later storylines have depicted Sarah's struggles with adolescence, including rebellion, experimentation with drugs, and romantic relationships. The character has been portrayed as a complex and sometimes troubled young woman dealing with the long-term effects of her childhood illnesses and traumas.
The role of Sarah Sugden has been played by several actresses:
- Lily Mae Crossley (2005)
- Lucy Pargeter’s daughter (Uncredited, briefly in 2005)
- Sophia Amber Moore (2007-2016)
- Katie Hill (2017-present)