Emmerdale fans baffled by age blunder as 'adorable' actress replaced by new star

enthusiasts were baffled during the spine-chilling Halloween special of the renowned ITV drama, as a familiar face seemed to have been swapped out.

When Amelia Spencer took a casual walk through the village with her young daughter Esther, viewers were convinced they spotted a different actress in place of the child since her last portrayal as an infant. Originally brought to life by Florence Mae Dyson, Esther joined the show as a newborn in October 2022, which would make her barely breaking into her toddler years.

Yet, during the evening's airing on October 31, Ella Kenny took over the role, a fact supported by the ITV show credits. The endearing youngster appeared strikingly more mature accompanying her mother, sending fans into a whirlwind of speculation and theories across social media platforms.

One puzzled Facebook user asked: "Not sure why they have got a new Esther when Amelia is leaving?" as another reflected similarly: "Mmm my thoughts exactly, unless she's dumping her on Sam and Lydia?"

Speculation escalated as one chimed in: "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," reports .

Curiosity was also sparked over Esther's supposed age, with a fan commenting: "Thought Esther was only about two, this girl looks about four."

Yet, another simply took the moment to describe her as "adorable".

This intriguing twist follows news that Daisy Campbell, the actress behind Amelia, will be exiting the soap, confirming that "it's not my choice". Her story is set to conclude around the festive period, with the 21 year old revealing 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 continued: "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."