Emmerdale’s Dr Todd, played by Caroline Harker, has been causing chaos in the village but the actress comes from a famous acting family
Emmerdale’s Dr Todd, played by Caroline Harker, has been causing chaos in the village but the actress comes from a famous acting family (Image: ITV)
Dr Todd has caused nothing but chaos since her arrival on Emmerdale.
After bullying young trainee doctor Jacob Sugden (Joe-Warren Plant) at the hospital, Dr Todd, played by Caroline Harker, turned her attentions to Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins).
On Sunday night, Dr Todd sexually assaulted Charity after weeks of blackmailing her over the true parentage of baby Leyla.
Charity served as a surrogate for granddaughter Sarah Sugden and Sarah’s husband Jacob, giving birth to baby Leyla. However, Charity has failed to tell the new parents that she and Ross Barton are actually Leyla’s biological parents following a short fling together.
After Dr Todd discovered this secret, she demanded £100,000 from Charity, and things took a horrifying turn when Dr Todd sexually assaulted Charity on Sunday’s episode.
With Dr Todd currently dominating storylines on the ITV soap viewers may be interested to learn that actress Caroline, 60, hails from quite a distinguished acting family.
Who is Dr Todd star Caroline Harker’s family?
Away from the soap, it transpires that Dr Todd actress Caroline comes from quite a celebrated family. Her mother, Polly Adams, is an accomplished actress who has worked extensively across both the UK and the US.
She is perhaps best known for playing Mrs Brown in the 1990s television series Just William, with further TV credits including Kingdom and The Cinder Path.
In 1975, Polly made her Broadway debut in the award-nominated role of Grace Harkaway in a revival of London Assurance. However, Polly isn’t the only celebrated family member Caroline has.
Her sister is Susannah Harker, who has featured in hit BBC 1995 series Pride and Prejudice as Jane Bennet, alongside Jennifer Ehle, who played Elizabeth Bennet, and Colin Firth, who played Mr Darcy.
Other roles include Midsomer Murders and Grantchester. She also received a BAFTA TV Award nomination in 1990 for her portrayal of Mattie Storin in House of Cards.
Who is Dr Todd star Caroline Harker’s husband?
Caroline is wed to actor Anthony Calf, and together the couple have three daughters: Louise Emma Calf, Cecilia Ann L Calf, and Anemone Georgiana Calf.
The 66-year-old boasts an extensive acting career and is best known for his roles in The Madness of King George, Beau Geste, and I Came By, alongside his appearances in Lewis.
Between 2023 and 2025, Anthony portrayed Lord Brightlingsea in the costume drama The Buccaneers, and has also featured in the film A Teacher’s Gift (2025) and the series Insomnia (2024).
From 2005, Anthony spent a decade playing DAC Robert Strickland in New Tricks, having previously taken on the role of Michael Beauchamp in Holby City (2005 – 2006).
In 2019, Anthony stepped into the role of William Wickham in the hugely popular series Poldark, and also appeared in Doctor Who as Godsacre (2017) as well as Death in Paradise in 2021 as Phillip Carlton. His former brother-in-law is Game of Thrones star Iain Glen.
What else has Dr Todd star Caroline Harker been in?
Away from her work in the Dales, Caroline has cropped up in a host of productions, including Harry Enfield and Chums, Holding On, The Man Who Lost His Head with Martin Clunes, Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, Midsomer Murders, and Doctors.
In 2012, Caroline took on the role of Alicia Davenport for a brief stint in Coronation Street. She is also widely recognised for her portrayal of PC Hazel Wallace in A Touch of Frost, starring opposite Sir David Jason.
Her most recent roles include Julia in the Apple TV series Hijack, Bethany Hastings in The Stolen Girl, and Mrs. Taylor-Brown. Back in 2011, she made a one-off appearance in New Tricks, sharing the screen with her husband, portraying the character Tabitha Hall-Chalmers.
Emmerdale airs Monday to Friday at 8:00pm on ITV1 and ITVX