<P> In 2009 the longest - tenured character , Jack Sugden , was killed off after the death of actor Clive Hornby ( who had played Jack since 1980 ) . Jack 's funeral featured the first on - screen appearance in 13 years of Annie Sugden ( Sheila Mercier ) . Early that year , executive producer Keith Richardson was replaced by former series producer Steve November ( later replaced by John Whiston ) . Gavin Blyth became the series producer , followed by Stuart Blackburn after his death . </P>
<P> In 2009 the longest - tenured character , Jack Sugden , was killed off after the death of actor Clive Hornby ( who had played Jack since 1980 ) . Jack 's funeral featured the first on - screen appearance in 13 years of Annie Sugden ( Sheila Mercier ) . Early that year , executive producer Keith Richardson was replaced by former series producer Steve November ( later replaced by John Whiston ) . Gavin Blyth became the series producer , followed by Stuart Blackburn after his death . </P>
who is the longest serving member of emmerdale
who is the longest serving member of emmerdale
Jack Sugden
Jack Sugden