Update: A New Chapter for Danni & Emily

Hi everyone,

We have something important and honestly, a little bittersweet, to share with you all.

As many of you know, Emily Hargreaves has been the heart of Tales from Davidstown since the very beginning. Her strength, her vulnerability, and her journey have carried so many of our most powerful moments. That’s thanks in no small part to actress Danni Shepherd, who has brought Emily to life with incredible talent and so much heart.

Later this year, Danni will be moving to the U.S. to start a new chapter in her life, and while we’re so proud and excited for her, it means that due to updated immigration laws, employment laws and timescales with the series, she won’t be able to commit to playing Emily going forward…

This means that, at the end of Season 2 of the audio series, she will be stepping down from the role.

We’ve had open conversations with Danni about this for the last few months, trying to find a solution together, and she’s been nothing but understanding and supportive of a decision that, ultimately, we’ve all had to come to, even if it breaks our hearts to see her go. Especially as she’s been part of TfD since day 1.

She’s given everything to this role, not only with her talent but also her commitment, and we’re incredibly grateful for the time, energy, and soul she poured into it. She’s become a strong friend to us all here. We'll miss her infectious laughter, her warm personality and she’ll always be part of the Davidstown family.

So what now?

Emily’s story is far from over.

The point of the character, and indeed the series, was that our lead would grow from a victim of the evils of the world into something more. Much more. And without spoiling the plans we have for the character, Season 3 will see her finally begin to come into her own.

The challenges ahead for her character are more intense and more human than ever. That’s why we’ll be recasting the role, and we’ve begun working hard to find someone who can carry the spirit of Emily forward with the same emotional depth and nuance you’ve come to expect.

We’re not rebooting her, and we’re certainly not rewriting her.

We built this character with Danni, and so we will be honouring who she helped create and who Emily Hargreaves has always been, pushing her into the darkest, most defining chapter of her story yet.

You’ll hear more soon, and as always, our members will get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how we’re handling the transition, including some last moments from Danni as she wraps up season 2, as well as, eventually, a first look and listen with the new Emily.

If you have any messages for Danni, please do drop them in the comments. We’ll be sure to pass them along.

More soon,
Cal, Julia, and the RO Pictures team