The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the British soap opera Emmerdale in 1989, by order of first appearance. Pete and Lynn Whiteley, played by Jim Millea and Fionnuala Ellwood, were the first characters introduced in January. They were followed a month later by Pete's grandfather, Bill, portrayed by Teddy Turner. In March, Martyn Whitby took on the role of Kate Sugden's ex-husband David Hughes. In November, following the change of series title from Emmerdale Farm to Emmerdale, a new family was introduced; the Tates, with father and son Frank and Chris , followed by Frank's respective wife and daughter, Kim and Zoe in December.