Spoiler 15/01/08New soap superbitch Amanda Donohoe has claimed that soap stars are the hardest-working actors in the business.
The actress who is joining Emmerdale as catty Natasha Wylde, has revealed that she was looking for a challenge when she agreed to take on the role.
Amanda, 46, said: “I love watching soaps, because it’s the one time you really see actors work.
“It’s a full-on schedule and it’s challenging. If you can be in the living room of eight million people five days a week, that is a huge privilege. I would have been stupid to say no.
“I am excited because I pretty much take over the village and cause a lot of trouble.”
Talking about her character, who arrives at the end of the month, she added: “She’s not a classic soap ‘bitch’, that’s too easy. She is humorous, witty and strong. She will rub people up the wrong way.”
As the Thomases make their final arrangements to leave, the Bishop is seen inviting an unknown man and woman into the church. The gossip machine is soon in full swing as Katie mentions that she’s met the new owners of Home Farm and the other villagers speculate whether the church has been the couple’s second purchase. After sweeping into the village on horseback, Mark and Natasha Wylde interrupt the Thomases leaving party and brashly order a round of champagne. As the villagers become more irate, the Wyldes try reason with and calm the baying mob but the Woolpack soon rings with a chorus of boos. Determined to silence the unruly regulars, Natasha explains her intentions: they bought Home Farm to live in and they bought the church to give back to the community. The villagers are joyous and full of praise for the Wyldes and as Natasha charms her new neighbours, Mark is disgruntled as it’s clear that Natasha has made the church arrangements up on the spot. Afterwards, the Wyldes bask at Home Farm, confident that they have the villagers eating from the palms of their hands.