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Jai Sharma's entire family is to arrive in Emmerdale.
Jai and brother Nikhil's mother Georgia will be played by The Bill's Trudie Goodwin, Holby Blue actor Bhasker Patel has been cast as his business-obsessed husband Rishi, while Where the Heart Is star Fiona Wade will take on the role of sister Priya, previously played by Effie Woods.
According to ITV, the Sharma family arrive in the Dales this autumn and will create waves over Jai's engagement to Charity Dingle.
Goodwin said: "I'm absolutely thrilled to be playing Georgia in Emmerdale. She is a difficult-to-please woman who is set to make life difficult for Charity. I can't wait to start filming next week."
Series producer Stuart Blackburn added: "I'm delighted to welcome Trudie, Bhasker and Fiona to the cast. There are plenty of trials and tribulations in store for the ever popular Sharma family."
Actress Effie Woods was cast as Emmerdale's original Priya in 2009, but soon left the show and has now been re-cast.
THE Bill's longest-serving star is joining Emmerdale as a battleaxe mother-in-law for bride-to-be Charity Dingle.
Trudie Goodwin played Sgt June Ackland in the ITV1 cop drama from 1984 until 2007.
She arrives in Emmerdale as Jai and Nikhil Sharma's mum Georgia — just in time to cause trouble as Jai prepares to wed serial fiancée Charity.
Trudie, 59, who starts filming next week and will be seen from early November, said: "I'm absolutely thrilled to be playing Georgia.
"She is difficult to please and set to make life difficult for Charity. I can't wait to get started."
Fans last week saw ex-prostitute Charity, played by Emma Atkins, propose to a stunned Jai (Chris Bisson).
A source told TV Biz: "The Sharmas get their feet well and truly under the table in the coming months. Georgia is quick to take Charity to task, unsure that she is marriage material for her beloved eldest son."
Joining Georgia in the ITV1 saga will be business-mad hubby Rishi, played by Bhasker Patel.
And their fun-loving daughter Priya will return — played by a new actress, Fiona Wade. She has been in Lewis, Silent Witness, Where the Heart Is and Grange Hill.
Emmerdale producer Stuart Blackburn said: "I'm delighted to welcome Trudie, Bhasker and Fiona to the cast. There are plenty of trials in store for the Sharmas."
I always liked Trudie in the bill. It will be interesting to see how the rest of the Sharma family fit in.
My favourite actor on The Bill. The Blessed St. June of Sun Hill
Excellent News
Chloe O'brien
08-09-2011, 19:45
Great to see Judy back on the screen. Let's hope she gives Charity a run for her money. All we need now is Burnside in the dales or on the Cobbles. That would be fab.
I see that Perdita didn't post a picture of the lovely Trudie in her original post so I thought I better post a couple. So here is one in uniform
http://www.badzena.com/june/june2.jpg
and one out of uniform
http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTEDwfsbh1Im7Fq8ru5bHNQaFoWLpUhr yyYRvbAQXgwqjw_PR3z
tammyy2j
09-09-2011, 11:31
Obviously they will find out about Mia as well
Serena Williams
10-09-2011, 04:40
I always felt that the Sharma brothers weren't given the most respect by the Emmerdale writers. I think it is interesting in Emmerdale the entire cast is white EXCEPT for Jai and Nikhil. However, the issue of race is NEVER explored until perhaps now. I guess it better now than never I guess.
I always felt that the Sharma brothers weren't given the most respect by the Emmerdale writers. I think it is interesting in Emmerdale the entire cast is white EXCEPT for Jai and Nikhil. However, the issue of race is NEVER explored until perhaps now. I guess it better now than never I guess.
Surely given the news that Trudie Goodwin is their mother the Sharma brothers are mixed race as apparently Mia was as well, there are slot of other mixed race actors and characters that have been or still are in Emmerdale, The soap is set in a fictional village in the Yorkshire Dales not inner city Leeds or Bradford,,
The two big soaps Corrie and EE are much less racially representative of the areas they are supposedly set in,
Emmerdale star Rik Makarem has hinted that there could be trouble in the village when his screen family arrive.
Show bosses recently announced the casting of Trudie Goodwin as Nikhil's formidable mother Georgia, Bhasker Patel as his business-obsessed father Rishi and Fiona Wade as his fun-loving sister Priya.
Georgia, Rishi and Priya all turn up in the village later in the autumn as Nikhil's brother Jai (Chris Bisson) prepares to marry his fiancée Charity Tate.
Makarem told This Morning today: "That's brilliant - we've finally got the full family joining us. They've just begun filming.
"They'll definitely be ruffling some feathers - in particular Georgia. She's a very strong character and she's got a thing or two to say about Nikhil's love life, and moreso Jai's love life with Charity!"
Makarem said that he is particularly excited to be working with Goodwin, who is best known for her role as June Ackland on The Bill.
"She's created a wonderful character, and after playing such an established character on The Bill, to come and create a new character with a different energy is really good," he commented.
Emmerdale continues tonight at 7pm on ITV1.
Emmerdale's Jai Sharma has experienced an eventful year in the village thanks to his turbulent relationship with Charity Tate and clashes with dangerous Cain Dingle. Following Jai and Charity's recent engagement, their storylines look set to intensify in forthcoming episodes as Cain's jealousy rears its ugly head again and the full Sharma clan arrive on the scene.
Here, Chris Bisson - who plays Jai - chats to Digital Spy about what's to come for his character's current plotlines over the next few weeks.
There's been a lot going on for Jai in Emmerdale this year!
"I've had a great time! There's been lots of interesting things to play, like Jai's on and off relationship with Charity, and Cain getting involved. We've also been building up to the wedding, Jai's discovered that he's got a daughter and now the full Sharma family are arriving, which we've just started filming. It's been great."
Has it felt like your busiest time on the show?
"Yes, definitely. I've been here for two years and I have been particularly busy lately. Literally all year, I've been flat out as we were building up to the Mia storyline through the spring and the summer. Now we're moving onto the wedding storyline and Cain trying to stop the wedding, as well as the family arriving. It's been pretty full-on!"
What's the main appeal of Charity to Jai?
"He likes the fact that she's unpredictable - he enjoys that type of relationship. But Charity often does seem to push it just a little bit too far! She keeps Jai on his toes, though, and he likes that sparky nature even though it sometimes gets him into trouble. I think what we've seen time and time again is that Jai would prefer to be with Charity than without her."
Jai and Charity nearly split for good recently after her scheming against Nikhil. Do you think she's learned her lesson now?
"I think the thing with Charity is that a leopard never changes its spots and she's always going to be problematic. But for the time being, the relationship between Jai and Charity has changed and they seem to have found an understanding now. It's been interesting to see how it has changed as it seems to have become a more adult relationship.
"When they agreed to get married, they had a proper discussion on how it was going to work, what they were going to do, and whether Charity was going to be nice to Jai's brother. It seemed like a very adult conversation for Jai and Charity to be having."
What's the viewer reaction been like to Jai and Charity's relationship?
"It's been quite funny, as I gauge feedback from when I'm walking around the supermarket and I see what people say to me. Some people seem to want a big wedding and they want Charity to change and be happy with Jai. But some people try to warn me off and say that I don't want to be getting involved with Charity as she's trouble! It's interesting that there's a bit of a split - it's good that we're dividing opinion."
There'll be some fresh tension soon when Jai admits that he hasn't told his parents about Charity and the engagement. Does that mean he's ashamed of her?
"I think that Jai has a reservation in the back of his mind, which is understandable because of the things that Charity does. Because of all the things that have happened, Jai hasn't felt 100% about the relationship - especially as things have been a bit rocky.
"We'll see more of that soon, as Cain is back on the scene and becoming a bit more involved again. He's pulling Charity away from Jai, because Sarah is ill. That means that Charity and Cain are becoming quite friendly again, rather than there being hostility there. Recently it's seemed like Charity can't stand Cain, but when that stops being the case, it becomes very hard for Jai to bear."
What happens with the Jai, Charity and Cain love triangle after that?
"The harassment and Cain's determination to stop the wedding is what we're filming at the moment, so that will play out and intensify in the coming weeks. So there's going to be lots of twists and turns to watch out for when it comes to this storyline. And what's interesting is that it's not just about Jai, Charity and Cain anymore. Because of Cain's actions, we start to see the net cast a bit wider and other people get involved. Again, that affects Jai and Charity's relationship."
If that wasn't bad enough, Jai also has Declan as an enemy…
"Yes, he also has the Declan thing and that is now a very difficult relationship - it's very strained. At the moment, we're filming some scenes where that is being revisited and there's extra strain being put on Jai and Declan's relationship."
On the bright side, it seems like Jai and Nikhil are becoming much closer. Would you agree?
"Yeah, definitely, and I think that's been one of the good things to come out of all the troubles that Jai has had recently. Jai and Nikhil now seem a lot more united. And I think you'll see that when the rest of the Sharmas arrive in the village in a few weeks' time.
"What you'll see is that Jai will stand up for his brother. It's been Jai and Nikhil for so long, so when the rest of the family invade into their lives, they do have to stick together and look out for each other."
Does that mean Nikhil will also be supporting Jai?
"Yes, Nikhil will keep a lot of Jai's secrets for him. For example, Nikhil knows about Mia, but the rest of the family don't yet. He also knows about all the stuff that Charity has been up to. You're going to see some really tender scenes between the two brothers, where Charity has really pushed things too far and Nikhil is the one who Jai talks to about it. There's a special relationship between Jai and Nikhil now, which is nice."
How long would you like to stay at Emmerdale for?
"I'm very happy working at Emmerdale. The show's on the up and we've got great storylines at the minute. I'll be here until next July at least, and then we'll see where it goes from there."
Have you always known that the rest of the Sharmas would arrive at some point?
"It's always been one of those things that's been talked about, but in a soap, we're in a world where storylines change every time there's a story conference, so you never really know what's going to happen! Often, if you do something on screen and the producers and writers like it, they'll start pushing further in that direction.
"For example, the whole Jai and Cain storyline evolved from just a couple of scenes that I filmed with Jeff Hordley when I hadn't been here that long. It was a story about some sat-navs, and Jai was standing up to Cain. The team obviously saw that and decided to do more with it."
Trudie Goodwin's character Georgia sounds like she'll be a force to be reckoned with! What can viewers expect from her?
"Trudie is brilliant. She's really come in and hit the ground running. Her character Georgia is a really strong, dominant mother figure, and she literally comes in like a whirlwind and starts trying to arrange everyone's lives! She's often dictating what everyone else has to do, so she's rubbing people up the wrong way at the same time."
Does Georgia have a favourite out of the siblings?
"Jai is still the golden boy and he can do no wrong! If Nikhil and Jai were to say the same thing to Georgia, they'd get very different responses - it's that kind of a relationship. Gennie notices that, and Charity does too."
Rishi is being billed as quite a business-minded character. Could he start interfering at the factory?
"I suppose he could, but I think Rishi is the laid-back one. He's prepared to take a back seat, while it's Georgia who seems to drive everything. Georgia always seems to get what she wants, and Rishi seems to play second fiddle to her a lot of the time. I'm sure we'll see Rishi come into his own, but at the moment it's Georgia who tries to interfere at the business. She's pretty much interfering with everything!"
What's Priya like this time around?
"Priya is back and she's a lot more full-on! She flirts with Cain and she's quite difficult for the family to control. Priya has been spoiled over the years, and that's partly Jai's fault as well because he'd always look after her and sort things out if she needed a couple of quid. Jai and Priya do some bickering as you'd expect in a family, but they're very close. When she starts flirting with Cain, it becomes quite a serious problem for Jai and she's warned off. As for what happens next, you'll have to wait and see!"
Has it been easy to strike up a family chemistry with the new actors?
"You have to work at it. The day before we started working together, I invited everyone together so we could go through all the scripts. Myself, Rik Makarem and Emma Atkins took the new actors out for dinner and we got to know each other, which was really nice. That made things a lot easier when we got on set."
Finally, what are your thoughts on the Gennie and Nikhil storyline?
"Nikhil hasn't been very nice to Gennie! Nikhil has his problems and he's stuck in his ways. He's not always openly rude to her, but he just hasn't got the gift of the gab like Jai has. So he'll often say things when actually he means something else, and it'll come out slightly wrong or offensive. He's always slipping up and making mistakes, but I think it's a slow-burning love story. Hopefully they'll come together very soon."
Emmerdale's new recruit Trudie Goodwin has confirmed that she only wants a short-term stint on the soap.
The actress was recently cast in the role of Jai and Nikhil Sharma's outspoken mother Georgia, who makes her debut at the end of next week.
Goodwin, best known for playing The Bill's June Ackland for 23 years, has now revealed that she is on a three-month contract with Emmerdale as she does not want to be tied down to one role.
She told TV Times: "I'm not going to be here for years and years. I'm not doing that again! I would never have signed a contract for more than three months, but apart from anything else, they might not want me after that time!
"I don't like the idea of being in something for the long-term. I'm doing all the things I missed out on while I was in The Bill, like working in theatre, which I love. At the moment, I almost don't want a terribly easy life."
Goodwin also hinted that there could be drama in store as Georgia is introduced to Jai's fiancée Charity Tate (Emma Atkins).
She confirmed: "Sparks fly from the word go. She's going to marry Georgia's favourite son - and Charity is not good news!"
Georgia's first Emmerdale episode airs on Thursday, November 3 at 7pm on ITV1.
Emmerdale star Emma Atkins has revealed that she is thrilled to be working so closely with the soap's new recruit Trudie Goodwin.
Goodwin, best known for playing The Bill's June Ackland for 23 years, has taken on the role of Georgia Sharma - who first arrives in the village next week to meet Atkins's character Charity, her future daughter-in-law.
Atkins has now told Inside Soap that she was elated when she learned that she would be sharing scenes with the actress.
"I was very excited, because I think Trudie is a wonderful actress and a class act. I'm delighted to be filming with her," Atkins explained.
"Sometimes you don't get to work with new cast members - I hardly ever do scenes with Pauline Quirke, which is such a shame because she's been a brilliant addition to the show."
Although Charity is currently preparing to marry Georgia's son Jai (Chris Bisson), Atkins added that she would never rule out the possibility of Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) winning her back.
Asked whether the scheming pair could reunite, she replied: "Maybe by popular demand! I love working with Jeff, so here's hoping. It's inevitable they'll bump into one another in the village because they're related and have a daughter together."
Georgia makes her debut in next Thursday's Emmerdale double bill, joined by her husband Rishi (Bhasker Patel) and daughter Priya (Fiona Wade).
Emmerdale's new recruit Trudie Goodwin has praised her soap co-stars, hailing them as "wonderful people".
The actress was recently cast in the role of no-nonsense Georgia Sharma, who is mum to existing regulars Jai (Chris Bisson) and Nikhil (Rik Makarem).
Emmerdale fans get their first glimpse of Georgia in next Thursday's double bill as she arrives in the village to meet Jai's fiancée Charity Tate (Emma Atkins).
Goodwin told Inside Soap of her new job: "I'm thrilled to be here. I've had to hit the ground running because there are so many scripts to learn. But I couldn't have asked for two nicer boys to play my sons. They - and Emma Atkins, who plays Charity - are truly wonderful people."
Georgia makes her arrival alongside husband Rishi (Bhasker Patel) and daughter Priya, meaning that the full family will be seen on screen together for the first time. Fiona Wade takes over the role of Priya, who was previously played by Effie Woods.
Goodwin added: "The boys and Emma got together with us and did a run-through of all our scenes the day before we first filmed with them, and then they took us out to dinner in Leeds. I thought that was above and beyond the call of duty.
"The public reaction has been great as well. When I walk around Leeds, people keep stopping me to tell me how much they love Emmerdale and how glad they are that I'm joining the show. The whole experience couldn't be nicer for me, really."
Goodwin previously played the role of June Ackland on The Bill for 23 years.
EMMERDALE newcomer Trudie Goodwin admits she was nervous about joining the ITV1 soap after 23 years on The Bill.
The actress, best known as Sgt June Ackland, has started filming her new role as Georgia Sharma.
Trudie, 59, said: "It's always a bit daunting joining a long-running show because everybody sort of knows what they are doing and you don't. It's a while since The Bill and a very different part."
But she added: "Everybody made it very easy. It's going to be good fun."
The Sun
Emmerdale's new recruit Trudie Goodwin has revealed that she is pleased with her character Georgia Sharma's glamorous wardrobe.
The actress was cast as Jai and Nikhil's outspoken mother earlier this year and viewers saw her first appearance in the role last Thursday.
Goodwin has now admitted that she much prefers wearing Georgia's clothes to the police uniform that she donned for her famous part as Sergeant June Ackland on The Bill.
"I look at policewomen in the street and it still makes me shudder slightly knowing how hot and uncomfortable they are," she told Celebs on Sunday. "I can honestly say I never want to wear a police uniform ever again."
She continued: "My [Emmerdale] character Georgia wears some rather nice clothes. She's got a bit of money, so she's swishing around in Jaeger and all sorts of smart labels. She's much more glamorous than I would ever be in real life.
"One thing I have bought myself since I've been up here is one of those big duvet-style winter coats. I've noticed it's a lot chillier up north."
Goodwin also said that she is enjoying her time filming Emmerdale as the countryside is "just so beautiful".
However, she added: "I couldn't live here permanently. I could never leave London - I like to see people around me and I love all the hustle and bustle that comes with it. I don't think I could cope with the quiet and all the wide open spaces of the country. I'm definitely a townie at heart."
Emmerdale continues tonight at 7pm on ITV1.
Emmerdale newcomer Fiona Wade talks about joining the soap and reveals to Soaplife how her character, Priya Sharma, falls for Cain Dingle's dubious charms
How do you feel about being Emmerdale’s newest addition?
"I'm loving it, I feel very happy and excited about this new venture and I'm delighted to be joining Emmerdale. My mum's thrilled, too. She loves Emmerdale. She watches every episode so she's very happy I'm coming into the show."
What might people recognise you from?
"I think Grange Hill and 24Seven are the two TV series I still get most recognised for, but I've been working as an actress since I was 16, and have even done a few West End musicals."
So, what were your first days of filming like on Emmerdale?
"It was funny as one of my first filming days was the hotel bedroom scenes where Cain seduces Priya by plying her with champagne. Priya loves all his game-playing and it's not long before Cain has Priya exactly where he wants her."
Tell us why Priya ends up being seduced by Cain?
"Priya catches Cain's attention the moment she walks into the village. Cain is totally using her, but Priya enjoys spending time with him as he treats her well. So she doesn't really think too much about his motives. She's not aware he's seeing her to annoy Jai. When Cain treats Priya to a night of champagne and a posh hotel she's in her element. They have good chemistry and I think she can sense he's a bad boy – it attracts her. I also think the fact Charity warned her off has made her more interested. But I don’t think Priya realises just how dark Cain is - and it could go horribly wrong."
Are you enjoying filming with Jeff Hordley [Cain]?
"It's been so much fun! And Jeff is wonderful, he made me feel at ease immediately."
Emmerdale star Chris Bisson has promised that there is more drama to come for his character Jai Sharma once he is married to Charity Tate.
Jai and Charity finally tie the knot in Thursday night's episodes of the soap, having overcome their troubles with Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) at last.
However, speaking on Lorraine today, Bisson revealed that Jai and Charity have more big storylines on the way later this year.
Discussing his future at Emmerdale, Bisson explained: "It is genuinely a really good atmosphere. It's a lovely place to work. The village itself is absolutely beautiful. It gets very cold in the winter, but it has its own beauty even in the winter. We're a great team and we work well together.
"Sometimes they change producers and they change the characters. You don't know how long you'll be there for. But I'm really happy at Emmerdale. [Jai and Charity have] got storylines that get bigger and bigger towards the end of this year."
He added: "I don't think we'll be splitting!"
Bisson said that Charity's recent actions on screen have proved how much she loves Jai.
"The characters are very much in love," he commented. "And Charity has actually put herself in very difficult positions - admitting things to Cain and the Dingles, and she's broken down the relationship with her daughter in order to protect Jai. So she is in love."
Emmerdale continues tonight at 7pm on ITV1.
Emmerdale's Fiona Wade has signed a new one-year contract with the soap.
The 33-year-old actress has played racy Woolpack barmaid Priya Sharma since November last year, when the character reappeared to meet brother Jai's fiancée Charity Dingle.
"I've just signed a one-year contract, which I'm absolutely delighted about," Wade told the Daily Star Sunday. "It means they can plan lots of things for me, which is very exciting."
Teasing the development of her character, she added: "There's lots more coming up involving her brothers which I'm really looking forward to.
"That's the thing about Priya. She lives her life exactly how she wants and is a bit of a whirlwind for them. They can't control what she does and she's incredibly feisty."
The former Where the Heart Is star also revealed that producers are plotting a "love interest" for Priya in the near future, adding: "She had that thing with Cain Dingle the last time she was in the village, which really didn't go down too well with her brothers."
Priya Sharma was first seen in Emmerdale in 2009, being played initially by Effie Woods.
anyone thinking that Nikil's protests about not liking children in any form is the pre-runner to Gennie falling pregnant?
in the last week he has taken every opportunity to say he doesnt like kids, kids carry germs, kids mean sleep depravation...
me thinks he doth protest too much perhaps?
communitycare
20-05-2012, 19:54
anyone thinking that Nikil's protests about not liking children in any form is the pre-runner to Gennie falling pregnant?
in the last week he has taken every opportunity to say he doesnt like kids, kids carry germs, kids mean sleep depravation...
me thinks he doth protest too much perhaps?
they're probably making out it's either gennie or charity and then it'll turn out to be someone different
i hope it's katie
i can't believe that whoever it is wouldn't have realised they were pregnant by now
Emmerdale's Chris Bisson has predicted that Charity will divorce his character Jai Sharma.
Charity remains in the dark about Jai's one-night stand with Rachel Breckle, which led to the cleaner's pregnancy.
Bisson believes that his on-screen marriage with co-star Emma Atkins will "probably" be finished by the revelation.
"Obviously everyone's waiting for the Charity-finding-out moment," he told Soaplife. "What she'll do is anyone's guess, but the longer it goes on the more dramatic it will be.
"We've all talked about how Charity would react and whether there'd be any way of Jai and Charity staying together once she knew. I think probably not."
Rachel (Gemma Oaten) has been pressing Jai to tell Charity about the fact he is to become a father, but he has so far relented.
During next Monday's (August 20) Emmerdale episode, Rachel's pregnancy is uncovered sensationally in The Woolpack.
Emmerdale's Chris Bisson has predicted that Charity will divorce his character Jai Sharma.
Charity remains in the dark about Jai's one-night stand with Rachel Breckle, which led to the cleaner's pregnancy.
Bisson believes that his on-screen marriage with co-star Emma Atkins will "probably" be finished by the revelation.
"Obviously everyone's waiting for the Charity-finding-out moment," he told Soaplife. "What she'll do is anyone's guess, but the longer it goes on the more dramatic it will be.
"We've all talked about how Charity would react and whether there'd be any way of Jai and Charity staying together once she knew. I think probably not."
Rachel (Gemma Oaten) has been pressing Jai to tell Charity about the fact he is to become a father, but he has so far relented.
During next Monday's (August 20) Emmerdale episode, Rachel's pregnancy is uncovered sensationally in The Woolpack.
Emmerdale star Fiona Wade has described working on the ITV1 soap as "incredible".
The actress, who plays Priya Sharma, was only meant to stay on the show for three months but signed a new contract after impressing producers.
"It was always an option but when I went into the show I just wanted to do my best. I didn't think about coming back, I just went for it and kept my fingers crossed," Wade told the Sunday Mail.
"Then last year was a chance to really settle in and enjoy it. I had a busy time but I'm really thankful. A job like this is really amazing.
"You know you are doing a job you love and I feel really thankful and happy to be in Emmerdale. I'm where I want to be at this time in my life. It's been an incredible experience.
"I'm loving Priya and to have something a little steady is great. It's exceeded my expectations. I had the best year last year and in terms of my character, I couldn't have asked for more."
Sharma's co-star Matthew Wolfenden recently said that David's upcoming engagement to Priya seems like the "simple" option.
Emmerdale's Priya Sharma is at the centre of some surprising story twists next week as her love triangle with David Metcalfe and Alicia Gallagher continues.
Priya finds herself in a new battle with Alicia (Natalie Anderson) in the coming days when they both apply for the position of events manager at Home Farm. Fresh tension then erupts between the feisty pair - until Priya makes a shocking decision.
Meanwhile, Priya is also feeling insecure about her relationship with David (Matthew Wolfenden), so when she makes the mistake of thinking that he's proposing to her, she jumps at the chance to accept…
Here, Fiona Wade - who plays Priya - reveals more about what's ahead for her character.
How would you say Priya is coping with Alicia being back in the village?
"Priya is very threatened, actually. She believes that David doesn't love Alicia, but she knows that they have a connection and Jacob is always in the picture too. For the first time, I think viewers will see that Priya feels slightly insecure."
When Priya goes for the Home Farm job, does she know that Alicia has also applied?
"No, she doesn't initially. But I think Priya is the kind of girl who will go for something once she knows what she wants. She's pretty confident about the whole thing.
"Priya believes that she's got the experience and Alicia hasn't, because she knows Alicia's background. When they see each other at Home Farm for their interviews, there's definitely a rivalry."
How does Priya's interview go?
"Well, Alicia is first up and she comes out very happy, so I think Priya fears that Alicia has extended the truth over the experience that she's had.
"Priya quickly explains that, and makes sure she puts herself forward by saying she really does have experience. Priya sells herself hard and she's very good at that. This is the kind of job she would be good at."
Does Priya make a good impression at the interview then?
"Megan is impressed, because she knows the Sharma family already. But I don't think Nicola is impressed with either Priya or Alicia!"
When Priya ultimately gets the job, why does she feel so guilty?
"When Priya gets the job, she realises how easy it is for her to get things. She knows that she's never had to struggle for much. Priya feels guilty because she knows she has it all compared to Alicia, who's really struggling. Priya does have a heart, and she has a slightly guilty conscience about the David situation too."
Priya then decides to turn down the job for Alicia's sake, which is pretty selfless!
"It is! It's because she feels so guilty, and she does have a heart. She doesn't want everyone to think that she's a heartless person. Because her love for David has grown stronger, she wants to do the right thing. Priya is trying to honour the fact that David wants the best for Alicia."
How does David feel about Priya's decision?
"He's quite surprised and happy that Priya has done this. But that backfires on him, because Priya sees that he's happier than when she got the job in the first place! I think that ruffles a few feathers and is upsetting for her."
How does David's accidental proposal come about?
"This is the thing with David - he always mixes his words. After Priya sees how happy he is for Alicia, she confronts him about it. But David assures Priya that he'd much rather be married to her than Alicia. She then tests him and says, 'Really, is that what you meant?' and he says 'Yes'. Then it all gets out of hand, Priya takes it the wrong way and they're suddenly engaged!"
Is Priya aware that David didn't really mean to propose?
"I don't think she is! I think David is just one of those people who wants to make everyone happy. He doesn't want to hurt Priya or Alicia, and Priya is now caught up in the excitement of the engagement and the upcoming wedding."
Do you think Priya and David are actually a good match?
"I do in a lot of ways. I think Priya's fun, she's a classy girl and she's ambitious. David likes those things about her, but she can't give him some of the other things that Alicia can."
When they're engaged, does Priya still worry about David's feelings for Alicia?
"I think she does, but she's also pushed that to the back of her mind a little bit. She thinks it's all just about the love that he has for little Jacob."
What does Priya really think of Alicia?
"It's hard to tell, because if there wasn't any guy involved, she'd probably think that Alicia is a nice enough girl - although with a bad taste in clothes and a little bit ditzy! I think they're from very different backgrounds, but they could get along if they put David aside."
Would you like the wedding to go ahead this year?
"Yeah, I think it'd be nice for Priya and David to get married, but there's always a twist in these things…"
What else do you hope is in store for Priya?
"I like the drama. I think it's good to always be challenged and I'm sure if they get married, it won't be an easy ride. It's good to keep Priya on edge, I think!"
Emmerdale star Fiona Wade has revealed that she still wants her character Priya Sharma to get her dream wedding day.
Priya has spent most of the year planning to marry David Metcalfe, but with the recent turmoil in their relationship, it's currently unclear whether they'll ever manage to tie the knot.
With more twists and turns ahead for the love triangle, Wade told Take It Easy of Priya's future: "I'd like to see her get married - it will be fun for her to have her big day and there will be lots of drama involved. I'm not sure it will be plain sailing, but I look forward to what's coming up.
"I don't know whether or not she's quite ready to settle down just yet. I think there's drama for her to be had."
Asked what Priya and David's wedding would be like, she replied: "Well, I don't know too much but I know it would be a proper princess, posh wedding and that daddy's going to pay for lots. It will be perfect and pretty and a fairy tale for Priya."
The main problem still facing Priya is that David has feelings for his wife Alicia (Natalie Anderson) after they tied the knot in a sham wedding last year.
Wade admitted that she always tries to back Priya when asked who David should be with.
She said: "You know, it's really difficult because I have to be loyal to my character. Priya can offer him certain things, and Alicia offers him other things. Alicia is a bit more homely than Priya.
"I think Priya wants all those things, but she's just not at that stage yet, whereas Alicia is a mum to Jacob and she's ready to settle down. I think there's a bond between Alicia, David and Jacob that makes Priya feel excluded."
Emmerdale continues tonight (May 13) at 7pm on ITV.
You don't have a problem opening new threads when there are long established ones there already though, do you?
Emmerdale star Bhasker Patel has revealed he wants his character Rishi Sharma to be involved with ex-partner Georgia Sharma again.
Georgia is currently involved in a new relationship with Rodney Blackstock.
Patel told Inside Soap: "I think that while Rishi and Georgia were a good pair in the past, being together all the time proved problematic.
"But now they've learned to live in close quarters, and Rodney's taken the pressure off Rishi! Rishi could be on and off with Georgia, and have a proper duel outside The Woolpack with Rodney. Bring it on!
"Rishi likes strong women. It will always end in disaster, mind you - but that's par for the course with Rishi!"
Speaking about Rishi's on-screen sons Jai and Nikhil, Patel said: "In real life, they'd drive me crazy - so it's just as well they're in Emmerdale!
"They're both strong-minded boys who never want to lose a battle, but sometimes they need a bit of guidance from their father.
"I'm also a family man away from the show. I have two daughters."
Emmerdale's bride-to-be Priya Sharma has a hen party from hell next week as killer Cameron Murray gatecrashes her big night at The Woolpack, armed with a shotgun.
As a tense night unfolds at the pub, Priya has to watch in horror as her fiancé David Metcalfe desperately tries to reason with unhinged Cameron.
Here, Fiona Wade - who plays Priya - reveals how events unfold from her character's point of view.
What were the hostage scenes like to film?
"We didn't quite know what to expect. We actually were really scared. Dominic Power [who plays Cameron] is such a great actor who plays the part so well. As the days went on, we were just getting more and more scared. It was brilliant. It's such a big situation to think of yourself in."
Priya is at the pub for her hen do when things take a sinister turn. Tell us how the drama unfolds.
"Priya has a lot planned for her hen do, and she has her whole night sorted out. She's a very organised girl, but it just seems like one thing after another keeps going wrong. Also the weather takes a turn for the worst and that changes everything. Priya gets more and more upset by the evening's events and then Cameron takes The Woolpack hostage. Not good for your hen night!"
© ITV
Priya and David have quite low key hen/stag dos
How does Priya feel when David tries to talk Cameron round? Is she worried that he is trying to reason with a crazy man?
"Yes, I think at that point she is so scared. This is the man she is about to marry and she really loves David. Everybody is just so terrified, and Cameron is such a crazy man. I think she is really terrified something is going to happen to David, and that's all she can think about."
What was the atmosphere like between you and the other people involved in these scenes?
"It was very intense, as they were very long days and we were exhausted and tired, but we were all together and it was such a great group of people. I think we all really enjoyed it, actually. We were filming something different and to be part of a wonderful storyline with some amazing scenes was just brilliant."
Priya and David are set to get married, but in this hostage situation it's clear that David still cares for Alicia. Does Priya get jealous?
"If it was any other situation I think she would be, but if you're put up against something like that - despite whatever you're going through, whether you get on with someone or you don't - the village is just united.
"The people in that situation are all together and there for each other, and scared for each other and their safety. Priya in that moment knows it's to be expected - David will look after the people he cares about and she knows he cares about Alicia.
"In Priya's mind, she is getting married to this man and she just wants him to be safe, for everyone to be safe. No, I don't think she is jealous at that point. I think she is quite proud of David actually. She is proud that he is caring and that he is being quite brave."
© ITV
Cameron arrives in The Woolpack.
Were you excited when you read the scenes?
"Yes, really excited. My goodness, when do you get a chance to play scenes like these?!"
Do you think this big October storyline will be a suitable follow-up to last year's live episode, and hook the viewers in the same way?
"Absolutely. I think the live episode last year was just fantastic, it was brilliant for the show. Equally this October I think our audience is in for a treat. It's going to be amazing, honestly. I think it's probably going to have an even bigger impact. The viewers are in for something special, definitely."
A character is shot. Is it a life or death situation?
"Yes, it is definitely a life or death situation."
Is it Priya?
"It could be Priya, or it could be someone else! I'm not allowed to say! The viewers will have to find out when they watch, but there are lots of twists and turns and it's very unexpected. You will have to wait and see…"
Emmerdale's bride-to-be Priya Sharma has a hen party from hell next week as killer Cameron Murray gatecrashes her big night at The Woolpack, armed with a shotgun.
As a tense night unfolds at the pub, Priya has to watch in horror as her fiancé David Metcalfe desperately tries to reason with unhinged Cameron.
Here, Fiona Wade - who plays Priya - reveals how events unfold from her character's point of view.
What were the hostage scenes like to film?
"We didn't quite know what to expect. We actually were really scared. Dominic Power [who plays Cameron] is such a great actor who plays the part so well. As the days went on, we were just getting more and more scared. It was brilliant. It's such a big situation to think of yourself in."
Priya is at the pub for her hen do when things take a sinister turn. Tell us how the drama unfolds.
"Priya has a lot planned for her hen do, and she has her whole night sorted out. She's a very organised girl, but it just seems like one thing after another keeps going wrong. Also the weather takes a turn for the worst and that changes everything. Priya gets more and more upset by the evening's events and then Cameron takes The Woolpack hostage. Not good for your hen night!"
© ITV
Priya and David have quite low key hen/stag dos
How does Priya feel when David tries to talk Cameron round? Is she worried that he is trying to reason with a crazy man?
"Yes, I think at that point she is so scared. This is the man she is about to marry and she really loves David. Everybody is just so terrified, and Cameron is such a crazy man. I think she is really terrified something is going to happen to David, and that's all she can think about."
What was the atmosphere like between you and the other people involved in these scenes?
"It was very intense, as they were very long days and we were exhausted and tired, but we were all together and it was such a great group of people. I think we all really enjoyed it, actually. We were filming something different and to be part of a wonderful storyline with some amazing scenes was just brilliant."
Priya and David are set to get married, but in this hostage situation it's clear that David still cares for Alicia. Does Priya get jealous?
"If it was any other situation I think she would be, but if you're put up against something like that - despite whatever you're going through, whether you get on with someone or you don't - the village is just united.
"The people in that situation are all together and there for each other, and scared for each other and their safety. Priya in that moment knows it's to be expected - David will look after the people he cares about and she knows he cares about Alicia.
"In Priya's mind, she is getting married to this man and she just wants him to be safe, for everyone to be safe. No, I don't think she is jealous at that point. I think she is quite proud of David actually. She is proud that he is caring and that he is being quite brave."
© ITV
Cameron arrives in The Woolpack.
Were you excited when you read the scenes?
"Yes, really excited. My goodness, when do you get a chance to play scenes like these?!"
Do you think this big October storyline will be a suitable follow-up to last year's live episode, and hook the viewers in the same way?
"Absolutely. I think the live episode last year was just fantastic, it was brilliant for the show. Equally this October I think our audience is in for a treat. It's going to be amazing, honestly. I think it's probably going to have an even bigger impact. The viewers are in for something special, definitely."
A character is shot. Is it a life or death situation?
"Yes, it is definitely a life or death situation."
Is it Priya?
"It could be Priya, or it could be someone else! I'm not allowed to say! The viewers will have to find out when they watch, but there are lots of twists and turns and it's very unexpected. You will have to wait and see…"
Emmerdale's new recruit Trudie Goodwin has confirmed that she only wants a short-term stint on the soap.
The actress was recently cast in the role of Jai and Nikhil Sharma's outspoken mother Georgia, who makes her debut at the end of next week.
Goodwin, best known for playing The Bill's June Ackland for 23 years, has now revealed that she is on a three-month contract with Emmerdale as she does not want to be tied down to one role.
She told TV Times: "I'm not going to be here for years and years. I'm not doing that again! I would never have signed a contract for more than three months, but apart from anything else, they might not want me after that time!
"I don't like the idea of being in something for the long-term. I'm doing all the things I missed out on while I was in The Bill, like working in theatre, which I love. At the moment, I almost don't want a terribly easy life."
Goodwin also hinted that there could be drama in store as Georgia is introduced to Jai's fiancée Charity Tate (Emma Atkins).
She confirmed: "Sparks fly from the word go. She's going to marry Georgia's favourite son - and Charity is not good news!"
Georgia's first Emmerdale episode airs on Thursday, November 3 at 7pm on ITV1.
a return recast? mammy sharma
a return recast? mammy sharma
Rumour has it Megan Macey might come back ... wish Nikhil would return ♥
Rumour has it Megan Macey might come back ... wish Nikhil would return ♥
why would megan return, jai divorced her
why would megan return, jai divorced her
Maybe the divorce is not yet final.. who knows. soapland scriptwriters come up with all kind of incredible stuff at times...maybe just fan speculation .. I kind of have lost interest in Emmerdale -... watched Classic Emmerdale today by chance, New Year's Eve storm and Trisha getting killed ... I think that 30 years ago they did those kind of stories more realistic and believable .. or have we viewers got too desensitised to tragic storylines?
Emmerdale has re-cast the character of Georgia Sharma, the mother of Jai, as the adoption storyline gathers momentum.
Georgia was previously played by The Bill icon Trudie Goodwin, aka Sergeant June Ackland, but will now be portrayed by Lin Blakley, who is very well known to fans of EastEnders.
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