Samuel Anderson (Ross Kirk, 'Emmerdale')
Emmerdale's Ross Kirk (Samuel Anderson) is all smiles next week when Donna Windsor-Dingle (Verity Rushworth) finally gives in to temptation, resulting in the pair enjoying a night of passion. Last month saw Ross save Donna's life after their car was involved in a dramatic accident. Donna has since been fighting her feelings for her colleague for the sake of her marriage to Marlon (Mark Charnock). However, Donna's curiosity gets the better of her at a police party, where Marlon leaves Donna in Ross's capable hands. Here, Samuel chats to DS about the storyline, living with Verity Rushworth and what's to come for his character.
When did Ross first realise that he had feelings for Donna?
"I think they've been there from the start, to be honest. I don't think they're new feelings, I just think they've got to a point where he can't resist her anymore."
He's been clear about his feelings towards her from the off, hasn't he?
"Yeah, he's done nothing wrong. I don't think anyone could accuse him of playing with her head or anything like that. He's been straight down the line and honest with her. It's only become clear over the past few weeks that she actually has any feelings for him."
Ross and Chas have a night of passion, don't they?
"Yeah. Because Donna hasn't reciprocated, I think Ross just thinks 'what the hell - I might as well have a bit of fun'. It's very light-hearted as far as Chas is concerned."
Ross and Donna sleep together at the beginning of the week, but he soon ends up in bed with Donna, doesn't he? How does that happen?
"We're at a police party and Chas ends up being thrown out. Marlon offers to take her home and Ross is left with Donna. Marlon actually asks Ross to look after Donna, which he duly agrees to do, in more ways that one. We end up back in her room with a coffee but we don't actually drink much coffee."
What's Ross's relationship like with Marlon?
"For some reason they fell out after the car accident. I still don't understand his anger at Ross because I obviously saved his wife's life. After a while, Marlon's anger towards Ross faded and he started to believe that Ross's feelings towards Donna had passed."
Do you think Marlon has any suspicions about Ross and Donna?
"Marlon was suspicious that Ross fancied her, but he got over that. It's got to a point now where Marlon would think that Ross sleeping Donna would be the last thing he'd do after they had their big fall out over the whole situation. He's quite comfortable leaving his wife for the night."
While Ross and Donna are in the hotel room, it's not quite as covert a liaison as they had expected, is it?
"Shane, one of Donna and Ross's colleagues, walks past the room and knocks on the door. Ross opens his big mouth and gives the game away."
Where does it all go from here, then?
"Donna's full of regret afterwards because she's got a hell of a lot more to lose than Ross. As for Ross, he's just a happy boy after their night together. Shane, however, has them both under the thumb and although nothing can be proved, it gives Shane the upper hand. As for Ross, there's a lot more trouble on the horizon. He'll be becoming a lot more involved in various other storyline strands. It's only going to get worse for him."
What's it like working with Verity?
"It's cool, she's my best friend up there. She's my landlady outside of work, too, which is great. We really do get on - we're like two peas in a pod."
Who's the messiest housemate out of the pair of you?
"Me, but I'm not that bad. She's just exceptionally tidy. As soon as something's out, she'll put it away again!"
He was just beginning to grow on me when he could not keep his distance from Donna after the accident, which I think is wrong. If he had, she would not have slept with him, I am sure. Shame she cheats on Marlon, he will be devastated if he finds out. :(
