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Emmerdale stars Sian Reese-Williams and Rik Makarem have cemented their status as viewer favourites, securing a number of prizes in an annual fan poll.
The pair's characters Gennie Walker and Nikhil Sharma proved popular in The Emmerdaily's latest reader survey, carried out to mark the fansite's second birthday.
Reese-Williams and Makarem won the 'Best On-Screen Partnership' award for the second year running, while their baby plot was named the 'Best Storyline' of 2012.
Additionally, Nikhil proving his love for Gennie was voted the 'Best Scene' of last year, while Nikhil himself was chosen as the character that fans want to see more of in 2013.
Other winners included Liam Fox (Dan Spencer) as 'Best Newcomer', Gemma Oaten (Rachel Breckle) as 'Breakthrough Star of 2012' and Steve Halliwell as 'Unsung Hero' for his portrayal of Zak Dingle's mental breakdown.
Former cast member Tom Lister (Carl King) was another big winner as he secured the 'Living Legend' title, as decided by the website's team.
The site said: "After 8 years on the show, Carl was murdered much to fans' horror in the live episode. Tom had created a bad boy loved regardless of how many people he killed or hearts he broke on screen.
"But off screen, Tom works tirelessly to raise money and the profile of charities such as Lymphoma and Leukaemia Research as part of their marathon team, and Hope For Justice which works to reduce human trafficking."
In total, over 3,000 votes were cast in the survey to help crown the ITV soap's 'best of the best'.
A full list of winners follows below:
Best Newcomer 2012
Liam Fox (Dan Spencer)
Breakthrough Star of 2012
Gemma Oaten (Rachel Breckle)
Unsung Hero of 2012
Steve Halliwell (Zak Dingle)
Best Episode of 2012
The Live Episode, written by Paul Roundell and directed by Tony Prescott
Best Scene of 2012
Nikhil proves his love for Gennie, written by David McDermott
Best Storyline of 2012
Gennie and Nikhil's Baby
Best Comedy Performance of 2012
Charlie Hardwick (Val Pollard)
Best Dramatic Performance of 2012
Lucy Pargeter
Best On-Screen Partnership of 2012
Sian Reese Williams and Rik Makarem (Gennie Walker and Nikhil Sharma)
Character we can't wait to see more of in 2013
Nikhil Sharma (Rik Makarem)
Emmerdale's Gennie Walker is left distraught in the coming days as she discovers that her adoptive mum Brenda is seriously ill.
The story begins on screen this week as a neurosurgeon tells Brenda (Lesley Dunlop) that she has a lesion on her brain and the hospital will need to perform a biopsy to investigate further.
Brenda takes the advice after much convincing, but when her results finally come through, the news isn't good as she learns that she has a brain tumour. With Brenda immediately refusing to have an operation to deal with it, can Gennie change her mind?
Here, Sian Reese-Williams - who plays Gennie - reveals her character's take on the emotional storyline.
How does Gennie feel when the doctors first warn that there might be something seriously wrong with Brenda?
"Gennie panics and she immediately fears the worst. She's quite pessimistic and she's quite annoyed with her mum for being in denial, when really Brenda is probably just trying to be positive. Gennie is pretty devastated, especially as she's only got one parent left when she had four before! They've all gone apart from Brenda, and I think it panics her."
Is Gennie shocked by how Brenda is reacting?
"She is, because Brenda's reaction is that everything is going to be fine. It seems like Brenda is denying the whole thing. Gennie is shocked and she's angry with Brenda, because she thinks that she's not taking it very seriously. She wants Brenda to face the truth, so they're at loggerheads at the moment because they're approaching the situation from different places."
How does Gennie feel about Brenda not wanting new boyfriend Bob to know about her condition?
"Gennie is really angry about that. She cares about Bob and she doesn't want him to be left in the dark. Brenda's behaviour is really confusing Bob, but Gennie is having to keep quiet about the reasons for it and she's not really very happy about it. She feels that Bob should know, and there's a couple of times where Gennie even considers telling Bob herself."
Why doesn't Brenda want Bob to know?
"Brenda thinks that the minute Bob knows, he'll have to stay with her out of pity. She doesn't want that doubt of not knowing whether Bob is with her for the right reasons. She's also scared that the reason Bob has fallen for her is because she's ill and it's making her behave slightly differently. Brenda also just wants to keep things as normal as possible."
How does Gennie feel when Brenda doesn't want the biopsy?
"She's devastated and she tries to change Brenda's mind at every given opportunity, really. She wants to know what's wrong so they can get moving on dealing with it, and if it's bad news, they can do something about it.
"Gennie is not really hearing how her mum's feeling. It's totally different for the person going through the illness, and Gennie doesn't understand it at all. Brenda explains that she is reluctant because she doesn't really want to know what's wrong, but Gennie doesn't understand it and she thinks her mum is being really selfish."
What does Gennie do to persuade Brenda to have the biopsy?
"Gennie tries a couple of different things. She brings Molly into the situation and explains that if Brenda isn't going to do it for herself, she should do it for Molly. She also tries to get Nikhil to talk to Brenda.
"Gennie just doesn't quit when it comes to this. Every time she speaks to Brenda, it's about this. Using Molly turns out to be the trump card, as Gennie says that if Brenda wants to see her grow up, she should go to find out what the problem is and deal with it."
How are things with Nikhil and Gennie at this point?
"Nikhil is being really supportive. Gennie is being a bit distraught and snappy, but Nikhil is being very good and keeping himself together a bit more. Nikhil can see both sides of the situation. He's not saying very much, and he's letting Brenda and Gennie sort it out amongst themselves. He's a bit more objective about it and he's just there for Gennie, really. He's quite a star."
In the end, Brenda decides to end things with Bob rather than tell him the truth. Does Gennie understand the reasons why?
"No, she thinks Brenda is crazy! She thinks Brenda should at least give Bob the opportunity to know what's going on, as otherwise it's not fair. Gennie thinks that Brenda is taking away Bob's choice in the matter.
"Gennie thinks it's unfair on Brenda herself too, as she's not giving herself the chance to be happy with Bob. Gennie knows that Bob will be fine with it and supportive. He's not going to turn around and tell her to go away!"
How do they all feel before the appointment with the neurosurgeon?
"Gennie thinks that Brenda is not going to turn up for the results, so she's keeping an eye on her at all times. Later at the hospital, they're rubbing each other up the wrong way. Gennie is trying her hardest not to be annoying, but that means she is being annoying!
"Brenda screams at Gennie and tells her to leave, but Gennie waits outside until her mum has calmed down. There's some really nice scenes between mother and daughter. There's a bit of friction, but then they come together again."
How do they deal with the brain tumour diagnosis?
"Gennie is straight onto it and wants to start organising when Brenda will have the operation. For Gennie, it's very black and white - Brenda should have the operation. However, Brenda then turns around and says that she's not sure whether it's what she really wants.
"Once Brenda says this, the world just goes from beneath Gennie's feet, and she's left reeling for a long time. She can't believe that her mother is acting like this in a matter of life and death. Gennie is angry and scared, and it's coming across as selfish anger, but it's because she's terrified that her mum isn't going to be around anymore. She tries and tries and tries, but she can't change Brenda's mind. It goes on for weeks."
Is there anyone who can get through to Brenda?
"Bob is eventually told what's going on, so Gennie pushes Bob to be the one to help Brenda. She wants Bob to know all about it, and she uses him as the next person to try getting Brenda to listen. Gennie also uses the baby as a tactic again. She goes underhand in a lot of ways, really! It all gets a little bit bitchy in a way, but it just comes from a desperate desire for her mum to get better."
Can Gennie cope with this pressure?
"No, because her biological mother and father have already died, and her adopted father has died too. Even though she and her mum have their differences, Brenda is everything to Gennie. That becomes really clear in this storyline - how much Brenda means to Gennie and how terrifying the idea of not having her around is.
"I don't think Gennie's coping particularly well with it, because it's just come out from nowhere. It's been a tough year in general, but then this comes along and floors her."
What has the storyline been like to film?
"It's been great, I've really enjoyed it. I've been enjoying working with Lesley because we came into the show together, but we've never really been able to sink our teeth into something together until now. It's really nice to be doing this, as we've had some really challenging and sad stuff.
"There's been really good writing and it's been interesting to see the two different sides of the situation and the two different opinions. You see how it affects the person going through the illness, but also the family. It's very, very different for all parties and you see how each person involved copes."
What is Lesley like to work with?
"She's an excellent actress and I've learned lots from her, because she's been doing it for a long time. We get on really well and she's become a really good friend. It's nice to be able to spend a lot of time with Lesley at the moment. She's a very funny lady and I love working with her."
Are you getting used to working with a baby on set?
"I'm completely in love with that baby! I always used to be scared of babies, then I wasn't so scared after a while, then I completely fell head over heels in love with this baby. She's literally the coolest child on earth. She only cries when she needs to for a scene, and she even remembers all of her continuity - it's bizarre! (Laughs). I don't really like a day when she's not on set, as it doesn't feel right anymore.
"I've had a really nice year working with Rik Makarem, too. It's nice to see Gennie and Nikhil being pulled together in a way they haven't before, in a much more grown-up way."
Emmerdale's Gennie Walker is left distraught in the coming days as she discovers that her adoptive mum Brenda is seriously ill.
The story begins on screen this week as a neurosurgeon tells Brenda (Lesley Dunlop) that she has a lesion on her brain and the hospital will need to perform a biopsy to investigate further.
Brenda takes the advice after much convincing, but when her results finally come through, the news isn't good as she learns that she has a brain tumour. With Brenda immediately refusing to have an operation to deal with it, can Gennie change her mind?
Here, Sian Reese-Williams - who plays Gennie - reveals her character's take on the emotional storyline.
How does Gennie feel when the doctors first warn that there might be something seriously wrong with Brenda?
"Gennie panics and she immediately fears the worst. She's quite pessimistic and she's quite annoyed with her mum for being in denial, when really Brenda is probably just trying to be positive. Gennie is pretty devastated, especially as she's only got one parent left when she had four before! They've all gone apart from Brenda, and I think it panics her."
Is Gennie shocked by how Brenda is reacting?
"She is, because Brenda's reaction is that everything is going to be fine. It seems like Brenda is denying the whole thing. Gennie is shocked and she's angry with Brenda, because she thinks that she's not taking it very seriously. She wants Brenda to face the truth, so they're at loggerheads at the moment because they're approaching the situation from different places."
How does Gennie feel about Brenda not wanting new boyfriend Bob to know about her condition?
"Gennie is really angry about that. She cares about Bob and she doesn't want him to be left in the dark. Brenda's behaviour is really confusing Bob, but Gennie is having to keep quiet about the reasons for it and she's not really very happy about it. She feels that Bob should know, and there's a couple of times where Gennie even considers telling Bob herself."
Why doesn't Brenda want Bob to know?
"Brenda thinks that the minute Bob knows, he'll have to stay with her out of pity. She doesn't want that doubt of not knowing whether Bob is with her for the right reasons. She's also scared that the reason Bob has fallen for her is because she's ill and it's making her behave slightly differently. Brenda also just wants to keep things as normal as possible."
How does Gennie feel when Brenda doesn't want the biopsy?
"She's devastated and she tries to change Brenda's mind at every given opportunity, really. She wants to know what's wrong so they can get moving on dealing with it, and if it's bad news, they can do something about it.
"Gennie is not really hearing how her mum's feeling. It's totally different for the person going through the illness, and Gennie doesn't understand it at all. Brenda explains that she is reluctant because she doesn't really want to know what's wrong, but Gennie doesn't understand it and she thinks her mum is being really selfish."
What does Gennie do to persuade Brenda to have the biopsy?
"Gennie tries a couple of different things. She brings Molly into the situation and explains that if Brenda isn't going to do it for herself, she should do it for Molly. She also tries to get Nikhil to talk to Brenda.
"Gennie just doesn't quit when it comes to this. Every time she speaks to Brenda, it's about this. Using Molly turns out to be the trump card, as Gennie says that if Brenda wants to see her grow up, she should go to find out what the problem is and deal with it."
How are things with Nikhil and Gennie at this point?
"Nikhil is being really supportive. Gennie is being a bit distraught and snappy, but Nikhil is being very good and keeping himself together a bit more. Nikhil can see both sides of the situation. He's not saying very much, and he's letting Brenda and Gennie sort it out amongst themselves. He's a bit more objective about it and he's just there for Gennie, really. He's quite a star."
In the end, Brenda decides to end things with Bob rather than tell him the truth. Does Gennie understand the reasons why?
"No, she thinks Brenda is crazy! She thinks Brenda should at least give Bob the opportunity to know what's going on, as otherwise it's not fair. Gennie thinks that Brenda is taking away Bob's choice in the matter.
"Gennie thinks it's unfair on Brenda herself too, as she's not giving herself the chance to be happy with Bob. Gennie knows that Bob will be fine with it and supportive. He's not going to turn around and tell her to go away!"
How do they all feel before the appointment with the neurosurgeon?
"Gennie thinks that Brenda is not going to turn up for the results, so she's keeping an eye on her at all times. Later at the hospital, they're rubbing each other up the wrong way. Gennie is trying her hardest not to be annoying, but that means she is being annoying!
"Brenda screams at Gennie and tells her to leave, but Gennie waits outside until her mum has calmed down. There's some really nice scenes between mother and daughter. There's a bit of friction, but then they come together again."
How do they deal with the brain tumour diagnosis?
"Gennie is straight onto it and wants to start organising when Brenda will have the operation. For Gennie, it's very black and white - Brenda should have the operation. However, Brenda then turns around and says that she's not sure whether it's what she really wants.
"Once Brenda says this, the world just goes from beneath Gennie's feet, and she's left reeling for a long time. She can't believe that her mother is acting like this in a matter of life and death. Gennie is angry and scared, and it's coming across as selfish anger, but it's because she's terrified that her mum isn't going to be around anymore. She tries and tries and tries, but she can't change Brenda's mind. It goes on for weeks."
Is there anyone who can get through to Brenda?
"Bob is eventually told what's going on, so Gennie pushes Bob to be the one to help Brenda. She wants Bob to know all about it, and she uses him as the next person to try getting Brenda to listen. Gennie also uses the baby as a tactic again. She goes underhand in a lot of ways, really! It all gets a little bit bitchy in a way, but it just comes from a desperate desire for her mum to get better."
Can Gennie cope with this pressure?
"No, because her biological mother and father have already died, and her adopted father has died too. Even though she and her mum have their differences, Brenda is everything to Gennie. That becomes really clear in this storyline - how much Brenda means to Gennie and how terrifying the idea of not having her around is.
"I don't think Gennie's coping particularly well with it, because it's just come out from nowhere. It's been a tough year in general, but then this comes along and floors her."
What has the storyline been like to film?
"It's been great, I've really enjoyed it. I've been enjoying working with Lesley because we came into the show together, but we've never really been able to sink our teeth into something together until now. It's really nice to be doing this, as we've had some really challenging and sad stuff.
"There's been really good writing and it's been interesting to see the two different sides of the situation and the two different opinions. You see how it affects the person going through the illness, but also the family. It's very, very different for all parties and you see how each person involved copes."
What is Lesley like to work with?
"She's an excellent actress and I've learned lots from her, because she's been doing it for a long time. We get on really well and she's become a really good friend. It's nice to be able to spend a lot of time with Lesley at the moment. She's a very funny lady and I love working with her."
Are you getting used to working with a baby on set?
"I'm completely in love with that baby! I always used to be scared of babies, then I wasn't so scared after a while, then I completely fell head over heels in love with this baby. She's literally the coolest child on earth. She only cries when she needs to for a scene, and she even remembers all of her continuity - it's bizarre! (Laughs). I don't really like a day when she's not on set, as it doesn't feel right anymore.
"I've had a really nice year working with Rik Makarem, too. It's nice to see Gennie and Nikhil being pulled together in a way they haven't before, in a much more grown-up way."
...Wedding bells are in the air for Emmerdale couple Nikhil Sharma and Gennie Walker next week as they agree to get married as soon as possible.
The pair start planning their big day after Nikhil points out that this could be their only chance to tie the knot while Gennie's seriously-ill mum Brenda (Lesley Dunlop) is still around.
Nikhil is genuine in his desire to provide a magical day for the whole family, but it quickly becomes apparent that his suggestion is going to cause a great deal of tension for all concerned…
Here, Rik Makarem - who plays Nikhil - chats about the upcoming wedding drama.
How is Nikhil dealing with the pressure of Brenda being ill?
"Nikhil has got to be a pillar of security and a strong backbone to the situation. The conscious choice that I've made is to play it so that he's the harbour where the vulnerable boats anchor! He's trying to be supportive, but not cross any lines.
"Nikhil is the sort of person who can see beyond the wood, while Gennie and Brenda are both in the thick of it. He has a different perspective on the situation."
What gives Nikhil the idea of bringing the wedding forward?
"Nikhil and Gennie have never discussed a date for the wedding until now, they've always just said that it was going to be a lengthy engagement. It's already been a year and a half. During that time, they've been quite focused on having baby Molly and getting through that process.
"However, I think when you go through a life-changing circumstance, you question your own mortality and more emphasis is put towards the family unit. Nikhil's idea of creating a marriage is because he wants to create even more security for Gennie. He wants to lift Gennie and Brenda's spirits, so he genuinely is trying to do something nice."
How does Gennie react to the idea?
"Gennie's immediate reaction is that it's a very insensitive thing to suggest. Her emotions are very heightened at the moment, and the last thing she's thinking about is a nice romantic celebration. There's just too much to deal with, so Gennie can't see which trajectory Nikhil is on.
"Nikhil does go into explaining it, saying that he just wants to make sure Brenda will be there for the ceremony, but Gennie is just not ready to hear that logic at that moment. Nikhil persists whilst feeling very guilty about the whole thing, but it does come from a good place.
"It's classic Nikhil, really - he means well, but he's saying and doing the wrong thing at the wrong time. But with her mum potentially dying, thinking about a marriage is not Gennie's number one priority."
Gennie eventually comes round to the idea. Do they have any particular wedding venues in mind?
"Well, isn't it handy that Alicia in the village has become a wedding planner?! Gennie does come round to the idea because she can see the logic behind it, and that's the good thing about this couple. Once they get through their hurdles, they do see life from the same perspective.
"All of a sudden, the attention from the sensitive story with Brenda turns to Gennie and Nikhil's attempts to create a magical day. As things need to move quickly, Alicia provides the opportunity for them to create that in a short period of time. Let's just say that Gennie has got some demands for how the wedding should be, and Home Farm would provide the perfect setting for it."
What kind of a reaction do Gennie and Nikhil get when they announce their plans?
"It starts off with them proclaiming that they're going to get married, but everyone tells them that they already knew that! (Laughs.) But then once Gennie and Nikhil inform the family from both sides that it's an immediate thing, it's met with a mixed reaction.
"Brenda doesn't react positively. I think it's all a bit overwhelming for her, so her knee-jerk reaction is to become stressed about the whole situation. That causes friction for her relationship with Gennie.
"Rishi and Jai both seem excited about it - they think it's a good idea. Georgia's more concerned with how they can organise it in two weeks. I don't think Nikhil and Gennie's news gets the best reception, actually!"
Do Nikhil and Gennie try to talk Brenda round?
"Well, Brenda's main reaction is that she thinks it's all a ploy for her to have the operation. She thinks that it's all a game, when actually it's about creating a magical day. Nikhil and Gennie spend a lot of time trying to put that point across to her.
"Let's just say this really divides Brenda and Gennie's relationship. However, I don't think either of those characters are behaving irrationally. They're just reacting with emotion rather than logic."
Is there any truth at all to what Brenda is saying - that they just want her to have the operation?
"Maybe on Gennie's terms. I don't think that's Nikhil's motive. However, Nikhil's priority is Gennie and if making her mum better will help her to be happy, then he'll obviously want that to happen."
Why does Nikhil later doubt Gennie's motives for wanting to get married?
"It's because it starts off as a positive process, but then there are clues that Gennie's involvement in the organisation of the wedding has taken on a new meaning. It seems that she's now more concerned about getting one up on this game with Brenda.
"At this point, Brenda has said that she's not going to the wedding. Gennie has quite an emotional reaction to that, telling Brenda that they'll be going through with the ceremony with or without her involvement.
"But Gennie's whole energy while organising the wedding becomes possessed. The romance and the magical aspect of the wedding is lost, which creates these doubts in Nikhil's mind.
"Nikhil is in a difficult situation here, because selfishly, it's supposed to be the happiest day of his life too. Some girls might think that weddings are all about them, but guys do have emotions too! Nikhil wants it to be his magical day as well, but he can't really say anything because it would rock the boat with Gennie and her mum."
Is Gennie being genuine when she claims that they'll go ahead with the wedding without Brenda?
"I don't think Nikhil believes that. I think Nikhil will persevere to get the wedding right, and the wedding won't be right unless it's perfect and everyone is there. That's just Nikhil full stop!"
Priya is also annoyed about the wedding…
"Yeah, but she's just selfish because she wanted all of the attention on her big day with Nikhil's best mate David. Nikhil has never been very happy about that relationship anyway, if we're honest! Priya has been slightly upstaged now."
What kind of a wedding do you think Gennie and Nikhil will have?
"If we look at Gennie and Nikhil as a couple, they're quirky, they both have issues, but they're madly in love. I'm assuming that it's going to be a quirky wedding. It would have to be a 'Genhil' signature wedding! It will be colourful, emotional and passionate."
Soap weddings are always a big deal, so are you looking forward to being at the centre of one?
"Do you know, I haven't really thought about it. I've been so concerned about just playing the part right and making sure that we get all the right levels of sensitivity in. But now I've been asked it, now I'm scared! (Laughs.)"
What's the best wedding you've ever been to in real life?
"My friend Kenny, who was one of my best mates at drama school, asked me to read at his wedding. It was a full-on Scottish wedding and it was magic. There were lots of kilts, lots of tartan and haggis! It was magic but quite cold!"
Are you going to any weddings this year?
"Yeah, my sister's getting married in real life. It should be quite a funny day, because I'm doing the Great Manchester Cycle in the morning and going to the wedding afterwards! I've been warned not to be late for the wedding!"
Emmerdale's Gennie Walker faces a wedding day dilemma next week as she must decide whether to marry Nikhil Sharma without her mum Brenda present.
A new storyline on the ITV soap sees Gennie and Nikhil bring their wedding forward, wanting to provide a magical day for the whole family now that Brenda is seriously ill.
When an emotional Brenda immediately refuses to attend the ceremony, Gennie insists that it will go ahead with or without her. But as the big day arrives, will Gennie really go through with it?
Here, Sian Reese-Williams - who plays Gennie - chats about her character's big wedding week.
How does Gennie feel when Nikhil suggests they should have their wedding right away?
"Gennie is not particularly amused by the idea at first! She thinks that Nikhil is only suggesting it because he thinks her mother is going to die, so she takes offence at that. Gennie blows up at him and says that it's in really bad taste, but he insists that it's actually a lovely thing to do.
"In the end, Nikhil convinces Gennie that it would be a nice thing for Brenda and the next step for their own relationship. They love each other, so why not get married now? Gennie agrees that it'll be a really nice day, especially with all the stresses and strains at the moment.
"The shadow of her mum's illness is always there and that's always at the forefront of Gennie's mind. But she loves Nikhil and there's never any doubt about that."
Does Gennie realise that Brenda won't be happy with the wedding idea?
"Gennie has reservations about this from the start. She tells Nikhil that she doesn't think her mum is going to be very pleased about it. But even Gennie doesn't expect Brenda to blow up about it as much as she does!
"Brenda refuses to attend the ceremony and that makes Gennie quite angry, so she insists that she still wants her wedding day to happen - she wants this for herself. She's been supporting Brenda and has kept her mouth shut about her decision not to have the surgery, but now Brenda is making this situation all about her as well.
"Gennie gets very angry in return, so there's a massive stalemate. It's horrible - it's the breakdown of their relationship, basically."
When Gennie insists that they're having the wedding with or without Brenda, is she expecting her mum to change her mind?
"Yeah, Gennie is trying to hit Brenda where it hurts in some ways. It becomes her sole purpose to have this wedding, either for her mother or against her mother! But that means that it becomes more about Brenda than Nikhil, so that causes a problem as well.
"Gennie thinks Brenda will change her mind, but she is very, very angry with her mum."
How does Gennie feel when her hen night arrives?
"Not good! She's tearful, as Brenda has just told her that she's definitely not coming to the wedding. The girls try to turn Gennie's mood round, but it doesn't work. They start at The Woolpack and they're meant to be going on to somewhere else, but they just don't get there in the end as Gennie goes home. The girls want to take Gennie's mind off things, but it just doesn't work."
What happens next?
"As Gennie leaves the girls, she tells them that she doesn't think she can go ahead with the wedding if her mum isn't there. Then Nikhil comes home from his stag night to see Gennie, looking ridiculous as he's dressed as an Oompa-Loompa! But Gennie hides how upset she is in front of Nikhil.
"It's not about whether Gennie loves Nikhil and wants to marry him, it's whether she can do it now without her mother being there. It kind of becomes a wedding with a 'will they, won't they?' scenario involving mother and daughter, in a weird way!"
What is Gennie's mood on the morning of the wedding?
"Gennie is looking at the wedding dress and Georgia is telling her that she'll be gaining a whole new family today. That really hits Gennie where it hurts, because she had a family which has disappeared. Gennie still isn't sure whether she can go ahead with the wedding, so it's emotional. She can't believe that her mum isn't coming.
"After that, Gennie goes to the café to see Bob, wanting him to give her away. He would be the next best thing to Brenda, because they have an interesting history and are very good friends.
"Gennie is not doing this to wind her mum up, but she's hoping that if her mother hears that it's final and going ahead without her, she'll change her mind and decide to go to the wedding. But Brenda doesn't do that, and Gennie can't believe it."
Did you like Gennie's wedding dress?
"It's very Gennie! It's very bright, very '50s. Gennie felt good in it, but I wouldn't wear it! I got very uncomfortable towards the end, because it started digging into me after I'd worn it for four or five days! I was in make-up at 6.45am every day that week and finishing at 7pm. The bridesmaids looked very cute too - they looked like extras from Grease!"
What happens at the wedding?
"Gennie just freezes when she sees her mum's empty seat. They start exchanging the vows and Nikhil is really excited. But when it's Gennie's turn, she just can't do it.
"You'll have to wait and see whether the wedding does go ahead, but it's so difficult for Gennie to go through this without Brenda there, because she's her only parent. Her mum is her world, even though they can't stand each other sometimes. So it's heartbreaking that she's not there.
"Moving forward, regardless of what happens with the wedding, Brenda is very ill and Gennie will have to be there for her. It's a question of how that's going to pan out and what's going to happen with poor Brenda…
Emmerdale's Gennie Walker faces a wedding day dilemma next week as she must decide whether to marry Nikhil Sharma without her mum Brenda present.
A new storyline on the ITV soap sees Gennie and Nikhil bring their wedding forward, wanting to provide a magical day for the whole family now that Brenda is seriously ill.
When an emotional Brenda immediately refuses to attend the ceremony, Gennie insists that it will go ahead with or without her. But as the big day arrives, will Gennie really go through with it?
Here, Sian Reese-Williams - who plays Gennie - chats about her character's big wedding week.
How does Gennie feel when Nikhil suggests they should have their wedding right away?
"Gennie is not particularly amused by the idea at first! She thinks that Nikhil is only suggesting it because he thinks her mother is going to die, so she takes offence at that. Gennie blows up at him and says that it's in really bad taste, but he insists that it's actually a lovely thing to do.
"In the end, Nikhil convinces Gennie that it would be a nice thing for Brenda and the next step for their own relationship. They love each other, so why not get married now? Gennie agrees that it'll be a really nice day, especially with all the stresses and strains at the moment.
"The shadow of her mum's illness is always there and that's always at the forefront of Gennie's mind. But she loves Nikhil and there's never any doubt about that."
Does Gennie realise that Brenda won't be happy with the wedding idea?
"Gennie has reservations about this from the start. She tells Nikhil that she doesn't think her mum is going to be very pleased about it. But even Gennie doesn't expect Brenda to blow up about it as much as she does!
"Brenda refuses to attend the ceremony and that makes Gennie quite angry, so she insists that she still wants her wedding day to happen - she wants this for herself. She's been supporting Brenda and has kept her mouth shut about her decision not to have the surgery, but now Brenda is making this situation all about her as well.
"Gennie gets very angry in return, so there's a massive stalemate. It's horrible - it's the breakdown of their relationship, basically."
When Gennie insists that they're having the wedding with or without Brenda, is she expecting her mum to change her mind?
"Yeah, Gennie is trying to hit Brenda where it hurts in some ways. It becomes her sole purpose to have this wedding, either for her mother or against her mother! But that means that it becomes more about Brenda than Nikhil, so that causes a problem as well.
"Gennie thinks Brenda will change her mind, but she is very, very angry with her mum."
How does Gennie feel when her hen night arrives?
"Not good! She's tearful, as Brenda has just told her that she's definitely not coming to the wedding. The girls try to turn Gennie's mood round, but it doesn't work. They start at The Woolpack and they're meant to be going on to somewhere else, but they just don't get there in the end as Gennie goes home. The girls want to take Gennie's mind off things, but it just doesn't work."
What happens next?
"As Gennie leaves the girls, she tells them that she doesn't think she can go ahead with the wedding if her mum isn't there. Then Nikhil comes home from his stag night to see Gennie, looking ridiculous as he's dressed as an Oompa-Loompa! But Gennie hides how upset she is in front of Nikhil.
"It's not about whether Gennie loves Nikhil and wants to marry him, it's whether she can do it now without her mother being there. It kind of becomes a wedding with a 'will they, won't they?' scenario involving mother and daughter, in a weird way!"
What is Gennie's mood on the morning of the wedding?
"Gennie is looking at the wedding dress and Georgia is telling her that she'll be gaining a whole new family today. That really hits Gennie where it hurts, because she had a family which has disappeared. Gennie still isn't sure whether she can go ahead with the wedding, so it's emotional. She can't believe that her mum isn't coming.
"After that, Gennie goes to the café to see Bob, wanting him to give her away. He would be the next best thing to Brenda, because they have an interesting history and are very good friends.
"Gennie is not doing this to wind her mum up, but she's hoping that if her mother hears that it's final and going ahead without her, she'll change her mind and decide to go to the wedding. But Brenda doesn't do that, and Gennie can't believe it."
Did you like Gennie's wedding dress?
"It's very Gennie! It's very bright, very '50s. Gennie felt good in it, but I wouldn't wear it! I got very uncomfortable towards the end, because it started digging into me after I'd worn it for four or five days! I was in make-up at 6.45am every day that week and finishing at 7pm. The bridesmaids looked very cute too - they looked like extras from Grease!"
What happens at the wedding?
"Gennie just freezes when she sees her mum's empty seat. They start exchanging the vows and Nikhil is really excited. But when it's Gennie's turn, she just can't do it.
"You'll have to wait and see whether the wedding does go ahead, but it's so difficult for Gennie to go through this without Brenda there, because she's her only parent. Her mum is her world, even though they can't stand each other sometimes. So it's heartbreaking that she's not there.
"Moving forward, regardless of what happens with the wedding, Brenda is very ill and Gennie will have to be there for her. It's a question of how that's going to pan out and what's going to happen with poor Brenda…
Rik Makarem has backed his character Nikhil Sharma to have a strong future with fiancée Gennie Walker.
Nikhil and Gennie (Sian Reese-Williams) prepare to tie the knot in a quickfire wedding next week, though it is currently unclear whether the ceremony will go ahead.
Although the couple are still united and happy together, Gennie isn't sure whether she can go through with the big day after her seriously-ill mum Brenda refuses to attend.
Makarem told TV Times of the pair's future: "They're two people you think wouldn't be right together, but they have this chemistry, this magic, and it works.
"I can see them staying together for a long time - they definitely shouldn't split them up!"
Nikhil is delighted as he says his vows to Gennie at the Home Farm ceremony next week, but whether she can bring herself to follow suit without Brenda watching remains to be seen.
On filming the big episode, Makarem added: "For me it was emotional. It's the first time I've ever said wedding vows and for a second I was like, 'Wow, what if I was doing this in real life?' When we did the first take, I had genuine butterflies in my stomach.
"The day had all the stress of a real wedding times 10 because you have to film it all! But it's such fun whenever we do these group scenes on Emmerdale. Although we were doing some really serious, heavy scenes, there was a lot of laughter.
"Matthew Wolfenden and Chris Bisson are the cast pranksters and came up with games for everyone to play while they were waiting around."
Emmerdale airs Gennie and Nikhil's wedding on Friday, April 12 at 7pm on ITV.