The Soap Years

Mackenzie’s out for revenge, and he’s about to become even more sinister, says Emmerdale’s Lawrence Robb

The storylines time will never forget

What terrible secret from the past does Mackenzie know about his sister Moira? That’s the big question as the angry new arrival continues to cause mayhem in Emmerdale.

Mackenzie turned up last week seeking revenge on Moira, believing she abandoned him and their family for a better life. He kidnapped her husband Cain, then callously broke the news to Moira that their mother is dead. But watch out Moira, that was just for starters and Mackenzie’s set to become even more sinister.

‘He’s come to the village with a chip on his shoulder and a big story about Moira’s past,’ says Lawrence Robb, who’s taken the role of Mackenzie but is no relation to Natalie J Robb, who plays Moira.

‘He’s angry with Moira because he’s been told by his family that she left him when he was younger to live the high life – owning a farm and a 4X4. He really, really doesn’t like his sister. He has a lot of resentment and wants to cause havoc for her. He’s going to get even darker.’

Moira tries having a heart-toheart with her brother this week, but it goes badly. Lawrence, who’s 29 and from Kilmacolm, near Glasgow, says, ‘Moira tells him that what he’s been told about her isn’t true, but he doesn’t want to believe her.’

Could there be any hope of a reconciliation between the warring siblings? ‘I’d hope they can make up, but I really don’t know,’ he says. ‘Diehard Moira fans will probably not like me much, but hopefully as the story progresses we can maybe find some nice qualities in Mackenzie and Moira’s relationship.’

Lawrence first got the acting bug

in a school pantomime and joins Emmerdale having trained in musical theatre. After graduating in 2012 from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland he starred in West End roles, as well as Billie Piper’s recent Sky Atlantic series I Hate Suzie.

Working on a soap is, he admits, a very different proposition. ‘The amount I’ve needed to learn has given me newfound respect for soap actors. The amount required of us, with such speed and dexterity, meant I needed to hit the ground running.’

Even so, Lawrence insists he’s

having a ball. ‘My first few weeks have been wonderful. There’s been an element of going back to school for my first day. But everyone is very welcoming and helpful. Mackenzie’s the polar opposite to me – I’m chilled and mellow. He’s got bad blood towards people and I’ve never played anyone like this.

‘I’ve always been a Prince Charming and they are – dare I say it – more boring than Mackenzie. It’s always better playing a darker character. I will have a lot of fun!’ ■