HOTSEAT This storyline is the hardest thing I’ve done on Emmerdale. I’ve loved every second of it...

Emma Atkins says clever writing helped make this one of the most compelling storylines she’s played as Charity Dingle, and she’s relished the emotionally-charged scenes she’s shared with Michelle Hardwick, below

It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done on the show, but I’ve loved every second of it. I know that sounds weird, but I think as an actor, it’s great to be given something where there’s a whole host of things going on with her past, the sadness that’s attached to her baby passing away.

It was extremely difficult, but it was great teamwork. Michelle made it so easy as well.

Vanessa’s the audience, she’s everybody else who’s watching it. So it would’ve been very easy for me to be there and gasping and giving it large or whatever, but you don’t. It’s just listening and stillness, because it’s Charity that we’re all watching. It’s been a joy.

You switch off when you get home, because your responsibilities suddenly come railroading in.

I’ve got a little boy and a dog, and my house is very hectic. I only have to think about Albert [her own son] when I’m doing a scene, and it immediately brings emotion. He’s my go-to actually in many ways. Even the thought... I can’t even bear to go there, the thought process of what if...

I can’t even say it. But he’s an amazing inspiration.