“Ever yone has a bit of a dark side – even Harriet!”
AS HER ALTER EGO FINDS HERSELF IN CAIN’S ARMS, KATHERINE DOW BLYTON IS ENJOYING HER SINFUL NEW STORYLINE…
There can’t be many things less appropriate for vicar Harriet Finch to do than lock lips in the house of God with village criminal Cain Dingle. It’s just as well for her that her boss is big on forgiveness!
This week, Harriet shares another charged moment with Cain, and while we can imagine how the villagers would react to the new pairing, it won’t come as a shock that Katherine Dow Blyton – who plays the randy reverend – is delighted to be getting to grips with one of Emmerdale’s most popular men…
“I was quite surprised when I heard about this storyline!” laughs the actress. “I’ve been really looking forward to it because it’s been a very barren period for Harriet since Ashley dumped her. She and Cain are chalk and cheese, so it’s an interesting combination.”
Harriet never intended to get involved with Cain, but after she caught him trying to stash stolen phones in her rectory, she has found herself inadvertently being Cain’s getaway driver and lying to her former police colleagues to protect him. Just what is she playing at?
“Obviously, as an ex-copper, Harriet wants everyone to be on the right side of the law,” explains Katherine. “But she’s getting to know Cain better, and she’s curious about him. She’s heard all these stories about what he’s been like, and there’s a real fascination there. I’m glad that Harriet is getting some excitement in her life.”
She certainly needs a distraction, because this week is highly emotional for Harriet as she leads the funeral service for her tragic ex Ashley. Although their relationship ended, the pair continued to be close friends, and now he’s gone, it’s hitting her hard. “Don’t forget that Harriet has a lot of feelings for Ashley – she once proposed to him and planned to spend the rest of her life with him, so she’s devastated,” shares Katherine. “The funeral is a very sad day. Harriet is trying to do her best for Ashley, but she’s torn because she’s grieving in her own way for somebody who she loved very dearly.”
The service is beautiful and sad, but Harriet is furious with herself for not making it perfect – which is when she receives a surprise visit from Cain. “Harriet feels she was unprofessional as she let her emotions show,” reveals Katherine. “Cain shows up and she’s quite surprised by his sensitivity.”
This rare moment of compassion brings Harriet and Cain closer – and this time, when he brings her in for a kiss, she doesn’t resist. “Harriet goes for it!” grins Katherine. “Could they be a good couple? Who knows! Harriet is certainly drawn to him. Everybody has a bit of a dark side, and Harriet is only human. While she has a strong faith, she’s not perfect – and that’s what I love about her. She likes her leather jackets and heavy metal, and struggles just like everybody else does to do the right thing.”
Harriet has a strong faith – but she’s not perfect!