Holby City Nina is a pregnant lady
WILL THE NEWS OF NINA’S PREGNANCY PROMPT A RECONCILIATION? AYESHA DHARKER TALKS US THROUGH HER CHARACTER’S BABY BOMBSHELL…
I’m just wrapping a present for a new baby!” exclaims actress Ayesha Dharker, as Inside Soap grabs her on the phone during lunchtime. “Oh, I don’t mean my baby!” she quickly clarifies. “It’s my friend’s little one!”
Even so, it’s fitting given that we’re calling the star to talk about a baby – specifically the one that her Holby City character Nina learns that she’s carrying this week. However, the situation is sadly complicated following Nina’s split from the child’s father, Matteo. What will she decide to do? And what will it mean for their chances of reuniting?
Hi, Ayesha! How does Nina feel when she finds out she’s pregnant?
She’s thunderstruck – it all happens so quickly. It’s a complete bolt from the blue, as it’s the last thing she is expecting!
Is she hopeful that Matteo will want to give things another go?
Because things have fallen apart so spectacularly, I think she knows it’s not going to be an easy ride. Nina doesn’t want the baby to be the reason they get back together, so she attempts a reconciliation on her own terms – but it doesn’t work out very well.
Does she decide to keep her news a secret, then?
That’s right, but it’s very hard for her. None of this is simple – this is a big deal for Nina, and she knows it’s going to be tricky. I wouldn’t have been able to do what Nina’s doing now. I remember falling pregnant for the first time and not being able to contain myself. I sent a text to my husband at work saying, “Oh my God!” as it was such a wonderful moment. But for some people, it’s not that straightforward.
It’s certainly a risk for Nina to not speak up about the pregnancy…
It’s huge. All the right things happen for her at work, but everything in her private life has gone into a tailspin [as a result of her child going missing years ago]. She doesn’t give up hope, though. Nina isn’t a drama queen – she rolls with the punches.
Do you hope that Nina and Matteo can work through their issues?
I’m an old romantic – so yes, absolutely! Matteo is amazing and he’s the one thing
she has to depend on, but everything is very up and down. I think they’re in love with each other – there’s just so much history and stuff that gets in the way.
What is Christian Vit, aka Matteo, like to work with?
He’s a very sweet, good man and a very generous human being. He’s also the most fun, and we’re probably guilty of laughing a little too much! I won’t name any names, but someone once fell asleep halfway through a take, and let out a really loud snore. We lost it for about 15 minutes, laughing like idiots!
Do people spot you out in public and ask about the show?
I had a bit of experience with that when I did Corrie [Ayesha played Dev’s girlfriend Tara Mandal]. That involved everyone from a priest to a taxi driver telling me not to date Jimmi Harkishin’s character! With
Holby, you get strangers wanting to have intense conversations about who you play and their own situations.
I find it really moving that they would trust me with that stuff.
Nina isn’t a drama queen – she rolls with the punches!