Rhona has a smile on her face
As her character tries to move on with Pete, Zoe Henry reckons it’s a wise move…
Rhona has been to hell and back in recent months, traumatised and broken after her abusive relationship with husband Pierce. But despite her hoping that lost love Paddy would prove the perfect antidote to such a terrible time, an unexpected dalliance with Pete has cropped up instead.
Rhona spends the night with the fella this week, before doing the walk of shame the next morning.
And while she gets her head around the surprise situation, Rhona’s real-life alter ego Zoe Henry sits down with
Inside Soap and tell us she’s all for it!
“Is Rhona attracted to Pete? Hell yeah! Who in the village isn’t attracted to Pete?” hoots the actress, as she chats during a break from filming.
“It’s exciting, and I’m really enjoying it so far. I’ve rarely moved out of ‘my circle’ – Dominic Brunt [Paddy], Mark Charnock [Marlon], Michelle Hardwick [Vanessa] and of course Jonathan Wrather [Pierce] – for nearly eight years, so I’m a bit nervous. But Anthony Quinlan, who plays Pete, is absolutely adorable – a true gentleman and a dream to work with! It’s been great.”
Paddy was Rhona’s rock in the aftermath of her horrific experience with Pierce, so it’s understandable that she’s been craving a romantic reunion with her ex. Unfortunately, this desire formed just as Paddy was getting back together with Chas – leaving heartbroken Rhona out in the cold.
“I don’t think Rhona will ever get over her feelings for Paddy,” admits
Zoe, who is married to her Emmerdale co-star Jeff Hordley (Cain), with whom she has a daughter, Violet, and son Stan. “She was married to someone else before him, and she also had a relationship with Marlon – but I think Paddy was the true love of her life. She comes to realise, though, that whether it’s forever or just for the short term, she has to let Paddy go – and ultimately, she wants him to be happy.
“He’s been a tower of strength for her, and a brilliant support in everything she’s been through – which is why she loves him more than ever! But she sees how content he is with Chas, so she’s putting his happiness first.”
Rhona’s unexpected night with Pete comes about following her attempt to win a date with Paddy during a charity auction in the pub. And the surprise pairing hasn’t got off to the best start…
“Is Rhona attracted to Pete? Hell yeah! Who in the village isn’t attracted to him?”
“Rhona was just trying to show that Chas and Paddy’s blossoming romance didn’t bother her – and her bid for Pete was actually intended for his handyman services!” grins Zoe. “It’s Pete who’s offered to take her for a drink, and that’s something that never entered her head – I mean, it’s Pete Barton! He’s about 10 years younger than her, very attractive, and is as much of a car crash as Rhona when it comes to relationships. But then he stands her up because he’s fallen asleep!”
After groggy Pete has a strip torn off him by Vanessa, Rhona discusses her woes with unlikely agony uncle Doug, who puts her romantic future into perspective.
“Doug is just amazing,” explains Zoe, 44. “He’s sort of a dad for her, and says that sometimes you have to force yourself to move on and put stuff behind you, and he encourages her to move away from Paddy. He’s a wise owl and knows what’s going on. He gives her some sound advice.”
Doug’s helpful words come at just the right time, and Rhona subsequently strides into a new date with Pete ready for anything. And this time, sparks fly…
“This is all very thrilling for Rhona, and she’s a bit giddy about it,” laughs Zoe. “She can’t believe Pete’s giving her a second look, and has to pinch herself a bit. They’ve got quite a cute little chemistry going on and they’ve both had a terrible year, so why not? One thing leads to another after their date, but Rhona doesn’t get carried away – she’s just finding her feet again, one day at a time…”
New year, new love – so bring it on! But while Zoe’s aware that many Emmerdale viewers are loyal to the Rhona and Paddy combo, she’s keen for her character to enjoy some respite from heartache, and have a bit more fun to boot.
“I’m often asked by viewers when Rhona and Paddy are getting back together – people do enjoy them being a couple,” shares the star. “But we’re creatures of habit, aren’t we? Everyone has known them together for a long time – it’s as much of a shift for fans as it is for me.
“This thing with Pete has come out of nowhere – Rhona hasn’t chased him, but it’s a lovely surprise. She should cut herself some slack, because a little bit of what you fancy does you good. What I say is: go for it, girl!”