“I’m not sure how Rhona and Cain would get along...”
AS ZOE HENRY RALLIES BEHIND RHONA’S NEW GIRL POWER, SHE SWEARS OFF MEN FOR HER DALES ALTER EGO – AND THAT INCLUDES THE STAR’S OWN HUSBAND!
Emmerdale heroines Rhona and Moira have racked up more drama between them than most soap characters experience in a lifetime – the majority of it revolving around men! So, it made for a refreshing change when they teamed up recently to go into business together at Butlers Farm – bringing some much-needed girl power back to the village… “It’s about time isn’t it?” laughs Rhona’s real-life alter ego, Zoe Henry, as she joins us on the phone while sat out in the garden with husband and co-star, Jeff Hordley – aka Cain – and their new cockapoo puppy, Ronald. “I do think that Moira and Rhona make a super-team – and I’m thrilled to think of them going up against Kim!” As with most good friends who enter into a financial agreement, there’s inevitably a few teething problems. However, this week on-screen is really set to put their relationship to the test, after Rhona strikes a deal with Moira’s ex Nate behind her partner’s back…
Hi, Zoe! First off, we absolutely love Rhona and Moira as a duo. Has it been fun working with Natalie J Robb, who plays her?
Aw, I’m glad you think so! And yes, Nat and I actually worked together a lot on the show back in the day, as Moira and Rhona were mates then, so it’s been lovely to revisit their friendship.
They’ve been clashing a fair bit recently, though. How is Rhona finding her new arrangement with Moira?
Rhona means well, but she would annoy me, to be honest! Rhona has invested a lot of money, so she’s a little overzealous and a bit too keen. It’s a new beginning for her, whereas
Moira is tired.
She has been
dealing
with that farm since her and Cain split up, all on her own.
Tell us what happens to prompt Rhona to make a pact with Nate…
Well, Rhona – in her enthusiastic state – tries to make a deal for Butlers to supply meat to a local businessman who owns three restaurants in the area. Moira is adamant that the farm can’t fulfil the order, and Kim ends up landing the contract instead for her and Nate. However, Nate knows that he’ll struggle on his own, so he suggests to Rhona that they share the workload.
Is she nuts to agree, given Moira and Nate’s history?
At first, Rhona tells Nate to do one! But then Nate explains all the reasons why it’s a good idea, and actually it’s an excellent deal. Both farms stand to make a lot of money, so Rhona says yes on the condition that she speaks to Moira first. However, she returns to find Moira in a terrible state in the kitchen, worried that her business is about to go down the pan, and Rhona makes an internal decision not to tell her about Nate. On the surface, that feels like an error, but she does it to benefit Moira in the long-run.
Eek! And will scenes with Moira – aka Jeff’s telly wife – inevitably bring you into more contact with your hubby at work?
I think we probably both prefer not to work together! Of course we enjoy each other’s company, yet I think we quite enjoy each other’s independence at work. I don’t know how well Rhona and Cain would get on, either – although I can see why it’s a source of amusement for people if we’re in the
same scenes!
Tell us about your new puppy, Ronald…
He’s a little bit of a menace, but he is gorgeous! We already have a cockapoo who is turning nine, so we thought we’d get her a companion – and ended up bringing him home just before going into lockdown. It’s been a nice time for Jeff and I to be at home with our kids and do all the things that we never get time to do. Our allotment has never looked better, I have to say!
What are your hopes for Rhona once you get back to filming?
I hope she and Moira get on a level playing field with their plans for the farm. I think they could make a real go of it and be very successful. They are strong women, have a good work ethic and are not work-shy, so I think they could be an excellent team. I’d also like to see Rhona stay away from men for a bit! She makes terrible choices, and it never works out well. Maybe it’s time to focus on her work and her son – and just hang out with her mates!
I think Rhona and Moira can be very successful!