Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Ommerdale
Cast take up chanting as Gaynor practises her Buddhism
While chaos reigns in Emmerdale village, stars of the soap are in a zen-like state – thanks to taking up Buddhism.
Some of the cast have recently decided to practise the religion, Talk TV can reveal.
They’ve got Gaynor Faye to thank for their newfound enlightenment.
Yorkshire lass Gaynor, 46, who plays Megan Macey, reveals: “I chant prayers every morning and evening. I sometimes chant in my dressing room or on set if things are getting to me.”
She took it up over 10 years ago and says it even helped her to get over post-natal depression.
Some of her castmates were so impressed with the teachings of the religion they have decided to explore it further. “I encouraged a few actors here to take up Buddhism, and we sometimes chant at work – but I won’t tell you who, as it’s their business,” says mum-of-two Gaynor.
It all comes at a time of big changes. Executive producer Ian MacLeod left the show last month to take over Coronation Street from departing Kate Oates. His place is taken by former
drama commissioner Jane Hudson. A source says: “The atmosphere on the set of Emmerdale couldn’t be more different from all the drama kicking off in the village. It’s all peace and love rather than deceit and murder.”
This week soap bosses announced plans for a landmark flashback episode later this month. It will take viewers back to Charity Dingle’s (Emma Atkins) teenage years when she fell victim to abuse by corrupt policeman DI Bails.
Another dramatic storyline sees killer Lachlan White (Thomas Atkinson) looking as if he could strike again.
After murdering his mum and grandfather in a psychotic rage last year, friend Gerry Roberts could be next...