JESSIE COMES CLEAN

Emmerdale star Sandra Marvin on her character’s high-risk decision to tell Marlon her dark family secret

Emmerdale headmistress Jessie Grant has created a happy home with her boyfriend Marlon Dingle – but there’s a dark secret that could ruin everything when it becomes public this week.

When things get frosty between Jessie and her son Ellis as they disagree over whether she should tell Marlon the truth, Marlon and the viewers will be left wondering whether there’s someone else in Jessie’s life. ‘Marlon notices unusual tension between Jessie and Ellis, and Ellis makes a few digs that Jessie tries to cover up,’ says Sandra Marvin, who plays Jessie.

While Marlon is worried and confused, Sandra says it would be ‘easy’ for him to presume Jessie is cheating on him. But rather than risk that, she decides to reveal the truth – even if it puts their future in jeopardy. ‘Jessie cares a lot about Marlon and his daughter April, but she’s very aware this could blow their relationship out of the water,’ says Sandra.

‘When she does tell Marlon, it’s explosive, because it drags up quite a few issues that have been simmering between Jessie and Ellis.

‘Marlon’s floored by it, and it will cause tensions to the new family unit that they’ll have to learn to get over. But is Marlon going to stand by her?’

Sandra hopes he does, because she says this is Jessie’s first major relationship since splitting with Ellis’s dad, whom Sandra hints may visit the village. ‘Jessie moved to Emmerdale and didn’t know anyone, but Marlon has made her laugh,’ says Sandra, who joined the show last year.

‘She admires his relationship with his children and his friends, and enjoys her time with him, which is why it’s scary for her to be vulnerable with this important secret.

‘It’d be nice to be part of a strong

couple who go through trials and tribulations but stick together.’

Professionally, too, Sandra hopes to continue her on-screen partnership with Mark Charnock, who plays Marlon. ‘I love working with Mark, it’s so much fun – we have that mix of serious and comedic scenes.’

Jessie’s secret could also have repercussions with Ellis, as well as for her role as head teacher at the local secondary school.

Sandra began her acting career on the West End stage and as a backing

singer for leading music acts, including Kate Bush on her Before The Dawn live shows in 2014.

Sandra, who is originally from Leicester, says, ‘Kate’s lovely, and I found her really inspiring. It was amazing to be a part of.’

She moved to television, winning a role on BBC sitcom Citizen Khan before Emmerdale called. ‘I’m loving every minute of it,’ says Sandra.

‘It’s a great family of people. Of course I’d love to stay long-term.’