The Soap Years

Meena claims she’s in Emmerdale to make amends, but that’s not the only reason, says actress Paige Sandhu

The storylines time will never forget

Manpreet’s estranged sister Meena has come to Emmerdale seeking reconciliation – but her appearance is far from welcome. Manpreet and Meena fell out several years ago due to Meena’s behaviour, for reasons that will become apparent.

While Manpreet’s put the past behind her and created a happy new life with husband Rishi, Meena’s broke and having a tough time. She insists she wants to bury her differences with Manpreet, but her arrival may not be all it appears. ‘Meena has nobody except Manpreet to turn to,’ says Paige Sandhu, who plays Meena. ‘She asks for forgiveness, but we may find there’s another reason Meena’s here. There’s always a selfish desire beneath a shiny veneer...’

Viewers saw Meena arrive in the village last week before being spotted by a horrified Manpreet. Manpreet will this week demand to know why Meena’s back in her life and slams the door in her face when she says she wants to make up. ‘It’s awkward for Meena as she caused the rift,’ explains Paige. ‘There’s also something about being the younger sister. You’re lower in the family hierarchy, and Meena feels that. She’s grown up with a high-flying doctor sister – the perfect daughter – while Meena never quite hits the mark.’

When Manpreet tells Rishi the reasons behind their fallout he’s stunned, although Paige refuses to be drawn on what exactly went on. What she will say is that Meena’s now a different person. ‘She’s darker because of what she’s been through. She has deep-seated insecurities, covered up by a brazen attitude. She’s complex, which is fun to play.’

Meena’s already got off on the wrong foot with Dawn, after flirting

with her ex-boyfriend Billy, but that won’t trouble her, insists Paige. ‘Meena fancies Billy and is the sort of person who goes for what she wants no matter who’s standing in her way,’ she says. ‘Her confidence is admirable. She likes to flirt with men and wind women up.’

Meena will forge alliances too though, including with Rishi who’s desperate to help the warring sisters make up. ‘I can see Meena making friends, including with Liam and Rishi, who she likes as he’s so sweet,’

says Paige. ‘She has a soft side, you just have to dig to get there!’

Paige (who was previously known as Paige Carter) trained at the Guildhall Drama School before appearing in Endeavour, Fungus The Bogeyman and Doctors. ‘But getting Emmerdale blew my mind. I screamed when my agent told me.

‘I love acting and am grateful to be able to act every day. Also, I’m working with people who are good, so I want to make sure I’m at my best.’ ■