All I want for Christmas is you!

Is there light at the end of the Tunnel of Love for Jessie and Marlon?

While we send Dales stars Mark Charnock (who plays Marlon) and Sandra Marvin (aka Jessie) bobbing off on a love boat, their characters’ relationship is at risk of going overboard – as Jessie waits to discover if her queasy-feeling other half is ready to get married (see p24)! It’s smooth sailing all the way for Mark and Sandra, though, and with the jolly pair getting right into the Christmas spirit, we’re feeling as cosy as their teddy bear’s hug…

Are you both excited to be playing a part in Emmerdale’s Christmas Day episode this year?

Sandra Yes, it’s huge! And so many of the Dingles are involved, which meant it felt as if it was a real family event while we were filming it. And everyone was in such good spirits – it was a lot of fun.

Mark The story is a massive Christmas gift for us – it has absolutely everything! It’s a really good hour of drama.

Why do you think Jessie and Marlon are good together?

Mark It’s a cliché, but it’s as if Jessie completes him. There’s been a Jessieshaped hole in his life until now. They’ve been through similar things, and lost people they loved, so they get each other.

Sandra And they genuinely trust one another, too. Plus, they share a quirky sense of humour. And their families mean everything to them. Jessie and Marlon have a lot to get through, but they’re a great match for each other.

Do you both plan to watch Emmerdale on the big day?

Mark I normally watch Emmerdale on catch-up, although I’ll watch this one live, for sure. I’ll be roping in everyone to watch it with me…

Sandra I’m spending Christmas with my sister, who’s the biggest Emmerdale fan! She doesn’t know what’s going to happen with Marlon and Jessie’s wedding – she’s really good, she’s never trying to find out spoilers. She just wants to enjoy it as it comes, with all the twists and everything. So it’ll be fun watching it with her!

Did you enjoy filming the Christmas episodes in the village?

Sandra I’ve really loved it – although I love Christmas anyway. Because we’re all so close at work, there’s a very cosy, family feel to the process. We finished filming the Christmas episodes a while back now, but I’ve paid a visit to the production offices today and all their decorations are up – so we have this super-long Christmas at Emmerdale!

Mark We get double Christmas! As the Christmas tree goes up in the Woolpack, and the lights are twinkling, it’s very nice. You’re with your pals in an atmosphere that you love – it gives me a buzz.

The Tunnel Of Love isn’t exactly a scary ride – but would you consider yourselves funfair fans?

Mark Well, I’ve never liked roller coasters since my glasses fell off while I was on one in Blackpool, as a teenager. My dad wouldn’t let us leave until they’d been found – I was really embarrassed…

Sandra I used to like them, but as I’ve grown older I’ve turned into a right chicken. Anything that has a big drop or anything, I’m like, “Nah!”

Do you share any of Marlon’s culinary talents, Mark?

Mark I’ve always liked cooking, and I’m actually quite good at baking – I make my own bread and cakes and things. My mum was always such a brilliant baker, although it’s something that I’ve picked up more recently. Sandra Do you cook Christmas dinner? Mark No – I’m the wine guy!

Sandra I really enjoy cooking Christmas dinner, and I always do it if I can. I love Christmas pudding – and a seafood platter!

We hate to admit it, but the two of you might have been slightly upstaged by a teddy bear today…

Sandra I would probably give that teddy – and the furry coat I’m wearing – to Jessie for Christmas. I reckon she’d absolutely love them. Although there might be a fight between Jessie and April over the teddy bear. I really love the jacket, too, though – it’s fabulous!

Mark There used to be a big teddy on the Tall Tree Cottage set, called ‘Marlon the Bear’ – but it’s disappeared…

Sandra I’d noticed that! But this one has a very cute little face.

So, Mark – what kind of gift do you reckon you would get for Marlon this Christmas?

Mark It would have to be something cooking-related… I’m obsessed with [Channel 4 reality series] Escape To The Chateau at the moment. There’s someone in it called Dick Strawbridge – who’s an engineer but also an extraordinary cook. In one episode, he had all these vintage copper pans re-tinned, and they looked absolutely stunning. So if money was no object, I would definitely give Marlon those pans! They’re very chef-y.

We know that you’re a great singer, Sandra – would you say that music is a big part of Christmas for you?

Sandra Yes, I like all the cheesy songs. My favourite is Merry Xmas Everybody – the festive period hasn’t started till I’ve heard that! And I love the Kim Wilde version of Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree. I’ll be playing them all outside Mark’s dressing room for the whole of December…

Mark We’ll break friends quick! [Laughs]

Okay, timeout! So we can’t reveal how merry Marlon and Jessie’s Christmas will end up being – but what about a happy new year?

Mark A bumpy new year is how I’m going to describe it… But I’m hugely excited.

Sandra Marlon and

Jessie’s relationship comes under strain

– let’s just put it that way!

The festive period hasn’t started till I’ve heard Merry Xmas Everybody! Sandra