WEEK IN SHOWBIZ
WEDDED MISS?
Emmerdale marks 50 years with a wedding and a big storm, as Kim marries Will – or does she? ‘Well, it is soap world,’ teases my pal Claire King, who I first met in 1993. ‘How can that be when we are only 40?’ she winks. Kim makes her entrance on a horse, but unlike some actors, Claire knows how to straddle a filly. ‘I do, but I’m riding side saddle. I’m not used to that. I ride as a jockey.’ No Lady Godiva moment? ‘No. The whole country will be pleased to hear that!’
DING-DONG IN THE DALES
Organising Kim’s nuptials is Priya, aka Fiona Wade. ‘I was at the 40th. It was really special. But I never want to do a live episode again, that was really nerve-racking,’ says Fiona. ‘There is something about the 50th, though. Having been here for those 10 years, it’s really emotional. There will be more than a few nods to the first-ever episode.’ So has Priya checked the weather forecast? ‘She hasn’t!’ laughs Fiona. Rookie mistake, I say!
WHERE THERE’S A WILL…
All eyes will be on groom Will – my pal Dean Andrews, who I half expected would be strapped naked to the Emmerdale sign after his stag night. ‘I was earlier – you came too late,’ jokes Dean. So how’s Will feeling under these doom-laden skies? ‘He’s nervous, and there is a little indecision, too. A tug of love with two lovely ladies,’ he teases.