List of Emmerdale characters (2012)

Emmerdale is a British soap opera first broadcast on 16 October 1972. The following is a list of characters that first appeared during 2012, by order of first appearance. All characters were introduced by the show's then series producer, Stuart Blackburn. Ed Roberts made his debut appearance in February, followed by Declan Macey's half-sister, Megan shortly after, her son Robbie first appeared in May, while Kerry Wyatt arrived in July. Steve Harland, Vanessa Woodfield, Dominic Andrews and Gemma Andrews all made their debuts in December. There were 3 births in 2012, Jack Sugden, the son of Andy Sugden and Debbie Dingle and Molly Sharma, the daughter of Nikhil Sharma and Genesis Walker were born in October and Archie Breckle, the son of Jai Sharma and Rachel Breckle was born in December.

Ed Roberts

Ed Roberts, played by Lloyd Everitt, made his debut appearance on 8 February 2012.^[1] Ed arrives in Emmerdale with a broken down minibus and takes it to Aaron Livesy (Danny Miller) to fix.^[2] A writer for Inside Soap said there is a spark of attraction between Ed and Aaron, but Aaron dismisses it because he is unsure whether Ed is interested in guys.^[2] Aaron wants to move on from Jackson Walsh (Marc Silcock) and an Emmerdale spokesperson told the magazine "With the arrival of Ed, the darkness that has been haunting Aaron begins to disappear."^[2] However, Ed and Aaron's potential romance does not get off to a good start when Ed drives off without paying for the repairs to the minibus. Aaron thinks Ed has gone for good, but he later returns to settle the bill.^[2] Ed has been described as being "handsome" and "hunky."^[2] Anthony D. Langford of AfterElton said Aaron and Ed's scenes often revolved around Aaron's past with Jackson, which he explained was too heavy and not romantic for their fledgling relationship.^[3] Langford added "This of course raises the question of why a smart and funny guy like Ed would want to deal with the emotional mess that is Aaron Livesy."^[3]

Ed brings a minibus to the garage for Aaron Livesy to fix. However, when Aaron becomes involved in an argument with Adam Barton (Adam Thomas), Ed leaves. He later returns with his rugby team mates and Aaron fixes the minibus, but Ed drives off without paying all of the bill. Ed comes back to the village to give Aaron the rest of the money for the work on the minibus and he invites him to a party. Ed brings his car to the garage for Aaron to look at and he later gives him his number. Aaron arranges to go for a drink with Ed, but he cancels to help Adam fix a roof. Ed finds out what Aaron is doing and he and two of his teammates comes to help. Holly Barton (Sophie Powles) flirts with Ed and he reveals he is gay. Ed mistakes Aaron and Adam's friendship for something more, but Aaron corrects him and they kiss. Aaron and Ed go on their first date to Bar West, but Ed leaves early when the barman tells him that Aaron helped his previous boyfriend, Jackson to die. Aaron becomes angry with Ed, but he later calls him and they meet up. Aaron and Ed talk and Aaron reveals his scars from self harming. Ed is not fazed and they spend the night together. Ed later tells Aaron that he has been signed for a French rugby club and is leaving for France in four weeks. He asks Aaron to come with him and he agrees.

Megan Macey

Megan Macey (previously Sharma) played by Gaynor Faye, made her first on screen appearance on 21 February 2012.^[5][6] The character and casting was announced on 12 October 2011.^[5] Faye said she was "incredibly excited" to be joining Emmerdale and series producer Stuart Blackburn added he was thrilled to welcome the actress to the show.^[5] Faye later revealed she has a twelve-month contract with Emmerdale.^[7]

Megan is Declan Macey's (Jason Merrells) "glamorous" half-sister, she arrives at Home Farm to stay with Declan after he contacts her about getting involved with a big project.^[5] Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy said Megan will quickly make an impact on the village.^[5] She is described as "fiercely ambitious, intimidating and oozing self-confidence", she stands up for herself and will shake things up between Declan and his girlfriend, Katie Sugden (Sammy Winward).^[5] Of her character, Faye said "The women on Emmerdale are strong and feisty and I can't wait to play my character, who's fun but extremely driven and will stop at nothing to get her own way! She's quite different to many of the roles that I have played before and hopefully will take people by surprise."^[5] Nicola Methven of the Daily Mirror said Megan will "turn the heads of the village men."^[8] Speaking to a writer for the Daily Mirror, Faye said she could not wait to start playing Megan, who she branded "a baddie".^[9] The actress said viewers are used to seeing her play nice characters and her new role is a departure from that, as Megan will cause mayhem and stir up the men and women of the village.^[9] A writer for Soaplife magazine said that since Kim Tate (Claire King) left Emmerdale there had not been a "Lady of the Home Farm Manor to fill her designer boots." They said that Megan's arrival could change that, and added that if Megan is half the woman Kim was, she will do more than "just surprise."^[10]

In April 2012, it was revealed Declan would track down Megan's son, Robbie Lawson (Jamie Shelton), who she gave up for adoption when she was a teenager.^[11] Faye said Megan would be furious if she knew what Declan was up to. She explained "Megan is always telling Declan to keep his nose out of her life. They may be good at business together, but they're not good at each other's personal lives. And him interfering in this is going too far."^[11] Of Megan's past, Faye revealed that she was in her late teens when she had Robbie and because no one was there for her, it was decided she should put him up for adoption.^[11] Faye added "She hasn't seen Robbie since she gave him up. She ignored a letter he wrote to her years back, but finding him is still something that's always at the back of her mind."^[11]

Megan moves in to Home Farm, after being asked by Declan to be the events organiser of a festival in Emmerdale. She demands to know why she was not invited to Declan's stepdaughter Mia's (Sapphire Elia) funeral and has an argument with Charity Sharma (Emma Atkins), who hoped that she would have got the job. She has a fling with Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley), Charity's ex, resulting in a fight between the two. When Megan badmouths Katie, Declan tells Megan to leave once the festival has finished. Megan meets her old friend Jai Sharma (Chris Bisson) in The Woolpack and Declan demands that she should stay away from him. When the two talk, they look back on the past lives and Declan apologises for not being there for her when he left the family home aged nineteen. Declan later tracks down Megan's long lost son, Robbie, and Megan becomes furious that he went behind her back and slaps Declan. Robbie arrives at Home Farm and tells her that she will never be his mother, stating that his adoptive mother died of an asthma attack previously. When Declan invites Robbie to stay with them after he slept with his landlord's girlfriend, Megan tells him that she feels uncomfortable with him being around. During the summer, she begins a relationship with Carl King (Tom Lister). However, he dumps her, because of his feelings for Chas Dingle (Lucy Pargeter). The festival goes well and he invites Megan to plan for another one, the following year. Megan agrees, but Katie becomes unimpressed and tries to make her leave, especially when Robbie threatens her. During Declan and Katie's wedding reception, Megan pushes Katie's face into the wedding cake.

The following year, the festival plans do not go well and the police find a body find Alex Moss' (Kurtis Stacey) body buried in the woods. When Katie and Declan's marriage ends, Megan tells Declan that they haven't got enough money for another festival and decides to leave the village. However, she decides to stay after Declan says that he needs her. Declan begins physically abusing Megan by hitting her across the face on numerous occasions. Eventually, Katie witnesses one of Declan's attacks and sticks up for Megan, despite Megan saying that it was just a misunderstanding. On Boxing Day, Megan enters a fire at Home Farm, believing that Declan is trapped inside, but she is unaware that he caused the fire and left earlier with Charity. Megan becomes trapped herself but is later freed by the fire brigade. Megan is not impressed in April 2014 when Declan announces he is engaged to Charity and that she is pregnant with his child. They plan to get married on 15 May 2014, although Charity's cousin and former boyfriend Cain and his fiancée Moira Barton (Natalie J. Robb) also intend to marry on that day. Only Megan, Robbie and Charity's son Noah (Jack Downham) attend, as the rest of Charity's family are at Cain's wedding. Just as the registrar pronounces them husband and wife, Megan sounds the fire alarm, which infuriates Charity. When she finds out what Megan has done, Charity slaps her and a small fight ensues, although Declan stops them.

Unbeknownst to Declan and Megan, but Charity has her pregnancy terminated as she never wanted a child. When Charity is having an argument with Megan, and Megan accidentally knocks Charity to the floor, Charity uses the accident to fake a miscarriage. Megan, becoming ever more guilty, reveals this to Declan, who shouts at her and throws her out. Megan then begins a relationship with Jai and becomes business partners with Leyla Harding (Roxy Shahidi). Megan becomes devastated when she identifies Robbie's body after being shot with a flare gun by Declan. She blames Charity and demands to know where Declan is. On the day of Robbie's funeral, she begins to doubt how well she knew her son, after seeing his friends. The following day, Declan returns and holds Megan hostage, along with Charity's family and tells everyone what Charity did to Rachel Breckle (Gemma Oaten). Declan goes on the run and Megan tries to get her revenge on Charity. She becomes relieved when Charity is sentenced for two years in prison for perverting the course of justice.

Megan and Jai become engaged and they get married. When Rachel returns, Jai tries to win a custody battle for Archie. After realising that Leyla and Jai were having an affair, she decides to get her revenge. After Leyla finds out that Jai has been threatening Rachel, she tells Megan. Suddenly, Megan begins experiencing stomach cramps and is taken to hospital. She tells Leyla that she had a miscarriage and Leyla betrays Jai in court, causing Rachel to gain custody of Archie. Rachel moves to Liverpool with Archie and Jai tells Megan that their marriage is over. Megan starts packing up her things and moves in with Rachel's ex Sam Dingle (James Hooton), revealing that she did not miscarry Jai's baby. Megan files for a divorce and Jai tells Sam and Megan that they are evicted from their house. Jai's father Rishi Sharma (Bhasker Patel) stops him from evicting them, leading to Megan thanking him. Jai's brother, Nikhil (Rik Makarem), returns and finds out that Megan is expecting Jai's baby. Megan begs him to keep the pregnancy secret, expressing that Jai is dangerous and doesn't want the baby to grow up with him as a father. Megan decides to leave the village when Brenda Walker (Lesley Dunlop) exposes her pregnancy. Jai finds out about the pregnancy, not long before she leaves and in anger, he accidentally runs Megan over. At hospital, she discovers that she is having a baby girl and demands Jai should leave her life for good. A few months after her accident, she witnesses Tess being involved in a hit and run and she calls an ambulance. Upon learning from Tess' death, she suffers from shock and decides to rest for the sake of her baby.

Robbie Lawson

Robbie Lawson,^[12] played by Jamie Shelton, made his first screen appearance on 16 May 2012.^[13] The character and Shelton's casting were announced on 4 April 2012.^[14] The actor told a reporter from the official Emmerdale website, that he was excited to join the cast because Robbie is "a great character to play". Robbie will be involved with characters within the setting of Home Farm. He will share a specific connection to the character of Megan Macey (Gaynor Faye), with his arrival confronting her "with a past she had hoped to forget". Robbie will also "test the loyalties of everyone around him".^[14] The serial's producer Stuart Blackburn spoke of his delight over Shelton's casting, adding that his character would "certainly stir things up at Home Farm". Robbie is described as "tough nut" and is used to putting up a front, a personality trait that Blackburn said would take a while to get past.^[14] Of Robbie, Kate White of Inside Soap said "We must admit to being intrigued by Emmerdale new boy Robbie. He's mysterious, he's got an edge, and he's even made Megan's scenes bearable. Long may it continue!"^[15]

On 26 September 2014, it was confirmed that Robbie had been killed off, as part of a storyline that saw him trying to save Charity Macey (Emma Atkins) from his uncle Declan (Jason Merrells).^[16] Shelton filmed his final scenes a few weeks prior to the storyline airing.^[16] Of his departure, Shelton said "My time on Emmerdale has been such an exhilarating experience. From my first day until my last I've been treated with respect, had the opportunity to work with some fine actors and been allowed to develop my acting ability in a way that I couldn't have in any other circumstance. I hope I have made a positive impact on the show and I am extremely excited for my career to be further concentrated towards TV and film in the UK and transatlantic."^[16]

Megan was living at Home Farm in Emmerdale village with her brother Declan Macey (Jason Merrells), who tracked Robbie down. Robbie told Declan that he had been thrown out of his flat after he slept with his landlord's girlfriend, so Declan invited him to stay at Home Farm. Robbie bonded with his mother and he developed a crush on Declan's girlfriend Katie Sugden (Sammy Winward). Robbie then tried to kiss Katie, but she rejected him, so he made her feel uncomfortable by constantly flirting with her. Wanting rid of him, Katie decided to set Robbie up by encouraging him to kiss her in front of a CCTV camera. Robbie did so but Katie rejected him again, so he punched her. Katie then showed Declan the footage and he threw Robbie out until Megan blackmailed Declan into letting him stay (knowing that Katie had set him up).

The following year, Robbie went into partnership with Debbie Dingle (Charley Webb), selling illegal alcohol. He developed an unrequited crush on Debbie and wanting to become closer to her, Robbie started stalking/harassing Debbie and he led her to believe that an associate Kirk Stoker was responsible. Debbie then realised that Robbie had been stalking her, so she set him up by sending him on a job, delivering some of the alcohol with Adam Barton (Adam Thomas). They were both caught by the police and arrested, but were later cautioned. Robbie got revenge on Debbie by telling her family about the booze, which resulted in Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper) being hospitalised. As a result, Debbie lost custody of her children. Meanwhile, Robbie and Adam stole Cain Dingle's (Jeff Hordley) car after spending the afternoon drinking. Robbie accidentally runs over Kerry Wyatt (Laura Norton). However, Cain resolves the situation by torching the car and sending Kerry compensation money.

When Declan's wife Charity (Emma Atkins) secretly has an abortion, she pretends to have had a miscarriage following a fight with Megan. Robbie supports his mother and he attempts to expose Charity by breaking into the abortion clinic to gain access to her medical records. However, he is caught by the police and arrested before being given a caution. Declan later discovers the truth and he attempts to murder Charity. A concerned Robbie and Megan eventually find Declan and Charity having a fight on a boat that is stranded in the lake. Robbie dives into the lake to save Charity, but as he get onto the boat, Declan accidentally shoots Robbie dead with a flare gun.

Kerry Wyatt

Kerry Spencer (neé Wyatt; previously Berry) is played by Laura Norton, made her first screen appearance on 17 July 2012.^[17] The character and casting was announced on 31 May 2012.^[17] Norton began filming her first scenes in June.^[17] Of joining Emmerdale, the actress said "I am delighted to have been given this role. Emmerdale has always been my favourite soap and it's a joy and privilege to be joining the team."^[17] Series producer Stuart Blackburn commented that Norton is "a fantastic actor" and that it was a delight to welcome her to the cast.^[17]

Kerry is the mother of established character, Amy Wyatt (Chelsea Halfpenny).^[17] Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy reported Kerry was heartbroken when Amy was taken into foster care. He stated that Kerry is "wayward" and guaranteed to liven things up for her daughter and her foster parents Val (Charlie Hardwick) and Eric Pollard (Chris Chittell).^[17] Norton described Kerry as being "an amazing and unpredictable, appealing character".^[17] She added that she could not wait to play Amy's "reckless mum."^[17] Amy meets her mother while she is out celebrating her birthday. She flirts with a man, who turns out to be Kerry's boyfriend. Kerry then follows her daughter back to the village, hoping to be a part of her life.^[17]

Kerry's storylines have included trying to repair her relationship with daughter Amy (Chelsea Halfpenny), her struggle with diabetes, a relationship with Andy Sugden (Kelvin Fletcher), accidentally starting a fire at Andy's house and almost killing herself and his children, faking a pregnancy after discovering that Andy and Amy are in a relationship, being run over by Adam Barton (Adam Thomas), trying to help Brenda Walker (Lesley Dunlop) overcome her addiction of shoplifting, a relationship with Dan Spencer (Liam Fox), faking a terminal illness in order to get a free wedding to Dan and being uncovered as a bigamist on her wedding day to Dan.

While on a night out, Kerry witnesses her boyfriend, Chris Fletcher (Michael Taylor), kissing Amy. Kerry breaks the pair up and smacks Amy. Kerry starts hitting Chris with her handbag and Amy realises that Kerry is her mother. After Kerry is thrown out of the club, Amy reveals that she is her daughter. Kerry tries to talk to Amy and she gives her her phone number. Kerry later finds Amy's address on Facebook and she comes to Emmerdale to make amends. However, she meets Val Pollard (Charlie Hardwick), who tells her to leave. Kerry thanks Val for her help in raising Amy, but vows to come back and sort things out.

Kerry begins a relationship with Andy Sugden (Kelvin Fletcher). However, Debbie Dingle (Charley Webb) begins leaving her kids with Andy and Kerry which Kerry soon becomes annoyed about. One night, Kerry becomes drunk and drops a cigarette on the rug and sets Andy's house on fire, nearly killing herself and baby Jack. She and Jack are saved by Andy, Amy, and Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley), after Andy's daughter Sarah raises the alarm. Andy nearly attacks Kerry and ends their relationship. After getting into a fight with Debbie in the street over the situation, Kerry goes on holiday for a few weeks.

Kerry returns but is horrified to see Andy and Amy kissing and tells them she is pregnant. However, it is revealed she is lying when she asks a pregnant woman to use a pregnancy stick. Kerry shows it to Andy and he buys her another one but the pregnant woman also urinated in a little cup and Kerry tricks Andy into believing she's pregnant. However she is not convinced and Andy tells her to have an abortion otherwise he will not support her. When drowning her sorrows with a can of beer, Kerry is run over by Adam Barton (Adam Thomas) driving a stolen car. Kerry is rushed to hospital, and Cain helps Adam dispose of the stolen car.

When Bernice (Samantha Giles) announces her plans to open up a salon in the village, Kerry is eager to be involved and proves her skills by giving Pearl Ladderbanks (Meg Johnson) and Betty Eagleton (Paula Tilbrook) makeovers. Kerry is desperate to marry boyfriend Dan Spencer (Liam Fox), but he is reluctant to propose, so pretends that her diabetes is being treated as a terminal illness in order to win a free wedding. However, Dan proposes to Kerry when he and Eric Pollard (Chris Chittell) do a skydive with a banner asking Kerry to marry him. Despite the wedding up in arms thanks to her sleazy brother-in-law to be Daz Spencer (Mark Jordon) kissing her Kerry is devastated that the wedding might not go ahead. Thankfully Dan's ex-wife Chas makes him realise Kerry is the best thing to happen to him and when Dan rushes to the church he and Kerry eventually marry. As the reception unfolds in the Woolpack, a man arrives in the village looking for Kerry. Inside the Woolpack, Dan's best mate Bob Hope (Tony Audenshaw) is asking the guests to say something about Dan or Kerry. The man reveals himself as Kev (Christopher Connel), and tells the guests that he married Kerry in Las Vegas and he has tried to track down Kerry so he could end the marriage, and he would be able to marry his new partner, Edith. A scuffle ensues, with Kerry, Dan, Daz, and Kev all ending up being arrested, Kerry for bigamy, and the men for affray.

Kerry is devastated when her friend, Ruby Haswell's life is taken, due to a helicopter crashing into the village hall, where Pete Barton and Debbie Dingle's wedding reception is taking place. Ruby slips away with Kerry and Dan by her side.

Steve Harland

Steve Harland, played by Tom Mannion, made his first screen appearance on 6 December 2012.^[18] The character and Harland's casting was announced on 25 October 2012.^[18] David Brown from the Radio Times reported that Harland and Michelle Hardwick (Vanessa Woodfield) had already filmed their first scenes.^[18] Of his casting, Harland commented "I'm really looking forward to the adventure that is Emmerdale."^[18] Harland revealed that he undertook research for his character's occupation as a horse trainer, saying "I had a few conversations with a couple of trainers - in particular one of which used to train for the Queen - just really to get the lay of the land of what Steve's life might have been like. It's good to know, just to have in the background."^[19]

Steve is Bernice Blackstock's (Samantha Giles) "charismatic" married lover.^[20] He is described as being "a passionate, optimistic man who likes to get the most out of life."^[18] Daniel Kilkelly from Digital Spy revealed that the traits that attracted Steve to Bernice may end up driving him mad.^[20] During an interview with Kilkelly, Mannion stated that Steve arrives in Emmerdale to see Bernice and reveals that he has not yet broken up with his wife.^[19] However, Bernice's sister, Nicola (Nicola Wheeler), later calls Steve's wife to let her know about the affair.^[19] On Steve's past and the affair with Bernice, Mannion explained "This is presumption and assumption on my part, but from what I suspect, this is the first time this has happened to Steve. I don't think he has done this before - he's not a practised philanderer. An affair is not the norm for him. I think Steve has been totally swept up by this gorgeous, attractive woman who has come into his life. He's just gone, 'Wow this is really different'. I don't think he expected it to go the way it has, and now he's terrified about his marriage break-up. He has found himself in a situation he isn't prepared for."^[19] Steve is forced into making a fresh start and Mannion told Kilkelly that he has a bit of money and will pay his way by working with horses.^[19]

Vanessa Woodfield

Vanessa Woodfield, played by Michelle Hardwick, made her first screen appearance on 10 December 2012.^[22] The character and Hardwick's casting was announced on 25 October 2012.^[18] Hardwick stated "As a local girl and a fan of the show, Emmerdale is my dream job. After only 2 days I am starting to feel at home already and Vanessa is such a fun character I can't wait to see what's in store for her."^[18] Vanessa is "a wild friend" of Rhona Goskirk's (Zoe Henry) from college. Vanessa has been described as being "a self-assured party girl" and "a breath of fresh air".^[20] She is plain-speaking and initially clashed with Rhona's husband, Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt) when she arrived at the vets' practice.^[18]

Rhona invites Vanessa to Emmerdale after she fires her locum vet. Paddy becomes jealous of Vanessa and Rhona's friendship. Vanessa later humiliates him in front of Edna Birch (Shirley Stelfox), when they discuss payment for her dog's treatment. In the local pub, Vanessa eyes up Andy Sugden (Kelvin Fletcher) at the bar and suggests that she and Rhona go on a proper night out. When Vanessa goes to Butler's Farm, she walks in on Moira Barton (Natalie J Robb) and Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) kissing. She returns to the farm the following day and apologises to Moira for what happened. They then sit down together and tell each other about their pasts. Vanessa is distraught when Katie Addyman's (Sammy Winward) horse dies whilst in her care. Katie is ready to sue Vanessa, but Rhona helps calm the situation down.

Paddy later helps Vanessa look for a new flat, but Vanessa is distracted by a house fire caused by Kerry Wyatt (Laura Norton) across the road. Vanessa then discovers that Rhona has an addiction to painkillers, after becoming hooked after having trouble with back ache. She tries to help Rhona get over the addiction, but it just keeps getting worse. When Rhona and Paddy go on a weekend away with friends Marlon Dingle (Mark Charnock) and Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy), Rhona keeps buying painkillers from the local chemist and takes them. Whilst taking the painkillers, she misses her son, Leo's first steps, which are witnessed by Paddy, Marlon and Laurel. Rhona tells Paddy that she does not feel well and orders him to take her back to the village, but tells Paddy to stay with Laurel and Marlon at the cabin for a couple of days while Vanessa looks after her. She meets Vanessa and she confronts her about stealing painkillers from old-aged pensioner Sandy Thomas (Freddie Jones), leaving him in severe pain. Rhona denies it, but when Vanessa says she can have more painkillers if she admits it, she eventually does. Vanessa denies giving her painkillers, leading to Rhona slapping Vanessa, and Vanessa telling Rhona that she needs a lot of help to get over her addiction now. Vanessa realises that she has feelings for Rhona, and helps her addiction by giving her painkillers. Eventually, Vanessa realises what she is doing and warns Rhona that if she doesn't stop taking painkillers, she will end up in hospital or even worse dead. Rhona ignores this and pushes Vanessa to give her drugs.

Vanessa eventually plucks up the courage to tell Rhona how she feels, but Rhona rejects her harshly, claiming her feelings are "wrong". Vanessa is distraught, and she continues supplying Rhona with painkillers. Rhona eventually visits a drug dealer to give her more drugs, but while she is in The Woolpack with Vanessa, she runs into the toilets and coughs up blood, so Vanessa takes her to hospital. They return, and Paddy presumes that Rhona is cheating on him. When he tries to look at her phone, Rhona lashes out and hits him repeatedly, devastating Paddy. Vanessa is there to give Rhona some support, and in a bid to get more drugs, Rhona reveals that she is in love with Vanessa, too. When Vanessa arrives home from work, Rhona kisses her passionately, with the pair declaring their love for each other. Vanessa and Rhona begin a short-lived affair, but are rumbled when Paddy walks in on the pair kissing. Paddy refuses to believe that Rhona is a lesbian, and decides to move in with Marlon and Laurel. Rhona reveals to Vanessa that she was only using her to get painkillers and insults her harshly, and throws her out of her home. Vanessa then goes to stay with good friend Moira, but then discovers that Rhona has overdosed and meets Marlon and Paddy at the hospital. There, Vanessa reveals to Marlon, Paddy and Moira that Rhona is addicted to painkillers, and reveals why she felt she had to lie to Paddy. Paddy ends up attacking Vanessa, but is restrained by Marlon and Moira. Rhona later wakes up and Paddy reveals that Vanessa told him about her addiction. The following day, Paddy clears out all of Vanessa's belongings and throws them out on the street, and in a rage, Vanessa reveals to colleague and friend Pearl Ladderbanks (Meg Johnson) that she and Rhona kissed, leaving Pearl wondering whether Rhona is a lesbian or not. Vanessa then moves in with Moira, Cain and Moira's son Adam Barton (Adam Thomas), where she learns from Moira that Rhona will be released from hospital soon.

Rhona is discharged, and after refusing to go to rehab, she decides to go into "cold turkey". Vanessa learns of this, and is concerned for Rhona's welfare. Paddy then threatens to sack Vanessa, but she reminds him that she owns a third of the vets, so he cannot. Vanessa then buys Nikhil Sharma's (Rik Makarem) old house. Following Cameron Murray's (Dominic Power) hostage siege at The Woolpack, Vanessa allows Diane Sugden (Elizabeth Estensen) and Chas Dingle (Lucy Pargeter) to stay with her. When the pub is finally completed, Diane and Chas move back into The Woolpack, but when Declan Macey (Jason Merrells) evicts Dom Andews (Wil Johnson) and his daughter Gemma (Tendai Rinomhota), Vanessa gives them a place to stay. Vanessa accompanies Dom to the hospital when Gemma is found unconscious. She is also upset when she learns that Gemma has died. She then attends Gemma's funeral, and helps Dom through the day. In May 2014, Vanessa helps Moira prepare for her wedding day to Cain. After Moira's nephew, Pete (Anthony Quinlan) has a bust-up with his girlfriend Debbie Dingle (Charley Webb), he confides in Vanessa, leading to the pair kissing. They both instantly regret it, and Pete decides to leave. Vanessa follows him and hugs him, which Debbie sees.

After visiting Moira at Butler's Farm, Vanessa panics when she notices the ketamine is missing from her vet bag. She is unaware, however, that Moira's son, Adam, has stolen the ketamine and taken a large dose of it. Paddy urges Vanessa to call the police, and a police officer later turns up at Butler's Farm questioning Moira about the missing ketamine. Vanessa later goes on a night out and has sex with a younger man, who appears to be in his 20s. As she boasts to her friend Leyla Harding (Roxy Shahidi) about her new love interest, she realises it is Priya Sharma's (Fiona Wade) soon-to-be stepson, Kirin Kotecha (Adam Fielding). This means that Vanessa had sex with a 17-year-old. She later visits Kirin, and they agree to have a sexual relationship in secret. Vanessa and Kirin enjoy their secret relationship, but while they are having sex, Priya and Leyla walk in, and Kirin manages to hide upstairs just in time. While organising her wedding to Kirin's father, Rakesh (Pasha Bocarie), Priya calls Kirin's mobile phone, which Kirin has left downstairs along with his trousers. Kirin then reveals himself from his hiding place, disgusting Priya and Leyla. Priya then orders Vanessa and Kirin to end their relationship once and for all. Vanessa and Kirin later give into temptation, and are caught kissing in the veterinary surgery by Paddy. Kirin later reveals all about his relationship with Vanessa to Priya and Rakesh, which angers Priya.

After many months of dating Kirin, Vanessa decides to end their relationship out of fear of being subjected to gossip. This leads Kirin to go out drinking and while driving his father's car - which he has stolen - back home, he collides with Moira's van and sends her sliding off the road. She is rushed to hospital, and Kirin faces the wrath of Moira's enraged husband, Cain. Vanessa is furious with Kirin's actions as Moira is her friend, however she forgives him and they reconcile. When having sex on his birthday, Kirin notices a lump on one of Vanessa's breasts and they both fear that she may have breast cancer. She books an appointment at the hospital, where Kirin is supposed to support her, however he fails to do so. This leads to Rhona helping Vanessa through her time of need, and she is eventually told that she does not have cancer. While taking a break from her relationship with Kirin, Vanessa has a drink with Adam and they have sex. They agree not to tell anybody, at the risk of hurting Kirin and Adam's girlfriend Victoria Sugden (Isabel Hodgins) and try to carry on with their lives. However, Vanessa eventually learns that she is pregnant and does not know whether Adam or Kirin is the baby's father. She confides in Rhona, who states that if she keeps the baby, she has to tell Kirin and Adam. She tells Kirin, who is ecstatic at the thought of becoming a father, and then Adam, who is terrified that he could be the father. Kirin and Vanessa eventually reveal to Rakesh that she is pregnant, who tries to force Vanessa to have an abortion. Vanessa refuses, however, and Adam confides in Moira that the baby could be his, which leads to strain on her friendship with Vanessa. Unable to deal with the paternity stress anymore, Vanessa books a district nurse to perform a DNA test at her house, with Adam present. However, when the district nurse leaves, Kirin arrives and Adam hides upstairs. When Adam's mobile phone rings, Kirin realises that he is upstairs and believes that they are having an affair. Vanessa reveals that it is not an affair, although Adam could be the baby's father. Kirin then goes to Victoria's house party and reveals all, leaving Victoria disgusted by Adam and Vanessa. The following day, Victoria slaps Vanessa over the betrayal, leading to Rhona intervening. Unknown to Kirin, Adam or Vanessa, Rakesh steals the paternity results, which reveal the baby to be Kirin's, and edits them to make everyone believe that Adam is the father.

Dominic Andrews

Dominic "Dom" Andrews, played by Wil Johnson, made his first screen appearance on 27 December 2012.^[18] The character and Johnson's casting was announced on 25 October 2012.^[18] The actor stated "I can't wait to get started. I am looking forward to an exciting journey. I've been told anything could happen with my character."^[18] Dominic is a mechanic and the father of a teenage daughter, Gemma (Tendai Rinomhota).^[18] He is "still finding his feet as a single dad."^[20] On 23 February 2014, it was announced Johnson had decided to leave Emmerdale.^[23] The actor commented "I've had a wonderful time playing Dom Andrews but, like with most things, you have to know when it's time to leave the building, hopefully on a high note. I'm fortunate to be leaving the show off the back of a gripping storyline which I hope the audience will appreciate and have empathy for."^[23] Dom's departure occurred as part of a storyline involving the death of Gemma and he departed on 13 June 2014.^[23]

Immediately upon his arrival, Dom has a one-night stand with Debbie Dingle (Charley Webb), but learns that she simply wants information on his boss Pete, who does regular drugs runs. Dom's daughter, Gemma, discovers she is pregnant after a one-night stand with Sean Spencer (Luke Roskell). Gemma is not happy when her father begins dating Alicia Metcalfe (Natalie Anderson). Gemma tells Dom that she is not feeling well and he allows her to stay off school. While looking through the rubbish, Dom discovers a pregnancy test and rages at Gemma. The argument spills into the street, but Alicia claims the pregnancy test is hers. Alicia and Gemma go off to talk. When they return, Gemma runs upstairs, while Dom confronts Alicia and ends their relationship. Gemma later tells Dom that she is pregnant and Dom supports her when she chooses to have an abortion. Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper) decides to get revenge on Gemma for sleeping with Sean and writes about her abortion on a school whiteboard, causing a fight. Dom goes round to the Dingles' cottage and vows that he is not going to rest until Belle is expelled.

Dom remains outside The Woolpack when Cameron Murray (Dominic Power) holds several people hostage inside at gunpoint. David Metcalfe (Matthew Wolfenden) later emerges, carrying Alicia who has been shot by a stray bullet and goes with Dom in the ambulance to the hospital. At this point, Dom and Alicia had reconciled but Alicia being shot made David realise that he is in love with her. Declan Macey (Jason Merrells) makes Dom and Gemma homeless after evicting them from their house which he owned, following a fire at Home Farm. Dom gets extremely angry with Declan but he and Gemma move in with Vanessa Woodfield (Michelle Hardwick).

Gemma, Belle and Sean go to a party which, unknown to them, Dom is DJing at. After the party, Dom begins to get close to new vicar Harriet Finch (Katherine Dow Blyton), and finally kisses her. He thinks Gemma is at a sleepover with Belle, but unknown to him, she is unconscious after a fight with Belle (caused by the fact that both girls like Sean) and Gemma fell, hitting her head on a rock. Although a remorseful Belle offered to help her, Gemma refused and stormed off, before collapsing. Dom rushes to the hospital with Vanessa and Harriet when Harriet and Zak found Gemma and Dom sits by her bedside. When Zak and Dan arrive, Dom is told Gemma may have a brain haemorrhage. He pushes everyone away until Belle, Sean and Lisa arrive and Dom is told that Gemma is braindead, devastating everyone. Dom must decide whether or not to turn off her machines and Zak tells Dom about when Butch died, as the nurses push Dom for answers about organ donation. After listening to Zak, Dom decides to donate Gemma's organs although her brain isn't available. Dom cries, as Gemma is wheeled away to the operating room. Dom returns home and barely talks to anyone. Belle visits, bringing a scrapbook of photos and quotes about Gemma made by the school, which he is very happy about and proud of. In late March, without Dom knowing, Belle tells Zak that she believes she is responsible for Gemma's death and Zak takes her to the police station to confess. Belle is charged with murder and Zak visits Dom. Dom is devastated and confused, demanding he be allowed to visit Belle and confront her. He punches Zak in the face and Zak tells him to take it out on him rather than Belle. The following week, Cain visits and tells him that Belle plans to plead guilty. Dom gets very angry, accusing the Dingles of harassing him and tells Cain that he hopes Belle rots. Dom's mood improves when he is sent a considerable amount of money anonymously. Initially, Dom thinks Vanessa is responsible but she tells him it wasn't her. Dom then thinks it was Betty Eagleton (Paula Tilbrook) and kisses her in the cafe as a means of saying thank you but Harriet is convinced it wasn't her as it isn't in her nature. Later, Harriet realises that it was Edna Birch (Shirley Stelfox) who sent the money, which she had won on a scratch card that Sandy Thomas (Freddie Jones) gave her for her birthday. Edna had previously been against claiming the money, as she is a devout Christian and believes gambling is sinful, but makes an exception to help Dom. At Belle's trial, he tells the judge that he does not want her sent down for murder after realising it was an accident. Dom departs from the village with his money and goes to live in London where his brothers and nephews live.

Gemma Andrews

Gemma Andrews, played by Tendai Rinomhota, made her first screen appearance on 28 December 2012.^[18] The character and Rinomhota's casting was announced on 25 October 2012.^[18] Gemma is the "wayward" teenage daughter of Dom (Wil Johnson).^[18] She is best friends with Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper).^[24] On 23 January 2014, Sophie Dainty from Digital Spy reported that the character would be killed-off as part of a "shocking" storyline, which would see Belle kill Gemma during an argument.^[25] She made her final appearance on 4 March 2014, after she dies in hospital.

Gemma discovers she is pregnant, after spending the night with Sean Spencer (Luke Roskell). Gemma is not happy when her father begins dating Alicia Metcalfe (Natalie Anderson). She reveals to Dom that she is not feeling to good so he allows her to stop off school. While looking through the rubbish for something, Dom discovers a pregnancy test kit and rages at Gemma. The argument spills into the street, but when Alicia arrives, she tells Dom that the pregnancy test is hers. Alicia then has a heart to heart with Gemma, and she reveals to a stunned Alicia that she is in fact pregnant, and does not know what to do. Alicia advises Gemma to tell her father, but Gemma seems terrified of doing so. She then confides in Alicia about her mother and how she ran out on her and Dom. When they return, Gemma runs upstairs, while Dom confronts Alicia. He then ends the relationship, devastating Alicia. Upset of what happened between Sean and Gemma, Belle decides to get her own back so at school she writes about Gemma's abortion on one of the school's whiteboards this causes a fight between the two but the fight is broken up by their headmaster who has Belle suspended.

Gemma starts to feel jealous over Belle and Sean getting closer and storms out of a party. Belle tries to reason with her but Gemma calls her a selfish cow and a rubbish friend. Belle retorts that Sean would not be interested in her, so Gemma slaps her. Belle retaliates by pushing her to the ground. She hits her head on a rock and starts bleeding. Belle storms off, leaving Gemma alone. As she walks home, Gemma collapses to the ground, unconscious. A day later, she is found by Harriet Finch (Katherine Dow Blyton) and immediately rushed to hospital. The doctors tell Dom that there is nothing they can do for Gemma and her life support machine is switched off, and she dies. Gemma's funeral was held on 13 March 2014 and she is cremated. Dom later scatters her ashes.

On 15 January 2015, Gemma's voice is heard on a voice over in Belle's mind, as she instructs Belle to run down her father, Zak Dingle (Steve Halliwell), in Katie Sugden's (Sammy Winward) car, but Belle breaks down and stops the car. Zak and Lisa take Belle home and they discover she has been hearing Gemma's voice in her head for over several weeks.

Others

References

External links

• Megan Macey at itv.com
• Robbie Lawson at itv.com
• Kerry Wyatt at itv.com
• Vanessa Woodfield at itv.com
• Dom Andrews at itv.com
• Gemma Andrews at itv.com