Emmerdale star Fiona Wade's marriage to former co-star helped her quit soap

21 March 2023 , 15:48

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Emmerdale star Fiona Wade's marriage to former co-star helped her quit soap

Emmerdale actress Fiona Wade has revealed how her marriage to actor husband Simon Cotton helped her walk away from the ITV soap.

After 11 years playing Priya Sharma, Fiona, 43, quit the soap with her character heading off to a new life in London with her daughter Amba.

Speaking out after her exit, Fiona admitted her husband, 38, who she met when he joined Emmerdale briefly in 2017, was extremely supportive of her decision.

"Simon is a fantastic person to have by my side," she said. "I'm sure I drive him crazy, but he is so good at talking me through things."

Fiona Wade praised her supportive husband Simon Cotton

Fiona Wade met her husband on set of Emmerdale (Instagram)

"I respect his opinion – on everything. He didn't falter once in supporting my decision to leave Emmerdale . If I was ever having a wobble, he was always there, reminding me that it was right for me," Fiona told Hello!

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Fiona explained her husband's support helped her step out of her comfort zone and she looks forward to different roles now she's left Emmerdale.

The actress admitted starring in a period drama is at the top of her wish list when it comes to future roles.

In Emmerdale, Priya was offered a new job in London and decided it was time to embrace change after coming to terms with her scars following the terrifying maze fire.

Fiona said leaving Emmerdale was 'one of the hardest decisions' she's made

After her exit, she took to social media and said: "It’s been the most incredible 11 years playing Priya Sharma so saying goodbye to my Emmerdale family wasn’t easy. I have loved playing Priya and I am so thankful to @emmerdale & @itv for the incredible opportunities that they have given me over so many years. So many wonderful memories and such a gift of a job.

"Thank you to Reece Dinsdale, Abe Jukes & @gsiougas who were my wonderful directors on my last week, Thank you for your compassion and great direction as always! Thank you to the whole Emmerdale team you are all amazing! To my beautiful friends that I take with me, Thank you for being there it meant the world.

‘To my wonderful Sharma family @chrisbisson @bhaskerpatel @rebeccasarker @rik_makarem #TrudieGoodwin You know how much I love you.. Thank you for everything! And to all the Emmerdale viewers Thank you for all your support over the years. ❤️ ‘Here’s to the next chapter!"

Emmerdale airs on ITV on weekdays at 7pm.

Charlotte McIntyre