Emmerdale villain credits show for marriage to soap star wife as he makes return

02 August 2023 , 09:16

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Emmerdale villain credits show for marriage to soap star wife as he makes return

Emmerdale star Robert Beck has spoken out about his huge return to the ITV soap more than two decades after his first stint. The TV star said he was "thrilled" to be back in the Dales after 24 years, while he is now playing a different character.

Former Gavin Ferris actor Robert is now playing a new villain called Harry, who is set to bring "peril" to the lives of the Dingles. In real life, Robert shared his excitement to be back on the soap that he starred in during the 90s.

Robert credits the soap as being the reason he met his now-wife, fellow soap star Jane Danson, who has played Leanne Battersby on Coronation Street for decades. The pair dated before getting married in 2005.

Jane took to social media to gush over her hubby on Tuesday night, wishing him a happy birthday before congratulating him on the show. It was clear from her post that Emmerdale meant a lot to them both, with her revealing it was his appearance on the soap that led to them meeting.

Emmerdale star Robert Beck says he met his wife, Corrie's Jane Danson, after being on the ITV soap (Instagram)

Now, Harry actor Robert has shared his own gratitude to the ITV soap ahead of his big debut next week, saying it had "a special place in his heart". Speaking of his return, the actor spoke of being thankful to the show all these years on.

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He said: "I am thrilled to be working on Emmerdale again, it’s a great show that I have followed for years, with a fabulous cast. It has always had a special place in my heart.

"I had a fantastic time working on the show playing Gavin Ferris, 24 years ago. The cast and crew were so welcoming and of course, I met my wife because of that job so I have much to thank Emmerdale for! I’m looking forward to getting involved and to working with such a great bunch again."

Teasing what Harry will bring to the show, the soap's producer Laura Shaw promised "twists and turns" along the way. She said: "We are thrilled to have Robert joining the Emmerdale family to play Harry. Dangerous and unpredictable, Harry will bring drama and peril to some of our most loved villagers, with some twists and turns along the way that our viewers really won't be expecting!"

Viewers will see Harry debut on the soap next week as he meets Nate Robinson for the first time. Nate will land a job with school pal Corey, only for Corey to drag him into dodgy dealings with villain Harry.

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays.

Charlotte Tutton