Shock return for iconic Emmerdale character – but she’s been recast
JAI Sharma and Laurel Thomas are getting ready to tie the knot but their nuptials are due to be shaken up by a huge return.
One member of the businessman’s family throws a spanner in the works by rocking up Emmerdale but viewers may not recognise her.
Jai Sharma (portrayed by Chris Bisson) recently discovered that he was adopted after his mother Georgia had an affair with an unknown man.
While he tried to pry the truth out of his adoptive father Rishi (Bhasker Patel), Jai was furious when it seemed like he wasn’t being told everything about his parentage.
Both men have been at loggerheads ever since, a situation weighing heavily on the rest of Jai’s large family as he gets ready to walk down the aisle with Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy).
Next week on ITV, Laurel’s son Arthur (Alfie Clarke) makes efforts to repair the strained relationship between Rishi and Jai prior to the wedding, but his attempts prove unsuccessful.
Rishi is left in a state of depression as he realises how damaged his relationship with Jai really is.
But Jai is taken aback when a taxi arrives at Mulberry Cottage, and his mother Georgia emerges from it.
Jai’s initial shock turns into anger, as he demands his mother to return home.
Laurel, on the other hand, strives to mend the rift within the family before her big day and tries to convince Jai to resolve the issues.
Unfortunately, Jai’s feelings and decisions remain unreadable.
Things only get worse when, in a drunken state, Rishi encounters Georgia while heading to confront Jai.
To Laurel’s shock, Rishi soon makes a hurtful comment about her past abortion and Georgia becomes furious at the escalation caused by Rishi’s intoxicated outburst.
The following day, Jai’s troubles seem to evaporate and he is astonished when a resplendent Laurel descends the stairs in her wedding dress.
Their joy is dampened by the sudden arrival of Rishi and Georgia and Jai is left reeling when his father finally reveals the identity of his real father.
Viewers of the Yorkshire-based program will know that Georgia Sharma hasn’t been seen in the eponymous village since 2015.
They were also accustomed to actress Trudie Goodwin in the role but will be surprised to see EastEnders star Lin Blakley stepping up to the part.
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Lin Blakley once portrayed Pam the florist in the rival BBC One soap and also appeared in medical dramas Doctors and Casualty.
Speaking of her stint in Emmerdale, she said: “How lucky am I to play such a strong character as Georgia.”
“So different from roles I’ve played of late. I have enjoyed every single minute. Gorgeous cast and crew. And the gorgeous Dales. Thank you Emmerdale.”
How will Georgia’s return to the village play out?
Emmerdale airs weeknights from 7.30pm on ITV.