Emmerdale spoilers follow.
There’s a mysterious newcomer in Emmerdale next week, who wastes no time making her presence felt.
Strong, slightly sinister Celia has taken over the farm next to Moira’s beloved Butler’s and has a proposition for her cash-strapped neighbour that immediately sets up a rivalry between the women. Little is known about Celia, other than the fact she looks like she’s not to be messed with.
Playing this intriguing new arrival is acclaimed actor Jaye Griffiths, who millions will recognise from her starring roles in Casualty, Doctors and The Bill.
We at Inside Soap catch up with the fabulous Jaye, who tells us why she’s so excited about bringing sly Celia to our screens.
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Hi, Jaye! What drew you to the character of Celia?
"It’s rare you get to play women who don’t conform or care. Celia is unapologetic, she truly does not understand why people would be any other way, or why you should worry what others think of you. When she wants something, she can read her fellow humans and know exactly what to say to elicit how to get it."
Tell us about your first scene…
"I walk onto the farm with my big stick and offer Moira a price to rent two of her fields, knowing it’s too low but that Moira needs the money. Moira stands her ground and says no, which not many people say to Celia and survive!
"When they do, Celia immediately thinks: ‘Now you’re on my list…’ You really don’t want to be on Celia’s list, but Moira is at the top of it. And other names have been added subsequently…"
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Doesn’t she clash with Paddy too?
"Yes, when Celia’s large, beautiful Alsatian bites him! The attack is so savage it ruptures an artery, it’s not a little nip. Celia’s response is to deny she even has a dog, when she clearly does! If she says it enough times, Paddy will start to doubt his own sanity – that’s how she works.
"She reframes reality to shut you down. Celia contradicts herself and forgets which lies she’s told people so nothing is ever her fault. It’s incredibly difficult to argue with. As a skillset that is almost admirable!"
To read our full exclusive chat with Jaye, including what we can expect to see from Celia in the coming weeks, pick up this week’s Inside Soap – available to buy now.
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.
Read more Emmerdale spoilers on our dedicated homepage
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