Alice Coulthard (Emmerdale's Maisie) interview

Next week on Emmerdale, Maisie (Alice Coulthard) uncovers Ryan’s innocence.

> Find out the latest Emmerdale spoilers.


How’s Maisie coping with everything since discovering the video of Ryan/her phone going missing?

"Maisie panics at first and she’s dumbfounded about her phone but she gradually things start to sink in and she feels the need to find another explanation other than Nathan having something to do with it. She’s frantic as time goes on."

Is she now convinced Nathan stitched him up/murdered Mark?

"It takes her a while, she doesn’t jump to that conclusion straight away."

Can she believe her brother would be capable of such a thing?

"It’s very hard for her to accept but it does get to a stage when there’s no other explanation for it and so she does start to believe it could only have been Nathan who would be capable."

Are her suspicions confirmed when Katie shows her the picture of Ryan wearing the chain?

"Maisie was pretty certain before that to be honest but the picture validates that for her."

Maisie presents the picture to Nathan and accuses him of murder – how does he react?

"Nathan is quite shaken but he firmly denies it but by this point Maisie is so angry and lashes out at him."

Does Nathan’s attitude anger Maisie?

"Yes she’s furious because she’s convinced herself it’s the only explanation so the fact he’s denying it makes her even more incensed and determined to prove his guilt."

What happens when Natasha interrupts and Maisie makes her choose between her and Nathan?

"Natasha interrupts as Maisie lashes out at Nathan, and Maisie is angered by Natasha’s reaction and her protection of Nathan so she tells Natasha to make a choice and tell her the truth or she’s leaving."

Who does Natasha choose?

"Natasha refuses to make a choice."

Why does Maisie decide to leave the Dales?

"Because Maisie feels that by Natasha not making a choice that she has chosen Nathan so that’s the final nail in the coffin and Maisie feels like she doesn’t have anyone on her side so she feels like she needs to get away."

She visits Ryan to break the news – what happens?

"Ryan begs Maisie to stay because he feels like she’s the only one trying to fight his corner at this stage and she feels terrible but this is all too much for Maisie and she needs to get away so she can think straight."

Maisie warns Nathan to be afraid – what plan does she up her sleeve?

"Maisie has utter conviction that she is right about Nathan and she’s going away to try and work out a way she can help Ryan which she tells Nathan honestly in a very intimidating way."

Where is Maisie going? Does she leave with the picture?

"She apparently goes to St Albans which is very glamourous, yes she takes the picture with her, it’s her reminder about what’s right and wrong and helps with her thinking time."

Is Maisie going to rope someone into her plan to expose Nathan?

"She may well do but you will have to wait and see, she tells Declan to help Ryan any way he can whilst she’s away. Declan isn’t bothered by Ryan but he is determined to find out the truth about the Wylde’s so he’s a good ally."

How would she feel if she discovered Natasha actually killed Mark?

"She would be utterly devastated. Maisie could never believe that her mum could do that."

This isn’t the last we’ve seen of Maisie – can you give us a clue what frame of mind she’ll be in when she returns?

Maisie returns stressed and pained but determined."

Would you like to see justice prevail?

"I don’t know I find it hard to want justice to prevail because my empathy lies with Maisie and I don’t think justice prevailing will make Maisie happy. Also, Natasha made a mistake but I don’t think she is a bad person."

You’re leaving Emmerdale later this year – are you gearing up for an explosive exit?

"You are as much in the dark as I am so you will just have to wait and see."