Emma Atkins ('Charity Tate', Emmerdale) Interview
Look who’s getting married! Emma Atkins returns to Emmerdale as Charity Tate this October. Find out what she's been up to since leaving four years ago, how she feels to be back and how Charity has changed since we last saw her.
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How does it feel to be back at Emmerdale?
It feels brilliant. I am excited to be continuing Charity’s journey. I feel privileged to be asked back. It is a new chapter in both my life and Charity’s and I cannot wait to start work. Charity is brought back to the village under circumstances beyond her control which creates a whole host of problems for all concerned. The scripts are fantastic and I feel delighted to be part of the team once more.
What made you decide the time was right to reprise your role as Charity?
I met with the new producer Gavin and he told me the idea for the future storyline involving Charity and I couldn’t possibly say no to such a wonderful invitation. He gave a few secrets away regarding forthcoming scripts and I can say the viewers are in for a treat. Bringing Charity back to life is a challenge that I will absolutely love and take very seriously.
What have you been up to since leaving four years ago?
It’s been a colourful journey so far, pretty diverse and I have loved everything I’ve been a part of. I have done some interesting theatre, television, radio, and I am lucky to be able to say I have worked with some brilliant and talented people! Theatre wise I particularly loved playing the character of Joan in a play called Touched at Salisbury Playhouse Theatre. Joan was joyous to play. She was so vivacious and I got to study the Nottingham accent which I fell in love with. The play was set at the end of the Second World War during the period of time between Victory in Europe and Victory in Japan. It was from the perspective of those who were at home waiting for their loved ones to return and how they dealt with the daily uncertainties that war brings. We had a day with the writer Stephen Lowe to discuss the characters and who they were based on. I think the play is beautifully written and I had studied it at University so I was a little in awe. It was a privilege.
I’ve been lucky enough to play a range of different characters in small TV roles, from Casualty and Doctors where my characters were rather complex and problematic, to black comedies such as Gil Mayo with Alistair McGowan where I played a ridiculously small minded suburban hairdresser whose husband had just been murdered, yet despite her loss, she still found time to file and repair her Burberry false-nails to perfection. I loved playing such a quirky, rather terrifyingly grotesque character and got to work with Ruth Jones and Gaynor Faye which was great. We had a giggle with the characters being so ludicrous.
I worked on a project called ‘Five Years’, a brilliant pilot for a comedy drama series. The script is wonderfully witty and follows two guys on their parallel journeys through the world of jobbing actors and wannabe rock musicians. The two main characters are played by Ben Warwick and Jez Fielder, two utterly brilliant actors who also wrote it! You can visit their web site www.fiveyearsfilms.com and watch some of it online. If it goes to series, there’s a brilliant female character introduced in the second episode that I’ve got my eye on.
What are you looking forward to most about returning to Emmerdale?
I am delighted about the direction the writers want to take Charity. It is an exciting journey and possibly not what the viewers will expect. There are some fantastic storylines in store for me and I can’t wait to be a part of it.
What was your first day on set like? Were you nervous?
It was wonderful and terrifying, a little bit strange and quite overwhelming all rolled into one. My first scene was in studio with Charley Webb. She was fantastic and didn’t leave my side for a minute saying we could run the lines as many times as I wanted. I will never forget how brilliant she was. It was lovely to see all the crew and the costume and make-up teams.
How has Charity changed since we saw her last?
My hair has grown, therefore Charity’s has too! She has maintained the same wit thanks to the brilliant writers! She is still headstrong and still makes mistakes - I think it would be unrealistic for Charity to return a completely changed character. She’s grown in wisdom a little I expect. I look forward to seeing more of Charity’s flaws unveiled though! A person’s weaknesses are just as important as their strengths and make for more interesting viewing.
What can you tell us about her return?
You’d be mad to miss it.
Do you think Debbie will ever forgive her mum’s absence when she was in prison?
Debbie and Charity have an interesting dynamic. There is a lot of hurt there, plenty of anger, and a gallon of love. Debbie had the opportunity of going with her mother when she took off and yet chose to stay with her dad, so there are regrets and a thousand ‘‘what ifs’’ to come. It is a recipe for a wonderful mother-daughter chemistry. I love working with Charley who plays Debbie. I think the relationship between Charity and Debbie will take many twists and turns due to recent revelations which will become apparent.
Do you think Charity still has feelings for Cain?
Nothing is ever simple where Charity and Cain are concerned. It is a melting pot of emotions, especially as they have only one common interest, their daughter. She is constantly used as a bargaining tool. You might say ‘poor Debbie’ but she would reject the sympathy. She’s a tough cookie and can handle most of what her mother and father throw at her. To a certain point! And then we see that Debbie is actually just a child who’s never been accustomed to having love and affection from her parents. Charity and Cain may have to face this grim reality at some point. I expect Charity’s feelings for Cain are a confusing mixture of love and hate. After what they’ve both gone through, I expect there will be fireworks on the village green quite soon.
How do you think the rest of the Dingle family will react to seeing her back?
Some will be pleased, perhaps a little concerned and others plainly horrified!
Does she still have her son Noah in tow?
Yes. The one constant thing in her life. Her little partner in crime.
What do you like most about the character of Charity? What makes her enjoyable to play?
Her biting wit - she’s bright, always animated and can always do exceptionally well in an argument.
How long will you be back at Emmerdale for?
I am currently here for six months and then who knows!
Emmerdale viewers are hugely excited about Charity’s return - does the expectation bring added pressure?
Not at all. Only joy. And a promise to deliver!
Don’t miss Charity’s return in Emmerdale on Thursday 1st October 2009 at 7pm on ITV1.
