Emmerdale actress Emma Atkins has been at the heart of huge storylines as bad girl Charity Dingle for over two decades.
During the past 23 years, the fan favourite has had an on/off relationship with her cousin Cain Dingle, had two long lost children show up and cheated on partner Chris Tate with his sister Zoe Tate. In coming episodes, Charity recovers from a clifftop car crash which saw her ex Mackenzie Boyd save her from plummeting to her death.
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As Mack struggles to cope with the fact he saved Charity and left the mother of his son Chloe Harris (Jessie Elland) for dead, Daily Star has taken a sneak peek into Emma's life away from the fictional village.
Battle to become Charity
Emma was born on March 31 1975, making her 46 years old.
She is from the village of Silverdale in Lancashire and worked as a designer for three years before studying at the University of Salford.
The TV star first bursted onto television screens as Charity Dingle back in 2000 and she's still managing to cause chaos in the Dales to this very day.
It has come to light that award-winning actress Suranne Jones also auditioned to play troublemaker Charity all them years ago.
Emma eventually managed to win the role of Charity and Suranne landed the part of another soap hellraiser – Corrie's Karen McDonald.
Emma was still in the final year of her performing arts degree at Salford University when she got the life changing offer.
She told the Daily Record back in 2001: "I just thought: 'How can I play a Dingle?' If you know me you would understand that as I am so far removed from my character."
Soap break
After five hectic years in the Dales, Emma left the show in 2005 to pursue other roles.
She went on to appear in episodes of Dalziel and Pacoe, Mayo, I'm With Stupid, New Street Law and Casualty.
She also had a number of theatre roles, including a stint on the West End and an open-air run of A Midsummer Nights Dream.
However, it wasn't long before Emma decided to return to Emmerdale.
To the joy of soap fans, Emma returned to the role of Charity in 2009 after a four-year break.
In the years that followed Charity's chaotic life saw her briefly become lady of the manor at Home Farm and then co-owner of The Woolpack.
Mum's the word
Emma lives with her long-term partner Tom in a lovely cottage in North Yorkshire. The Emmerdale star took maternity leave in 2015, giving birth to son Albert shortly before her 40th birthday. "We've had a lovely healthy baby boy. He arrived just before my 40th birthday, which was the best present. I’m so delighted," she revealed at the time. Emma and Tom, who keep their lives extremely private, also have a black dog, Ringo.
Secret hobby
Emma makes the most of Yorkshire's natural beauty, spending a lot of time out on woodland walks. The actress is also a very talented photographer. Her Instagram bio reads: "Full time practitioner of kindness, happy in nature with my boys and the odd tree picture." Emma's most recent posts feature stunning shots of autumnal colours.
Charley Webb friendship
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The complex relationship between Charity and daughter Debbie has provided plenty of drama over the years. However, off screen, Emma and actress Charley Webb are the best of friends. Previously speaking to OK! Magazine, Charley said: "Emma’s like a sister. She drives me mad and we argue like sisters.
“When I was pregnant with Bowie I was working 12-hour days but with this one I’m so drained so Emma, who lives close by, cooks for me a lot.” Charley, who is currently off screen as Debbie, often posts photos of herself and Emma.
Emmerdale continues at 7.30pm weeknights on ITV
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