Exclusive: Emmerdale’s Priya star Fiona Wade shares secret of successful marriage to famous husband

Starring in 2:22 A Ghost Story on UK tour last year, she’s just wrapped on her first US sitcom, Going Dutch, which also stars Catherine Tate. Now, Fiona’s set to star in a major UK tour of the world premiere of Picture You D.e.a.d, the latest nail-biting novel to be adapted for the stage by best-selling author Peter James. As she prepares to hit the road, she tells OK! about facing your fears and why feeling “happy” is more important than chasing the perfect figure…

Fiona admits she and Simon are real homebirds ( Image:Instagram/@fionawade1)

The actress is embarking on a theatre tour of crime drama Picture Me D.e.a.d ( Image:craig sugden)

Hi, Fiona! How are you? You look incredible in the pictures from your recent holiday. What’s your secret?

I’m good! Oh, I’m pretty relaxed about all that — I don’t go to the gym every day, but I do like to feel and look good. I’m a girly girl like that. I drink my green juices and eat well, Simon and I try to eat fresh food as much as we can, and I do yoga… But I’m also pretty chilled about it. If I had a personal trainer and nutritionist, I’m sure I could look way better! Being happy is more important though — and I’m very happy right now.

How are your forties shaping up so far?

My forties are definitely my best years. As soon as I turned 40 — I don’t know if it’s because I’d just got married — but I felt stronger. A lot of people say this, but I care less about the things that used to worry me. I’m much more confident in my skin. I do still tend to get anxious, but I know what matters now. I have a calmness in my soul.

You left Emmerdale in 2023. How would you describe your time there?

It was a gift of a job I’ll be forever thankful for. I learned so much. I made some beautiful, lifelong friends, it was just time to leave. There was fear, yes, but mostly drive, to challenge myself. Whatever you do in life, there’ll always be fear, but that isn’t a reason to not do it. Being in such a comfort zone, it’s no wonder I stayed! But I knew I needed to find that passion again. And I have zero regrets. I’ve had an amazing 18 months since I left the Dales.

Away from work, what are your biggest passions?

I love time with my husband, as we’re always away from each other — we really don’t live a ‘normal’ life! He’s my best friend. I love going travelling with him, we’re just back from the most magical holiday in Goa. Travelling is a way we can spend quality time together, as then we’re off on other jobs. I love yoga, too — it keeps me calm and focused. Hanging out with my lovely mum, my friends. Being in a soap for so many years I never had that time, so lunch and dinner with friends is precious. It’s the simple things.

The star’s new play is an adaptation by bestselling crime author Peter James ( Image:craig sugden)

Do you and Simon enjoy the glitzy showbiz life?

Simon’s not really into all that, but I do love to get dressed up. We get to do some exciting things in this job, but I think as you gain more life experience and you’ve done a few glitzy events, they don’t excite you as much. I’d rather snuggle up in some loungewear with a nice takeaway and a hot water bottle any day!

Your mum’s Filipina and your dad is English. How have they influenced you?

Hugely. Mum came to Britain on her own in the 1970s. I think I get a lot of drive from her, she’s so brave. There was no FaceTiming family back home, once she was here, she was here. Then she met Dad… and she’s worked so hard to get the life she wanted. She’s an incredible cook, I love going to her place and eating Filipino food! Both my parents are incredible, and so kind — they always told me I could do whatever I put my mind to.

A lot of actors go on to dabble in reality TV. Would you ever have ago?

Mmm, I can’t see it. But I love Strictly, so maybe that… And I do love to dance. I’ve danced in shows and I dance around the house constantly. Anyone who knows me knows that.

You’re touring soon with Picture You D.e.a.d. Can you tell us more about it?

It’s a new play adapted from Peter James’s book. It’s a crime thriller about a lovely, relatable couple. Freya, who I play, has just been made redundant and is down in the dumps. She and her partner go to a car boot sale and unknowingly unearth a painting which seems to be a masterpiece worth millions. It could change their lives, but what they don’t realise is that there are some dangerous characters about, also looking for this painting. This innocent couple is thrown into a scary world they knew nothing about.

If you unexpectedly came by a few million pounds, what would you do?

I’d buy a big new house for me and my husband — and I’d buy my mum one! I’d help my friends and family, I think. Just treat everyone. We seem to have an insatiable appetite for crime thrillers in this country… We do. I’m obsessed with them. I watch everything crime-related on TV. I always think if I wasn’t an actress I’d have become a criminologist — I find the psychology behind it all so interesting. For someone who’s obsessed with crime thrillers, I’m now in one. It’s so up my street.

You’re starring alongside former Corrie actor Peter Ash, who played Paul Foreman. Did you compare soap stories?!

Well, he was in Coronation Street for six years, I was in Emmerdale for 10 and we couldn’t believe we’d never crossed paths until now! It just shows you how busy everyone is on their own soaps. But Peter’s a lovely guy. Audiences will love his character, it’s so different to anything you’ve seen him in before.

You’ve been on tour before, do you miss your home comforts?

I think what matters most is that you’re in a great play and in great company. Even in Emmerdale, I was in Leeds during the week, then dashing back home at weekends. It’s what we do. I mean, my husband Simon’s an actor and is on tour at the moment himself. We’ll probably come together on a Sunday then head off again. But I do miss home, I’m a total homebody.

Is Simon as much of a home-bird as you?

He is — although I could waste days watching reality shows. He’s much more into his cooking or writing. I drive Simon mad. He’s like, ‘What on earth are you watching now?!’ I enjoy everything from The Kardashians to The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills… That’s the perfect downtime for me — reality TV on the sofa and loads of chocolate.