You’d expect things between Manpreet Sharma (Rebecca Sarker) and Billy Fletcher (Jay Kontzle) to be somewhat strained in Emmerdale, given that Manpreet recently tried to kiss Billy.
The GP developed a crush on her personal trainer thanks to a combination of his alluring biceps and the fact that her relationship with partner Charles (Kevin Mathurin) was under strain after she rejected his marriage proposal.
After getting drunk at the Woolpack with Ella (Paula Lane) and others, Manpreet foolishly let her feelings get the better of her and planted a kiss on Billy. He made it clear her advances weren’t welcome and it was all hugely embarrassing for Manpreet.
While Billy soon told his wife Dawn (Olivia Bromley) what had happened, she had more concerning things on her mind after their baby son Evan had fallen ill.
They were devastated when Evan was diagnosed with leukaemia and Dawn and Billy are struggling with this as well as the arrival into their lives of Rose (Christine Tremarco), Dawn’s mum who walked out on her and Will (Dean Andrews) when Dawn was a baby.
In episodes to be aired soon, little Evan is facing chemotherapy. It’s an ordeal for the whole family to have to see him go through this.
For the adults it’s hard enough, but for Evan’s brother and sister Lucas (Noah Ryan Aspinall) and Clemmie (Mabel Addison) it’s upsetting and confusing.
Manpreet realises she can do something useful to help the family and make amends to Billy.
While Dawn keeps vigil with Evan at the hospital Manpreet offers to go to Home Farm and talk to Clemmie and Lucas about Evan’s diagnosis and what it means, in a way they can understand.
Kim (Claire King) is sceptical about the idea, but Manpreet comes to the house and talks to the children, trying her best to answer their questions and put their minds at rest.
Soon they’re able to go to the hospital to see Dawn and visit Evan and Dawn does her best to reassure them that their brother is going to get well.
