Emmerdale star opens up on ITV soap exit despite character not being k.i.l.l.e.d off
Actress Fiona Wade has shared her thoughts on leaving her role after spending over a decade with the programme
Fiona Wade, celebrated for her decade-spanning role as Priya Sharma on Emmerdale, has opened up about her emotional exit from the iconic soap in 2023.
Initially, the decision to leave the Yorkshire Dales after 10 years filled the actress with fear, yet recently she shared that she’s never questioned her choice.
Despite Fiona’s character Priya not actually being k.i.l.l.e.d off the show as her last scenes saw her flee to London with her daughter Amba, it looks like she has no ambition to return to the programme any time soon.
The seasoned actress, now 43, looks back fondly on her experiences and friendships she’d had during her time on Emmerdale.
Speaking to OK!, Fiona recounted her time on the show: “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.”
With plans to marry actor Simon Cotton, Fiona opens up about her mixed sentiments: “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,” reports OK!.
Fiona opens up on life after her exit (Image: Getty Images for BFI)
She further explained her motivations behind her departure, adding: “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.”
Last year, Fiona returned to her theatrical roots as she shone in the UK touring production of 2:22 A Ghost Story. Portraying Jenny in the haunted house thriller, despite fears of leaving the soap’s security behind, her ‘true’ desire was to be on stage once more.
Fiona played Priya on the soap for 10 years (Image: ITV)
Initially, she was apprehensive that her first job might not be the right fit for her, but her concerns were quickly allayed.
Speaking to the same publication, she expressed: “It’s honestly been the best decision ever. When you leave a soap, I think some people think you made the decision yesterday, but these decisions are taken over years. It was a scary decision but it was the right one.”
Having recently wrapped up her first US sitcom, Going Dutch, which also stars Catherine Tate, she is now gearing up for a significant UK tour of the stage adaptation of Peter James’s riveting novel, Picture You Dead.
Fiona with partner Simon Cotton (Image: Instagram/@fionawade1)
Discussing her new role in the production, she revealed: “It’s a new play adapted from Peter James’s book, a crime thriller about a lovely, relatable couple.”
Away from the drama, Fiona admitted she would relish the opportunity to showcase her skills on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, confessing that she’s a massive fan who loves to dance.
Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1, from 7:30pm and can be streamed via ITVX.
