Emmerdale star Zoe Henry has revealed how her current abusive relationship storyline has resulted in some of her toughest ever scenes to film.
As vet Rhona’s relationship with her fiancé Pierce has turned increasingly dark and dysfunctional, it has made difficult and uncomfortable watching for viewers.
Fans have speculated as to whether Pierce raped Rhona last month and whether he could even go on to kill her.
“It’s been great to have this story, but with that comes a huge responsibility,” Zoe, 43, told The Mirror.
“These are intricate, serious cases. To tell real stories in a real way is the job of soaps – and I hope we do that well.”
Pierce (played by Jonathan Wrather) is becoming more and more controlling and manipulative of fiancée Rhona. And this week he manages to talk her into making a sex tape.
Mum-of-two Zoe admits they weren’t scenes she was looking forward to filming, especially knowing her NAN would be watching!
It all takes place after Rhona has been to one of Laurel’s lingerie parties for a fun night with the girls.
“Rhona goes home a bit drunk and Pierce seizes the opportunity,” explains Zoe. “She’s got a bag of filthy underwear, and he says, ‘Why don’t you put it on?’ It’s not her best decision, but she wants to keep him happy and comes downstairs wearing this ghastly outfit while he films her.
“Afterwards she feels a bit icky wondering what she’s done, and of course there are consequences…”
There are rumours that Pierce will use the footage of her sexy striptease in a revenge porn attack.
“I wasn’t looking forward to the filming,” Zoe admits.
“It was an odd day. I was very clear on what I would and wouldn’t wear, and the costume department were brilliant. We had a female director, camerawoman and a closed set.
“You don’t really see that much, it’s more the suggestion of what happens, but I was worrying about my 93-year-old nan watching it. Sorry, Nan! I was glad my children didn’t ask what I’d been doing that day, and I came home feeling a bit weary.”
Zoe, who is mum to Violet, 12, and Stan, nine, is married to fellow Emmerdale actor Jeff Hordley, who plays bad boy Cain Dingle.
But when asked if the sex tape scenes would make uncomfortable viewing for her husband, Zoe – who has been with the soap heartthrob for more than 20 years – shrugged it off.
“I don’t think so,” she said. “We’ve been together so long and have done so many different jobs. He probably hasn’t even watched the scenes, to be honest.”
Emmerdale is on ITV every week night at 7pm.