Dale star on marriage and lockdown with her mum

Fiona, 41, is still in a wedding bubble after marrying her former soap co-star Simon Cotton in October.

The pair are in lockdown at her family home in St Albans, Hertfordshire, with her mum Tessie.

And – as they all gather around to watch Priya get romantic with another bad guy on screen, this time Al Chapman, played by Michael Wildman – Fiona says she’s grateful for her happy relationship.

“Thankfully my life is a lot less dramatic than Priya’s,” she laughed. “It feels great to be married. I’m so happy to be with the right person during these times. We’re having the best time.”

To many newlyweds, living with the in-laws would sound like a nightmare. But Fiona says Simon and Tessie get on like a house on fire.

“Simon and my mum are like best friends. We’re all taking turns to cook. It’s lovely.”

But it’s not so rosy for her Emmerdale character, as Priya’s family don’t approve of her new romance, with brother Jai – actor Chris Bisson – voicing concerns.

“Priya always tends to go with someone who’s got issues,” said Fiona. “She’s not aware of half of what Al has been up to and is capable of.

“I love playing Priya. I’ve a lot of sympathy for her and want her to be happy. But at the same time it’s good to have drama.” Fiona isn’t a massive fan of all the many steamy scenes she’s had to do over the years as Priya endured doomed romances.

She’s had a fling with Cain Dingle, played by Jeff Hordley, dated David Metcalfe (Matthew Wolfenden), wed Rakesh Kotecha (Pasha Bocarie) and had an affair with Pete Barton (Anthony Quinlan), the fiancé of her best friend Leyla Harding (Roxy Shahidi).

“I get very nervous before romantic scenes. I’m giggly and girly,” she said.

“You might not have seen that person for a month and then you’re kissing them.”

Having spent seven years on the Yorkshire soap, Fiona hinted at pastures new.

“I’m happy there now. We’ll see. I’m very ambitious. There’s so much more to do.

“I’d like to have children. I’m aware there’s that space and time you have to grab to do.”

Until then she’s hoping lockdown restrictions will ease so she can get back to work. She said: “It’s a strange time. The whole show has shut down.

“We’re all waiting for it to get back up and running. We all hope it happens soon.”