Actress Caroline Harding made her Emmerdale debut this week as a corrupt court judge, but viewers were left distracted after recognising the star, who is married to a well-known Coronation Street actor.
Vinny Dingle (Bradley Johnson) faced court this week after causing the crash that killed Jimmy King (Nick Miles) and Dawn Fletcher (Olivia Bromley). In Monday's episode, now on ITVX, the judge sentenced Vinny to 10 years behind bars.
Judge's verdict and bribe revelation
The judge said: "You are charged and have pleaded guilty to one count of causing death by dangerous driving. This is a most unfortunate incident. I don't know what it takes for people to realise that their actions have consequences. No text or phone call is more important than a life."
She continued: "Taking this into account, I feel it is incumbent upon myself to make an example of you in the hope that it will deter others from behaving in such a reckless manner. I therefore impose a 10-year sentence of imprisonment."
As the village reacted to the ruling, it emerged the judge had accepted a bribe, with suspicion pointing towards Joe Tate (Ned Porteous).
Fans recognise Caroline Harding
Viewers took to Reddit to share their recognition. One wrote: "I've seen that judge somewhere before, I'm sure of it." Another added: "I have definitely seen her before too. Maybe on a soap? She looks familiar!"
Caroline has previously appeared in Emmerdale, Coronation Street and EastEnders. She played Doctor Howarth in Corrie in 2020, the specialist treating Oliver, son of Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) and Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson), who died from mitochondrial disease.
Married to Chris Gascoyne
The actress is married to Corrie star Chris Gascoyne, known for playing Peter Barlow. The couple wed in 2002 and have two children. One Facebook fan wrote: "Omg the judge was Caroling Harding, Chris Gascoyne's wife!" Another commented: "Oh yeah, I thought it was her!"
Beyond soap roles, Caroline is known for Van der Valk, Degrees of Error, Hard Cell and Scott and Bailey. She has also written and starred in theatre productions, including her play Two Sisters, which earned award nominations.
Emmerdale airs weekday nights at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
