Patsy Kensit is officially returning to Emmerdale as Sadie King after a 20-year absence, and she has already warned viewers that her iconic villain is "still a cow."
Details of the comeback have been kept under wraps, but Kensit has confirmed that Sadie is bringing a "big secret" with her – and it is linked to the King family. "The secret that she comes back with is going to be absolutely shocking," she says.
A King family secret
Fans will remember that Sadie was once married to Jimmy King, who has since moved on with Nicola and built a family. Last time she was on our screens she was the villain, but now she is back in the village, set to reunite with old enemies and also make new ones.
Among those sharing the screen with Sadie will be Kim Tate, played by Claire King. Kensit describes their upcoming scenes together as "a bit of a bitch-off," adding: "I love Claire [King who plays Kim] she's just fantastic."
Slaps, drama and a true icon
Classic Emmerdale drama is promised, including "a couple of slaps" on screen – with Kensit joking that she gets "slapped to sh**."
Although Sadie was only on screen for two years decades ago, she has become a true soap icon, ranked alongside the likes of Kim Tate and Charity Dingle. Kensit calls that "a real compliment" and says she hopes fans "will still feel the same way about her" when she returns. "I am really proud to have been allowed to create this character and have her be so well loved," she adds.
A more vulnerable side?
Producer Laura Shaw has suggested that this time around viewers may see a more vulnerable side to Sadie, who has been away for 20 years and is coming "out of a bad relationship." Kensit also teases a "bittersweet side" to the return as the secret and the reason for her comeback are revealed.
But fans needn't worry – Kensit promises Sadie is "still a cow." She describes the character as "an awful woman" and jokes "she must have birthed by a Jackal," while admitting she loves playing her because she is "wicked" and "naughty."
An all-time favourite role
"I had such fun with her, we just created this absolute monster who just caused such havoc," says Kensit, who names Sadie among her "all time favourite roles." The role stands out because it is so far from her own personality: "I'm a pathologically polite person and she just isn't. I used to live vicariously through her. I'd never ever talk to anybody like that."
