From the Dales to Broadway: A Star Reunion
Former Emmerdale favourite Bhasker Patel was all smiles this week as he enjoyed a heartfelt reunion with his on-screen wife, Rebecca Sarker. The sweet moment came after the 69-year-old actor landed a major new role, making his Broadway debut in the acclaimed production of Oedipus at New York's Studio 54.
A Legendary Soap Character Moves On
Patel is best known to soap fans for his long-running portrayal of the beloved Rishi Sharma on the hit ITV show, a character he played from 2011 until his dramatic exit in 2023. Fans will recall the tragic storyline where Rishi died alone after falling down a flight of stairs, consequently missing his son Jai's wedding.
His former co-star, Rebecca Sarker, who continues to play Dr. Manpreet Sharma on the show, was quick to show her support. She shared a delightful picture on Instagram of the pair beaming, with Patel's arm wrapped around her as she held a promotional postcard for his new play.
Broadway Beckons for the Emmerdale Icon
In the captivating production, Bhasker Patel takes on the role of Corin, sharing the stage with acting heavyweights including Mark Strong as Oedipus and Lesley Manville as Jocasta. Soap fans in New York this winter might not immediately recognise him, however, as he is now sporting a full grey beard for the part.
Sarker's social media post included several photos, including one where she is seen giving her on-screen husband a kiss on the cheek, both of them grinning widely. She also shared a snap of herself presenting him with a packet of Jammie Dodgers biscuits and an image of his play being advertised under the bright lights of Broadway.
In her caption, she enthusiastically wrote: 'What a guy! What a show! What a city!' followed by heart emojis. Soap fans were thrilled by the reunion, flooding the comments with messages like 'The best duo' and 'Wonderful!'.
Life After Emmerdale
Speaking previously about his departure from the soap, Patel revealed that producers decided to kill off his character to facilitate 'a big story'. He told Lorraine that when the producer called him, he accepted the decision, viewing it as the end of one chapter and the start of another.
Since leaving the Dales, his career has continued to flourish. He has appeared in several projects, including the gritty South London film Never Had A Chance (2025). Beyond his soap fame, Patel's extensive acting credits include Thunderbirds (2004) and Anuvahood (2011), with his most significant role prior to Emmerdale being in the blockbuster Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984).
Emmerdale airs on ITV1 and is available to stream early on ITVX.
