Emmerdale star Shebz Miah has finally opened up about the secret turmoil his character Kammy Hadiq is facing, as next week's episodes reveal the truth behind the recent farm fires. The actor confirmed that Kammy is not the fire starter, as many suspect, but is instead hiding a heartbreaking secret: he is homeless.
Speaking to The Mirror and other press, Miah expressed his excitement about delving deeper into Kammy's backstory. "It's that thing of peeling back the layers and just learning more about the character," he said. "One thing about Kammy is that he is the first Pakistani Muslim we've had on Emmerdale, and that itself is a big thing. I think now we can finally start to truly understand what that looks like, especially in British soap."
Unveiling Kammy's Past
Viewers will finally learn about Kammy's life away from the village, including his family and the circumstances that led to him having nowhere to live. Miah noted that fans have been eager for this revelation: "A lot of the fans constantly are asking me, 'When are we ever going to learn more about Kammy?' I think now's the perfect time."
The actor highlighted the importance of representing a normal British Bradford lad while also showcasing his South Asian and Muslim heritage. "It's amazing that I'm able to blur the lines ever so slightly," he added.
Joining the Dingle Family
Miah expressed his joy at Kammy becoming an honorary Dingle, a storyline he finds particularly meaningful. "For myself growing up, I never, ever imagined a brown kid like me would be part of the Dingles. I think to be in that chaotic mix is iconic," he said. "Kids who look like me will think the exact same thing, thinking, 'What the f*** is going on here?' They'll get to see this chaotic kid in the middle of people who aren't his family by blood."
Kammy's Reluctance to Open Up
When asked why Kammy has been so hesitant to seek help, Miah explained that it stems from pride and past trauma. "I think Kammy has got a lot of pride, and due to the trauma that he's had, showing signs of weakness isn't a thing for him," he said. "He would rather cry behind closed doors and never show it."
The actor also addressed Kammy's relationship with Belle, which is back on track but not without challenges. "There are consequences, and it's not a smooth ride for them, but it's worth it," Miah revealed. "There is a somewhat happy ending for both of them."
The Arson Accusation
Kammy's arrest for the farm fires brings back painful memories. "It brings back a lot of trauma for him, mixed with shame and anger," Miah said. "Because he's got no one, he's got no leg to stand on. It's one voice against the rest of the village."
However, a turning point arrives when Kammy finally lets Belle in on his secrets. "When Kammy realises he is backed into the corner and he's got no way out, he does submit," Miah explained. "He genuinely has submitted to Belle and he just wants to address it now."
A New Side of Kammy
Miah promised viewers will see a different version of his character. "The mask comes off, and we get to see this different version of what we've seen so far," he said. "Uncomfortable at times, but at the end of the day, he's human, and there's only so long you can keep the bravado for."
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
