Emmerdale’s Fiona Wade has opened up about her relationship with former soap star and husband Simon Cotton.

The star, best known for her role as Priya Sharma in the ITV soap, has been married to London born writer and actor Simon since 2019.

In 2017, Simon appeared in Emmerdale playing Home Farm client Hugh Bryant. Hugh was there as Rebecca White (Emily Head) had arranged a team building day for them at Tree Top Adventure World.

However, Hugh’s plans to check out Rebecca’s management skills went wrong when his car ended up on fire, which lead him to terminate his business with Home Farm. As well as Emmerdale, Simon has appeared in The Fall Of The Krays, The Unseen, Doctors, and Amazon Prime’s Hanna.

Fiona recently reflected on her life with Simon, and what the two stars like to do away from their showbiz lives.

‘I love time with my husband, as we’re always away from each other — we really don’t live a “normal” life! He’s my best friend’, the star said in a chat with OK! Magazine.

‘I love going travelling with him, we’re just back from the most magical holiday in Goa. Travelling is a way we can spend quality time together, as then we’re off on other jobs.

Pondering over other things she enjoys when she isn’t working, Fiona said: ‘I love yoga, too — it keeps me calm and focused. Hanging out with my lovely mum, my friends. Being in a soap for so many years I never had that time, so lunch and dinner with friends is precious. It’s the simple things.’

Fiona’s soap character Priya departed the Dales for a new life in London after being offered an exciting job last year.

It came after a distressing event at Take A Vow, when a small fire reminded Priya of the devastating incident in a maze fire that had left her permanently scarred.

This shattering event made Priya realise that she had to move on with her life, so when the job offer came up, she was ready to embrace it.

‘It was a gift of a job I’ll be forever thankful for’, the actress smiled.

‘I learned so much. I made some beautiful, lifelong friends, it was just time to leave. There was fear, yes, but mostly drive, to challenge myself.

‘Whatever you do in life, there’ll always be fear, but that isn’t a reason to not do it. Being in such a comfort zone, it’s no wonder I stayed! But I knew I needed to find that passion again.

‘And I have zero regrets. I’ve had an amazing 18 months since I left the Dales.’