The actress is ready for new opportunities after serving on the ITV soap for 11 years.
After 11 years on screen, Fiona Wade of Emmerdale has announced her departure from the ITV program.
The 43-year-old actor debuted in the soap opera in November 2011 as Priya Sharma, the sister of Nikhil and Jai Sharma. Although the news has already received extensive press coverage, the exit plot for her character has remained a secret.
Fiona has experienced many dramatic plotlines over the years and even got to meet her future husband, Simon Cotton, on the set. Even though Simon didn’t stay on the show for very long, Fiona was obviously affected by him.
The two had a lovely dinner together before starting a relationship. In 2018, Simon and Fiona made their relationship known, and they got married the following year.
She started her acting career while she was still in school and balancing GCSEs. When she was 16 years old, she was given the role of Joanna Day in Grange Hill. She has also appeared in Holby City, Coronation Street, and Where The Heart Is.
Below, you can read about Fiona’s life, from her idyllic nuptials to Simon to the tragic death of her father at the age of 24.
Dad’s cancer death aged 64
Fiona, who is half English and half Filipino, tragically lost her father Colin to oesophageal cancer when she was only 24. The actress claimed she had never heard of this particular type of cancer, which is what prompted her to partner with and become the patron of the Oesophageal & Gastric Cancer Charity (OPA).
In a tribute to her father, she said: “It was so sad and shocking when he was diagnosed. He was such an amazing person, the best father I could ever hope for.
I had never heard of this kind of cancer before, and I still believe that if we had known more about oesophageal cancer or reflux disease, an earlier diagnosis would undoubtedly have made a significant difference and possibly saved his life.
“Please help us to continue doing everything we can to make people more aware and help us to save lives and to support and reassure everyone who needs our help,” the statement reads. “Early diagnosis by spreading awareness is absolutely key in saving lives from this cancer.”
“Can’t believe it’s been 10 years since I lost my amazing dad,” she wrote on Instagram on the 10-year anniversary of his passing. You continue to be the most beautiful person I’ve ever known, and I think of you every day.
You are a wonderful father to me, and I am so lucky to have had you in my life. You have the purest soul. I cherish you.
Fairytale wedding to Simon Cotton
The Euridge Manor and Orangery in The Cotswolds is where Fiona and her husband had their ceremony to formally join the Bahá’ Faith. The location featured rose gardens, an old castle, sparkling water features, Georgian-style architecture, and even a thatched boat house.
Fiona, who arrived at her own wedding 30 minutes late, wore a stunning Berta gown from The Wedding Club, which the actress claimed she fell in love with the moment she saw it. Tessie, the bride’s mother, led the blushing bride down the aisle.
She admitted to being very emotional to OK! Magazine. My mother and best friend Kirsty and I started crying as I was getting ready.
“You always hope your dad will accompany you down the aisle, and in the months leading up to the wedding, I became more emotional about my dad. Thoughts of that have occasionally made me cry, but I was with my mother at the time, so it was a really special moment.”
Bullied at school
Fiona did not enjoy her time at school, sadly. She claimed that she would be picked on “for being a little different” in an interview with the Mirror.
She uttered: “We’ve all had some challenging times at school, and I can attest to having experienced bullying. Being a little unique at school makes you stand out. I stood out because I was passionate about my singing, dancing, and acting.
“I used to get called names and was picked on because of my race. Thankfully, I never received any racist remarks from adults; it was always from other children.”
Added her: “But it wasn’t anything I couldn’t handle. It’s all right looking back now because I made it through it. If you are a little unique, people will always tease you. But being different is positive, so nobody should ever be afraid of it.”
Battle with anxiety
Previously, Fiona talked openly about her struggle with anxiety for almost three decades. I’m a very optimistic person, so it’s strange to think I can be anxious and worried about things all the time, she said in an interview with OK Magazine.
“But here’s the thing: You can be happy, confident, and in love with your life and still struggle with crippling anxiety. You simply can’t predict what someone is going through.
When she was older and at her lowest point, she continued, “I literally couldn’t even get on the train. Nothing could be done by me.
“Now that I think about it, I took on too much. I didn’t know who I was when I was a young child. Now that I do, it doesn’t stop me from acting in any way.
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