MEET EVIL PIERCE’S SON

Shocking news about the jailed killer brings new boy Marcus to Emmerdale, says actor Darcy Grey

Rhona’s life’s in turmoil in Emmerdale this week when she’s contacted from jail by her killer ex-husband Pierce. Despite having been banged up for life for raping Rhona and murdering her boyfriend Graham, Pierce sends her a letter telling her he’s dying and asking for help to trace his son Marcus.

Against the advice of those close to her, big-hearted Rhona manages to track down Marcus, who arrives in the Dales wondering what’s going on with his father – and has his life turned upside down as well.

‘After a turbulent childhood where his dad left when he was a kid, Marcus had created a calm adult life for himself. Then a message reaches him about his dad and shakes him up so he’s come to investigate,’ explains Darcy Grey, who plays Marcus.

The drama starts with Rhona chilled to the bone after being handed a letter from Pierce about his longlost son who she didn’t know existed. After having Pierce’s claims verified by a prison officer, Rhona makes the difficult decision to help, and she and Ryan track Marcus down on social media. The next day Marcus meets Rhona, who’s floored to see him.

When Marcus asks Rhona why she’s decided to contact him, he’s shocked by the answer. ‘Learning his dad is dying is bad timing,’ says Darcy. ‘Marcus had managed to forget about Pierce, but after being contacted he felt he could get some closure.’

For Darcy, 30, Emmerdale is a new beginning. ‘Marcus is a blank canvas and it’s an exciting prospect where he could go next.’ He adds, ‘Joining Emmerdale is a “pinch yourself” moment and I feel so lucky.’

Hinting at what viewers might

expect from Marcus, Darcy adds, ‘He thinks he’s nothing like his dad, but we’ll see he is quite similar…’

However, it will become apparent there’s more to Marcus than being Pierce’s son. But will Rhona, the villagers and the audience give him a chance, or will he forever live in the shadow of his father’s crimes?

‘I’d love for people to like Marcus,’ Darcy says. ‘He just wants to be loved, so hopefully over time people will like him – including Rhona.

‘He’s apprehensive as to how people

will react to him, so Marcus initially holds people at a distance. But Rhona’s the first person he feels might understand what he’s been through, and there’s a childlike hope of a mother figure he can connect with, but she’s not quite sure yet.’

Emmerdale bosses have also alluded to the prospect of a relationship for Marcus, but all Darcy will say on the subject is, ‘I can neither confirm nor deny that – people are just going to have to tune in.’