Emmerdale’s new addition is sure to cause heartache for village favourite Rhona Goskirk.
Newcomer Darcy Grey will be playing Marcus Dean - the son of evil Emmerdale villain Pierce Harris.
As fans will likely remember, Pierce was Rhona’s abusive ex-husband. Pierce, played by Jonathan Wrather, is currently serving time behind bars for rape.
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Marcus Dean will arrive in Emmerdale with his own tales of a violent upbringing at the hands of Pierce. Rhona will be first to decide whether any kind of relationship with Pierce's son could destroy the new life she has built with Marlon Dingle.
"When my agent sent me the character of Marcus Dean, I was quietly smiling inside," Darcy said.
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"We share so many similarities, both the good – and perhaps – some of the bad! I thought, 'I know who this kid is'. To then get the call to say that the role was mine was one of those pinch-yourself moments we actors simply dream of.
"For Marcus, the battle of being torn between wanting to forget his relationship with his dad but also ultimately, wanting to simply be loved is a challenge many of us face, and one that I hope I can bring some truth to.”
Marcus Dean will arrive in Emmerdale at the start of February.
"Marcus' arrival will certainly ruffle a few feathers and flutter a few hearts in the village," producer Kate Brooks has promised.
"However, people will soon realise there's more to Marcus than merely being the son of Pierce. But will our villagers give him a chance, or will he be forever doomed to live in the shadow of his father's heinous crimes?
"We're delighted to welcome Darcy to the show and we're sure he'll certainly make quite the impression on villagers and viewers alike."
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