Emmerdale star Isobel Steele has praised viewers positive reaction to her character Live Flaherty's asexuality.
The ITV soap star says she has been surprised by the response of the public as she portrays the first asexual character to feature in a British soap opera since 2016.
Liv's character has always been open about her sexuality after revealing in 2019 she was asexual.
To get the latest email updates from LeedsLive, click here.
Asexuality is defined as a person who is non-sexual, not involving sexual activity, feelings or associations.
The 20-year-old actress told Digital Spy of the positive response she has received as fans flood to thank her for normalising asexuality.
Isobel said: "I didn’t think it was as popular as it used to be. I received a lot of messages thanking the show.
"It was a great shock because I didn’t know how many people it affected. We’re doing good and breaking down the barriers. That’s what we’re doing as soap. So I’m really proud to be involved in it.
“I think the writers did a great job of not making all of Liv’s personality about asexuality. They were able to spread it across all storylines and weave it into and out of her life.”
Emmerdale's Liv Flaherty is currently in the midst of a nail biting story line of abuse between father and son, Vinny and Paul.
The actress takes centre stage in next week's huge stunt episodes, as she finally sees Paul Ashdale's true colours, after spending weeks in the dark about her on-screen boyfriend, Vinny, being violently abused by his father.
The revelation leads to a dangerous showdown between Liv and Paul and with one death confirmed, viewers can expect explosive scenes.
.png?w=600)
