Paige Sandu is the acting star behind the Emmerdale villain fans love to hate.
As Emmerdale viewers know, Paige, 25, plays the soap’s latest serial killer Meena Jutla. In recent months the character has been on a murderous spree with fans desperate for the character to get her comeuppance.
After stints in BBC soap opera Doctors and ITV’s Endeavour, Paige, landed the dream role of the evil Meena back in September 2000.
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While she’s had a number of relationships Meena is best-known for bumping a lot of Emmerdale favourites with Paige’s performance winning the star the best villain gong at the Inside Soap Awards.
Have a scroll below and get to know Paige a little better.
Co-star sister bond
OK reports Paige and her co-star Rebecca Sarker, 46, who plays Meena’s sister Manpreet, are close off-screen.
Paige said: "We're like sisters. If I ever feel anxious or need to vent or anything, I go to Rebecca for support.
"Put simply, Rebecca is a really kind and caring person. We really care about the work and both pour our heart and soul into every scene."
The pair apparently constantly send each other voice notes over WhatsApp.
Championing mental health
The acting star has spoken about the importance of mental health and has offered advice.
Posting online, Paige said: "I want to take some time to address mental health with this post.
"It’s (obviously) more important than ever to take care of our mental health these days - but, like, what does that even mean?!
"It’s not something we are taught in schools or socially... so it can be confusing to actually know how to take care of ourselves.
"So bearing this in mind I wanted to let you in on a few of the things that help me.
"Maybe they aren’t a good fit for you, maybe they are. All I intend with this is to clear some confusion.
She then shared her tips, adding: "Anyway, here goes: Tapping/eft - check it out on YouTube. Reading a self-help book. Listening to a self-help podcast.
"Focusing on everything I’m grateful for and appreciate in my life. Journaling it aaaaaall out. Having a solo dance party.
"These are some of the things that I notice really help me shift my state of mind. I hope you are all taking care of yourselves."
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Nervous of fans
This isn’t about the reception to what Meena Jutla is up to on-screen but more how Paige feels because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Paige said: “I must admit, when I see fans waiting outside the studio, I do get a bit nervous.
“It’s a completely new experience because I’ve been working through Covid and not really had to deal with that kind of thing.
“However, I’d rather embrace it than shy away.”
Nearing an Emmerdale exit
Many villagers are starting to get suspicious about Meena and it looks like the character may soon get her comeuppance.
Paige Sandhu has spoken to Inside Soap about what the future holds for Meena and the actor’s expected exit from Emmerdale.
Paige said: "I will miss everything because I love her. I think Meena’s hilarious, she’s got so much charisma, she’s so strange and odd.
“She’s so much fun to play. Going to those dark places is really fulfilling but then there’s that slightly comedic edge. I love her flamboyant nature. I’ll miss everything about her.”
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