Val should have lesbian fling, says Emmerdale star

Emmerdale star Charlie Hardwick has said she would love to see her screen alter ego Val Pollard do something wild when she returns to the soap - such as have an affair with a woman.

The 51-year-old - who is currently taking a break from the show - told Inside Soap magazine of her ambitions for the character, saying, "Wouldn't it be good if Val had a one-night stand with a woman? That'd definitely put the cat amongst the pigeons!

"And knowing Val, she'd tell Pollard it's not really cheating if it's with a woman! I think Val would go for anyone who flashed her the eye," she added.

However Charlie admitted she would be furious if Val split from her screen husband Eric, as she would miss working with co-star Chris Chittell.

"It may be good for the storyline, and more dramatic, but on a personal level I'd be gutted if they split!" she said.

"I love acting with Chris, so I'd really hate to see someone else working with him. I'm territorial!

"I've seen Brenda sniffing round Pollard, so she's better not try getting her claws into him while Val's away, or I'll be flaming furious!"