It's hard to imagine anyone else but Emmerdale actress Zoe Henry playing the role of Rhona Goskirk in the long running ITV soap, but the fan favourite has revealed she almost lost out on the part.
Zoe, who is married to Emmerdale co-star Jeff Hordley, made her first appearance in Emmerdale 21-years-ago and became a full-time cast member in 2010.
Rhona Goskirk is currently going through an emotional storyline as her on screen partner Marlon recovers from a stroke, the pair got married last year in tear-jerking scenes.
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However, it very nearly wasn't Zoe who got the role of Rhona as Paddy Kirk actor Dominic Brunt's wife Joanne Mitchell almost bagged the job, The Mirror reports.
It was only because Emmerdale bosses stepped in at the last minute as they felt it would be "weird" to cast Joanne as Paddy and Marlon are best friends on the show.
And while Joanne might have missed out on the part of Rhona due to the logistics, she did land another major part on the ITV soap.
Zoë told Inside Soap: "I have an interesting fact for you. The person up against me in the audition [for Rhona] was Dominic’s wife, Joanne Mitchell. But I think because Paddy and Marlon are best mates in the show, they thought that would be weird!"
Joanne has appeared in the show for two stints as Sandra Flaherty, the mother of Liv Flaherty. She has also had little roles as DC Barnbrough, Midwife Yeo and Susan Davies at different times in the 2000s.
Rhona will be dealt some big news next week after a tough year.
"She’s had a turbulent year with Marlon recovering from his stroke. He’s getting stronger every day. She has Leo, an amazing stepdaughter, in April – and she has her mum back in her life, " she added.
"That is a joy, even though Mary is a pain in the bum as well. So this is a really good time for Rhona." However, ex-husband Gus has some news for her next week, which leaves her with an impossible choice.
It's clear Gus has a motive for being in the village and for wanting to catch up with his ex after so long and he wastes no time in explaining his situation and what has been going on in his personal life with Rhona left uncomfortable.
While it's not entirely clear what he says, it seems to be about him wanting children and possible struggles or plans to have a family as he makes a huge request to Rhona.
Rhona is left shocked and confused when Gus reveals he wants to use one of their frozen embryos from when they were together. However, she is left reeling by the news as the embryos were meant to be destroyed when they split.
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