We have always known that Emmerdale vicar Harriet Finch has a murky past – after all, she left the police force for a reason. So far, we know little of what she was like except that she has taken to breaking the rules somewhat for people in need while being in the village.
Tonight, Harriet came face to face with Dawn, who turned out to be the daughter of a man Harriet was in a relationship with for four years while undercover. Harriet ensured he was convicted then disappeared from Dawns life and when her dad died in prison, her journey on a downward spiral began.
As Dawn wants payback, Harriet wants to make things up and Katherine Dow Blyton, who plays Harriet, has promised more major twists on the horizon.
Metro.co.uk caught up with her as she discussed what lies ahead for Harriet and Dawn, assured that Harriets love for the man she put away was real and ponders why her character is fine being single for now.
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What are the repercussions of this secret coming to light?
I think its going to be difficult. Harriet has a lot of guilt over this as even though she was doing her job, she knows she was in the wrong. She is going to try and make things right with Dawn and try and make up for her misdemeanours so I think itll be a struggle.
How did you react to this story when you first heard about it?
Yeah I was really pleased. You know bits of your backstory but then theres obviously these surprises. Ive watched Olivia on screen and shes brilliant so I thought “thats great”. We have heard of this happening recently with a male police officer – do you remember that when it was out in the news? He spent some time undercover and had a relationship with the person. Its a similar kind of story but its quite nice that this is with a female officer – so weve done a proper twist on that as well.
What was Harriets relationship like with Dawns father?
What we know is that she spent four years living with him as Michelle because he was a big drug dealer. Dawn really considered Harriet to be her mum so when the case went to court and he got convicted, she had to disappear. So Dawn was without a father and stepmother so it was the start of her downward spiral. Its really quite sad as she tells Harriet that she was like a mum to her. Harriet lived with them and acted as a parent to Dawn and then she just disappeared off the face of the earth as far as this little girl was concerned. Its a harsh reality – Harriet has a lot of making up and explaining to do.
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Do you like mining her background to feed a current story – its a neat trick to pull off?
Yeah, its great! Harriet has always hinted there was a reason she left the police but has never really gone into it. There was something big that made her leave so its always been bubbling there. And now its all coming out.
What does it do to her when she finds out Dawns dad has died?
Shes absolutely heartbroken – she did love him. She explains to Dawn that although she did wrong, she loved him and Dawn even though she was pretending to be someone else. The love was real and she has always been tempted to try and find him or find out what has happened. Its a huge shock to hear that he has died.
Dawn wants payback – is Harriet aware? Is there trouble ahead?
Theres definitely potential there for it all to go tits up! Harriet also understands that she is angry so she is treading very carefully. She will put up with a lot because of that guilt of what she put her through. I dont think its going to be an easy resolution to their relationship. Lets have some drama!
Was part of her hoping to leave this life behind?
Yeah, she must have carried this massive thing for such a long time. She had no idea what had happened to Dawn or that she went from foster home to foster home and all about the drugs and prostitution. To hear all of that is absolutely awful.
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Who will support Harriet?
Its interesting isnt it? I have brought this up before – I did a little bit of research on the church and mental health and they do tend to forgive everything to their community and solve everyones problems but ultimately they go home and theres no-one to do the same for them. At the moment, there isnt anybody for Harriet – she has lots of friends but there isnt anyone special – since Cain dumped her! Im not over that! (laughs) She gets the most support from God – thats who she turns to. And the communion wine. (laughs)
Whats Olivia like to work with?
Oh, shes absolutely brilliant. Shes very good and a lovely young lately. Its been great, we have spent a lot of time together recently and she is really making me up my game. Ive got to try and get up to where she is – shes just smashing.
Would you like it if the job of vicar was just the latest in a long line of jobs and it turned out to be an undercover operation?
(laughs) Oh my god! Has it all been a dream, will she wake up in the shower like in Dallas? No, that wouldnt be very nice to watch! No, I love being a vicar, I dont want it to be pretend. Well, I know it IS pretend (laughs) – but not pretend to pretend. I like Harriet as a vicar, I dont want her to go back to the police. Its a good idea that – dont tell anybody about it or theyll be doing that to me next year! Keep that under wraps!
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Harriet fans have often asked when Harriets big story is coming – how does it feel to have the support of a fanbase?
I know, its great isnt it? Thats why we do it. Its so nice that they remind the powers that be that Im here! (laughs) But Harriet is on her own and not involved with any other families so its waiting for these big ones. The fans, theyre great and so very supportive and trying to second guess whats happening with Dawn. Im very grateful for them!
What theories have you seen about what the secret could be?
They think perhaps that she is my biological daughter – thats all Ive seen so far.
Do you wish there was a man in her life after the relationship with Cain fell apart?
Oh dont talk about him! Shes still got Jesus! Although theres drama to be had in relationships, not everybody is. Its quite good to have somebody single. Theres avenues to be explored there too. I dont think its a problem – its real life, isnt it? Some people are single and some people are loved up.
Is Harriet onto a loser with helping Dawn?
I think it will be a massive uphill struggle – theres obviously so much going on. Theres the prostitution, the heroin addiction and theres the sort of anger she feels against Harriet. Harriet has contact with people who can support Dawns problems but she doesnt know everything about everything even though she does try to interfere with everyones life! Shell do everything she can to help her but its definitely going to be a struggle.
Whats it like having three new producers in charge?
Oh its great – its girl power isnt it? Jane is really hands on and will often be on set and wandering around having a chat which is smashing.
Are you going to be in the all female episode for International Womens Day?
I should hope so! Id be very disappointed if Im not! If its all females instead of Harriet, therell be a bloody problem! (laughs) I mean imagine! I dont know, to be honest. Maybe Ill just be in the back of the shot walking up the high street.
Is Harriets story a slow burn journey?
I think so. There are a lot of things to be discovered along the way. Its going to be given some time and some space, which is great.
MORE: Emmerdale spoilers: Graham Foster exposes Robert Sugden and Nicola Kings plot and has his revenge?
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