Digital Spy
Emmerdale spoilers follow.
Emmerdale’s Serena Sugden is harbouring another huge secret – her bestie DS Thea Ramsden is on a mysterious mission to bring down Kim Tate!
The pair’s hidden connection was revealed this week, setting the stage for a gripping storyline that will unfold over the autumn.
Of course, it’s not the first time that Serena has protected someone else’s secrets, as she’s been embroiled in everyone’s dramas for months now! After such an eventful start, it’s no surprise to see Casey Al-Shaqsy – who plays Serena – up for the Best Newcomer prize at this year’s Inside Soap Awards.
We caught up with Casey as she took part in a stylish Inside Soap photoshoot to celebrate this year’s nominations. The amazing pictures feature in this week’s issue of the magazine, which is out now.
See our full video from the photoshoot at the top of the page, then read on for Casey’s exclusive Digital Spy Q&A…
ITV
Hi, Casey! How does it feel to be nominated for Best Newcomer at the Inside Soap Awards 2026?
“It feels absolutely amazing to be nominated. I didn’t expect it at all, so I was completely thrilled and excited when I heard. I just hope that I’ve done people proud.
“I’ve also really enjoyed being part of the Awards photoshoot – the team is amazing. I’ve had a lovely time.”
Why should fans get behind Emmerdale in the Best Soap category?
“Emmerdale was one of my favourite soaps growing up – it’s dramatic, it’s exciting! We’ve got loads of amazing storylines coming up and you’ve obviously seen some amazing storylines already.
“I think it’s such a wonderful team and group of people, and they deserve everything coming to them.”
You’re also flying the flag for the Sugdens, who are up for Best Family…
“To have joined the Sugdens is absolutely incredible. I actually love them a bit like family anyway, because they’re such lovely and kind people.
“Ryan [Hawley, who plays Robert] makes me laugh every single day that I work with him. And obviously Katie [Hill, who plays Sarah] and everyone else. It’s amazing for the Sugdens to be nominated and for me to be a part of that legacy.”
ITV
How would you sum up your first few months on the show?
“Really exciting! Obviously joining this iconic show is a massive thing. It doesn’t feel real sometimes – I still don’t know that I’m in the show! (Laughs.) But everyone is also so lovely and welcoming, so it’s been really nice to spend time with new people.”
What’s in store for Serena and Charity’s friendship, now that Charity is in so much trouble with the law?
“I think their relationship will probably stay the same, even after everything that’s happened. Serena is always trying to support Charity and look after her, but it’s getting quite tricky because Charity is making it more difficult for her! Serena will stay supportive, but it’s going to be more difficult as time goes on…”
Are there more secrets to learn now that we know the truth about Serena’s link to DS Ramsden?
“Serena is deemed to be quite mysterious and I think she holds her cards quite close to her chest. But I think people know a lot about her now – her mysterious side is just because she doesn’t chat about other people’s business, or her own!
“She does like to receive everyone’s problems and she’s a bit nosy, I’ll give her that! I don’t think there’s so much more to find out, but I guess you’ll just have to see and make your own judgements…”
Are there layers to unravel with that Serena/Ramsden friendship?
“It’s confusing because when we are first on screen together, we’re pretending not to know each other. But as time goes on, we don’t have to be so sneaky and you see that friendship. Serena is struggling because Ramsden’s hidden agenda is another secret she’s keeping and it’s not hers to tell. Ramsden is putting Serena in a pickle…”
ITV
Were Serena’s feelings for Ross ever genuine?
“With Ross, it’s difficult to answer because I think she actually does like him! Obviously you could see that she was using him at one point to get into Home Farm, but you could also see that she was upset about what she was doing.
“That’s something that Casey and Serena will both have to wait to see – if anything else goes on with Ross!”
Is there anyone else in the village who Serena would be suited to?
“I don’t think I can give that away! We’ll see, but I think Serena is a strong, independent woman who don’t need no man! You’ll have to wait and see if anything romantic will happen, but she’s running her own life and she’s fine by herself for now.”
What else is coming up for Serena over the next few weeks?
“You’ll see Serena being more nosy – putting her nose in other people’s business, I guess, so it’ll be more of the same! But she is a really kind and caring person, and that’s why she does it.
“She’s not just nosy, though – she wants to make sure everyone’s okay, especially the people she cares about. So I guess you can look forward to more of that.”
See a full Inside Soap interview with Casey in the new issue of the magazine, out now, containing exclusive photos with her and five other cast members. Votes for the Inside Soap Awards 2026 can be cast by clicking here.
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 8pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.
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