I've found myself in my 50s!'

Emma Atkins on playing Emmerdale's madcap Charity Dingle, and how she loves living in Yorkshire with her son

- SUE CRAWFORD

Chaotically crazy and with dubious morals, Charity Dingle is one of the most entertainingly popular characters in Emmerdale's 53-year-history, with viewers excitedly tuning in to see just what she's up to next.

However, there's one Emmerdale superfan who would actually prefer it if the controversial pub landlady settled down and changed her ways – and that's actor Emma Atkins' own mum.

Even after 25 years watching her daughter get into all sorts of scrapes, Lili is straight on the phone when the credits roll – and she's not always happy with what she's seen Charity do.

'My mum always laughs about how awful my character can be,' Emma chuckles. 'She says, “Why can't they give you nice things to do? Why do they always make Charity the ogre?”

'And I'm like, “Mum! I love playing this role. She's great. It would be dull if she wasn't like this.”'

Emma explains, 'Charity is full of great ideas that always turn to trouble. And therefore, I'm challenged every day that I go into work to see how I'm going to play this particular scene. I don't love what she stands for, but I love playing her.

'My Mum just wants everyone to like my character.'