Where next for Roxy?
Last updated 12:06, Thursday, 26 June 2008
IT WAS the show that propelled her from student to soap star.
- Images: more photos of Roxy
But now Roxanne Pallet is to quit TV’s Emmerdale – and speculation is growing about where her next role could be.
The Carlisle actress has so far stayed quiet on her reasons for deciding to leave the prime-time programme, from which bosses have promised her a dramatic exit.
But she is understood to have passed up the opportunity to renew her contract to pursue a career on stage in London’s West End after attracting interest from producers there.
Show sources yesterday said Roxanne, 25, would be sadly missed on the set in Yorkshire.
Emmerdale series producer Anita Turner said: “Roxanne has given a fantastic performance and it will be an eventful six months for Jo.”
Harrowing performances as a domestic abuse victim and a stint on singing programme Soapstar Superstar are said to have led to offers from theatre companies.
Roxanne joined Emmerdale in 2005 after shelving a pop career to play feisty minx Jo Stiles. She was propelled to the forefront as man-eater Jo, who became known for stealing Katie Sugden’s man – who she later wed in prison.
But it is the gripping storyline of her domestic abuse that the hands of hubby Andy, played by Kelvin Fletcher, that has led to acclaim and a nomination for Best Actress in the British Soap Awards.
The harrowing scenes prompted Roxanne to speak about her own issues, revealing to GMTV viewers that she was also a victim of abuse after previously claiming she was bullied at school.
Show bosses say that Jo’s storyline is set to hot-up even more in the next six months and her exit from the show will be a dramatic one.
Roxanne, who grew up in Currock, Carlisle, graduated with a 2:2 in media studies from Liverpool John Moores University.
She was said to have been signed to a music producer and was in the middle of planning an album with band mates when she changed tack after teaming up with an acting agent in February 2005.
But she could be set to rediscover the singing voice that saw her wow audiences on Soapstar Superstar.
Viewers have seen her character turn from wild-child to victim – living in fear of attacks from on-screen husband Andy.
Her Emmerdale part almost came to an end last year but she was persuaded by bosses to sign another 12-month contract after being tempted by the chance to become involved in the dramatic plot.
And this paid off with a performance that saw her nominated for Best Actress and Sexiest Female award at the British Soap Awards last month.
She told the News & Star in May: “I have had an amazing storyline over the last six months with Emmerdale and it is fantastic to feel my work is being recognised.
“The best actress nomination threw me; I had a lump in my throat when I heard about it.”
And Roxanne has always kept Cumbria on her mind and said she is always striving to keep her home town proud of her.
In her interview, she said: “The support I’ve had from Carlisle and the whole of Cumbria from day one has been truly fantastic.
“Everyone’s encouragement throughout Soapstar Superstar really inspired me, even coming home and hearing that people have been watching and enjoying Emmerdale is what it's all about to me – giving back to your audience.
“Carlisle is my first thought when I receive some great news.”
Roxanne has been a supporter of Cumbrian causes and has helped raise funds for Carlisle’s Eden Valley Hospice. In recent months she has been linked romantically with Eastenders’ actor Charlie Clements.
LWatson@cngroup.co.uk
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