Emmerdale’s Rakesh Kotecha is currently reeling from the fallout of his arson attack on the Mill, and things are set to get a whole lot worse when the seriousness of Nicola King’s injuries begin to hit home.
After being caught up on the blaze, Nicola collapsed and returned to hospital, where it became apparent that she’s been left paralysed in one arm and leg.
Now, as the life-changing aspects of Nicola’s condition become clear, arsonist Rakesh will be left racked with guilt over his actions.
Speaking to The Huffington Post UK and other reporters at a recent press event, actor Pasha Bocarie opened up about the aftermath of the fire, promising that the devastation won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
“I think it’s handled quite well, actually,” he said. “It’s not one of those things where he does it and then forgets about it the next day.
“The aftermath is very interesting and the pressure is contained in the storyline as the insurance people get onto him, Ronnie finds out about it and it’s almost like a ticking time-bomb.
“It’s interestingly done – the audience won’t feel cheated.”
He also revealed that Nicola’s news understandably leaves Pasha struggling to contain his emotions.
When asked whether Rakesh feels guilty, he replied: “Oh yeah, especially when he finds out she has had a brain haemorrhage, I don’t think he knows how to deal with it.
“Part of the reason why Ronnie has developed leverage on him at some degree and is able to crack him is because he is vulnerable when he finds out what has happened to Nicola.
“He does sort of spill the beans to Ronnie and I think that is the guilt forcing him to do that.”
See what happens next in ‘Emmerdale’ from Tuesday 12 July. Catch up on all the latest soap news and spoilers here.