Emmerdale star Samantha Power responds to Tina Dingle recast
Emmerdale spoilers follow.
Emmerdale newcomer Samantha Power has spoken about her new role as Tina Dingle for the first time.
Samantha has taken over the part of Tina for a dramatic guest stint, which began in Thursday's hour-long episode (October 17).
Tina made a surprise arrival on the emotional day of Zak Dingle's funeral. She's the daughter of Zak and Nellie Dingle and the sister of Cain, Sam and Belle.
There were fireworks for the Dingles as Tina shamelessly tried to stake a claim on the family home following Zak's passing, but the chaotic clan stood firm and made it clear that she wasn't included in his will.
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The role of Tina was previously played by Jacqueline Pirie between 1994 and 1996.
Asked if she ever watched the original Tina, Samantha replied: "Yes! I absolutely do remember Jaqueline who played Tina. She was absolutely fantastic, I remember her character vividly. So I am very lucky to get the chance to pick up where she left off.
"My husband said he had never known me to be this nervous! My first scene on my first day was at the graveside with all the Dingles. That's a lot, right? Luckily everyone was so nice and welcoming.
"I have to say a special shout out to Lisa Riley, the nicest human being. When I met her at the screen test I felt so safe. She couldn't have been more giving and supportive and encouraging and that continued daily on set. I loved working with her."
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Related: Emmerdale updates fans on Samson Dingle in early ITVX release
Reflecting on her most memorable moments on set, Samantha said: "There was one specific scene with Lisa where I was face down in a pool of mud. That was extremely memorable and I loved every second of it. There was also a scene which involves an explosion, which was so impressive."
Thursday's episode saw Tina desperately try to keep the upper hand after being warned off by her family. She fiercely promised them that her quest for her inheritance wasn't over.
Teasing where the story goes next, Samantha continued: "Well, she has no filters and she will literally do anything to make sure she gets her way, including her claim to the house. She is not one to be trusted. I loved it.
"She's met her match with Mandy and Cain for sure. Tina is really good at manipulating people, especially the Dingles so I don't think any of them are safe. Tina is feisty, bolshy, selfish and she always seems to have an agenda and won't stop at anything to get what she wants."
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Related: Emmerdale updates fans on Debbie Dingle absence
Asked if she'd like to come back more permanently, Samantha replied: "Emmerdale is an amazing place to work and Tina is just fantastic to play so I would love the opportunity to come back and cause more mischief. It has been a very special job."
Samantha has previously appeared in a number of other shows, including Brassic, Ackley Bridge, Wolfblood and Cold Call.
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.
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