Mark Wylde

Last updated

Mark Wylde
Emmerdale character
MarkWylde.jpg
Maxwell Caulfield as Mark Wylde (2009)
Portrayed by Maxwell Caulfield
Duration2009–2010
First appearance15 January 2009
Last appearance14 January 2010
Classification Former; regular
Created by Anita Turner
In-universe information
Other namesDaniel Lamb (real name)
Occupation Businessman
Wife Faye Lamb (until 2010)
Natasha Wylde (void)
Sons Ryan Lamb
Nathan Wylde
Will Wylde
Daughters Maisie Wylde

Mark Wylde is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Emmerdale , played by Maxwell Caulfield. He made his first appearance on 15 January 2009 and departed on 14 January 2010.

Contents

In early December 2009, it was announced that Caulfield had quit the show and would depart shortly. Producers promised a "stunning exit storyline" which would see a who-dunnit type storyline in which Mark would be killed. Mark was murdered by his wife, Natasha Wylde, on-screen (although only the audience knew of Natasha's guilt) on 14 January 2010. The murder storyline saw the revelation of Mark and Faye's affair, that Mark was Ryan's biological father (meaning that he was Maisie's brother), and Natasha found out about Mark's cheating, giving them all motives for murder. The storyline reached its climax in mid-October, which saw Natasha confess to Mark's killing and sentenced to 21 years imprisonment and Ryan leaving the village for a fresh start.

Character creation and development

Casting

The characters of Mark and Natasha Wylde were announced in September 2008, with Maxwell Caulfield and Amanda Donohoe announced as the actors portraying them. They started filming in October 2008, and were originally thought to be first appearing on 25 December 2008, but this was later changed to 15 January 2009.

Caulfield said that the role was "just too tempting to turn down and I can't wait to start filming in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside".

Anita Turner, the series producer, said she was "thrilled to be welcoming two actors of such high calibre to the cast". He described the character as "fun to play". [1]

Amanda Donohoe said that the Wyldes are "self-made millionaires, they're very well-to-do", and although not looking for retirement they do want a "break from the big city". She also said that the couple have been married for 25 years and have two grown-up children and a nine-year-old. Caulfield said that there is a "hidden side to Mark that will come out over time". Although he is an "out-and-out charmer" he is one of those people whose "sincerity you have to question", he said.

Departure and death

In October 2009 after less than a year in the show Caulfield quit the show due to fear of being typecast. It was announced that the character would be killed off and he made his last appearance on 14 January 2010.

Storylines

Mark and Natasha first appear on horseback riding into the village to meet Bishop George, who is waiting to hand over the keys of St. Mary's Church, which they have bought in addition to Home Farm. All three then head to The Woolpack, where they are given an unfriendly welcome, as their buying the church means Ashley and Laurel Thomas have to leave the village. However, Natasha announces that they bought the church and vicarage to give back to the community – making them instantly popular. However, Natasha had not discussed this with Mark before announcing it, but later assures him that it was necessary to keep the villagers on side.

A couple of months after the arrival of the Wyldes, Faye Lamb (Kim Thomson) turned up in the village after seeing Mark's photo in a magazine profile of the family. Mark saw her several times, and eventually they had a long conversation in the woods. He apologised for the way he treated her in the past and put her up in an expensive flat. In late May, it was revealed that Mark was married to Faye, making his marriage to Natasha bigamous, and his real name was Daniel Lamb. He went missing twenty-seven years ago, after going to pick up a friend from the station, and never returned. They were in serious debt as his company had just gone bankrupt. His parents never recovered from the shock and died shortly afterwards. Faye had Daniel declared legally dead seven years later. He moved to France and later set up a new identity – Mark Wylde. Faye was not sure if she was pregnant at the time and consequently did not tell him. A week later he found out that he and Faye had a son, Ryan Lamb (James Sutton).

In late June, Faye told Natasha everything about Mark's previous life, Natasha was very hurt and angry with Mark that she had been lied to for more than 20 years. Faye, angered by Mark and Natasha's behaviour, moved into the village with Ryan, wanting them to get to know each other. Natasha, however, insisted that Mark arrange a job for Ryan in Dubai, which he initially did but later withdrew only days before Ryan was due to leave, as he had bonded with Ryan. Natasha was not happy, warning Mark that it was only a matter of time before the truth came out.

In early January Mark and Faye were planning to get back together. Despite earlier plans, they decided to leave things as they were, aware of how much pain they would cause to their children. But Natasha guessed what Mark was doing and confronted them, just as they were making plans for Faye to move on. Faye told her this but Natasha refused to believe it, leading to a row. By this time Ryan and Maisie had started a secret relationship. However, while they are up in Ryan's bedroom they hear voices rowing downstairs, which they soon realise are Natasha, Mark and Faye. They come downstairs and announce that they are dating. Natasha, Mark and Faye explain that they cannot because they are half brother and sister and tell them that Mark is a bigamist. Both Ryan and Maisie are devastated and angry. After Natasha orders him to leave, Mark writes a suicide note that evening and goes out to the woods with a shotgun. Natasha finds the note and heads out to the woods and persuades him to give her the gun. But upon hearing him saying that he was not going to run away anymore, she shoots him with the shotgun and buries his body. His final words were, "I've made a decision. Let's go home." Natasha said in response, "You don't get to make decisions anymore, Mark..." before shooting him dead with the shotgun, killing him instantly. As the camera pans to the sky the gunshot can be heard. Natasha panics and she buries Mark's body, off-screen.

Almost six months later, Mark's body was discovered by Sam Dingle (James Hooton), who was walking his dog in woodland. Sam called the police, who identified the skeleton as that of Mark. Natasha played the devastated widow, claiming that she'd been away at the time Mark was murdered. Natasha and Nathan both framed Ryan Lamb (James Sutton) who was wrongfully charged with murder and wrongfully sentenced to life imprisonment. Maisie however proved that Ryan could not have killed Mark as he was with her, trying to come to terms that he'd just slept with Masie.

After her eldest son was confronted by Cain Dingle, (Jeff Hordley) who was hell-bent on exposing Mark's real killer, Natasha finally breaks down and confesses to the murder. She is arrested by Nick Henshall and placed into police custody to await sentencing. On 24 November 2010 Natasha was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years.

Reception

Prior to the Wyldes' first appearance, the News of the World described their arrival in the village as a "Don't miss" TV moment of the week. Simon Swift, in his Soaplife blog criticised Emmerdale for not being "more radical" in their new characters.

Related Research Articles

<i>Emmerdale</i> British soap opera

Emmerdale is a British television soap opera that is broadcast on ITV. The show is set in Emmerdale, a fictional village in the Yorkshire Dales. Created by Kevin Laffan, Emmerdale Farm was first broadcast on 16 October 1972. Interior scenes have been filmed at the Leeds Studios since its inception. Exterior scenes were first filmed in Arncliffe in Littondale, and the series may have taken its name from Amerdale, an ancient name of Littondale. Exterior scenes were later shot at Esholt, but are now shot at a purpose-built set on the Harewood estate.

Amanda Donohoe is a British actress. She first came to public attention at age 16 for her relationship with pop singer Adam Ant, appearing in the music videos for the Adam and the Ants singles "Antmusic" (1980) and "Stand and Deliver" (1981) during their four-year relationship. After making her film debut in Foreign Body (1986), she starred in two films by director Ken Russell: The Lair of the White Worm (1988) and The Rainbow (1989).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sam Dingle</span> Fictional character from Emmerdale

Sam Dingle is a fictional character from the British television soap opera Emmerdale, played by James Hooton. He made his first appearance in the episode broadcast on 14 February 1995.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Katie Sugden</span> Fictional character from Emmerdale

Katie Sugden is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Emmerdale, played by Sammy Winward. She made her first screen appearance on 18 July 2001 and Winward's casting was announced a week prior. The character was introduced as a love interest for Andy Sugden and their relationship was a focus point for most of the character's tenure. Winward took maternity leave in 2005, returning the following year. Katie's later stories include relationships with Adam Barton and Declan Macey, the latter whom she marries. Writers placed Katie in danger in 2012 when she is involved in a mineshaft accident. Winward announced her decision to leave the series in November 2014 and Katie was killed-off, making her final appearance on 9 February 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cain Dingle</span> Fictional character from Emmerdale

Cain Dingle is a fictional character from the British soap opera Emmerdale, played by Jeff Hordley. Cain made his first appearance on 30 March 2000, and in 2006, he was written out of the series when Hordley left the soap; however, the option for a return was confirmed, which occurred when Hordley returned to the cast in February 2009. Cain's main storylines have focused on discovering his "uncle" Zak Dingle is his father; his relationship with his cousin Charity Dingle ; discovering he is Debbie Dingle's father; his affair and subsequent relationship with Moira Barton ; being attacked in a whodunit storyline where his assailant was eventually revealed to be his father; being diagnosed with a brain aneurysm; supporting his nephew Aaron Livesy after discovering Aaron was sexually abused by his father Gordon Livesy as a child; reuniting with his and Chas' mother Faith Dingle ; his relationship with local vicar Harriet Finch ; building up a relationship with his children; being blackmailed by DI Malone to do drug runs for him; his feud with Al Chapman and taking blame for Al's murder to protect his younger son Kyle who was responsible for killing Al.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Seth Armstrong</span> Fictional character from Emmerdale

Archibald Seth Armstrong is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Emmerdale, played by Stan Richards from 1978 until 2004. The role of Seth began as a temporary "bit part" and he was due to appear for just a few episodes, but proved so popular that further appearances were made until Seth became a full-time regular character in the summer of 1980. Seth continuously annoyed the landlord Amos Brearly and later Alan Turner who took over in 1991, who memorably often shouted "Get out Seth!".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nicola King</span> Fictional character from Emmerdale

Nicola King is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Emmerdale. She has been played by Nicola Wheeler since she joined the soap in 2001. Wheeler left the role in January 2006, with her on-screen departure airing in March. In July 2007, it was announced that Wheeler chose to return to the soap eighteen months later and Nicola made her return on 12 September 2007. Wheeler took maternity leave throughout 2015, and Nicola departed temporarily on 26 March 2015, to work in Dubai for six months. She made a brief appearance on 7 May 2015, via webcam, and then made her full-time return on 11 November 2015, when returned from Dubai due to an incident that happened there..

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Natasha Wylde</span> Fictional character from Emmerdale

Natasha Wylde is a fictional character from the British soap opera Emmerdale played by Amanda Donohoe. She made her first appearance, along with her husband Mark Wylde, on 15 January 2009. It was announced in July 2010 that Donohoe had quit her role as Natasha, and would leave the series later in the year. She made her final appearance on 24 November 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nathan Wylde</span> Fictional character from Emmerdale

Nathan Wylde is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Emmerdale, played by Lyndon Ogbourne. He made his first on-screen appearance on 17 February 2009 and his last on 26 November 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maisie Wylde</span> Fictional character from Emmerdale

Maisie Foster is a fictional character from the British soap opera Emmerdale, played by Alice Coulthard. The character was introduced by series producer Anita Turner and first appeared in 2009. It was announced on 30 June 2010 that Alice Coulthard had quit the show and her character would be written out later in the year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lizzie Lakely</span> Fictional character from Emmerdale

Lizzie Lakely is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Emmerdale, played by Kitty McGeever. Lizzie is Emmerdale's first blind character, and was played by a blind actress. She made her first on-screen appearance on 28 April 2009. Lizzie's last appearance was on 28 March 2013. McGeever had health problems, but, in June 2013, producer Kate Oates stated there had been plans for her to return. McGeever died in August 2015, however, without having returned to the series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Faye Lamb</span> Fictional character from Emmerdale

Faye Lamb is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Emmerdale, played by Kim Thomson. She made her first on-screen appearance on 27 March 2009. In January 2011, it was announced that Thomson had quit the series, and she departed on 24 March of that year.

Ryan Lamb (<i>Emmerdale</i>) Fictional character from Emmerdale

Ryan Lamb is a fictional character from the British soap opera Emmerdale. He was played by actor James Sutton and made his first appearance in June 2009. In February 2011, it was announced that Sutton would be leaving the show in spring 2011. He made his last appearance on 26 April 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Holly Barton</span> Fictional character from Emmerdale

Holly Barton is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Emmerdale, played by Sophie Powles. She made her first on-screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 17 July 2009. Holly was introduced to the soap as part of the Bartons, a new farming family who took over the running of Butler's Farm. Holly was joined by her mother, father and two siblings. The family were described as being "sexy, modern and contemporary" by the show's series producer, Gavin Blyth. Holly departed on 20 June 2012, but Powles later reprised her role and Holly returned on 24 March 2016 for a six-month stint. The character was killed off on 29 September 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Declan Macey</span> Fictional character from Emmerdale

Declan Macey is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Emmerdale, portrayed by Jason Merrells. He was introduced on 15 April 2010. The Emmerdale website has described the character by saying "Declan is a shrewd businessman who knows exactly what he wants and how to get it. He's prepared to be unpopular if it's good for business and the people in the village recognise his confidence. He does have a softer side but is not the most attentive husband in the world." In September 2014, Merrells confirmed he had left the show. Declan made his final appearance on 13 October 2014 after exposing the crimes that he committed with his wife, Charity Dingle ; she framed her cousin Sam and his girlfriend Rachel Breckle for starting a fire at Home Farm – which Declan was responsible for during his attempt to commit suicide after becoming on the verge of financial bankruptcy – before causing the events of Declan embarking on a monthly insurance fraud.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Leyla Harding</span> Fictional character from Emmerdale

Leyla Harding is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Emmerdale, played by Roxy Shahidi. She made her first on-screen appearance on 11 August 2008 and was introduced by series producer, Anita Turner. The character departed on 5 August 2011. Shahidi returned to Emmerdale for two episodes on 25 December 2013. She returned full-time in January 2014. On 5 January 2018, Shahadi took maternity leave from the show whilst pregnant with her first child. She returned on 3 October 2018.

References

  1. Davidson, Laura (11 January 2009). "Emmerdale tycoon fibbed about Scots roots so he'd look tough". Sunday Mail.