The shocking death of Rishi Sharma was revealed in heartbreaking scenes on Thursday’s episode of the ITV soap, leaving viewers of Emmerdale inconsolable.
Emmerdale’s Jai Sharma, played by Chris Bisson, has paid tribute to his longstanding co-star Rishi Sharma, played by Bhasker Patel.
On Friday’s episode of Lorraine, Bhasker and Chris made an appearance to talk about Rishi’s departure from the ITV serial after serving as a cast member for the previous 12 years.
Chris said the Emmerdale episode airing tonight, July 28, is “very emotional” since his character finds Rishi dead.
Chris expressed his regret at having to part ways with Bhasker, saying, “I will miss Bhasker. He’s always smiling, he’s a cheery cast member, and he is loved by everyone.”
Even in severe situations and important storylines, Bhasker continued, “Chris is a cheeky one while filming, he always makes me laugh and even in sad scenes and serious storylines, I would sometimes see a sparkle and thought, “Please don’t do it.”
The actors also discussed how Rishi’s death, which was discovered dead at the foot of his stairs, was received by Emmerdale viewers.
I missed the show last night because I was at the theatre, but as soon as I got home, I checked social media and it was mayhem, didn’t it, Bhasker?
The actor recalled the moment he learned his character would be killed off, saying: “Well, it’s been 12 years and I’ve been working as an actor since 1980.
“Getting a job like this was a blessing, but the producer immediately called to tell me that we were killing you off. We want you to have a substantial plot.
The actor continued, “When producers said they were going to kill me off, I was like, ‘OK, that part of my life is over and I am going to move on.'”
After realising earlier this summer that he had been adopted, Jai suddenly learned that Rishi’s brother is actually his biological father.
In the weeks leading up to his wedding to Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy), which aired in Thursday’s episode, he had been irritated with Rishi.
As Rishi was not present for the occasion, Jai spoke movingly about him to the wedding guests.
We’ve had our ups and downs lately, me and him, but that’s ridiculous, isn’t it, because life is so brief. I’m going to let him know how much he means to me as soon as I have the chance.
Heartbroken viewers watched as Jai was never able to reconcile with Rishi, who had perished in the autumn.
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