Emmerdale’s Tess Harris has been dramatically killed off after being knocked down by Kirin Kotecha in a drink-drive incident.

The shocking exit for actress Nicola Stephenson, broadcast on Thursday, has stunned viewers of the ITV rural soap.

Birmingham-born actor Adam Fielding has also said he is leaving Emmerdale. His exit is likely to revolve around the repercussions stemming from the fatal crash.

Emmerdale's Tess played by Nicola Stephenson and Paddy played by Dominic Brunt
Emmerdale’s Tess played by Nicola Stephenson and Paddy played by Dominic Brunt (ITV)

Since arriving in the village in October last year, Tess has made waves by having an affair with Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt), unbeknown to wife Rhona Goskirk (Zoe Henry).

The sensational plot thread is set to unravel following the teaching assistant’s death. Asked if she was sad to see Tess go, the former Waterloo Road actress said: “Not at all!”

She added: “I’ve had an absolute ball doing Emmerdale so on the one hand I am sad not to be working with Dom and Zoe any more, but I’m always quite excited at the end of a job about what opportunities are coming next.”

“I’m really looking forward to playing someone new.”

The 44-year-old praised Emmerdale’s writers and cast members.

“Genuinely it has been a lovely experience to do such a meaty storyline with such fine, dedicated, generous actors who are now good chums.”

Emmerdale's Tess and Padd
Emmerdale’s Tess and Paddy (ITV)

“It’s been an absolute joy to come in and get such a juicy storyline straightaway.

“The writers have created a fantastic story with great twists and turns that have kept the audience hooked in all the way along.

“I’ve been really lucky.”

Asked whether she would continue to watch the show, Nicola replied: “Of course, although I have to watch on catch-up as 7pm is bath time in our house.”

Meanwhile, Dominic told the Press Association how Paddy felt after hearing of his lover’s death. “He’s devastated, but more than anything he’s in shock as well,” he said.

“Also because nobody knows about this affair …. he has to grieve in secret, almost. So he’s struggling quite a bit.”

The 45-year-old added: “He’s rubbish at the affair and he’s rubbish at keeping his emotions in check.
“He just can’t do it so he gives away the affair (to Rhona).”