Soap Insight: Ryan and Katie unite

It's a case of life imitating art in Emmerdale this week as Ryan Lamb and Katie Sugden finally give in to their feelings for each other. Or should it be art imitating life?

After weeks of circling each other like a couple of naughty schoolchildren in the playground, Ryan - played by 26-year-old James Sutton - finally bites the bullet this week and apologises for his dismissive behaviour towards Katie (Sammy Winward) and asks her for a drink. But it looks like it's too late when she spurns his advances.

However, it's not a situation that a bunch of flowers won't sort and Katie relents, agreeing to a date in The Woolpack.

Speaking of Ryan's attraction to Katie, Sutton says: "She's good fun - he quite likes the chase and the fact that she's playing hard to get. He's not put off by the fact that Nathan has had a fling with her as they both think Nathan is a bit of an idiot. After Nathan, I think Ryan's a breath of fresh air. He's quite a grounded nice chap who just really falls for her."

Despite Katie initially using Ryan to make his friend - and secret brother - Nathan (Lyndon Ogbourne) jealous, Katie began playing hard to get herself. Sutton defends the character: "She wants to prove she's not easy and to get him to respect her - she doesn't want to rush into anything. She wants to take her time if she's going to enter into a new relationship."

However, the romantic gesture of a bouquet isn't as honest as it sounds, as Ryan actually takes the flowers that Michael (Jamie Belman) has sent to Debbie (Charley Webb).

"Ryan gets hold of some of flowers that Michael has sent to Debbie and apologises to her," Sutton smiles. "Katie agrees to go to the pub with him that evening and she finds the little card in the flowers from Michael and finds it amusing - she thinks it's quite sweet!"

And their night doesn't stop when they leave the local watering hole. He adds: "Ryan charms her in the pub and they have some wine and a kiss and he ends up back at her house."

So is their relationship one that's built to last? Or will it collapse easier than Heather Trott on rocking chair?

Sutton enthuses: "I think it could develop into a serious relationship, definitely. I think Ryan needs as many friends around him as he can as he's new to the village. He gets on really well with Katie and I don't see any reason why it can blossom into a beautiful relationship."