Emmerdale's Rik Makarem: 'Nikhi is based on Chris Bisson'

Emmerdale star Rik Makarem has revealed that he based his character Nikhil Sharma on co-star Chris Bisson, who plays his on-screen brother Jai.

Nikhil is renowned for his fussy habits and fastidious nature, and Makarem has said that these traits are based on Bisson.



Makarem told Inside Soap magazine that "Chris is very tidy and particular about things - [the writers] base Nikhil on him!"

An upcoming episode of the soap will see factory co-owner Nikhil finding out that he and girlfriend Gennie Walker will be expecting a baby together, which Makarem thinks is a great development for their relationship.

The 30-year-old actor said: "I think those two are at their best when there's something wrong and they have some kind of obstacle or hurdle to overcome.

"That's not to say that I want them to be unhappy, but conflict seems to bring out the best in them. And it makes for fun viewing too!"

Jai also has some big developments lined up for later in the year, according to Bisson, who claims that storylines for Jai and his wife Charity "get bigger and bigger" as the year goes on.

Watch a video of Rik Makarem and Chris Bisson at the British Soap Awards: