Paul Lambert (Emmerdale)
Encyclopedia
Paul Lambert is a fictional character
in the British
soap opera
Emmerdale
played by Mathew Bose
. Paul appeared between 2004 and 2009. He arrives as the son of existing characters Val Lambert
and Rodney Blackstock
and in 2008 Paul, who is openly gay, enters into a civil partnership with Jonny Foster
, the first of any primetime soap opera.
, saying that he did not believe Paul would have done that. He also criticised the storyline saying, "It makes out that all gay men are promiscuous and I don't think they are any more promiscuous than anyone else." The actor said that the audience "distrust why shows are doing things then start not to like the character's story and it is hard to win them back." After he "kicked up a fuss", he said the storyline "seems to have been dropped", but said that he would give it a few months before deciding whether to stay with the programme.
In September 2008, it was announced that Matthew Bose would be leaving Emmerdale. He said that he had "had a brilliant time" playing Paul but felt it was time to "explore new projects". He said it was a "personal decision", and played down press rumours about low morale amongst the cast and denied they were unhappy with series producer Anita Turner
. Turner said that it was "always disappointing to see great actors go" and that the door would be "open for him to come back at any time".
after leaving Italy having split from his partner of nine years Enzo. Paul soon returns to Italy to try and fix the relationship with Enzo, who later visits the village, but their relationship comes to an end. Paul and Val had had a difficult relationship for some years after he had had an affair with one of Val’s boyfriends. His childhood was difficult, often having to protect his mother and get her out of trouble. He later revealed to Diane that he had been subjected to frequent beatings by the man he thought was his father, along with his brothers. At a family wedding later in 2004, Val revealed that Paul’s father was not Jimmy Pepper, a former boyfriend, as he had always been told but Rodney Blackstock
, who at the time of Paul’s conception was married to Val’s sister, Diane
. Rodney and Paul then try and build a relationship, with Rodney finding Paul’s sexuality difficult to cope with. However, they do finally build a good relationship. Paul also builds a strong friendship with Emily Kirk
and later Perdy Hyde-Sinclair
. In his early days in the village, Paul does a drag act, called Thelma Louise, but later stops doing this. During his time in the village he works as a barman at "The Woolpack" and an event organiser.
In 2005, Paul starts a relationship with bisexual Ivan Jones, a local binman. Having suffered homophobic abuse in the past, Ivan does not want their relationship known, something which is difficult for Paul. They get past everyone finding out about their relationship by accident in the pub, but Paul’s sister Nicola Blackstock develops a crush on Ivan. However, when Lesley Meredith – the mother of Nicola’s partner Simon
– sees Ivan and Nicola together she gets the wrong idea, and tells everyone that they are having an affair. Paul ends their relationship, and although Ivan tells him Nicola was lying, Paul refuses to give him another chance.
In late 2006, Paul rescues neighbour Grayson Sinclair
from beating, and it is revealed that Grayson is bisexual. Grayson’s wife, Perdy, assumes that Paul and Grayson are having an affair, but Paul reassures her they are just friends, and he builds a strong friendship with her. In February 2007, Perdy believes that Grayson is sleeping with Jonny Foster
, so she introduces him to Paul. They soon start a relationship, and after six months move in Paul, Emily and Rodney. When Grayson and Perdy have difficulties in their relationship – caused by his mother Rosemary
– she is sectioned. Paul helps build their relationship and acts a go between the two when she refuses to see Grayson. Paul develops feelings for Grayson, and Jonny asks Paul to marry him. Paul accepts, but during their engagement he has a one-night stand with Grayson. When Grayson tells Paul it meant nothing to him, Paul feels guilty and tells Jonny. He manages to persuade Jonny not to leave Emmerdale and on 3 March 2008 they have their civil partnership at Hotten Registry Office. Later that day they have a ceremony at Home Farm, as neither can tell their parents they have already legally married.
Grayson and Perdy separate, and after one argument he tells her about his one-night stand with Paul. Months later, Katie Sugden
gives birth to Grayson and Perdy’s child, who she had agreed to surrogate when they were still together. Katie had told Grayson that they would bring up the child together, without Perdy, but changes her mind when she finds out about Grayson’s relationship with Paul. Katie had not told Perdy of her plans to give the child to her, so when Katie goes into labour Perdy tells Grayson. Perdy soon runs off with the baby, but Jonny refuses to believe that Paul had not tipped Grayson off. He later does believe Paul, but he later sees Paul and Grayson hug. Although, Paul said nothing had happened and he had not reciprocated the hug, Jonny said he could no longer trust Paul and leaves the village. Grayson leaves the next day after Paul out him and tells the village about their one-night stand.
Jonny soon texts asking for a divorce
, and in January 2009, he requests they close their joint bank account. After this Paul's friends, Lily Butterfield
and Leyla Harding
, seeing how upset he is decides to try and reconcile him and Jonny. This causes Jonny's mother, Patricia Foster, to visit the village. After initial confusion, Paul convinces Patricia that he still loves Jonny, who has moved to Australia
. He plans to travel to Australia to try and build his relationship with Jonny, but Val lies and tells him that Rodney has a heart condition in attempt to ensure he does not leave the village. Lily, however, gets in touch with Jonny and arranges a meeting between him and Paul. While they both still love each other, Paul tells Jonny he cannot leave Emmerdale because of his father's condition. However, on the day Jonny is to fly out, Paul discovers Val had been lying about his father's condition after confronting Rodney when he was about to make love to Pam Montclare. Before he leaves, although he does not forgive Val he does say he believes she is sorry for what she did. He then rushes to meet Jonny.
Paul returns briefly in June 2010 for Nicola's wedding to Jimmy King
. He goes back to Australia after the ceremony.
came into force on 5 December 2005. Although radio soap The Archers
and daytime soap Doctors had previously featured civil partnerships, Emmerdale was the first primetime soap opera to do so. Bose said he was proud Emmerdale was the first, and commented that soaps "have a great responsibility to show things as they change and be cutting edge".
Character (arts)
A character is the representation of a person in a narrative work of art . Derived from the ancient Greek word kharaktêr , the earliest use in English, in this sense, dates from the Restoration, although it became widely used after its appearance in Tom Jones in 1749. From this, the sense of...
in the British
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
soap opera
Soap opera
A soap opera, sometimes called "soap" for short, is an ongoing, episodic work of dramatic fiction presented in serial format on radio or as television programming. The name soap opera stems from the original dramatic serials broadcast on radio that had soap manufacturers, such as Procter & Gamble,...
Emmerdale
Emmerdale
Emmerdale, is a long-running British soap opera set in Emmerdale , a fictional village in the Yorkshire Dales. Created by Kevin Laffan, Emmerdale was first broadcast on 16 October 1972...
played by Mathew Bose
Mathew Bose
Mathew Bose is an English actor, best known for his role as Paul Lambert in the television series Emmerdale.-Biography:Mathew Bose was born 3 July 1973 in south east London. He has an older brother, Shuvro, who lives in London, and a sister, Shuva, who lives in India. When he was young, Mathew's...
. Paul appeared between 2004 and 2009. He arrives as the son of existing characters Val Lambert
Val Pollard
Valerie "Val" Pollard is a fictional character in the British ITV soap opera Emmerdale. She is played by Charlie Hardwick...
and Rodney Blackstock
Rodney Blackstock
Rodney Blackstock is a fictional character on the ITV soap opera Emmerdale. He is played by Patrick Mower.-2000–:When Rodney Blackstock turned up in Emmerdale, no one was more surprised to see him than his ex-wife Diane...
and in 2008 Paul, who is openly gay, enters into a civil partnership with Jonny Foster
Jonny Foster
Jonathan "Jonny" Foster is a fictional character in the British soap opera Emmerdale played by Richard Grieve. He appeared from 2007 to 2008 and in 2009...
, the first of any primetime soap opera.
Character creation and development
When Paul arrives in the village, he is the only gay male in the programme. While Bose said he liked "being the only gay in Emmerdale", he did not want Paul to be defined by his sexuality. In a February 2008 interview, Bose said that he thought about leaving after a storyline where Paul has a one-night stand with a married man, Grayson SinclairGrayson Sinclair
Grayson Sinclair is a fictional character in the British ITV soap opera Emmerdale. He was played by Christopher Villiers.-History:Grayson is part of the wealthy Sinclair family. He was married to Perdita Hyde-Sinclair, he is the eldest son of Rosemary King and brother of Alasdair Sinclair.He first...
, saying that he did not believe Paul would have done that. He also criticised the storyline saying, "It makes out that all gay men are promiscuous and I don't think they are any more promiscuous than anyone else." The actor said that the audience "distrust why shows are doing things then start not to like the character's story and it is hard to win them back." After he "kicked up a fuss", he said the storyline "seems to have been dropped", but said that he would give it a few months before deciding whether to stay with the programme.
In September 2008, it was announced that Matthew Bose would be leaving Emmerdale. He said that he had "had a brilliant time" playing Paul but felt it was time to "explore new projects". He said it was a "personal decision", and played down press rumours about low morale amongst the cast and denied they were unhappy with series producer Anita Turner
Anita Turner
Anita Turner is a British script editor, and television producer. From 2008 to 2009 Turner was the series producer of the British television soap opera Emmerdale.-Early career:...
. Turner said that it was "always disappointing to see great actors go" and that the door would be "open for him to come back at any time".
Storylines
Paul Lambert arrives in the village in September 2004, the only son of Val LambertVal Pollard
Valerie "Val" Pollard is a fictional character in the British ITV soap opera Emmerdale. She is played by Charlie Hardwick...
after leaving Italy having split from his partner of nine years Enzo. Paul soon returns to Italy to try and fix the relationship with Enzo, who later visits the village, but their relationship comes to an end. Paul and Val had had a difficult relationship for some years after he had had an affair with one of Val’s boyfriends. His childhood was difficult, often having to protect his mother and get her out of trouble. He later revealed to Diane that he had been subjected to frequent beatings by the man he thought was his father, along with his brothers. At a family wedding later in 2004, Val revealed that Paul’s father was not Jimmy Pepper, a former boyfriend, as he had always been told but Rodney Blackstock
Rodney Blackstock
Rodney Blackstock is a fictional character on the ITV soap opera Emmerdale. He is played by Patrick Mower.-2000–:When Rodney Blackstock turned up in Emmerdale, no one was more surprised to see him than his ex-wife Diane...
, who at the time of Paul’s conception was married to Val’s sister, Diane
Diane Sugden
Diane Sugden is a fictional character on the ITV soap opera Emmerdale. She is portrayed by Elizabeth Estensen.-Backstory:...
. Rodney and Paul then try and build a relationship, with Rodney finding Paul’s sexuality difficult to cope with. However, they do finally build a good relationship. Paul also builds a strong friendship with Emily Kirk
Emily Kirk
Emily Kirk was a fictional character in ITV Soap opera Emmerdale. She was played by Kate McGregor....
and later Perdy Hyde-Sinclair
Perdita Hyde-Sinclair
Perdita "Perdy" Hyde-Sinclair is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Emmerdale. She was played by Georgia Slowe.-Character's background:...
. In his early days in the village, Paul does a drag act, called Thelma Louise, but later stops doing this. During his time in the village he works as a barman at "The Woolpack" and an event organiser.
In 2005, Paul starts a relationship with bisexual Ivan Jones, a local binman. Having suffered homophobic abuse in the past, Ivan does not want their relationship known, something which is difficult for Paul. They get past everyone finding out about their relationship by accident in the pub, but Paul’s sister Nicola Blackstock develops a crush on Ivan. However, when Lesley Meredith – the mother of Nicola’s partner Simon
Simon Meredith
Simon Meredith was a fictional character on the ITV soap opera Emmerdale. He was played by Dale Meeks.-Background:When Simon Meredith first laid eyes on Nicola Blackstock, he knew she was the woman for him. Unfortunately for the friendly fishmonger, it took the object of his affections longer to...
– sees Ivan and Nicola together she gets the wrong idea, and tells everyone that they are having an affair. Paul ends their relationship, and although Ivan tells him Nicola was lying, Paul refuses to give him another chance.
In late 2006, Paul rescues neighbour Grayson Sinclair
Grayson Sinclair
Grayson Sinclair is a fictional character in the British ITV soap opera Emmerdale. He was played by Christopher Villiers.-History:Grayson is part of the wealthy Sinclair family. He was married to Perdita Hyde-Sinclair, he is the eldest son of Rosemary King and brother of Alasdair Sinclair.He first...
from beating, and it is revealed that Grayson is bisexual. Grayson’s wife, Perdy, assumes that Paul and Grayson are having an affair, but Paul reassures her they are just friends, and he builds a strong friendship with her. In February 2007, Perdy believes that Grayson is sleeping with Jonny Foster
Jonny Foster
Jonathan "Jonny" Foster is a fictional character in the British soap opera Emmerdale played by Richard Grieve. He appeared from 2007 to 2008 and in 2009...
, so she introduces him to Paul. They soon start a relationship, and after six months move in Paul, Emily and Rodney. When Grayson and Perdy have difficulties in their relationship – caused by his mother Rosemary
Rosemary King
Rosemary Venitia King is a fictional character in the British ITV soap opera Emmerdale. She was played by Linda Thorson. She made her last appearance on the show on 13 September 2007-Character's background:...
– she is sectioned. Paul helps build their relationship and acts a go between the two when she refuses to see Grayson. Paul develops feelings for Grayson, and Jonny asks Paul to marry him. Paul accepts, but during their engagement he has a one-night stand with Grayson. When Grayson tells Paul it meant nothing to him, Paul feels guilty and tells Jonny. He manages to persuade Jonny not to leave Emmerdale and on 3 March 2008 they have their civil partnership at Hotten Registry Office. Later that day they have a ceremony at Home Farm, as neither can tell their parents they have already legally married.
Grayson and Perdy separate, and after one argument he tells her about his one-night stand with Paul. Months later, Katie Sugden
Katie Sugden
Katherine "Katie" Sugden is a fictional character in the ITV soap opera Emmerdale, and is played by Sammy Winward. She originally appeared between 2001 and 2005 and returned in 2006 and has remained in the show since.-Casting:...
gives birth to Grayson and Perdy’s child, who she had agreed to surrogate when they were still together. Katie had told Grayson that they would bring up the child together, without Perdy, but changes her mind when she finds out about Grayson’s relationship with Paul. Katie had not told Perdy of her plans to give the child to her, so when Katie goes into labour Perdy tells Grayson. Perdy soon runs off with the baby, but Jonny refuses to believe that Paul had not tipped Grayson off. He later does believe Paul, but he later sees Paul and Grayson hug. Although, Paul said nothing had happened and he had not reciprocated the hug, Jonny said he could no longer trust Paul and leaves the village. Grayson leaves the next day after Paul out him and tells the village about their one-night stand.
Jonny soon texts asking for a divorce
Divorce
Divorce is the final termination of a marital union, canceling the legal duties and responsibilities of marriage and dissolving the bonds of matrimony between the parties...
, and in January 2009, he requests they close their joint bank account. After this Paul's friends, Lily Butterfield
Lily Butterfield
Lily Butterfield is a fictional character from the ITV soap opera Emmerdale, played by Anne Charleston. She made her first appearance on 3 November 2006. Lily is Edna Birch's estranged sister and the biological mother to Edna's son, Peter Birch...
and Leyla Harding
Leyla Harding
Leyla Harding is a fictional character from the ITV soap opera Emmerdale, played by Rokhsaneh Ghawam-Shahidi. She made her first on-screen appearance on 11 August 2008 and was introduced by series producer, Anita Turner...
, seeing how upset he is decides to try and reconcile him and Jonny. This causes Jonny's mother, Patricia Foster, to visit the village. After initial confusion, Paul convinces Patricia that he still loves Jonny, who has moved to Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
. He plans to travel to Australia to try and build his relationship with Jonny, but Val lies and tells him that Rodney has a heart condition in attempt to ensure he does not leave the village. Lily, however, gets in touch with Jonny and arranges a meeting between him and Paul. While they both still love each other, Paul tells Jonny he cannot leave Emmerdale because of his father's condition. However, on the day Jonny is to fly out, Paul discovers Val had been lying about his father's condition after confronting Rodney when he was about to make love to Pam Montclare. Before he leaves, although he does not forgive Val he does say he believes she is sorry for what she did. He then rushes to meet Jonny.
Paul returns briefly in June 2010 for Nicola's wedding to Jimmy King
Jimmy King (Emmerdale)
James Frederick "Jimmy" King is a fictional character in the British ITV soap opera Emmerdale. He is played by Nick Miles. He made his first appearance on 19 February 2004 and has appeared on the show ever since.-Backstory:...
. He goes back to Australia after the ceremony.
Reception
On 3 March 2008, Paul and Jonny made British television history by becoming the first couple on a primetime soap opera to enter a civil partnership since the Civil Partnership Act 2004Civil Partnership Act 2004
The Civil Partnership Act 2004 is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. The Bill for this Act was introduced by the Labour government and supported by the Conservative and Liberal Democrat opposition. The Act grants civil partnerships in the United Kingdom with rights and...
came into force on 5 December 2005. Although radio soap The Archers
The Archers
The Archers is a long-running British soap opera broadcast on the BBC's main spoken-word channel, Radio 4. It was originally billed as "an everyday story of country folk", but is now described on its Radio 4 web site as "contemporary drama in a rural setting"...
and daytime soap Doctors had previously featured civil partnerships, Emmerdale was the first primetime soap opera to do so. Bose said he was proud Emmerdale was the first, and commented that soaps "have a great responsibility to show things as they change and be cutting edge".
External links
- Paul Lambert at itv.comItv.comitv.com is the main website of ITV plc, the UK's largest commercial television broadcaster which operates 11 out of 15 regions on the ITV network under the ITV1 brand. The website offers on-line streaming, ITV archive, news, sport, entertainment, games, soaps, lifestyle, drama and an interactive TV...