Emmerdale newcomer Rik Makarem has admitted that he would like to become a permanent fixture on the ITV soap.

The 27-year-old actor will appear this Friday for the first time as factory boss Nikhil Sharma. He will be joined on screen by his brother Jai (Chris Bisson) and sister Priya (Effie Woods) pictured above.

Makarem told the Glasgow Sunday Mail: “I’m contracted until the new year but I am hoping the Sharmas are here to stay. It would be great if they became permanent fixtures.”

“When I got the call I couldn’t speak and my mum thought something awful had happened,” he explained. “When I told her I was going to be in Emmerdale, she started jumping around the living room. My whole family grew up watching the action in the Dales and I can’t quite believe I’m now going to be part of it.

“Playing a ladies’ man will not be hard as the Emmerdale girls are all stunning. Edna Birch better watch out.”