Alicia Gallagher
Alicia Metcalfe (also Harding and Gallagher) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Emmerdale, played by Natalie Anderson.On 23 May 2010, it was announced that Anderson had joined the cast of Emmerdale as Alicia, the estranged sister of established character Leyla Harding (Roxy Shahidi).[2] Series producer Gavin Blyth stated that Anderson was "a wonderful addition to the cast" and said Alicia would stir things up in Leyla's life from the minute she arrives."[3] Alicia's distinctive look consists of fake tan, long nails, hair extensions and much gold jewellery.[2] Anderson told Digital Spy's Daniel Kilkelly that Alicia dotes on her son and "loves him to pieces", but things between her and her husband were strained when they first arrived.The biggest clue I can give is that Alicia is fiercely protective of her family unit and she doesn't want anything to come between that.[7] The actress also believed that Alicia would definitely be worried that Leyla would want to play a bigger part in Jacob's life because she is his biological mother.[8] While attending a Halloween party, Alicia noticed Priya getting drunk and became worried, so she decided to tell Jacob the truth.[8] Following a brief fling with Declan Macey (Jason Merrells), Alicia had a relationship with Andy Sugden (Kelvin Fletcher).[9] Anderson explained that Alicia really liked that Andy was down-to-earth and just wanted to have a family, work on the farm and come home for his tea.[9] Anderson told Woodward, "Alicia is an incredibly proud person and thinks she's confided in Andy alone about her situation.[9] Alicia later became involved in the show's saviour sibling storyline, which saw Andy agree to have another baby with Debbie Dingle (Charley Webb) in a bid to save his sick daughter Sarah Sugden Jr. (Sophia Amber Moore).[10] Anderson stated that Alicia was aware of ill Sarah was, but there was a point at which she would have to "a huge decision" about her relationship with Andy.[11] Deciding that she needed to give Jacob the perfect birthday, Alicia began stealing from Leyla's shop.During the burglary, David Metcalfe (Matthew Wolfenden) and Leyla hear a noise, but Alicia has gone by the time they investigate.[11] Alicia was forced to admit to stealing from the shop when Leyla accused employee Amy Wyatt (Chelsea Halfpenny) of committing the thefts.[12] The sisters eventually called a truce, after Leyla asked Andy to convince Alicia to come back home.[13] On 19 March 2012, Anderson announced that she was four-and-a-half months pregnant, and joked that she would have to conceal her bump on-screen with large handbags and by standing behind the bar, before going on maternity leave.[14] Alicia was temporarily written out of the show and her exit storyline saw her sent to prison, after she punched Val Pollard (Charlie Hardwick) in the face.When Val reported her to the police, it emerged that Alicia had broken the terms of a previous suspended sentence and she was sent to prison.[16] In June 2013, Alicia began dating village newcomer Dom Andrews (Wil Johnson), despite still harbouring feelings for David.[17] Johnson told Digital Spy's Daniel Kilkelly that Dom liked Alicia "a lot" and wanted to make a go of things with her."[17] Dom's teenage daughter Gemma (Tendai Rinomhota) did not approve of Alicia, who quickly realised that she was "a daddy's girl".[19] On-screen, Alicia had been sexually attacked by teenager Lachlan White (Thomas Atkinson) and he had only recently confessed to the crime.[21] Anderson revealed her reason behind quitting the soap on Lorraine, stating that she left to spend more time with her three-year-old son, Freddie, ""To be honest, the main thing was my little boy.When Andy and Debbie Dingle find out that their daughter needs a bone marrow transplant, they decide to conceive a saviour sibling.Gemma confides in Alicia about her mother walking out on her and Dom, the pregnancy and her feud with Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper).During a siege in The Woolpack, Cameron Murray holds several residents hostage, including Alicia, David and Priya."[4] Kerry Barrett from All About Soap branded Alicia a "mouthy mum" and said she could not help feel sorry for her, as she is "desperately" in love with David.