unaware whether he could be killed off, but he is happy to know he is staying with the soap. On 14 June 2017, Bocarie made a previously unannounced departure from the series; on-screen, Priya tells Rakesh that she has had sex with another man (who, unknowingly to Rakesh, was Pete Barton (Anthony Quinlan)). This, and Rakesh' arson being revealed, leads to Rakesh deciding to leave the village. Despite Bocarie's departure being hinted to, it had not been confirmed by show officials. Bocarie thanked fans for their "love and support" and called his time on the show "a privilege". Carole Carole, played by Tracy Brabin, made her first screen appearance on 23 July 2014. The character and casting was announced on 30 June 2014. Of her casting, Brabin said "It is a total delight to be playing Carole back in my home town of Leeds. She's funny and sexy with a dark secret. Ever since I played Tricia in Coronation Street, it's been a personal and professional ambition to work with the wonderful actors and writers of Emmerdale. I hope the public take to Carole as much as I have." Carole will be introduced as a love interest for established character Ashley Thomas (John Middleton). Ashley is initially reluctant to introduce Carole to his friends, but Harriet Finch (Katherine Dow Blyton) texts Carole using Ashley's phone and Carole soon arrives in the village. Kirin Kotecha Kirin Kotecha made his first screen appearance on 21 August 2014. The character and casting was announced on 23 July 2014; Kirin was initially played by Adam Fielding. Fielding's character is the teenage son of Rakesh Kotecha (Pasha Bocarie) and a new love interest for Vanessa Woodfield (Michelle Hardwick). Kirin will meet Vanessa while on a night out in Hotten, things become awkward when Vanessa learns Kirin is only 17. Of his casting, Fielding said "I am thrilled to be joining Emmerdale as Kirin. He's only 17 but he's a cool and confident guy and isn't going to let his age stop him where Vanessa is concerned." On 18 August 2020, it was announced that Kirin would be returning to Emmerdale after four years, with the role recast to Rish Shah. Kirin and Vanessa sleep together after meeting on a night out. The next day, he moves to the village and meets his father's fiancée Priya Sharma (Fiona Wade) and gives him his blessing. Kirin and