Mark Wylde

Mark Wylde
Emmerdale character
Portrayed by	Maxwell Caulfield
Created by	Anita Turner
Duration	2009–10
First appearance	15 January 2009
Last appearance	14 January 2010
Classification	Former; regular
Profile
Date of birth	17 February 1959(1959-02-17)
Date of death	14 January 2010(2010-01-14) (aged 50)
Occupation	Businessman
Family Wife Faye Lamb Natasha Wylde Sons Ryan Lamb Nathan Wylde Will Wylde Daughters Maisie Wylde

Mark Wylde (né Daniel Lamb) was a fictional character in the British soap opera Emmerdale played by Maxwell Caulfield. He made his first appearance on 15 January 2009 and departed on 3 January 2010.

In early December 2009, it was announced that Caulfield had quit the show and would depart shortly. Producers promised a "stunning exit storyline" which would see a who-dunit type storyling in which Mark would be killed-off. Mark was murdered by his wife Natasha Wylde on-screen (although only the audience knew of Natasha's guilt) on 3 January 2010. The murder-storyline saw the revelation of Mark and Faye's affair, that Mark is Ryan's bilogical father (meaning that he is Maisie's brother), and Natasha found out about Mark's cheating, giving them all motives for murder. The storyline reached it's climax in mid-October, which saw Natasha confess to Mark's killing and sentenced to 21 years imprisonment and Ryan leaving the village for a fresh start.

Character creation and development

Casting

The characters of Mark and Natasha Wylde were announced in September 2008, with Maxwell Caulfield and Amanda Donohoe announced as the actors portraying them. They started filming in October 2008, and were originally thought to be first appearing on 25 December 2008, but this was later changed to 15 January 2009.

Caulfield said that the role was "just too tempting to turn down and I can't wait to start filming in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside".

Anita Turner, the series producer, said she was "thrilled to be welcoming two actors of such high calibre to the cast". He described the character as "fun to play".^[1]

Amanda Donohoe said that the Wyldes are "self-made millionaires, they're very well-to-do", and although not looking for retirement they do want a "break from the big city". She also said that the couple have been married for 25 years and have two grown-up children and a nine-year old. Caulfield said that there is a "hidden side to Mark that will come out over time". Although he is an "out-and-out charmer" he is one of those people whose "sincerity you have to question", he said.

Departure

In October 2009 after less than a year in the show Maxwell Caulfield quit the show due to fear of being type cast it was announced that the character would be killed off and made his last appearance on 14 January 2010.

Storylines

2009–10

Mark and Natasha first appear on horseback riding into the village to meet Bishop George, who is waiting to hand over the keys of St. Mary's Church, which they have bought in addition to Home Farm. All three then head to The Woolpack, where they are given an unfriendly welcome, as their buying the church means Ashley and Laurel Thomas have to leave the village. However, Natasha announces that they bought the church and vicarage to give back to the community - making them instantly popular. However, Natasha had not discussed this with Mark before announcing it, but later assures him that it was necessary to keep the villagers on side.

A couple of months after the arrival of the Wyldes, Faye Lamb turned up in the village after seeing Mark's photo in a magazine profile of the family. Mark saw her several times, and eventually they had a long conversation in the woods. He apologised for the way he treated her in the past and put her up in an expensive flat. In late May, it was revealed that Mark was married to Faye, making his marriage to Natasha bigamous, and his real name was Daniel Lamb. He went missing twenty-seven years ago, after going to pick up a friend from the station, and never returned. They were in serious debt as his company had just gone bankrupt. His parents never recovered from the shock and died shortly afterwards. Faye had Daniel declared legally dead seven years later. He moved to France and later set up a new identity - Mark Wylde. Faye was not sure if she was pregnant at the time and consequently did not tell him. A week later he found out that he and Faye had a son, Ryan Lamb.

In late June, Faye told Natasha everything about Mark's previous life, Natasha was very hurt and angry with Mark that she had been lied to for more than 20 years. Faye, angered by Mark and Natasha's behaviour, moved into the village with Ryan, wanting them to get to know each other. Natasha, however, insisted that Mark arrange a job for Ryan in Dubai, which he initially did but later withdrew only days before Ryan was due to leave, as he had bonded with Ryan. Natasha was not happy, warning Mark that it was only a matter of time before the truth came out.

In early January Mark and Faye were planning to get back together. Despite earlier plans, they decided to leave things as they were, aware of how much pain they would cause to their children. But Natasha guessed what Mark was doing and confronted them, just as they were making plans for Faye to move on. Faye told her this but Natasha refused to believe it, leading to a row. By this time Ryan and Maisie had started a secret relationship. However, while they are up in Ryan's bedroom they hear voices rowing downstairs, which they soon realise are Natasha, Mark and Faye. They come downstairs and announce that they are dating. Natasha, Mark and Faye explain to that they can't because they are half brother and sister and tell them that Mark is a bigamist. Both Ryan and Maisie are devastated and angry. After Natasha orders him to leave, Mark writes a suicide note that evening and goes out to the woods with a shotgun. Natasha finds the note and heads out to the woods and persuades him to give her the gun. But upon hearing him saying that he was not going to run away anymore, she shoots him with the shotgun and buries his body. His final words were, "I've made a decision. Let's go home." Natasha said in response, "You don't get to make decisions anymore, Mark..." before shooting him dead with the shotgun, killing him instantly. As the camera pans to the sky the gunshot can be heard. Natasha panics and she buries Mark's body, off-screen. Ryan Lamb (James Sutton) is framed by Nathan for Mark's murder and he is charged but Natasha eventually confesses and Ryan is released without charge.

Mark's remains were found in July 2010, by Sam Dingle, who called the police. Natasha was later convicted of Mark's murder, and sentenced to spend at least 21 years imprisonment before being eligible for parole. Natasha's last appearance is her being escorted into her cell and taking one last breath of outside life, before she mouths 'sorry' to Nathan, who wants nothing more to do with her for killing his father.

Reception

Prior to the Wyldes' first appearance, the News of the World described their arrival in the village as a "Don't miss" TV moment of the week. Simon Swift, in his Soaplife blog criticised Emmerdale for not being "more radical" in their new characters.

References

1. ^ Davidson, Laura (11 January 2009). "Emmerdale tycoon fibbed about Scots roots so he'd look tough". Sunday Mail. http://www.sundaymail.co.uk/tv-showbiz-news/entertainment-news/2009/01/11/emmerdale-tycoon-fibbed-about-scots-roots-so-he-d-look-tough-78057-21033185/. 

External links