Paul Marsden (Emmerdale)

Paul Marsden
Emmerdale character
Portrayed by	Matthew Booth
Duration	2003-04
First appearance	10 March 2003
Last appearance	6 July 2004
Created by	Steve Frost
Classification	Former; regular
Profile
Occupation	Postal worker
Family Father Ronnie Marsden Mother Frances Marsden Brothers Alistair Marsden Sisters Elaine Marsden Wife Siobhan Marsden (2003-04)

Paul Marsden is a fictional character in the British ITV soap opera, Emmerdale. He was played by Matthew Booth and made his first appearance on 10 March 2003. The character was killed off in July 2004.

Character creation and development

In March 2003, a new family, the Marsdens, were introduced to the village. Their moving van broke down, but the residents rallied round to help them settle in.

Headstrong Siobhan Marsden and Paul had married in Las Vegas, and Paul's mother Frances did not approve of their relationship. When asked if Paul was seen as "not wearing the trousers in the relationship," actor Matthew Booth said, "Paul is a bit under the thumb, and I'd like to think I'm not. Then again, I bet every bloke thinks that! I'd probably not go for a girl like Siobhan because she can be quite a handful."^[1]

They were the only survivors when the family was axed at the end of 2003. Producer Steve Frost said, "However, Paul and Siobhan Marsden will be staying on and the young couple have got some trying times ahead."

Storylines

When Paul and his family arrived in the village, Paul initially worked as a porter, alongside his nurse wife Siobhan. Paul actually wanted to be a carpenter, and did some jobs with Syd Woolfe, but he finally found a full-time job at the post office, beating out Marlon Dingle.

When Paul's family moved away, Siobhan and Paul stayed in Victoria Cottage. They seemed to have many happy years ahead, but tragedy struck when Paul went to fix a roof with Carl King. They'd got into a fight the day before over a package Carl hadn't wanted Paul to deliver. They made up and went to the roof. Paul jokingly tossed some tools to Carl. Carl tossed some back, but when Paul tried to catch them, he fell off the roof. A horrified Carl called his brothers, who moved Paul's corpse to his garden. Siobhan found him and cradled his lifeless body in her arms.^[2] No one ever found out about the true nature of Paul's death.

Paul had wanted nothing more than to be a father. Ironically, after his death, Siobhan found out she was pregnant.

References