The Mirror
·Aug 2026
Emmerdale's new star was teenage truant who put Buffy the Vampire Slayer before school
Emmerdale actor Casey Al-Shaqsy describes how she frequently skipped school as a teenager to watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer, attending mainly music and drama lessons. Despite her truancy, she passed her GCSEs, trained in musical theatre at ArtsEd, performed in West End productions including Joseph, Hamilton, Six and Wicked, and joined Emmerdale as Serena Sugden. She also discusses her admiration for Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Jason Donovan, her commitment to supporting young performers, and Serena's involvement in the storyline surrounding Dr Todd's death.