by Angela Cole
acole@thekmgroup.co.uk

She's a household name, who left one of the most popular soaps on TV in a fiery storyline this summer, but there’s no jet set lifestyle for Sapphire Elia – she just wants to be at home.
Twenty-four-year-old Sapphire, who left Emmerdale this summer, will be starring in the second pantomime of her career at the Hazlitt Theatre in Maidstone this Christmas, but won’t be staying in the town, as she can’t bear to be away from home for long.
The London-based actress, who started her career as a child model at the age of three, said: “I don’t like being away from everyone too much. I think I’ll be doing a lot of travelling backwards and forwards; maybe staying over here the odd night. I know it’s silly.”
Her final appearance on Emmerdale was watched by more than six million viewers. And her fame means she’s expecting to be recognised while in Maidstone – because she gets recognised everywhere.
“Since I left Emmerdale, people are recognising me more than ever. But everyone’s always really friendly to me. I love Emmerdale viewers,” she said.
She may not be planning to spend her nights in Maidstone, but she’s relishing appearing as Princess Jasmine in Aladdin, in the Blue Genie Entertainment production opposite former Holby City and Hollyoaks star Jeremy Edwards.
“I’m looking forward to it,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to play Jasmine. I love the film."
For tickets for Aladdin, which runs from Saturday, December 3 to Sunday, January 15, call the box office on 01622 758611 or visit www.maidstonepanto.co.uk