Paul Marsden is a fictional character from the

British British may refer to: Peoples, culture, and language * British people, nationals or natives of the United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories, and Crown Dependencies. ** Britishness, the British identity and common culture * British English, ...

television soap opera ''

Emmerdale ''Emmerdale'' (known as ''Emmerdale Farm'' until 1989) is a British soap opera that is broadcast on ITV1. The show is set in Emmerdale (known as Beckindale until 1994), a fictional village in the Yorkshire Dales. Created by Kevin Laffan, '' ...

'', played by Matthew Booth. The character made his first appearance during the episode broadcast on 10 March 2003. The character was killed off in July 2004, following an altercation with

Carl King Carl Thomas King is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera, ''Emmerdale'', played by Tom Lister. The character and casting were announced in January 2004 when it was announced that producers were bringing "four new single 'hunk ...

( Tom Lister).

Development

After they had been on-screen for six months, ''Emmerdale'' producer

Steve Frost Steve November (born Steven Frost) is a British television producer and executive. Originally known as Steve Frost during his early career, he became a writer for the Sky One drama ''Dream Team''. He also took roles as an assistant director until ...

decided to axe the majority of the Marsden family. Frost decided to keep Paul and Siobhan in the series but Ronnie, Frances, Alistair and Elaine would all depart the series in December 2003. Of his decision, Frost stated "The Marsdens have got a great story to play through the autumn, but unfortunately this culminates in them leaving the village." On his plans for the remaining characters he added that "Paul and Siobhan Marsden will be staying on and the young couple have got some trying times ahead." Both remained in the show until 2004, when his character was killed off. The story featured

( Tom Lister) accidentally causing Paul's death.

Storylines

When Paul and his family arrive in the village, Paul initially works as a porter, alongside his nurse wife Siobhan. Paul actually wants to be a carpenter, and does some jobs with Syd Woolfe (

Nathan Gladwell Nathan Gladwell is a British actor, best known for his role as builder Syd Woolfe on the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'', a role which he played from 2002 until 2004. Gladwell is also noted for his roles in other television shows including '' D ...

), but he finally finds a full-time job at the post office, beating

Marlon Dingle Marlon Dingle is a fictional character from the British television soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Mark Charnock. He made his first appearance during the episode broadcast on 17 October 1996. Storylines Marlon comes to Emmerdale to stay wit ...

(

Mark Charnock Mark Charnock (born 28 August 1968) is an English actor, known for his role in ITV's ''Emmerdale'' as Marlon Dingle, a role he has played since 1996. Charnock and ''Emmerdale'' co-star Dominic Brunt, who plays Paddy Kirk, produce a yearly ''Zomb ...

) to the role. When Paul's family move away, Siobhan and Paul stay in Victoria Cottage. They seem to have many happy years ahead, but tragedy occurs when Paul attempts to fix a roof with Carl. They get into a fight the day before over a package Carl had not wanted Paul to deliver. They reconcile and get onto the roof. Paul jokingly throws some tools to Carl. Carl throws some back, but when Paul tries to catch them, he falls off the roof. Carl calls his brothers, who move Paul's corpse to his garden. Siobhan finds him and cradled his lifeless body in her arms. No one ever discovers the truth about Paul's death. After his death, Siobhan discovers that she is pregnant.

References

Emmerdale characters Fictional British postal workers Male characters in television {{soap-char-stub