Pierce Harris in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock/Comp ED!)
Soaps

Rhona’s Pierce Harris nightmare in Emmerdale explained: From grieving husband to one of the soap�s sickest villains

Rhona thought she was free of Pierce's grip

Pierce Harris, the abusive ex-husband of Rhona Goskirk in Emmerdale will forever haunt her. But what happened between them? And how did he turn into one of the soap’s sickest villains?

Pierce wanted to find the man having an affair with his wife (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Volatile Pierce wanted to find the man having an affair with his wife (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

Pierce Harris arrives in Emmerdale

Pierce seemed like a secondary character when he arrived in Emmerdale. He was just the husband to Tess Harris – Paddy Kirk’s secret lover and little Leo’s teacher.

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But soon Pierce was making his mark on the Dales and he’ll definitely go down in soap history as one of Emmerdale’s most notorious villains.

Tess was killed in a car accident by Kirin Kotecha. Her dying words were to tell Paddy that she loved him. However, when Paddy came face to face with widower Pierce he lied and said his wife had died saying she loved Pierce.

But when Pierce was given Tess’s belongings he discovered the truth about her cheating. And when he showed Paddy’s wife, Rhona Goskirk, she worked out who the mystery man was.

Determined to track down the person who’d killed his wife, Pierce came to live in the village and even took Rakesh Kotecha’s job at his old firm.

But he showed a sinister side when he threatened Vanessa Woodfield in an attempt to find out where Kirin had gone.

Rhona's life was a living hell while she was with Pierce (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Rhona’s life was a living hell while she was with Pierce (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

Pierce marries Rhona and the abuse begins in Emmerdale

Pierce grew close to Rhona and the two betrayed spouses began a relationship. Lots of people – including Marlon – were concerned about the romance and Paddy was furious.

The two men brawled more than once, and tried to undermine each other. Pierce ended up paranoid and unsettled and decided to leave Emmerdale.

But on his way to Leeds Airport, Pierce was involved in the huge accident on the Hotton bypass – caused when Emma Barton pushed husband James to his death.

Paddy and Rhona were also involved and Pierce rescued Rhona, leaving Paddy to suffer. All three survived the crash, but Pierce’s paranoia grew worse.

He was convinced Rhona wanted to leave him for Paddy. His anger scared Rhona and he agreed to go to counselling.

Emmerdale Rhona is terrified of Pierce on their wedding day
Rhona was left terrified when Pierce attacked her on their wedding day (Credit: ITV)

Pierce Harris and Rhona’s rape

Pierce and Rhona got engaged. Rhona’s best friend Vanessa was concerned about their relationship and Pierce began undermining her friendship with Rhona.

He became more controlling and sinister and eventually on their wedding day, Pierce violently raped his new wife.

Rhona reported Pierce and bravely faced him in court when he went on trial. Pierce was found guilty and sentenced to five years behind bars. But Rhona’s relief was short-lived…

Who killed Graham?

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Pierce Harris in Emmerdale

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Pierce died in prison (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

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Kerry Barrett
Freelance Soap Writer
Carena Crawford
Group Managing Editor (Soaps)