Nicola King (née Blackstock, previously De Souza) is the daughter of Rodney and Maureen Blackstock and the half-sister of Bernice and Paul. She is currently married to Jimmy King with whom she has a daughter, Angelica King as well as being the mother-figure to Jimmy's other children Elliot and Carl - who refer to Nicola as their mother.
Biography[]
1978-2001: Early life[]
Nicola Blackstock was born on the 13th May 1978 to Rodney Blackstock and Maureen Blackstock. She was Maureen's first child but Nicola had an older half sister Bernice Blackstock, from her father's previous marriage, and a half brother Paul Lambert from a relationship her dad had in 1974 with Valerie Lambert. Rodney had no contact with Bernice so Nicola grew up not knowing her sister.
2001-2006: Arrival in Emmerdale[]
In January 2001, Nicola came to the village to finally meet her older half-sister, Bernice Blackstock and stayed with their father, Rodney. She met and became friends with Emily Kirk (then Dingle), a friendship that lasted until Emily left to train as a vicar.
Within months, Nicola became interested in chef Carlos Diaz, unaware that he was involved with Bernice. She chased him for a while before they ended up in bed after Bernice dumped him, wanting to make her marriage work. Scared she might lose Carlos, Nicola announced she was pregnant and was stunned yet elated when he proposed, which she accepted.
On her hen night, Bernice caught her drinking vodka and Nicola admitted that she was not pregnant and never had been. Bernice (who expecting herself) was horrified and insisted she tell Carlos before the ceremony. Horrified at the deception, Carlos told Nicola about his and Bernice's affair and that she could be carrying his baby. Furious at Bernice's hypocrisy and deceit, she attacked her with her bouquet before storming into the church to announce that the wedding was off, due to Carlos's infidelity. She also told Bernice's husband Ashley Thomas about Bernice's affair and the fact that he might not be the father of Bernice's baby. Despite her mother's suggestion that she go home with her, Nicola stayed with Rodney and eventually forgave Bernice. She became godmother to Ashley and Bernice's daughter, Gabby Thomas.
Nicola's once kind and friendly attitude altered dramatically and she severed ties with Emily, although they later made up. Nicola was a bridesmaid when she married Paddy Kirk in October 2002. She argued frequently with postmistress, Viv Hope, and local siren, Chloe Atkinson, and caused heartbreak when she seduced Robert Sugden. She dumped Robert by allowing him to see her having sex with builder Syd Woolfe in her living room. Nicola had a brief relationship with Syd, which ended when she discovered that he was also having an affair with Chloe, who was dating Scott Windsor at the time.
After successfully starting a cleaning business and employing Pearl Ladderbanks, Betty Eagleton and Laurel Thomas, Nicola met fishmonger Simon Meredith in November 2003 and after a bumpy start, they began dating. However, there were many obstacles, such as his ex-fiancée Tash Abbott and his mother, Lesley Meredith. Nicola was desperate to settle down and dreamed of the perfect marriage. After they got engaged, Lesley constantly caused trouble and even stole Kelly Windsor's credit card and eventually, her debts began mounting up. This resulted in Lesley and Simon losing everything, forcing him and Nicola to postpone the wedding. Bored with Simon and their financial problems, Nicola hatched a plan to snare her half-brother Paul Lambert's bisexual lover, Ivan, who was mates with Simon. After failing repeatedly to seduce him, Nicola plied Ivan with alcohol and tried again, a moment witnessed by Lesley. However, she didn't see Ivan rejecting Nicola. Assuming that they were having an affair, Lesley told her son about Nicola's "infidelity" so Simon ended the relationship. Nicola was disgraced as she also destroyed Ivan and Paul's relationship, leading Paul and Rodney to disown her so Nicola left the village in March 2006.
2007-2008: Return[]
Nicola returned in September 2007 with a business proposition for David Metcalfe. He was now in charge of what had been Laurel and Nicola's cleaning business and she wanted it back. Nicola now claimed to be a wealthy widow, having married Donald De Souza, a millionaire tycoon. She restarted her cleaning empire and threatened to put David out of business. After meeting him a few times, she returned to an unenthusiastic response, as it was clear that no one had forgiven her. Nicola pursued David, despite him dating Jasmine Thomas. Nicola and David slept together and Jasmine caught them. She ended things with David and wrote an article, exposing the fact that Donald was still alive. He was in a coma, following a brain haemorrhage. Nicola told Rodney and Paul that she had said he was dead because unless she could prove Donald's son, Miles, was still drinking, he would inherit Donald's estate so Nicola kept Donald alive until she had the proof she needed and then she would allow the machines to be switched off. However, Jasmine got Miles back on the wagon.
On 28th December 2007, Nicola was called to the hospital and was stunned to learn that Donald was conscious. He claimed not to remember her and spent the evening with Miles. Realising Donald could make a full recovery, Nicola planned to murder him and asked David to help her but, disgusted, he refused to get involved and sabotaged plots to electrocute and poison him. Knowing Nicola was determined, David told Donald, who confronted her on some local cliffs, giving her the perfect opportunity. Shocked, she confessed and even tried to save him when he looked like he might go over the edge. He agreed not to tell the police, providing she left his house immediately and David didn't want her either. Rodney, unaware of this, rented Mill Brook Cottage for them, expecting her to pay half the rent. She asked David for a job but all he offered was scrubbing floors. She worked for him briefly but soon went to work for Paddy. He didn't want to hire her but when she accidentally injured him, leaving him unable to drive, he hired her as his chauffeur. Nicola spent most of her time with Rodney and attempted to become respectable again. When celebrity chef Anthony Worrall Thompson visited, Nicola tried to get to know him and was soon bragging that they were going to work together but was embarrassed when Bob gave her a message from Anthony's people, asking her to stop bothering him.
In June 2008, Nicola started dog-sitting briefly. Rodney wasn't happy about it but it was a way of earning money and Val Pollard's daughter, Sharon Lambert, used her contacts to help Nicola get started as she had a friend that needed someone to look after her dog while she was abroad. David helped Nicola find some missing dogs one day and they reconciled after hearing Sharon telling a friend that she wasn't that interested in David. Nicola told Sharon and they had a fight in The Woolpack until David separated them and ended Nicola's dog-sitting business as Sharon was no longer prepared to help her get started but Nicola soon came up with another money-making scheme. Rodney had been trying to cheer Gabby up after she learnt about the baby swap involving Daniel and Arthur by telling her stories based on his fairground days. Nicola sold the stories to a publisher, claiming that her father was dead, and they were due to be published in March 2009 but Rodney found out and gave her an ultimatum - tell the truth or stop calling him Dad. She refused so he kicked her out. She moved in with Edna Birch, following brief stays with the Pollards and her brother, Paul and Katie Sugden.
When Nicola discovered that Ashley Thomas' boss told him that they were considering closing the church in late 2008, she and David planned to buy it and make it their dream home. However, there was a problem: the church choir. Nicola planned to ruin the choir by telling Laurel and Ashley she was there to help them but making the choir so bad, they would have no chance in a competition. In November, she changed her mind after becoming closer to her family and friends because they were impressed by her attempts to help the community. She focused her efforts on saving the church by helping the choir sing "O Happy Day". David and Eric discovered what she was up to and tried to sabotage the choir. They failed and the choir won a special recognition award so David and his father, Eric Pollard, revealed Nicola's original plan so she was shunned by the choir and estranged again from Laurel. Nicola worked hard to convince people that she was truly reformed and wanted them to succeed. She made headway on 15th December, just after the competition, when she was allowed to collect Gabby from playgroup. On 19th December, Edna asked Nicola to move out so her sister, Lily, could move in. Now homeless and alone, she moved into the church so Laurel took pity on her, asking her to move in with her and Ashley. On 25th December, after the Christmas Service, Nicola started a sit-in protest in the church to stop its closure with the choir in tow. They convinced Eric and David not to buy the church but meant the church was still for sale. The church was purchased by newcomers Mark and Natasha Wylde who also bought Home Farm Estates. The villagers convinced the Wyldes to let them have the church and Nicola applied for the position of estate manager at Home Farm as Natasha chose to employ Nicola, rather than keep Rodney on, as she admired her determination. Nicola often struggled to stay within her boundaries as she was also expected to be the Wyldes' personal assistant too.
2009-2016: Relationship with Jimmy King and becoming a mother[]
In February 2009, Nicola and Jimmy King drowned their sorrows in The Woolpack and carried on drinking in an Emmerdale Haulage van. They spent the night together and woke up to discover themselves en route to Hull. Nicola was horrified but Jimmy was more amused and they got a cab back to Emmerdale. Nicola asked Jimmy to hide when they saw David but he saw Jimmy and laughed at them. Nicola was embarrassed and rebuffed Jimmy's attempts at a relationship. After several weeks, Nicola asked Jimmy to go with her when Mark and Natasha invited her to dinner. She thought their motive was much more personal but Jimmy wasn't happy to return to Home Farm and drank more than he should. Nicola, humiliated by the Wyldes, also got drunk and spent the night with him. Nicola pushed Jimmy away but was intrigued when Rodney told her Jimmy may not be as broke as she thought. Thinking Jimmy had money hidden away in Switzerland, Nicola charmed her way back into his bed and convinced him she cared about him, when he said he was going there. Jimmy guessed her true intentions and humiliated her by wining and dining her, then telling her that they were going to Switzerland in the haulage truck and telling everyone that she was a "gold-digger". Nicola was furious. In spite of the couple's rocky start, they were still attracted to each other so in order to make more room in the vicarage, Ashley's father, Sandy, and Laurel's father, Doug, wrote a love letter from "Jimmy". Nicola was moved by the romantic prose and visited him. After a passionate night, she told Jimmy she would move in with him, as this was what he had asked her. Jimmy was stunned but kept quiet as he didn't want to lose her but they argued constantly and after one row too many, Jimmy dumped her. Carl and Lexi insisted she move out so Laurel asked her to move back in with her.
On 8th May 2009 Nicola told Laurel that she thought she was pregnant. Laurel persuaded her to do a test and a few days later, Nicola learned that she was seventeen weeks pregnant. Shocked, she didn't believe it and insisted the doctor was wrong, sure that she and Jimmy had always been careful except the night they spent in the van. She considered an abortion and even booked an appointment but cancelled it after talking to Laurel and Rodney. They also talked her out of putting the baby up for adoption by Laurel and Lexi. Nicola returned to Mill Cottage with Jimmy and started looking forward to the arrival of their baby.
Nicola soon found support in Lexi King who was also pregnant. Unfortunately, Lexi's pregnancy was ectopic and the tube burst, so the tube had to be removed. Nicola supported Lexi but tried not to be there too much, fearing that her now obvious pregnancy was making Lexi feel worse. She also backed her up when Carl King made excuses about not being able to go to an appointment at an IVF clinic with Lexi. Jimmy later told her that Carl had admitted to him that he didn't want any more children and was only going ahead with the IVF to please Lexi but Nicola warned Carl that he had to tell Lexi the truth or she would. He did on 3rd August and Lexi told him to leave, which he did. Still angry, Lexi blamed Nicola when she tried to comfort her and pushed her away, causing her to fall down the stairs after a vicious row, leaving her unconscious. Horrified by what she'd done, Lexi called an ambulance and Nicola is rushed to hospital. Luckily, everything is okay and she is discharged but Nicola went into premature labour a few days later, while locked in the farm shop but luckily Rodney and Cain Dingle got her to the hospital before she gave birth to a baby girl, with Jimmy at her side. The little girl is put in an incubator and rushed away for further treatment, but Nicola and Jimmy are reassured by the doctor that their little girl is going to be just fine, naming her Angelica. The baby is kidnapped by a jealous Lexi and she takes her on to a roof but later returns the little girl to her worried parents.
Nicola soon returns to work, putting Angelica into playgroup, and after seeing Viv and Bob Hope's daughter, Cathy, biting another child, Nicola bit her so Cathy would know what it felt like. However, Viv called the police and they pressed charges. A custodial sentence was possible but Viv wrote a letter to the court, asking them to show leniency as she hadn't thought the case would go to court so Nicola was sentenced to probation. In July 2010, Nicola and Jimmy considered buying The Woolpack, assisted by Jimmy's half-sister, Scarlett Nicholls, but pulled out in September as Nicola fears she cannot cope with being landlady and a new mother.
In February 2011, Nicola discovers Jimmy has been involved in an accident and is receiving treatment in hospital. However, on arrival, she is shocked to learn he has lost all memory and has no idea who she or Angelica are. Jimmy is persuaded by Kelly that she and him were having an affair before his accident and that he was ready to leave Nicola. Jimmy and Nicola split as Jimmy takes Kelly's side of the story and the pair get together, with the son Kelly tells him is his. Jimmy's memory begins to return and he sees Kelly's true colours. Despite this, Nicola is hurt that Jimmy has slept with Kelly, and refuses to get back with him. The pair prepare for a divorce but after an argument in September 2011, the pair end up in a passionate kiss.
In March 2015, Nicola goes on a business trip to Dubai and returns having being offered a job there on a six-month contract. Initially agreeing to go along with her, Jimmy changes his mind when at the airport and they return home with Nicola questioning whether she can forgive Jimmy for ruining a once in a lifetime chance for her. Jimmy eventually agrees to let Nicola go alone and she leaves Angelica behind with him. During that time Jimmy and comes to visit regularly and she returns permanently in November after being deported for accidentally flashing her breasts at a public beach. However, when she gets to Mill Cottage, Nicola is shocked to learn that Rakesh Kotecha and his wife Priya now live there, after Jimmy sold it to him. Nicola is furious with this development and refuses to accept as she locks herself inside the house. Jimmy tries to calm her but Nicola angrily throws Priya’s clothes at him and Rakesh as she demands things go back to normal. After Rakesh threatens to call the police, Nicola leaves and goes to Victoria Cottage where Jimmy plans for them to live, but she is annoyed by its small size.
In July 2016, Nicola is overwhelmed when Jimmy’s sons, Carl and Elliot are both dropped off by their mothers. She struggles to take care of three children and is still unhappy by the lack of space in her new home. However, Nicola soon gets on top of things with Jimmy’s support and she bonds with the boys. She and Jimmy ask Juliette for parental rights to Carl and are elated when she allows them to keep Carl indefinitely. After this Nicola becomes close with Elliot and Carl, coming to think of them as her own children and Carl calls her mum as she is the only mother he remembers.
In June 2016, Rakesh starts a fire at Mill Cottage which causes an explosion. An unconscious Nicola is trapped inside after the house exploded, so Ronnie Hale and Dan Spencer go in and get her out. Ronnie goes back into the burning house to see if there is anyone still inside but collapses unconscious in the kitchen. Rakesh and Carly Hope go in and get him out of the burning building. Ambulances and fire crew arrive and the ambulance crew try to wake Ronnie up. Due to injuries on her head, Nicola collapses at home the following day and ended up having to have an operation in her brain. The test results came back, showing that Nicola had sustained brain damage on one side of her head so she couldn't feel her right arm or her right leg, leaving her distraught. When she had no visitors, she tried to get up and walk over to her chair but collapsed onto the chair, when Laurel arrived at the hospital to see her, she helped get back onto the bed. After this Nicola had to have physiotherapy to recover and used a cane for several months. She tried to sue Rakesh for this but as there had been no criminal case, she was left disappointed. Eventually she got her full range of motion back, despite doctors saying that was unlikely.
In December 2016, In a misguided attempt to help Jimmy relax, Bernice offered him a free night at The Brampton Hotel, claiming it had been gifted to her. Jimmy told his wife Nicola he had an all-night job to cover his absence. At the hotel, Bernice checked in under the name Mrs King, irritating the receptionist, Muriel. Nicola became suspicious after receiving an email from the hotel.
While Bernice indulged in spa treatments, Jimmy, exhausted, attempted to sleep but was interrupted by Bernice’s ramblings about her love life. A series of awkward events led to them both falling onto the floor, and later, Jimmy half-asleep mistook Bernice for Nicola, comforted her, and they shared a kiss.
Their moment was disrupted when Nicola arrived, banging on the hotel door. Jimmy panicked, hid Bernice in the wardrobe, and claimed the hotel stay was meant as a surprise for Nicola. When Nicola questioned the plan, Jimmy suggested that Bernice would watch the kids, prompting Nicola to insult her sister unaware Bernice was listening from the wardrobe. Jimmy eventually confessed he came to the hotel to escape their relationship. Nicola suggested they not waste the room, and they slept together. The deception unravelled when Bernice’s phone rang from the wardrobe, and Nicola discovered her hiding there. Despite Jimmy's protests, Nicola, furious and betrayed, stormed out after learning they had checked in as Mr and Mrs King. A chaotic scene followed, culminating with Nicola declaring she wanted nothing more to do with either of them.
Nicola visits Bernice and explains she believes Jimmy. Nicola questions what Bernice is up to and orders her to find her own man. Bernice explains she gets lonely and Nicola begins to feel sympathy for her until Bernice reveals she and Jimmy kissed. Realising Nicola wasn't aware of the kiss, Bernice pretends she was joking. Jimmy returns home to find Nicola in a robe. She offers him a head massage and tells him to close his eyes. Nicola pours glue over Jimmy's head and places a red clown wig on his head before confronting her husband about kissing Bernice and ordering him to leave the house.
Jimmy orders Nicola not to take things out on the children and reminds her of her kiss with Dan. He explains they are going to talk after he has dropped the children off at school but Nicola tells him she's seeing a solicitor. Teary Nicola admits to Laurel that she hasn't seen a solicitor, but questions how her husband and sister could do this to her. Bernice tries to explain things to Nicola, but Nicola doesn't give her the opportunity. Nicola then isn't pleased to overhear Brenda and Kerry talking about Jimmy. Kerry tells Nicola she started all of this and has nobody to blame but herself. Nicola suspects Jimmy will soon come back grovelling. Jimmy walks in and asks her if she's tired of the endless arguments and misunderstandings. He explains he has taken a driving job in Belgium, which will give them some space. Nicola cannot believe it. Jimmy insists they need to break the cycle, and if they can't, then they'll need to do what's right for the children.
When Jimmy returns from Belgium he brings Nicola a box of chocolates, but furious Nicola is having none of it and tells him their marriage is broken. The next day she invites him for Christmas dinner although tells him it's only for the children. On Christmas Day, Jimmy and Nicola realise Elliot is missing and they head out looking for him Elliot finds a necklace outside the David's Shop and pockets it, just as Nicola spots him. Nicola tells Elliot if he really wants to see his mum, they'll somehow find the money for the plane tickets. Elliot explains he doesn't want to see him mum as he prefers being with her and Jimmy. When Nicola comments that she sometimes forgets they aren't related, Elliot tells her he wishes she was his mum. Nicola tells Jimmy that Elliot mentioned he wished she was his mum, and Jimmy admits he wished that too.
Jimmy and Nicola go for a drink in The Woolpack and Pearl can't believe it when she spots her necklace round Nicola's neck. Nicola is shocked and humiliated when Jimmy explains he didn't actually buy her the necklace, She can't believe Jimmy asked Bernice to get her a present and all he really got her was a kettle. Jimmy apologises and states he'll do anything to make things right. Nicola orders Jimmy out of the house, but Jimmy insists if he goes he's taking the children with him. Nicola assumes Jimmy is bluffing. Elliot decides to stay with Nicola and Rodney stops Jimmy taking Carl with him. Angelica begs Jimmy not to go, but Jimmy explains he has to. Before Jimmy leaves, Nicola hands him back the kettle. Jimmy calls round to see Nicola and admits he was in the wrong. They continue to argue but when Nicola goes to leave, Jimmy realises the children have gone. Nicola is about to call the police, when Jimmy finds a note from Elliot asking them to got to the playground. They both argue as they make their way there and they can't believe Elliot and Angelica want them to renew their wedding vows in the park. They put on a top hat and tiara and read out the vows Elliot and Angelica had written from them. Jimmy reads his out, which includes always buying Nicola flowers and chocolates and not sneaking out to the pub. Nicola's vows include not blaming Jimmy for everything and buying lots of sweets. Nicola tells Jimmy that she loves her, and Jimmy insists he'd walk to the ends of the earth to make her happy. The couple kiss as the children watch on.
2017-2018: Nicola takes control of the factory, feud with the Kotecha's and Mrs Dumphreys' money[]
Nicola complained to Jimmy about the state of the office, insisting that the poor condition of the workspace was costing Home James Haulage business. While Jimmy attempted to make excuses to avoid any changes, Nicola made it clear that she was now in charge. Robert was displeased to find Nicola tidying up the office and refused to implement any of her proposed changes. Despite his objections, Nicola organised and cleaned the office, even though Robert had asked her to stay away from his desk. She later informed Jimmy that major changes were on the way.
Nicola met Jai for lunch, hoping to secure a deal. However, Jai informed her that no agreement was in place. Nicola was annoyed, realising Jai had used her for a free meal. Meanwhile, Robert met with insurance adjuster Neville. Nicola later approached Neville outside Mill Cottage to thank him for the insurance pay-out but was stunned when he claimed no pay-out had been made. She relayed this revelation to Jimmy, and together they began to suspect that Rakesh was hiding something.
As Nicola continued to question the situation, she wondered why Rakesh had given her money if it hadn’t come from the insurance company. Jimmy urged her to remain calm until they had more information. When the couple encountered Rakesh and Priya at the shop, Nicola confronted him about the insurance. Rakesh gave a vague explanation about missed payments voiding the policy, but Nicola suspected the insurance company believed the fire was arson. Rakesh denied this, but Nicola was determined to uncover the truth.
Ronnie visited Nicola at Victoria Cottage and confessed the truth about the fire. When Jimmy asked why he hadn't come forward sooner, Ronnie admitted he should have and asked how he could make things right. He agreed to stand by his story if Nicola decided to go to the police. Nicola then went to the factory and announced that Ronnie was willing to testify. Rishi admitted to making a mistake and begged her for forgiveness. Priya revealed that Rakesh had nearly taken his own life. Both Rishi and Priya pleaded with Nicola and Jimmy not to involve the police. Nicola agreed but warned that she intended to punish Rakesh in a way that prison couldn’t.
Seeking justice, Nicola eventually decided to go to the police. Later that day Rishi handed her a copy of the accounts just as Rakesh entered the factory. Nicola ordered Rakesh to leave, and Rishi informed the workers that Nicola was the new managing director of Sharma & Sharma and she promptly expelled Rakesh from the premises once again.
She then fined Kerry £350 for stealing chocolate and terminated her employment. Nicola announced a new haulage contract with Home James Haulage and pointed out to Jai that he could have secured the contract at a much lower price had he agreed earlier. When Kerry returned to the factory to collect her P45, she threatened Nicola and tried to rally the staff to walk out in solidarity. Unshaken, Nicola told them their P45s would be waiting if they chose to leave. She informed Kerry and Lisa that agency staff were already lined up to replace them. Lisa begged for her job back, and Nicola eventually agreed on the condition that Kerry kept quiet.
Jai was displeased when Nicola sent him to fetch her lunch, and she further upset him by offering Laurel the supervisor’s role. When Laurel questioned Nicola’s authority, Nicola permitted her to work whatever hours she wanted.
Nicola was abrasive with a client, leaving Rishi and Priya stunned by her behaviour. Despite this, the client reinstated the order. Nicola insulted both Priya and Rakesh, prompting Rakesh to demand she show his wife respect. Nicola and Jimmy were displeased to learn Priya and Rakesh had reconciled. After Nicola ordered Priya to clear her desk, Priya resigned, encouraging Rakesh to chase up the Manila job. Nicola was further angered when the Kotecha's revealed they wouldn’t be leaving, thanks to Jimmy’s intervention.
When Nicola confronted Jimmy about letting the truth slip to David, she berated him for no longer being the ambitious man he once was. Jimmy, frustrated, walked out, promising to prove her wrong. Later, following a commotion at the Mill, Priya and Nicola rushed over to find Rakesh injured. Nicola looked on in shock as Jimmy stood at the window, having pushed Rakesh. Jimmy panicked, fearing he had killed him, and Nicola told him to claim self-defence.
They visited Rakesh in hospital to find out what he had told the police. Priya was stunned Rakesh was letting it go and considered contacting the police herself. Jimmy pleaded with her not to, while Nicola warned that doing so would expose Priya’s involvement in covering up the Mill fire insurance scam. Rakesh convinced Priya not to go to the police and proposed a truce. The Kings agreed, on the condition that Rakesh kept quiet. Priya later warned Nicola and Jimmy that they’d got off lightly, but Nicola made it clear Priya was still not welcome at the factory. Priya then announced to Jai, Rishi, and Nicola that she had a job interview for a senior role at a rival company, which annoyed Jai, though Nicola doubted she’d get the job.
In May 2017, chaos unfolded at the factory after broken stock actually damaged when Nicola and Jimmy got passionate was blamed on the workers. Nicola pushed the staff hard to meet the order, but Lisa and Kerry uncovered the truth. Nicola tried to blame Jimmy, but the staff had already moved on to other work. Jimmy inadvertently revealed Nicola’s phobia of beavers, which led to factory-wide mockery. When a toy beaver appeared in her office, Nicola fled and declared she’d be working from home.
She later spotted someone in a beaver costume and gave chase on Sandy’s mobility scooter, unmasking Kerry as the prankster. Believing Jai was behind it, Nicola ranted about him in front of a client. Furious, Jai ended their working arrangement. When Nicola threatened to expose the truth about the Mill fire, Jai reminded her she would incriminate herself too, as she had used the secret to blackmail her way into the factory job.
Nicola blamed Jimmy for her situation. A drunk Jimmy eventually revealed to Kerry that Nicola had blackmailed the Sharma's and that Rakesh had started the fire for the insurance. Jimmy admitted Nicola had secured her role via a payoff. Worked up by Kerry, he ended up calling the police.
Nicola panicked about what Rakesh might say to the authorities and tried to convince Jai to present a united front, making Rakesh appear unreliable if he spoke out. Meanwhile, Priya transferred factory funds into her personal account, claiming it was necessary for Rakesh's legal aid. She defended Rakesh and reminded Nicola that Jimmy had pushed him out the window.
Nicola later found Rakesh in the factory office, where he revealed plans to track down Kirin and start a new life. He offered Nicola a share of the money in exchange for her silence. Rakesh attempted to recruit her into his scheme for revenge on the Sharma's, but Nicola saw through his self-pity and insisted Priya was better off without him. After texting Jai, Nicola watched as he arrived to confront Rakesh. Despite Rakesh’s warning that the Sharma's would discard her like they did him, Nicola was prepared to take that risk to ensure he paid for his actions.
Priya thanks Nicola for supporting her in court and reflects on how she misjudged Rakesh. Nicola reminds her that Rakesh nearly ruined both their lives, but they’ve survived. Later, at the factory, Nicola informs an angry Jai that Priya was in court earlier. Laurel interrupts, prompting Nicola to sense something is wrong and reassures her best friend that she'd look after Arthur and Dotty if anything happened to her. Priya later tells Jai that Nicola paid her fine, and in exchange, she gave Nicola a share of the factory. Jai is stunned that Priya traded part of the family business for such a small amount. Nicola and Priya toast to new beginnings.
In September 2017, Bob and Nicola were concerned that Laurel might cancel Dotty's birthday party, as it was the first major event since Ashley's death. In response, Nicola and Jimmy visited Mulberry Cottage with their children to hold an impromptu celebration for Dotty.
During the visit, Nicola observed Elliot running from the camper van and hiding something behind his back. Upon confronting him, she was shocked to discover he had a knife belonging to Daz. Later, Nicola confronted Kerry, Dan, and Daz at the salon with the knife. Daz dismissed the incident, claiming the knife was insignificant. When Nicola threatened to call the police, Daz retorted that she had no grounds, which Nicola interpreted as a jibe about her leg. Daz then grabbed the knife and left. Kerry defended Daz in front of Nicola, Jimmy, and Laurel, suggesting that if they overlooked the knife, Daz would overlook Elliot's trespassing.
Tensions rose between Jimmy and Nicola, with Nicola reminding Jimmy they at least had each other, whereas Laurel was alone. A romantic moment between the couple was interrupted when Laurel arrived with macaroni cheese to thank them for their support. Laurel appeared unaware that her continued presence was becoming burdensome. When Nicola and Jimmy were finally alone, Nicola received a work-related message and had to leave. Later, Laurel and Bernice unexpectedly arrived at Victoria Cottage, further disrupting the couple's plans. To avoid more interruptions, Nicola visited Mulberry Cottage to return Laurel’s dish, hoping to deter her from visiting again. However, she ended up staying to comfort Laurel, who revealed Gabby had chosen to live with Bernice.
Jimmy later arrived at Mulberry Cottage dressed as Tarzan, much to Nicola's embarrassment. He urged Nicola to speak with Laurel so they could reclaim their privacy. Despite their efforts to leave the party, Laurel insisted they stay, expressing that they were the only people she felt comfortable with, unaware they were growing weary of her dependence.
Eventually, when Laurel knocked on their door, Jimmy and Nicola hid to avoid her. Laurel saw them through the window and was hurt by their actions. Feeling guilty, Nicola decided to invite Laurel for dinner. However, Laurel declined, admitting she had seen them hiding and asked them to leave. The following day, Jimmy and Nicola visited Mulberry Cottage to apologise. Laurel questioned why they had not been honest with her instead of making her feel like an inconvenience.
In November 2017, Nicola had grown tired of Rodney’s junk cluttering up her living room, so she moved it outside. A man approached and enquired about the antiques. Later, Rishi entered the pub and informed Rodney that Nicola was being arrested for handling stolen goods. Rodney was then forced to admit to the undercover officer that the antiques belonged to him, not Nicola.
Meanwhile, Bernice pondered what to do with Mrs Dumphreys’ handbag. Nicola examined the contents, and Bernice picked up a betting slip, speculating that Mrs Dumphreys might have won something. Although Nicola initially dismissed it as an accumulator, she checked the results regardless. To their astonishment, Nicola and Bernice discovered that Mrs Dumphreys had won £99,552.
Nicola was eager to keep the winnings, but Bernice was more hesitant. Nicola insisted that Bernice should cash in the betting slip—if only to pay for a lawyer to help save their father from prison. However, Bernice remained troubled, unable to stop thinking about Mrs Dumphreys. Nicola continued to persuade her sister, but Bernice maintained that claiming the winnings would be morally wrong, even if Mrs Dumphreys had no living relatives. Eventually, Rodney delightedly announced to his daughters that he was no longer in trouble, thanks to Eric. With Rodney no longer a reason to justify taking the money, Nicola urged Bernice to consider the future college funds, driving lessons, and other needs for the children. Persuaded, Bernice agreed to cash in the betting slip. Bernice and Nicola successfully claimed Mrs Dumphreys’ winnings. They stared at their newly inflated bank balance and began to think about how they might spend the money. They later told Jimmy about the windfall and began browsing through holiday brochures.
Jimmy had purchased himself a faux-fur coat, which Nicola considered hideous. Panic set in for Bernice when she received a phone call from Mrs Dumphreys’ solicitor. At Victoria Cottage, Bernice, Nicola, and Jimmy worried about the potential appearance of a long-lost relative of Mrs Dumphreys. Nicola insisted they should remain silent and leave the money untouched until the situation settled. Bernice admitted she had already ordered numerous items online, prompting Nicola to demand she return them all. However, Nicola later caught Bernice hiding her purchases at the salon and asked her to store Nicola’s own purchases there as well.
The trio Bernice, Nicola, and Jimmy agreed to return the money if Mrs Dumphreys’ long-lost relative came forward. Around the same time, a man approached Lydia and introduced himself as Charles Unwin, a solicitor. He informed her that her second cousin once removed, Amelia Dumphreys, had recently passed away, and as her only living relative, Lydia was to inherit the entire estate.
Nicola was annoyed to discover that Bernice had continued spending despite their agreement, so she decided to go shopping herself. Nicola and Jimmy returned to Victoria Cottage to find Bernice covered in hives. Bernice took this as a sign of karma and insisted they would need to return everything they had bought with Mrs Dumphreys’ winnings and hand it over to the rightful heir.
Despite her appearance, Bernice was determined to attend the funeral in order to identify the heir and came up with a cover story to conceal her wrongdoing. Nicola disapproved of the plan and wanted to keep the money. Meanwhile, Daz discovered that Fred did not even know Mrs Dumphreys and had only attended the funeral for the buffet at the wake. Jimmy and Nicola took this as a sign they might still be able to keep the money.
The Kings and Bernice were stunned when Lydia revealed she was Mrs Dumphreys’ second cousin once removed making her the legitimate heir. Nicola asked Lydia whether she would prefer Mrs Dumphreys herself back or £100,000. Lydia replied that money meant little, especially now that Jimmy no longer believed they could keep the winnings, knowing Lydia was the rightful heir. Nicola still wanted to hold onto the money, but Bernice, like Jimmy, could not bear the guilt. Bernice insisted they would need to come up with a clever plan to get the money to Lydia.
At the salon, Jimmy prepared a rigged prize draw to ensure Lydia would win. He filled Nicola in on the plan to secretly return the money. When Lydia arrived, Pearl drew the winning ticket, which unsurprisingly belonged to Lydia. Just as Jimmy was about to reveal the prize, Bernice burst in and announced it was a month of free treatments. Jimmy and Nicola were confused. Bernice explained that she had exaggerated her lifestyle to her daughter Dee Dee, and now that Dee Dee had arrived unexpectedly, she needed the money to keep up appearances. Bernice introduced Dee Dee to Nicola. Nicola seized the opportunity to persuade Bernice to keep the money. She also led Diane to believe that Bernice had been borrowing from her to prevent any questions about the sudden influx of cash. Later, Bernice and Nicola reviewed Bernice’s recent expenses, with Nicola stunned by how much her sister had spent.
2017-2018: Meeting Joe Tate, the golf course development and marriage problems[]
In December 2017, Morris claimed to have known Tom King and invited Jimmy and Nicola to meet with him. Morris attempted to persuade Jimmy to support the proposed golf course development by offering him a role on the project management team. Despite their initial reluctance, Jimmy and Nicola agreed to meet the developers. Nicola congratulated Jimmy on getting involved in the project, although he began to have doubts, concerned that he might be responsible for the Dingles losing their home. Nicola encouraged him to think of their own family's future. Jimmy proceeded to meet the golf course team ahead of the planning inquiry. He knew his involvement would make him unpopular, but Nicola remained hopeful that, if handled well, the opportunity could help them get back on top.
In January 2018, Faith had celebrated New Year’s Eve and returned to the village drunk. Upon seeing Jimmy and Nicola, she shouted "Judas" at them. Jimmy and Nicola later introduced themselves to Joe. Rodney then informed them that he would be away for two months, having been booked to perform as "Magic Rod" at a high-end holiday resort in Ibiza. After doing some research, Jimmy and Nicola discovered the resort was, in fact, a nudist retreat for swingers, and it appeared the organisers had booked the wrong "Magic Rod". Nicola broke the news to her father.
Due to Jimmy’s employment under Joe, Nicola felt compelled to defend her husband, insisting he had nothing to do with the demolition of Wishing Well Cottage. Wanting answers about the incident, Jimmy and Nicola confronted Joe, who claimed the workers had mistakenly demolished the wrong buildings outhouses on the other side of the golf course had been the intended target.
In April 2018, Joe paid a visit to Victoria Cottage to confront Jimmy. He quickly wiped the smiles from Jimmy and Nicola’s faces when he revealed that Jimmy had signed the demolition order for Wishing Well Cottage and could now be facing prison. Jimmy protested, insisting he had not signed such a document, but Joe informed him that he had believed he was signing paperwork for private health insurance. Joe warned Jimmy that he had made a serious mistake in crossing him. Nicola remained convinced Joe was bluffing.
Later, at the pub, Robert, Aaron, Jimmy, and Nicola were enjoying a celebratory drink, Graham questioned whether Joe intended to escalate matters with Jimmy and Nicola. Joe claimed he had no such plans, but admitted that toying with them amused him.
Nicola looked forward to a holiday funded by money scammed from Joe, but Jimmy instead suggested they invest it into the business. Nicola agreed. As Jimmy remained a director of Home James Haulage, he and Nicola proposed that Robert return to work, anticipating Joe’s reaction when he discovered nothing had changed and was powerless to intervene. Robert accepted their offer. At Victoria Cottage, Bernice confided in Nicola about Daz’s declaration of love, but the conversation was cut short when they heard a noise upstairs. Rodney then appeared with a young woman and introduced her to his daughters as his girlfriend, Misty Allbright. Nicola and Bernice were shocked that Misty actually existed and speculated about what she saw in Rodney, concluding he had probably misled her into thinking he was wealthy.
The next day, everyone in the cottage had overheard Rodney and Misty's bedroom antics. Young Elliot innocently asked why Misty had kept shouting "Yes!" Nicola insisted that Jimmy should speak to Rodney, but he refused, leaving the awkward task to her. Nicola asked Bernice to house Rodney and Misty instead, but Bernice declined. Later, Nicola stopped by the salon to vent to Bernice about the situation, only to realise that Misty—who was having her hair done had overheard everything. Misty was upset that Nicola hadn’t come directly to her and Rodney with her concerns. When Nicola mentioned that she and Jimmy needed some alone time, Misty offered to take the children out that evening so they could have the house to themselves.
That evening, Jimmy returned home to find Nicola wearing a sexy dressing gown. As he prepared to take a Viagra tablet, Nicola came downstairs and caught him in the act. Jimmy revealed the pill, and Nicola, supportive but surprised, questioned why he hadn’t told her about his impotence issues. They had a frank discussion, during which Nicola asked why he hadn’t visited a doctor and promised they would deal with it together. Jimmy and Nicola met with Dr Cavanagh to discuss the problem. Nicola soon discovered Jimmy had lied about a previous doctor’s visit and was angry he hadn’t told her about his high blood pressure and cholesterol. She resolved to put him on a low-fat diet. Jimmy was unimpressed with the salad she prepared, but Nicola agreed to make him something else after he suggested trying the prescribed medication.
Nicola later prepared a libido-boosting breakfast, but Jimmy found it unappetising. He continued making excuses to avoid intimacy. When Bernice casually asked Nicola whether the washing machine was working again, Jimmy misunderstood and, thinking she was referring to his problem, revealed his impotence to everyone in the café. Nicola was mortified and couldn't believe he thought she would betray his confidence. Misty, revealing herself to be a qualified sex therapist, offered advice. Later, Jimmy informed Nicola that the Viagra made him feel ill and stormed out. When Nicola returned home, Jimmy dragged her upstairs.
As Misty sneaked out of Victoria Cottage, Nicola noticed one of her bras stuck to Misty’s jumper and realised she had been hiding in the wardrobe while she and Jimmy were being intimate. Jimmy explained that Misty had been acting as his sex therapist, prompting Nicola to demand details of what Misty had done. Jimmy refused to say, so Nicola ordered him to sleep on the sofa.
Nicola remained furious over Jimmy’s secret therapy session with Misty. Jimmy tried to calm her, assuring her that nothing inappropriate had occurred, though he let slip that he hadn’t been fully clothed. Misty later explained to Nicola that she had simply helped Jimmy to relax, although there had been a misunderstanding Jimmy had expected a massage, but Misty instead encouraged him to embrace his "spirit animal", and once ready, hers as well. To Nicola’s surprise, she found Misty’s bizarre approach amusing and even somewhat effective. She laughed and sent Jimmy upstairs, instructing Misty to give them some time alone.
 |
Residences[]
| Address | Duration |
|---|---|
| France | Until 10th January 2001 |
| St. Mary's Vicarage | 10th January to 18th April 2001 |
| The Woolpack | 18th April to 9th August 2001 |
| Dale View | 9th August 2001 to 28th May 2002 |
| Smithy Cottage | 28th May to 15th August 2002 |
| Dale View | 15th August 2002 to March 2003 |
| Mill Cottage | March 2003 to 9th August 2005 |
| Mulberry Cottage | 9th August 2005 to 9th March 2006 |
| Mill Cottage (temporarily) | 9th March to 10th March 2006 |
| Mill Brook Cottage | 10th March to 12th March 2006 |
| Holdgate Farm | 26th September 2007 to 17th March 2008 |
| Spa in Leeds (temporarily) | 17th March to 1st April 2008 |
| Brook Cottage | 1st April to 17th September 2008 |
| Farrers Barn (temporarily) | 17th September to 22nd September 2008 |
| Victoria Cottage | 22nd September to 24th September 2008 |
| Woodbine Cottage | 24th September to 19th December 2008 |
| Mulberry Cottage | 19th December 2008 to 23rd March 2009 |
| Mill Cottage | 23rd March to 8th May 2009 |
| Mulberry Cottage | 8th May to 15th May 2009 |
| Brook Cottage | 15th May to 19th June 2009 |
| Mill Cottage | 19th June 2009 to 23rd March 2010 |
| Brook Cottage | 23rd March 2010 to 3rd May 2011 |
| Connelton View | 3rd May to 21st September 2011 |
| Mill Cottage | 21st September 2011 to 11th October 2012 |
| Connelton View | 11th October to 26th October 2012 |
| Mill Cottage | 26th October 2012 to 26th March 2015 |
| Dubai, United Arab Emirates | 26th March to 11th November 2015 |
| Home Farm | 11th November to 2nd December 2015 |
| Victoria Cottage | 2nd December 2015 to 1st November 2024 |
| Mulberry Cottage (temporarily) | 1st November to 21st November 2024 |
| Victoria Cottage | 21st November 2024 to 7th October 2025 |
| Mulberry Cottage (temporarily) | 7th October 2025 to 16th October 2025 |
| Victoria Cottage | 16th October 2025 to present |
Background information[]
- In January 2006, it was announced that Nicola Wheeler had quit her role after five years on the show as she felt the time was right to try something new. Wheeler left made her on-screen departure in Episode 4307 (12th March 2006).
- In July 2007, it was announced that Wheeler had reprised the role and returned on-screen 18 months later in Episode 4779 (12th September 2007).
- In 2015, Wheeler became pregnant and took maternity leave. Nicola left in Episode 7141 (26th March 2015) but made a cameo through a video call in Episode 7176 (7th May 2015). She returned permanently after eight months maternity leave in Episode 7342 (11th November 2015).
Additional information[]
- Nicola has an irrational fear of beavers, something that is heavily exploited by Kerry Wyatt in 2017.
- In Episode 2843 (1st February 2001), Emily says her favourite film is 'Rocky Horror Picture Show'.