Former Emmerdale star Sammy Winward - whose character, Katie Sugden, met a grisly end earlier this year - has carved out a second career as a children's author.
The 29-year-old has just published Princess Phoebe Meets the Tudors, about a modern-day, hoodie-wearing princess who comes face to face with her famous ancestors, thanks to a time travelling photo album.
"I've loved history since I was a little girl, especially The Tudors - I've got endless books on them," the former Emmerdale favourite tells us. "I'd tell the stories to my 10-year-old daughter, Mia, at bedtime in a magical, fairy-tale way - nothing too boring or gory - and she was fascinated.
"I knew I wanted to do something with history, and considered going to university, but then I thought I could combine my love of the subject with doing something for Mia."
Sammy, who's also busy filming the new series of ITV crime drama Prey, added she was glad she was killed off in Emmerdale.
"When I decided to leave Emmerdale, I wasn't sure whether I wanted to be killed off or not, but now I'm really glad I was. I can't go back, so it's made me move forward with more purpose."
