Emmerdale star Bhasker Patel looks unrecognisable in new role after soap exit

Bhasker Patel as Emmerdale'sRishi
Emmerdale's Bhasker Patel looked worlds away from his former soap character. (Image credit: ITV)

Former Emmerdale star Bhasker Patel looks unrecognisable as he shared a behind-the-scenes image of his new role following his heartbreaking soap exit.

Bhasker played the much-loved Rishi Sharma for 12 years, until his character tragically died in a shock twist last month.

As he prepared to go to his son Jai Sharma's (Chris Bisson) wedding to Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy), a devastating cliffhanger showed Rishi lying dead at the bottom of the stairs.

It has since been confirmed that Rishi's sudden passing happened after an accidental fall down the stairs.

While fans are still recovering from Rishi's unexpected death, it looks like we won't have to wait long until Bhasker is back on our screens as he posted a picture with the cast and crew of his new project Leviathan.

Bhasker looked worlds away from his former soap alter-ego as he donned a long, grey beard for the snap and captioned the image: "That’s a WRAP on #leviathancycle... finally said bye to Nemo #character & reunited with Ding Ling 👍🏽 #thatsallfolks."

Leviathan is a ten-part film cycle that has been made over several years with "a wide range of marine biologists, oceanographers, political scientists, neurologists and trauma specialists."

Their website revealed: "Leviathan envisages a future very much like our present to consider possible links between borders, mental health and marine welfare. Each episode is taken from the point of view of a different character and their journey."

Rishi Sharma dead at the bottom of the stairs.

Rishi Sharma tragically died after an accident at his home. (Image credit: ITV)

Rishi's heartbreaking death came as part of a huge revelation for the Sharma family as Jai was finally told the truth about who his real father is on his wedding day.

Rishi dropped the bombshell that his brother is Jai's biological father, but despite his initial anger, Jai allowed Rishi and his mum Georgia Sharma (Lin Blakely) to attend his wedding.

However, Rishi never made it to the ceremony as the tragic accident had occurred, revealing that Jai would never get to make amends with his dad amid their ongoing rift about his adoption.

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7.30 pm on ITV, with a hour-long episode on Thursdays — see our TV Guide for full listings. You can also catch up on ITVX.

Grace Morris
Staff Writer

Grace is a digital writer with WhatToWatch.com, where she writes series guides, recaps and features for must-watch shows and delivers all the latest soap news and reactions. She graduated from Anglia Ruskin University in 2020 with a degree in Writing and Film Studies, which only made her love for creative writing, film and TV grow stronger.

You'll usually find her watching the drama unfold in the latest reality series or much-loved UK soaps (usually with chocolate by her side!). She's an expert in EastEnders, Emmerdale, Coronation Street and everything reality-related from Selling Sunset and Married At First Sight UK to 90 Day Fiancé UK. Plus Netflix megahit Virgin River!

Grace also likes to explore new places with her friends and family and, of course, watch and read about the latest films and TV series.