Emmerdale’s Rebecca Sarker is a firm favourite playing Manpreet Sharma – but fans are only just realising she starred in a rival soap

Emmerdale fans have been left open-mouthed after spotting Manpreet Sharma star Rebecca Sarker on a rival soap from years ago.

Actress Rebecca made her Dales debut in 2018 playing the village doctor – and it didn’t take her long to become a hit with the long-running ITV soap’s loyal legion of fans.

Manpreet’s also been involved in several big moments on the soap too. From her failed romances to being the sister of serial killer sister Meena Jutla (Paige Sandhu), her time in the village has not been short of drama.

Especially at the moment, as in the past few weeks, it’s been clear she is hiding a huge secret – and this week it revealed she is being blackmailed by a mystery individual.

Prior to her Emmerdale stint, actress Rebecca Sarker appeared in the likes of EastEnders and Doctors. She also played a number of small roles in Holby City, while she branched into comedy as part of the cast of Twenty Twelve.

But it’s her role in a rival soap from 90s that has got plenty of people talking. Sharing their shock online, fans are only just realising Rebecca appeared in Coronation Street.

The actress played Nita Desai on the ITV soap from 1999 to 2000. In her first acting role, she starred alongside her now Emmerdale co-star Chris Bisson, who played her on-screen sibling Vikram Desai.

Vikram rocked up to the cobbles as the cousin of soap legend Dev Alahan (Jimmi Harkishin). He became best mates with Steve McDonald – played by Simon Gregson – and dated Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson). The character also battled a drug addiction during his time on the soap before leaving in 2002.

Meanwhile, Rebecca played Vikram’s sister Nita and arrived on the street weeks before her brother in 1999. She stayed for just over a year and had a relationship with Steve while she managed the Corner Shop.

Chris and Rebecca’s past Corrie stint has left fans floored online. On an Emmerdale Facebook fan page, one person mused: “Just found out Jai and Manpreet were siblings when they appeared on Coronation Street! I never knew they were in that many years ago!”

Someone else shared their shock: “They say that you learn something new everyday.” A third also chimed in: “Didn’t know that. I knew Jai was in Corrie for good while vikram but I didn’t know Manpreet played his sister.” Another also wrote: “She looks exactly the same!”

Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm