Emily Symons

Emily Symons (born 10 August 1969 in Sydney, New South Wales) is an Australian actress. Symons' mother remarried when Emily was just four years old and Emily did not see her biological, English father again until ten years later. She left school before finishing her exams and launched herself into the acting world. For nearly a year, she worked in shops before getting a break in a post office training video. Her first high-profile role was in Australian soap opera Richmond Hill (1988). Though moderately popular, the serial was cancelled after 12 months on air in Australia. After Richmond Hill, Symons went to auditions for another Australian soap opera, Home & Away, wearing earrings and bangles. She scored the role of Marilyn Chambers in the show, starting in 1989, and continued in the role for many years. She also hosted the Channel 7 music program Video Smash Hits. After starring in a string of pantomimes (often opposite fellow Australians, including Guy Pearce), Symons decided to move to England permanently. Today, she is best known for her role as busty barmaid Louise Appleton in the ITV1 soap opera Emmerdale. She was also a contestant in the 2007 series of Dancing on Ice, but was voted out in the semi-final against Duncan James, a superior dancer.

Symons has been publicly linked to several romantic partners: Craig Simpson - a crew member on Home & Away. Symons called off their engagement in 1990. Nick Lipscombe - Symons married the British musician in 1992. They broke up when she moved to the UK and divorced in 1994. Matthew Le Tissier - Their relationship began after she appeared in a pantomime in Southampton in 1997. Lorenzo Smith - Symons was married to Smith, the second son of Viscount Hambleden and descendent of English stationery tycoon W.H. Smith, for two years. Symons claimed in an interview that her need for children and the resultant cycles of IVF eventually killed the marriage. Matt Healy - was dating her Emmerdale co-star, who plays Matthew King. They broke up just before she took part in "Dancing on Ice".