Emmerdale's Mark Charnock talks to Soaplife about how Marlon's battles are mounting up: Paddy, Rhona, Leo, Laurel... His life is one fight after another - and now he's got a gobby Gabby to deal with when Laurel moves in with him! Paddy's Community Service means he can't go to NZ and he's told Rhona to come back. Could this heal Marlon and Paddy's broken friendship? "After what Paddy was planning to do [take Leo to NZ for two years], Marlon felt like their friendship had never been. But when he sees the tyres on Paddy's car have been let down by bullies doing Community Service, a few of the old feelings kick in. He instinctively wants to help and gives him a lift." But Marlon wouldn't feel sorry for Paddy if he knew that Paddy had been secretly plotting to fly out and join Rhona in NZ, would he? "He'd be crushed. If Paddy was to do that, it would be a real statement of intent and for Marlon it would be the final betrayal. Marlon would face a long legal process to get Leo back. It would be a shocking thing for Paddy to do; he's usually such a careful, law-abiding guy." But Paddy's not Marlon's only problem. There's Laurel, too... "Marlon and Laurel are under a lot of pressure and in some ways they're in a similar situation. Both are facing custody battles. But they love each other and are supporting each other in a big way." In fact, Laurel moves in with Marlon. Whose idea is that? "It's Marlon's idea and he's excited about it. For a start, it solves a lot of practical things - Laurel's having problems paying her rent. It's not just for that, though. They've fought a long battle so they can be together and, in his heart of hearts, he feels that it will work." Not if Gabby has her way! "Marlon's concerned about her reaction, although he doesn't let on to Laurel. He knows that Gabby's not Laurel's biological daughter, which could present them with more legal problems. Marlon's done lots of research about custody of children and knows this could be an issue. He'll fight all the way and do all he can to make Gabby happy. He doesn't want to steal the kids from Ashley, but he does want them to be a family unit." But Marlon's already got a fight on his hands for Leo... "Leo and Laurel are equally important. He wants to make a family unit and Leo is part of that. He's desperate to get his son back while Laurel is the love of his life."
