Emmerdale Star Nicola Wheeler Issues Warning to Parents After Shocking Carl Storyline
Nicola Wheeler Speaks Out on This Morning
Emmerdale actress Nicola Wheeler has shared a heartfelt message to parents following her latest hard-hitting storyline. Appearing on This Morning, the long-time soap star discussed how her character’s recent plot involving her son Carl King has made her reconsider her own child’s online safety.
Nicola, who has played Nicola King since 2001, said she was shocked to learn that a child forwarding inappropriate images can be charged with a serious offence. In the soap, her on-screen son Carl (Charlie Munro Joyce) found himself in trouble with the police after sharing a private photo of Clemmie Reed (Mabel Addison) with friends — a storyline that has sparked widespread discussion about digital awareness among teens.
“I Had No Idea It Was a Crime”
Speaking candidly to hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard, Nicola explained how the storyline opened her eyes to the legal and emotional consequences of online behaviour.
“When I was talking to the producer about this storyline, I had no idea that a child sending those kinds of images was actually committing a crime,” she admitted. “Because Carl got sent the picture — he didn’t ask for it — but the moment he forwarded it, he was sharing indecent photos of a child.”
Her words highlight the growing issue of young people being unaware of the legal boundaries of digital sharing, even when they think it’s harmless.
Reflecting on Her Own Parenting Choices
Nicola went on to reveal that the storyline has made her reassess her real-life parenting decisions. The actress, who is mother to a 10-year-old boy, confessed she is cautious about giving him too much access to the internet.
“My little boy is 10, the same age as Carl,” she said. “He hasn’t got a phone, but how many children do at that age? I’m not a saint mother — he does have an iPad, but I’ve only just reset the settings for YouTube. I don’t want him seeing adult content.”
She added a sobering truth: “There’s a fact, isn’t there? If you doom scroll for half an hour, you’re going to see adult content.”
A Message for Parents Everywhere
Nicola used her platform to call for more parental involvement in children’s online habits. “We have a responsibility as parents to just check in with our kids,” she said. “Or maybe just not give them phones in the first place.”
Her comments resonated with viewers, many of whom praised her honesty and applauded Emmerdale for tackling real-world issues that families face daily.
Two Decades of Soap Legacy
Reflecting on her 20-year career, Nicola looked back fondly on her Emmerdale journey, recalling her first day on set opposite actress Kate McGregor (Emily Kirk). A clip of her early scenes played during the interview, leaving Nicola visibly emotional.
From scheming businesswoman to protective mother, Nicola King has grown into one of the village’s most layered characters — and now, her latest storyline may help spark important conversations beyond the screen.