Amy Wyatt | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Emmerdale character | |||||||||||||||||||||
![]() Natalie Ann Jamieson as Amy Wyatt | |||||||||||||||||||||
Portrayed by | Chelsea Halfpenny (2010–2013) Natalie Ann Jamieson (2019–present) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Duration | 2010–2013, 2019–present | ||||||||||||||||||||
First appearance | Episode 5731 8 October 2010 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Classification | Present; regular | ||||||||||||||||||||
Introduced by | Steve Frost (2010) Jane Hudson (2019) | ||||||||||||||||||||
![]() Chelsea Halfpenny as Amy Wyatt | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Amy Barton (also Wyatt) is a fictional character from the British soap opera Emmerdale, played by Natalie Ann Jamieson. She debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 8 October 2010, played by Chelsea Halfpenny. Since her inception Amy has been central to main storylines and has been played as the serial's rebellious teenager. Halfpenny has said she enjoys playing the character's mischievous side. Amy's unstable upbringing in children's homes and foster care has impacted on her persona. She is a troubled character and protects herself by creating a hard exterior. Amy's biggest fear is embarrassment and she aspires to lead a normal family life with her foster parents Val Pollard and Eric Pollard. As her storylines have developed she has grown close to the pair, yet rebelled at various stages. Charlie Hardwick and Chris Chittell who play Val and Eric have expressed their delight with the positive impact Amy has had on their on-screen family.
Other stories for the character include blackmail, one-night stands, heavy drinking and robberies. In 2011, the programme's series producer Stuart Blackburn devised a storyline to help viewers relate to Amy more. It began when Amy discovers she is pregnant by the serial's villain Cain Dingle. As the narrative progresses, Amy becomes ostracised as the fear of losing her new-found family increases. Halfpenny announced her departure from Emmerdale in October 2013, and she departed on 14 November 2013. The character was reintroduced on 7 March 2019, with Natalie Ann Jamieson now in the role. Amy has received mixed reviews from critics. Entertainment website Digital Spy has favoured many of her storylines. Halfpenny has been nominated for three Best Newcomer awards for her portrayal of Amy.