Sandra Marvin’s found "strength" in Buddhism after suffering with anxiety.
The soap star – who recently confirmed she is quitting ‘Emmerdale’ after two years as Jessie Grant – was introduced to the religion by co-star Gaynor Faye (Megan Macey), and admitted it was a good fit for her lifestyle and beliefs.
Speaking to OK! magazine, she said: "I’ve meditated on and off since I was 15. It’s always something I looked to when I was struggling with anxiety or nerves.
"Gaynor introduced me to Buddhism in the last year and it’s a really good fit for my lifestyle and my beliefs. It’s really been a great strength to me."
Sandra – who also enjoys a "very large gin and tonic" after a tough scene – suffered anxiety for over 10 years, but now uses exercise and her faith to help "calm her".
She added: "Exercise really helps me, especially yoga, and my Buddhism. It helps me focus my mind; it answers questions and calms me."
The star has decided to leave ‘Emmerdale’ to focus on a fresh "challenge", but admitted it’s a big risk to call it a day in the Dales.
She said: "It’s been an amazing time on ‘Emmerdale’ but I’m also excited to see what the future could hold. It was a really hard one as I love soaps and I always dreamed of being in one. I’ve had the most fantastic time."
Sandra – who first appeared in the ITV soap in 2017 – has now turned her attention to the stage and joined the cast of ‘The Thunder Girls’ alongside Coleen Nolan and Coronation Street’s Beverley Callard.
Sandra Marvin found ‘strength’ in Buddhism thanks to Gaynor Faye
