There's lots of drama for Fair City's Dearbhla and Cian this festive season. We caught up with actress Maria Oxley Boardman to find out what's in store...
Things aren't looking rosy for Cian and Dearbhla's relationship this Christmas. Are there more surprises to come?
No! Definitely not rosy… but that's not unusual for Dearbhla and Cian. They've had plenty of bumps in the road. And there are more surprises to come - one big surprise on Christmas Day in particular!
Do you think he really loves her, given his actions over the Instagram photo?
I do think he loves her. However, when it comes to what love means, I'm not sure that they are on the same page. I see why he acted rashly the way he did, but I think Dearbhla expects a lot more loyalty than that.
Do you think Dearbhla actually wants to be happy, or is she just re-enacting the wreckage of her parents' relationship in her own love life because that's what she knows?
I think she sees avoiding commitment as a way to avoid re-enacting her parents' relationship. Dearbhla definitely isn't chasing the fairytale romance and she has some learned behaviours from Tommy, which would probably make that fairly difficult anyways. Right now, I think she really would be happy if she could just enjoy herself without anyone demanding a declaration of commitment from her. She just has to find someone who's on the same page.
Do you think Fair City fans are rooting for them as a couple?
Oh, I don't know! Let me know if they are and I'll have a word with Dearbhla. You know, I think they like each other enough to make it over the line, but they'll need a few honest conversations first.
If they both end up single, who do you think they'd each have the best chance of happiness with in Carrigstown?
I think Dean would be a great partner for her in lots of ways, but she just wasn't into him at the time. You never know, though…
Would that new romance be your big hope for Dearbhla in 2022, or have you something else in mind?
She'll always be turning her love life upside down, but in 2022 I'd love to see her build a relationship with Cian's mam. She has invested in Dearbhla's business and it's been a long time since Dearbhla has had a mother figure around. Cian's mam sounds like a powerhouse of a woman too. I wonder if they'd be kindred spirits… or if they'd kill each other!
