Hi first time with emirates next March flying Newcastle to Dubai then into Bangkok.
first question of what could be many !
has anyone any experience of the couple seats near the back of the plane ?

I just flew on two routes in the couple seats, as a solo passenger in the aisle seat. I booked the last row on the passenger side/right side of the plane. I booked this seat to be close to the bathroom, close to the bathroom, close to extra snacks/drinks, close to the extra standing room near the galley to stretch my legs without standing in front of somebody's seat. The first flight there were a LOT of people always using the bathroom and the second flight there were a lot less. Since there's a powerful suction fan in the bathroom it keeps any odor/debris etc from escaping into the cabin. But the seats in front of row 43 would be a lot better to avoid the constant opening/closing of the bathroom door. The aisle seat you get a little more room than the others further up the aisle that are 3 seaters. I think next time I'll consider row 42, but I don't like anyone behind me. I've even booked the last middle row aisle seat and I didn't particularly like it because you are surrounded by other passengers, which I try to avoid. So rows 42 and 43 are the only ones I would consider booking. I also did the front bulkhead seats, but too many crying kids.👶

The Newcastle flight is this configuration: https://www.aerolopa.com/ek-73j

Avoid row 46 as the change from 3 seats to 2 means that the TV screen and seatback table are slightly off-centre. Otherwise they're fine, you don't really get any more room because of the curve of the fuselage but you don't have to share your row with a 3rd person. You're obviously closer to the toilets and galley but I never found that particularly bothersome.

That's a nice setup. The seat I was in, I could touch the bathroom door to my left. That's how close it was. 😁😷

Cheers guys much helpful 👍