Sam Hall’s exit from the ITV soap was confirmed as Samson was given his prison fate

Emmerdale star Sam Hall has spoken out after his exit from the show was confirmed. Rumours were rife that the actor would soon be bowing out of the ITV soap after more than a decade of playing the Dales’ Samson Dingle.

During Tuesday night’s (August 6) Emmerdale, Samson was told his fate after he was arrested for attacking former friend Josh Cope. The teen was already facing time behind bars after he confessed that Matty Barton was actually telling the truth about the stabbing which happened earlier this year.

Matty has been wrongfully locked up for weeks after Samson was pressured by Josh into framing Matty for the stabbing at The Hide, which was actually the fault of his troublesome pal.

After pressure from those around him, Samson finally confessed and later took the blame for his own stabbing in an emotional conversation with dad Sam and stepmum Lydia. But he chose to leave out that Josh was the instigator, despite Matty later encouraging him to tell the whole truth.

Facing prosecution for lying to the police, Samson was preparing for life behind bars. However, an encounter with Josh, who refused to tell the truth about his role in the stabbing, led to Samson seeing red and attacking him.

There was then speculation who’d grassed on him in the latest instalment of the long-running soap, with Cain suspecting that Moira may have done it as revenge for Samson framing Matty for the stabbing. However, it was later confirmed to be Noah Dingle after he was confronted by girlfriend Amelia Spencer as she worried about Samson missing out on years of their daughter’s life.

Following confirmation he was sentenced to four years behind bars, Emmerdale shared a goodbye message from Sam, who took over the role of Sam Dingle’s son in 2009 after three child actors had previously played the part.

“So, as you’ve seen, Samson has now left the village. t’s been a great storyline, so I’d like to thank everyone who’s been with me, cast and crew, over the last 15 years,” he said. Sam then hinted at a possible return, teasing: “Hopefully, we’ll see Samson again.”

And Emmerdale fans were quick to share their disappointment at Samson’s ending – for now. @catherine_caulfield said: “Very disappointing ending they could have not have sent you to jail but set you free from jail and your family send you off to Cain’s daughter or his grandfathers Zak.”

@maylorjane_glitterqueen commented: “Come back to us. I think you should come back and get together with Amelia.” @becks.louise.144 wrote: “Can’t believe you left Emmerdale. You will be missed good luck for the future. Hopefully one day you will be back.” @immannem added: “This is sad. Please bring him back in the future.”