‘I have loved every moment of my 28 years on the show’

An Emmerdale legend has addressed his future following a raft of exits from the ITV soap.

Over the festive season, we saw Daisy Campbell’s character Amelia Spencer leave the village while over Christmas Will Taylor, played by Dean Andrews, was killed off. We’ve previously brought you news of expected exits of Susan Cookson, Roxy Shahidi, Paula Lane and Lesley Dunlop.

As we’ve previously reported, ITV appears to be appraising what the future holds for historic soap operas Emmerdale and rival Coronation Street. A source said: “ITV is going through a cash crisis with the soaps and the money just isn’t there to pay for everyone any more.

“Ultimately if the character isn’t inspiring a lot of story from producers then there’s no space for them in the show anymore. There’s certainly a worry on set about who will be next to go.”

They added: “It’s a really worrying time for a lot of cast and crew on the soaps – they don’t know if they’re going to have jobs after their current contracts end. Soaps used to be steady employment for people in the industry but it’s not that way anymore.”

Our colleagues at The Mirror have spoken to Marlon Dingle actor Mark Charnock and asked him about life as a soap star. The long-established Emmerdale actor, 56, said: “You can never take it for granted and you never know until you get your next contract.

“I am a terrible worrier. I find myself driving home muttering lines trying to remember how I played them out. I am a bit neurotic in that way but Emmerdale is such a great show to work on.”

Mark added: “I have loved every moment of my 28 years on the show. And what is so great about it is that it changes all the time, it’s never not surprising and keeps you on your toes – I love that.”

As always, we’ll keep you posted on Emmerdale cast comings and goings.