Millions of Emmerdale fans were shocked to see Will Taylor die over Christmas

An Emmerdale star has paid an emotional tribute to an exiting fave after their character died on-screen.

In a shocking Christmas Day twist, Emmerdale fans now know Will died of a heart attack after rowing with partner Kim.

Dean Andrews, 61, played Will Taylor in Emmerdale. Olivia Bromley, who portrays Dean’s on-screen daughter Dawn, took to social media to issue a heartfelt goodbye.

On Instagram, she wrote: “End of an era @deanoandrews.”

She added alongside the post, which also included a picture of their on-screen clan: “The best soap dad I could have ever asked for. Truly.

“Thanks for covering up murders, beating up bad boyfriends and letting me live in your mansion rent free. Here’s to the Taylors.”

Elsewhere, Dean has told Emmerdale fans of his intentions after exiting the ITV soap. There are also some fan theories suggesting Will didn’t actually die which the star has candidly addressed.

Taking to Instagram, Dean Andrews: “I just wanted to come on to thank everybody that has sent messages regarding my departure from Emmerdale. There was a little conjecture as to whether Will was dead – he is dead, he’s gone. I’ve been left for around seven or eight weeks.

“I’d been there for around five-and-a-half years, and in that (time) I worked with some really lovely people – some amazing crew and my little family along the way have always been lovely to work with so I thoroughly enjoyed it. But it’s time to move on, and move on we shall.”