‘Never did I think I’d have a job this good for so long:’ Emmerdale’s Dominic Brunt admits he lives in fear of being axed from the soap after 23 years playing Paddy Kirk
Emmerdale star Dominic Brunt has admitted he lives in constant fear of being axed from the soap after playing the bumbling Paddy Kirk for 23 years.
The actor, 50, confessed that even after two decades in the Dales he faces crippling nerves each year could be his last when his contract is up for renewal.
Dominic’s character Paddy is set to take centre stage over the festive season when he surprises girlfriend Chas with a Christmas Day wedding, and in typical soap fashion things go array when Charity threatens to ruin the big day.
Sticking around? Emmerdale star Dominic Brunt has admitted he lives in constant fear of being axed from the soap after playing the bumbling Paddy Kirk for 23 years
Dominic told The Mirror: ‘Every Christmas when the contract is up, I still think that’s probably it.
‘I think that keeps me going, the thought that at any point you could be out. You can’t just wing it, turn up with no ideas.
‘So I try hard – but never in my wildest dreams did I think I would have a job this good for so long.’
Concerns: The actor confessed that after two decades in the Dales he faces crippling nerves each year could be his last, as he prepares to take centre stage in the soap’s festive storylines
The actor added he has no plans to leave the soap, and is hugely passionate about his character’s on-screen relationship with Chas, played by Lucy Pargeter.
The pair have become one of Emmerdale’s most beloved couples, after overcoming the devastation of losing their daughter Grace to become parents to their little girl Eve.
He also continues to work as a welder during his spare time after training as one before going to drama school.
Beloved: Dominic insisted he has no plans to leave the soap, but still fears the time each year when his contract is up for renewal
Sweet: The actor said he’s hugely passionate about his character’s relationship with Chas, played by Lucy Pargeter
Legend: He made his debut on the soap in 1997 (pictured with Lisa Riley who plays Mandy Dingle)
Christmas in Emmerdale will no doubt be full of drama as Paddy surprises Chas with a wedding after secretly trying to plan the day with his pal Marlon Dingle.
As ever things don’t go to plan, with Paddy struggling to find a venue at the height of the pandemic leaving fans in doubt over whether the couple will say I Do.
Charity will also be left furious when she learns the Dingles kept the wedding a secret as they feared she’d cause a scene, and plans to crash the big day by turning up in funeral attire.
Dominic admitted filming the wedding scenes proved a challenge due to social distancing restrictions, but is glad soap bosses opted for a happy festive storyline after such a difficult year due to the pandemic.
Full of drama! Dominic admitted filming the wedding scenes proved a challenge due to social distancing restrictions, but is glad soap bosses opted for a happy festive storyline