Emmerdale fan favourite Paddy Kirk hits rock bottom next week as the vet takes a bolt gun and disappears.
Paddy, who is played by long-time soap star Dominic Brunt, has been in a place of grief and confusion amid the breakdown of his marriage to Chas Dingle following the revelation of her affair with Al Chapman.
Feeling alone and struggling to find his place in people’s lives, Paddy has begun to have suicidal thoughts, which come to a frightening head on the Dales next week.
ITV spoilers have revealed that in upcoming scenes Paddy will hit rock bottom after he has been missing from the village for days.
The storyline kicks off on Monday next week, when everyone is stunned to see a dishevelled Paddy is standing in the doorway with a holdall.
Marlon simmers but makes a beeline for him, while Chas lurks nearby, irritated by Paddy’s behaviour.
When Bear enters with Eve, it’s an emotional reunion for all and Chas softens when she realises the hurt and sadness in Paddy’s eyes.
Paddy plays up his happiness to get Marlon off his back but when Marlon leaves, Paddy’s façade crumbles as he’s left utterly bereft and broken.
Paddy goes about his day, seemingly making amends with family and friends, after his stint away from the Dales.
However, unbeknownst to them all, Paddy is saying his veiled goodbyes and leaves his dad Bear a letter.
Later when Paddy has already vanished from the village again, Bear makes the horrifying discovery of the letter.
Helpless Marlon is distressed as everyone scrambles to go and find Paddy.
Then, Rhona delivers the appalling news that there is a bolt gun missing from the vet surgery.
Only then does the reality of what he is doing hit Paddy’s worried family and friends, as they hope they can find him in time. Will Paddy be alright?
Actor Dominic has said the storyline is a ‘great responsibility’ as he described depression among men as ‘an inherent problem.
He continued: “Most men don’t talk enough about their problems. We bottle them up, we don’t want to bother anyone, we become embarrassed, we feel we should be strong and not show weakness.
“If this story can shine a light on the issue or make even a small change to someone’s outlook or viewpoint, then it will have been worth it.”
To bring this story to the screen, Emmerdale researchers and writers have worked closely with both Samaritans and Andy’s Man Club in order to tell Paddy’s story as authentically as possible.
