Emmerdale fans said they were 'crying' as they watched Paddy Kirk and Mandy Dingle reunite more than 20 years after they tied the knot. But things didn't last between the pair back then as Mandy soon started an affair with her dad's carer after she left the fictional Yorkshire village for Southampton.
The pair have since gone on to have several relationships between them but in scenes aired in the ITV soap on Wednesday night (February 8), viewers saw Paddy fall back into Mandy's arms as he continues to struggle with his split from wife Chas.
Paddy hasn't been himself since he was left heartbroken by his wife Chas Dingle's affair. The beloved Emmerdale vet portrayed by Dominic Brunt, has really been suffering since the breakdown of his marriage when he discovered his wife Chas had been cheating with the now-late Al Chapman.
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In episodes aired before Christmas, viewers of the ITV soap saw Paddy finally discover the truth following Al's death, who at the time the Dingle clan thought had just been shot dead by Chas' brother Cain when it was in fact his 10-year-old son, Kyle. Despite Chas' attempts to get Paddy to see past her infidelity as the cohabitate at The Woolpack and co-parent their daughter, Eve, things haven't been favourable between the pair.
And with Chas at a work conference, and having taken Eve with her, Paddy opened up to Mandy as the pair reminisced about their former romance, and even shared a few former songs to help rekindled their past memories together. But, after a few cheeky wines, the mood became more romantic, and it wasn't long before the pair rekindled their former romance.
The episode ended with Mandy climbing on top of a laughing Paddy just before the credits rolled. And fans were thrilled to see the pair back together. @lesley_62974 tweeted: "Mandy and Paddy are meant to be together. Best bit of Emmerdale for ages." @Chriskaxo said: "I’m actually crying. I’ve waited so long for this #emmerdale."
@crazycatgay02 wrote: "Mandy and paddy back together it’s a yes from me #emmerdale." @deblikesgin8 echoed: "Just one word from me yessssss." @TwellyWatcher addedd: "Paddy and Mandy were always meant to be #Emmerdale They have one of the best on-screen relationships."
Following the episode, Lisa Riley, who plays Mandy, took to Instagram to share a screengrab of her nad co-star Dominic just before their characters became romantically involved once more. "THANK YOU…THANK YOU for the overwhelming amount of love and kindness regarding last nights @emmerdale episode," the actress penned.
"It seems you’ve been all waiting for this for “Mandy & Paddy” for years now……we love working together and we adore, that we made you laugh, smile and giggle…we need that at the moment that’s for sure…..HOWEVER….it could take a very serious turn now, as the story will unfold."
It comes as it was announced that next month, Emmerdale viewers will see Paddy consider taking his own life. Feeling alone and struggling to find his place in people’s lives, Paddy, played by Dominic Brunt, will begin having suicidal thoughts and as he contends with these, the audience will see the true extent of Paddy’s deep depression.
To bring this story to the screen, Emmerdale programme researchers and writers have taken advice and worked closely with both Samaritans and Andy’s Man Club in order to tell Paddy’s story as authentically as possible.
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