Emmerdale star Dominic Brunt has spoken out in defence of his on-screen wife as her character faces backlash amid the soap's latest hard-hitting storyline. Fans of the ITV soap have been left devastated to see Paddy Kirk struggling with depression that led to him considering taking his own life.
Feeling alone and struggling to find his place in people’s lives after discovering Chas Dingle's affair with Al Champman a number of months ago, the much-loved vet was seen saying his thinly veiled goodbyes and leaving letters for his loved ones. It was his dad, Bear, who found his letter first.
Marlon Dingle was left deeply distressed by the thought of what his best friend was about to do as everyone scrambled to go and find him. Soon, Rhona delivered the appalling news about the missing bolt gun from the vet surgery, leaving his family hoping they were able to find him in time.
Then in moving scenes, Marlon found Paddy and begged him not to go with his plan and to return to the village with him. But Paddy opened up and admitted he couldn't see a way through and suggested his plan was for the best. Eventually, Marlon managed to talk him around and he and Chas took him home.
Paddy soon sobbed into the arms of his dad, before doctor Liam Cavanagh paid him a visit to find out more about Paddy's struggles. Marlon pleaded with Paddy to live and to find reasons to live every day. But Paddy told him he was "here now" and that he would try and see a way through.
In scenes aired on Monday night (March 6), Emmerdale viewers saw Paddy visit a therapist. However, he didn't feel they were the right fit and said he wouldn't see them again and would look for another, much to the worry of Marlon, Chas and Bear. "One day at a time," Paddy then told him before he headed off for some space.
But it appears fans of the soap aren't happy with Chas with some wanting her to leave the village in order for Paddy to "heal". However, some have taken things too far leading to Dominic, who plays Paddy, to speak out. Taking to Twitter, the actor, who has been hailed for his heartbreaking portrayal in recent days and weeks, wrote: "Wow!! People still being pretty damned cruel and personal towards my dear friend @lucyparge."
He added: "IT’S A STORY. Lucy has selflessly played this story for all it’s worth, knowing she/Chas would be disrespected and insulted on social media, and STILL hit all the beats. Amazing actress.x."
Meanwhile, Lucy Pargeter, who plays Chas, also shared a message on the social media platform. "And to think that most of the profiles to proudly paste the #bekind on the profile, quickly moved onto the next # they could equally be part of…" she typed. "I hope your children or in some cases, grandchildren are proud of you!! What fine examples of hypocrisy and schadenfreude."
The actress was quickly flooded with support. @mikepriestley13 said: "Hope you’re ok Lucy." @TheresaBarsby replied: "You're amazing I love Chas, you're doing great job. S*d the keyboard warriors." @3c6fdae8cc81437 said: "Love u. Ignore the eejits that troll u. Love your acting."
@Jeaniesgirl commented: "It makes me sad that people feel they have a right to abuse others online or anywhere else. These are the people that would never pipe up in person. Inadequates that should be pitied really. Keep going lovely you're playing a blinder."
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