EMMERDALE fans have demanded one key character is axed after almost three decades on-screen.
Viewers are up in arms over his “nasty side” – and called out what they believe is the “only reason” he hasn’t been written out.
Vet Paddy Kirk, played by Dominic Brunt, 54, first arrived in Emmerdale in February 1997.
Through that time, he has been married four times, yet recently reunited with Mandy Dingle with whom he said I Do back in 1999.
The pair delighted ITV viewers as they gave things another go yet the animal-lover quickly risked their happy ever after as he cheated on Lisa Riley’s character in shock scenes.
Woolpack manager Chas Dingle was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer and, as he tried to comfort Lucy Pargeter‘s character, Paddy ended up kissing her.
He came clean to a devastated Mandy, who confused him with her vague reaction.
Yet, despite this, plans are still full speed ahead for their second wedding.
Though we recently reported how Mandy’s money woes could scupper their special day, with the businesswoman keeping her financial struggles a secret from Paddy.
Meanwhile, aside from relationship drama, the character has showed his softer side.
He is is a dad of two as well as a father figure to Leo Goskirk and Aaron Dingle.
Meanwhile, last year, fans broke down in tears as his suicide plan was revealed.
His close pal Marlon Dingle was on hand to attempt to find him, with the character thankfully receiving help in time.
Dominic previously told how he was left “shaking with fear” in 2020 as he feared his character would get the chop – and now some fans feel its time for him to go.
One fan took to Digital Spy to muse: “I’m sure the only reason he’s been kept is if he was written out Marlon would have no friends…”
Everything you need to know about Emmerdale
Another put: “I’ve never liked Paddy either, acts like an idiot most of the time and has a very nasty side to him.”
One suggested: “I think Paddy is okay in small doses but that’s as positive as I can be about him. The comedy stuff is usually so forced and cringeworthy.
“I’m glad that he’s ended up back with Mandy and not Chas though.”
One added: “I agree they make out his this nice guy but has a nasty side to him plus the fact he a serial cheat himself but portray him as the victim when Chas cheats on him.”
Yet others backed the long-term star.
One clapped back: “I like Paddy because I’m fond of all long term characters. I really appreciate the familiarity to the programme that they bring. I appreciate such actors’ loyalty to the programme.
“I like to feel invested in characters and it’s really hard to do that with people who only stay a few years.”
Another then told how he was “part of the furniture.”
Dominic previously told of his difficulty in tackling his heartbreaking suicide storyline.
Dominic has opened up about filming the tough storyline – and struggling with the subject matter.
On filming the emotional scenes, Brunt said: “I just tried my best.
“I couldn’t let myself even open a little door to the black dogs that these people experience. I was pretending, the scripts and the dialogue was so good and the journey and the curve was so clear that it was almost easy to do.
“However, the emotion that you had to visit had to be shaken off almost immediately, and I felt supported.
“I’m not suffering like that, I’m a stupid actor with a script in their hands.
“However, I was privileged and honoured to serve that story. But it didn’t touch the sides for me because I know what it’s like for someone to really really go through that.”
He added: “Not only has it been inspirational, but it’s been pitch black dark and it’s made me appreciate what I have.
I feel I have mental fortitude and my life kind of sails along here.”
Show bosses then revealed they had considered axing the plot last year, if actor Dominic had not agreed to do it.
