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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Kirsty McCormack

Emmerdale Bob Hope actor Tony Audenshaw's surprising side hustle away from ITV soap

He's been playing the role of Emmerdale's Bob Hope for more than 20 years, but it seems there's more to Tony Audenshaw than meets the eye.

The Lancashire-born actor not only acts in the popular ITV soap, he also has a rather surprising side hustle when he's not dealing with drama in the Dales.

In what seems to be worlds away from his onscreen character, Tony fronts a band called White Van Man who tour and play plenty of gigs.

But this certainly isn't a new thing for Tony as White Van Man have been going for more than a decade.

Tony Audenshaw has been playing the role of Bob Hope in Emmerdale for more than 20 years (ITV)

Back in 2010, the band teamed up with acclaimed operatic singer Sean Ruane for an unofficial England football song to try and inspire the side at that year’s World Cup.

The song, which was titled Viva Englandia, didn’t really have the desired effect with the side crashing out in the early stages - but the song can hardly be to blame.

When he's not acting, Tony performs with his band who are called White Van Man (Facebook)

An intro on the band's official Facebook page reads: "How do? Come and see us live, we play pubs round Stockport and The High Peak and unusual events that."

White Van Man have played at events such as the Harrogate Beer Festival and are no doubt hoping to get back onstage now that normality has resumed.

Back in 2012 whilst discussing a live episode of Emmerdale, Tony spoke of it being a highlight of his but also revealed that his band had once appeared on the ITV soap.

White Van Man play gigs at pubs round Stockport and The High Peak (Facebook)

"All I can say is I have really enjoyed my 12 years on the show and these last few weeks have been the most special," he said of preparing for the live episode.

He then added: "Apart from meeting Tony Christie and that time Bob flew in an aeronautical display and got married to Viv with my band White Van Man playing in The Woolpack."

Bob actually married Viv twice in Emmerdale, once in 2001 and then again in 2006.

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