Emmerdale's hour-long episode on Thursday left fans emotional as Paddy Kirk attended a group therapy session in special scenes that were filmed where regular real-life meetings are held every Monday.
The ITV soap has been working with the mental health charity Andy’s Man Club as Paddy ( Dominic Brunt ) struggles with depression after deciding against taking his own life in powerful scenes earlier this year.
Filming for these scenes took place at Bradford City Football Club Ground in the room where regular Andy’s Man Club meetings are held and within the episode, four men with lived experience of being members of Andy’s Man Club, were featured, playing the roles of fictional attendees of the group.
Emmerdale fans were left in tears as Paddy opened up to other men who are experiencing similar trauma in their own lives.
Alongside a crying emoji, one fan tweeted: "Poor paddy lad #Emmerdale," while another added: "Aww well done Paddy for opening up… #emmerdale."
"Emmerdale have helped a lot of men here with paddy going to Andy man’s club and I hope it helps other men who are struggling to talk and get help #Emmerdale," a third shared.
Someone else wrote: "Love that Paddy's storyline has went in this direction. Showing that there is help out there. Hope they don't waste it by bringing in drama. #emmerdale," and another said: "Paddy, I am actually so proud of you! #Emmerdale."
During the filming of these scenes, the Emmerdale Digital team went behind the scenes to hear their real-life stories.
The ITV soap released a video of the men, who featured in the scene, discussing their personal stories while Emmerdale stars Dominic Brunt and Marlon Dingle, who plays Mark Charnock, have also contributed to this discussion on the importance of getting men to talk.
Neil Waine from Andy’s Man Club, who was featured in the episode, explained why he took part in this filming: “Filming with Emmerdale in an actual Andy’s Man Club with Andy’s Man Club lads alongside professional actors was amazing. When Laura the Producer first asked me about doing this episode I jumped at the opportunity to let men see a bit of how Andy’s Man Club runs and this will hopefully help us challenge the stigmas around men talking. “
If you are affected by this storyline, help can be found at andysmanclub.co.uk or www.samaritans.org
