Emmerdale actor Mark Charnock has admitted being nervous about his character's moving stroke storyline.
The 53-year-old, who plays Marlon Dingle, said taking on the part of a stroke survivor and portraying the devastating impact it had on him and his loved ones was the most challenging story he has done in over two decades. Mark, who has been nominated for a National Television Award, made the admission on Good Morning Britain today, August 23.
He told entertainment editor Richard Arnold: "I was very nervous about it when they announced the story. I was nervous because it happens to so many people, there is a stroke every five minutes in the UK.
Read more: Emmerdale's Daisy Campbell says fans will be shocked by identity of Amelia's baby's dad
"I just wanted to get it right, the sheer weight of numbers is overwhelming but the problem with playing a stroke is that no stroke is the same. So it felt like I was sort of jumping in the deep end but having said all that, it's been the most rewarding, challenging, exciting story I've ever done in 25 years."
He also teased the "dramatic" and "overwhelmingly exciting" episodes ahead of the soap's 50th anniversary. The show's actors and producers have remained fairly tight-lipped about upcoming scenes but warned fans to brace themselves for a great deal of drama, heartbreak and surprise returns.
ITV bosses have already confirmed that a deadly storm will rip through the village which will leave a massive trail of destruction in its wake. And familiar faces set to make brief appearances are Aaron Dingle, Diane Sugden and Tracy Metcalfe - but of course there could be more.
When asked about the anniversary, Mark said it was "a gigantic milestone" for the soap and that the audience was "in for a treat". He said: "I've read the script and I've seen some of the filming already.
"It's overwhelmingly exciting, honestly, the audience are in for a treat. So much happens, it's so dramatic, it's wonderful."
He added: "Obviously, I am biased but I am telling you, it's something special."
Co-star Paige Sandhu, who plays Meena Jutla, has also been nominated for a National Television Award and Emmerdale has been shortlisted in the Serial Drama category.
The NTAs 2022 will be held at the OVO Arena Wembley on September 15 from 8pm, with the results announced live on ITV. You can vote free on the website.
Alternatively, can vote by phone on 0905 647 2022. Calls cost 25p per minute, plus your network access change. Terms and conditions apply.
You can visit our Emmerdale homepage to find the latest gossip about the soap and its stars. There you'll also find our Emmerdale features and further news about the show's 50th anniversary plans.
Read next:
- ITV Emmerdale boss explains the unique quality that sets it apart from other UK soaps ahead of 50th anniversary
- ITV Emmerdale star Laura Norton reveals she's expecting second baby with co-star Mark Jordon
- Emmerdale’s Anthony Quinlan poses for loved-up holiday snap with Hollyoaks’ Nikki Sanderson
- Emmerdale fans fear shock split for Charity and Mack after heartbreaking scenes
- Emmerdale's Michael Wildman's new role confirmed with star rumoured for soap exit
