Emmerdale favourite Mark Charnock has spoken out over an "exhausting" problem that comes with the job.
Mark, who has played Marlon Dingle in the ITV soap since 1996, took to social media to ask fans for help. The 54-year-old shared a picture of an Instagram profile which appears to have used his name and photograph.
More than 3,700 people have already followed the private account but Mark has warned it is fake. Sharing the screenshot on his own profile, which has more than 51,000 followers, the actor said he did not understand why someone would pretend to be him.
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Mark wrote: "Sigh…this is someone pretending to be me. It’s exhausting. Why do people do this? It’s SO weird. Please report and unfollow. Thank you."
Former co-star Danny Miller, known for playing Aaron Dingle, jokingly commented: "So this wasn't you?" Prompting Mark to respond: "Don’t make me come over there!!!," followed by a series of laughing emojis.
Gemma Atkinson, who played Carly Hope, wrote: "I wonder if it’s the same person who was going to 'kick us both in the back'. Crikey some people have a lot of free time don’t they?!"
Mark replied: "pahahaaaa! I miss that guy! I hope he’s well."
Following his plea, fans were quick to show their support. mrs_keron_francis said: "I honestly don’t get why people make fake accounts of celebrities."
@helenlt wrote: "Imagine getting up in the morning and planning your day...Right I'm going to set up a false insta on an actor on a soap drama. Odd odd odd. X rise above dear mark x."
vanessawoodfieldd.xemrp said: "I report and blocked this account earlier in the day, after them texting me pretending to be you!! Honestly, bored people."
And angiewoodcrafts wrote: "Yes he wanted to follow me today! It’s so sad. I don’t get why some people do this! Maybe they are jealous of you because you're a superstar and they are not."
It comes after ITV announced a special episode for March 10 as part of Paddy Kirk's emotional mental health storyline. It will feature an ensemble cast of only male actors in a bid to raise awareness about men's mental health.
As ever, we'll continue to bring you the big Emmerdale news about what is happening in the village and away from it. You can visit our Emmerdale homepage to find the latest gossip about the soap and its stars.
Emmerdale airs weekdays from 7.30pm on ITV1.
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