Emmerdale star Mark Charnock said he was 'overwhelmed' and shed tears on stage as he made an emotional speech after being awarded this year's Outstanding Achievement Award at the Soap Awards.
Former Emmerdale stars Gemma Atkinson, Sheree Murphy and Verity Rushworth made a surprise appearance to hand over the gong and pay tribute to Mark. Mark has played Marlon Dingle on the ITV soap for more than 25 years.
Fans and co-stars all agreed that the award for Mark was 'long overdue' with viewers describing the 54-year-old as a 'legend'. Mark said he has 'enjoyed every minute' of his job and gave an emotional speech in which he praised his fellow soap stars for continuing to bring important stories to our screens each night.
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Emmerdale co-star Lisa Riley, who plays Mandy Dingle, tweeted: "You bloody belter thank you for the laughter and the friendship. Years and years of fabulous craziness."
Michelle Hardwick who plays Vanessa on the soap wrote: "So well deserved Mark Charnock. Absolutely over the moon for you!
@AndyGibsonTV said: "Whenever I tweet the lovely Mark Charnock congratulations for a particular performance/episode he always appears to be surprised to receive the commendment. For being the tallest man in Soap, Mark is very down-to-earth."
@_erinz_ wrote: "Mark Charnock is one of the greatest actors around, and this is such overdue, deserved recognition. What a brilliant speech too - soaps are too often talked down, but are some of the best loved and most important shows on television."
@LauJane_ said: "Marlon is one of my favourite characters ever, and Mark Charnock is a TV legend - a very talented, gracious actor."
@MBTomLLucyPFan1 wrote: "Well done Mark Charnock with his award thoroughly deserved what an amazing actor and glad he finally got some recognition for his acting."
@raggedydocs said: "Marlon Dingle is one of my favourite soap characters of all time and I can’t think of anyone who deserves this award more than Mark Charnock I’m so happy for him."
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