Emmerdale star Dominic Brunt must have broken some kind of record as after 25 years working on the ITV soap he's had to call in sick for the first time. Viewers best know the actor for playing Paddy Kirk in the ITV soap, making his debut in the role back in February 1997 when his character was brought in as a locum for Zoe Tate at the veterinary surgery.
But Dominic, from Macclesfield, is having to take his first bit of time off sick in all those years after contracting coronavirus. The 51-year-old soap star shared the news on social media on Wednesday (March 30).
"After 25 years at @emmerdale without a single day off, I have succumbed to the dreaded ‘rona’, he wrote on Twitter. "I have been ridiculously careful but tomorrow will be the first time in a quarter of a century."
He then shared his annoyance by adding: "Now THAT p***es me off. Fortunate to have good health though and thankful. Love to all," alongside a picture of Emmerdale's new 50th anniversary.
But his Emmerdale colleagues and fellow soap stars were soon sharing their well-wishes, including Coronation Street's Sally Carman, who plays Abi Franklin, who said: "That’s a stinger."
"Sending love Dom!" Amy Walsh, who plays Tracy Metcalfe in the ITV soap but is currently enjoying her maternity leave after giving birth to her baby daughter Bonnie, who she shares with EastEnder villain Toby-Alexander Smith, at the end of last year.
Michelle Harwick, who stars in Emmerdale as Vanessa Woodfield, commented: "Aww feel better soon Dom," while Lydia Dingle actress Karen Blick wrote: "Get well soon Dom."
And fans were also replying to Dominic with their messages.
@veterinaryness said: "Get well soon, you legend! You’re the definition of dedication."
"That's such a great achievement but so annoying for you. Hope you're not too bad with it, rest up and I hope you'll feel better soon. Really feeling for Paddy at the moment. You're playing a great part. Take care," @BecLou1410 replied.
@DinkyKt shared: "Oh no! I hope you feel much better soon!! Aww the fact you have never had a day off, shows how much it means to you to be on @emmerdale."
"Thanks for providing us with 25 years of unblemished entertainment, After such a long period I would have succumbed to 'Rhona' too. From our family to yours wishing you a speedy recovery. Here’s to the next 25 years," @John_UK1 added.
Emmerdale viewers are currently seeing Dominic's character Paddy struggling on-screen after his best mate Marlon Dingle suffered a shock stroke earlier this month.
The chef was reeling with excitement after girlfriend Rhona Goskirk had agreed to marry him, while also asking him to marry her herself and sweet scenes. But it soon turned to horror when Marlon returned home to find the engagement ring he had bought and collapsed, unable to speak with his face drooping to one side.
It wasn't long before he was found by his terrified daughter April and he was whisked off to hospital for emergency surgery to remove the blood clot on the left side of his brain. He has since been in hospital where he faces a long road to recovery but currently without much support from Paddy who hasn't been able to visit him since he first came out of surgery.
