What life is really like as Emmerdale's resident…

What life is really like as Emmerdale's resident police officer PC Mike Swirling

The name Andy Moore may not be familiar among Emmerdale viewers but his face certainly will.

Andy plays the village bobby PC Mike Swirling who has appeared in approximately 200 episodes since the character's debut in 2004. PC Swirling is usually seen in the village after a crime has been committed and being a soap village, there's plenty to keep him busy.

Investigating murders, arsons and kidnappings are bread and butter for this rural constable who has a cult following online. Andy, who has appeared in Coronation Street, in films and in music videos, regularly updates his Facebook page with the latest adventures of PC Swirling.

LeedsLive caught up with Andy for Emmerdale's 50th anniversary. Andy talks about what it's like to be a recurring character and the shocks Emmerdale writers have in store.

"I love getting the script and finding out who PC Swirling is collaring next," says Andy.

The dad-of-three, from Ashton-under-Lyne, near Manchester, next appears in Emmerdale, on November 3, when viewers can expect a real curveball. Andy said the script could have 'knocked him down with a feather'.

Andy Moore who plays PC Mike Swirling in Emmerdale (Andy Moore)

Andy says: "Whatever viewers think, it will be something else... They are not going to believe what's coming."

While viewers regularly mock Emmerdale for its implausible plots and certain actors' wooden performances, Andy says realism is still important in the role.

"For the most part, they want it to be as normal and real as possible," says Andy.

"I'm deluded," Andy jokes, "I think I'm a real copper when I'm on the set! I have heard on forums that I'm real – like someone off [Channel 5 documentary series] Police Interceptors.

"We are competing with reality TV. They do try to make it as real as you can have it."

Andy says he's at his 'healthiest' when he's working in Emmerdale which films outdoor scenes in a mock-up of the village on the Harewood Estate.

"It's a beautiful place to work. You do pinch yourself on the long walk from the car park to the set."

Andy says there's a family atmosphere off-camera and he enjoys the daft and serious conversations the cast and crew have. Friendships have been struck this way and Andy attended the wedding of Liam Fox who plays Dan Spencer.

"They're a good bunch," he says.

Is there anything Andy doesn't like about the gig?

"The M62," says Andy immediately, "Although it's got a bit better with the smart motorway. I bet not many people say that."

Is Andy, who played guitar in the 1980s post-punk band The Sun and the Moon, ever recognised in public?

"There's an existence of what I call 'Emmerdale towns'," says Andy.

"In Bury [Lancashire] I had 13 girls queuing up to have their photo taken with me. To get recognised – it still astounds me."

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