Emmerdale fans were heartbroken during Thursday’s hour-long special, as Paddy Kirk secretly said goodbye to loved ones amid his battle with depression.
The popular vet, played by Dominic Brunt, struggles with his mental health following his wife’s affair with Chas and prepares to take his own life after going missing last week.
During the episode, he shares special moments with his friends and family, especially young daughter Eve, and leaves farewell notes for everyone.
In heartbreaking scenes, Paddy’s father Bear finds his suicide note and reads it to Chas and Paddy’s best friend Marlon Dingle – sparking a manhunt among the villagers.
Viewers who took to Twitter were quick to share their dismay at the storyline, commenting: “It’s pretty devastating.”
Heartbreaking: Emmerdale fans were heartbroken during Thursday’s hour-long special, as Paddy Kirk secretly said goodbye to loved ones amid his battle with depression
“The fact that no one can see that Paddy is far from well is heartbreaking,” shared one viewer.
While a second viewer shouted: “I don’t want Paddy to die.”
“Paddy says goodbye to Eva. It’s really heartbreaking to see. I know it’s not real, but a man goes through what Paddy goes through in real life. Never say soap operas don’t do real things! Men’s depression is real,” said a third.
“The Paddy thing is quite devastating. “Not the easiest watch,” shared a fourth fan.
A fifth person wrote: “NO, Toadster is actually walking around saying hello and unfortunately no one notices (yet).”
With another addition: “This story is so sad read the lines Paddy is not well.”
Paddy began to have suicidal thoughts after isolation, grief and confusion built up and this would drive him to say goodbye to his friends as his deep depression deepened.
Actor Dominic said about the storyline: “It’s a great honor and a great responsibility to portray this storyline.
Difficult: The popular vet, played by Dominic Brunt, struggles with his mental health after his wife’s affair with Chas and prepares to take his own life after he went missing last week
Goodbye: During the episode, he shares special moments with his friends and family, especially young daughter Eve, and leaves farewell notes for everyone
“It’s an inherent problem in today’s society that most men don’t talk enough about their problems. We stuff them, we don’t want to bother anyone, we feel ashamed, we think we have to be strong and not show weakness.
“If this story can shed light or even make a small change in someone’s perspective or perspective, it was worth it.
“It’s also a privilege to work with The Samaritans and Andy’s Man Club to raise awareness of this issue.”
Last month, viewers saw Paddy suddenly leave the village without telling his friends or family.
Rested: Viewers took to Twitter and were quick to share their dismay at the storyline, commenting: “It’s pretty devastating.”
Although he was soon found staying at a local hostel, it was clear he was struggling with his mental health and had no plans to reconnect with loved ones for some time.
In March, Paddy will return to town and say goodbye to his friends before leaving again with the intention of taking his own life.
Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw said: “When we first started discussing this story, we knew it was essential for us to get it right and start the conversation about male depression and suicide.
Difficult: Viewers struggled to see Paddy start secretly saying goodbye to loved ones without them knowing
“Paddy is usually very cheerful in life, always joking and laughing, but what we see is that recent events have really taken their toll.
“Despite his popularity and surrounded by many friends and family, Paddy feels increasingly lonely, isolated and overwhelmed by his emotions, which leads to very dark thoughts.
“We worked very closely with Samaritans and Andy’s Man Club every step of the way, and their incredible support and insight helped us make Paddy’s journey a true reflection of what unfortunately thousands of men have to go through every year.”
Lorna Fraser, chief executive of Samaritans’ media advisory service, said: “Paddy’s story provides an opportunity to show others, particularly middle-aged men, that no matter how hard times can get, it is always possible to get help to get and get through it.. and finally recover.
Heartbreaking: Last month, viewers saw Paddy suddenly leave the village without telling his friends or family
“Depression and suicide are extremely serious subjects, so we’re glad the producers worked so hard to make sure they told this story well.
“We encourage anyone affected by this story to reach out to the Samaritans, our amazing volunteers are always there day and night to listen.”
Emmerdale airs on ITV1 weekdays at 7.30pm.
If you need help, call Samaritans toll-free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org
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Ashley Root is an author and celebrity journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a keen eye for all things celebrity, Ashley is always up-to-date on the latest gossip and trends in the world of entertainment.
