Is Al about to bid farewell to Emmerdale following a dramatic showdown? (Picture: ITV)

Emmerdale could be about to lose another familiar face, amid reports Michael Wildman has quit his role as Al Chapman after three years on the soap.

According to the reports the actor is set to depart the Dales to explore other acting opportunities – and it’s been confirmed that he does indeed have a new role lined up.

But with the character landing in big trouble in recent episodes after his affair with Chas (Lucy Pargeter) came to light, speculation has been rife about whether Al could be on his way out, and how he might make his exit if he did.

Could Al be leaving Emmerdale – and could he be about to meet a grim fate in the process?

Here’s what you need to know.

Could Al Chapman leave Emmerdale?

It certainly seems that Al is bidding the soap farewell, with Michael Wildman set to take on a new role in panto – appearing in Aladdin at the Sunderland Empire over the festive season.

Traditionally, it is not known for ITV soap stars to perform in panto while filming, and thus some thought the announcement was confirmation that Michael would inevitably have wrapped up filming by the festive season.

A source told The Sun ‘Michael has really enjoyed his time at Emmerdale but it’s the right thing to move on.

‘He’s had some massive storylines but all good things must come to an end.’

Is Al Chapman being killed off in Emmerdale?

There’s been no confirmation as to how Al might depart from the soap – but a furious confrontation between Al and Cain Dingle (Jeff Hoardley), during which a gunshot is heard, could be an indicator of his fate.

The pair have had a long-running feud, but so far Al has emerged unscathed – although there’s speculation that could be about to change as Cain finds out about Al’s illicit romance with his sister.

they temporarily put their affair on a hiatus when Faith (Sally Dexter) died as Chas realised Al deprived her of her mum’s final few moments – but have since rekindled the fling.

However Cain discovered what’s going on after finding Chas’ burner phone and seeing a string of messages from an unknown source – proving his sister had been betraying Paddy (Dominic Brunt)

When he called the number on the phone it was Al who answered, setting in motion a chain of events which brought Cain and him into contact for one final, potentially deadly, showdown – one ending in gunfire.

Who makes it out alive? You’ll have to keep watching to find out that one, but Jeff Hordley has previously addressed the possibility of the pair’s feud ending in murder.

Al and Chas’ affair has been going on for some time (Picture: ITV)

‘I think Al and Cain have been circling each other for quite a while, and probably been circling each other because of Covid!’ he told metro.co.uk.

‘We’ve had a lot of “I’m going to get you but I can’t get you because of Covid!” But I think this is going to lead to something if he finds out. I think there could be fireworks but not the kind you get in November…’

Show boss Jane Hudson added: ‘There is always potential for a murder in Emmerdale,’

‘It’s Emmerdale, it’s famous for its murders. I can’t tell you. But it’s Emmerdale and there’s normally a murderer lurking around a corner somewhere.’

Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.

If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you.

Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage.

Al’s facing a showdown with Cain.