Paddy will contemplate suicide in upcoming episodes (Picture: ITV)
Paddy Kirk is set to hit his lowest point in Emmerdale this week, as he considers taking his own life, though actor Dominic Brunt has promised ‘pinches of light’ in the aftermath of his harrowing story.
Viewers of the ITV soap will have seen Paddy disappear from the village in recent episodes, leaving his family concerned for his welfare.
He has since returned to say his veiled goodbyes, as he contemplates suicide.
As the story progresses, viewers will see Paddy slowly piece his life back together with support from family, friends and other organisations.
‘Thankfully the story isn’t dropped.’ Actor Dominic Brunt said. ‘There’ll be hints, hopefully forever, that he’s capable of [having suicidal thoughts].
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‘But there’s also a lot of light as well. I think what Emmerdale do brilliantly time and time again is it’s not a misery-fest, it’s not this dark story that’s awful to watch.
‘It’s really, really well coloured in with the pace and even two blocks later there’s little pinches of light and he’s found his humour again – but at the same time he has to watch himself.’
Emmerdale sought input and support from Samaritans and Andy’s Man Club for their portrayal of this storyline, both of which are charities that provide support for people who are struggling with their mental health.
It was really important to Neil Waine, a representative from Andy’s Man Club, that the outcome to Paddy’s story was a positive one, he revealed.
Emmerdale will air an all-male episode inspired by Andy’s Man Club (Picture: ITV)
‘With this storyline, it had to go the right way,’ he explained. ‘This couldn’t end with Paddy taking his own life, this had to be a positive story about the benefits of talking.’
Andy’s Man Club holds meetings all over the country for men to come and have a chat, with the aim of encouraging them to open up about their mental health.
‘[The story] needs to carry on, because things like this aren’t cured overnight. We’re not out there giving cures. People like Andy’s Man Club, we’re there to give guys hope, we’re not there to fix people. We give them hope that there is something else. That there is a better option. And I think seeing Paddy toddle off to a meeting every week on a Monday night, leaving the village to go somewhere else for a meeting etc. is a massive part of it, and shows that it is more of a journey than a one-night fix.’
Need support?
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email [email protected], visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
If you’re a young person, or concerned about a young person, you can also contact PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide UK. Their HOPELINK digital support platform is open 24/7, or you can call 0800 068 4141, text 07860039967 or email: [email protected] between the hours of 9am and midnight.
‘I think this is a constant journey and for a soap to take on this story is monumental. To do it how they’ve done it. And I think it wouldn’t do it the justice it deserves if it did just cut short and all of a sudden Paddy’s throwing a 60th birthday party in a couple of years’ time etc.
‘It’s got to be the full journey, the full commitment to this, and show Paddy going on that and how he improves over time and you can actually see him improve like we’re seeing him deteriorate. I think the upward journey is just as important to see as the one that sees him slump.’
Emmerdale producer Jane Hudson has promised a ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ for Paddy.
Speaking on Loose Women, she recently said:
‘I think it’s really important that we play this story to its fullest and we show that journey, and it’s not an easy journey.
‘You need support from your friends, you need trust in yourself and in others, and it takes time.
‘We’ll see Paddy go on that journey to find himself again.’
MORE : Charley Webb reunites with Emmerdale co-stars for 35th birthday in new picture
Dominic Brunt reveals what’s next for Paddy.