In Emmerdale, Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt) is going through a very trying time and will soon be seen thinking about suicide as he reaches his lowest point.
It is a delicate subject for the ITV drama to address, and because of the difficult feelings being depicted, actor Dominic Brunt has had to really draw a line between work and home.
I don’t have to go that far because I’m pretending, which is good for me because I don’t want to because it sounds horrible and desperate and I don’t want to go there. He recently said to us, “I am pretending and attempting to portray it as best I can.”
Two organisations, the Samaritans and Andy’s Man Club, provided assistance to Emmerdale while this tale was being filmed. Both organisations work to aid those who find it difficult to communicate and open up.
Dominic explained that, before becoming an actor, he worked as a welder, where many of the men wouldn’t speak to each other about how they were feeling.
“I guess I understood, being a man and knowing men like that, and there’s a part of my background where I didn’t speak [about feelings], but I have to reiterate [while playing this tale] I was pretending and performing and attempting to strike the notes that were on the page.”
“Because I don’t think I want to if you let yourself get even close to there,” she said. I find it repulsive, as would anyone in reality. It’s too gloomy and disturbing. So hopefully I was able to convey what was there.
When performing the lines, “I mean, you’re really angry,” Dominic said.
Each line takes you to a new level of darkness and the realisation of where you are and what this means to people, so you have to go towards the lines and the emotions that strike you as you’re saying them.
It personally affects you, but luckily not me. Because it wasn’t awful to experience, I would feel false if I sat here and claimed it was. Thank Goodness for me, it has already been removed.
For the story, Dominic had the opportunity to talk with charity volunteers as well as individuals who had gone through similar circumstances to those Paddy is currently going through, which he said was “completely eye-opening.”
“It has been amazing.” It has truly opened my eyes. It has also been incredibly upsetting and intriguing. It’s been an honour, and you can actually see how these individuals are saving lives as a charity with volunteers, free of charge. Really, it is amazing. They do impossible tasks
‘[Speaking to people who had been through similar things to Paddy] felt incredibly personal. People could be seen going through it repeatedly and telling their tales to others, but you could still see how it affected them. The emotion of “thank God I’m still here, thank God I asked for assistance” is primarily what it is. Speaking with individuals has been very emotional.
“And also talking to partners of individuals who committed suicide about their regrets, their guilt, and their confusion.” Really, it has been mind-blowing. While listening to people and getting up every day to move forward and realise how essential life is, the top of my head has occasionally fallen off. It’s been amazing how many individuals have shared such intimate details with me.
As Paddy’s tale develops, friends and family will help him through his recovery as he gradually begins to put his life back together.
As Paddy starts talking about his emotions, Emmerdale producer Jane Hudson promises a “light at the end of the tunnel” for him.
Just take up the phone and call the Samaritans, was the advice. Dominic advised those who might be having a difficult time, “You don’t even have to talk to them; they’ll start the conversation.”
You could also attend a gathering at Andy’s Man Club. Simply take a seat in the nook and listen for some time.
