The return of Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt) to the hamlet in upcoming episodes of Emmerdale brings about a great deal of relief, but it is quickly realised that he is in a very bad situation.
After struggling in the wake of Chas (Lucy Pargeteradultery )’s with Al (Michael Wildman) and the dissolution of his marriage, Paddy fled the village in despair. After spending an inebriated evening with his ex-girlfriend Mandy Dingle (Lisa Riley), the two of them ended up sharing a bed. The next morning, the vet left to get milk but never came back.
Because they were concerned for Paddy’s mental health and were afraid of what he might do, the Dingles organised search parties and called the authorities. Eventually, Chas and Mandy went to the guest house where Paddy was staying to bring him back after he was found in a neighbouring town, but Paddy didn’t want to be located. He informed Mandy over the phone later that he didn’t want anyone looking for him.
Therefore, when he appears in a future episode, standing in the doorway, appearing dishevelled and toting a holdall, everyone is taken aback. While he appears to be content and back to his old self after an emotional reconciliation with his adored daughter Eve (Bella James), he is actually struggling.
Paddy is saying his last goodbyes to everyone, but his family and friends are unaware of this because he also leaves Bear (Joshua Richards) a note. When Bear learns of this, he is appalled to learn that Paddy intends to commit suicide.
Everyone is terrified when Rhona (Zoe Henry) discovers that a bolt gun has vanished from the vet’s office, and Rhona and Marlon (Mark Charnock) can only hope they can reach him in time.
Viewers will be eager for a happy ending for Paddy as a result of this heartbreaking and dramatic storyline, but showrunner Jane Hudson has been keen to emphasise that there is hope for the beloved character.
She said on ITV’s Loose Women, “I believe it’s really important that we play this story to its fullest and we show that journey, and it’s not an easy journey.” It requires time, you need the help of your friends, and you need to have faith in both yourself and other people. Paddy will embark on that quest to rediscover himself, as we shall see.
On this plot, Emmerdale collaborated closely with Andy’s Man Group, the Samaritans, and other organisations.
Jane informed us that we needed to start a conversation about male depression and suicide. Every step of the way through this tale, “We’ve worked really closely with Samaritans and Andy’s Man Club and their incredible support and insight has allowed us to shape Paddy’s journey into a true reflection of what thousands of men sadly go through every year.”
