Dominic Brunt, best known for playing Paddy Kirk on Emmerdale since 1997, is married to actress Joanne Mitchell. The couple, who have been together since before their 2003 wedding, met while studying at The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. They live in Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire, with their two sons, Mickey-Joe and Danny Lee.
Joanne Mitchell's Emmerdale Roles
Mitchell has appeared in Emmerdale four times. She first played DS Karen Barnborough in 2003, returned as midwife Yeo in 2006, then as Susan Davies in 2009. From 2016 to 2022, she portrayed Sandra Flaherty, the mother and stepmother of Liv Flaherty and Aaron Dingle. Beyond Emmerdale, her credits include roles in Waterloo Road, Coronation Street, and A Touch of Frost.
Shared Film Ventures
In 2011, the couple founded Mitchell Brunt Films, producing low-budget horror films such as Evie and Wolf Manor. Dominic told the Metro in 2024: "It's a really positive thing because with working in Emmerdale for so long... this is a way we can actually work together and it's fun." He noted that their busy schedules often make them "ships in the night" but collaborating on films allows quality time together.
Paddy Kirk's Storylines
Paddy Kirk has been at the centre of major plots, including infidelity, the death of his child, and the recent trafficking and murder charges involving his father Bear Wolf. The character has married four times: Mandy Dingle, Emily Dingle, Rhona Goskirk, and Chas Dingle. He currently enjoys a contented life with Mandy, played by Lisa Riley, after their remarriage in August 2024.
