Bradley Johnson has broken his silence after his exit from Emmerdale, where he played Vinny Dingle for seven-and-a-half years. The actor said goodbye to the ITV soap after his character received a 10-year prison sentence on Monday (October 12) for causing the fatal car collision that killed Jimmy King (Nick Miles) and Dawn Fletcher (Olivia Bromley) in August.
During the hearing, the judge said she needed to set an example of Vinny to discourage others from using mobile phones while driving. However, it later emerged that the judge had been bribed, with evidence pointing towards Joe Tate (Ned Porteous).
Actor's emotional Instagram tribute
Moments after Vinny's final scenes aired, Bradley turned to Instagram to look back on his time in the Dales, as reported by the Daily Star. In a video, he said: "So, if you're watching this video, it means that Vinny's journey has sadly come to an end. And I just wanted to come on here and do this video just to say, from the bottom of my heart, thank you so, so much."
He continued: "If someone would have told me all them years ago that I would have been doing seven-and-a-half years in Emmerdale, I wouldn't have believed them, and I am so, so grateful for the opportunity. So, to all the cast members, the crew, directors, producers, anyone that I have met throughout my Emmerdale journey, I want to thank you because I have made friends for life in that place."
Bradley added: "As an actor, Vinny as a character has been so fun to play, and I've had some incredible storylines. From the abuse storyline, to being a big part of the 50th with Liv dying, and more recently, Vinny and Gabby, Vinny and Lewis. He's not very lucky in love, is he?!"
Thanks to fans and co-stars
The actor also expressed gratitude to fans and honoured his on-screen mother Lisa Riley, who plays Mandy Dingle. He said: "She was there on my very first day on set until the very last, and this journey wouldn't have been the same without you, Lisa. So, thank you. Thank you for all the help and guidance. To play Mandy Dingle's son, that's pretty special!"
Discussing the future, Bradley revealed: "I'm 30 next year, it's a big age! And it's a big age to, sort of, start a new chapter in my life. So, I'm excited, I'm scared, I'm apprehensive of what's to come. But I've got a feeling [that] next year's going to be a very good year."
He concluded: "So, please keep following along for the next part in my life. But [for] one final time, thank you to Emmerdale for changing my life, and thank you guys for all the support. It means the world. So, all that's left to say is Vinny Dingle, over and out. Love you guys."
Co-stars react with emotional messages
The comments section was soon filled with encouraging responses from Bradley's visibly moved colleagues. Lisa Riley shared multiple tearful emojis, writing: "Love you always, pretend Mum forever." Olivia Bromley added: "Love you mate," while Katie Hill, who plays Sarah Sugden, remarked: "Lots of love. Can't wait for this next exciting chapter for you."
Ash Palmisciano, who portrays Matty Barton, wrote: "Ahhh mate! You're so missed already! What a talented legend you are! Smashed it! It really won't be the same without you mate! Such an icon as Vinny and even more iconic as Brad! You're amazing mate!" Natalie Ann Jamieson, who played Amy Barton, was left "crying" when she shared her own message to Bradley on Instagram. Emmerdale airs weekday nights at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
