Emmerdale star Bradley Johnson, known for playing Vinny Dingle in the ITV soap, has been flooded with love after revealing he eloped to Nashville to marry the "love of his life". The actor shared the news on Instagram, showing off the couple's marriage certificate alongside his new wife Sammie.
Vinny Dingle's on-screen journey
Bradley made his debut as Vinny Dingle in 2019, six years ago. His character married Liv Flaherty after they began dating in 2020 during the first lockdown. Liv was killed off in 2022 to mark Emmerdale's 50th anniversary. Following the loss, Vinny moved on with Gabby Thomas, but that relationship ended when Vinny began to question his sexuality.
Vinny is now in a relationship with Lewis Barton, but it is in jeopardy after Vinny admitted to Gabby Thomas and Kev Barton that he was the driver who ran Jimmy King off the road, as he was on his phone to Gabby during the incident. In upcoming episodes, Lewis considers encouraging Vinny to propose, but Kev advises against it. Lewis, fed up with waiting, proposes to Vinny. Unable to accept due to his secret guilt, Vinny's hesitation causes Lewis to leave, hurt and humiliated.
Wedding joy and support from co-stars
Away from the Dales, Bradley was engaged to Sammie, and the pair welcomed their son Albie last year. In his Instagram post, Bradley confirmed he is no longer engaged, writing: "Eloped to Nashville (sic) Married the love of my life". The couple were flooded with love and support from friends and co-stars. Joe Warren-Plant sent a love heart, while Jay Kontzle added: "Congrats brilliant this mate! Wishing you and your family the very best x".
Lisa Riley, who plays his on-screen mum Mandy Dingle, echoed: "Love love love love and more love coming your way!!! CONGRATULATIONS many years of happiness Love from Me and your Uncle AL".
Music tributes and recent performances
Since appearing in Emmerdale, Bradley has continued to showcase his vocals by frequently sharing acoustic covers on his Instagram page, while also taking part in Emmerdale's YouTube series, The Woolpack Session. Bradley recently shared his rendition of I Will Always Love You in tribute to Dolly Parton, who died this week at the age of 80. The news was announced by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, who also served as her head of security, on Tuesday (August 25) evening via a video shared on Instagram.
Seaver said it was "an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness" to share the news of her death, adding: "But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly." He continued: "Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents and countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in the heavens."
