Emmerdale star Danny Miller has been forced to publicly deny false rumours that his father Vince Miller has died. The actor, known for playing Aaron Dingle in the ITV soap, addressed the 'awful' claims in a video posted to social media last Friday.
Danny Miller's Statement
In the video, Miller said: 'My dad's alive. What an awful, awful thing to just be on your main grid. Imagine the day when it actually comes and the sad news happens, if that happens before me with his dementia, people go "oh I thought he died two years ago". My dad is alive.'
He explained that the hoax posts on Facebook and Instagram claimed his father died in a tragic car accident. The actor said he usually ignores such rumours but felt compelled to respond after his 17-year-old niece and other family members began messaging him in distress.
Impact of Social Media Lies
Miller criticised the individuals behind the accounts, stating: 'I've read some rubbish about me in the past, making it up, and these are journalists, but now we've got every day people making Facebook and Instagram accounts and posting utter s***. When it's affecting the family personally, it's just something I had to tell.'
He added: 'To the sad people who are starting these accounts, it's beyond me. I get that you can make money on things these days, and engagement earns you money, but to then use utter s***. They've not even thought about it, made it believable in my eyes, where you could go "dementia's finally taken him"… he's been in a tragic car accident? That's my first thing. Reading it is just f****** awful.'
Support from Fans
Miller's followers responded with supportive messages. Wendy commented: 'I'm so relieved and like yourself, am absolutely disgusted and flabbergasted with what's been posted. I feel for you.' Jill said: 'I read that story Danny – didn't believe it but knew many people might – absolutely disgraceful – why do people do this – how do they sleep at night? Obviously not real Emmerdale fans – big hugs to you and your dad.' Mandy added: 'How cruel is the world we live in. I'm so pleased your Dad is alive and well. I've been through what you're going through with my Dad and I feel your pain.'
Vince Miller's Background
Vince Miller is a well-known figure in Manchester's entertainment scene, having spent decades working as a compère and host for some of the UK's biggest acts, including The Beatles and Take That. Danny often documents his father's dementia diagnosis and how it affects their relationship.
Emmerdale Storyline Update
In the soap, Danny's character Aaron Dingle has been suspicious of newcomer Serena Sugden (Casey Al-Shaqsy), who is Robert Sugden's (Ryan Hawley) distant cousin. Aaron's guard is up after the last long-lost Sugden, John (Oliver Farnworth), turned out to be a crazed medic who killed Nate Robinson. In upcoming episodes, Robert is struck by an oncoming trailer, and Aaron's fears grow when Serena is at the scene. Aaron and Chas Dingle (Lucy Pargeter) agree to keep an eye on her, and a secret on Serena's stolen phone threatens to explode.
