Emmerdale star Bradley Johnson has broken his silence as his final scenes in the long-running show aired, with Vinny Dingle being sentenced to 10 years in prison for causing death by dangerous driving.
Those who follow the ITV soap will recall that Vinny arrived in the village back in 2019 alongside his mum, Mandy Dingle, played by Bury-born actress Lisa Riley. After being abandoned by his father, Paul Ashdale, Vinny was raised by Mandy, Paul's former girlfriend, and became an honorary Dingle.
Vinny's rollercoaster journey in the Dales
In almost eight years, Vinny has faced a rollercoaster of a life in the Dales, including the return of his abusive father, and the tragic death of his wife, Liv Dingle. But just as he appeared to be starting a new chapter with boyfriend Lewis Barton, it was revealed Vinny was hiding a devastating secret.
It was revealed that he was responsible for the deaths of fellow villagers, Jimmy King and Dawn Fletcher. Disaster struck on what should have been Dawn and Joe Tate's wedding day, when Jimmy King suddenly crashed into the marquee where the couple were set to say 'I do', sending debris flying and throwing the celebrations into complete chaos.
Tragically, Jimmy died at the scene, with his wife, Nicola, seen saying a gut-wrenching goodbye after she found the devastating scene while heading to a picnic with her husband. While Dawn appeared to survive, she later went into premature labour with her and Joe's son. After giving birth, she suffered a significant haemorrhage, causing her heart to stop, and doctors were unable to save her.
Court verdict and Joe's secret
Weeks passed before Vinny confessed to his role in the fatal crash that killed Jimmy and Dawn, with flashback scenes showing that he had been distracted by a video call with Gabby Thomas while driving, which led him to drive into the other side of the road, making Jimmy swerve and ending up in the field where the marquee was set up for the wedding.
During Monday's (October 11) episode of Emmerdale, Vinny was seen heading to court to learn his fate. Mandy and her husband, Paddy Kirk, watched on as the judge delivered her verdict, confirming she was going to make an example of Vinny to discourage others from mobile phone use while driving, before sentencing him to a decade behind bars.
However, as an emotional Vinny was led away, and a heartbroken Mandy returned to the village, it was revealed that Joe had paid off the judge to give a more hefty sentence as he struggles with grief following the loss of Dawn.
Bradley's heartfelt thank you
Following the scenes, Bradley took to Instagram with a video addressing his exit, and reflected on his time on the soap. "So, if you're watching this video, it means that Vinny's journey has sadly come to an end," he started. "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."
"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 continued: "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?!"
He gave a special mention to Lisa, saying: "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!"
Bradley then concluded by looking to the future, as he added: "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. 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 to his exit
Lisa responded to the post, commenting: "Love you always, pretend Mum forever." Ash Palmisciano, who plays Matty Barton, said: "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!" Sarah Sugden star Katie Hill replied: "Lots of love. Can't wait for this next exciting chapter for you." Shebz Miah, who plays Kammy Hadiq added: "Unbelievably proud of you brother, fly high."
