Emmerdale star Lawrence Robb has confirmed he will continue in his role as Mackenzie Boyd while taking part in this year's Strictly Come Dancing, easing fears that his character might be written out.
The actor, who has played Mack since 2020, described joining the BBC dance contest as a 'dream come true' when the news was announced earlier this week.
'I can't quite believe that I am going to be getting my dancing shoes on this September on one of my favourite shows of all time!,' he said. 'It's a dream come true, and I can't wait to bring my all to ballroom.'
Support from co-stars
His announcement drew an enthusiastic response from fellow cast members. Lewis Cope, who plays Nicky Miligan and reached the Strictly quarter-final last year, wrote: 'Yes brother!!! I am so excited for you'. Amy Walsh, known for playing Tracy Metcalfe, added: 'Omg omg omg!!!!!!!!!!! Amazing!!!!!!!!', while Ash Palmisciano, who plays Matty Barton, said: 'yes mate! your gonna be amazing!'
Balancing both roles
In a video shared on the official Strictly Instagram account, Lawrence confirmed he will be balancing his Emmerdale duties with the dance competition.
'For the next couple of months, alongside strutting my stuff on the Emmerdale fields, I'm going to be strutting my stuff on the dancefloor,' he said. 'It's very exciting, but I'm terrified'.
Recent Emmerdale storylines
His character Mack has had a dramatic year, having been taken hostage by serial killer John Sugden, who previously shot him with a crossbow. Mack also recently learned that his wife Charity had cheated on him with his best friend Ross Barton. Charity later confided that she had been raped by Dr Todd, leading Mack to confront him in a heated showdown. Dr Todd was later confirmed dead in a flashforward, leaving viewers to wonder if Mack could be a suspect.
