Mark Charnock has revealed he never takes his role as Marlon Dingle on the ITV soap for granted after 30 years, admitting he still feels anxious about job security.
On Friday, October 16, the ITV soap marked its 54th anniversary as Mark Charnock simultaneously celebrated three decades portraying much-loved Marlon. The 58-year-old actor appeared on Good Morning Britain live from the Emmerdale set to discuss his enduring role with presenters Ranvir Singh and Kate Garraway.
Mark Charnock reflects on 30 years as Marlon Dingle
Welcoming the soap star, Ranvir remarked: "Congratulations, Marlon Dingle himself, Mark Charnock, live from Emmerdale. Thank you for sharing this milestone with us. You have been part of our lives for so long, it's wonderful."
Mark quipped: "I'm so sorry", before continuing: "Thank you very much, 30 years you say it out loud and it seems surreal really, yet it doesn't make any sense as I'm only 28".
The actor revealed he secured the part in 1996 but was originally meant to remain on the programme for merely three months and was desperate to have his contract renewed. Mark recalled: "I got the job on my 28th birthday. I got the phone call, and I remember from that very moment until the moment I walked on set over there at the Dingles, just feeling a terrible fear of blowing it, thinking it was a three-month contract."
Mark Charnock on job security and taking the role for granted
Reflecting on his approach to job security at the ITV soap, Mark responded: "I think the important thing is to never think that 'I'm here, I'm part of the furniture', because once you start thinking that, there is a danger you start taking it for granted."
He elaborated: "Me and all the people that really love and care about the show want it as good as can be, but the important thing is the length of your contract. If you think beyond that, you're cooked."
"So for me I've got a lot of anxiety about the job, still, and I'm pleased about that. I want to worry about it because it keeps you on your toes; I have never taken it for granted in that way."
Mark Charnock on Marlon's storylines and Christmas episodes
During the chat, Kate remarked: "It's incredible, mind you, as Marlon you have packed a lot in to be fair, Mark", before continuing: "Five weddings, all sorts of drama over the years, National Television Award for that episode where Marlon suffered a stroke. Which I imagine was a very moving thing to get your teeth into."
Mark also confirmed that Emmerdale had now filmed their Christmas episodes but declined to drop any hints about forthcoming storylines.
Emmerdale airs weekdays at 8pm on ITV and ITVX. Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6:30am on ITV and ITVX.
