Emmerdale actor Bradley Johnson has confirmed his departure from the ITV soap after seven and a half years, accidentally revealing the news during a live appearance on This Morning.
Johnson, who plays Vinny Dingle, made the announcement on Wednesday (October 7) after soap expert Sharon Marshall picked up on his choice of words during the interview with hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard.
Accidental revelation on This Morning
During the segment, Johnson remarked: "It's really nice to have this sort of exit storyline like where it's not just in the back of the taxi. Hopefully it's something that popular people will remember."
Marshall quickly noticed the slip, saying: "You just said exit storyline, I can't help but notice." A flustered Johnson replied: "Did I say that?"
When pressed further, Johnson confirmed: "Yeah, seven and a half years. Yeah, it has been an incredible journey. I've loved every second of it."
Emmerdale exit storyline
Vinny has endured a turbulent few weeks in the Dales after it emerged he was responsible for a fatal car crash on Dawn Taylor's wedding day, which resulted in the deaths of Dawn and Jimmy King.
Jimmy perished at the scene, with his wife Nicola witnessing the heartbreaking farewell. A pregnant Dawn initially survived the impact but later died after delivering a baby boy. Consumed by remorse, Vinny confessed the truth to police, with flashback sequences revealing he had been distracted by a video call with Gabby Thomas while driving.
Despite being arrested, Vinny has been released on bail pending his court appearance, where he faces imprisonment.
Cast shake-up continues
Johnson's exit follows a series of departures from the soap. Last month, Jimmy King (Nick Miles) and Dawn Taylor (Olivia Bromley) were axed following the fatal car crash. Earlier this year, reports also surfaced suggesting Vinny was set to leave after nearly a decade on the programme.
Reflecting on his time on the show, Johnson said: "Everyone says it's like a big family, but it really is. Do you know, I've had the most incredible time, met the most amazing people: the cast, the producers, directors."
Emmerdale airs Monday to Friday at 8:00pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
