Emmerdale fans were left heartbroken this week as actor Shaun Thomas, who plays Kyle Winchester in the hit ITV soap, shared a touching tribute to his on-screen father following the tragic passing of the actor behind fan-favourite character 'Crowley'.
The emotional post sent shockwaves through the Emmerdale community, with viewers and cast members alike mourning the loss of the beloved performer.
A Bond Beyond the Screen
Thomas, who has portrayed Kyle since 2014, revealed the profound impact his fictional father had on his life both professionally and personally. The young actor described their relationship as "more than just colleagues" in his poignant social media tribute.
"The lessons you taught me extended far beyond our scenes together," Thomas wrote, "You were a mentor, a friend, and in many ways, a second father."
Emmerdale Family in Mourning
The news has left the tight-knit Emmerdale cast reeling, with several co-stars sharing their own memories of working with the late actor. While the production team has yet to announce how they'll address the character's absence on-screen, insiders suggest Crowley's departure will be handled with the utmost respect.
Fans have flooded social media with messages of support for Thomas and the cast, sharing favourite Crowley moments from the show's history. Many have praised the writers for creating such a memorable father-son dynamic that clearly resonated with both actors.
A Legacy Remembered
Though best known for his Emmerdale role, the late actor had an extensive career spanning theatre, film and television. Colleagues have described him as "a consummate professional" with "an unparalleled work ethic" who always put his fellow actors at ease.
As the Emmerdale community comes to terms with this tragic loss, Thomas's tribute stands as a powerful testament to the enduring bonds that form behind the scenes of our favourite shows.
