Emmerdale fans praise Dominic Brunt for handling of mental health storyline

Emmerdale's Paddy Kirk is set for a devastating time as he begins to contemplate taking his own life - and fans of the soap have praised actor Dominic Brunt for his sensitive handling of the storyline.

Paddy has sunk into a deep depression since the breakdown of his marriage to Chas (Lucy Pargeter) and their grief over losing daughter Grace while struggling to co-parent Eve.

Read more: All the latest Emmerdale spoilers

In Thursday's episode of the ITV1 soap, viewers saw Paddy's mood deteriorate further as he left the village without telling any family or friends where he was going.

One concerned fan tweeted: "Please tell me the rumours about paddy’s suicide story aren’t true."

Someone else added: "Hope Paddy doesn't end up doing anything daft.....it's looking that way."

But others praised Emmerdale's bravery with the storyline, which has been developed alongside charities Samaritans and Andy's Man Club.

One viewer tweeted: "Love this Paddy story. It's great to see soaps tackling men's mental health."

Read more: Who was fired from The Apprentice this week?

Someone else agreed: "I have to applaud my favorite soap #Emmerdale Paddy's storyline is true to life... Use your 7th sense !!! Not everyone is as happy as they portray...."

The soap's viewers agreed that long-serving actor Brunt was the perfect person to handle the difficult storyline, which will see him return to the village in March and try to say some goodbyes as he considers taking his own life.

One fan tweeted: "Hate seeing Paddy struggle in #Emmerdale but what better actor & character to pull off the storyline! When he’s upset I’m upset. Brilliant."

Someone else agreed: "Brilliant acting tonight @dominicbrunt @Reallisariley @lucyparge as paddy went missing this is going to be a good bit also important story to tell."

Another viewer wrote: "Think Dominic Brunt is playing Paddy's breakdown amazingly."

Someone else commented: "Well done @dominicbrunt for always playing Paddy perfectly @emmerdale, I’m heartbroken and sorry he going through suicidal thoughts and wanting to take his own life, thank you for doing this storyline to help people who unfortunately struggling."

For confidential emotional support contact The Samaritans at any time by calling 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org