Emmerdale stars given choice to opt out of working on ‘triggering’ Paddy Kirk suicide storyline

Emmerdale cast and crew members were given the option to opt out of working on the Paddy Kirk suicide storyline.

Viewers will watch as the village vet, played by Dominic Brunt, contemplates taking his own life as the true extent of his depression is revealed in scenes set to air this week.

Fans of the soap have seen Paddy struggle and experience feelings of isolation following the breakdown of his marriage to Chas Dingle (Lucy Pargeter) after her affair with Al Chapman (Michael Wildman) was revealed.

Discussing the upcoming scenes, Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw said that both cast and crew were warned in advance about the “triggering” storyline to ensure their wellbeing.

She told Daily Star: “With any serious or triggering subject matter, we pre-warn anyone on it what we’re doing and why and to talk to us if there’s anything worrying them.

“This subject matter can be, and has been, uncomfortable at times, so we have to make sure everyone is ok with that and if anyone isn’t, they absolutely didn’t need to work on it.”

Shaw added that the soap, particularly their researchers and writers, worked closely with charities Samaritans and suicide prevention charity Andy’s Man Club in order to tell Paddy’s story as authentically as possible.

The producer said it was “vital having their support on board” and explained that both charities talked them through “what was important for us to show and what we absolutely should not be showing”.

Speaking about the harrowing storyline, Shaw added: “We knew at Emmerdale that we really wanted to shine a light on men’s mental health and how middle-aged men are more likely to die by suicide than any other age group.”

Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm.

If you’ve been affected by the topics discussed in this article, call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website