AN EMMERDALE star has confirmed their exit from the soap after their final scenes were aired.
Macaulay Cooper, who played villain Mike in five episodes of the ITV soap, announced “it’s a wrap” as he posted snaps outside the famous Wolfpack boozer.
Emmerdale viewers have been left gripped by the shocking storyline which unfolded between Mike and Vinny[/caption]
Macaulay Cooper, who played Mike on the ITV soap, has now bid his farewells to the long-running ITV soap[/caption]
The actor took to Instagram, where he posted a sprawling thank you message to the show’s cast and crew, after his remaining episodes were aired by the broadcaster.
Alongside a flurry of on set snaps, he wrote: “That’s a wrap! After an unforgettable journey, all of my Emmerdale episodes have now aired.
“I feel incredibly grateful for this experience and this has been one of my favorite jobs to date. Huge thanks to everyone who tuned in and sent such kind messages—your support has meant the world to me!
“Playing the role of Mike, while challenging due to the character’s actions, was an honor. This story—however difficult—is one that has unfortunately happened to people in real life, and I hope our portrayal helps bring much-needed awareness to this issue.”
He went on to acknowledge the team behind the long-running soap, who he said made him feel like “part of the family”.
He continued: “To the entire Emmerdale cast, crew and casting department: Thank you for the support, the hard work, and for making me feel like part of the family. What an incredible team!
“A big thank you to my agent [Joe Scannell] for landing me this opportunity and his constant support throughout our time together!
“Massive shoutout to [Bradley Jackson] who was alongside me from my first to my last day on set and made the whole experience that much better. You absolutely smashed this difficult storyline as ‘Vinny,’ and deserve every bit of praise and more for your incredible work. It’s been a pleasure working with you.”
He also thanked his girlfriend Abbie Jones, who helped him “prep, film, and not give up on myself during the self-tape process for this role.”
Macaulay added: “After hours of filming the same scene over and over, I was ready to quit and send in whichever take was half decent. But you told me to go just one more.
“That was the take I sent in. That was the take that got me the recall and led me to landing me the job. Thank you for being my biggest supporter, my self-tape assistant, and never letting me quit.
“Onto the next chapter of my journey and many more to come.
“Mike over and out.”
Co-stars and fans were quick to heap praise on Macaulay for his performance, which he admitted was ‘difficult’.
Bradley Jackson, who Macaulay starred alongside, led the praise from Emmerdale cast.
He wrote: “Legend!!! Been an absolute pleasure mate. Hope we get to work together again soon”.
Shebz Miah, who plays Kammy Hadiq on the soap, also commented: “Well done bruddaaaaa smashed it”.
While one fan wrote: “You’ve been super on Emmerdale. Hopefully one day you can return on a permanent basis, and reformed character. All the best fella”.
Viewers will be aware that his character Mike, who first appeared on screen in August, was embroiled in one of the show’s most controversial storylines – which received hundreds of OFCOM complaints.
His character Mike befriends Vinny Dingle, played by Bradley Johnson, after meeting through an online forum after Vinny started having doubts about his sexuality.
Vinny at this stage was preparing to marry his partner Gabby, played by Rosie Bentham – as self doubt kicked in.
There seemed to be an attraction between the pair met, before Mike revealed to Vinny that he lied all along and said his real intentions were to blackmail him.
He demand £10,000 or he would expose Vinny for being gay to Gabby.
His final episode saw his character finally face justice – and was sent to jail after Vinny bravely reported vile thug Mike to the police.
Macaulay posted a series of snaps as he thanked the show’s team for making him feel ‘part of the family’[/caption]
