Emmerdale fans fear Paddy Kirk could be leaving the ITV soap after 29 years following police questioning over a murder cover-up storyline.

Emmerdale’s Paddy Kirk may be facing a surprising departure, viewers have speculated.

Paddy (Dominic Brunt) first appeared on the enduring ITV soap back in 1997. As the beloved village vet, he quickly established himself as one of the programme’s most memorable and cherished characters.

Throughout the years, he’s been central to numerous major storylines. From his unexpected infidelities to the devastating death of his child, Paddy’s journey in the Dales has been filled with turbulence.

Particularly recently, as last month he assisted in concealing the killing of Ray Walters (Joe Absolom) following his father Bear Wolf’s (Joshua Richards) fatal attack on him.

Bear subsequently turned himself in, with Paddy optimistic that he might avoid conviction through a self-defence plea. Whilst Bear was released on bail, he violated his conditions and disappeared, reports the Daily Star.

Paddy Dingle actor Dominic Brunt has confessed his character is left convinced he and two others will be jailed

His dad murdered Ray (Image: ITV)

 

This week, Paddy located Bear, who consented to admission at a mental health facility. Subsequently, DS Walsh (Amanda Ryan) informed Paddy that a psychiatric assessment recommended against detaining Bear once more.

Nevertheless, DS Walsh noticed some rope on the surface behind Paddy; identical rope that had been employed to bind Ray’s corpse. During Tuesday’s episode (February 3), Paddy was taken to the station for questioning.

At the police station, DS Walsh challenged Paddy regarding the rope she’d observed, highlighting that it corresponds with the material used to secure Ray’s remains.

 

In a dimly lit room, a group of individuals are gathered around a table, engaged in a discussion. Papers and a monitor are visib

Fans fear Paddy will be sent to prison (Image: ITV)

The officer reiterated her belief that Bear hadn’t acted independently when disposing of Ray’s body, offering Paddy a final opportunity to be honest.

However, Paddy persisted in his deceit, refuting Walsh’s allegations that he assisted in moving the body. The detective then disclosed that they would be examining the rope to determine if it was an exact match, leaving Paddy even more taken aback.

Now, with undoubtedly more drama yet to unfold on the soap, viewers can’t help but speculate that Paddy’s departure for prison is imminent. On an Emmerdale Facebook fan page, one individual queried: “Is Paddy going to prison?” Another proposed: “I think he will!” A third added: “Oh, poor Paddy!” Echoing these sentiments, another person wrote: “I was thinking that as well.”