Emmerdale team up with Andy’s Man Club for Paddy scene

In tonight’s Emmerdale Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt) attended a group session away from the fictional village and familiar faces.

Filming for these scenes took place at Bradford City Football Club Ground in the room where regular Andy’s Man Club meetings are held every Monday.

Within this episode, four men with lived experience of being members of Andy’s Man Club, were featured, playing the roles of fictional attendees of the group. During the filming of these scenes, the Emmerdale Digital team went behind the scenes to hear their real life stories.

The resulting video contains the personal stories of these men. Please note this video discusses mental health and suicidal thoughts. Actors Dominic Brunt (Paddy Kirk) and Marlon Dingle (Mark Charnock) have also contributed to this discussion on the importance of getting men to talk.

Ongoing counselling and support have been given by ITV to the men who shared their story so openly. Their hope is this video and content will encourage other men to open up and talk.

Neil Waine from Andy’s Man Club, who was featured in the episode, reveals why he took part in this filming:

“Filming with Emmerdale in an actual Andy’s Man Club with Andy’s Man Club lads alongside professional actors was amazing. When Laura the Producer first asked me about doing this episode I jumped at the opportunity to let men see a bit of how Andy’s Man Club runs and this will hopefully help us challenge the stigmas around men talking.”

Paddy became increasingly depressed following the revelation his wife Chas (Lucy Pargeter) had been having an affair with Al Chapman, which led to their separation. The constant reminders of her infidelity, their shared grief over the loss of their daughter Grace, and the daily bickering between them have all had an adverse effect on his mental health. Consequently, during an episode which aired on ITV1/STV on Thursday 9th February viewers saw Paddy suddenly leave the village without telling his friends or family.

Missing, the villagers attempted to find Paddy, but were always two steps behind. His sudden return a few weeks later saw Paddy appear to be in a better place, but he’d come to say goodbye as he contemplated suicide, however he was found in time and has been seeking help with his negative thoughts ever since.

Emmerdale, weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1 and STV.

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK.  

Andy’s Man Club are a men’s suicide prevention charity, offering free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups across over 100 venues in the United Kingdom and online. Find out more at andysmanclub.co.uk