Emmerdale star Bradley Johnson shares final message for fans as Vinny leaves for good

Emmerdale star Bradley Johnson has shared a final message for his fans, following his exit from the soap. The actor played Vinny Dingle for almost 8 years, first appearing in 2019.

This summer, it was revealed that Vinny had caused the horrific car crash on the day of Joe Tate and Dawn Fletcher's wedding, which resulted in Jimmy King's death. In yesterday's episode, the mechanic was sentenced to 10 years in prison for death by dangerous driving, leaving his family devastated.

Taking to Instagram, Johnson posted a video reflecting on his time on the soap, and thanked fans for their support. He shared how much the character meant to him and how it changed his life.

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"If you're watching this video, it means that Vinny's journey has sadly come to an end. And I just wanted to come on here and do this video just to say, from the bottom of my heart, thank you so, so much," he said.

"If someone would've told me all them years ago that I'd be doing seven and a half years in Emmerdale, I wouldn't have believed them and I am so, so grateful for the opportunity."

The star thanked the cast and crew of the soap, describing them as "friends for life" and saying it was "an absolute joy and a pleasure" to work there. He also highlighted Vinny's on-screen journey, sharing that the character "has been so fun to play" over the years.

"I've had some incredible storylines, from the abuse storyline to being a big part of the 50th, with Liv [Dingle] dying. And more recently, Vinny and Gabby, Vinny and Lewis. He's not very lucky in love, is he?" Johnson said.

"I wouldn't take relationship advice off Vinny, but it's just been a joy. It's been one of the happiest times of my life being in that show and working there each and every day."

Johnson praised the fans for their unrelating support throughout his time on the show, saying he "wouldn't be where [he is] today" without them. He also gave a huge shoutout to his on-screen mum Lisa Riley, who plays Mandy Dingle.

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"She was there on my very first day on set to the very last and this journey wouldn't have been the same without you, Lisa, so thank you. Thank you for all the help and guidance. And to play Mandy Dingle's son - that's pretty special!"

"Love you for always, pretend Mum forever," she replied in the comments, with several crying and heart emojis.

Meanwhile, addressing what's next for him, Johnson hinted at a "new chapter" in his life as he turns 30 next year.

"I'm excited, I'm scared, I'm apprehensive of what's to come but I've got a feeling next year is gonna be a very good year, so please keep following along for the next part in my life," he said.

"But one final time, thank you to Emmerdale for changing my life and thank you guys for all the support. It means the world. So, all that's left to say is Vinny Dingle, over and out."

Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 8pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.

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