As Emmerdale’s explosive killer week reaches its dramatic conclusion, fans may think the worst is over — but according to soap stalwart Dominic Brunt,

the real fallout is only just beginning. The long-running ITV drama has once again proven why it remains one of Britain’s most talked-about soaps, delivering jaw-dropping twists,

moral dilemmas, and the kind of emotional devastation that leaves viewers reeling long after the credits roll.

At the heart of the chaos is Paddy Dingle, a character synonymous with Emmerdale history. Played by Dominic Brunt for an astonishing 29 years, Paddy now finds himself caught in one of the darkest storylines of his life — a storyline that not only reshapes his future but threatens to tear multiple families apart.

Emmerdale’s Paddy Dingle actor Dominic Brunt has addressed whether he will leave the ITV soap after 29 years

A Killer Reveal No One Saw Coming

Thursday night’s episode delivered two seismic shocks that sent shockwaves through the village and the fandom alike. First came the revelation that Bear Wolf — Paddy’s father — was not dead after all. Viewers had been led to believe Bear was killed back in December, with human trafficker Celia Daniels later claiming responsibility for his death. That lie unravelled in spectacular fashion when Bear was suddenly confirmed alive, turning weeks of speculation on its head.

But that revelation was merely the calm before the storm.

Moments later, villain Ray Walters met a brutal and unexpected end. In a chilling confrontation, Bear — a former wrestler — crushed Ray in a fatal headlock, killing him on the spot. The act was swift, violent, and deeply unsettling, pushing Emmerdale into one of its darkest chapters yet. Ray, portrayed by Joe Absolom, had already cemented himself as a dangerous and despised figure, but few expected his downfall to come at the hands of a presumed-dead character.

For Dominic Brunt, the storyline instantly took Paddy into uncharted territory.

“This one was dark,” Dominic admitted in an exclusive interview. “I genuinely wondered how they were going to film it for pre-watershed. It goes to places the show doesn’t always go — and that’s what makes it so gripping.”

Lies, Flashbacks, and a Web of Suspicion

The special killer week unfolded through cleverly constructed flashbacks, piecing together Ray’s final hours while throwing suspicion on several familiar faces. Laurel Thomas, Rhona Goskirk, and Marlon Dingle all found themselves under the microscope, each with secrets of their own and reasons to fear what might come out.

For a time, it seemed as though almost everyone in the village had something to hide.

What viewers didn’t know — until the truth was finally revealed — was that Paddy himself had been lying. While detectives questioned others and tensions escalated, Paddy quietly helped protect his father, allowing Bear to remain officially “missing” as the investigation into Ray’s death gathered pace.

“I think in real life I’d probably ring the police straight away,” Dominic said candidly. “But Paddy’s instinct is to protect his dad. That’s the emotional conflict — he knows it’s wrong, but family comes first.”

Filming the aftermath proved uniquely challenging, especially as the scenes aired before audiences knew what really happened.

“It was very confusing,” Dominic explained. “We were playing the fallout without the viewers having the full picture. But once it all comes together, it makes sense — and it hits hard.”

As Emmerdale’s killer week draws to a close, actor Dominic Brunt said the turmoil is far from over for his character, soap legend Paddy Dingle

Nearly Three Decades at the Heart of Emmerdale

Dominic Brunt first stepped into Paddy Dingle’s shoes in 1997, and since then, the character has been through almost everything imaginable. Five weddings, countless heartbreaks, and the devastating loss of his baby daughter Grace have cemented Paddy as one of the soap’s most emotionally rich characters.

More recently, viewers watched Paddy spiral into a severe depression in 2023, culminating in an attempted suicide — a storyline that resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. The plot formed part of ITV’s Britain Get Talking campaign, designed to raise awareness around mental health and encourage open conversations.

Dominic worked closely with Andy’s Man Club, a men’s suicide prevention charity, during the storyline, ensuring authenticity and sensitivity.

“I was incredibly proud of that story,” he said. “You think, if this saves even one person from suffering in silence, then it’s worth it. Men don’t like talking — we want to fix things, provide solutions, be strong. But opening up isn’t weakness.”

The impact was tangible. Andy’s Man Club reported a rise in attendance following the episodes, proving the storyline struck a nerve.

“After filming, I’d go home thinking, thank God I’m pretending,” Dominic added. “So many people live this for real. It was an honour to play.”

What Happens Next — And Who Could Be Leaving?

Now, as Paddy actively covers up Bear’s crime, the stakes have never been higher. Police pressure is mounting, lies are stacking up, and the truth feels dangerously close to surfacing. With whispers of multiple exits looming, fans are left wondering just how many characters could pay the ultimate price for this killer twist.

Despite the peril facing his character, Dominic confirmed reassuring news about his own future. He has signed a new year-long contract, securing Paddy’s place in the village — at least for now.

“I don’t worry about the axe anymore,” he said with a smile. “I’ve been so lucky for so long. If they ever told me I was going, I’d be sad — of course I would — but I’d also be grateful. This show changed my life.”

Still, the possibility of an exit remains an emotional subject.

“After nearly three decades, it would hurt,” Dominic admitted. “But hopefully, I’ll be here for another 29 years.”

Viewers tuned in on Thursday to see Paddy’s father Bear Wolf murder villain Ray Walters

A Storm That’s Far From Over

As Emmerdale moves forward from its killer week, one thing is certain: the consequences of Ray Walters’ death will ripple through the village for months to come. Trust will be shattered, families tested, and loyalties pushed to breaking point.

Paddy is trying to cover up his father’s crime

For Paddy Dingle, the line between right and wrong has never been blurrier — and as the truth inches closer, the cost of protecting his father may prove higher than he ever imagined.

Viewers should brace themselves. The killer twist may have been revealed, but the real drama is only just beginning.