Emmerdale reveals special scenes as Paddy's emotional story continues
Note: The following article contains discussion of themes including suicide and mental ill health.
Emmerdale spoilers also follow.
Emmerdale has shared more details about an upcoming special episode as part of Paddy Dingle's mental health storyline.
Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt) has been struggling with his mental health and two months ago, he attempted to take his own life.
Last month, the soap aired a special episode exclusively featuring its male cast members, with Marlon Dingle hosting a lock-in at the Woolpack for all the men in the village to speak candidly about their mental health.
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Another special episode is going to air next month, where viewers will see Paddy seeking help for his mental health away from the village as he continues his recovery.
Paddy realises that as grateful as he is for the support of his Man Club friends, his family and local residents, he sometimes struggles to fully open up and talk his problems through with people who he knows very well.
Emmerdale has been working with charity Andy's Man Club on Paddy's mental health storyline. The special episode was filmed at Bradford City Football Club ground, a location where the charity holds support meetings in real life.
"We've already seen Paddy speaking to his GP, being prescribed medication, going for counselling and talking to his friends and family, to help him with his struggling mental health," said Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw.
"Our research showed that in addition to these things, many people find it easier to talk to strangers about their problems and so we wanted to show Paddy doing just that – opening up in a different environment and talking to strangers."
Shaw went on to say that it was "vitally important" to the soap to show these scenes authentically, which is why they filmed on location at a real Andy's Man Club venue.
"We hope if anyone watching is feeling like Paddy, like they can't talk to friends or family, they might be encouraged by these scenes to reach out to their own local club for help and support," Shaw added.
Nell Wain from Andy's Man Club added that he was delighted to have Emmerdale filming at one of the charity's locations, and said he hoped the episode will "help us challenge the stigmas around men talking".
He added: "In reality, many men take the step to travel out of their area to attend clubs so they can really be themselves and talk freely with strangers and to see Paddy doing this is a real-life snapshot of the thought process for many men.
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"Bradford City FC, and in particular, Director of Operations, Paula Watson, have been fantastic in making this happen, not only for this Emmerdale episode, but in allowing us to use Valley Parade as a venue for Andy's Man Club in Bradford.
"They saw the need for this and even have a member of staff, Sian, who stays behind every Monday of her own accord to make sure the club opens for us!" he continued as he praised the "great partnership" with the football club.
"A huge thank you to Emmerdale for their support in highlighting the struggles men go through but that, through talking, we all have hope of brighter days ahead."
Emmerdale will air the special episode on Thursday, May 11.
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.
We encourage anyone who identifies with the topics raised in this article to reach out. Emmerdale has been working on Paddy's storyline with support from Samaritans and Andy's Man Club.
Further information about how to access support is available via the NHS, and organisations who can offer help include Samaritans on 116 123 or Mind on 0300 123 3393.
Readers in the US are encouraged to visit mentalhealth.gov or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Read more Emmerdale spoilers on our dedicated homepage
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