Vinny Dingle (Bradley Johnson) faces a dark future in Emmerdale after he was charged with causing the deaths of two village mainstays.
The show favourite answered a video call from Gabby Thomas (Rosie Bentham) while driving earlier this year, listening as she lamented about Billy Fletcher (Jay Kontzle) dumping her for Dawn (Olivia Bromley).
Vinny was on cloud nine after picking up an engagement ring ahead of a plan to propose to Lewis Barton (Bradley Riches) but things took a devastating turn when he took his eyes of the road, with an oncoming vehicle – driven by Jimmy King (Nick Miles) – forced to swerve.
Jimmy went straight through the marquee where Dawn was set to wed Joe Tate (Ned Porteous), which led to both he and bride-to-be Dawn dying in emotional scenes.
After keeping shtum for weeks, Vinny came clean this week and faced the music, with Billy punching him repeatedly while Nicola King (Nicola Wheeler) called the police, and Vinny gave a full and honest account of what had transpired during his interview, being charged with causing death by dangerous driving.
But with Vinny’s fate up in the air, the question is: is he leaving Emmerdale?
Is Vinny star Bradley Johnson leaving Emmerdale?
It was reported earlier in the year that Vinny star Bradley Johnson was set to exit the ITV soap after 7 years as part of ITV’s continued budget cuts.
Bradley subsequently confirmed that he is leaving Emmerdale. On This Morning, he said: ‘Seven and a half years, it’s been an incredible journey. I’ve loved every second of it.’
‘Honestly, everyone says it’s like a big family, but it really is, and you know, I’ve had the most incredible time with the most amazing people, all the cast and crew, directors, everyone I had the fortune to work with, incredible.’
On screen, Vinny has been arrested and charged with his crimes after Nicola reported him to the police, pleading guilty at his hearing and being given a court date.
Last week, DS Thea Ramsden (Chelsea Edge) shared with Kim Tate (Claire King) that the CPS will charge Vinny with Jimmy’s death, but not Dawn’s. This development has increased the possibility that Vinny’s future involves him spending many years in a prison cell.
Vinny was utterly heartbroken, yet understanding, when Lewis finished things with him, and, believing that his time in the village was running out, he also had an emotional conversation with Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller) about getting his affairs in order.
He told Aaron that he won’t come back to Emmerdale once he’s done his time, and wants him to look after Chip the dog, while also offering him the scrap yard.
Aaron was emotional and agreed to looking after the pooch. He also told Vinny that he’d eventually sort him out with some money so he’d be able to provide for himself once he’s released.
Prior to his day in court, mum Mandy Dingle (Lisa Riley) throws a surprise family dinner.
She attempted to assure Vinny that he’ll be back with them in no time, though Vinny knows that he’s likely going to go to prison for a major stretch.
Still, there could be a massive twist, right? Could Vinny face the wrath of someone like Joe, who is known for taking revenge on those who have wronged him?
Alternatively, escaping prison and going on the run is most certainly a possibly for Vinny.
His uncle Cain (Jeff Hordley) and Aaron were instrumental in helping Adam Barton (Adam Thomas) flee the country and start again in Amsterdam, could history repeat itself? Will Vinny’s loved ones help him escape?
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 or stream from 7am on ITVX and YouTube.
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