Emmerdale's Dominic Brunt confirms his first sick day in 25 years

Emmerdale's Paddy Dingle star Dominic Brunt has confirmed he's tested positive for COVID-19.

The actor announced the news on his Twitter page yesterday (March 29), sharing that he will be missing work for the first time in 25 years as a result.

"After 25 years at @emmerdale without a single day off, I have succumbed to the dreaded 'rona," he wrote to fans.

ITV

"I have been ridiculously careful but tomorrow will be the first time in a quarter of a century," he continued. "Now THAT pisses me off. Fortunate to have good health though and thankful. Love to all."

25 years without a day off? That's got to be some kind of record.

Meanwhile, Brunt's fanbase sent their well wishes in reply to his tweet, with one person sharing: "[That's] a bummer! I found really hot curries seemed to help restore taste & smell... [can't] believe you've been there 25 years, I suddenly feel rather older than I did an hour ago! Feel better soon!"

"That's such a great achievement but so annoying for you," added another fan. "Hope you're not too bad with it, rest up and I hope you'll feel better soon. Really feeling for Paddy at the moment. You're playing a great part Take care xx."

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Over in the Yorkshire Dales-based soap, Paddy has been struggling to come to terms with Marlon Dingle's condition after he suffered a stroke.

Emmerdale has been examining the impact of Marlon's stroke not just through his perspective but also through the impact on various family members and other loved ones in the village.

Speaking about the long-term plans for the storyline, Marlon actor Mark Charnock hinted that Paddy and Marlon will go on to share some "lovely scenes" as Marlon's recovery continues.

marlon dingle, rhona goskirk, paddy kirk, emmerdale

ITV

"There's some lovely scenes with Paddy, really well-written funny scenes in the hospital quite early on that will hopefully show that it's not all gloom and depression," Mark explained.

"There’s lightness to it, too. Also, there's a great deal of hope – hope that things can only get better from where they are. There's positivity to be had from it, too."

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV and streams on the ITV Hub.