Emmerdale fans have praised the ITV show for tackling an "important" storyline which left viewers emotional.
Paddy Kirk has had a difficult period in the fictional village as the character, played by Dominic Brunt, spiralled into a depression after he discovered his wife had an affair with Al Chapman. In tonight's episode, he found himself reaching out for help.
Paddy attended a group session away from the fictional village of Emmerdale. Filming for these scenes took place at Bradford City Football Club Ground in the room where regular Andy’s Man Club meetings are held every Monday.
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Fans have taken to social media to praise the show and raising awareness of an important issue. Katie wrote: "Paddy’s storyline is so important."
Jamie Summers said: "Important stuff here with Andy's Man Club." Orit said: "I’m so happy Emmerdale are doing a male mental health storyline." Emu wrote: "Paddy's story shows they can write well when they 'choose to'."
Pam added: "So pleased we're watching men talk about their troubles. It's been said before, but talking really is good therapy."
Within Thursday's episode, four men with lived experience of being members of Andy’s Man Club, were featured, playing the roles of fictional attendees of the group. During filming of these scenes, the Emmerdale Digital team went behind the scenes to hear their real life stories.
Neil Waine from Andy’s Man Club, who was featured in the episode, said: "Filming with Emmerdale in an actual Andy’s Man Club with Andy’s Man Club lads alongside professional actors was amazing. When Laura the Producer first asked me about doing this episode I jumped at the opportunity to let men see a bit of how Andy’s Man Club runs and this will hopefully help us challenge the stigmas around men talking."
Many people were quick to praise the storyline and involvement of Andy's Man Club.
Emmerdale fan Elaine said: "Oh wow, that's a great advert for Andy's Man Club, heard loads of good thing about them". Liam added: "Wonderful to see @andysmanclubuk on #Emmerdale Men need to talk to each other. Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 45. This is such an important thing."
Mike wrote: "Emmerdale have helped a lot of men here with paddy going to Andy man’s club and I hope it helps other men who are struggling to talk and get help."
More information on Andy's Man Club can be found here. The heart-warming video can be found on YouTube here.
Anyone can contact Samaritans FREE any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit. This number won’t show up on your phone bill. Or you can visit www.samaritans.org.
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