Emmerdale's Danny Miller says buying a caravan has turned him into an 'old man'

Emmerdale favourite Danny Miller thinks he has turned into an “old man” after buying a caravan with his girlfriend.

The 29-year-old, who plays Aaron Dingle in the hit ITV soap, took time away from the small screen to deal with depression and anxiety last year.

And he admits he has since been enjoying the quiet life in Wales, surrounded by family.

“We’ve bought a caravan near Rhyl,” he says. “I’m an old man in a caravan.

“My mum’s got one here, so that’s why we bought one.

“We’ve been doing a lot of ­walking, beach trips and plastic collection on the beach.”

The seaside promenade in Rhyl, Wales near where Danny bought his caravan (Getty)

Danny, who opened up about his mental health battle in May, says he is now happier than ever after taking some time off.

And he credits girlfriend Steph Jones with getting him back on track – and helping him rekindle his love of acting.

He says: “At the back end of last year, I needed some time off. I was struggling family-wise and had some personal issues.

“But it’s made me want it much more than I ever have. I watched the show as a fan and seeing the ­storylines play out on screen made me want to get back into it. I fell in love with it more.”

Danny, who joined the ITV soap in 2008, aged 17, also praised his co-stars for helping him grow up, both on and off-screen.

He says: “Nobody teaches you how to behave on set.

“I learned that from Lucy Pargeter, Dominic Brunt and Mark Charnock. They taught me how to handle myself – and I learned from the best.”

Danny says he has learnt from his co-stars on the set of Emmerdale (ITV)

On Wednesday, Danny will set off on a 40-mile walk from Manchester to Liverpool FC’s Anfield ground in a bid to raise £15,000 for Once Upon A Smile.

The charity, which he founded in 2011 with actor Daniel Jillings, supports bereaved ­children – but is struggling as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Three-time Soap Award winner Danny says he’ll be thinking of his ex-­Emmerdale boss Gavin Blyth as he does the challenge.

Gavin died of cancer in 2010, ­leaving behind his wife and three kids.

Danny says: “Gavin put so much trust in me, I owe so much to him. He’s in my mind every time I win an award. I know he’d be proud.”

• You can donate to Danny’s appeal by visting justgiving.com/campaign/youllneverwalkalone