Emmerdale's James Hooton has marked another year on the soap with an amazing throwback snap.
The 'iconic' Sam Dingle actors has been flooded with messages after sharing the news that he has played the character for 27 years.
James, 48, made his debut in the Dales in January 1995 as the son of Zak and Nellie Dingle.
Sam made his first appearance in the village following his release from a young offenders institute.
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But just a few years later he was back behind bars after taking part in an armed robbery with his uncle Albert.
Sam was released from prison in 2000 and after another scrape in prison a few years later, the character found love with Alice Wilson.
The couple's joy at welcoming their first child, Samson, soon turned to heartbreak as Alice began cancer treatment and the pair later married on discovering her cancer was terminal.
In heartbreaking scenes, Sam helped Alice end her own life and after he was arrested, the entire Dingle clan said they killed Alice before Cain took the entire blame and fled the village.
James has since been involved in a whole host of storylines as Sam, being abused verbally and physically by girlfriend Rachel Breckle and being accidentally shot by Joanie Wright.
Sharing the news of his Emmerdale milestone on Twitter, soap star James wrote: "27 years ago today I filmed my first scene on @emmerdale.
"Originally on an 8 episode contract, all I can say is…something went Terribly terribly right! There’s no better place to work! #dingles #emmerdale."
His tweet was shared alongside a photo of himself back in the day with some of the Dingle clan outside the Wishing Well Cottage.
Among the first to reply was former co-star Kelvin Fletcher who said: "One of the most iconic characters the show has seen in arguably the most entertaining family on tv! Loyal, talented and above all genuine. They are lucky to have you!"
James quickly replied: "Fletch, your respec is concrete. Remember when Andy Sugden blindsided Sam? The dirty bleeder."
Amy Walsh, who plays Emmerdale's Tracy, said: "Congratulations you absolute ledge. My favourite @emmerdale character #samdingle xxx."
Lisa Riley added: "AMAZING JIBLETTS #dingles a massive amount of on set non stop fun mixed in with our favourite content. Love you to pieces. CONGRATULATIONS."
And Emmerdale fans were heaping praise on James too.
@bartlett4americ said: "We love you James….your performances are so nuanced….bravo you. Long may it continue #Dingles."
"Wow! Amazing achievement and you are an incredible actor. So unassuming and modest. Here's to 27 more!" @MrsJayPhill replied.
@madfiona33 wrote: "Wouldn't be emmerdale without you."
"Happy 27th year @emmerdale @jamhoot it's been such a privilege to watch you play Sam for 27 years. I love the Dingles they are my favourite family especially yourself, @Reallisariley and @HordleyJeff are my favourite dingles. Here's to another 27 years?" @AnnKerridge added.
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