Soap star Reece Dinsdale has confirmed he’s returning to Emmerdale – but not as the character he previously played. The actor, who is 66, played the role of Paul Ashdale in the show,

who is Vinny Dingle’s (Bradley Johnson) biological father. Reece is also known for his role as Joe McIntyre in Coronation Street, one of Gail Platt’s (Helen Worth) many husbands.

His Emmerdale character Paul died in 2021, when Jimmy King (Nick Miles) drove into a barn, which exploded while Paul was inside.

Reece played Vinny Dingle’s biological father in Emmerdale

Prior to this happening, Vinny’s partner Liv Flaherty (Isobel Steele) was confronting Paul about the abuse he had inflicted on his son.

In Coronation Street, Reece’s character Joe was killed off in 2010. He attempted to fake his own death so he could claim on his life insurance, but his plan went horribly wrong and he died.

Alongside his acting career, Reece works as a director and has shot a number of Coronation Street and Emmerdale episodes.

Recently, the star confirmed on his X profile page that it won’t be long until we see more of his Emmerdale work.

Feeling proud of what he’s just created, Reece wrote: ‘Just showed my Producer the four episodes of #Emmerdale that I recently shot… and, it appears, I’m still on the payroll!’.

Reece’s followers were thrilled to hear the news.

Maggie wrote: ‘That’s great news Reece and well deserved,you put 100% and more in everything you do.’\

Martin said: ‘Good on you!’, while another account echoed all of our thoughts and said: ‘Reece, for God’s sake please take care of Bear. Thank you.’

Honestly, so real.

The situation with Bear Wolf (Joshua Richards) in Emmerdale right now remains pretty bleak. In the episode which aired on Friday, March 13, Bear returns home from the mental health unit, but isn’t allowed time with his family for very long.

DS Walsh (Amanda Ryan) soon arrives and tells Bear that it’s time for him to go to the station. Due to the fact Bear broke his bail conditions, he is rearrested and placed in prison until his murder trial.

Bear is ready for next week’s fight though, which will see him questioned by Walsh again.