Emmerdale star explains why his character was killed off

Emmerdale spoilers ahead.

Emmerdale star Michael Wildman has discussed the decision to kill off his character Al Chapman.

In yesterday's (November 1) nail-biting confrontation between Cain Dingle and Al – stemming from the latter's affair with Chas Dingle – Cain fatally shot his rival in the barn before Al's fiancée Kerry Wyatt appeared.

"I've never been under any misconceptions about playing a villain in a soap. There is a passage of time and over the last year I felt things were coming to a head, because there was less reason for him to be there," Wildman told The Mirror.

"His son Ellis had gone, and so when our executive producer rang me to say, 'We are thinking of letting Al go', I told her, 'I am with you – so long as Al doesn't leave in a taxi'."

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The actor continued: "I wanted Al to go out with a bang, and last night he most definitely did. I am so pleased. It's been brilliant to be part of the 50th celebrations and it's a great time to die.

"I've died three or four times with different characters I've played over the years. But the difference is this is a character who I have given life to for some time. Al is much dearer to me than other characters I've said goodbye to."

ITV

Further along, Wildman admitted to having a "lump in my throat when I finished filming".

He explained: "I've made some amazing friends with the cast and crew. You share so much together – like having babies, losing loved ones – and I feel like I've made a new family.

"A job like Emmerdale will always stay with you."

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