Emmerdale: Dominic Brunt’s loving being able to show Paddy’s “dark” side!

Plus, John Middleton “dismayed” over Ashley and Laurel’s split and new teasers & spoilers

We’ll begin our round up of Emmerdale news with actor Dominic Brunt, who has revealed that he’s loving the opportunity to show a previously unseen “dark” side as his character Paddy embarks on a feud with former BFF, Marlon Dingle.

Marlon has of course scuppered Paddy and Rhona’s plans to move to New Zealand by revealed that he’s taking out a court order to stop them taking his baby son Leo with them.

He dropped that bombshell on the couple’s wedding day last week, and according to Dominic, things are set to get a good deal more dramatic yet.

According to the PA, Dominic said, “You get the scripts sometimes and say, ‘Oh, Paddy wouldn’t do that – he’s a nice chap’.

“But actually, you think, ‘I’m going to play this, see how dark we can get it, and then pull him out the other end’.

“They love each other and eventually I think it will come good.”

And of the scenes in which Paddy and Marlon are at each other’s throats over the issue of Leo, Dominic said, “It’s superb drama. We’ve been screaming and shouting at each other for days – it’s great…

“It’s brilliant, as it’s a right good release. You can walk out completely calm, because you’ve been screaming and shouting all day!”

Finally, he said, “I think it’s going to get worse before it gets better. It gets very, very dark, and that’s great to play.”

In other news, John Middleton, who of course plays shamed former vicar Ashley Thomas, has revealed that he has been “dismayed” over the fact that his character has split from wife, Laurel, who is of course now dating Marlon.

During an interview with Female First, John said, “I’m a bit dismayed that they’ve split up Charlotte and I on-screen, but you can’t make an omelette without breaking a few eggs, and that’s the nature of soaps.

“In the process of change, you get some great stories.”

As fans may recall, Laurel is Ashley’s second wife. His first was Bernice – Diane’s daughter – who ended up leaving him and their daughter, Gabby.

Of Ashley’s history of failed marriages, John said, “It’s a dismaying fact that both of Ashley’s wives have done that. I think it says a lot about his cooking.

“He needs to get a bit more adventurous and stop grilling fish fingers – so some French cuisine man!”

Finally today, we have some new teasers and spoilers for you from episodes that will air later this month…

On Monday 20th August at 7:00pm – 7:30pm, Rachel is horrified when Dan reveals to the pub that she’s pregnant, and Megan advises disheartened Zak to fight for Lisa and his marriage.

Also, Amy’s secretly pleased when Val moves back into Pollard’s barn.

On Tuesday 21st August at 7:00pm – 7:30pm, Rachel’s mortified when Ali accuses David of being the father of Rachel’s baby, while Zak pleads with Lisa to give their marriage another chance

Also, Knowing Declan might evict him, Robbie’s vengeful when Katie refuses to help.

On Wednesday 22nd August at 7:00pm – 7.30pm, Robbie uses dirty tricks to help Megan get one over on Katie, and Chas puts Carl in his place when he corners her about Dan.

Also, Dan worries he’s in over his head when signs up to the 10k run to impress Chas.

On Thursday 23rd August at 7:00pm – 7:30pm, Chas is thrown when both Dan and Cameron declare their feelings for her, and Kerry sabotages Val’s plan to charm Pollard.