Paddy from Emmerdale is Patrick “Paddy Kirk“, also known as Paddy Dingle. The popular veterinary surgeon has been played by Dominic Brunt since 1997.
Paddy Kirk is currently married to Mandy Dingle and remains part of the programme in 2026. His recent stories have involved the disappearance of Bear Wolf, a modern-slavery investigation and a criminal trial.
Spoiler warning: This article discusses storylines shown through September 2026.
Paddy Kirk at a Glance
| Detail | Answer |
|---|---|
| Full name | Patrick “Paddy Kirk“ |
| Also known as | Paddy Dingle |
| Played by | Dominic Brunt |
| First appearance | February 20, 1997 |
| Occupation | Veterinary surgeon |
| Current wife | Mandy Dingle |
| Daughters | Grace Dingle and Eve Dingle |
| Biological father | Bear Wolf |
| Best friend | Marlon Dingle |
| Current status | Appearing in Emmerdale during 2026 |
Who Is Paddy From Emmerdale?
Paddy Kirk arrived in the village as a veterinary surgeon and gradually became one of Emmerdale’s longest-serving characters. The official ITV character page confirms that Dominic Brunt plays the role.
Although Paddy Kirk is closely connected to the Dingle family, he was not born a Dingle. The character became part of the family through his relationships with Mandy Dingle, Chas Dingle and Emily Dingle.
Comedy was an important part of his earlier stories, but later episodes explored bereavement, depression, marriage breakdown and fatherhood. This mixture of humour and emotional drama has helped keep the character relevant for almost three decades.
Who Plays Paddy From Emmerdale?
Dominic Brunt plays Paddy Kirk. The actor joined Emmerdale in February 1997 and has remained closely associated with the role ever since.
In 2022, ITV News reported that Dominic Brunt had completed 25 years on the programme without missing a day of filming before testing positive for COVID-19.
Dominic Brunt has also worked as a director and producer away from Emmerdale. However, Paddy Kirk remains his best-known television role.
Who Is Paddy Kirk Married To?
Paddy Kirk is married to Mandy Dingle, played by Lisa Riley.
Their relationship began during the 1990s, and they first married in 1999. The original marriage ended after Mandy Dingle had an affair and left the village.
After reconnecting many years later, the couple rebuilt their relationship and married for a second time in 2024. Their history gives the current marriage more depth because both characters understand how badly their first attempt ended.
Paddy Kirk has had five weddings involving four women:
- Mandy Dingle in 1999
- Emily Dingle in 2002
- Rhona Goskirk in 2012
- Chas Dingle in 2020
- Mandy Dingle again in 2024
Does Paddy Kirk Have Children?
Paddy Kirk has two biological daughters with Chas Dingle.
Grace Dingle was born in 2018 after being diagnosed with bilateral renal agenesis. Grace Dingle died shortly after birth, and the loss became one of the most emotional stories involving Paddy Kirk and Chas Dingle.
Eve Dingle was born in 2019. Paddy Kirk and Chas Dingle continued raising Eve Dingle together after their marriage ended.
The character has also acted as a stepfather or father figure to Aaron Dingle, Leo Goskirk and Vinny Dingle. These relationships show that his family role extends beyond his biological children.
Paddy Kirk and Marlon Dingle’s Friendship
One of Paddy Kirk’s most enduring relationships is his friendship with Marlon Dingle.
The two characters have supported each other through marriages, family deaths, health problems and personal crises. Paddy Kirk helped Marlon Dingle during the recovery from his stroke, while Marlon Dingle became a crucial source of support during Paddy Kirk’s depression.
Their friendship has also provided some of Emmerdale’s lighter material. The pairing works because Dominic Brunt and Mark Charnock can move naturally between comedy and serious drama.
What Happened During Paddy Kirk’s Mental-Health Story?
Content warning: This section discusses depression and suicide.
Paddy Kirk experienced severe depression after discovering that Chas Dingle had been having an affair with Al Chapman. The collapse of the marriage, difficulties at work and unresolved grief over Grace Dingle left him feeling increasingly isolated.
In 2023, the character attempted to take his own life. The storyline then followed his recovery rather than presenting the crisis as something resolved within a single episode.
Paddy Kirk spoke to a general practitioner, received medication, attended counselling and eventually visited a men’s support group. ITV developed the story with guidance from Samaritans and Andy’s Man Club.
The production filmed the support-group scenes at a real Andy’s Man Club meeting venue. ITV’s account of the storyline explained that the intention was to show different ways in which someone can begin asking for help.
Dominic Brunt also told ITV News that encouraging even one viewer to speak to somebody would make the story worthwhile.
What Happened to Paddy Kirk and Bear Wolf in 2026?
Bear Wolf is Paddy Kirk’s biological father. Their relationship became central to a major storyline spanning 2025 and 2026.
After leaving the village following an argument, Bear Wolf became trapped in a modern-slavery operation controlled by Celia Daniels and Ray Walters. Early information made it appear that Bear Wolf had died, but later episodes revealed that he was alive.
The story took another turn when Bear Wolf killed Ray Walters while intervening during an attack involving Paddy Kirk and Dylan Penders. Paddy Kirk subsequently helped conceal the death instead of immediately contacting the police.
The three characters eventually faced trial. Bear Wolf and Dylan Penders were found not guilty, while Paddy Kirk was convicted of perverting the course of justice.
Paddy Kirk received a 12-month sentence suspended for two years. The result meant that he did not go to prison, although the conviction created concerns about his professional future as a veterinary surgeon.
Is Paddy From Emmerdale Leaving?
There is no confirmed announcement that Dominic Brunt is permanently leaving Emmerdale.
The 2026 trial placed Paddy Kirk’s freedom and career at risk, but the suspended sentence allowed the character to remain in the village. Dominic Brunt also continues to appear in the current Emmerdale cast guide.
Unless ITV or Dominic Brunt announces an exit, reports claiming that Paddy Kirk has permanently left should be treated as speculation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Paddy Kirk’s real name?
The character’s full name is Patrick Kirk, although he is universally known as Paddy Kirk. He has also used the name Paddy Dingle because of his marriages into the Dingle family.
How long has Dominic Brunt played Paddy Kirk?
Dominic Brunt has played Paddy Kirk since February 1997. That makes him one of Emmerdale’s longest-serving current actors.
Are Paddy Kirk and Mandy Dingle still together?
Yes. Paddy Kirk and Mandy Dingle remain married in 2026. They first married in 1999 and held their second wedding in 2024.
Who is his father?
Bear Wolf, played by Joshua Richards, is Paddy Kirk’s biological father. Kenneth Kirk was the man who raised him.
Why was he found guilty?
He was found guilty of perverting the course of justice after helping conceal the circumstances surrounding the death of Ray Walters. He received a suspended sentence rather than an immediate prison term.
Is Paddy from Emmerdale still in the programme?
Yes. He remains part of Emmerdale in 2026, and no permanent departure for Dominic Brunt has been announced.
Official Emmerdale Social Media
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Support Information
Anyone affected by the mental-health issues discussed in this article can contact Samaritans free at 116 123, at any time of the day or night.
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