Emmerdale legend Dominic Brunt forced to have his first day off sick in 25 years after being struck down with Covid

EMMERDALE star Dominic Brunt has been forced to miss his first day of work in 25 years after falling ill with coronavirus.

The 51-year-old, who plays Paddy Kirk on the ITV soap, revealed he was “p****d off” about ruining his clean sheet, but reassured his fans he was feeling ok.

He told them: “After 25 years at Emmerdale without a single day off, I have succumbed to the dreaded ‘rona. I have been ridiculously careful but tomorrow will be be the first time in a quarter of a century.

“Now THAT p****s me off. Fortunate to have good health though and thankful. Love to all. Xx”

His followers were quick to offer their support, with one person writing: “Poor love but wow. 25 years without a day off sick?!. That’s crazy 😮.”

“Oh. No. Wish you better. Hope you aren't too poorly with it. Xxx,” added another.

While someone else commented: “Nooooo what is happening. First Marlon struck down, now Paddy. Lol take care get well soon x.”

Dominic joined the soap as Paddy in 1997 and has won numerous awards for his portrayal of the lovable softy.

Despite being on the soap for so long, Dominic has previously admitted he worries about getting written out every year.

He said: "Every Christmas when the contract is up, I still think that's probably it.

"I think that keeps me going, the thought that at any point you could be out. You can't just wing it, turn up with no ideas.

"So I try hard - but never in my wildest dreams did I think I would have a job this good for so long."

He admitted to the Mirror that he still gets “imposter syndrome” on the soap and hopes he will stay on it for years to come.

"I love it, I'm a really big fan of the show and I'm very lucky. I've probably dodged a couple of bullets and I never ever take it for granted,” he explained.

"When difficulties emerge on set I still get nervous. It's a challenge. I don't want to look like an idiot in front of six million people watching but I'm literally shaking and feeling a bit sick.

"I still have that imposter syndrome, fearing I'll get that tap on the shoulder and be told, 'Dominic, we've found out you're a welder - what are you doing here' I still feel like that."