Sandy Thomas (Freddie Jones)
Freddie Jones, the actor who plays loveable rogue Sandy Thomas, is leaving the Dales.
Sandy, who arrived in the village in 2005 when he turned up uninvited for his son, Ashley’s wedding, will leave in March. But producers are keen to stress the door has been left open for his return.
Anita Turner, Emmerdale’s new series producer, said: “Freddie has been an asset to the show and will be greatly missed but we hope this won’t be the last we see of Sandy.”
Freddie says: “I regard it as a privilege to have worked with such amazing people who are 100% professional and work together incredibly well after so many years. Any problems are buried in laughter and I’ve had a wonderful two-and-a-half years playing Sandy.
“I’m looking forward to spending more time at home but Sandy may well be back in the future!”
With a career spanning four decades, Freddie has appeared in films such as Ladies in Lavender, David Copperfield and The Count of Monte Cristo while his TV work includes The Avengers, Cold Comfort Farm and Pennies from Heaven.
He is largely remembered for his role as Claudius in the 1968 British TV series The Caesars.
Source itv.com
Sandy to make 'Emmerdale' return
Actor Freddie Jones is to make a return to Emmerdale after almost a year's break from the ITV soap.
The 81-year-old, who played Sandy Thomas between November 2005 and March this year, has signed to return to the Yorkshire-based show for at least six months.
He quit his role to take a break from acting but the door was left open for a potential return. Producers have now lured him back with the promise of a dramatic storyline with on-screen granddaughter Jasmine Thomas (Jenna-Louise Coleman) and son Ashley Thomas (John Middleton).
Speaking of the return, series producer Anita Turner told The Mirror: "The return of Freddie has to be one of our most exciting signings for 2009. When I joined Emmerdale, Freddie had already said he was leaving, and I was devastated."
She added: "I'm a huge fan and can't wait for the chance to work with him."
Jones returns to filming at the end of the year and will reappear on screen in February.
