Duncan Preston - Doug Potts

[Perdita]

Emmerdale star Duncan Preston is to take a break from the soap to tread the boards in To Kill A Mockingbird, DS can confirm.

The actor, who plays Doug Potts on the ITV1 show, has signed up to appear as iconic lawyer Atticus Finch in a forthcoming stage version of Harper Lee's 1960 novel.

Preston will take on the stage role early next year as the production begins a tour around the country.

An ITV spokesperson told DS that Preston will take a five-month break from Emmerdale from January in order to appear in the play.

Preston previously portrayed Finch in a 2007 production of the tale, which saw his performance receive critical acclaim.

The star has been part of the Emmerdale cast for three years.

[tammyy2j]

I wish he'd take a permanent break I dont like Doug

[Ruffed_lemur]

I like Doug. Always preferred him to that conman Charlie.

[Perdita]

Emmerdale bosses have announced that Duncan Preston is returning to the show as Laurel Thomas's father Doug Potts.

The actor will appear back on screen from September, when he is reintroduced as a regular cast member.
http://i2.cdnds.net/14/31/618x649/soaps-emmerdale-duncan-preston-doug-potts.jpg
Duncan Preston as Doug Potts in Emmerdale
© ITV
Duncan Preston as Doug Potts

Doug will re-join the village in the run-up to Laurel's wedding to Marlon Dingle, but supporting his daughter during this important time in her life may not be the only reason for his return.

The Woolpack's landlady Diane Sugden will also be impacted by Doug's reappearance, which could stir up some old feelings between the two friends.

Show bosses have teased that Doug has a new way of earning money which may cause Diane to see him in a different light.

Speaking of his return, Preston commented: "It is lovely to be back in Yorkshire as part of the Emmerdale family. It feels like I have come home and I'm really excited about what is ahead for Doug."

Doug left the village in early 2011 to rekindle life with his ex-wife Hilary.

Emmerdale will air the character's return scenes on Tuesday, September 9.

[dalesdoll]

I'm pleased about this. Always liked both the character and actor. Hope Doug and Diane finally become the couple they always should have been.

[lizann]

back for the wedding to give laurel away to marlon

[Katy]

Didn't his wife die?

I always liked him character and actor! He was so great in dinner ladies!!

[Perdita]

Didn't his wife die?

I thought they got back together and were trying to give their marriage another go???

[Perdita]

Didn't his wife die?

I thought they got back together and were trying to give their marriage another go???

[lizann]

he and brenda get very close so expect another affair

[heydrich39]

Sorry Doug but you do my head in

[lizann]

talk on line of him taking cannabis for his back disc pain

[lizann]

duncan leaving

[lizann]

off to australia, with no visa or money, ta ra doug

[kiwigirl]

off to australia, with no visa or money, ta ra doug

Its a pity he isn't taking Brenda with him.

[EddyBee]

I'm sorry to see Doug leave Emmerdale.

Best wishes to Duncan Preston for the future.