Eli Dingle leaves Emmerdale

[Perdita]

Emmerdale actor Joseph Gilgun has revealed he is leaving the soap to pursue other opportunities.

The 25-year-old, who has played lovable rogue Eli Dingle since 2006, said it was the right time to move on.

Speaking on the red carpet at the premiere of his new film Harry Brown, Joseph said: "It will be sad to leave - I've made a lot of good friends there but I think it is time to move on as far as my career is concerned."

The actor said his next career move will be spin-off TV series of Shane Meadows' This Is England, in which Joseph played Woody.

"It's really exciting to see all the old gang," he said.

Asked what he'll miss most from his Emmerdale days, he said: "The routine. You get into a massive routine working on a soap. I get to act every day, which is brilliant. And there are massive personalities there. I'll miss my friends."

An Emmerdale spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that Joseph Gilgun will be leaving Emmerdale early next year but we're not ruling out the possibility of him returning to the show. We wish Joe all the very best for the future."

http://www.whatsontv.co.uk/news/7466

[walsh2509]

Thank god ! no more ... errrr ummmh eee oooh marlon errrr eee errr

[lizann]

another one will probably show up anyways

[Hannelene]

that is true just when you think a dingle has gone another one turns up

[fraggle1961]

that is true just when you think a dingle has gone another one turns up

I always think he needs a good bath and a haircut. He makes me itch, shan't miss him.

[Chloe O'brien]

He wasn't one of my favourite dingle, he won't be missed. Put his name down for next years visit to the jungle he'll be needing the money by then.

[Hannelene]

I liked him in the beginning but then once he started a relationship with Debbie for a while I lost interest. I always thought him and Genie were well suited, but I guess Eli is on to pastures new - I wonder what new relative will turn up? I always wanted Zac's daughter Tina to come back!

[tammyy2j]

He might wash himself once before he leaves

[cbalt2]

He's okay, wish him well.

He looks to have work lined up so that's good for him.

I liked him as Eli but maybe the character was running out of stoylines.

[tammyy2j]

When is he leaving?

I think he might run off with Olena they both like each other