Emmerdale paid tribute to the late actor Freddie Jones last night, by dedicating the episode to him.
Before Thursday’s double bill (July 11), the ITV continuity announcer confirmed that both episodes would be dedicated to the former soap star.
Read more: Emmerdale fave Ned Porteous shares childhood photo for his birthday
The ITV soap also honoured the actor at the end of the double bill, closing with a memorial card at the end of the night’s second episode.
The tribute, a photo of Freddie framed in black, read: “In loving memory of Freddie Jones.”
Freddie, who played Sandy Thomas in the ITV soap between 2005 and 2018, died on Tuesday (July 9) at the age of 91 after a short illness.
Everyone at Emmerdale is deeply sad to hear about the death of one of the show's most brilliant actors and favourite human beings, Freddie Jones. #Emmerdale pic.twitter.com/ES4YkDjHj9
— Emmerdale (@emmerdale) July 10, 2019
Read more: Freddie Jones explains his reason for quitting Emmerdale
Agent Lesley Duff confirmed: “It is with great sadness that I can confirm the death of Freddie Jones.
“He passed away on the evening of July 9 after a short illness.
“Freddie was a much loved and admired actor, known for his triumphs in classical theatre, film and television.
“He will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him and most especially his family.”
Emmerdale viewers said goodbye to Sandy in February 2017, as he headed off for pastures new.
The Dales veteran followed his heart and went to live Down Under, making the tough decision to leave his family and friends behind…
His last appearance on screen saw Laurel organise a video call in the Woolpack, so all his friends and family could see how he was settling in.
And they discovered Ashley’s lovable dad was feeling right at home already!
Cast members of Emmerdale paid tribute to Freddie in heartfelt messages shared on social media.
Katherine Down Blyton, who plays Harriet Finch, wrote: “Will be raising a glass or two tonight to the wonderful Freddie Jones. So luck to have worked with this legend.
“A very special man. R.I.P Freddie. ‘If there’s another world, he lives in bliss. If there is none, he made the best of this.'”
Nick Miles, who plays Jimmy King wrote: “One of the loveliest men I’ve ever shared a scene or a dressing room with. It was a great pleasure to work with an actor of his stature.
“He also had the most moving speech as he departed Emmerdale, all about love. Sorely missed.”
Will be raising a glass or two tonight to the wonderful Freddie Jones. So lucky to have worked with this legend. A very special man. R.I.P Freddie ❤️ “If there’s another world, he lives in bliss; If there is none, he made the best of this” pic.twitter.com/09aEfslayP
— Katherine Dow Blyton (@BlytonDow) July 10, 2019
One of the loveliest men I’ve ever shared a scene or a dressing room with. It was a great privilege to work with an actor of his stature. He also gave the most moving speech as he departed Emmerdale, all about love. Sorely missed. https://t.co/NKscDuIx9E
— Nick Miles (@Nick_Miles_) July 10, 2019
Feel very lucky to have worked with Freddie Jones. Rest In Peace, a true legend ❤️
— Michelle Hardwick (@ChelleHardwick) July 10, 2019
😢
— Amy Walsh (@amywalsh27) July 10, 2019
What an amazing life #FreddieJones had- one to be celebrated- lucky to have worked with him- thoughts though with his family at this sad time x
— Samantha Giles (@sammeegiles) July 10, 2019
RIP #FreddieJones Au revoir, Freddie. What fun stories we exchanged. Bon Voyage. JB. https://t.co/U2hmrASoM5
— John Bowe (@JohnBoweActor) July 10, 2019
Michelle Hardwick, who plays Vanessa Woodfield, wrote: “Feel very lucky to have worked with Freddie Hones. Rest In Peace, a true legend.”
Amy Walsh, who portrays Vanessa’s onscreen sister Tracy Metcalfe responded with a crying face emoji.
Samantha Giles, aka Bernice Blackstock, wrote: “What an amazing life Freddie Jones had – one to be celebrated. Lucky to have worked with him. Thoughts, though, with his family at this sad time.”
John Bowe, who played Lawrence White from 2014 till 2018 wrote: “RIP Freddie Jones. Au revoir, Freddie. What fun stories we exchanged. Bon Vovage. JB.”
The Emmerdale official Twitter account tweeted a picture of Freddie alongside the message: “Everyone at Emmerdale is deeply sad to hear about the death of one of the show’s most brilliant actors and favourite human beings, Freddie Jones.”
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