With Emmerdale facing yet another high profile exit in the form of Graham Foster actor Andrew Scarborough there have been claims the soap is in crisis.
According to The Sun the news that Andrew is departing as Kim Tate’s henchman for pastures new, has sent the rumour mill into overdrive, and fans have already threatened to boycott the soap after he goes.
His ‘exit’ comes hot on the heels of the announcement that Anthony Quinlan is leaving the soap, as well as the on-screen departures of Sally Dexter (aka Faith Dingle), and Ryan Hawley (Robert Sugden-Dingle).
Read more: Emmerdale viewers confused over Cain throwing Moira out
Samantha Giles’ Bernice Blackstock is also set to exit in the coming weeks.
And that’s not to mention the other stars already departed in recent months – Sandra Marvin as Jessie Dingle, Asan N’jie as Ellis Chapman, Michael Praed as Frank Clayton, and Gaynor Faye as Megan Macey.
On top of the exits there have been a series of perceived ‘blunders’ in storylines such as Faith knowing about Cain’s secret son, Nate Robinson, despite having abandoned her children when they were young.
And Paddy’s long-lost father, Bear Wolf, communicating with Paddy’s mother via love letters, despite not being able to read.
Storylines are gripping, ratings are great and we’re winning award after award.
Insiders have reportedly revealed to The Sun Online that having three producers – Jane Hudson, Kate Brooks and Laura Shaw – has led to confusion behind the scenes.
A source said: “It’s really tough behind the scenes, morale is low and no-one seems to be aware of what’s going on.
“Fans are noticing and it’s really disheartening to everyone who works so hard on the show. There’s a real feeling that something drastic has to happen to save the show.”
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Fans have been disgruntled for a while, with many slating storylines such as Kerry and Amy Wyatt seemingly getting away with the murder of Frank Clayton and walking round like nothing has happened.
Moira’s affair with Nate also saw fans call the character ‘irredeemable’ and insist the soap had ruined her.
However, an Emmerdale spokeswoman responded to the claims by telling the website: “Departures are meat and drink to any soap.
“Without them there wouldn’t be any drama. And on Emmerdale there’s certainly tons of drama, all of it on screen!
“Storylines are gripping, ratings are great and we’re winning award after award. Long may it continue.”
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