Telly Mix

However, all things must come to an end and Dermot will be seen departing Hotten later this year as Kelly who is better known for his role as a certain brick loving priest in an Irish sitcom (no we don’t either) has decided to depart the soap so he can concentrate on projects which are closer to his home in the Emerald Isle.

Speaking to the official website for the show, Kelly commented: ”I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Emmerdale and working within such a supportive and happy team, but travelling to Leeds each week from my home in Ireland has meant that work opportunities closer to home have proven too appealing to turn down.”

Producer for Emmerdale, Stuart Blackburn added: ”Frank has been a real asset to the cast and we wish him all the best for the future.” Dermot’s time on the show has seen him happily spend his son’s money at the pub, an asset similar to his famous character Father Jack as well as romancing regular Pearl Ladderbanks (Meg Johnson). The latest departure comes after a string of character exits, with recently departed Ryan and Faye Lamb (James Sutton and Kim Thomson) as well as the upcoming exits of Roz Fielding (Kirsty-Leigh Porter) and Eve Jenson (Suzanne Shaw).