Emmerdale star, 61, admits he’s ready to retire after being axed from the Yorkshire soap in brutal Christmas Day death twist
A much-loved Emmerdale icon spoke about ‘retiring’ before his character was brutally murdered in a horrific plot twist on Christmas Day.
Dean Andrews is best known for his role as Will Taylor – husband of the legendary Kim Tate, played by Claire King – in the ITV soap, but his character died after suffering a fatal heart attack during the festive special.
Prior to his departure, the actor, 61, discussed leaving the show he was originally a part of in 2019. He admitted that he would have to be written in if he left because he wouldn’t be leaving of his own accord.
“I feel very settled,” he said The sun earlier this year. ‘I remember before I came in, I heard people saying it’s like a family in Emmerdale and I thought, blah, blah, blah, but it really is.
‘Because we are together. I’ll definitely see Claire [King] more than I see my own wife, and Olivia more than I see my own daughters, so we’re like a little family.”
He noted that when he first came in, producers asked him how long he wanted to stay, to which he replied, “If I come in now, you’ll have to kick me out.”
A much-loved Emmerdale icon has opened up about ‘retiring’ after he was brutally murdered in a horrific Christmas death plot twist
Dean Andrews, 61, played Will Taylor in the April 2019 ITV soap, and his character died after suffering a heart attack during the Christmas Day special (pictured in the show in August)
The actor also admitted that he feels like he is at the right age to retire, despite being in his early 60s.
MailOnline has contacted Dean’s representatives for comment.
Emmerdale viewers were left on edge this Christmas Day when Will was found unconscious after a heated argument with his wife Kim.
His secret plan to betray his wife was exposed, despite his decision to abandon the plan just days earlier.
However, shortly after renewing their vows, Kim declared their marriage over, leading to Will’s shocking breakdown.
Kim was still unconvinced as she watched in disbelief as Will, who was clutching his chest, suddenly fell to the ground.
In an attempt to gain her forgiveness, he tried to explain, but staggered forward, leaving chaos in his wake as furniture and decorations flew.
Earlier in the episode, a flashforward alluded to unrest at Home Farm as the Christmas tree lay on the ground.
The actor told The Sun earlier this year that he feels ‘very settled’ and is now at an age where he is ‘retiring’
He noted that when he first came in, producers asked him how long he wanted to stay, to which he replied, “If I come in now, you’ll have to kick me out.”
The mystery was quickly solved when Will’s unexpected health crisis caused the shocking scene.
Now viewers are left wondering what will happen to Will, and will he survive the ordeal?
Fans have flocked to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their thoughts.
They said: ‘I think Taylor will fake it to see Kim Tate leave him, die like she did with Frank Tate and just wait and see, first Emmerdale,’
“Will collapses at Kim’s feet and appears to be having a heart attack, a shadow of Frank Tate’s demise!”
“Is it Will who dies then??…not what I thought would happen…a bit of a disappointment,”
‘First Chris Tate, now possibly Will Taylor,’
“I didn’t know Will had a heart attack, that was a surprise… is she going to stand there and watch like she did with Frank Tate? History repeats itself’
Emmerdale viewers were left on edge this Christmas Day when Will Taylor (Dean) was discovered unconscious after a heated argument with Kim Tate (Claire King)
“RIP Wil.”
Will’s shocking breakdown and secret revelation were not mentioned in the spoilers, leaving fans completely in the dark about what’s next.
While there may be a few clues as to whether he survives, viewers will have to wait until the Boxing Day episode to find out what’s really going on.
One thing’s for sure: this isn’t the first time Kim has faced such a moment, as a few years ago her husband Frank Tate suffered a fatal heart attack in the same room.
Viewers watched as she coolly walked away, leaving him all alone.
But things have changed and Kim clearly has strong feelings for Will, but whether she will forgive him remains to be seen.
There’s also the big question: How will Will’s daughter, Dawn, react when she learns about his secret plan involving Kim?
However, shortly after renewing their vows, Kim declared their marriage was over, leading to Will’s shocking breakdown
Fans have flocked to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their reactions
The development in the storyline is coming when Joe Tate exposed Will’s plan to ruin Kim, revealing that he had been working with Peter and Joe to get revenge.
According to Joe, Will initially approached Kim’s son, Jamie Tate, with the plan, while Kim and Jamie disagreed.
However, when Jamie turned him down, Will reluctantly accepted an offer, unaware that Joe was also involved.
Joe now insists he protected Kim by framing Will, but viewers are questioning his true motives.
Emmerdale airs weekdays at 7.30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays.