Emmerdale's Mark Charnock thanks fans for 'overwhelming' response to stroke storyline

Katie Archer
·Contributor
·2-min read

Watch: Emmerdale's Mark Charnock flags up stroke symptoms

Emmerdale launched a hard-hitting new storyline this week when Marlon Dingle suffered a stroke - and actor Mark Charnock has thanked the soap's fans for their "overwhelming" response.

Charnock has taken on the demanding storyline for his Dales alter ego, who shows that even younger people can suffer a stroke and who will face a tough road of recovery ahead of him.

Read more: Emmerdale spoilers - Marlon stroke aftermath revealed

After the difficult-to-watch scenes aired in Monday's episode of the ITV soap, Charnock, who has played Marlon for 25 years, tweeted to acknowledge how many viewers had reacted with support or said that it meant a lot to them.

FROM ITV STRICT EMBARGO - No Use Before Monday 14th March 2022 Emmerdale - Week 12 Marlon Dingle [MARK CHARNOCK] Picture contact - David.crook@itv.com Photographer - Mark Bruce This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms
Mark Charnock plays Marlon Dingle in Emmerdale. (ITV)

He tweeted: "It’s hard to know what to say to you all, other than I’m genuinely overwhelmed.Thank you for all your messages.

"It’s been so very moving to read. ALL credit is due to the astonishing #Emmerdale team,the @TheStrokeAssoc & the clinicians & survivors who’ve advised us.Thank you all. X"

Read more: As Neighbours is axed, are other soaps at risk?

Charnock also recorded a video to flag up the symptoms of stroke to the soap's viewers, guiding them through the F.A.S.T. checklist that stands for facial weakness, arm weakness, speech problems, and time to call 999 if the person is displaying symptoms.

FROM ITV STRICT EMBARGO Print media - No Use Before Tuesday 15th March 2022 Online Media - No Use Before 0700hrs Tuesday 15th March 2022 Emmerdale - Ep 9316 Monday 21st March 2022 As an elated Marlon Dingle [MARK CHARNOCK] searches for the engagement ring, his vision becomes impaired. Chaos ensues as he falls to the ground and realises he’s suffering from a stroke. Frightened and disorientated, Marlon desperately clings onto consciousness as he scrambles to remember the F.A.S.T. acronym. Picture contact - David.crook@itv.com Photographer - Mark Bruce This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms
Marlon's stroke scenes were tough to watch. (ITV)

Over the coming months, Emmerdale viewers will see Marlon having to rely on the help of his family and friends as he begins his road to recovery from the stroke.

Soap fans can expect plenty of big storylines from Emmerdale this year, as the show is celebrating its 50th anniversary and recently launched a new 50th birthday logo with the promise of plenty of excitement in the village in 2022.

FROM ITV STRICT EMBARGO Print media - No Use Before Tuesday 22nd March 2022 Online Media - No Use Before 0700hrs Tuesday 22nd March 2022 Emmerdale - Ep 9322 Monday 28th March 2022 Marlon Dingle [MARK CHARNOCK] and Rhona Goskirk [ZOE HENRY] struggle in the aftermath of MarlonÕs stroke and Paddy Kirk [DOMINIC BRUNT] is not coping with MarlonÕs predicamant. Picture contact - David.crook@itv.com This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms
Emmerdale will feature Marlon's recovery. (ITV)

It has also recently moved to a new schedule as part of a wider soaps shake-up, meaning it now airs nightly from Monday to Friday at 7.30pm.

Meanwhile, Coronation Street has moved to hour-long episodes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, while EastEnders goes up against the Emmerdale time slot from Monday to Thursday on BBC One.

Watch: Emmerdale's Mark Charnock opens up about Marlon's stroke storyline

  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next

Latest stories