Emmerdale fans demand major change after spotting show favourite

This Morning: Sharon Marshall speaks to Emmerdale cast members

Emmerdale fans are clamouring for a well-loved recurring character to be promoted to a full-time fixture after his endearing appearance in Thursday's episode (17 October).

In the latest instalment, residents of the Dales were coming to terms with the day of Zak Dingle's (played by Steve Halliwell) funeral as his kin geared up to send off their patriarch with one final shindig.

The Dingle clan congregated outside The Woolpack with Sam (James Hooton), Cain (Jeff Hordley), Marlon (Mark Charnock), and Vinny (Bradley Johnson) at the ready to escort the coffin into the local.

However, a curveball was thrown their way as PC Swirling (Andy Moore) arrived on the scene, causing Belle to fret.

Charity (Emma Atkins), observing the officer, exclaimed: "I reckon he would have loved having the law here. It's like he planned it himself", reports Leeds Live.

PC Swirling paid his respects to the Dingles (Image: ITV)

Approaching PC Swirling, a wary Belle (Eden Taylor-Draper) remarked: "Surely, you don't wanna bother us. Not today."

Vinny was swift to interject: "I mean, you can see it's a family funeral."

The sombre-faced copper quickly cleared the air: "Just come to pay me respects, I promise."

Their exchange got cut short as Sam beckoned Vinny to help haul Zaks's coffin from their weather-beaten van. More unexpected turns awaited later in the episode when Tina Dingle (Samantha Power) also turned up to bid her father adieu, after a 28-year absence.

Belle was at first apprehensive to see the policeman at her dad's funeral (Image: ITV)

Actor Moore's portrayal of PC Mike Swirling has become an integral part of the ITV series Emmerdale, routinely popping up since 2004 to deal with the legal troubles of the local residents.

Swirling, one of Emmerdale's most frequently returning characters, is often seen interacting with notorious residents like the Dingles.

Emmerdale enthusiasts were delighted when Swirling appeared to bid farewell to Zak on Thursday, and now fans are clamouring to see more of him in upcoming episodes.

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PC Swirling says goodbye to Zak Dingle (Image: ITV) window.topArticlesScript="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/js/dist/article-top-articles20241015.min.js"

Soaps aficionados took to Facebook to express their sentiments, with one viewer posting: "AHH it was nice seeing PC Swirling showing his respects."

Another fan responded, "That was lovely that he turned up as a mark of respect for Zac. They should use him more often as he's popular with the public."

A third simply added, "I like him" while yet another agreed, "Love him."

Further praise came from another viewer who expressed appreciation for everyone involved in the show: "Yes it was he did well so did all the actors and writers well done you all got it just right."