Former Emmerdale star Dean Andrews has addressed a fan theory following his exit from the soap.
The actor made his final appearance on the ITV soap in the Boxing Day (December 26) episode as his character, Will Taylor, tragically passed away following a heart attack the previous day, which had occurred after an argument with his wife, Kim.
Andrews’s departure had been kept a secret by producers right up until the dramatic moment, with viewers left shocked at the developments. The surprise had led some fans to question if Will was still alive, but Andrews has confirmed that the character is very much dead.
will taylor, emmerdale
ITV
“Hi everyone – Dean Andrews here,” began the actor in a video posted on Instagram.
“I just wanted to come on to thank everybody that has sent messages regarding my departure from Emmerdale. There was a little conjecture as to whether Will was dead – he is dead, he’s gone. I’ve been left for around seven or eight weeks.
“I’d been there for around five-and-a-half years, and in that [time] I worked with some really lovely people – some amazing crew and my little family along the way have always been lovely to work with so I thoroughly enjoyed it. But it’s time to move on, and move on we shall.”
Related: Best film and TV tours for 2025
Andrews, who debuted as the character in 2019, added that he was looking forward to getting “back to work” in the new year, teasing that he may be seen – or heard – on the “big or small” screen – in the coming months.
The actor concluded by saying he “hadn’t been asked” by the soap to make a farewell video, so he wanted to make his own to thank fans for their support over the years.
