Former Emmerdale star Dean Andrews has spoken out about leaving the ITV soap as Will Taylor at Christmas.

The character suffered severe chest pains and collapsed to the floor, just moments after returnee Joe Tate (Ned Porteous) informed Kim Tate (Claire King) about Will’s scheme to take her down.

Mirroring scenes from 1997, when she watched her then-husband Frank Tate (Norman Bowler) die, Kim smirked as Will dragged the Christmas tree down, believing he was suffering a panic attack – but the incident was far more serious.

Fighting back tears as she performed CPR, she desperately tried to save her husband’s life, but he was later declared dead.

Subsequently, Will’s daughter Dawn (Olivia Bromley) and her husband Billy (Jay Kontzle) have accused Joe of murder, and in upcoming scenes, turn their attentions to Kim instead.

Amid speculation that the character could still be alive, Dean took to Instagram to shut down rumours and clarify his exit.

‘Just a quick message from me to thank you all and to quash any rumours regarding my character’ he wrote.

‘Have a wonderful 2025 and hopefully see you on the other side.’

Kim Tate attempts to keep Will Taylor alive in Emmerdale
The character died at Christmas (Picture: ITV)
Whilst praising those on and off screen at the show’s production base near Leeds, he went on to say that it was time to ‘move on’ and was looking ahead to new projects this year.

Whilst noting that he’d be keen to do a film, advert or voiceover work, he also addressed why the soap didn’t record a farewell message for their own socials.

Usually, when an actor leaves, they record a quick goodbye and thank you for fans.