Emmerdale’s Danny Miller issues heartbreaking update on dad’s dementia battle after telling fans ‘I’ve lost him’
EMMERDALE star Danny Miller has issued a heartbreaking update on his father’s dementia battle.
The actor caused confusion amongst his fans when he discussed his life away from the Dales during an appearance on Loose Women.
Danny, 40, took to his Instagram story to release a statement where he clarified that his father has not died.
The I’m A Celeb winner admitted that whilst his parent is still very much alive, he’s just ‘lost’ the person he used to be due to the memory loss condition.
The soap star wrote: “Hey Guys! Just feel the need to say my Dad is very much still with us.
“I’ve lost my dad” [was] in context meaning that I have lost the person he WAS to Dementia.”
The Emmerdale actor added: “Sorry for anyone’s confusion and/or upset if it has been taken wrong.
“But Big Vince lives on, just through a horrible illness. Lots of love x.”
The actor caused confusion when he chatted to fan favourite ITV pannellist Denise Welch, 67.
The former Waterloo Road actress mentioned his 90-year-old father whom she was been good friends with for a number of years.
In response he said: “The truth of the matter is that I have lost my dad. That’s hard for me to cope with because I really, really, miss him.
“I really miss picking up the phone to him, it’s just not possible anymore.”
“Sometimes when we visit the care home we get the opportunity to have a good visit, and there are bad visits as well.”
Danny has played Aaron Dingle on the soap since 2008 and he was invited onto the ITV daytime panel to speak about his dramatic wedding storyline.
The star has also been open up about the behind-the-scenes medical family matter to his followers on social media.
On the show he admitted: “I wanted to log that and put that in almost an Instagram journal because I know there are lots of people, and people that I’ve touched, made relationships in America, that have got the same thing and are looking after their dad.
Aaron Dingle's biggest storylines
The character Aaron Dingle (formerly Livesy) made his Emmerdale debut all the way back in 2003. Current actor Danny Miller took on the role in 2008. Here are some of Aaron's biggest soap storylines over the years.
- McFarlane family: After Aaron returns to the village in 2008, he is arrested by Ross Kirk (Samuel Anderson) for possession of drugs. His mother Chas‘ (Lucy Pargeter) family later learn he is a drug courier for the McFarlanes.
- Coming to terms with his homosexuality: Initially, Aaron questioned and struggled to come to terms with his homosexuality. He ultimately confided in friend and guardian Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt).
- Romantic advance towards Adam Barton: At one point, Aaron begins dating Holly Barton (Sophie Powles) and befriends her brother Adam (Adam Thomas). Aaron tries to kiss Adam after they are involved in a run-off road collision. Embarrassed, he tells Adam that he misunderstood the situation. Aaron sleeps with Holly, however, Adam informs his family that he thinks Aaron is gay. Aaron denies it but Holly ends the relationship.
- Child sexual abuse: In 2015, it was revealed Aaron had been sexually abused by his father Gordon (Gary Mavers) when he was from the age of 8 before Gordon kicked him out. Ultimately, Gordon was imprisoned years later – but took his own life while in prison.
- Relationship with Jackson Walsh: Aaron and Jackson Walsh (Marc Silcock) started dating after a tumultuous start to knowing each other. Their story ultimately ended in heartbreak, as Jackson died by assisted suicide.
- Suicide attempt: A harrowing storyline from 2010 saw a then-teenage Aaron attempt to take his own life.
- Relationship with Robert Sugden: Aaron and long-standing character Robert Sugden were romantically linked following the latter’s return in 2014. Nicknamed “Robron“, the pair married in 2018, however, Robert exited the soap in 2019.
“I always want to make sure that people out there suffering with dementia first hand, or second hand, you’re not alone.
“It’s a horrible, horrible, terminal illness and it’s long goodbye.”
He added: “There’s a great short film on that and it’s hard to watch but I love my dad so much and he’s the reason that I am sat here talking to you today.
“I love you dad. Keep smiling.”
Emmerdale continues on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX.