Emmerdale viewers shocked as Paul Ashdale dramatically killed on day of wedding to Mandy Dingle

A major character was killed off during explosive scenes in Emmerdale.

Paul Ashdale, died on the day of his wedding to Mandy Dingle, after being hit by Jimmy King’s van, crushed under a falling barn beam and caught up in an explosion.

Actor Reece Dinsdale has said filming the stunt was “great fun”.

Thursday’s episode of the ITV programme saw his character die following a chain of events triggered by Jimmy King (Nick Miles) losing control of his car and ploughing into farm buildings.

Describing the stunt, Dinsdale said: “It was painstaking, both in its attention to detail and safety and also adhering to Covid rules at all times.

“But it was great fun though, too. More than your average day at the office.”

He added he was “definitely” glad to go out with a bang.

Dinsdale, who played Joe McIntyre in Coronation Street from 2008 until 2010, previously directed episodes of Emmerdale before joining the cast last year.

“I thought it might be difficult to top my exit from Corrie where I drowned in Lake Windermere… but maybe we did,” he said.

“I’d say far better than leaving in a taxi.”

Discussing his last day, he added: “It was actually filmed in sequence, for once, and was my death day in the hospital.

“It was very moving… and kind things were said to me that shall remain with me forever.

“What a fabulous big family the Emmerdale team are.”

Dinsdale said he “loved” playing his character.

“Especially because we tried to make him a fully rounded character and didn’t make him look villainous from the off,” he said.

“The secret was to let his badness slowly bleed out. I think it worked.

“I was actually directing on Emmerdale when I was asked, right out of the blue, if I would like to play Paul.

“I’m delighted to announce, therefore, that I shall begin directing once again on the show in a couple of weeks time. I’m the cat that got the cream!”