Emmerdale’s Shadrach Dingle actor Andy Devine dies at 79

RIP.

Emmerdale star Andy Devine, who was best known for his role as Shadrach Dingle, has died at the age of 79. The actor was born Peter Devine and played the character on and off from 2000, making his final appearance in July 2010. According to public records, he died on January 27 this year. Devine left the popular British soap in 2010 when his character was killed off in an alcohol abuse related storyline that left viewers emotional. The actor was known for his work on Emmerdale but also worked on Russell T Davies’ Queer As Folk from 1999 to 2000, beginning his acting career in 1973, making various appearances as a Draconian in Doctor Who. He later featured in TV shows including The Seven Eleven in 1993, Cardiac Arrest in 1994, Where The Heart Is in 1997 and Linda Green in 2007. He also returned to his Emmerdale character in a 2007 episode of on Harry Hill’s TV Burp. Speaking about his death, journalist Michael Adams tweeted: "Just heard the sad news that Andy Devine who played Shadrach Dingle in #Emmerdale and Bernard in Queer as Folk passed away in January.

"Brilliant comic characters that he played so well. “Hazel, we’ve got lesbians!”"

During an interview, Devine said: "I only got into acting because I wanted to get my leg over with a lady who was going to acting classes when I lived out in Sydney. I used to sell yachts in Sydney Harbour, I’ve always been a sailor.

"I think the only thing you need to be an actor is a vivid imagination and an ability to put that into action. If you can cry at a movie, you can act."