{"id":471882,"date":"2026-05-06T21:25:47","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T21:25:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/471882\/"},"modified":"2026-05-06T21:25:47","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T21:25:47","slug":"emmerdale-star-confirms-sam-dingles-future-after-exit-claims","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/471882\/","title":{"rendered":"Emmerdale star confirms Sam Dingle’s future after exit claims"},"content":{"rendered":"

Emmerdale<\/a> spoilers follow.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Emmerdale<\/a> star James Hooton has confirmed the future of his character Sam Dingle after recent claims suggested that he was exiting the ITV soap. <\/p>\n

First appearing on the soap in 1995, Hooton left the soap in 1998 but returned to the role in 2000 in a regular capacity. <\/p>\n

\"sam<\/p>\n

ITV<\/p>\n

Related: <\/strong>Best streaming services<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Addressing claims that he was set to leave the beloved role, Hooton took to Facebook<\/a> to put the rumours to rest, saying he has no plans to leave anytime soon.<\/p>\n

“Hi Everyone. Just a quick message to say I have NOT left Emmerdale! I\u2019m contracted until March 2027 and have no intention of leaving-unless the show gets Rid of me,” he wrote.<\/p>\n

He continued: “There appears to be some online news stories suggesting I\u2019ve left the show. Ps. At least they\u2019re not suggesting I\u2019ve died of a stroke again! (That was a few months ago.)”<\/p>\n

Taking to the comment section, fans shared their delight at the news, with one person writing: “I don\u2019t ever think the writers would EVER think of getting rid of Sam – he\u2019s too much fun and a lovable character.”<\/p>\n

“Yay, good I love [your] character and you play Sam so we\u2019ll really wouldn\u2019t be the same without you,” penned another.<\/p>\n

One fan said: “No way will Emmerdale get rid of you, Cain and yourself have been the anchor for Emmerdale for years and hopefully for years to come.” <\/p>\n

Another shared: “James we are all behind you as far as we are concerned you ain\u2019t going anywhere unless ITV want a riot on their hands.”<\/p>\n

\"sam<\/p>\n

ITV<\/p>\n

Related: <\/strong>Emmerdale<\/strong> confirms three verdicts in ITVX episode as Bear, Paddy and Dylan hear their fates<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Hooton recently shared a rare family update<\/a>, confirming that his daughter was making an emotional departure to travel. <\/p>\n

“Last family breakfast before Lily heads off on her travels! 78 nights away and countless countries to be visited! Can\u2019t wait to chart her journey and hear her stories,” he wrote on Instagram<\/a>. <\/p>\n

“Mixed emotions but SO proud that she\u2019s arranged and funded it all herself! Conceive, believe, achieve.”<\/p>\n

Emmerdale<\/a><\/strong> airs on weeknights at 8pm on ITV1, and streams on <\/strong>ITVX<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Read more <\/strong>Emmerdale<\/strong> spoilers on our dedicated homepage<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

The new edition of <\/strong>Living Legends<\/strong>, a 100-page all-colour celebration of Sir David Attenborough, is here! <\/strong>Buy <\/strong>Sir David Attenborough<\/strong> in newsagents or online<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n