Gambling addict Paul Ashdale certainly made a mark on the village of Emmerdale during his one-year stint on the ITV soap.
Paul was determined to rekindle his romance with Mandy Dingle when he turned up in the village, but his gambling issues soon got on top of him and he began physically beating his son Vinny for the slightest presumed error.
The villain, who entered in April 2020, was killed off in a huge barn explosion just a year later after Jimmy King crashed his van into the structure, knocking Liv Flaherty out and killing Paul.
But what of actor Reece Dinsdale’s real life away from the cameras? From his stint in Coronation Street to his mental health struggles, we take a look.
Famous family
(Image: BBC)
Reece has a very famous member of his family who actually had an iconic career in Hollywood.
He tied the knot with Northern Irish actor Zara Turner – who has appeared in various TV shows over the years including Sliding Doors alongside Hollywood legends Gwyneth Paltrow and John Hannah.
She’s also been in everything from Father Ted to The Bill.
The loved-up pair share two children, Elwy and Luca.
Mental health battle
(Image: ITV)
Reece has admitted that he struggles with crippling body dysmorphia – a mental health condition which leaves a person spending a lot of time worrying about flaws in their appearance, which are often unnoticeable to others.
Speaking to The Mirror, he said: “In my life I have never been comfortable after things that were said when I was young.
“I would always look at myself as twice the size I am. It has been the bane of my life. But I work with that.
“I have had some help and my family are fantastic and they support me. I live with it every day. But I also work with it every day.”
The star launched an online series during lockdown to help others battling the condition, and was overwhelmed with the response he got from fans.
But things got dark for Reece when he suffered vile online abuse from trolls on social media, and explained to This Morning hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby: “You do get the usual trolls on Twitter. I’m in the public eye so I expect that.
“I don’t mind that they hate Paul, that’s great, I’ve done my job, I’m really pleased that people hate him – he’s done such despicable things to his son, so that’s fine. That comes with the territory.”
Reece went on: “What doesn’t come with the territory is when people are personal about your looks, or whatever about you. I’m Reece Dinsdale and then there’s a character called Paul Ashdale.
“Unfortunately I have to look like Paul Ashdale, and I think people lose themselves sometimes. They don’t realise that things can be said that are hurtful.”
The star admitted that he can’t even watch himself back on scenes, as he can only “forget about” himself on the third watch. Writing on Twitter he admitted that “even the smallest comments” about his appearance “can still cut deep.”
Rival soap stint
(Image: ITV)
Emmerdale’s Paul wasn’t even Reece’s most famous soap character – as he appeared as Gail Platt’s husband Joe McIntyre on Coronation Street between 2008 and 2010.
Father to Tina McIntyre (Michelle Keegan), Joe found himself dealing with mounting debts during his time on the cobbles and planned to fake his own death while out on Lake Windermere, with his life insurance payout going to Gail.
However, Joe died for real while completing the stunt, leaving Gail on trial for his murder.
Speaking about his role on Corrie, Reece admitted to the Daily Record in 2009: “My reason for joining was 90 percent because of Michelle [Keegan].
“I was watching the show one night and I saw her. I turned to my wife and said, ‘That girl is brilliant’.”
And the very next day, his agent contacted him to see if he fancied playing Tina’s dad on the programme.
But Reece left the Brassic star “embarrassed” with his anecdote, confessing: “From the start, we got on very well. I told her that tale and think I embarrassed her.
“But we’re good mates. She’s a lovely girl and a talented actress. I wish her all the success.”
Emmerdale return
(Image: ITV)
Shortly after leaving Emmerdale as an actor, Reece confirmed that he would be back behind the camera acting as a director for the soap.
His on-screen other half Lisa Riley, who plays Mandy Dingle, welcomed him back for his new venture, sharing a snap of Reece with the caption: “Good luck Daddy Dins, Reece Dinsdale, as you start your block directing Emmerdale tomorrow.
“Everyone’s behind you and so happy for you. I was just wondering ‘are you bringing your coat’?”
She added: “Still at two metres, I send you a big snuggle of my love and luck.”
According to his iMDB page, Reece has directed a total of 15 episodes of Emmerdale in 2020 and 2021, as well as various episodes of shows like Pitching In and Moving On.
Body transformation
(Image: Reece Dinsdale/Twitter)
In May last year, Reece unveiled his incredible body transformation after quitting crisps.
The star posted a before and after picture side-by-side, with the after results showing him with a noticeably slimmer face and newly grown stubble after cutting down on the salty snack.
He announced on Twitter: “Amazing what 10 weeks rest and recuperation (and far fewer crisps) can do for you.
“Start shooting on Monday and I’m ready for the fray! #Emmerdale.”
Fans immediately hopped into the comments section to praise the star, with one gushing: “Looking good!! Stress free, relaxation and plenty fresh air does wonders!”
“Wow, you look fantastic! Zara is a lucky lady. Good luck with the directing!” another echoed.
On-air blunder
(Image: ITV)
Reece found himself scolded during an appearance on This Morning – in which he accidentally let slip a few death secrets about his upcoming exit.
He’d admitted that four people were at risk of death from the van crash, which didn’t sit right with soap expert Sharon Marshall as audiences were only supposed to know about three.
She playfully scolded: “Right, so Reece was on yesterday for Emmerdale and blew a few secrets.
“You weren’t meant to know there were four people! Reece!”
Holly Willoughby chipped in: “Oh, oops!”
Emmerdale airs weeknights from 7pm on ITV.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
