Shadrach Dingle leaves Dales

Shadrach Dingle leaves 'Emmerdale' tonight (23.07.10) and actor Andy Devine says the time was right for him to go.

Shadrach Dingle leaves 'Emmerdale' tonight (23.07.10).

The rude drunk arrived in the Yorkshire village in 1998 but he will be saying his final goodbyes in tonight's episode and actor Andy Devine says the time was right for him to go.

The 67-year-old star told The Sun newspaper: "I've enjoyed it. I love Shadrach, but I've always been a traveller and I'd like to be a jobbing actor again.

"I'm not ready to retire yet, but it'd be nice to have some time off."

The soap star's character has seen him dependent on alcohol from the very first show when he arrived on the day of former character Butch Dingle's funeral, and got so drunk he fell asleep in church. Shadrach has, however, also occasionally surprised viewers with his sensitivity and support for his family.

Andy has previously said how he will miss his alter-ego and his 'Emmerdale' castmates.

He said: "I'll miss everyone at 'Emmerdale' too - especially the crew, who are fantastic. There were times when I was shattered after finishing at lunchtime, but they are there first thing in the morning until last thing at night, and they always go that extra mile."