One villainous storyline will finally come to an end as Emmerdale star Macaulay Cooper confirmed his departure from the ITV soap. His role as vile blackmailer, Mike, even sparked a major Ofcom complaint from viewers after the character attacked and manipulated Vinny Dingle (Bradley Johnson) in a recent and gut-wrenching storyline. The actor confirmed his departure from the beloved TV show with a social media post, which announced: “It’s a wrap!” Alongside snaps from outside the Wolfpack and photos with many of the Emmerdale cast, including Lisa Riley, Shebz Miah and Johnsons, he shared an emotional message about being on the soap.

The actor declared: “That’s a wrap! After an unforgettable journey, all of my Emmerdale episodes have now aired. I feel incredibly grateful for this experience, and this has been one of my favourite jobs to date.” Cooper continued: “Huge thanks to everyone who tuned in and sent such kind messages—your support has meant the world to me!” He went on: “Playing the role of Mike, while challenging due to the character’s actions, was an honour. This story—however difficult—is one that has unfortunately happened to people in real life, and I hope our portrayal helps bring much-needed awareness to this issue.

“To the entire Emmerdale cast, crew and casting department: Thank you for the support, the hard work, and for making me feel like part of the family. What an incredible team!”

Cooper also acknowledged his character’s victim and added: “Massive shoutout to [Bradley Jackson] who was alongside me from my first to my last day on set and made the whole experience that much better.

“You absolutely smashed this difficult storyline as ‘Vinny,’ and deserve every bit of praise and more for your incredible work. It’s been a pleasure working with you.”

The star also thanked his girlfriend Abbie Jones, who helped him "prep, film, and not give up on myself during the self-tape process for this role."

"Onto the next chapter of my journey and many more to come. Mike over and out,” Cooper concluded.

His post was flooded with support from fans and his fellow Emmerdale stars, as Vinny star Johnson led the comments with: “Legend!!! Been an absolute pleasure mate. Hope we get to work together again soon".

Miah, who plays Kammy Hadiq on the soap, added: "Well done bruddaaaaa smashed it.”(sic)

One fan commented: “Well done Macauley, an awful storyline but as you say much needed for awareness, you played the part extremely well and you were very believable.”

“It was an uncomfortable but brilliant storyline - and as you say, very important. Thank-you!” added another.

“Well done Macauley, an awful storyline but as you say much needed for awareness, you played the part extremely well and you were very believable. Good luck in your next venture and hope to see you on screen again soon.”

Viewers will be aware that his character Mike, who first appeared on screen in August was embroiled in a controversial storyline - which sparked hundreds of Ofcom complaints.

His character Mike befriends Vinny Dingle, played by Bradley Johnson, after meeting through an online forum.

Mike would later demand £10,000 from Vinny or he would expose him for being gay to his partner Gabby, who Vinny was set to marry.

His final episode saw his character face justice - and was sent to jail after Vinny bravely reported Mike to the police.