Emmerdale fans turn on iconic character after 26 years and want him axed over personality transplant
EMMERDALE fans have turned on one of the soap’s most iconic characters, with many calling for him to be axed after more than 26 years on screen.
Marlon Dingle, played by Mark Charnock, has been a fan favourite since 1996, but recent storylines have left viewers branding him “toxic” and “unwatchable”.
The long-standing character has undergone a drastic personality change in recent episodes as he became consumed with getting rid of April Windsor’s troubled friend Dylan.
Marlon, who has been struggling to reconnect with his daughter since she returned from living on the streets, resorted to planting drugs on Dylan in a desperate bid to force him out of April’s life.
But his plan backfired dramatically when Dylan ended up overdosing – leaving Marlon guilt-ridden and viewers fuming.
Fans of the ITV soap have been vocal about their disappointment, slamming the once lovable chef’s “out of character” actions.
One frustrated viewer fumed on a Digital Spy forum: “This Marlon & April storyline is unwatchable. Both have become toxic, unlikeable characters.”
Another added: “Marlon doesn’t think of the consequences. Can’t stand what they have done to his character. What happened to the funny, approachable Marlon?”
A third agreed: “It is ridiculous and this has annoyed me. I know Marlon can be quite histrionic and not always clear of thinking but this seems so out of character for him.
“I think the real Marlon would be inclined to be much kinder to Dylan than he has been and certainly wouldn’t be planting drugs on him.”
Many fans are struggling to recognise the character they once loved, arguing that his actions go against the moral compass he’s shown for decades.
“Marlon hasn’t acted like this at all previously. It’s only come from this specific storyline,” another disgruntled fan pointed out.
Meanwhile, actor Mark Charnock has admitted that Marlon’s actions are weighing heavily on him.
Speaking about his character’s guilt, he explained: “He immediately regrets it. He just went blind with trying to get rid of [Dylan]. He didn’t think of the consequences.”