ITV Emmerdale icon announces he’s retired from acting after leaving soap

Five years after leaving the soap, a former Emmerdale star made fun of the fact that he now considers himself retired.

Duncan Preston, 78, played Doug Potts on the ITV show more than a decade. The actor was portrayed by Charlotte Bellamy as the father of Laurel Thomas, who had left the village in 2020 to begin a new life in Australia.

The actor has since appeared in programs like Silent Witness and All Creatures Great &amp, Small, along with his late husband, comedian Victoria Wood. In the upcoming Good Ship Murder season, he’s going to make an appearance.

Former Emmerdale cast member Duncan has stated that he views him as “retired” almost five years after leaving the show. He did, however, add that he would like to “one last really nice part” in a recent interview that was released.

He mentioned his career on This is Money. When asked to share his top financial priorities, he responded, “To have enough to see myself out and some other people as well.” Although I don’t think I’m retired, I will if something happens that I want to. One last really nice part would be awesome, I promise.

Duncan also shared in the interview that he’s separated again from Susan Penhaligon, 75. They were married from 1986 until their 1992 divorce, but they eventually reconciled in 1997. However, he has suggested that he and Susan, who had played Jean Hope on Emmerdale, should get divorced once more in the future.

Duncan made his Emmerdale debut almost 20 years ago, and he was the first character to be introduced in 2007. He remained a cast member until 2011 before returning until 2020, when he made his most recent departure.

Over the years, Doug has appeared in a number of stories, including ones about his family. The character’s departure storyline saw him embark on a new life abroad. As he left the village, he was waved off by loved ones including his daughter Laurel, and his pals Eric Pollard (Chris Chittell) and Diane Sugden (Elizabeth Estensen).

Earlier in his career, Duncan had appeared alongside late comedian Victoria on her show Acorn Antiques, which ran from 1985 to 1987. He later acted as Stan Meadowcroft, a maintenance worker for the BBC show, Dinnerladies, and they later co-starred together.

He also has acting credits, including the hospital sitcom Surgical Spirit, in which he portrayed Dr. Jonathan Haslam. Duncan is also credited with having acted in Coronation Street and EastEnders throughout his illustrious acting career.

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Source: Mirror