Emmerdale fans watched with baited breath as Will, portrayed by Dean Andrews, sank to the floor in agony clutching his chest.
In horrifying scenes that had everyone on the edge of their seats, his fuming wife Kim refused to believe he was having a heart attack - an error which proved fatal. Now actor Dean has confirmed that he has indeed been written out of the series, and won't be making a comeback from the dead.
However, he implied a snub by show bosses when he suggested he hadn't been asked to film a farewell video for fans. While he described the crew as "amazing" and referred affectionately to his "little Emmerdale family", things took a more serious turn when he apologised to followers for not making a formal final video, whispering: "I wasn't asked, or I would've done!"
The self-deprecating star also wryly quipped: "For all of those not so lovely messages [that I've received from trolls], you're quite right - I am a c**p actor!" The comments were made during an Instagram update, when he confirmed he is "moving on" for new projects in 2025.
He'll initially have a lot more "free time" to himself, although he also intends to move into adverts, documentaries, voice-over work, and either "the small or the big screen".
However, in a move that will dismay fans of the show, he made it clear that he won't ever be returning to Emmerdale.
READ MORE: Huge Emmerdale return 'sealed' as death news leaves character at rock bottom [LATEST]
He confirmed that he'd like to "quash any rumours regarding [his] character" not truly being dead.
His final dramatic storyline marks the end of a five-and-a-half year reign in soap land, during which he gained numerous fans and almost 40,000 social media followers.
It seems Dean was popular with his co-stars too, with Natalie Ann Jamieson (Amy Wyatt on the show) quipping: "Can’t wait to hear you selling me things on’t radio!
"So lovely to have worked with you on Emmers!! Let’s aim to do some c**p acting in the sun next time, those Yorkshire dales sure are pretty but they sure are nippy! X x x."
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Meanwhile, Jay Kontzle, who plays Billy Fletcher on the soap, chimed in: "Absolute honour to work with you mate and thank you for your patience and support over the years.
"You’re a wonderful actor and an exceptional person! I wish you the very best for 2025 and beyond and do hope we catch up in the near future."
Fans were equally passionate, with one detailing how she'd "cried and cried" when his character couldn't be revived after his heart attack.
Another agonised: "Ahhh was hoping you’d still be alive, great character and you’ll be missed! Good luck in your new venture."
Meanwhile, for more Emmerdale spoilers for the year ahead, click here.
