Emmerdale spoiler: Ashley Thomas’ heartbreaking final words REVEALED HERE before death
ASHLEY THOMAS will bow out of Emmerdale in some of the most sensitive, yet heartbreaking, scenes the soap has ever seen this week.
Emmerdale: Ashley Thomas’ heartbreaking final words REVEALED here days before tragic death
Heartbreak for Emmerdale's Laurel as she is told Ashley will die
After being diagnosed with early on-set Alzheimer’s in 2015, the long-suffering vicar will breathe his last breath to his devastated wife Laurel Potts on Friday.
It’s been almost six months since Ashley recognised Lauren in the heartbreaking special last December, which saw him cry, utterly bewildered and ask: “Who’s Laurel?”
However, just moments before closing his eyes for the final time, Ashley will turn to his soul mate and whisper: “Laurel.”
The scenes are both devastating and “joyous” as promised by showrunner Iain McLeod earlier this year.
Emmerdale: John Middleton stars as Ashley Thomas in the soap
Emmerdale: Ashley will utter his final words to Laurel this week
It's uncomfortable to watch yourself dying
Speaking exclusively to press including Express.co.uk ahead of the ground-breaking instalment this Friday, John Middleton admitted watching his concluding scenes was “harrowing”.
“It's uncomfortable to watch yourself dying,” he sighed. “But at the same time, its part of the parcel of acting because drama is about the great tragedies, the great joys and elements of life, and there’s none greater than that.
“Hamlet doesn’t end particularly well so it’s not unusual for an actor. But, at the same time, it signals the end of 20 years of our lives.”
Though, he found watching his two on-screen children Gabby and Freddy lose their father particularly painful.
Emmerdale: Laurel will be heartbroken when Ashley passes away
Emmerdale: John said his final moments are deeply moving
“Their reactions I found deeply moving,” he gasped. “Freddy, when he was holding my hand, I found that deeply moving.
“I have to say it was beautifully written, it’s a beautiful episode to watch.”
His co-star Charlotte Bellamy, who plays Laurel, added: “It was very difficult because it marks the end of a very long road for us. It’s not easy viewing.”