'Proud' Ruth Langford in tears as she thanks Emmerdale star for Ashley Thomas performance
RUTH LANGSFORD couldn’t contain her emotions while talking to Emmerdale star John Middleton during today’s This Morning, ahead of Ashley Thomas’ tragic death in the soap tonight.
Ruth Langsford tears up over Emmerdale dementia storyline
The long-suffering vicar will utter his heartbreaking final words to wife Laurel Potts in the upcoming instalment as he loses his battle with dementia.
Ruth is a vocal campaigner for further research into the disease after losing her own father to the illness, and during today’s programme she thanked John and his co-star Charlotte Bellamy for their powerful storytelling.
“I think you and the Emmerdale producers have absolutely done this proud,” Ruth beamed, as she fought back the tears.
She added: “From all the families you really have done a fantastic job with promoting awareness.”
Ruth Langsford wells up talking to Emmerdale star John Middleton about Ashley Thomas' dementia
Ruth Langford became emotional talking to Emmerdale star John Middleton on This Morning
I think you and the Emmerdale producers have absolutely done this proud
Taken aback by Ruth’s emotive approval, John replied: “That’s a reward in itself, thank you.”
Ashley’s death has been a long time coming after he was diagnosed with early on-set dementia in 2015, spelling the beginning of a harrowing journey for the beloved character.
John has starred as Ashley for over 20 years in the ITV soap, and speaking to Express.co.uk the 63-year-old admitted watching his final scenes was “harrowing”.
Emmerdale stars John Middleton and Charlotte Bellamy on This Morning
Ashley Thomas will lose his battle with dementia in tonight's Emmerdale
“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.”
This Morning airs weekdays at 10.30am on ITV.