Emmerdale fans shocked to learn Dominic Brunt’s wife is a co-star

Paddy Kirk actor’s real-life marriage to fellow Emmerdale star surprises fans.

Dominic Brunt attends the Inside Soap Awards 2024 at Salsa Temple in London, England, on September 30, 2024. Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

By Hayu Andini and Adila Ghina

Emmerdale fans were left stunned after discovering that Dominic Brunt, known for his long-running role as Paddy Kirk, is married to fellow soap star Joanne Mitchell. The revelation, which emerged through a recent social media post, has sparked excitement and surprise among viewers.

Brunt has been a beloved figure on ITV’s Emmerdale since 1997, portraying the kind-hearted veterinarian who has been at the center of numerous dramatic storylines. Over the years, Paddy has faced heartbreak, love affairs, and personal tragedies, making him one of the most recognizable characters on the show. However, fans were unaware that his off-screen life was just as interesting as his on-screen one.

Who is Dominic Brunt’s wife, Joanne Mitchell?

Joanne Mitchell is no stranger to the world of soap operas. Not only has she appeared in Emmerdale multiple times, but she has also had roles in Coronation Street, solidifying her place among British soap stars.

Joanne and Dominic first met at drama school in Bristol, where they trained as actors before eventually tying the knot in 2003. The couple has been together for over two decades and shares two sons, Mickey-Joe and Danny Lee.

Although she has played various roles in Emmerdale over the years, Joanne is best known for her portrayal of Sandra Flaherty, the mother of Liv Flaherty (played by Isobel Steele) and stepmother to Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller). Her character has been at the center of intense storylines, making her a recognizable face among fans of the show.

Joanne Mitchell’s roles in Emmerdale and Coronation Street

Joanne Mitchell has taken on several roles in Emmerdale throughout her acting career. She has portrayed characters such as Susan Davies, a midwife named Yeo, and DS Karen Barnborough before taking on the role of Sandra Flaherty. Her versatility as an actress has allowed her to seamlessly transition between different storylines and characters, making her a memorable part of the show’s history.

In addition to Emmerdale, Joanne has appeared in Coronation Street, further cementing her status as a seasoned soap actress. Her ability to portray a wide range of characters has earned her recognition among fans of both long-running series.

Fans react to the surprising revelation

The real-life connection between Dominic Brunt and Joanne Mitchell became a hot topic after a fan page on Facebook shared a recent photo of the couple. Many fans were shocked to learn that the actors who play Paddy Kirk and Sandra Flaherty are married in real life.

One fan commented: "Wow, I didn't know he is married to Liv’s mum in real life!"

Another viewer added: "That’s who that is! I had no idea Sandra was his wife off-screen."

A third fan expressed their surprise, writing: "Fine actor. But I never knew his wife was Liv’s mum in Emmerdale!"

The revelation continued to stir excitement, with another fan echoing similar sentiments: "So shocked Sandra is his off-screen wife."

Working together on Emmerdale

Despite both actors appearing in Emmerdale, their characters rarely interact on screen. In an interview with Inside Soap in 2022, Joanne mentioned that she had not crossed paths with Dominic in the studio since returning to the show. This has likely contributed to the surprise among fans who never made the connection between the two actors.

Joanne has also appeared in various other television dramas, showcasing her acting range beyond the world of soaps. Meanwhile, Dominic Brunt has remained a staple of Emmerdale, gaining a loyal following over the years for his portrayal of Paddy Kirk.

The couple’s life beyond the screen

While both Dominic and Joanne have successful acting careers, they also share a passion for filmmaking. The couple has worked together on independent horror films, with Dominic directing and Joanne taking on acting roles. Their creative collaboration extends beyond the soap opera world, proving that their talents go far beyond their Emmerdale characters.

Despite their long history in the entertainment industry, their marriage remained relatively low-profile until fans recently connected the dots. The revelation has only added to the fascination surrounding Emmerdale’s beloved cast members.

As fans continue to react to the unexpected news, the couple remains focused on their respective roles, keeping viewers engaged with their compelling performances on the small screen.