An Emmerdale actor has confirmed his exit from the ITV soap opera just weeks after being at the centre of a huge Ofcom complaint storyline involving Vinny Dingle.

A sinister storyline will finally reach its conclusion as Emmerdale star Macaulay Cooper has confirmed his exit from the ITV soap.

His portrayal of despicable blackmailer Mike even triggered a significant Ofcom complaint from viewers following the character’s assault and manipulation of fan favourite Vinny Dingle (Bradley Johnson) in a recent heart-wrenching plot.

The actor announced his departure from the television programme via social media, declaring: “It’s a wrap!”

Accompanied by photographs taken outside the Woolpack and images with numerous Emmerdale cast members, including Lisa Riley, Shebz Miah and Johnson, he shared a heartfelt message about his time on the soap.

The actor stated: “That’s a wrap! After an unforgettable journey, all of my Emmerdale episodes have now aired. I feel incredibly grateful for this experience, and this has been one of my favourite jobs to date.”

Macaulay added: “Huge thanks to everyone who tuned in and sent such kind messages-your support has meant the world to me!”

He continued: “Playing the role of Mike, while challenging due to the character’s actions, was an honour. This story-however difficult-is one that has unfortunately happened to people in real life, and I hope our portrayal helps bring much-needed awareness to this issue.

“To the entire Emmerdale cast, crew and casting department: Thank you for the support, the hard work, and for making me feel like part of the family. What an incredible team!”

Macaulay also paid tribute to his on-screen victim, saying: “Massive shoutout to [Bradley Jackson] who was alongside me from my first to my last day on set and made the whole experience that much better.”, reports the Express.

“You absolutely smashed this difficult storyline as ‘Vinny,’ and deserve every bit of praise and more for your incredible work. It’s been a pleasure working with you.”

The actor also expressed gratitude towards his girlfriend Abbie Jones, who supported him through the “prep, film, and not give up on myself during the self-tape process for this role.

“Onto the next chapter of my journey and many more to come. Mike over and out,” Macaulay concluded.

His heartfelt post was met with an outpouring of support from fans and Emmerdale co-stars alike, with Johnson, who plays Vinny, leading the comments, saying: “Legend! ! ! Been an absolute pleasure mate. Hope we get to work together again soon”.

Miah, who portrays Kammy Hadiq in the soap, chimed in with: “Well done bruddaaaaa smashed it.”

One fan praised: “Well done Macauley, an awful storyline but as you say much needed for awareness, you played the part extremely well and you were very believable.”

Another added: “It was an uncomfortable but brilliant storyline – and as you say, very important. Thank-you!”.

A third echoed: “Well done Macauley, an awful storyline but as you say much needed for awareness, you played the part extremely well and you were very believable. Good luck in your next venture and hope to see you on screen again soon.”

Fans will recall that his character Mike, who made his debut in August, was at the centre of a contentious storyline that triggered a wave of Ofcom complaints.

Mike struck up a friendship with Vinny after connecting on an online forum. The plot thickened when Mike demanded a hefty £10,000 from Vinny, threatening to reveal his homosexuality to his fiancée Gabby Thomas (Rosie Bentham).

In his last episode, justice was served as Mike was sent down after a courageous Vinny reported him to the police.