Emmerdale’s Danny Miller holds back tears as he says ‘I’ve lost my dad’

Emmerdale’s Danny Miller was visibly emotional as he discussed his father’s dementia on Loose Women.

The actor, who plays Aaron Dingle in the popular soap, appeared on the ITV daytime show to discuss his character’s forthcoming nuptials, hinting at a few “surprises” for viewers.

However, the conversation soon shifted from his on-screen life to his personal one, with the soon-to-be father-of-three opening up about his father’s health condition.

Responding to Denise Welch, Danny said: “I’m hoping he’s watching in his care home back in Manchester because I did tell the care staff there who are amazing to pop it on so he could have a little 15 minutes of fame that he’s not had for a while.”

Danny’s father Vince, 90, known as the “king of comperes”, retired from the entertainment industry in 2017 after a career spanning 65 years.

The I’m A Celebrity went on: “My dad is the reason I’m in this business. The truth of the matter is that I’ve lost my dad, and that’s hard for me to cope with because I really, really miss him.

“I miss picking up the phone to him, it’s just not possible anymore.

“Sometimes when we visit him in the care home we get the opportunity to have a good visit, and there’s bad visits as well.

“I’ve started to log that and put that in an Instagram journal because I know there’s lots of people I’ve touched and made relationships with in America that have got the same thing and are looking after their dads.

“It pains me that I can’t pick up the phone to my dad anymore and I always want to make sure that people out there that are suffering with dementia firsthand or secondhand know you’re not alone.

“It’s a horrible, horrible terminal illness.”

He concluded: “I love my dad so much and he’s the reason that I’m sat here talking to you today, and I love you dad if you’re watching, keep smiling.”

Danny has spoken several times on social media about how “cruel” dementia is, and the impact his dad’s disease has had on their family.

He celebrated his dad’s milestone birthday in September last year, with Danny posting a clip of Vince entertaining the guests with a rendition of My Way.

“Dad, you certainly did it your way. Happy 90th, Pal. One to treasure… and still remembers every word,” Danny captioned the video.

The actor has previously referred to his dad as “the best in the business,” while Vince has meanwhile shared his pride for his son.

He previously said: “He’s doing so very well and he’s done it all himself, so now he’s up there. I’m so proud.”

Loose Women airs weekdays from 12.30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.