DALES DRAMA Emmerdale star hospitalised four times – as soap co-stars rush to support him
It came after he spoke candidly about life on-set
A TOP Emmerdale star has been hospitalised four times for a variety of health reasons – sparking a slew of concerned messages from his co-stars.
The actor, 30, took to his Instagram page to post a snap showing him in his hospital gown, where he managed to muster a smile.
ITV actor Simon Lennon, who played Emmerdale’s Ben Tucker from 2020 to 2021, detailed his health horror in a lengthy caption where he admitted he was “unbelievably grateful.”
The soap star – who featured in more than 60 episodes before his character was killed off – confessed: “Was in hospital last week to have a small procedure/surgery and was feeling quite reflective.
“I’ve been in hospital for four different reasons in the last year and, luckily, I’m fine and doing well.
“I feel so unbelievably grateful for the NHS, the wonderful care workers we have looking after us, and the tireless level of dedication and support that they offer. Legends.”
His former co-stars, and wider ITV soap community, perhaps unaware of his struggles, were quick to comment.
Emmerdale actress Fiona Wade, who played Priya Sharma, wrote: “Hope you’re okay darling, sending love!”
Coronation Street’s Bhavna Limbachia, who played Rana Nazir, then added: “Sending love and healing your way Bhavna Limbachia.”
Soap exit
Simon’s character Ben was killed off at the end of November 2021 during an hour-long episode of Emmerdale.He was brutal killer Meena Jutla’s (played by Paige Sandhu) third victim.
She killed him after he’d stumbled across evidence that could have incriminated her in her serial killer spree.
Prior to his axing the actor told ITV’s Lorraine about his time in the Dales.
He said: “I joined just after the pandemic started to ease so it was a very odd time for the industry.
“But it’s been amazing,” he continued before talking about what it has been like to star alongside some of his colleagues.
Simon said: “On any television or film set, you spend 13-14 hours a day with the same people from the first thing in the morning until the last thing at night.
“And then you go home, go to bed and do the same thing the next day.
“So it is a very tight knit and it is a cliche but you do have a family on every job you’re doing.”
He has also starred in Our Girl and Pace, as well as All Up In The Air.
