ITV Emmerdale icon announces he's retired from acting after leaving soap

Emmerdale has starred various cast members over the years since it launched, including Duncan Preston, who played Doug Potts, the father of long-running character Laurel Thomas

A former Emmerdale star has teased that he considers himself retired five years after his exit from the soap.

Duncan Preston, 78, played Doug Potts on the ITV show more than a decade. The character was introduced as the father of Laurel Thomas (played by Charlotte Bellamy) and he left the village in 2020 to start a new life in Australia.

The actor - also known for his work alongside the late comedian Victoria Wood - has since been in shows like Silent Witness and All Creatures Great & Small. He's set to soon appear in the new series of the Good Ship Murder.

Almost five years on from his departure from Emmerdale, former cast member Duncan has said that he considers him "retired". He however added in an interview published this week that he is open to doing "one last really nice part".

He mentioned his career whilst speaking to This is Money. Asked to share his main financial priority, he told the outlet: "To have enough to see myself out and certain other people too. I consider myself retired but if anything comes up that I want to do I will. I'd love to do one last really nice part."

Duncan also shared in the interview that he's separated again from Susan Penhaligon, 75. They were married from 1986 until their divorce in 1992, but later reconciled in 1997. He however has suggested that he split again from Susan - who had played Jean Hope on Emmerdale - in around 2015.

It's been almost two decades since Duncan made his debut on Emmerdale, with his character having been introduced in 2007. He initially remained a cast member until 2011, but then returned from 2014 until his latest departure in 2020.

Doug featured in various storylines over the years, including relating to his family. The character's departure storyline saw him embark on a new life abroad. As he left the village, he was waved off by loved ones including his daughter Laurel, and his pals Eric Pollard (Chris Chittell) and Diane Sugden (Elizabeth Estensen).

Earlier in his career, Duncan had appeared alongside late comedian Victoria on her show Acorn Antiques, which ran from 1985 to 1987. They later worked together on dinnerladies and he played maintenance worker Stan Meadowcroft in the BBC show, which was broadcast from 1998 to 2000.

His other acting credits include the hospital sitcom Surgical Spirit, in which he played Dr. Jonathan Haslam. Duncan is also credited with having appeared in EastEnders and Coronation Street in his decades-long career as an actor.

Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.