Emmerdale’s Danny Miller has shared an emotional video after visiting his father, who has dementia.
Danny, who is 35, is best known for playing Aaron Dingle in the ITV soap.
The star has been incredibly open about how his dad Vince Miller, is living with dementia. Vince is a well-known figure in Manchester’s entertainment scene, having spent decades working as a compère and host for some of the UK’s biggest acts, including The Beatles and Take That.
This week, Danny paid another visit to his dad, but had to pull over on his way home to try and calm down after another emotional conversation.
‘If you’re lucky enough to still have a relationship with your parents, you still have them around whether they’re together or separated, if they’re still here, and you still get to talk to them, just cherish that moment every time you talk to them’, he begins in the video shared to his Instagram.
Danny decided to share how he was feeling because he’s hugely passionate about helping others in similar situations. He spoke in the video about how difficult it is to have the same conversation with his dad, who consistently asks about whether he’s back filming at Emmerdale, and how his children are.
The actor gets tearful as he reflects on the fact when his dad was of sound mind, he’d often put him on mute during phone calls because ‘he would just rant at me for a good 10, 15 minutes’.
‘I would do anything in the world to have that moment back right now’, Danny said as he reflected on the harsh reality of dementia completely altering his father’s life.
‘Dementia’s so cruel’.
‘I miss my Dad so much man, I really do’, he adds.
Danny was inundated with supportive messages from his followers and friends in the industry. The likes of Isabel Hodgins, Bradley Riches and Michael Parr have sent Danny heart emojis, while Paula Lane (Ella Forster) said: ‘It really hurts…thank you for sharing’.
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The charity Alzheimer’s Research UK said: ‘Thanks so much for sharing this Danny, sending you and your dad all our love. We promise our work won’t stop until everyone is free from the heartbreak of dementia.’
This follower of Danny’s wrote: ‘So sorry to see what your dad is going through. I lost my aunt to this same battle, and it’s heart-wrenching. Thank you for raising awareness and showing the world the love that remains even through the toughest days. Stay strong’.
Another shared their own experiences and said: ‘Totally understand this Danny I’m going through it with my mum and I’d give anything in this world to have my mum back as I know her.
‘I spoke to her multiple times a day every day and now she can barely talk so I can’t call her and tell her all the little things and it hurts so so bad. Thank you for posting this we’re all with you xx’.
Danny has played the role of Aaron Dingle in Emmerdale on and off since 2008.
The character is currently enjoying some well deserved peace and quiet, following a nightmarish 2025 that saw him in danger many times as a result of John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth).
Aaron has reunited with Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) and they’re now engaged.
Following Victoria Sugden’s (Isabel Hodgins) departure, Robert is determined to build up the Sugden farm legacy again, and Aaron has reassured his partner that he’ll be there every step of the way.
