Emmerdale star bids heartfelt goodbye to soap after 17 years after character’s emotional exit

AN Emmerdale star has said goodbye to the soap after 17 an incredible years. Actor Jack Downham, 24, who has played Noah Dingle since 2009, appeared on his final episode of the ITV show last night. Emmerdale star Jack Downham has said goodbye to the soap after 17 an incredible years Credit: Alamy The soap star has been on the show since 2009 (pictured with his on-screen mum Emma Atkins) Credit: @.j_downham/Instagram Earlier this week Noah told his mum Charity (Emma Atkins) that he had been offered a job in Düsseldorf and the company wanted him to move out there as soon as possible. Charity wasn’t very happy about the situation at first, but then decided to let him go and pursue his dreams. Sign up for the Emmerdale newsletter Thank you! So on Wednesday night Noah said goodbye to his family and shortly after the instalment aired, Jack took to Instagram to share some snaps from his time on Emmerdale. He captioned the post: “Noah Dingle over & out. What a bloody beautiful place to have worked for 17 years!” He shared a picture with the crew outside HOP! Credit: @.j_downham/Instagram Jack’s alter-ego Noah was part of the Dingle clan Credit: @.j_downham/Instagram He shared a mirror selfie in his alter-ego’s prison outfit Credit: @.j_downham/Instagram It was revealed that he was leaving last monthCredit: Not known clear with picture desk The first picture was Jack surrounded by all the crew outside the Hawksford Outdoor Pursuits. The ITV favourite also posted a sweet snap of him as a youngster standing next to his on-screen mum Emma in a wedding dress. Another saw him “dressed as a piano” with the Dingle clan and he also shared a mirror selfie dressed in Noah’s prison outfit. It comes just a number of weeks after The Sun exclusively revealed that Jack had been axed as bosses continue brutal cull of popular stars to save cash. Most read in TV A telly source said at the time: “Jack is such a lovely lad, and everyone adores him. “He’s been on the show since he was a young child so it’s all he’s ever known. “He was told of the news last month and his axing has once again sent shockwaves through the cast and crew. “Everyone is wondering who will be next.” But one of his pals added: “Jack is looking at the positives though and is hopeful about future opportunities.” Jack took over the role from Sam Duffy in 2009. Sam played Noah in 2005, and prior to that, Alfie Mortimer took on the role of the youngster in 2004. Comment now