Emmerdale star Mark Charnock, who plays Marlon Dingle in the ITV soap, has been part of the show since 1996 and has a number of close friendships off-screen
11:45, 04 Nov 2025
Mark Charnock keeps his family life remarkably private(Image: ITV)
Emmerdale stalwart Marlon Dingle has remained a beloved character since joining the Dingle dynasty back in 1996.
The son of Albert and Delilah Dingle, this Woolpack chef has gone on to raise April Windsor and Leo Goskirk throughout his tenure on the ITV drama.
Over the decades, he’s weathered countless dramatic plots, from serving time behind bars to mourning his former partner Donna Windsor, not to mention his enduring friendship with mate Paddy.
However, Marlon now confronts his most devastating chapter yet as daughter April becomes further embroiled in sex and drugs exploitation.
Fortunately for actor Mark Charnock, real life proves far more peaceful than his on-screen counterpart’s turmoil.
The actor has played Marlon Dnigle since 1996
Mark has forged strong relationships with numerous colleagues, and before Covid restrictions took hold, frequently shared glimpses of their camaraderie on his Instagram account.
He appeared especially tight with former co-star Gemma Atkinson, who portrayed Carly Hope until her 2017 departure.
Mark posted an amusing series of photographs showing their on-set antics, including one memorable image of Gemma secured by her head to an inflatable mattress.
“When you go to run lines in [Gemma Atkinson’s] dressing room and are greeted by this #idiot,” Mark cheekily captioned the playful photograph.
Mark prefers to shield his personal affairs from Emmerdale’s spotlight.(Image: AMY BRAMMALL)
Another snapshot featured Gemma striking a pose on the staircase within Marlon’s fictional home, prompting Mark to write: “When @glouiseatkinson insists that I take her photo. And does this. Every day is a nightmare.”
He’s also been spotted enjoying beverages with Michelle Hardwick, who portrayed Vanessa Woodfield, alongside Danny Miller (Aaron Dingle) and Amy Walsh (Tracy Metcalfe).
Mark prefers to shield his personal affairs from Emmerdale’s spotlight. However, it’s understood that he’s wed and has one child.
Mark resides in North Yorkshire alongside his family and beloved Golden Retriever, Freddie.
In a cosy photograph showing the pair snuggled together on the settee, Mark sported a chunky knit polo neck and spectacles whilst Freddie gazed thoughtfully into the distance.
He’s passionate about horticulture, taking pleasure in cultivating his allotment at home, referring to his collection of plants as his “little gang”.
Mark has forged strong relationships with numerous colleagues(Image: markcharnock/Instagram)
Back in 2014, Mark honoured his on-screen child Harry Whittaker, who had portrayed toddler Leo Goskirk.
The young performer sadly died at just three years old due to chronic lung disease, and was commemorated in a soap episode featuring a memorial plaque reading: “To Harry, with love” accompanied by the little star’s photograph.
Mark spearheaded the touching tributes, writing: “Our superhero. We were lucky to know you and hear your laugh. You lit up our lives dearest, loveliest Harry.”
Addressing supporters, he continued: “Thank you all. We’ll all pass on your overwhelming response to Harry’s amazing family. Thank you for all your kind words. It means a lot.
“Just want to say a massive and heartfelt thank you for your amazing response to last night’s episode. So lovely of you.”
Harry was the nephew of Jodie Whittaker, renowned for her role in Doctor Who.
The soap star has a close bond with his co-stars(Image: markcharnock/Instagram)
Mark took to Twitter to share a heartfelt tribute on what would have been Harry’s tenth birthday, penning: “On what would have been his 10th birthday, thinking of this little Spider-Man today.
“Thinking of the joy he brought to everyone he encountered and of his giddy laughter. Thinking of our prince Harry with love and happy memories xxx.”
A quick glance at Mark’s Instagram reveals his deep fascination with horror fiction.
Over time, he has amassed an impressive collection of horror novels, including Jac Jemc’s haunted house tale The Grip of It, W. C. Ryan’s A House of Ghosts, among other chilling narratives.
A quick glance at Mark’s Instagram reveals his deep fascination with horror fiction.(Image: markcharnock/Instagram)
He openly admits to being a zombie enthusiast, much like his co-star and on-screen best mate Dominic Brunt, who portrays Paddy in the soap.
Dominic even directed his own horror film, Before Dawn, with Mark lending a hand to host a zombie film festival in Leeds.
The duo had plans to shoot a Halloween special for the soap, with Dominic suggesting: “I want to do a Halloween special – it’d be great. Everybody could be bitten to death by zombies and we all turn into zombies.”
At the time, Mark enthusiastically responded: “It might be genius. Someone get me a pen and paper. I need to speak to the producer immediately.”
Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 at 7.30pm and available to stream from 7am on ITVX
