r.i.p. Clive Hornby - a wonderful, subtle actor 

I have watched Emmeradle for many years and seen it gone from strength to strength - I however, would like you to show some respect to the show's histoty, in the wake of the tragic news of Clive Hornby's death.

 

Clive was a wonderful actor - subtle, dramatic with an incredible presence without having to be sensational. Even when Emmerdlae became ridiculously melodramatic in some storylines, he was always the village patriarch...standing in the way of urban materialistic new money like The Tates and The Kings. He represented the show's history and it's just a pity that Clive wasn't allowed to revisit his past like veteran characters in other soaps - like Pat and Ian in Eastenders or Emily or Ken in Coronation Street. Have the show forgotten that Jack used to be a novelist, or that his step father is Amos Brearly, residing with his mother, Annie in Spain???

 

When Ronald Magill died it was a shame Amos wasn't given a proper tribute. Although he wasn't a current castmember, he should have been at least given a funeral.

 

This brings me to the chacacter o Jack, played by with such loyal service and integrity by Clive Hornbys. With Hornby's consent, a special one hour episode should be taped. The characters of Annie Sugden, Matt Skilbeck, Kathy Bates, Sandy Merrick, Ned Glover, Robert Sugden, Richie Carter, Caroline Bates, Alan Turner, Dolly Skilbeck, Marion Wilks and Kim and Zoe Tate should return (the actors who played these roles would have no problem with this....considering what Clive meant to the show) Old clips could be shown of Jack and his family, his time at the farm, with enemies like The Tates and The Kings, his heroism during the Plane Crash, his joys - holding Victoria for the first time and kissing Diane - his losses - Joe, Pat and Sarah and Jackie's deaths. It would be fascinating and hugely respectful a la what Eastenders did for Mike Reid's character Frank Butcher in Eastenders.

 

Don't let Jack retire in Spain...give the great man of Emmerdale a tribute he deserves

Well said emmerfan. Too often we are left with a quick mention that someone has decided to move away, or even worse the character is just forgotten.

Seth's send off was quite well done but, some of his friends from the past should have come back to say goodbye, if only for one episode.

This is a good time to perhaps bring in old, new people. Sam Skilbeck, Sandy Merrick's daughter, people who are known to the viewers who have much better memories than the script writers and producer.

I  agree. I'm sure they will have something like they did for Seth. I really hope so any way. 28 years in a job is incredible in this day and age.

My thoughts and best wishes go to his family.

R.I.P. Clive

I feel fairly confident that ITV/Yorkshire will give Jack a good send-off. It may take some time yet as they film well in advance. But I'm sure it will be tastefully done, and HOPEFULLY see some original cast members back who were also Clive's friends......Please Sheila Mercier, pop back just one more time!