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Emmerdale's James Hooton has moved to quash exit rumours surrounding his Sam Dingle character.

James joined the ITV soap back in 1995 as the much-loved Sam. In the years since, he has firmly established himself as a soap legend and a genuine favourite amongst viewers.

The character has also been at the centre of numerous major storylines. From the heartbreaking death of his wife Alice (Ursula Holden-Gill) to his son Samson (Sam Hall) being handed a prison sentence, his time in the Dales has been far from uneventful.

Recently, however, bogus social media posts claimed James' character Sam was being written

ut - something the actor has now felt compelled to address.

"Hi, everyone. Just a quick message to say I have NOT left Emmerdale!" he said on Facebook. James continued: "I'm contracted until March 2027 and have no intention of leaving-unless the show gets rid of me.", reports the Daily Star.

The talented star added: "There appears to be some online news stories suggesting I've left the show. Ps. At least they're not suggesting I've died of a stroke again! (That was a few months ago.)"

Fans were absolutely delighted to learn James is remaining on the soap, with one devoted viewer rushing to the comments section to declare: "Yay, good, I love your character, and you play Sam so well, really wouldn't be the same without you."

Another fan commented: "James, we are all behind you as far as we are concerned you ain't going anywhere unless ITV want a riot on their hands." A third supporter wrote: "No way will Emmerdale get rid of you, Cain and yourself have been the anchor for Emmerdale for years and hopefully for years to come."

This follows James recently sharing an uncommon family update, disclosing that his daughter had embarked on her travels. He posted on Instagram: "Last family breakfast before Lily heads off on her travels! 78 nights away and countless countries to be visited!

"Can't wait to chart her journey and hear her stories," he added.

James - who has two daughters with his partner Nancy - went on to say: "Mixed emotions but SO proud that she's arranged and funded it all herself! Conceive, believe, achieve."

Emmerdale airs Monday to Friday at 8:00pm on ITV1 and ITVX