Amy Walsh says Michael Praed treated her like a "real-life daughter" on ‘Emmerdale’.
The 32-year-old actress has paid tribute to the 59-year-old star after his Dales character Frank Clayton was killed off in last night’s (01.08.19) double bill while rescuing his daughter Tracy Metcalfe, played by Amy, from the Sharmas’ factory after it caught fire.
She wrote on Instagram: "We will love and miss this gorgeous man more than he will ever know. A true gent. A true talent. A true performer/storyteller. He treated me like a real life daughter and I love him to bits. What an exit! The @emmerdale building will never be the same without you Michael Praed…Michael Praed (sic)"
Frank appeared to have rescued Tracy and escaped relatively unscathed from the burning building.
But as he was walking outside the factory a huge explosion sent him flying into a van and he was later pronounced dead at the scene.
Amy admitted earlier this week she had put her body through "hardcore craziness" while filming Emmerdale’s factory fire scenes.
She said: "I was trapped in a studio for two days with smoke. It was all health and safety safe, but you did feel like you were next to open flames.
"You were blowing your nose and it was like being on the Underground.
"It was hardcore. Coughing and putting your body through that kind of craziness is hard work, but I love it."
Amy admitted knowing one of the cast members were leaving added to the emotion of the plot.
She said: "It’s been a sad, emotional storyline because you know someone is going at the end of it, but at the same time wonderful because it’s such a big stunt and big episode that we’re all really proud of."
Amy Walsh praises Michael Praed following his Emmerdale exit
