On-Screen Devastation, Off-Screen Happiness: Bradley Johnson (Vinny) Skips the UK to Marry in the US – What Reason Did He Reveal for ‘Fleeing’ Abroad?
From On-Screen Heartbreak to Real-Life Happiness
While Emmerdale’s Vinny Dingle faces turmoil in the Dales, actor Bradley Johnson is preparing for a far happier chapter off-screen. The 28-year-old soap star has revealed plans to secretly elope to the United States next year with his fiancée, Sammie — and the reason is as relatable as it gets: the cost of getting married in the UK has become “extortionate.”
Bradley told The Mirror that he and Sammie, who live in Bradford with their 11-month-old son, Albie, have chosen Nashville, Tennessee as the destination for their intimate ceremony.
“We both love country music,” he said. “We’ve just booked to go to the States to Nashville to get married. It will be Sammie and me, and we want to enjoy the time together. The cost of marrying in the UK now is extortionate, and we’ll be able to have a holiday too.”
A Stark Contrast to Vinny’s Heartbreak
Bradley’s real-life joy comes as his on-screen alter ego endures one of his most emotional storylines yet. After marrying Gabby Thomas (Rosie Bentham) just five weeks earlier, Vinny was devastated when Gabby walked out, confessing she could no longer trust him.
The marriage had already been marred by Vinny’s confusion about his sexuality, Gabby’s one-night stand in Portugal, and his brutal attack by an online blackmailer known as “Mike.” The shocking scenes, which drew nearly 300 Ofcom complaints, saw Vinny beaten and humiliated before bravely standing up to his abuser.
Despite the heartbreak, Bradley says he’s proud of the impact the storyline has had on viewers. “The amount of support I’ve had has been really lovely,” he shared. “If I can help one person think, ‘If Vinny can tell the truth, then so can I,’ that’s a positive thing.”
From Struggle to Stardom
Bradley’s road to Emmerdale fame wasn’t easy. Originally auditioning for another role years ago, he landed the part of Vinny in 2019 — though it was only supposed to last three episodes. “Seven months later, they called again and offered me a six-month contract,” he said. “And here I still am! I’ve got the best job in the world.”
Now a central member of the beloved Dingle family, Bradley describes his castmates as “a second family,” especially co-star Lisa Riley, who plays his screen mum Mandy. “Lisa is like a second mum and she’s absolute mint,” he said. “I’ve learned so much from her — though it’s mayhem when we all have a big Dingle scene!”
Life Beyond the Dales
Away from the cameras, Bradley is happiest being a dad. “Being a parent is the most incredible thing ever,” he gushed. “When I come home and my son smiles at me, it’s such an incredible feeling. I love it.”
The actor admits fatherhood has changed his outlook completely. “He’s crawling now, and I’m constantly panicking about what needs sorting,” he laughed. “He’s such an active person and doesn’t stop. I just want to be the best person I can for my son.”
As for his future, Bradley hopes Vinny will eventually find happiness too. “He’s got work to do to find out who he really is, but with the right people around him, he’ll get there,” he said. “I’ll stay at Emmerdale for as long as they’ll have me — I’m really happy here. Life is great.”